Observations Upon the Old Testament
by these things men live ] By thy promises, [verse 16] and preformances of the same, by his speaking and doing, verse 15.
is the life of my spirit ] As the life of all men is so continued; so by these things is the life of my spirit miraculously prolonged, and I recovered; and shall out-live in all the rest of my years that bitterness of my soul into which I was formerly cast, ver. 15.
For Peace I had great bitterness ] Instead of it, [verse 17] or presently after it, and upon it; upon that peace from the Assyrian, by his overthrow; then this grievous bitter affliction suddenly surprised me.
a lump of figs ] This might have no power in it; [verse 21] or, if any at all, yet not sufficient to this so signal and sudden a cure.
that I shall go ] So soon as within three days, [verse 22] as God had graciously promised, 2 Kings XX. 5. And for which he asked the Sign, 2 Kings XX. 8.
Merodach Baladan ] 2 Kings XX. [chapter XXXIX] [verse 1] 12. Beredach Baladan. Of the change of letters, see the Observations on Gen. IV. 25. and 2 Sam. VIII. 3. And of Names, see the Annotations on Dan. I. 7. And on this text, Merodach, one of their Idols, Jer. L. 2.
King of Babylon ] Under the Assyrian.
glad ] over-much; [verse 2] for self-ends, of pride, or profit.
And of thy sons] Manasseh was carried thither, [verse 7] 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11.
Eunuchs ] Or Officers. Thus those of the posterity, and issue of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 6, 10, 20. Dan. I. 3, 4.
for there shall be peace ] An humble submission preceding.. [verse 8] And here an acknowledging this interim of favor, in the delaying and deferring the judgment.
In the former Chapter Isaiah, [chapter XL] upon the occasion therein related, having made some mention of the Babylonian captivity; doth now in the ensuing Prophecies mostly insist upon that same subject matter. For the subsequent Sermons are generally most, if not all of them, concerning that their Captivity, the delivery out of it, and the restitution of their Church and State, in after-times. Yet so, as that all this reacheth farther, unto the spiritual delivery of God's people from the thralldom under sin and Satan, by the Messias herein typified, and the glorious advancement, and enlargement of his spiritual Kingdom, in the days of the Gospel.
Comfort ye ] The Promulgation and approach of God's purpose, [verse 1] concerning his people's deliverance, he commands, for their comfort, to be published to them; Relating herein both to the time of the Babylonish captivity; and also to the time of the coming of the Messias.
double ] Abundantly; [verse 2] so much to the full as God deemed fit to be inflicted.
The voice ] The undoubted certainty of the performance of it, [verse 3] is set forth, and confirmed, notwithstanding all obstructions and difficulties lying in the way. And that first, by the stability of God's Word, illustrated by the fickleness and frailty of all human excellency, ver. 3,—8.
of him that crieth ] This applied to John the Baptist more especially, Mal. IV. 5. Matth. XI. 14. Mark I. 2, 3. John I. 23.
surely the people is grass ] Yea, [verse 7] even the Babylonian Monarchy; and it cannot hinder the performance of God's Word, purpose, and promise for the deliverance of his people. Saint Peter applies this to the work of Regeneration, wrought in the soul, by the Ministry of the Word, 1 Pet. I. 23, 24, 25. So, John VIII. 51. 2. John II.
O Zion, that bringest good tidings] Or, [verse 9] thou that bringest good tidings to Zion] A second command, for the promulgation and proclamation of this good tidings to Zion, to Jerusalem.
be not afraid ] Make no scruple or doubt of publishing it.
and his work before him ] even that work, [verse 10] verse 11. lies open, and easy to him.
who hath measared ] A second proof of the undoubted certainty of God's performance of this his glorious Promise, [verse 12] from the immensity of his power and essence, illustrated by the feebleness and vanity of all Creatures; of Idols especially, ver. 12,—20.
To whom then will ye liken God ] He is not like to Idols. [verse 18] They are not able to hinder him in the performance of his gracious promise for the glorious deliverance of his people.
Have ye not known ] Appliable both to the people of God; [verse 21] and also to the Heathen Idolaters.
yea, [verse 24] they shall not be planted ] Be, as if not planted; &c.
How sayest thou, [verse 27] O Jacob ] He taxeth now his own people, who had been taught better things, for their diffidence and distrust.
my way is hid from the Lord ] He looketh not after me, what I endure and suffer; or what course is to be taken for my deliverance.
He giveth power to the faint ] He maketh his might to appear in man's weakness. [verse 29]
This is much of the same argument with the former Chapter. [chapter XLI]
Keep silence ] God standing up to debate his cause, [verse 1] by his Prophet, against the enemies of his people, with them and their Idols, requireth silence, that he may be heard.
renew their strength ] To support themselves, and their Idols; and to hinder my work for the recovery of my people, if they can.
the righteous man from the East] Cyrus from Persia, [verse 2] to manifest my righteousness in fulfilling my promises, and in righting the wrongs done to my people. Yet Cyrus herein a type of Christ.
calling the generations ] Having them at call and command. [verse 4. 5.]
saw it ] These strange works of God, by Cyrus, set on foot for the deliverance of his people.
and feared ] Their own safety.
drew near, and came ] Not to God; but to take counsel together, how to secure and save themselves.
So the Carpenter ] They made recourse to their Idols, [verse 7] making more of them, as if their safety consisted in the multitude of them.
But thou ] Confirmes and strengthens his against all fear from the enemies; [verse 8] undertaking to secure them, and make them successful against all that should oppose them.
whom I have taken] Abram from Ur of the Chaldees. [verse 9. 15.]
Sharp threshing instrument ] To thresh the mountains; even thy greatest enemies.
I will open rivers ] Rather then my people shall want means of comfortable subsistence. [verse 18]
the Cedar, [verse 19] &c. ] God will by his providence and provision so accommodate them, as if such things had been done.
Produce your cause ] God challengeth the Idolaters to produce the strongest pleas they can, [verse 21] in the behalf of their Idols; and to prove the truth of their religion, by producing the like works, foretold first, and effected afterwards, by their Idols, to those of his before mentioned, when they shall see them accomplished, and withal so long foretold.
from the North] Cyrus, [verse 25] who was a Medo-Persian, Media lying more Northerly; and Persia more Easterly, ver. 2. He brought people and forces from both parts, against Babylon.
shall he call upon my Name] Or proclaim my name, Ezra. I. 1, 2.
who hath declared ] Which of your Idols? [verse 26]
from the beginning ] Of old time; near two hundred years before it shall come to pass.
he is righteous ] That so he may be rightly called a God.
The first shall say ] Or, [verse 27] I say first to Zion; I am the first that signified ought to Zion concerning her deliverance; or the destruction of Babylon; and the persons by whom these should be effected; which none of your Idols could do, ver. 26.
amongst them ] Their Idols. [verse 28. 29.]
all vanity ] The conclusion, of, and against their Idols.
Another Sermon, [chapter XLII] in this, and the three Chapters following; which are much of one Subject with the former: Foretelling the Blessings that God would confer upon his people, partly by Cyrus; and principally by Christ: Discovering the vanity of Idols, and sottishness of Idolaters: Taxing his people for their incredulity, blindness, excesses, and obstinacy, the causes of their captivity: and yet Promising pardon, and restitution, upon their sincere repentance.
my servant ] Christ the Messias, [verse 1] Matth. XII. 14, 18, 19, 20. Some weakly, and in a low degree, make also application of this; and what follows, to Cyrus, in some sort herein as a Type of Christ.
thee ] My Son, [verse 6. 8.] the Messias.
neither my praise to graven Images ] By my failings in my Predictions, and promises.
of the rock sing] Of Petra, [verse 11. 13.] the chief City of Arabia, chap. XVI. 1.
The Lord shall go forth ] To war, against the enemies of his people.
I have ] The words of God himself. [verse 14] He long restrained his wrath: but now will hasten the execution of it; and lay desolate the whole Country of Chaldea, and of those that were adjacent, and adjutant to it.
the rivers Islands ] It was so done by Cyrus, [verse 15] in the siege of Babylon.
And I will bring the blind ] Partly true, [verse 16] in the return of the Jews out of the Babylonish Captivity more true, spiritually, in the Conversion of Jew and Gentile to grace in the Kingdom of Christ, under the Gospel.
Hear ye deaf ] Jews, [verse 18] of whom many still continued such; notwithstanding all that God had said and done, and they had heard and seen.
who is blind ] A reason why he gave his own people those titles, [verse 19] ver. 18. because they deserved them, as well, yea rather, then any other.
as he that is perfect ] Should be so; and hath best means to be so.
opening the ears ] In show at least, [verse 20. 21.] listening.
he will magnify his Law ] He is pleased to magnify his Law; as well by execution of justice upon the transgressors of it, as by making good his Promises unto those that observe it. Or, he magnified and dignified him with his Law.
But this is a people ] After all those favors and honors conferred upon them, [verse 22] yet see what calamities and miseries are befallen them, for their sins.
will give ear to this ] To amend, [verse 23] and grow wiser for time to come?
laid it not to heart ] Their extreme stupidity; [verse 25] even in their present afflictions.
But now ] though a great part of my people continue still thus obstinate and impenitent, [chapter XLVIII] [verse 1] yet I will have care of my chosen ones among them, whom I will protect in all dangers, and in due time restore.
I gave Egypt for thy ransom] Exod. [verse 3] XIV. 20,—38. and XV. 9, 10.
Ethiopia, and Seba for thee] 2 Chron. XIV. 9,—15.
bring thy seed ] by Cyrus temporaly, [verse 5. 8.] by Christ spiritually.
Bring forth the blind people,] challenging the Gentiles, who were blind and deaf, as their idols▪ to see if they can yet produce ought in defense of their idols, ver. 9.
who among them ] which of their idols could foretell those, [verse 9] or the like things?
It is truth ] that the Lord alone is the true God, and they all but base idols.
ye are my witnesses ] ye my people; [verse 10] speaking thus to them, that had plentiful and pregnant proofs of his divine power and providence.
and my servant ] the Messias: and in some degree, Cyrus.
that I am he] the only true God, ver. 12.
whose cry is in the ships. ] [verse 14] They wanting water, by Cyrus his draynings, to carry them in their flight away: Or, they cry, to the ships, to the ships, for safety; as chap XXII. 5. to the hills, to the hills. Yet some translate thus, the Chaldeans, together with their choice ships which they vaunt of.
which maketh a way in the sea] Red-Sea; [verse 16. 17.] and Jordan.
Chariot] Pharaoh and his army.
they shall lie together ] In the bottom of the Sea, Exod. XV. 10.
Remember ye not the fermer things ] in comparison of the New; [verse 18] the deliverance by Cyrus; but principally and spiritually by Christ.
I will even make a way ] I will fit, [verse 19] and furnish them in the way as they shall return from Babylon.
they shall show forth my praise ] Or at least should; [verse 21] It was their duty.
But thou ] Hast not been so careful to worship me: [verse 22] But hast been weary of me, and my service.
me ] But Idols, [verse 23] and strange gods.
I have not caused thee ] Not I, but thine Idols have made thee at so much cost with them, tyring thee out, as a slave to them, with such services.
But thou hast ] Hitherto of their Failings; [verse 24] now of their Faults. And all this, to show, that the deliverance of them from their thralldom, was of his own free favor and mercy, not for any merit of desert of theirs, as in the two next verses.
Thy first father ] Or forefathers, [verse 27] and not you alone, have sinned. And therefore no cause in yourselves, or them, why I should do you so great a favor, as this is.
yet now ] Notwithstanding all their sins; [chapter XLVI] [verse 1] and his judgments and chastisements; yet he would now at length, relieve and refresh them, restore them, and cause them to thrive and prosper again.
I will pour ] A type of that spiritual blessing, [verse 3] and growth and increase of God's Church, and the members of it, under the Messias, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit.
One shall say ] God's blessing to them, [verse 5] in the addition of many Proselytes.
since I appointed the ancient people ] The lineage of Abraham to be my peculiar people. [verse 7]
things that are coming ] Things to come, in a continued course, from the first to the last, like lincks of a chain, hanging one upon another.
Is there a God besides me? ] That can so foretell, [verse 8] and do?
They that make a graven Image ] The sottishness of them, [verse 9] their makers, and worshippers, is largely set down, ver. 9,—20.
Remember these ] Their sottishness: [verse 21] and thy duty, by all my dealings with thee, so freely, and bountifully, above my dealings with others.
Sing, [verse 23] O ye heavens ] At the redemption and deliverance of God's people. Implying such abundant matter of joy, as might well affect the whole Creation, were it all sensible of it.
that frustrateth the tokens of the liars ] Specialy those that would prognosticate the long continuance of the Babylonian Monarchy. [verse 25]
messengers ] Such as Isaiah, [verse 26. 28.] Jeremy, Ezekiel, and others.
That saith of Cyrus ] Thus naming him about two hundred years before he was borne. So to assure them of their deliverance by him.
This Chapter is also of the same subject with the former: [chapter XLV] And begins where that did end.
two-leaved gates ] Such as great men's houses and Palaces are wont to have. [verse 1]
and create evil ] Specialy to the Babylonians. [verse 7. 8.]
Drop down ] A command of a Blessing from God: That God's mercy and goodness should so manifestly and plentifuly appear in the deliverance of his people, and disposing all things for their behoof; as if the heavens, and the earth, were full of blessings for them, even of righteousness, and salvation.
woe to him that ] A curb to restrain the impatiency of some, [verse 9] that murmured at their miseries, and at the delay of their deliverance. Or, against the Babylonians, that would strive, even against God himself, to keep his people in perpetual slavery. And many other passages of God's providence, concerning the affairs of those times, might be, which flesh and blood would be over-prone to be quarrelling with God about, and controlling his carriage of them.
Ask me ] Or by interrogation; [verse 11] will ye presume to appoint and direct me, what I shall do, and how I shall carry matters concerning the disposition and ordering of my people? Or positively; seek to me for these things, concerning my sons; and not to Idols.
raised him up] Cyrus. [verse 13]
build my City ] Give order for it; and the Temple especially, Ezra I. 1.
shall come over unto thee ] How, [verse 14] and by whom, they should be furnished with supply of all requisite commodities, Ezra I. 4. and chap. VII. 21, 22.
Some expound this whole passage of Cyrus himself; That because he had dealt so freely with God's people, God would therefore give him, as a reward, the wealth of those rich Kingdoms, and Countries, which together with Babylon, of whom they formerly held, at the fall of that State, fell also into his hands.
surely God is in thee ] Or, with thee, with Cyrus typicaly; with Christ realy: And he, in his Church.
verily] Isaiah here admires the hidden depth of God's dispensations, [verse 15] in the passages of his providence. And men ought not therefore to take upon them, to control and censure him therein.
I have not spoken in secret ] As your false gods deliver their Oracles: [verse 19] But plainly.
Assemble yourselves ] Ye that escaped the sword of Cyrus; [verse 20] ye Chaldeans, and other Nations; seeing now how much God is able to do for his people; how little their Idols for those that served them.
Look unto me ] Leaving Idols, [verse 22] betake yourselves unto me, who am the only true God, and able to save you, ver. 16, 17.
unto me every knee shall bow ] And it is your wisest course therefore, [verse 23] to come willingly in unto me, ver. 22. Psal. II. 8, 10. The Apostle, Rom. IV. 11. applieth this text to the last judgment, which is a thing herein necessarily included.
be justified ] God approving their innocence, [verse 25] and unjust sufferings at the hands of their enemies; notwithstanding their pretences in doing justice upon them on God's behalf, for their sins; and therefore they took them as lawful prize. God would clear them, deliver them: and punish their enemies.
In this Chapter, [chapter XLVI] and the next (as in the 13. and 14. Chapters before) is set down a full and pregnant Prophecy against Babylon, and of her utter overthrow: and of God's delivery of the Jews from her. Asserting withal, the vanity of the Babylonian Idols; and his owue incomparable divine power, to effect it.
