Westminster Annotations, Hebrews

Westminster Annotations · Hebrews

ANNOTATIONS ON THE EPISTLE OF PAVL THE Apostle to the HEBREWS.

THE ARGUMENT.

THe Apostle Paul observing, that the Hebrews (at least and considerable part of them) were ready to fall from the faith of Christ into their former Iudaisme, by reason of those cruell persecutions which they suffered, hence tooke occasion to write this Epistle unto them, wherein he laboureth to confirme them in the faith, which they had received, and to stirre them up to stand stedfast in it; and that by divers arguments: as, first, from the excellency of Christs nature, person, and offices; but chiefly of his Priestly office above that of of Aarons. Secondly, from the danger of Apostasie. Thirdly, from the excellency and great power of faith. Fourthly, from the gracious effects and fruits of affliction. And then concludes the Epistle with exhortations to divers Christian duties, both generall and particular.

CHAP. I.

GOD] That is, the Father; for when the name [God] is mentioned in the Scriptures, with relation unto the Sonne, thereby we are to understand God the Father.

at sundry times] Or, by, or, in sundry parts. The Originall word signifieth those severall parts or degrees wherewith the doctrine of the Gospel was revealed unto the Fathers; that it was not at once altogether revealed, but a little: now this, now that, as God in his wisdome saw most requisite.

divers] Thereby is meant those severall and different kindes or sorts of revelation, whereby the word God was revealed, as sometimes by Angels, sometimes by Angels, sometimes by visions in the day, sometimes by dreams in the night, &c. sometimes more plainly, sometimes more obscurely. Num. 12. 6.

in time past] That is, both before and under the Law.

by] O, in. Both prepositions, both in the Hebrew and in the Greek, are promiscuously taken one of the other; yet this latter seems to be more emphaticall in this place, intimating that God moved their hearts and tongues, Mat. 10. 20. 2 Cor. 13. 3. 1 Pet. 10, 11, 21. A king speaketh by, he doth not speak in his Ambassadour; God doth both.

V. 2. in those last dayes] Es. 2. 2. Mic. 4. 1. Acts 2. 17. 1 Pet. 1. 20. See the Notes on Gen. 49. 1.

spoken] That is, fully and plainly.

by] See vers. 1.

Sonne] Deut. 18. 15. compared with Acts 3. 22. and 7. 37. Mat. 17. 5. John 1. 18. That is, his naturall Sonne, coessentiall, or of the same essence with the Father, called therefore the onelyonly begotten, John 1. 14. & 3. 16. for others are called the sonnes of God by grace and adoption. John 1. 12. Rom. 8. 14. Gal. 4. 6.

appointed heir] That is, ordained Possessor, Lord, and Dispenser; which is not to be understood of that essentiall dominion, or Lordship, which he had common with the Father, and the holy Ghost, being God equall unto them; but of that oeconomicall, dispensed, or delegate dominion or Lordship, hwereunto he was foreordained before the foundations of the world, being appointed the Medatour of hte new Testament, and wherein he was actually constituted and placed, after that he had finished the work of mans redemption. Psal. 89. 27. Matth. 28. 28. Luke 24 26. John 5. 27. Acts 2. 36. Rom. 14. 9. Eph. 1. 20. Phil. 2. 9, 10, &c. Rev. 4. 11.

all things] Whether they belong to this life, or the life to come: so that whatsoever we want, we must seek in and through him. John 3. 35. & 13. 3.

by whom] Prov. 8. 27-30. Joh. 1. 3. 1 Cor. 8. 7. Col. 1. 16. Heb. 1. 10. I is not as by as instrument or inferiour cause, but by him, as by his eternall wisdome, and by way of a conjoyned, cooperating and equal cause; so that by this particle [by] is meant onelyonly and order of working; it is the Father by the Sonne; and not the inferioritie of causes.

made] That is, created, as John 1. 3. Col. 1. 16.

the worlds] That is, the worlds continuation through its severall ages, and all things visible and invisible, measured by time, or whatsoever hath any duration or succession. Chap. 11. 3. Neh. 9. 6.

v. 3. Who being, &c.] Wisd. 7. 26. John 1. 14. Phil. 2. 6. Col. 1. 15.

brightnesse] Or, sent forth light. The speech is metaphoricall, taken or borrowed from a lightsome bodie, and the beams or splendor which it sends forth: God the Father being herein compared unto the lightsome body, God the Sonne unto the beam of splendour sent forth; and so are the words following, wherein God the Father is compared unto a Seal, God the Son unto a impression resulting from the Seal. Now the Sonne of God may be called the sent forth light of his Fathers glory, and the imprinted form of his Essence or person; either in respect of his Deitie, and then thereby is signified, both the manner of his essentiall generation; viz. that it was eternall from his Father, as also his consubstantiality with the Father; that is, that he is of the same essence with him: or else in respect of his incarnation, or manifestation in the flesh, because in Christ manifested in the flesh the Glory and Majestie of God the Father shined forth, which otherwise was invisible, and could not be beholden.

expresse image] Or, imprinted forme. See the former note.

upholding] That is, continuing their natures, and governing of them. Num. 11. 14. Deu. 1. 9.

by the word] That is, by his powerfull word, or by his words of power, by his mighty command, and according to his own will and pleasure. Chap. 11. 3.

by himself] That is, the sacrifice of himself: whereby is implyed the superexcellency of Christs sacrifice above all others. See Ch. 9. v. 12, 14, 26.

purged] That is, taken away the guilt of our sinnes, by making satisfaction unto the justice of God for them. Chap. 9. 22, 23. Ephes. 5. 26. Tit. 2. 14. John. 1. 1, 7. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Revel. 1. 5.

sate down] Herein the Apostle alludeth to the custome of Kings, who place him at their right hand whom they put next in authoritie and power under them; so that hereby is denoted the supreme and high dignitie, power and dominion, which Christ obtained when he ascended into heaven. Chap. 12. 2. Mat. 26. 64. Rom. 8. 34. Col. 3. 1.

of the Majestie] That is, of God the Father. See Chap. 8. 1.

V. 4. Being] At this verse. S. Paul begins to confirme that which he had before spoken, touching the excellency of Christs person, by preferring him unto Angels, and consequently unto all other Creatures.

made] The Originall word doth not onelyonly signifie being made, but also simply being, John 1. 15. Acts 7. 38. and not only so, but being declared or acknowledged, Rom. 3. 4. James 1. 12.

inheritance] Christ hath a double inheritance; one as the naturall Sonne of God by eternall generation; another, as God and man, or as the Mediatour of the New Testament: both may be understood in this place. See verse. 2.

more excellent] Ephes. 1. 21. Phil. 2. 9. That is, more honourable and glorious Titles and Attributes, or greater Honour, Power, Dominion, Majestie and glory then the Angels.

V. 5. Thou art my Sonne] The place of the Psalmist, Psalm, 2. 7. in the literall sense, is to be understood of David, as the Type, who after many troubles, was at length settled in his Kingdome, which God had promised him; but in the mysticall sense it is understood of Christ the truth: Now Christ may be said to be the Sonne of God, and to be gotten of him in a three-fold respect. First, of his eternall generation; see v. 2. Secondly, of his incarnation, Luk. 1. 35. Thirdly, of his resurrection, whereby he was begotten unto an eternall Kingdome and Priesthood.

I will be] This place is of the like nature with former; in the literall sense it is meant of Solomo the Type, but in the mysticall, or Christ the truth. See 2 Sam. 7. 14. 2 Chron. 22. 10.

V. 6. And agian] Or, And when he bringeth his first begotten again; or,the second time. Whether we understand the place either of Christs coming, that is in the flesh; or else of his second, that is, to judgement, it proves the truth intended, viz. that Christ is more excellent then the Angels.

first-begotten] Rom. 8. 29. So called, to denote his excellency above his brethren in nature, office, glory, dominion, Exod. 4. 22. Psal. 89. 27. Jer. 31. as also in that love wherewith God the Father loveth him above all his brethren. Deut. 21. 16. Mic. 6. 7. Zech. 12. 10.

And let all] Psal. 97. 7.

V. 7. maketh] Psal. 104. 4.

spirits] That is, as the windes, See the Note following.

as a flame] Or, as the lightnings, By both which we are to understand …their readinesse to execute Gods will; for as the windes and lightnings suddenly passe from one end of earth to the other, so te Angels presently fulfill Gods will. Matth. 6. 10.

V. 8. Thy throne] Psal. 45. 6. Esa. 9. 7. The Psalm whence this is taken is allegoricall; see the notes thereon; expressing the spirituall marriage betweene Christ and his Church; and therefore here it is properly applyed.