Bel ] This Chapter begins with the ruin of their Idols: [verse 1] See the Observations on Judges VIII. 33.
Nebo ] Another of their Idols. Whose name is found inserted in many of the names of their Kings, and Nobles; as Nabonassar, Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar, Nabuzaradan. The name imports Prophecy. And so this may seem, their Apollo; as Bel, their Jupiter.
A burden to the weary beast ] On whose backs the Medes and Persians lead them, to carry them away.
which are borne ] Minding them of his Divine power and love. [verse 3] God not like to those Idols, ver. 1, 2.
and show yourselves men ] Not beasts, [verse 8. 10.] like these idolaters.
Declaring the end from the beginning ] Foretelling the issue of things; in a continued course and progress, from the first to the last: which no other then myself can do.
bird from the East] Cyrus from Persia; [verse 11. 12.] which is East from Babylon.
ye stout-hearted ] Impious obstinate of the Jews: or rather, stomackful and proud enemies.
far from righteousness ] Or righteous dealing with my people.
my righteousness ] In executing judgments on you; [verse 13] and righting the wrongs done to my people.
This Chapter prosecutes the destruction of Babylon: [chapter XLVII] and begins with the ruin of their State. And describes throughout it, her dejected and despicable condition upon her overthrow, together with the procuring Causes, and the suddenness, and unavoidablenesse of it.
Uncover thy locks ] Cast off thy stately head-tire; [verse 2] and go bare-headed, as captives and drudges are wont to do.
as a man ] But in full wrath, [verse 3. 9.] and power, as God.
in a moment, in one day] That night of Belteshazzars feast, Dan. V. 30.
This Chapter is also much of the same subject, [chapter XLVIII] and frame, especially with Chapters XLIII. and XLIV.
out of the waters of Judah ] The stock of Judah, [verse 1] the royal Tribe; that had kept the true worship of God; and not fallen away, as the ten Tribes.
and thy neck is an iron sinew ] A reason why God was pleased to foretell things to his people, [verse 4] that they might not be ascribed to their Idols, or to any other, which he foreknew that this stiff obdurate people would be too prone to do, ver. 5.
new things ] Yet further to convince thee of thy willful obstinacy I acquaint thee again, [verse 6] with other of my secret counsels, which shall also in their due time be fulfilled.
very treacherously ] In ascribing them, [verse 8] and the foreknowledge of them to thine Idols, or Soothsayers.
For my Names sake ] No merit of thine. My mercy and might, [verse 9] my grace and glory.
but not with silver ] Not so fully as silver, [verse 10] till all the dross be exactly wrought out. But chastised them with moderation, regarding their infirmities.
my glory unto another ] He is charie and jealous of a corrival. [verse 11. 14. 17.]
loved him] Cyrus.
hath sent me ] Me the Prophet Isaiah. This added, to give the greater assurance of the truth and certainty of it.
Go ye forth from Babylon] Ezra I. 1. [verse 20]
Isaiah having prophesied much of the Return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity; [chapter XLIX] from the fortieth Chapter hitherto: doth now mainly insist upon the instauration of the Church by Christ; And plays the Evangelist, as it were, to the end of this Book and Prophecy.
Listen, O Isles, ] Christ calls for audience; [verse 1] declaring his Calling to his Office, by the Lord, to be the Savior both of Jew and Gentile.
from the womb ] Yet designed thereto from eternity, 1 Pet. I. 20.
my mouth like a sharp sword ] God furnisheth him with abilities to this great office and work of man's Redemption. [verse 2]
Thou art my servant, [verse 3] O Israel, &c. ] Or rather thus; Israel it is, in whom I will be glorified by thee, the true Israel of God. And indeed to the Jews in general he was first sent, as the minister of Circumcision.
whom man despiseth ] Christ in the days of his flesh and humiliation. [verse 7]
Kings shall] Chap. XLV. 23. and LII. 15. Psal. LXXII. 10, 11. Ephes. I. 21 Phil. II. 10.
In an acceptable time ] God the Father speaking unto Christ. [verse 8]
to establish the earth ] Of Judea, to restore and settle the State of it again, after their return from the Captivity: A Type of the other.
prisoners, Go forth ] From Babels bonds, [verse 9] corporaly: from Satan's bonds spiritually.
They shall feed in the ways ] In their return from Babylon to Judea, God will provide them of all necessaries in the way; and make it even and easy to them.
Sinim ] Or, [verse 12] Sini, the Sinites, that lived in the desert of Sin, or about mount Sinai. Or, from Sin, a chief City in Egypt, Ezek. XXX. 15, 16. And all this a Type of those that out of all quarters of the world should be converted unto Christ, and come in to him.
But Zion said ] Her objection. [verse 14. 15. 18.]
Can a woman ] God's answer, full of a tender affection to her.
gather themselves together ] A Type of those numberless numbers that should be brought home to the Church of God, under Christ, by the Ministry of the Gospel.
to the Gentiles ] Their Conversion should make up this numberless number. [verse 22]
And Kings shall be thy nursing fathers ] As Persian Emperors first; [verse 23] and much more Christian Emperors afterwards.
and lick up ] An expression of the lowest submission that may be.
even the captives of the mighty ] Notwithstanding their pretended might and right; [verse 25] God would yet deliver his people from them.
And I will feed them ] And thus destroy their enemies. [verse 26]
This, [chapter L] and the next Chapter, seem to make one Sermon.
Where is the Bill ] A conviction of the Jewish people, [verse 1] as authors of their own forlorn condition; together with a justification of God and his Ministers against them, verse 1,—9.
divorcement ] Either, none at all; or not for sleight causes, as they used to give Bills of divorcement, but for great disloyalty, yet God ever had his reserved remnant, in all times among them, Rom. XI. 1,—5.
none to answer? ] Their willful obstinacy; [verse 2] and rebellious, refractory courses. This retarded their delivery, and kept them in this deplorable plight, this desolate and disconsolate condition.
is my hand shortened? ] No want of power in God, to deliver them.
tongue of the learned ] The Prophet Isaiah maintains his own Ministry, [verse 4] and his faithful discharge of it: So to justify God, that there was nothing wanting on his part, to reclaim and reduce them. It is true, that divers understand all this as spoken in the person of Christ. And indeed there are divers passages, that very fitly agree to him, and whereof concerning Isaiah there is no mention in the holy Story. And it is true, that the same may be said of sundry particulars, in Psal. XXII. and XL. and LXIX. applied expressly unto our Savior Christ, in the New Testament, Matth. XXVII. 34, 35, 43, 46. Heb. X. 5,—10. And yet none make doubt, but that those Psalms, as they were by David composed, so in his own person they concerned him; and that in all likelihood, in some particulars which yet are not found expressly recorded in the story of him. The like may be here.
my back to the smiters] Matth. XXVI. 27. [verse 6] and XXVII. 26. John XVIII. 22.
He is near that justifieth me ] Saint Paul alludes to this, [verse 8] Rom. VIII. 33, 34. The Apostles manner is, to enlarge the promises of God, made to some particular persons, as to Jacob, Joshua, David, and others, Gen. XXVIII. 15. Josh. I. 5. Psal. XXIII. 1. extending them to all the faithful in general, as having a joint interest therein, with them, Heb. XIII. 5, 6. And the Apostles argument, borrowed hence, stands firm and good, in general.
Who is among you ] An exhortation to the godly party among them, [verse 10] to rest and rely upon God, in these calamitous times: with a sad commination to those that trusted to ought else; notwithstanding all their shifts and fetches: for which Isaiah derides them.
Hearken] Isaiah returns to Comfort the godly party again, [chapter LI] [verse 1] endeavoring to keep them from being dismayed, either by the consideration of their own fewness and feebleness, or by the apprehension of the supposed might, malice, and multitude of the adverse party
alone, and blessed him, and increased him ] And so I will deal with you.
shall comfort Zion ] God can do, [verse 3] and will do as much for his Church, as he sometime did for Abraham.
a Law ] As a Law, [verse 4] at mount Sinai; so a second Law, even the Gospel.
my salvation is gone forth] Aiming at Cyrus his Proclamation, [verse 5] Ezra I. 1, 2.
the Isles shall wait upon me ] The Gentiles, at the law of the Gospel.
Awake, [verse 9] awake, ] Spoken either in the person of God's people; or by the Prophet himself, moving in their behalf.
Rahab] Egypt.
Dragon] Pharaoh.
return ] From the Babylonish captivity. [verse 11] God's answer to the former supplication.
and where is the fury? ] The Babylonians are perished; [verse 13] and their fury is gone.
thy mouth ] The mouth of Isaiah. [verse 16] Yet so as more eminently intending Christ.
that I may plant the heavens, ] To make a new world, a new heavens, and a new earth, chap. LXV. 17. and LXVI. 22. 2 Cor. V. 17, 18. 2 Pet. III. 13.
Awake, [verse 17] awake, ] He largely declares the deep misery of God's people; their delivery; and the utter overthrow of their enemies; in the residue of the Chapter.
To the thirteenth verse, [chapter LII] seems to be an Appendix to the foregoing Prophecy; running all along in the same tenor with the latter part of it.
How beautiful ] These bringers of good tidings of the delivery from Babels captivity: [verse 7] And much more from Satan's slavery, by preaching the Gospel of Christ: that publish salvation, corporal by Cyrus; spiritual by Christ.
Behold, [verse 13] my Servant ] Here seems to begin a new Sermon; and continued in the end of the next Chapter, jointly making up an entire Prophecy, of Christ, his person, parentage, condition, manner of life, sufferings, humiliation, exaltation, benefit redounding thence to his, and to himself.
shut their mouths at him ] In admiration, [verse 15] and reverence.
our report] Chap. [chapter LIII] [verse 1] LII. 7. Unto the times of his being in the flesh, we find these words applied in John XII. 37, 38. Rom. X. 16.
Stripes] Mat. XXVI. [verse 5. 7.] 67. and XXVII. 16.
Opened not his mouth] Mat. XXVI. 39, 42. 1 Pet. II. 23. Acts VIII. 32.
He was taken from prison, [verse 8] and from judgment ] From all those harsh and cruel courses, as under pretence of judgment were exercised upon our Savior, whereby his life was taken from him.
And he made his grave, [verse 9] &c. ] His burial was at the disposal of wicked ones, and of rich ones, or Rulers, at his death. They not only took his life from him, but disposed of his burial▪ at their pleasure.
he shall ] Christ shall die no more, [verse 10. 11.] but live and reign forever.
by his Knowledge ] Objectively. The words of God the Father.
justify many ] The main fruit and effect of Christ's Passion.
many ] So, verse 12. Matth. XX. 28. and XXVI. 28. Rom. V. 15, 19.
Therefore I will divide him ] God the Father will. [verse 12]
a portion with the great, and he shall ] God would bestow many upon him, or give many unto him, to be his subjects; whether with an allusion to a portion of inheritance, or distribution of spoils, it is indifferent. This intimates the numerous, or rather innumerable multitude of those that should be converted unto Christ.
was numbered with the transgressors.] Mat. XXVII. 38. Mark XV. 27, 28. Barrabbas let loose, rather then he should be let live.
made intercession] Luke XXIII. 34. Yet may relate further, to Christ's intercession, which still continueth, Rom. VIII. 34. Heb. VII. 25. and IX. 24. 1 John II. 1, 2.
Another Sermon or Prophecy, [chapter LIV] this seems to be distinct from the former: though much of the same subject and argument; and depends well upon the latter end of it. For this insists upon swarms of people that should come in to Christ, and become members of his Church.
O barren ] The Church under the New Testament; [verse 1] that little sister, Cant. VIII. 8.
of the desolate ] She that had been desolate: the Church of the Gentiles; then that of the Synagogue of the Jews.
Enlarge ] Thou Christian Church. [verse 2]
when thou wast refused ] As in the time of the Babylonish captivity. [verse 6]
I have sworn ] No express mention of that oath. [verse 9] As neither of that to Isaac, Psal. CV. 9. yet means as much as if he had taken a solemn oath; as he used in such solemn Covenants.
nor rebuke thee ] To forsake thee utterly.
For the mountains shall depart ] Sooner may. [verse 10]
tossed with tempest ] In the Babylonish captivity; [verse 11] seemingly then forsaken of man, and of God.
thy stones with fair colors ] The spiritual excellencies of the Church under the Messias are here described in way of hyperbolies. See the like, Apoc. XXI. 11,—21. The stones here seem to be those of the Pavement.
borders ] Or walls. [verse 12]
taught of the Lord] Jer. [verse 13] XXXI. 34. John VI. 45. 1 Cor. II. 10. 2 Cor. XIII. 3. Ephes. IV. 20, 21. 1 John II. 20, 27.
gather together ] To attempt against thee. [verse 15. 17.]
No weapon that is formed against thee ] By the Smith, ver. 16.
tongue that shall rise ] To accuse or charge thee wrongfully.
their righteousness ] The reward of their righteousness.
Ho, ] [chapter LV] [verse 1] A free invitation of all that are thirsty and hungry, both Jew, and Gentile to come and partake of the true spiritual food and graces of Christ in the Gospel, Mat. XI. 28. John VI. 35, 37.
buy ] This impeacheth not the freeness of the Gift. A Princes alms may be said to be freely given, albeit it be required, that those that desire to share in them, do repair to his Almoner. And a Scholar may be said to have his learning freely given him, when no stipend is required for the teaching; yet must he ply the School hard.
the sure mercies of David] Acts XIII. [verse 3] 34. In this Citation the Apostle adds this, I will give you, for the fuller explication, and fitter application of it; to his purpose. The like is, Luke IV. 18. See Psal. LXXXIX. and 2 Chron. VI. 42. touching these mercies of David. But the full meaning is, The mercies of the Messias, the David, not past, but to come; the mercies before promised, and to be exhibited in, and by him; in whom the Covenant is made with God's people, and in whom all God's Promises are Yea and Amen, 2 Cor. 1. 20. which Promises had never been made good, had not Christ been raised up from the dead; And therefore the Apostle, Acts XIII. 34. to good purpose alledgeth this Text.
I have given him ] The words of God the Father concerning the Messias. [verse 4. 5.]
And Nations that knew not thee] The Gentiles.
he hath glorified thee ] When after thy state of humiliation he shall have glorified thee in heaven.
Seek ye the Lord ] An exhortation both to Jew and Gentile, [verse 6] to make request to Christ for grace and favor; to repent, and amend, and turn to him.
his thoughts ] They not free. [verse 7. 8.]
For my thoughts are not ] But prone to pardon; and constant and immutable therein: as that shows which follows.
For as the heavens ] My disposition and dealings, [verse 9] both for mercy and goodness, and for firmness and faithfulness, is as far above yours, as, &c.
So shall the Word ] My Promise to my people concerning reconcilement with them, [verse 11] upon their return to me; and my deliverance of them out of captivity, be as firm and sure, and take effect.
Instead ] Relating to the Jews return out of the Babylonish captivity, [verse 13] chap. IV. 2. and XXXV. 1, 2. The face and state of their Land and State should be strangely altered to the better. And generally the flourishing estate of the Church of God, hereby is intimated, as abounding in spiritual graces and comforts.
sign ] Monument, Memorial, Trophie: an everlasting honor to God, and a sign to his Church of his mercy to her.
Keep ye judgment ] [chapter LVI] God admonisheth his people to do that whereby they may obtain a part in the favors and mercies last mentioned. [verse 1]
Neither let the Son of the stranger ] He comforts the Proselyte, [verse 3] and Eunuch. The Partition-wall should be broken down under the Messias.
a Name better ] Of great honor, [verse 5] and more durable; an everlasting Name, that should more then countervail the other defect.
yet will Igather others to him] John X. [verse 8] 16. Acts X. 34, 35.
All ye beasts ] Here seems to begin a new Sermon: [verse 9] Declaring again God's most fearful judgments upon his People, by their enemies, the Babylonians especially, and those that served under them: And that for the manifold shameful sins of the Jewish watch-men, Shepherds, and Seers.