V. 9. both anointed thee] Esa. 24. 1. & 61. 1.

V. 10. And thou] Psal. 102. 25. Esa. 34 4. Vers. 2.

V. 13. Sit] Reigne: as it is expounded, 1 Cor. 15. 25.

footstood] It is an allusion unto a custome in the Eastern parts, where they were wont to put their feet upon the necks of those whom they have conquered; So that hereby we are to understand that perfect victory which Christ had over all his enemies. Esa. 8. 8. Josh. 10. 24. 2 Sam. 22. 41.

V. 14. Are they, &c.] V. 7. 2 kings 2, 11. & 6. 17. Psal. 34. 7. & 91. 11, &c.

heirs of salvation] Tit. 3. 7. Jam. 2. 5. 1 Pet. 3. 7.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. THerefore] From the former doctrine touching Christs excellencie and dignitie above angels and all other creatures, Saint Paul infers this exhortation. The scope whereof is to stirre up the Hebrews to stand fast in that faith which they had received.

let them slip] Gr. run out as leaking vessels.

slip] Unto which is oppposed the hiding of the word in our hearts, Psal. 119. 11. Luk. 2. 51. Or lest we perish like water poured forth, which cannot be gathered up again, 2 Sam. 14. 14.

V. 2. word] That is, either the law given upon Mount Sinai, Deut. 33. 2. Act. 7. 53. Gal. 3. 19. Or else all those revelations which God made unto the Prophets by Angels.

stedfast] That is, was of such force of authoritie, that no man transgressed stubbornly and willingly, unpunished.

a just] Condigne punishment, Rom. 1. 27.

V. 3. great salvation] That, is the knowledge, Luk. 1. 77. or the word, Act. 13. 26. or the Gospel of so great salvation, Ephes. 1. 13. our eternall redemption and freedome from the bondage of Sinne, Satan, and Death; called great, in comparison of all temporall and corporall deliverances.

began] Not that Christ delivered the doctrine of salvation imperfectly, and left it to be fully delivered by the Apostles, but because he first preached it, and that fully and plainly, which before was but obscurely revealed. See Chap. 1. v. 1, 2.

unto us] That is, unto our times: or else Saint Paul here joynes himself with those Hebrews, who were called into the fellowship of the Gospel, tha t there by his exhortation might leave the deeper impression in those, unto whom he did write. See 1 Cor. 10. 8, 9. 1 Pet. 4. 3.

4. God also bearing] Mar. 16. 20. At this verse Saint Paul resumes the former comparison between Christ and the Angels.

gifts] Gr. distributions. See Rom. 12. 6. 1 Cor. 7. 17. & 12. 11. Ephes. 4. 8.

V. 5. the world to] The Apostle following the Translation of the Septuagint, Es. 9. 6. cals the Church under the Gospel, especially, after Christs resurrection and ascension, when he had entred upon his eternall kingdome, the world to come: first, in relation unto the Church before and under the Law: secondly, because of the restauration of all things by Christ begun already, 2 Cor. 5. 17. and shall be finished hereafter at the generall day of resurrection, which is called the time of the restitution of all things, Act. 3. 21. Ephes. 1. 10.

spake] Hereof he had spoke, Chap. 1. vers. 2, 3. 13.

V. 6. What is man] Psal. 8. 4. The words in the literall sense, are to be understood both of the misery and basenesse, as also of the prerogative and dignitie of man in generall, especially of the faithfull: but in the mysticall or Propheticall sense, they are to be understood of the humiliation and exaltation of the man Christ Jesus, in whom they are most exactly and exquisitely fulfilled.

V. 7. little lower] Or, a little while inferiour. The Originall both in the Hebrew and the Greek fignifieth, both a little deale, as Gen. 18. 4. & 24. 17. Josh. 6. 7. and a little while, as Gen. 30. 30. Exod. 17. 4. Lev. 25. 32. Luk. 22. 58. Act. 5. 34. and the place may be understood of both according to the two-fold sense observed in it: according to the literall or historicall sense, or as these words speake of the basenesse and dignitie of man, we may understand them of a little deale, but according to the Propheticall sense: as they speak of Christ, we may understand them of a little while and of a little deale.

V. 8. But now] All power was given unto Christ at his resurrection, Mat. 28. 18. Joh. 5. 27. but yet he doth not fully exercise this power: this is left to the judgement of the great day, when all his enemies shall be put under his feet. See Ch. 1. 13.

V. 9. But we see] That is, by his resurrection, ascension, and those gifts of the Spirit, which he powred down upon his Apostles and the whole Church after his ascension, Act. 2. 4. Ephes. 4. 8. See vers. 4.

for] That is, that he might suffer death, the Greek preposition sometimes implying the finall cause. See Rom. 4. 25. Or in that he did die, which the Angels do not.

grace of God] Joh. 3. 16. Tit. 2. 11.

taste] That is, die, Mat. 6. 28. Mark 9. 1. Luk. 9. 27. Or it may be understood of Christ dying without seeing corruption, Psal. 16. 10. Act. 2. 17. & 13. 35.

for every man] Rom. 5. 18. 1 Tim. 2. 6. 1 Joh. 2. 2.

V. 10. For it] Here Saint Paul proceeds to shew the reason, wherefore it became him, who was ordained to be the Prince and captain of our salvation, to be man, and in our humane nature to suffer death.

became] Whether the work of mans redemption could have been wrought without the humiliation of the Sonne of God, is not determinable by men; but that it was the most admirable way, which wisdome, justice and mercy could require, cannot be denied.

for whom] Rom. 11. 26. 2 Cor. 5. 15.

glory] So the eternall happinesse of the Saints is often styled. See Rom. 8. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 17. Ephes. 1. 18.

to make] That is, to consecrate unto his everlasting Kingdome and Priesthood. So the originall word is used by the Septuagint, Exod. 29. 10.

Captain of their] Act. 3. 15. & 5. 31.

V. 11. sanctifieth] By (sanctifie) here understand not onelyonly the renewing of our nature, but also our justification. See Chap. 9. 9. & 10. 10. Ephes. 5. 26. by both which the Prince of our salvation brings sonnes unto glory. Or Christs consecrating us unto his Father, Rev. 1. 6.

of one] That is, of one masse or lump, or of the same nature. It is conceived by some that this rule is taken from the manner of sanctifying under the Old Testament; under which the high Priest and those whom he sanctified, were of one and the same nature; and so the firstlings and first fruits, were of the same nature with the whole Flock and Crop, which was sanctified in them.

brethren] That is, to reckon himselfe amongst them as one of the same nature and condition; for in those texts afterwards alleadged, he doth not in expresse words call them brethren, but onelyonly imply it.

V. 12. Saying] Viz. Psal. 22. 22. Which though it be to be here understood of David as the type, yet is likewise to be understood of Christ as of the truth; it being a continued relation of the story of Christs sufferings, and is oftener alleadged to that purpose by the Evangelists, then any Chapter in the Old Testament.

V. 13. I will put] Psal. 18. 2. & 22. 30. It is the dutie of man subject to misery and affliction to put his trust in God, and therefore when Christ affirmes of himself (I wil put, &c.) thereby he implies his humane nature subject to misery and affliction.

Behold] Isaiah was a type of Christ: hence that which he affirmes of himself, is true of Christ.

children] Not onelyonly Isaiah himself was a type of Christ, but his children also were a figure of those whom Christ was to bring unto glory. See Isa. 8. 18.

V. 14. Forasmuch then, &c.] The Apostle having shewed before, that Christ was of the same nature with other men, comes at this verse to shew the reason why it was so requisite.

flesh and blood] Understand thereby mans humane nature subject to weaknesse, misery and death. So Mat. 16. 17. Gal. 1. 16. Ephes. 6. 12. See Chap. 5. 7.

took] That is, did assume into the unitie of his person, or humane nature, subject to the same common blamelesse infirmities.

that through death] 1 Cor. 15. 54, 55.

through] As it were by his own weapon.

him] That is, the power and kingdome of Satan, which stands in three things: First, in tempting man to sinne. Secondly; in holding him under the bondage of sinne. Thirdly, in accusing him to God for sinne. Hence Christ may be said by death to destroy the Devil, that is, the power of the Devil, because by the merit and vertue of his death he took away both the reigning and condemning power of sinne. Rom. 6. 3, &c. 1 Joh. 3. 8.

power of death] That is, through sinne whereunto he had seduced man, and under which he kept him still, 1 Cor. 15. 56.

devil] He speaks of one as of that Prince, not excluding the rest. So often in the Scriptures, as Joh. 8. 44. Ephes. 6. 11. Jam. 4. 7.

V. 15. of death] That is, joyned with the anger of God, as it is without Christ, who hath taken away its sling. See vers. 14.

bondage] And so could not take pleasure in any thing, seeing death was alwaies ready to surprize them.