The righteous perisheth] Isaiah here inserts somewhat for the Comfort of the godly, [chapter LVII] [verse 1] though by death taken away in those sad times: The wicked nothing heeding God's hand and end in it.
from the evil to come ] As was the son of Jeroboam, 1 Kings XIV. 12, 13. and good Josiah, 2 Kings XXII. 20. the evil, in the general ruin of the State, and deportation of the people.
But draw near] Isaiah returns now to the surviving wicked ones; [verse 3] as having another manner of errand to them: in lively colors laying out their abominable courses.
are ye not, &c? ] Deny it if ye can. [verse 4. 5. 6.]
slaying the children] 2 Kings XVI. 3. Psal. CVI. 37, 38.
is thy portion ] Thine Altars, and thine Idol-service, is thy portion that thou choosest and delightest in. As God is to his people, Psalm XVI. 5, 6.
a drink-offering ] Used and annexed to most Kinds of sacrifices. Of this kind were those, Jer. VII. 18. and XLIV. 19. offered to the Queen of heaven.
And thou wentest to the King] i. e. [verse 9] Kings, collectively, for foreign aid and succor.
unto hell ] Abasing thyself to them in most servile manner.
thou hast found the life of thine hand ] Thou still imaginest so to do, [verse 10] and thinkest thou hast found sufficient means and aids to support thee, and to strengthen thine hand. And therefore thou wast not grieved in so doing.
And of whom ] Whom needest thou to have feared, [verse 11] and sought for foreign aid; if thou hadst feared me?
hast lied ] And dealt disloyaly with me.
my peace, even of old ] My Lenity thou abusest.
thy righteousness ] As thou esteemest it: [verse 12. 13.] But I so call it ironicaly.
let thy companies deliver thee ] Thy troops of strangers, or strange gods, Judge. X. 13, 14.
And he shall say ] God; [verse 14. 16.] or, it shall be said.
for the spirit should fail ] This moveth God, in way of commiseration to stay his hand, Psal LXXVIII. 38, 39. and LXXXIX. 47.
and will heal him ] For my own Names sake, [verse 18] and free mercy; notwithstanding his frowardness, and cross and contrary ways.
Peace, [verse 19] Peace ] Whereas before was no speech but of war; Now it shall be of abundant peace and prosperity; and consequently of praise and thanksgiving. The fuller complement of this is under the Messias in the Gospel.
In this Chapter Isaiah reproves them mainly for their Hypocrisy in Fasting. [chapter LVIII]
and take delight ] They seem so to do. [verse 2. 3.]
you find pleasure ] You do not break off your sinful desires, minds, pleasures, and purposes; but persist still in a purpose to pursue them; though haply not upon the very day of the Fast to act them.
and exact all your labors ] Debts, and services; with all rigor.
for strife and debate ] Your fastings end in, [verse 4] and are seconded with vexatious suits, quarrels, and brawls.
to make your voice to be heard on high ] By your loud clamours used in your prayers in the times of fasting. Or, that God on high should by fasting be induced to hear your voice, and grant your requests.
Is not this the Fast ] When it is joined with reformation and amendment of your lives? [verse 6] As, Acts X. 2, 4.
Then shalt thou call, ] Then no cause to complain, [verse 9] as, verse 3.
the putting forth of the finger ] Forbearing not acts of violence, and threatening terms only, but even all gestures, and expressions of that kind whatsoever.
and makes fat thy bones. ] Fill them with marrow, [verse 11] arm and strengthen them.
the old waste places ] Of Jerusalem, [verse 12] and the Cities of Judah, and other like places.
thy soot from the Sabbath ] Thy affections, and ways, which would pollute the Sabbath. Whether it be the yearly, or the weekly Sabbath.
a delight ] See Psal. XXVII. 4. and XXXVI. 8. and XLII. 1, 2, 4. and XLIII. 2, 3, 4. and LXV. 1,—5. and LXXXIV. and CXXII. 1, 2.
honor him ] In it; by sanctifying him, and it.
thine own ways ] Wicked works, and courses.
nor speaking thine own words] Those, verse 9.
to ride upon the high places of the earth ] Aloft, [verse 14] in places of security, and safety, ch. XXXIII. 16. Deut. XXXII. 13.
This Chapter relates their various enormous iniquities; [chapter LIX] and them to be the causes of their sad calamities, verse 1,—15. And a promise to the faithful ones, of deliverance from them; and of spiritual mercies and blessings in and from the Messias, ver. 16,—21.
is not shortened ] Either to hear, [verse 1] and help you out of those calamities; or to make good those large and liberal blessings promised upon your repentance.
spiders web ] To entangle and destroy others. [verse 5]
he that eateth ] There is no safe dealing any way with them.
Their feet] Rom. [verse 7. 8.] III. 15, 16, 17.
not know peace ] Experimentaly, to have and enjoy it. See Phil. III. 10. Apoc. II. 17.
Therefore is judgment far from us ] God stands off far from you, [verse 9] neither executing judgment and vengeance on your enemies, nor protecting you against their wrongs.
our transgressions are with us ] Stick close to us; [verse 12] we cannot shun, or shift them off.
is fallen ] For want of support. [verse 14]
cannot enter ] But is shut out by violence.
a prey ] He cannot be safe, [verse 15. 16.] that will not be wicked.
wondered ] Spoken in an human strain, Rom. III. 9,—19. the Apostle concludes hereupon the universal depravation of man-kind, in his natural condition.
no intercessor ] No interpo • er.
his arm ] He did the work alone himself.
brought salvation ] Temporal, verse. 17, 18, 19. Spiritual, verse 20, 21.
breast-plate ] Here is God, [verse 17. 18. 20.] as a man of arms.
repay ] Vengeance to the enemies of his people.
And the Redeemer] Rom. XI. 26. the Apostle applies this verse to Christ; and the conversion of the Jews, when the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. Where the Apostle retains the Ancient Greek version, as Jerome witnesseth it to have been in his time, having nothing in it disagreeing from truth, or crossing that in ought for which he allegeth it. This then cannot have relation to the Angel slaying Sennacherib's army; or to Cyrus, further then as Types of Christ, and his spiritual deliverance. And Isaiah useth to slip from temporal deliverances, in a close way, unto spiritual; and to close up the Prophecies of the one, with the Promises of the other.
my Covenant ] Of sending the Redeemer to them; [verse 21] and of continuing his Word and Spirit to Zion, his Church.
This Chapter contains the glorious state of the Church under the Messias; [chapter LX] the abundant access of the Gentiles; and their Kings, and chief ones adjoined to it, and their riches, endowments, and services humbly submitted, and cheerfully yielded unto it.
Thy light is come ] The night of affliction is over; [verse 1] and the day is dawning, the light of the morning is risen upon thee.
glory of the Lord ] In thy deliverance, and restauration.
But the Lord shall arise ] The Sun of righteousness, [verse 2] Mal. IV. 2.
And Gentiles ] To congratulate with thee, [verse 3] and to enjoy the light together with thee.
and thine heart shall fear ] With admiration, [verse 4] and joys so sudden and excessive.
shall come in to thee ] By tendering both themselves, [verse 5] and whatsoever they are stored with, unto thee, and thy service.
Ephah ] The posterity of Midian, [verse 6] by his eldest son, Gen. XXV. 4.
the praises of the Lord ] Repairing thither not for traffick, but to worship, Acts VIII. 27.
the house of my glory ] My Temple, [verse 7. 8.] a Type of the Church.
what are these ] A question moved by Zion, touching their multitude; and speed.
Surely ] The Answer returned. [verse 9]
first ] With the first, or among the first.
their silver] Ezra I. 4, 6,—11. ch. LXVI. 20. and LV. 5. Rom. XV. 16.
sons of strangers ] Proselytes. [verse 10]
Kings] Cyrus, and others his successors.
and I will make the place of my feet glorious ] The Ark, [verse 13] Temple, Zion, all resembling the Church. verse 7.
such the breasts of Kings ] Being as thy foster-fathers, [verse 16] chap. XLIX. 23. and LXVI. 12.
For brass ] Thy damages shall be repaired with advantage, [verse 17]
thine exactors righteousness ] Overseers; not such as shall pill and poll thee, exact upon thee; but deal most righteously, moderately, and mercifully.
thy walls salvation ] All should be safe with them, [verse 18] under God's protection.
The Sun ] Their chief and principal light and comfort should consist in such a plentiful enjoyment of God's gracious love, [verse 19] favor and kindness, that in comparison thereof the Sun and Moon should be as of no account or regard. This may relate to the glory of the life to come.
Thy Sun ] Not clouded, [verse 20] or eclipsed; but continually shine, without interruption.
Thy people ] Sanctified here, [verse 21] perfected hereafter.
inherit the land forever ] The new world, chap. LVII. 13. and LXV. 17, 18. 2 Pet. III. 13. Apoc. XXI. 5, 7. Canaan was a Type of this.
the branch of my planting] My in the margin: his in the text. The meaning may be this, A branch of my plantations (by way of eminency and excellency,) a work of my hands, to glory in.
A like one ] A miraculous multiplication of the Church. [verse 22]
in his time ] Speedily, when its due time is come, and till then they must expect, chap. XIII. 22 and XXVIII. 16. and XXXVIII. 18. Hab. II. 3. Luke I. 20.
This Chapter is much of the same matter, [chapter LXI] and to the like purpose, with the former.
The Spirit of the Lord ] Christ's calling to his Ministry, [verse 1] and the exercise of his Prophetical Office; Shadowed out in that of Isaiah here. Christ applieth this to himself, Luke IV. 18.
hath anointed me ] In a special manner above his fellows, Ps. XLV. 7. Acts X. 38. Col. II. 3, 9. Heb. I. 8.
good tidings ] Whence our Gospel; signifying, not God's-spel or Word; but Good-spel, Evangelium.
to proclaim liberty ] Temporal, by Cyrus; spiritual, by Christ, Luke IV. 8.
year of the Lord ] Relating to the Jubile. [verse 2]
of vengeance ] For his people, of their Oppressors.
build the old wastes ] Upon their return to their own country, [verse 4] re-edify the Cities and towns that had been ruinated, during the captivity.
And strangers shall stand ] As servants waiting and attending on their Master. [verse 5]
the Priests of the Lord ] In that repute, [verse 6] as they; as near to God, and in as honorable a condition, as they, 1 Pet. II. 9. Heb. XIII. 15. Apoc. I. 6. and V. 10.
For your shame, [verse 7] double] Honor, verse 6. as 1 Tim. V. 17. Zech. IX. 12.
possess double ] Double in extent, or double in worth upon God's blessing, when they return to their land again.
love judgment ] And therefore will right and repay the wrongs and damages done to my people. [verse 8]
and I will direct ] As verse 7. returning them a reward in lieu of their misery: And directing their affairs in a successful course, in a prosperous way.
shall be known ] Eminently, [verse 9. 10.] As, Psal. LXXVI. 1.
I will greatly rejoice ] A solemn acknowledgement made in the Churches name, of the manifold blessings of God, bestowed on her; mentioned, verse 3. and 7,
For Zion's sake] Isaiah his resolution constantly to solicit God, [chapter LXII] [verse 1] for the complete performance of his Churches restitution, promised before, chap. LX. and LXI.
thy righteousness ] The Prophet Isaiah turneth his speech to Zion. [verse 2] a new name] Verse 4. chap. LXV. 15.
Hephzibah] i. e. [verse 4] my delight is in her, Psal. XVI. 2.
Benlah] i. e. married.
thy sons marry thee ] Thy sons shall as in marriage possess thee, [verse 5] keep thee, enjoy thee; in such a cheerful and comfortable manner.
thy God ] Christ, God and Man.
I have set ] Spoken in the person of God. [verse 6] Have; Or, will. Watchmen ] Prophets, and Pastors.
make mention ] Are his remembrancers; specially by office and function.
arm ] Let me not be deemed Almighty, [verse 8] if, &c. Of which form of an Oath, see on chap, V. 9. and XXII. 14.
Go through, ] The gates of Babylon, [verse 10] to return to your land, as ch. XLVIII. 20. and LII. 11.
gather out the stones ] That nothing may hinder them in the way.
Proclaimed ] By Cyrus. [verse 11]
thy salvation ] God thy Savior, as Luke II. 30.
sought out ] Or, [chapter LXIII] sought unto, sought after.
Who is this ] This seems to have relation to that, [verse 12. 1.] chap. LXII. 11.
Isaiah asks this question, to whom the sight or apparition was offered in a vision or ecstacy.
from Edom] Idumea. And Bozrah, the head-City of it. Put here for the enemies of God's people.
died garments] Verse 3. Apoc. XIX. 13.
glorious ] Gorgeous; as great Commanders and Generals use in war; and returning in triumph from the slaughter. See Psal. LXVIII. 7, 8, 21, 22, 23.
travelling ] Marching, stalking, with a stately gate, as victor.
I ] God's answer.
thou red ] Saith Isaiah again.
I have trodden ] God's answer to Isaiah again. [verse 2] Somtimes he treads down thus God's people themselves for their sins; as Lam. I. 15. Somtimes the wine-press of God's wrath, to expiate the sins of his people, Apoc. XIX. 15. Here, the enemies of his people as grapes in a wine-press.
alone ] In the greatness of his strength, verse 1. So, Deut. XXXII. 12. Yet see verse 12. in this Chapter. And so, Zech. IV. 6. The power of the instrument is from him alone. Some application of this may be made to that, Apoc. XIX. 15.
them ] The Edomites, none of them to withstand me, nor any other assistant to me.
stain all my raiment ] Not with my blood in my passion; but the Edomites blood.
none to help] Chap▪ LIX. [verse 5] 16. Then God struck in, when all human helps failed, chap. XXVI. 18, 19. and XXXVII. 3, 36. 2 Chron. XX. 12, 15, 16, 17.
drunck ] With their own blood. [verse 6. 7.]
Here seems to begin a new Sermon; and to continue to the end of the next chapter.
I will mention] Isaiah's thankful acknowledgement of God's great goodness, and manifold mercies, to his people.
so he was their Savior ] Upon those hopes, [verse 8. 9.] and expectations.
In all their affliction ] He took to heart their afflictions, Psal. CVI. 44. Zech. II 8.
the Angel ] Christ the Messias, Exod. XXIII. 21, 22, 23. and XIII. 21. and XIV. 10, 24. Gen. XLVIII. 24. Mal. III. 1. Acts VII. 38.
But they rebelled ] Their ungracious and rebellious demeanour towards God. [verse 10]
Where is he ] The Prophet, [verse 11] or the people then saying this. As, Judge. VI. 13. The want of this enquiry is complained of, Jer. II. 6, 8 And punished with the want of God's presence in time of adversity, Hos. V. 6. And thereupon that admonition is, Chap. LV. 6.
Look down ] A prayer of the people, [verse 15] or of the Prophet in their person.
Where is thy Zeal ] What is become of them? Psal. LXXXIX. 49.
the sounding of thy bowels] Chap. XVI. 11. rumbling, yearning in compassion, 1 Kings III. 26. Jer. XXXI. 20. Hos. XI. 8.
though Abraham be ignorant of us ] As being dead, [verse 16] he and Israel long ago.
made us to err ] By denying us the conduct of thy Spirit; [verse 17] and leaving us to ourselves, and giving us up to the spirit of error. Or, why shouldest thou give this people any occasion so to do? as, 1 Sam. XXVI. 19. Psal. CXXV. 3. See the Observations on chap. VI. 9, 10.
but a little while ] In comparison of thy promise. [verse 18]
This Chapter beginneth in the middle of a verse, [chapter LXIV] according to the distinctions in the Hebrew.
wouldest rent ] Considering the indignities, [verse 1] and outrages against thee, and thy people, chap. LXII. 18.
come down] Psal. XVIII. 9,—16.
terrible things ] Of old, [verse 3] on the behalf of thy people, Ps. LXXVIII. and CV. and CVI. Nehem. IX. Exod, III. 8.
welooked not for ] Were then unexpected, or beyond expectation.
mountains flowed down] Judge. V. 5. Psal. XLVII. 5. Deut. IV. 11. Exod. XIV. 3, 9. Hab. III. 3,—15.