V. 16. took] The originall signifieth to lay hold upon one that is flying away, or in danger. Answerable hereunto it may in this place signifie Christs redeeming not the Angels, but the seed of Abraham: that is, man, when he fled from him, Gen. 3. 8. Some understand it of Christs taking upon him our humane nature.

V. 17. in all things] Sinne excepted. See Chap. 4. 15. Hereby we are given to understand that Christ was perfect man, consisting of a humane body and a humane soule, subject to all the common infirmities and weaknesses of both; or all those infirmities, whether of body or soul, which imply neither pollution nor impotencie in his sufferings.

behoved] See Vers. 10.

a mercifull] Chap. 4. 15. & 5. 2. That is, pitifull, ready to have compassion and to help.

faithfull] In executing Gods will for mans redemption.

to make] That is, by the sacrifice of himself or merit of his passion. See Chap. 1. 3.

V. 18. tempted] Both in body and soul, yet without sinne: tempted of God in his agonie, Luk. 22. 44. of the devil, Mat. 4. 1. and by his instruments through his whole life.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. VVHerefore] At this verse the Apostle prosecutes the exhortation begunne, Chap. 2. vers. 1. and continues it to the end of the fourth Chapter.

heavenly] That is, effectuall calling, whereby they beleeved and obeyed the Gospel of Christ. Called heavenly: First, in respect of the Author, God, Phil. 3. 14. Secondly, in respect of those things whereunto they were called to be partakers of, which were heavenly, 1 Thess. 2. 12. 2 Thess. 2. 14. 2 Tim. 1. 9. 1 Pet. 2. 9. & 3. 9. & 5. 10. 2 Pet. 1. 3.

consider] That is, diligently, attentively: ponder with all your heart and mind his dignitie and excellencie, that so ye might adhere unto him and obey him.

Apostle] That is, whom God hath sent as his Ambassadour to make known his will unto you. See Chap. 1. 2.

high] Whom God hath ordained to make satisfaction for your sinnes. See Chap. 1. 3. and of whom the high Priest under the Law was a Type.

profession] Whom we beleeve with our hearts, and whom we confesse with our mouthes, Rom. 10. 10. Or of the doctrine which we beleeve and ought to confesse, Chap. 4. 14. & 10. 13. 2 Cor. 9. 13. 1 Tim. 6. 12, 13.

V. 2. faithfull] That is, in discharging that office, which God had appointed to him for mans redemption: So the originall word is often used, as Mat. 24. 45. & 25. 21. Acts 16. 15. 1 Cor. 4. 2. Ephes. 6. 21. Col. 1. 7. See Chap. 2. 17. 1 Pet. 1. 20.

appointed] Or, made. See 1 Sam. 12. 6. Act. 2. 36.

Moses] Num. 12. 7.

house] That is, the Church of God in his time, and wherein God did dwell.

V. 3. man was] 1 Cor. 15. 21. 1 Tim. 2. 5.

Moses] As before he preferred Christ to the Angels, so here unto Moses, shewing both wherein they agreed, and wherein they differed. They agreed in that both were faithfull in their office, v. 2. They differed; first, in that Christ was the builder of the Church, whereas Moses was but a part thereof, vers. 3. secondly, in that Moses governed the Church but as a servant or steward; but Christ as a Sonne, whom his Father had made heire of all things, vers. 5, 6.

V. 4. some man] Or, some one.

V. 5. testimonie] That is, to be a witnesse of those things which he should in the name of God report unto the people: Or we may understand the place of those ceremonies & Types of the Old Testament set forth by Moses, to be afterwards more plainly and fully declared by Christ and his Apostles.

V. 6. own] Christ hath a proprietie in his Church, and therefore he is ready to use all fidelitie, mercy, and power to govern and defend it.

house] Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith, Ephes. 3. 17. See 1 Cor. 3. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 5.

confidence] That is, the profession of our faith with boldnesse, Act. 4. 29. Rom. 10. 10. Ephes. 6. 19. 1 Thess. 2. 2.

rejoycing] That is, glorying in those things for which we hope. Col. 1. 5. 1 Thes. 5. 8. Tit. 1. 2. Or, our hope, which makes us to rejoyce, Rom. 5. 2.

unto the end] Mat. 10. 22. & 4. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 13. Rev. 3. 10.