For since the beginning of the world ] This brought in, [verse 4] as in the person of God's people, to intimate that they wanted not some good ground to solicit God to do for them, as they here desire, in their present distress; because they knew him to be such a God, as was able to do, had done, and would do such things for his people that rested and rerelied upon him, as no human eye, or ear had ever either seen, or heard, or any other God was ever known to have done, or was able to do, chap. LXVI. 8. The Apostle, 1 Cor. II. 9. seemeth to have made use of the Prophets words in this verse, applying them to his present discourse; as he doth those other of the Psalmist, XIX. 4. in that place of Rom. X. 18.
that waiteth for him ] 1 Cor. II. 9. that love him. And those that wait for him, do love him.
For thou ] A continuation of their commemoration of God's dealings for, [verse 5] and with, his people in times past.
meetest ] Or, didst meet, was wont to meet. As, Luke XV. 2c. Psal. XXI. 2, 3.
him that rejoiceth, and worketh righteousness ] Him that rejoiceth to work righteousness, and delights in well-doing, Deut. XXVIII. 47. Psal. II. 11. and XXXVII. 4. and LXVIII. 3. and CXII. 1. and ch. LVIII 13.
in thy ways ] Of Providence; and of precepts and direction.
in those is continuance, and we shall be saved ] In those thy ways. Or, in our sins; and shall we be saved? interrogatively: importing the clean contrary. Or, in those righteous works, and by their being with and among us, is our continuance, and means of being saved.
But we ] And so none of us fit to intercede. [verse 6] We not like those; ver. 4, 5. Psal. CVI. 23. Those are now all gone, verse 7. Jer. V. 1. Mic. VII. 2. Psal. XII. 1.
our righteousnesses are as filthy rags ] So noting out, not the defects and defilements, the inbred vitiosities of mere infirmities; in all the best works, even of the best, and in the best manner performed; But the vile and abominable practices which had so highly incensed the Lord against his people. And the most righteous among us, for all our outward semblances of holiness and righteousness, are indeed no better then such, [verse 7] Micah VII. 4. 2. Sam. XXIII. 6. 7.
None ] So few, as are drowned in the multitude.
hold of thee ] To stay thee with us; [verse 8. 9.] or bring thee back unto us.
But now ] A pathetical imploration of God's favor and mercy.
thy people] thy peculiar people] Chap. LXIII. 19. Deut. V. 3. and XXIX. 10,—15.
Our holy and our beautiful house] Chap. [verse 11] LX. 7. and LVI. 7. and LXXXIV. 1, 2.
burnt] 2 Kings XXV. 9. Lam I. 7, 10.
refrain thyself ] Canst thou endure to see them, [verse 12] and be still, and suffer them?
Another Sermon. [chapter LXV]
I am sought of them that] Rom. [verse 1] X. 20. clear this to be spoken by Christ of the Gentiles, and of their coming in to him, Acts XIII. 46.
not called by my Name] Chap. LXIII. 19.
I have spread out ] To the Jews, [verse 2] Rom. X. 21. See Rom. XI. 11,—24.
in gardens ] To their Idols.
altars of brick ] Of matter, [verse 3] and manner, according to their own devising.
which remain among the graves ] To consult with spirits, [verse 4] that haunt such places; or to have dealings with the dead; necromancers, chap. VIII. 19. Deut. XVIII. 11. 1 Sam. XXVIII. 8, 11.
and lodge in the monuments ] In their idol-temples; or, in Caves under ground, haply to expect dreams from their imaginary deities; or among the corpses; as that possessed man did, Mar. V. 5.
and broth ] Wherein unclean flesh had been sod.
stand by thyself ] Though themselves so impure and vile, [verse 5] Luke VII. 39 Such sinners would yet be such Saints.
a smoke ] A continual provocation, and vexation to me.
written before me ] Upon record in my sight. [verse 6]
and the iniquities of your fathers together ] Though God lay nothing upon any person, [verse 7] but what indeed comes far short of what is due to him; Yet he hath an eye oft in inflicting judgments on notorious wicked ones descended also from such like fathers, unto the sins of the fathers also, either enhauncing, or lengthening the judgments, to make their sufferings the more exemplary, that men may observe how execution of vengeance, though delayed for a time; yet at length falleth, with a full storm, on the race of the wicked, 1 Sam. III. 12. Lam. V. 7. Matth. XXIII. 32, 35, 36. 1 Thes. II. 15, 16.
a blessing in it ] The little liquor in the cluster argued life and sap to be in the plant; [verse 8] and so hope of recovery, to become fruitful again.
not destroy them all. ] A Remnant still reserved and saved, ver. 9. for the propagating of the Church, Jer. XXX. 11. Amos. IX. 8.
Sharon] Under Libanus, [verse 10] 1 Chron. XXVII. 29.
valley of Achor] Neere Jericho.
that prepare a table for that troop ] Feasts, [verse 11] for their troop of idols; pointed at as it were with the finger, in contempt, by the Prophet here. Some by this troop understand the host of heaven. Some, one particular Star, as Jupiter.
that furnish the drink-offering] Heb. that fill mixture; i. e. wine, Apoc. XIV. 10. Psal. LXXV. 8. Prov. IX. 2. strong wine is in these places meant, without mixture of water. For they would not offer such to their Idols; though in their ordinary drinking they did mix it for themselves.
behold ] A strange alteration, [verse 13] four times repeated.
by another name] Verse 16. [verse 15] chap. LXII. 2, 4, 12. as being in another state and condition, then you, or they formerly. Such a name as should be used, not in Cursing, but in Blessing. See Hos. I. 6, 9. and II. 1, 23. Rom IX. 26. 1 Pet. II. 10.
I create new heavens ] A further more strange alteration. [verse 17] Make, as it were, a new world: Their change shall be such, that coming suddenly out of such adversity, into such prosperity, they shall seem to be in a new, in another world. But this is chiefly appliable to the times of the Gospel, under Christ, in a spiritual sense; in regard of those plentiful endowments of spiritual graces that therein should abound, John I. 16, 17, Acts II. 17, 33. Heb. IX. 9,—12. And hereunto is this change applied chap. LXVI. 22. 2 Cor. V. 17. begun here: to be perfected in heaven, 2 Pet. III. 13. Apoc. XXI. 1, 5.
and the former] Jer. III. 16. 1 Cor. II. 9. 2 Cor. III. 7,—10.
But be ye glad ] God's speech, [verse 18] as, chap. III. 10. and XXX. 10.
the child ] He that was once a child. [verse 20] None among them, young, or old, should be taken away by untimely death, but should live to the utmost course of nature, wont usually to be attained, verse 22.
but the sinner ] Such among them as remained still unreformed, unrefined, unreclaimed, though he live never so long, shall at length prove a cursed wretch
as the days of a tree ] As the Oak, [verse 22] and Elm.
before they call] Chap. LVIII. [verse 24] 9. Psal. XXXII. 5. Dan. X. 12. and IX. 20,—23. Luke XV. 18, 20. Acts X. 44. and XI. 15. John XIV. 13, 14. and XV. 7, 16. and XVI. 23, 24, 26.
The wolf and the lamb ] Such as had been of a wolvish disposition formerly, [verse 25] should now be thus transformed. All shall be harmless, ch. XI. 6,—9.
Another Sermon, [chapter LXVI] like the former; and that as in matter; so also in many expressions, agreeing with it.
The heaven in my throne,] Cited Acts VII. [verse 1] 48, 49, 50. See Psalm CIII. 19. Matth. V. 34.
where is the House ] That ye have, or should, or can, build unto me, when as I fill heaven and earth with my presence, Jer. XXIII. 24 See 1 Kings VIII. 27. Acts XVII. 14, 25. And this is to take off their minds from the Temple of Jerusalem, wherein they over-much trusted, and gloried, Jer. VII. 4.
place of my rest] Psal. CXXXII. 8, 14. Not but that he can well be without them; as he was also before they were. He needs no house to receive him, nor service of man to be done to him, Psal. XVI. 2. and L. 10, 11. He needs not these things, as their idols do.
contrite spirit] John IV. [verse 2] 21, 23, 24. God looks to him more then to his material Temple, Psal. XXXIV. 18. and CXXXVIII. 6.
He that killeth an Ox ] For sacrifice. [verse 3] As in the Temple, so in their Sacrifices, the Jews much confided and boasted, 2 Chron. XIII. 10, 11. But when they rested in these outward things and exercises, without any grace and goodness in the soul, and with much filthiness, and wickedness in their hearts and lives, God loathes their persons and their sacrifices, chap. I. 11,—14. Prov. XV. 8. and XXI. 27. Jer. VI. 20. and VII. 21, 22, 23. Amos V. 21, 22, 23. Micah VI. 6, 7. Ezek. XX. 39.
blessed an idol ] With a Present or oblation, Gen. XXXIII. 10. and XLIII. 11.
I also will choose ] An implication of a Retaliation; [verse 4] As, chap. LXV. 12. Levite. XXVI. 27, 28. Psal. XVIII 26. Jer. XXXIV. 17.
their delusions ] Passively, or objectively; their illusions or mockages, that they shall be exposed and subject unto. As they have made choice of such ways and courses, as please not me; so will I make choice of such things for them, as they shall find small pleasure in.
their fears] Prov. X. 24.
that cast you out ] Either by unjust Censure, under pretence of a legal proceeding; [verse 5] or that shun you, as persons so polluted and defiled, that there is no dealing with you, without being defiled by you. See John IX. 34. and XVI. 2. See chap. LXV. 5. Lam. IV. 15. Niddui a word of this root is the lowest degree of Excommunication in the Jewish Church
for my Names sake ] For your loyalty to me; As, Matth. X. 22.
Let the Lord be glorified ] Spoken in way of derision. Let him manifest his might and majesty, in doing some remarkable matter for you, if ye be so dear to him, as ye deem yourselves to be. Thus jeering their trust and confidence in God; As, chap. V. 19. Psal. XXII. 7, 8. Matth. XXVII. 43. 2 Pet. III. 3, 4.
but he shall appear ] The answer to that jear.
A voice] Isaiah breaks out into these words, [verse 6] as if in a Prophetical rapture he heard the noise and voice. Like that, chap. XIII. 4. Jer. L. 22, 28. and LI. 54. A voice of noise of the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Temple, by the Chaldeans, or by the Romans.
from the Temple ] To control their vain confidence in it; as implying, how little relief or safeguard they should then receive from it, Lam. II. 20.
to his enemies ] Most likely, the obstinately wicked amongst the Jews, verse V. 14. chap. LXV. 6, 7, and I. 24.
Before she travelled ] A prophecy of the strange sudden, [verse 7] and unexpected restitution of the Church, and the dilatation of it into all parts. This may relate to the delivery out of Babylon by Cyrus, done at an instant by his Proclamation: not with so much ado, as that was out of Egypt. Here Zion is like the Hebrew women, Exod. I. 19. But principally this relates to the times of the Gospel, and the Christian Church, under Christ; to which the other is subordinate.
a man-child ] Collectively multitudes are meant, verse 8. Ezra II. 64, 65. Acts II. 41. and IV. 4.
shall I ] Set upon a work, [verse 9] and not go through with it?
suck] Chap. [verse 11] LX. 16.
and your bows ] Shall get vigor, [verse 14] and verdure again: as those bones, Ezek. XXXVII. 1,—10.
come with fine ] Towards and against his enemies. [verse 15] Fully to be accomplished at the last day of judgment.
They that sanctify themselves ] Using superstitious rites of expiation. [verse 17]
in the gardens ] Set apart for idolatrous services.
behind one in the midst ] Or, one person, or company after another; possibly purifying themselves in the fountain in the midst of the garden.
It shall come ] Since this people do take such courses, [verse 18] ver. 3, 4. I will execute judgment upon them, and casting them off, take in the Gentiles, Rom. XI. 11, 12, 15, 17.
Set a sign ] A Sign or Ensign to gather them. [verse 19] Or, a saving sign and mark upon them; as, Ezek. IX. 4, 6. Apoc. VII. 3. and IX. 4.
those that escape of them ] The reserves and holy remnant of the Jewish Nation, the Apostles, and other faithful, to all Nations, to call them in by the preaching of the Gospel.
your brethren ] In Christ, [verse 20] the Converts of the Gentiles, chap. LX. 4, 9.
for Priests, [verse 21] and for Levites ] Make of them Ministers of the Gospel.
For as the new heaven] Chap. [verse 22] LXV. 17. Heb. XII. 28.
remain ] Stand, continue forever, Matth. XVI. 18.
to worship before me ] By allusion in terms to the old Jewish manner of worship, [verse 23] Zech XIV. 16.
and look upon the carcases ] Be spectators and witnesses of the execution of God's vengeance upon those wicked ones, [verse 24] verse 15, 16. Psal. LVIII. 10.
for their worm ] Hell here is principally intended. See chap. XXX. 33. Matth. III. 12. and X. 28. and XVIII. 8, 9. and XXV. 41. James V. 3. Apoc. XIV. 10, 11. and XIX. 20. and XX. 14, 15.
Jeremiah.
J EREMIE, a Priest of Anathoth in Benjamin, prophesied forty one years, and upwards; thus, From the thirteenth of King Josiah's reign, to the end of it, being nineteen years; eleven in the reign of Jehoiakim; and eleven in the reign of Zedekiah, chap. I. 1, 2. and chap. XXV. 3. and XXXIX. 11. And he prophesied some years after that, in Judea first, and Egypt last, ch. XLII. 2. and XLIII. 10. and XLIV. 8, 24. But how long is uncertain. He was much opposed by false Prophets: and sustained much hard measure from the Priests, Princes, and People. And after the taking, and destruction of Jerusalem, City, and Temple, we read of his usage, chap. XXXIX. 11,—14. and chap. XL. 1,—6. and XLII. 2. and XLIII. 2, 6. Jeremiah in this Book mainly preacheth against the sins of the Jews. And for them foretelleth the ruin of their State by the Babylonians, which he lived to see; and to lament in his Book of Lamentations. He foretells the LXX. years captivity there; Their return thence, and happy enlargement under that blessed Branch, the Messias; And he propesieth also in the latter part of his Book against other Nations, the Enemies and Oppressors of God's people, against Egypt; the Philistines; Moab; the Ammonities; Edom; Damascus; Kedar; Hazor; Elam; And foretells chiefly the utter ruin of Babylon, and the Empire by Cyrus; the Medes and Persians.
His Chapters as they now stand numbered, and placed in the Hebrew text, and in our English Translations, if they were rancked according to the course and Histories of the times, and the things done in them, after the first twenty Chapters, would follow in this ensuing Order, keeping the numbers of the Chapters that we now have, 20. 22. 23. 47. 26. 25. 36. 1—8. 45. 46. 36. 9—32. 35. 27. 24. 49. v. 34 —39. 29. 30. 31. 28. 51. v. 59—64. 21. 32. 33. 34. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 48. 49. 50. 51. v. 1—59. 52. Thus much varying from the Order wherein we have them. The LXX. also marshal them in another rank and order much differing from the Hebrew Text. And as Chapters here are thus displaced; so also in Daniel partly. And the Hebrew Text seems sometimes not so rightly to divide the Chapters, as Isaiah LXIV. And in our English Bibles, Chapters sometimes are not so fitly and exactly divided, as Isaiah 4. 1. and 26. 20. and 52. 13. 14. 15. And in other Books. No nor verses neither; as Isaiah 53. 9, 10. and 58. 9. and 59. 15. The end of his Book, Chap. 52. 31—34. was written by some Prophet after Jeremiah's death. But when, and where he died, is not recorded.
in the thirteenth year of his reign ] Then Jeremiah was called from being ordinary Priest, [chapter I] [verse 2] to be an extraordinary Prophet.
captive ] There were Captives under Jehoiakim, [verse 3] and under Jeconiah: But this is the last and greatest of Jerusalem itself; when both City, and Temple was sacked, and burnt, and the Kingdom destroyed, in the days of Zedekiah.
in the fifth month ] This might end the eleventh year of Zedekiah's reign, chap. LII. 12
Then ] When God first called him. [verse 4] As thus, the Time; So now follows in this Chapter, the manner of his Calling; and such general instructions as God was pleased then to give him concerning his carriage in it, and discharge of it.