V. 7. Wherefore] In as much as Gods wonders in Egypt and in the wildernesse, the conducting of his people into the land of Canaan, and their rebellious behaviour in it, were true types or shadowes of the like events in future times under the Gospel, therefore the Apostle upon good ground alleadgeth this of the Psalmist, not onelyonly as an exhortation appliable to his times, but also as a prophecie.

holy Ghost] By David, Psal. 95. 7. See 2 Sam. 23. 2. Act. 1. 16. 2 Pet. 1. 21.

to day] Psal. 95. 7. The place being understood as a prophecie: by to day, we are here to understand the time of the Gospel, called the accepted time and day of salvation, 2 Cor. 6. 2. Or, understand thereby the present time, whensoever salvation is offered.

if] Or, when▪ as Gen. 38. 9. Exod. 20. 25. & 22. 25. Lev. 2 14. Numb. 36. 4. Judg. 20 30. Mat. 5. 23.

V. 8. Harden] Contemne not his voyce, but beleeve it, cleave fast and be obedient unto it, Zech. 7. 11, 12. Act. 7. 51. where resisting is opposed unto it.

provocation] That is, day of provocation: whereby understand not onelyonly that speciall time mentioned Exod. 17. 2, &c. Num. 20. 1, &c. & Deut. 6. 16. but the whole space, wherein they tempted God in the wildernesse. See Psal. 78. 1, &c.

V. 9. When] Gr. Where.

tempted] When they tempted me by calling into question my presence, power and providence, Psal. 78. 20.

me] That is, Christ, 1 Cor. 10. 9.

proved] Out of unbelief, notwithstanding they had experience of my power and presence with them.

and saw] Or, notwithstanding they saw.

fourtie yeers] See Psal. 95. 9.

V. 10. grieved] That is, was grievously offended. I abhorred.

known] That is, not seriously considered the course of my providence, and the waies of my commandements.

V. 11. So I sware] Num. 14. 23.

they shall not enter] Gr. if they shall enter.

rest] That is, the land of Canaan, which was a type of the eternall rest of the faithfull in heaven, Chap. 4. 9.

V. 12. Take heed] Here the Apostle begins to comment upon, or expound, the former passage of the Psalmist.

unbelief] Whereby is implied, that infidelitie is the originall and fountain of all disobedience.

V. 13. exhort] Whereby understand reproofe, admonition, comfort and the like.

daily] Continually, upon all good occasions.

to day] While it is the accepted time or day of salvation, or while the Lord doth afford you opportunitie and means of grace, Psal. 32 6. Isa. 55. 6.

deceitfulnesse] Ephes. 4. 22.

V. 14. For we] This verse should be with a parenthesis.

of Christ] And all spirituall blessings in Christ.

if we hold] Col. 1. 23.

beginning] Or, that faith which we had in the beginning.

of our confidence] The Originall word signifieth a foundation or prop which upholds the building: hence faith is denoted thereby, because it is the foundation of all spirituall graces, and prop which upholds Christians in this vale of tears, Jud. 20. Or by it we may understand [expectation] it being by faith that we certainly expect things hoped for. Chap. 11. 1. Psal. 39. 7.

unto the end] See V. 6.

V. 15. This verse cohe…eth with the 13.

whiles] Or, even as it is said.

carkasses] Numb. 14. 29. Jud. 5.

V. 18. sware] Numb. 14. 30. Deut. 1. 35.

V. 19. So we see] Psal. 106. 24, 25, 26, 27.

unbelief] That is, because they did not trust upon Gods promises, but murmured against him in the wildernesse.

CHAP. IIII.

Vers. 1. THerefore fear] Phil. 2. 12.

any of you] Chap. 12. 15.

seem] That is, should come short. So Luk. 8. 18. compared with Luke 19. & 26. & 25. 29. 1 Cor. 11. 16.

come short] As those who run in a race, and yet come not to the goal, and so receve not the price, 1 Cor. 9. 24. Or come late, as the foolish virgins, Matth. 23. 10.

V. 2. the word preached] Gr. the word of hearing. Rom. 10. 17.

not being mixed with fai… ] Or, because they were not united by faith to. That is, not being joyned or accompanied with, or received by faith. It is thought that herein the Apostle alludes unto a potion not well mingled, which rather hurts then doth any good.