I sanctified thee ] Designed thee to be a Prophet: [verse 5] to which Office I do now call thee. So, Gal. I. 15. See the like use of the word, Isaiah XIII. 3. This stretcheth not to inward sanctification; as that of John Baptist doth, Luke I. 15.
Nations ] Both Jews, and other Nations also, verse 10. Chap. XXV. 15, &c. And chap. XLIII. and XLVI. and XLVII. and XLVIII. and XLIX. and L. and LI.
I cannot speak ] Not dumb, [verse 6] as Zechariah, Luke I. 20, 22. or slow, and stammering, as Moses, Exod. IV. 10, 14. But that he could not deliver such a message in that manner as was fitting; considering his childhood, and weakness, wanting that gravity, &c.
put forth his hand] In a Vision. [verse 9]
to root out ] By publishing my word, [verse 10] in Threatenings, and in Promises; which should as certainly be performed, as if the Prophet himself had acted them, chap. XVIII. 7, 8, 9. A foolish application is made of these words to the Popes pretended power over Kingdoms.
came unto me. ] Seemingly at the same time with the former. [verse 11]
What seest thou? ] See the like, Amos VII. 8. and VIII. 2. Zech. IV. 2. and V. 1.
I see ] In a Vision.
Almond tree ] That doth bud and blossom, the earliest of any.
hasten my word to perform it] 2 Kings XXIII. [verse 12] 33, 35. and chap. XXIV. 2.
a seething pot] Resembling Jerusalem. [verse 13]
Kingdoms of the North ] Babylonians, [verse 15] and their Assistants.
gird up thy loins ] Addresse thyself manfully to thy employment. [verse 17]
In this Chapter Jeremiah directs his speech and Sermon to the whole body of the State, [chapter II] as in the name and person of God, debating the case, and expostulating with them, thus, viz. minding them of God's mercies and favors towards them; taxing them for their base and unworthy thy carriage towards him; convincing them of their extreme folly and madness, in bringing mischief and misery upon themselves; and forewarning them of the sorry success they should find by relying on such as would not be able to relieve them.
the kindness of thy youth ] What kindness, [verse 2] and love, God then had shown them; As, Psal. CVI. 4. Isaiah XLVI. 3.
when thou wentest ] God's kindness to them then, even though they then did but ill deserve it, Psal. CVI. 7, 32, 33. Amos V. 25, 26.
what iniquity ] No fault in God, [verse 5] that he is now changed towards them.
mine heritage ] As dear to me, [verse 7] as mine heritage; and by me assigned to you for an heritage.
and with your children's children will I plead ] As I formerly pleaded the cause with your forefathers, [verse 9] chap. VII. 25. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 14, 15. Pleads here upon a new ground, verse 10, 11. Though they had no cause to plead with him, v. 29.
Kedar ] In Arabia; [verse 10] a kind of savage people.
desolate ] Lose your luster. [verse 12]
Is Israel a servant ] That he is so servilely, [verse 14] slavishly, used by his enemies?
The young lions ] Former judgments upon them; [verse 15] as by the Syrians, and Assyrians.
Noph and Tahapanes ] Cities in Egypt. [verse 16]
Sihor] Nile. [verse 18]
river] Euphrates. The two broken Cisterns, v. 13.
when upon every high hill ] Notwithstanding thy Promises and engagements. [verse 20]
see thy way in the valley ] God points them, [verse 23] as it were, with his finger, to the particular places of their idolatries.
dromedarie ] A swift beast, whence in Greek it hath its name. A lesser and lower kind of Camel, very rife in Arahia; and much used by Curriers there. Strabo l. 15. Diodore l. 2. c. 54. Leo Afric. l. 9.
A wild Ass ] Male, [verse 24] or female. For Genders in the names of beasts, are often promiscuously used by the Hebrews. And we find both Genders used sometimes of the very self-same thing; as, Ezek. II. 9. Jonah. I. 17. and II. 1.
snuffeth up the wind ] Of lust, after the male or female.
in her month they shall find her ] When she is heavy with young, goeth near her time, and cannot so easily shift for herself.
withhold ] A wholesome admonition and Caveat; [verse 25] to break off their wicked courses in gadding after strange people, and strange gods, lest they suffer for it.
will I go. ] Whatsoever comes of it. And so they are past cure, and past care.
to a stock ] The ignorant idolatrous Jew no worse then the ignorant idolatrous Papist: [verse 27] And the learned Papist not much differing herein from the learned idolatrous Jew.
Arise, and save us.] Judges X. 10, 13, 14, 15.
of thy Cities, [verse 28] are thy gods ] Tutelar gods. As Papists had their Tutelar Saints, to every City, Parish, Corporation, trade, sickness, &c.
See the Word of the Lord ] As, [verse 31] hear the rod, Micah VI. 9. See Deut. XXIX. 2, 3, 4. Prov. XX. 12. Eccles. I. 16. Psal. XVII. 2. and LXVI. 18. Jer. II. 19.
we will come no more unto thee. ] We have no further need now of thy support; we can do well enough without thee.
forgotten me ] Their ornament, [verse 32] and attire.
why trimmest] Isaiah LVII. [verse 33] 9, 10.
thou also taught ] Wicked Harlots may learn of thee; by thy evil example.
but upon all these ] The skirts of thy garments, [verse 34] it is openly to be seen.
to change thy way ] Ranging up and down, [verse 36] to seek aide and auxiliaries abroad.
ashamed] 2 Chron. XXVIII. 20.
from him ] Heb. [verse 37] this; place: into captivity.
The five first verses seem to belong to the former Chapter and Sermon. [chapter III]
shall he return unto her again? ] Clearly No. [verse 1] And the Law expressly forbids it, Deut. XXIV. 1,—4. Neither could his heart brook it.
lien with ] So, [verse 2] Deut. XXVIII. 30. In both places the over-mannerly Masorets check the Pen-men of Scripture, in appointing an honester term to be read, in the room of that they found written. See the Observations on 2 Kings X. 27.
as the Arabian ] As Tamar did, Gen. XXXVIII. 14. See Ezek. XVI. 24, 25, 31. or to truck and trade with them.
from this time ] Of my Correcting thee, [verse 4] and admonishing thee, v. 3. and chap. II. 25.
My Father ] Lamenting, as a child to his father offended.
thou hast spoken ] As formerly, [verse 5] v. 4, 5.
and done evil things ] But still doest evily and wickedly.
as thou couldest ] Get opportunity, and have ability; As, Micah II. 1.
A new Sermon in Josiah's days. [verse 6]
backsliding Israel ] The revolt of the then Tribes: and God's Bill of divorce thereupon given her.
her treacherous sister Judah ] Not fearing, [verse 7] or mending by that example: proves worse then Israel, v. 11.
but feignedly ] In the days of good Josiah. [verse 10] For all that he could do, yet the generality of the people never turned unto God with their whole heart, as too well appeared by their sudden relapse and revolt presently after his death, 2 Kings XXIII. 32,—37. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 12, 14.
North ] Whither the ten Tribes were carried. [verse 12] Not that he was to go thither: but to proclaim, setting his face towards it. So, Ezek. XX. 46. and XXI. 2.
one of a City ] God would make such an exact inquiry and search for them, [verse 14] upon their sincere turning to him, in all places of their dispersion, that though there should be but some one only of them in a City, or some two only in a whole Country, yet he would, &c. See a parallel place, Isaiah XXVII. 12.
in those days ] After the enlargement and growth of the Church under the Messias. [verse 16]
The Ark ] An utter cessation of Legal Rites, under the Messias. Now they should have no miss of it, no want, or use of it at all.
Jerusalem ] God's Church; [verse 17] whereof that was a Type, Cal. IV. 26. Apoc. XXI. 2. See Isaiah LX. 14.
and all the Nations] Isaiah II. 2.
neither shall they ] Israelites, or Proselyte-Gentiles.
Judah walk with the house of Israel ] They shall be reconciled together. [verse 18]
land of the North ] From Chaldea, and Assyria. The spiritual deliverance, and restitution of them by Christ, being shadowed out in these Prophetical Sermons, by those temporal deliverances and restaurations. So, chap. XXXI. and XXXIII. Isaiah XI. and LIV. and LX.
But I said ] I had such thoughts as these with myself. [verse 19]
How shall I ] Demanding of them, how he should do so great things for them, whenas they had dealt so perfidiously with him, in times past, verse 6, 9, 13, 20. Somewhat like that, Hosea VI. 4. and XI. 8.
and I said ] After such cross thoughts to dissuade me, yet at length I resolved to do it, upon the condition following; which in effect God promiseth to effect in them.
surely as a wife ] God requires her to engage herself to such future loyal carriage; [verse 20] because she had in this kind been very faulty before.
A voice was heard ] Or, [verse 21] is heard; as, Isaiah XIII. 4. bewailing their sins, ch. XXXI. 19, 18.
Return ] God's exhortation, [verse 22] and invitation.
we come ] Their Answer; and Confession, to the end of the Chapter.
O Israel ] Doubtful, [chapter IV] [verse 1] whether the ten Tribes, or Judah.
in him ] In God. [verse 2]
men of Judah and Jerusalem ] Them he exhorts to repentance; [verse 3] to prevent the imminent judgments to come.
Break up] Hosea X. 11.
Blow the Trumpet ] To give warning of the enemies approach. [verse 5]
towards Zion ] Whereby men may be admonished to repair towards Zion, [verse 6] their chief place of strength.
The Lion is come] Nebuchadnezzar. [verse 7]
thou hast ] The false Prophets in God's Name; [verse 10] those in the end of the former verse; those he blames for promising them peace.
unto me ] To do my will against them. [verse 12]
from Dan ] The utmost bound Northward, [verse 15] and towards Babylon, ch. VIII. 16.
Ephraim ] North-border of Judah; by which Nebuchadnezzar must come.
watchers ] Hostile forces, [verse 16] v. 17.
my bowels, ] The Prophets passionate grieving at the miseries of the war upon his people, [verse 19] ch. IX. 1. Isaiah XXII. 4 bewailing their folly that would take no warning.
my tents spoiled ] The tents of my people. [verse 20]
I beheld ] In a spiritual rapture, [verse 23] represented to the eye of his mind.
the earth ] The Land of Judea. Very Rhetorical delineations do follow of their miseries by this invasion of Nebuchadnezzar, graphicaly as in a Map described.
yet will I not make a full end. ] But reserve a remnant. [verse 27]
rentest thy face with painting ] Noted as a whorish practice in Jezebel, [verse 30] 2 Kings IX. 30. in Aholah▪ and Aholibah, Ezek. XXIII. 40.
if ye can find a man] Zeph. [chapter V] [verse 1] I. 12. If not ten in Sodom; how much is it stranger that not one in Jerusalem, a larger City? See the oecumenical contagion; and yet God's marvelous mercy. So Gen. XVIII. 32. Yet here, by a man, and any, we are not to tie it up to one individual person; No doubt more then one such there were: among those, chap. XXVI. 16, 24. and chap. XXXVI. 25. in Jehojakims time. And in Zedekiahs time, during the siege there were Ebedmelech, Jeremiah himself, and others. The meaning must be, to understand scarce a man, very few, no considerable number, worth the speaking of; that a man might go to and fro for a long time in it, and yet not light on any man, one, or other, that were sincere and upright. See the like, Gen. VI. 1. Psal. XII. 1. and XIV. 2, 3. Isaiah LXIV. 6, 7. Micah VII. 1, 2.
The Lord liveth ] Of swearing, [verse 2] see the Observations on Hos. IV. 15.
These are poor ] Poverty may put them upon evil courses. [verse 4]
a Lion] Nebuchadnezzar, and his forces.
Go ye up ] God's Commission to the Chaldeans. [verse 10]
not a full end ] Verse 18. chap. IV. 27.
not he ] That thus threateneth, [verse 12] by Jeremiah and some others.
a Nation ] The Chaldeans. [verse 15]
O house of Israel ] Of Judah, who are of the linage of Israel.
which have eyes, and see not] Isaiah XLII. [verse 21] 20. Ezek. XII. 2. Acts XXVIII. 26, 27. See the Observations on Isaiah VI. 9.
they catch men ] As Jezebel set a trap, [verse 26] and a snare, to catch Naboth.
they overpasse the deeds of the wicked ] They surpass them. [verse 28] Or, rather they pass by evils, they escape those evils wherewith others are surprised; as Psal. LXXIII. 5.
and the Priests bear rule by their means ] Priests; [verse 31] Or, Princes. Both banded against God's true Prophets.
This Chapter is full of plagues and judgments, [chapter VI] chiefly by the Chaldeans, threatened for their sins. And their sins charged upon them, as the Cause of those judgments.
Benjamin ] Which Tribe adhered still to Judah; [verse 1] had the Northern half of Jerusalem; and joined to the North-side of it, Josh. XVIII. 28.
flee out ] Before flee unto it, for succor; chap. IV. 6. now to flee out of it, to escape: yea, out of the Land, ch. X. 17.
Tekoah ] A fenced City, built by Rehoboam, 2 Chron. XI. 5, 6. Where Amos was among the herdmen, and called to be a Prophet, Amos I. 1. And where that wise woman dwelled, 2 Sam. XIV. 2.
Bethhaccerem] Nehem. III. 14. Very many Cities in Jury, begin with Beth. There set up a sign of fire, or fire a Becon, to give warning of the Babylonians approach.
Wholly oppression ] As if all made of it. [verse 6]
before me continually is grief and wounds ] Their grievances and woundings one another, [verse 7] by their cruel dealings, are still before me, to provoke me to proceed in wrath against her.
Be thou ] A summons to Repentance. [verse 8]
Turn back thy hand ] God's speech to the Chaldeans. [verse 9]
To whom ] The Prophets Speech. [verse 10]
I am full ] The Prophet cannot longer hold it in. [verse 11]
the aged ] With the decrepit.
were they ashamed ] The false Porphets. [verse 15] They were shameless in it.
stand ye ] The seduced people; [verse 16] stand, as travellers use to do, when they are at a stand, and doubtful of the way.
we will not ] Their willful obstinacy.
Nations ] God calls all the world to witness. [verse 18]
To what purpose ] So long as their lives and courses were such as had been shown, [verse 20] Isaiah I. 11,—15.
Sheba] Psal. LXXII. 10.
I will lay stumbling-blocks ] I will bring those things upon them that shall be means of ruin and mischief to them, [verse 21] Ezek. III. 20. and VII. 19.
I have set thee ] God to his Prophet. [verse 27]
They are all ] The Prophets answer. [verse 28]
One only verse in Jeremiah is written in the Chaldee-language; for the ready use of the Jews there, among, and against the Chaldeans Idols; viz. that in Ch. X. v. 11.
The seventy years captivity, or serving the King of Babylon, Ch. XXV. 11. take their rise and commencement, not from the last of Zedekiah; But from the first of Nebuchadnezzar, and third or fourth of Jehoiakim; if not from the last of Jehoiakim; and captivity of Iechoniah. See Jer. XXV. 1, 11, 12. and XXIX. 1, 2, 3, 10. Ezek. XL. 1. and XXXIII. 21. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 21, 22.
Rach l (who kept her fathers sheep, and had her name from Sheep or Ewe) her weeping for her children, chap. XXXI. 15. applied mostly by way of Allusion, to the mothers weeping for their children, Matth. II. 17, 18.