V. 3. rest] That is, that spirituall rest, whereof David speaks, Psal. 95. 11. which is begun in this life in the joy of the Holy Ghost, and in the peace of a good conscience, and shall be perfected hereafter in the joyes of heaven.

said] Not in expresse terms, but by necessary consequence; for where God swears, that unbeleevers shall not enter into his rest, there he doth implicitely promise, that beleevers shall ent…r thereunto.

As I have sworn] Psa. 95. 11.

although] At this clause the Apostle begins to sh…w, what that rest was whereof the Psalmist spake, Psal 95. and of which he had exhorted them not to come short, vers. 1. viz. not the rest of the seventh day, spoken of Gen. 2. 2. which he sheweth to verse 7. neither that rest whereunto Joshua brought the children of Israel, that is, their rest in the land of Canaan, this from the seventh verse to the tenth; but of another rest, whereof the former were but types and shadows, which the Psalmist chiefly intends.

V. 4. And God did rest] Gen. 2. 2. Exod. 20. 11.

works] That is, of creation, not of continuall preservation; or, making of the world then.

V. 6. Seeing] Because the Psalmist speaks of a rest, which was to be long after that rest in Canaan; hence the Apostle inferreth in this and the two following verses, that the Psalmist intends another rest then that corporall and civill rest.

it was first preached] Or, the gospell was first preached.

V. 8. Jesus] That is, Joshua.

V. 9. There] Seeing that the Psalmist cannot be understood onelyonly of the two former rests, hence the Apostle concludeth, that there remaineth another kinde of rest; now what that rest is he sheweth in the verse following.

rest to the people of God] Or, keeping of a sabbath.

V. 10. own works] From those afflictions and sorrows, which he suffers in this life, Revel. 14. 13. & 21. 4. Thereby the Apostle intends the happinesse of the Saints in heaven, where all tears shall be wiped from their eyes, Esa. 25. 8. Revel. 7. 17. and whereof we receive the first fruits and pledge, even in this life. See vers. 3.

V. 11. labour] That is, diligently, or with all our might; or let us study and use our best endeavour. Luk. 13. 24.

unbelief] Or, disobedience.

V. 12. Word of God] Some understand it of the Word written or spoken, and of the great power thereof; whereof S. Paul speaks, 1 Cor. 14. 24. But with more probability, if observe both the antecedents and consequents of the place, we may understand it of Christ, who is called the Word, John 1. 1. Revel. 19. 13. because he was to reveal the counsell and will of God his Father unto his people.

quick] living. Whereby he is opposed to the Idols of the Heathen, who had eyes and saw not, and ears and heard not, &c. but Christ the Word of God is living, beholding all the thoughts and actions of men, that so he might give to every man according to his deeds.

powerfull] He is not onelyonly omniscient, but also full of power to execute his wrath upon those that are disobedient.

sharper] By this similitude is likewise expressed the Omniscience of Christ, unto whom nothing is secret, no not the thoughts and intentions of our hearts: A two-edged sword easily enters, it makes way for it selfe.

V. 13. opened] As it were anatomized and cleft asunder.

with whom] That is, say some, unto whom we must give an account, Rom. 2. 16. & 14. 10. but it ought rather to be translated; of whom is our speech; or, of whom we speake: So the Greek proposition is often used. See Chap. 1. 7. Luk. 20. 19. Rom. 10. 21.

V. 14. great high] Chap. 3. 1. Who both knowes the deepest and most secret thoughts and intentions of our hearts, and is likewise able to punish us for them.

passed into the heavens] Chap. 7. 26. 12. 24. Whereby Christ is preferred unto the Leviticall High Priests, who entred onelyonly into the Holy of Holiest.

hold fast] Chap. 10 23. That is, stedfastly without wavering cleave and adhere to the doctrine of Christ, which we professe, and not suffer our selves to be drawn from it by any temptations or persecutions, chap. 10. 23.

V. 15. For we have not] Chap. 2. 17, 18.

infirmities] Both of body and soule; he meanes not onelyonly the miseries of this life, but likewise all those afflictions whereby we are usually tempted unto sin, and tryed.

tempted] See Chap. 2. 17. Luk. 22. 28.

without sinne] 1 Pet. 2. 22.