Jonadab, the son of Rechab; and not Rechab, the Author of that Injunction and Inhibition, to his Posterity; Chap. XXXV. 6, 8, 14, 16, 18, 19.
The Command concerning the Yoakes, chap. XXVII. 1, 2, 3. was either enjoined in the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim, (and so the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, and of Zedekiah, propheticaly foreseen and foretold by Jeremiah ) And was after executed in the reign of Zedekeih, when the Messengers of those neighbouring Kings, verse 3. came to Zedekiah, to congratulate him in the Beginning of his reign; or to solicit him to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar, in the fourth year of his reign, chap. XXVIII. 1, 10. Or otherwise Jehoiakim, in chap. XXVII. v. 1. must by error of the Scribe be crept in, for Zedekiah; mentioned again, v. 12. which thing in all Copies may not be admitted.
He shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness, chap. XXIII. 6.
She shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness, chap. XXXIII. 16. The Lord is our Righteousness.
Jehoiakim is made King by Pharaoh Necho, and pays to him the tribute imposed, 2 Kings XXIII. 31, 32, 34, 35. slays Uriah the Prophet, Ier. XXVI. 20,—23. And in the third or fourth year of his reign, and first of Nebuchadnezzar, he was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar; as Jeremiah foretold, chap. XXV. 1,—11. And he served him three years, 2 Kings XXIV. 1. In which time he burns the Book written by Baruch from the mouth of Jeremiah, chap. XXXVI. After rebels against Nebuchadnezzar. And at last, after that, 2 Kings XXIV. 2. he is taken by him, and bound in fetters to be carried to Babylon, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 6. But dying by the way, his dead body is cast out, and he buried with the burial of an Ass; as Jeremiah foretold, chap. XXII. 18, 19. and XXXVI. 30. And so he slept with his fathers, 2 Kings XXIV. 6.
Zedekiah saw with his eyes the eyes of the King of Babylon: But not Babylon itself, where yet he should die in captivity: Having his eyes put out by Nebuchadnezzar at Ribla, Jer. XXXII. 4, 5. and LII. 10, 11. Ezek. XII. v. 13. and XVII. 16.
In the first year of Zedekiahs captivity and nineteenth of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan came, in the fifth month, seventh day, unto Jerusalem: and after two days preparation, and taking order about it, on the tenth day burnt the Temple, Kings house, and all the great men's houses. Or, began to burn them on the seventh day, which fire continued burning, and came to its height, or end, on the tenth day, Jer. LII. 12. 2 Kings XXV. 8.
-
Jews carried
capives into Babylon,
by Nebuchadnezzar:
in his
- I. Year; and third, or fourth month of Jehoiakim; Daniel▪ and his three Companions; and others. And part of the Vessels of the Temple, Jer. XXV. 1. Dan. I. 1, —6.
- VII. Year; and eleventh and last of Jehojacin; 3023. Persons. And, it seems more Vessels of the Temple, Jer. LII. 28. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 7.
- VIII. Year; with Jehoiakim; men of might, and apt for war, 10000. out of all Jerusalem: and 1000. Smiths: and more Vessels of the Temple; and cut them in pieces, 2 Kings XXIV. 13, 14, 16. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 10. And at that time, Mordecai, Ester II. 5, 6. And Ezekiel; who calls it his Deportation, Ezek. XXXIII. 21. and XL. 1.
- XVIII. and XIX. years; and last of Zedekiah; He carried away Zedekiah; and 832. persons. And all the rest of the Vessels of the Temple, great, and small. And by Nebuzaradan the Captain of the Guard, burnt the City of Jerusalem, and the Temple; brake down the Walls: slew Serajah the High Priest, and the second Priest; and twelve other principal men, and sixty others brought to him to Ribla by Nebuzaradan; Ier. LII. 11,—29. 2 Kings XXV. 8,—21. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 17, 18, 19.
- XXIII. Year; and fifth of Zedekiah's captivity, by the aforesaid Nebuzaradan; 745. Ier. LII. 30. This was after the murder of Gedaliah.
Their number at their Return out of the Captivity was far greater, Ezra II. 64, 65. Neh. VII. 66, 67.
Leopard ] Or rather an Ounse, [chapter XIII] [verse 23] or Cat-a-mountain.
I am weary with repenting ] God repents, [chapter XV] [verse 6] see Gen. VI. 6, 7. and in many other places. But this is not properly Repentance, such as is in man. Man Repents with trouble of mind and conscience, for some fault, or out of fickleness, or through some oversight, or impotence. In which respects God cannot Repent, Num. XXIII. 19. 1 Sam. XV. 29. Mal. III. 6. James I. 17. But he is said to Repent improperly. And so this, and other Human Passions, in some semblance, are ascribed to him improperly for our better apprehension. And thus God is said to Repent, when he doth as men use to do when they Repent, 1 Sam. XXV. 33, 34. When he undoeth what he had done before, revoketh a doom that he had passed before, stayeth the execution of a Sentence that formerly he had denounced, withholdeth the punishment denounced against sin when the Persons repent of the evil of sin. So, Judge. X 13. 15, 16. 1 Kings XXI. 21, 27, 29. Jonah I • I. 10. Ier. XVIII. 8, 10. and XLII 10. Psal. CVI. 45. The end being thus accomplished for which the doom was denounced: Without which Repentance in man, God will not Repent of his purposed punishment; Isaiah XIV. 24, 27. Ier. IV. 28. Zech. VIII. 14. Thus Repentance in man produceth this kind of Repentance in God. Man Repenting changeth his mind, will, and act: But God Repenting, willing this change in man, altereth the act; His mind and purpose abiding still the same, Ier. XX. 16.
Shallum ] This seems to be the same with Jehoachaz, [chapter XXII] [verse 11] and Johanan, 2 Kings XXIII. 30. 1 Chron. III. 15. And that Shallum named, 1 Chron. III. 15. seems to be another from this Shallum, as being reckoned distinctly the fourth son of Josiah, and haply dying before his father Josiah. See the Observations on 2 Kings XXIII. 31.
Branch ] Is taken for the Messias. And so, [chapter XXIII] [verse 5] chap. XXXIII. 15. and Zech. III. 8. and VI. 12. Isaiah IV. 2. XI. 1. Yet that King, Isaiah XXXII. 12. and XXXIII. 17. seems properly and immediately to be understood of Hezekiah; of Christ only Typicaly. And that, Isaiah VIII. 18. and XLIX. 1. and chap. LXI. 1. of Isaiah partly, but of Christ principally. As likewise that, Isaiah XLIX. 1. And that, Isaiah VIII. 8. Of Isaiah literaly, of Christ figuratively, Heb. II. 14. And again, Isaiah XLII. 1. of Christ principally, of Cyrus Typicaly. That Isaiah XLI. 2. of Cyrus only. Many speeches of the Prophets, concerning themselves, and others who were Types of Christ, are in the New Testament applied to Christ; being one way, and in one manner verified of them; and another way, and in another manner also, many times fulfilled in him. And so those words, 2 Sam. VII. 14. compared with 1 Chron. XXII. 10. and Heb. I. 5. And those, Heb. II. 13. Yea, in diverse Prophecies, some Particulars agree to the Type, and not to the Truth; as, Psal. XXII. 6. and XL. 12. Some to the Truth, and not to the Type; as, Psal. XVI. 10. with Acts II. 29. and XIII. 36, 37. Or to the Type in one sense; to the Truth in another: so in those Psalms wherein David is a Type of Christ, as Psal. II. and XVI. and XXII. and those in which Solomon, as, Psal. XLV. and LXXII. Christ is called the Branch, because springing up as a bud or sprout from the root of Jesse, Isaiah XI. 1, 10. And so from David, Apoc. V. 5. and XXII. 16. Psal. CXXXII. 11, 17. Acts XIII. 23, 32. called the Righteous Branch, in this Text, and chap. XXXIII. 15. springing from a withered stock and stump, & sprouting at first in a mean and despicable manner, Isaiah XXXIII. 2, 3, 4. Yet after branching out beautifully, retaining its verdure perpetualy, spreading and growing, flowering and flourishing to all eternity, Dan. II 44, 45.
A man ] See the Annotations on Isaiah II. [chapter XXX] [verse 6] 9.
uncles son ] Son omitted in the Original, [chapter XXXII] [verse 12] haply for brevity fake, as well known to be supplied out of verse. 7. preceding. As likewise the word Sister seems to be omitted, 2 Sam. XXI. 8. And the word Brother, Verse 19. of that Chapter.
Funeral Burnings, [chapter XXXIV] among the Heathen, were of the dead bodies: But among the Jews, not of the bodies; but of sweet odors; and divers kinds of spices, prepared by the Art of the Apothecaries, burned in the Tomb where the embalmed body was to lie, 2 Chr. XVI. 14. This was denied to the wicked King Jehoram, 2 Chron. XXI. 19. yet granted here to Zedekiah, in Babylon: And that burning of the Flesh of Saul, and his sons, 1 Sam. XXXI. 12. was a case extraordinary, and as their present condition, and that exigent seemed to require.
when they cut the calf in twain, [chapter XXXIV] [verse 18] &c. ] The manner of making Covenants; whence the Hebrew phrase is to Cut a Covenant, that is from the right of Cutting a beast in twain, sometime for Sacrifice, sometime for Feasting; and the Covenanters passing through between the Parts of it; implying it seems, and that by way of execration, Themselves to be alike cut in sunder in case of violating the Conditions of the Covenant, Matth. 24. 51. Though some make the Cutting to relate to the strict and exact cutting out of Articles agreed upon for mutual performance by both parties, Gen XV. 9, 10, 17. Deut. XXIX. 12. Of Covenants, see more between man and man, and between God and man, Gen. IX. 9,—17. Gen. XXI. 27,—32. and chap. XXVI. 28,—31. and chap. XXXI. 44,—55. Exod. XXIV. 4,—8. Deut. V. 2, 3. whence the two tables are called the Tables of the Covenant; and the Ark, the Ark of the Covenant. And the Tabernacle, The Tabernacle of the Covenant; the Book of the Law, the Book of the Covenant, Josh. XXIV. 24, 25, 26, 27. Neh. IX. 38. 1 Sam. XVIII. 3, 4. and XXIII. 18. 1 Kings V. 12. and XX. 34. 2 Kings XI. 17. and XXIII. 3. Ezra. X. 3. Isaiah LIX. 21. Jer. L. 5. And God promises to make a New Covenant with his people, Jer. XXXI. 31, 32, 33, 34. cited, Heb. VIII. 8, 9. which yet is not simply New, in regard of the substance of it: for the main matter and substance of the former Covenant is there, verse 33. And, Gen. XVII. 7. Deut. XXVI. 17, 18. and XXIX. 13. And both Covenants ratified by the blood of the Messias. But as Love is called a New Commandment, John XIII. 34. So this a New Covenant; in that it is ratified by the death of our Savior exhibited; in that the Doctrine of the Gospel is now more fully and clearly revealed; in that this runneth wholly upon the spiritual, and celestial Blessings; in that the Ceremonials are removed, and the more Spiritual Service substituted for it; in that it is more generally dilated and enlarged to all Nations; in that a large measure of Spiritual Gifts and efficacy of the Spirit is now vouchsafed; in that the continuance of it, without change, is to be to the end of the world.
hath sworn by himself ] Having no greater to swear by, [chapter LI] [verse 14] Heb. VI. 13. So, Gen. XXII. 16. Jer. XXII. 5. Amos VI. 8. By his soul; So is the Hebrew in this text, and chap. LI. 14. By the excellency of Jacob, Amos VIII. 7. By his Holiness, Amos IV. 2. And again, the Form of his Oath is thus expressed, As I live, Heb. I. live, so, Jer. XXII. 24. and XLVI. 18. Ezek. V. 11. And, I live forever, Deut. XXXII. 40. So men use to swear, The Lord liveth, Jer. IV. 2. and V. 2. As the Lord liveth that made us this soul, Jer. XXXVIII. 16. God's oath shall undoubtedly be fulfilled, Psal. CX. 4. and CXXXII. 11. Heb. VI. 17, 18. Of Oaths, see more in the Annotations on Hos. IV. 15. and Gen. XXIV. 3.
carried away captive ] [chapter LII] [verse 28] Five captivities into Babylon are mentioned in Scripture.
Lamentations.
T Hese are not those of Jeremiah, for Josiah, 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. No more, then those were for him, Ezek. XIX. 1, 14. which indeed were commanded to be taken up by Ezekiel, for Jehoachaz, and Jehoiakim; But these were written by Jeremiah, in the time of the Babylonish captivity, after the Temple of the Lord, and City of Jerusalem were burnt, and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar: Lamenting here those more then lamentable miseries; As the whole Matter and Contents of this Book doth declare: And particularly, that very passage itself, chap. IV. 20. which is appliable properly to King Zedekiah; and not to King Josiah. The LXX and Jerome, doth express this very time, in the beginning of the Book itself.
These Lamentations are full of Pathetical expressions. And for the weight of the Matter, and the Help of Memory; The first, second, and fourth Chapters do contain twenty two verses apiece, according to the number of the Letters of the Hebrew Alphabet; and do begin each verse with one of them in their order methodicaly. And chap. III. contains 66. verses, treble the former number: And begins each three of them, with one letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, in the order methodicaly. The last Chapter only is without this Art.
Many Signs of Lamentations are expressed here. Which from hence, and other Scriptures, may more fully be gathered, thus; Sighing, Mourning; mournful Songs; weeping, howling; Fasting; changing of the garments, mourning women, Ier. IX. 17. 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. Amos V. 16. rending of the Clothes; wearing black, and sack cloth; sitting on the ground, and keeping silence; lying prostrate upon the ground, sitting, lying, covering, rolling, wallowing in ashes; in dust, and ashes; casting up dust, ashes, earth upon them, and their heads; spreading, and wringing the hands; laying the hands upon the head; smiting with the hand; stamping with the feet; hanging down the head; uncovering the head, and bare, and again in some ages, the covering the head, covering head and face too, as our close mourners; covering the upper lip; bare-foot, shaving the head and beard; making baldness; plucking off the hair; beating the breast; printing marks upon the flesh; tearing it; cutting it. Amongst other places, see these, viz. Lam. II. 10. and III. 16. Lev. X. 6. and XIII. 45. and XIX. 27, 28. and XXI. 5, 10. Deut. XIV. 1. Josh. VII. 6. 1 Sam. IV. 12. 2 Sam. I. 2. and XIII. 19. and XIV. 2. and XV. 30, 32. and XIX. 4. 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. Ier. IX. 17. Ezra IX. 3. Ester IV. 1, 3. and VI. 12. Job I. 20. II. 12. XLII. 6. Isaiah XV. 2, 3. and LVIII. 8. Jer. II. 37. and VI. 26. and XIV. 3, 4. and XVI. 6, 7. and XXV. 34 Ezek. XXIV. 17. and XXVII. 30. Micah I. 10, 16. Amos V. 16. Nahum. II. 7. Luke XVIII 13. Lam. I. 17. Ier. VII. 29. and IX. 17, 18. XIV. 3, 4. XVI. 6, 7. XLI. 5. XLVIII. 36, 37. Lam. III. 48. Ezek. VI. 11. VII. 18.
In the Observations and Explanations upon this Book; as also upon Daniel; and the twelve small Prophets; I am the briefer, because that portion fell to my share in the last Great English Annotations; to which in many things I shall now refer thee.
Ezekiel.
E ZEKIEL, like as Jeremiah, was both Priest, and Prophet. Being carried captive with Jehojacin, He prophesies in Chaldea: And calling that His captivity, as was said, he makes it his Epocha; and from thence begins the accompt and reckoning of years, in all the distinct times of his several Prophecies, throughout his Book; Thus,
-
In Jehojacins
Captivity.
In the
- V. Year, fourth month, fifth day, He begins to Prophesy, chap. I. 2, 3. And so continues on in the seven first chapters: with some other short Notations of Times, soon following, chap. III. verse 15, 22,—27. and chap. IV. v. 5.
- VI. Year, sixth month, fifth day, (420. days from the former time, chap. I. v. 2.) He was carried in a Vision to Jerusalem, chap. VIII. 1, 2, 3. chap. IX. chap. X. chap. XI. 24. And thereafter doth continue on Prophesying to the twentieth chapter.
- VII. Year, fifth month, tenth day, (335. days from that time, chap. VIII. 1.) He was consulted by the Elders. And thereupon Prophesied, Chapters 20, 21, 22, 23.
- IX. Year, tenth month▪ tenth day (when the siege of Jerusalem began, 2 Kings XXV. 1, 2.) He Prophesied, Chapters 24, 25.
- X. Year, tenth month, twelfth day; Against Pharaoh, and Egypt, Chap. XXIX. v. 1,—17.
-
XI. Year, first month (though some think the fifth)
fifth day, against
Tyrus, Chapters 26, 27, 28. v.
1,—20.
- Zidon, chap. XXVIII. v. 20,—26.
- First month, seventh day; Against Egypt, chapter XXX. v. 20,—26.
- Third month, first day; Against Egypt, chap. XXXI.
- Fourth month, ninth day; The City taken, Jer. LII. 5, 6. 2 Kings XXV. 2, 3, 4.
- Fifth month, tenth day; Nebuzaradan burnt the Temple, and City, Jer. LII. 12, 13.
-
XII. Year, tenth month, fifth day; The news brought
to
Ezekiel.
And then he Prophesied,
chap.
XXXIII.
v.
21,—33. and
chapters
XXXIV.—
XL.
- Twelfth month, first day; Against Egypt, ch. XXXII. 1,—16. Fifteenth day; Against Egypt, chap. XXXII. v. 17,—32. and chap. XXXIII. 1,—20.
- XXV. Year, first month, tenth day; He hath that large Vision, chapters XL.—XLVIII.
- XXVII. Year, first month, first day; Against Egypt, chap. XXIX. v. 17,—21. and chap. XXX. v. 1,—19.
-
The Glory
of the
Lord
-
Appearing
- By Chebar, ch. I. 3,—28.
- In the Plain, chap. III. 22, 23.
- In Jerusalem, ch. VIII. 4, and c. X. 15, 20, 22.
- Departing, by degrees, chap. VIII. 3, 4, 5, 6. and IX. 3. and chap. X. 3, 4, 5, 18, 19. and chap. XI. 22, 23.
- Returning, chap. XLIII. 2, 3, 4.
The Measures mentioned in the Description of Ezekiel's Visionarie Temple; and Division of the Land, chap. XL.—XLVIII. are Calamus, and Cubitus; the Reed, and the Cubit. The length of the Reed is defined, chap. XL. 5. and XLI. 8. That of the Cubit, is more usually known; adding that, chap. XLI. 8. and XLIII. 13. See more of these, in my Annotations upon Ezekiel XL. 5. among those large Annotations upon the Bible, printed Anno 1651. By the Cubits are measured, the Gates, East, North, South, of the Exterior; and of the Inner Courts: with their Posts, Porches, Arches, and Chambers: The Courts, and the Pillars, and Chambers about them; The Tables: Chambers of the Singers, and of the Priests; and the Porch of the House, chap. XL. The several Parts, Places, and Chambers of the Temple; and of the Separate Place, chap. XLI. The North-Chambers; and South-Chambers; before the Separate Place, ch. XLII. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings, chap. XLIII. And the waters, chap. XLVII. 3. By Reeds, besides a few other parts, chap. XL. 6, 7, 8. there is, or seems to be, Measured; The Wall about the outmost Court; five hundred Reeds, on each side of that square Court, ch. XLII. 15,—20. Which, if Literaly understood, it makes the Temple, and all Holy Building about it; and the Courts of it, to be bigger then Solomon's Temple, and all the City of Jerusalem with it. But if we understand by five hundred Reeds, Reeds of five hundred Cubits, that is, making up five hundred Cubits, on each side of that Square Court; as Tremellius doth; And indeed the Suburbs of it are named to be fifty Cubits • ound about, chap. XLV. 2. Then we shall bring that Sacred Visionarie Building into a spacious, yet reasonable and proportionable quantity; But with a very harsh, as it seems, translation of the words of the sacred Text. And as for that Oblation of the Land offered to the Lord, that Holy Portion for the Priests; and for the Levites: and that Land for the City of Jerusalem, and Suburbs, and Use of it being in all 25000. square; mentioning neither Reeds, nor Cubits, chap. XLVIII. 20. And the Princes Portion of Land, lying on the outside of it, East, and West, chap. XLVIII. 21. If we take that great Square to be so many Reeds, as most do; with very great probability in this Visionarie Division; We shall so make that Visionarie Square to be as big as the whole Land of Canaan. But if we understand it of Cubits, we shall bring it to be about the compass of twenty five miles on each side of the square: and so leave a proportionable quantity of Land for the twelve Tribes, chap. XLVIII.
stand upon thy feet—set me upon my feet ] [chapter II] [verse 1, 2.] God with the command gives the power and act of performance. And so Grace, and Regeneration is both God's Fromise, and Work, Ezek. XI. 19, 20. and XVIII. 31. with chap. XXXVI. 26. and chap. XI. 19.
land of Pathros ] A Province in Egypt, [chapter XXIX] [verse 14] chap. XXX. 14. Jer XLIV. 1, 15. possessed by the Pathrusim, or Pathruses which were of the lineages of Mitsraim, or Egyptus, Gen. X. 14. 1 Chron. I. 12. Likely the same with Thebais, higher and further up in the Country the Noph, Isaiah XI. 11.
Libya ] Heb. [chapter XXX] [verse 5] Phut, or Phuth, or Put. These Lybians were of the same race with the Ethiopians, Gen. X. 6. 1 Chron. I. 6. Seated in Africa, to the West of Egypt.
Libya ] These were in Africa, and came of Lud, the son of Mizraim, and grandchild of Cham, Gen. X 6, 13. Ger. XLVI. 9. The Lydians in Asia, or Anatolia came of Lud the son of Shem, Gen. X. 22. Isaiah LXVI. 19. See the Annotations on Ezek. XXX. 5.
Tehaphnehes ] Or, Tahapanes, [verse 18] or Tachapanes, Tapanhes, or Tachpanches, and the same, as it seems in a contracted form Hanes, or Chanes, Isaiah XXX. 4. a Prime City in Egypt: taking likely its name from Tahpenes Queen of Egypt, 1 Kings XI. 19, 20. Seated not far from Pelusium; whence termed by the Greeks and Latins Daphnae Pelusiacae. See Jer. II. 16. Here J • remy was, chap. XLIII. 8.
Ezek. XLVIII. 8,—22. In this Visionary Description, The Portion or holy Oblation of Land, for the Priests, and the Sanctuary; for the Levites; for the City, and Suburbs; for the Prince; was all at most no greater or biger then the several Portions for each of the other Tribes. And therefore in that Draught of mine set forth by my learned and industrious friend Master Thomas Fuller in his Pisgah-sight of Palestine, V. Book. page 189. I desire to be rightly so understood, and no otherwise. The said Draught is represented there in a far larger Proportion. But the only Reason was, That so there might be room enough for the setting down of the several Situations, and Limits among themselves, of the Priests Portion, and of the Sanctuary in the midst of it; And of the Levites Portion by themselves; And of the City Jerusalem, and Suburbs, of it, by themselves; And of the Princes Portion, lying, and guarding, as it were, all the former, at both Ends, East, and West. The true quantity of all this, in relation to the other Tribes, being no other then I have formerly expressed.
Daniel.
D ANIEL was carried Captive in the first year of Nebuchadnezzar, and the third or fourth of Jehoiakim, Dan. I. 1,—6. And at this time began the Babylonian Monarchy: and the Jews Subjection or Captivity, which lasted seventy years.
Daniel living, and young, was so famous for Prayer and Piety, That in the thirteenth or fourteenth year of his Captivity, He is matched with Noah, and Job, Ezek. XIV. 14. And in the eighteenth or nineteenth year, He is held such an unparalleled pattern for Wisdom, That the King of Tyre, who thought himself so wise above others, is taunted in these words, Behold, thou art wiser then Daniel, Ezek. XXVIII. 2.
His Book begins with his own Captivity; reacheth to our Savior's time, Dan. IX. 25. And ends a while after, with the final Destruction of the Temple, and City of Jerusalem, by the Romans, Dan. IX. 27. Daniel's Prophecies stretch not beyond Daniel's own People the Jews.
Some reckon the times thus; seventy years in the Babylonish captivity, or subjection to Babylon: seventy years seven times, or seven weeks of years; that is, four hundred and ninety years, thence to our Savior's death. And forty thence to Jerusalem's Destruction, and the end of the Jews Common-wealth: in all, six hundred years. But others rather, upon more likely grounds, extend the number of years to a great sum.
His Book is Historical, in the first six Chapters Prophetical, in the rest.
The Language of it is Chaldee, from chap. II. v. 4 to chap. VIII. A little Arabic being intermixt in the sixth Chapter. Because, as some conceive, the matters contained in those Chapters mostly concern the Chaldeans, and were things known to them; or at least such as no danger by the knowledge of them accrued to the Jews. In all the rest, before, and after, it is Hebrew, the Churches dialect, and treasure. And yet here are sometimes some kind of concealments from the Hebrews themselves, in the darkest Visions, chap. VIII. 26. and chap. XII. 4.
-
The Chapters
in Daniel fall
within the
reigns of several
Kings, Thus,
In the reign of
-
Nebuchadnezzar;
in his
- I. Year, Chapter I.
- V. Year, Chap. II.
- VI. Year, most likely, Chap. III.
- XXXV. Year, Chap. IV.
-
Belshazzar,
in his
- I. Year, Chap VII.
- III. Year, Chap. VIII.
- Last year, Chap. V.
- Darius, in his first year, Chapters VI. and IX.
- Cyrus, in his third year, first month, Chapters X. and XI. and XII.
So that in the Order of the Chapters, there is this Transposition; That the seventh and eighth Chapters, as now they stand numbered and placed, in order of time go before the fifth and sixth Chapters.
And for the matter of some Chapters; Those Prophetical Dreams, and Visions, Chap. II. and IV. and VII. and VIII. and XI. seem mostly to expound one another; falling so oft upon the same matters, less or more; and going over them, or some of them still: Nebuchadnezzar, and the Babylonian, is the Golden Head, Chap. II. the Tree, Chap. IV. the Lion, Chap. VII. The Mede and Persian, is the Breast and Arms of silver, Chap. II. the Bear, Chap. VII. the Ram, Chap. VIII. and Chap. X. 1, 13, 20. and Chap. XI. 1, 2. The Grecian Alexander, is the Belly and Thighs of Brasse, Chap. II. the Leopard, Chap. VII. the he-Goat, Chap. VIII, and Chap. X. 20. and Chap. XI. 3, 4. The Grecian divided, chiefly into the Seleucide, and Lagide, are the Legs of iron, and Feet, part of iron, and part of clay, chap. II. The fourth Beast, chap. VII. and the Kings of the North, and of the South, chap. XI.
Daniel having his suit denied by the Prince of the Eunuchs, makes his address to his Steward, and prevails, chap. I. 10, 11.
That second year, Dan. II. 1. is not of Cyrus, the last word of the former chapter; But of Nebuchadnezzar: Nor of his Reign, or Monarchy either; But in his reign; as the Hebrew distinctions in the Context seem to import; Namely, the second year, after the three years of Daniel's education were past, and he brought in to stand before the King; which falls in with the fifth year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, and Daniel's Captivity, and with the eighth or ninth of Jehoiakim. In the second year, in Nebuchadnezzar's reign, Nebuchadnezzar had this Dream; and Daniel was then sought for to be slain, with the rest of the Wisemen and Magicians.
That huge Image of gold, though hollow within, as the two brazen Pillars were, Jer. LII. 21. which was set up to be worshipped, Dan. III. seems to be soon after the former Dream, and before Jehojacins Captivity; Being Daniel's three companions only, newly advanced, are accused; and no other Jews; for not worshipping it, and committing such gross and open Idolatry.
That Dream and Vsion of the Great Tree, chap. IV. being when Nebuchadnezzar was at rest, after all his Victories, chap. IV. 4. And flourishing in his Palace, after his conquest of Egypt, which was in the twenty seventh year of Jehojacins Captivity, Ezek. XXIX. 17,—20. seems to be some thirty years after the former Dream, chap. II. and in the thirty fifth year of Nebuchadnezzar's own reign, and Daniel's Captivity. A year after this Dream, he fell mad, chap. IV. 29. and continued so seven years, verse 16, 25, 3. even so long as Solomon's Temple was in building, which he destroyed. And about two years after his restoring to his wits, and Kingdom, v. 26, 34, 36. in the forty fourth or forty fifth year of his reign, and thirty seventh of Jehojacins Captivity he died, Jer. LII. 31.
Evilmerodach, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, in the first year of his reign, advanced Jehojacin, 2 Kings XXV. 27,—30. Jer. LII. 31,—34.
Belshazzar, the grandchild of Nebuchadnezzar, was the last of Babels Monarchs, Jer. XXVII. 7. Dan. V. 28, 30, 31. Though he be called the son of Nebuchadnezzar, and Nebuchadnezzar be called his father, Dan. V. 11, 13, 18, 22.
The Roman Empire is none of the four Beasts, chap. VII. But the Greeks are the Dealers in the end of wrath. Antiochus Epiphanes, the last of the ten Horns of the fourth Beast, was the most furious Persecutor of the Jews, and their Religion. See of him largely, Dan. VII. v. 8, 11, 20, 21. and chap. VIII. v. 9,—14. and v. 23, 24, 25, 26. and chap. XI. 21,—45. and chap. XII. He raged terribly, for two thousand three hundred days, chap. VIII. 14, 24, 25, 26. that is, six years, three months, and some twenty days, viz. from the one hundred forty second year of the Kingdom of the Greeks, when after wicked Jason, worse then Menelaus had got of Antiochus to be High Priest, having in him the fury of a cruel Tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast, 1 Macc. I. 11. and v. 20,—53. 2 Macc. IV. 25. from this time Antiochus continuing his rage until the one hundred forty eighth year, ninth month, twenty fifth day, 1 Macc. IV. 52, 53, 54. But raging most of all for a time, times, and the dividing of time, Dan. VII. 25. and, chap. XII. 7. that is, three years, and ten days; from the time he took away the daily Sacrifice, and set up the abomination of desolation, till the restoring of God's worship again, 1 Macc. I. 54, 57, 59. and chap. IV, 52, 53, 54. Or three years, and a half; beginning so at 1 Macc. I. 30. And again, from that time of taking away the daily Sacrifice, and setting up the abomination of desolation, were one thousand two hundred and ninety days, to the end of those sad times of the Churches troubles. But the one thousand three hundred thirty fifth day, which was forty five days after the former, was the last end of the indignation, the Blessed time perfectly to finish those furious persecutions by Antiochus, by the death of Antiochus himself, Dan. XII. 6, 7, 8, 11, 12. 2 Macc. XI. 33. 1 Macc. VI. 16. And at the end of the Kingdom of the Greeks, subdued soon after by the rising up of the Roman Empire, Christ came, and erected his everlasting Kingdom; and all Dominions shall serve and obey him, Dan. II. 34, 35, 44, 45. and Chap. VII. 9, 10, 13, 14, 27. But of these things see more in my Annotations upon Daniel, in the large Annotations upon the whole Bible, printed, Anno 1651.
Gabrieal the only Angel in Scripture that hath a proper name, Dan. VIII. 16. and chap. IX. 21. L • ke. I. 19, 26. Michael being understood of Christ.
Darius the Median, the son of Ahasuerus, Dan. V. 31. and VI. 28. and Cyrus, the Persian, Dan. IX. 1. seem fellows in Empire: and Cyrus, the Survivor, and sole Monarch.
Messiah a proper name, Dan. IX. 25. And hence famous in the New Testament, John I. 41. and IV. 25.
The Abomination of Desolation hath reference to Antiochus Epiphanes, Dan. VIII. 13. and chap. XI. 31. and chap. XII. 11. And to the Romans, Dan. IX. 27. Matth. XXIV. 15.
like the Son of God ] Or rather like a son of the gods. [chapter III] [verse 25] For a Heathen King, utterly ignorant of the Mystery of the Trinity, could not dream of the second Person, the Son of God. And so is that to be understood, Psal. LXXXIX. 6. As a phrase not unlike, is in Judge. VIII. 18. Many of the Ancient Fathers, being desirous to get proofs of the Mystery of the Trinity, and of Christ's Humanity, out of the Books of the Prophets, did catch at all occasions, and made use of any thing in them, that might have the least show and shadow to look that way. And so they have wrested, though not rightly, this speech of Nebuchadnezzar to that purpose.
great Babylon ] The compass of it within the walls was about four hundred furlongs, [chapter IV] [verse 30] or sixty miles. The walls of it fifty foot, if not Cubits broad, so as two Charets with four horses on breast might easily meet on them: And high at least fifty Cubits. See my Annotations on this place. And the learned Annotations on Jer. LI. 53, 58. It is said to sit upon many waters, Jer. LI. 13. to have a Sea, ver. 36. Isaiah XXI. 1. by reason of the great river Euphrates whereon it was seated; and the vast lakes, meeres, and pools that were made out of it in that great plain of the Land of Shinar and Babylon; Gen. XI. 2. This is an ancient City, built by Nimrod, Gen. X. 10. And was under the Assyrian Empire. Manasseh King of Judah was carried hither by Esar-haddon the Assyrian Monarch, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11. The Kings of it, when it came from under the Assyrian Empire, we read in Scripture to be these, Merodach Baladan, Nebuchadnezzar, Evilmerodach, Belshazzar, Isaiah XXXIX. I. 2 Kings XXV. 27. Dan. V. 1, 11. Jer. XXVII. 7. Yet some interpose one Assur, and Labarssardach, before Belshazzar, for short times; But not out of Scripture. This City of Babylon is called Sheshach, Jer. XXV. 26. and LI. 41. (though a King of Egypt was of the like name, 2 Chron. XII. 2.) And likely this name is from some Babylonian Idol; whence Michael might by the Babylonian Chamberlain be termed Meshach, Dan. I. 7. And haply hence the Sacean Festival in Babylon for eleven days together, which • erosus, and Ctesius do mention, took that name: A Feast not unlike the Greek and Latin Saturnalia, and our Christmas. And in the time of which Feast probably was Babylon taken by Cyrus; as Her • dote, and Xenophon do report. And the Prophet Jeremiah himself by naming it Sheshach, may seem to point as it were with the finger to the very time of that Feast, wherein Babylon, and that State was to receive its fatal blow. See Dan. V. 1. V. 30.
to the Medes and Persians ] Medes coasted upon the Caspian Sea. [chapter V] [verse 28] Persians lay upon the Persian Gulf, Isaiah XIII. 17. Medes descended from Madai, the son of Japheth, Gen. X. 2. 1 Chron. I. 5. They, and the Persians, in some sort one people, as well for vicinity, as affinity; and acknowledging one King, Isaiah XXI. 2. Jer. LI. 11. Dan. V. 28. and IX. 1.
like the son of man ] Rather like a son of man. [chapter VII] [verse 13] For Christ is not there likened to himself, but to a man in general. As Ezekiel is called a son of man; and as men in Scripture are usually called the sons of men. And so is that place to be understood, Apoc. I. 13. Like a son of man. And again, chap. XIV. 14. Like unto a son of man.
Province of Elam] Elam is Persia; [chapter VIII] [verse 2] from Elam the son of Sem, and brother to Asshur, and Arphaxad, Gen. X. 22. 1 Chron. I. 17. The Province of Elam is that part of Persia that bordered upon the Medes: whereupon Elamites and Medes are joined together, Isaiah XXI. 2. Jer. XXV. 25. They served under the Assyrian Monarchs Salmanesar and Sennacharib, and under the Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar against the people of God, Isaiah XXII. 6. And therefore are judgments denounced against them by the Prophets, Jer. XXV. 25. and chap. XLIX. 34, 38. And they became afterwards God's instruments to execute his vengeance upon the Babylonians, and to deliver his people from their bondage and captivity, Isaiah XXII. 6. and XLI. 2, 25. and XLIV. 28. and XLV. 1, &c. and XLVI. 11. and XLVIII. 14. See more in the Annotations on Isaiah XIII. 17.
Uphaz ] Where the finest gold seemeth in those times to have been, [chapter X] [verse 5] Jer. X. 9. This some suppose to be the same with Paz, or Phaz, Job XXVIII. 17. Psal. XXI. 3. Isaiah XIII. 12. and Mupaz, 1 Kings X. 18. 2 Chron. IX. 17. Some take it to be Phez in Africa.
Hosea.
H OSEA Prophesied in the days of four Kings of Judah; and seven Kings of Israel: from Uzziah of Judah, to Hezekiah; and from Jeroboam the second of Israel to Hoshea, when, after that the two Tribes and a half had been carried captive by Tiglath-Pilesar, King of Assyria, in the days of Pekah, 2 Kings XV. 29. 1 Chron. V. 26. All the rest of Israel, was captivated, and that Kingdom extirpated by Shalmanesar, in the days of King Hoshea, Hos. X. 7, 15. 2 Kings XVII. 6. and chap. XVIII. 10. But of him, and the rest of the small Prophets, see more at large in my Annotations upon them, in the large Annotations upon the whole Bible printed Anno 1651.
He was sent chiefly to Israel: And begins to Prophesy Destruction to them; even when they were in the height of their prosperity under Jeroboam the second.
Among other reasons of God's vengeance upon the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, [chapter I] [verse 4] this might be one, That his Commission against the house of Ahab, stretched not to slay King Ahaziah of Judah, and his brethren.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Most commonly taken illatively for Therefore; [chapter II] [verse 14] yet sometimes in a discretive notion; for Notwithstanding, Nevertheless, Yet; as here, and Isaiah VII. 14. and XXX. 18. and LI. 21. Ier. XVI. 14. and XXX. 16. Ezek. XXXIX. 25.
nor swear, [chapter IV] [verse 15] The Lord liveth ] Swearing, and this Form of swearing is lawful. It is a part of our duty, and God's worship to swear, when we are lawfully thereunto called and warranted, Isaiah XIX. 18. Psael. LXIII. 11. But not in our ordinary communication, Matth. V. 34, 37. Ia • es V. 12. Not upon vain and light causes; as Herod's oath was to the dancing damsel, Mark VI. 23. much less to be a bond to wickedness; as those, Acts XXIII. 12. to kill Paul. But in necessary and weighty causes▪ As for ratification of Covenants, and promises of importance: So did Abraham and Abimelech, Gen. XXI. 31. Isaac and Abimelech, Gen. XXVI. 31. Jacob and Laban, Gen. XXXI. 53. David and Jonathan, 1 Sam. XX. 17. And so God commands it, for removal of suspicions, of jealousy, Num. V. 21. of Theft, Exod. XXII. 11. 1 Kings VIII. 31. 2 Chron. VI. 22. And so many men in Scripture upon weighty causes did lawfully require an oath. So did Abraham of his servant, Gen. XXIV. 2. Jacob of Esau, Gen. XXV. 33. and of his son Joseph, Gen. XLVII. 31. Rahab of the Spies, Josh. II. 12. Sampson of the men of Judah, Judge. XV. 12. Saul, and the Egyptian of David, 1 Sam. XXIV. 21. and XXX. 15. Nebuchadnezzar of Zedekiah, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 13. And many in like cases did freely and voluntarily give their oaths: so Moses to Caleb, Josh. XIV. 9. David to Bathsheba, 1 Kings I. 13. Gedaliah to the Remnant of Judah, 2 Kings XXV. 24. King Zedekiuh to the Prophet Jeremiah, Jer. XXXVIII. 16. And so godly men, to bind themselves the more to God, and his service, and good duties have sworn to the Lord. So David to find out an house and place for God's habitation, Psal. CXXXII. 2. So the Priests, Levites, and all Israel, to reform the strange Marriages, Ezra X. 5. So King Asa, and all the people entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord, and they sware unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with Trumpets, and with Cornets, 2 Chron. XV. 12, 13, 14. Yea, God himself is mercifully pleased so far to condescend as to swear unto men, for the better assurance and confirmation of their faith in the truth of his promises, Heb. VI. 13—18. So he sware to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Gen. XXIV. 7. and XXVI. 3. Exod. VI. 8. Luke I. 73. So to David, Psal. LXXXIX. 49 And sometime in wrath, to ratify his Threatenings against sinners. So, Psal. XCV. 11. Heb. III. 11. In sacred accompt then is the Bond of an Oath. Though it be taken to men, yet it is called the Oath. of God, Eccles. VIII. 2. Ezek. XVII. 19. And why? Because therein men call God to be both a witness of the truth, and an avenger of the lie, and breach of promise. And so an Oath binds the soul with a Bond, Num. XXX. 2. It must therefore carefully be taken, in truth, in righteousness, without rashness, and in judgment, upon just grounds, in just causes, Jer. IV. 2. In truth, without equivocation, or mental reservation. And carefully kept: yea, though made to Heathens, or Heretics; without Popish dispensations, or relaxations. We must fear an Oath, Eccles. IX. 2. fear to break it. And therefore the godly man, though he sweareth to his own hurt, yet changeth not, Psal. XV. 4. Though the Gibeonites beguiled Joshua, and the Princes of Israel, yet, say they, we must let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the Oath which we sware unto them, Josh. IX. 15, 19, 20. And the breach of the matter of this Oath by Saul, so long after, we read punished sorely upon him in his sons, 2 Sam. XXI. 1,—6. And of God's fierce wrath against false Oaths, and Oath-breakers, we read more, Exod. XX. 7. Levite. XIX. 12. Jer. VII. 9. and XXIII. 10. Ezek. XVII. 15,—21. Hos. IV. 2, 3. and X. 4. Zech. V. 3, 4. and chap. VIII. 17. Mal. III. 5. It bore a part in Peters sin, for which he wept so bitterly, Matth. XXVI. 74, 75. Now the Form of this swearing here, Hos. IV. 15. is lawful; It is taken in the Lord's Name. God's Name is to be used in Oaths, Deut. VI. 13. and X. 20. Psal. LXIII. 11. Isaiah XLV. 23. and LXV. 16. Ier. XII. 16. So Jacob sware to Laban by the Fear of his father Isaac, Gen. XXXI. 42, 53. We must not swear by false gods, Josh. XXIII. 7. • er. V. 7. and ch. XII. 16. Not by Baal, by the sin and Idol of Samaria; the manner of Beersheba, by Malcham: Against such swearers God threateneth his judgments, Ier. V. 7. Amos VIII. 14. Zeph. I. 5. Nor must we swear by the Creatures, as if they were God; or we had power over them, as our own, to pawn them on the truth of what we say, Matth. V. 34, 35, 36. and chap. XXIII. 16,—22. James V. 12. See on Matth. XXIII. 16,—22. And again, though this manner of Speech, The Lord liveth, may be taken in a way of a strange asseveration only, thus, As surely as the Lord liveth. As likewise that, Gen. XLII. 15. 1 Sam. I. 26. and XXV. 26. Yet it goeth often in Scripture under the notion and name of an Oath, as, 1 Sam. XIX. 6. Ier. V. 2. and chap. XII. 16. And is here forbidden, because God would not have his Name once in the mouth of Idolaters, as not enduring to be joined with Idols, 2 Cor. VI. 15. Zeph. I. 5. Ezek. XX. 39. Of Oath, see more in page 10, 52, 74. and upon Ier. LI. 14. And of the Manner and Ceremonies in swearing, see Gen. XXIV. 2. and XLVII. 29. and XIV. 22. Exod. VI. 8. Exod. XX. 5, 15, 23. Dan. XII. 7. Apoc. X. 5, 6. And there are divers Rites and Gestures for it in divers Countries in all ages.
as the rain; [chapter VI] [verse 3] as the later and former ] Rain in due season is mentioned, Levite. XXVI. 4. Deut. XXVIII. 12. Ezek. XXXIV. 26. The First or former Rain, and the later Rain are mentioned, Deut. XI. 14. Jer. V. 24. so called in relation to their husbandry, and the order thereof. The former rain was in their Seeding time, in the eighth month, part of our October and November, requisite for the bringing up of their Seed, and thereupon is called the Seeds rain, Isaiah XXX. 23. And that month is called Bull, from the abundance of rain, and great showers then requisite and falling, as making a Deluge, Jer. III. 3. and this former rain is called Yoreh, or Moreh, from a word that signifieth to pour down. The later rain was in the first month, Joel II. 23. part of our March and April, for the filling of the corn then in the ear, and the fitting of it for harvest; whence this month is called Abib, Exod. XIII. 4. which signifieth the stalk with the ear of corn. Their harvest-time for corn being commonly within the compass of two months, half Abib or Nisan, all Jair or Zif, and half Sivan. And hereupon were those two Offerings, of corn in the sheaf, and of two loaves enjoined, at the Beginning and End of harvest, Levite. XXIII. 10,—21. Num. XXVIII. 26. Deut. XVI. 9, 10. See my Annotations on Zech. X. 1.
bread of mourners ] Banquets at Burials, [chapter IX] [verse 4] as well as Bridals: as of mirth, the one; so of consolation against mourning, the other. See Prov. XXXI. 6, 7. Jer. XVI. 7. Ezek. XXIV. 17. Matth. IX. 23.
Memphi • ; [verse 6] in the Original Moph; And thence with the Greeks and Latins Memphis. In Isaiah and Jermie, named Moph, Jer. XLIV. 1. and XLVI. 14, 19. Likely now that Grand Cairo, the Great City. See. Isaiah XIX. 13. Ezek. XXX. 13.
Chap. IX. 7. and Chap X. 3, 4. do show the miserable state and condition of things in those times.
Is true liberality of the Body of the Church of Israel in Egypt. [chapter XI] [verse 1] And true Mysticaly of the Head of the Church, of Christ. Whereupon the Apostle doth allude to this place, and allege it, Matth. II. 15.
Jacob wept, [chapter XII] [verse 4] in wrestling, and making Supplication to the Angel: though his weeping be not recorded by Moses.
The names for Lions in Hebrew are very many; [chapter XIII] [verse 8] and distinguished in Scripture according to their ages, and qualities. See the Annotations on Job. IV. 10 The like is true for the variety of the names of gold. See the Annotattons on Job XXVIII. 15,—19.
I did know thee ] Owne thee, as, Psal. I. ult. [verse 5] Exod. III. 7. Deut. XXXIV. 10. Psal. XXXI. 7. and XXXVII. 18. and CXLII. 4. Matth. VII. 23. Rom. VII. 15. As for that place, Acts XXIII▪ 5. Most likely it is that Paul did not know Ananias to be High Priest, he being so long absent from Jerusalem; and the High Priest being so often changed in those times.
Joel.
J OEL; Preacheth to Judah. And by the Matter and Argument of his Book, as well as by the Ranck wherein we find him placed, He seems to Prophesy when Hosea did, in the days of King Uzziah. Yet some assign to him a later time, upon those passages, chap. III. 1,—9.
He declareth a dreadful judgment of Famine, brought upon them by a Drought, and Vermin: Exhorts to true Mourning, Fasting, and Repenting; with Promises thereupon of abundant Blessings, Temporal, and Spiritual, upon themselves: and of God's dreadful judgments and revenge upon their enemies.
The Army, and Camp described, chap.