V. 16. therefore] Knowing that we have such a high Priest, who is both able and willing … succour us when wee are tempted.

come] By faithfull and fervent prayer.

boldly] Or, freely. Chap. 10. 19. Eph. 2. 28.

throne] That is, God reconciled unto us in Christ, typified by Gods sitting between the Cherubims upon the Mercy-Seat, Exod. 25. 22.

to help in time of need] Gr. for seasonable help.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 1. FOr] At this chapter the Apostle makes a farther declaration of Christs Priesthood, comparing it unto, and preserring it above the legall Priesthood.

from] And so was Christ. See Chap. 2. 11, 14, 16.

ordained] Chap. 8. 3.

for men] That is, for their good, viz. that they might teach them, pray for and blesse them, and in their behalf offer gifts and sacrifices. See Chap. 2. 17.

for sinnes] To make satisfaction for sinnes: not that the Leviticall sacrifices did of themselves take away sinne, but here that is attributed to those sacrifices as types and shadowes, which properly and onelyonly agrees unto that our sacrifice of Christ, who was the truth and body of those sacrifices.

V. 2. can] Or, can reasonably beare with. Who being a man subject to infirmitie like unto them, is qualified with meeknesse, gentlenesse and meet moderation to have compassion. See Gal 6. 1.

with infirmity] Chap. 7. 28. That is, not only afflictions and temptations, as Chap. 4. 15. but also sin it self, as appears by the verse following.

V. 3. And] Or, for which also.

for himselfe] Chap. 7. 27. Wherein appeares the excellencie of Christs sacrifice above that of Aarons, because he needed not offer for himselfe being without sinne, Chap. 7. 27.

V. 4. And no man] 2 Chron. 26. 18.

taketh] That is, ought to take. Verbs active in the phrase of the Scripture somtimes import not the act it selfe, but duty or office, as Gen. 20. 9. Lev. 4. 2. & 13. Psal. 32. 8.

as was Aaron] Exod. 28. 1. 1 Chron. 23. 13.

V. 5. Christ] Joh. 8. 54.

he] That is, called him to this honour, who said, Thou, &c.

Thou] Psal. 2. 7. Chap. 1. 5.

V. 6. Thou] Psal. 110. 4. Chap. 7. 17.

for ever] The Priesthood of Christ is unchangeable, Chap. 7. 24. and therefore more excellent then that of Aaron; and herein stands our comfort, that when we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father Christ Jesus our great high Priest making intercession for us, 1 Jo. 2. 1.

order] Chap. 7. 14.

V. 7. in the dayes of his flesh] That is, of his humiliation, while he was subject to our common, humane, yet blamelesse infirmities. The word flesh often imports weaknesse in the Scripture. See Chap. 2. 14. Psal. 78. 39. Es. 31. 3.

strong] He meaneth that most earnest prayer which Christ uttered in the Garden, when he swet drops of bloud, Mat. 26. 36. Mark 14. 33. Luk. 22. 39.

unto him] Mark 14. 36.

was heard] Psal. 34. 4. That is, delivered, as Psal. 22. 21.

in that hee feared] Or, for his piety, or, from his pious feare. From that which he so piously and mightily feared, viz. that cup of anguish, those unknown pains which he suffered in his agony, when the whole power of darknesse set upon him, from this he was delivered, Luk. 22. 43. Joh. 12. 27. Or, in respect of his pious feare, Es. 11. 2.

V. 8. learned] That is, by experience.

obedience] That is, passive, patiently to submit his will unto his Fathers.

V. 9. perfect] Or, consecrated. See Chap. 2. 10.

obey him] Es. 55. 3.

V. 10. Called] That is, appointed or publikely declared, viz. at or by his resurrection.

V. 11. Of whom] The Apostle from this verse to the 13. of the next Chapter makes a digression, wherein he gives them a sharp, though a moderate reproofe, for their negligence in labouring for knowledge, that so he might make them the more attentive to that which he should speak afterwards.

to be uttered] Or, to be expounded.

V. 12. time] Considering how long ye have enjoyed the meanes of knowledge.

ye have need that one teach you again] Or, ye need to be taught again your selves.

principles] It is an allusion unto children, who are first taught their letters before they can be taught to spell or to read perfectly; herein their great negligence is taxed, in as much as yet they were to learn their Catechisme, the A. B. C. as it were of the doctrine of Christ.

milk] 1 Cor. 3. 2. What the Apostle called the first principles, here he calleth milk, alluding again unto children, who are fed with milk, food easie of digestion, and not with strong meat.

strong] That is, a more full and ample institution in the mysteries of the Gospel, which is called the speaking of the wisdome of God in a mysterie, 1 Cor. 2. 7. See Ephes. 3. 4. & 6. 16. Col. 2. 2.

V. 13. is unskilfull] Gr. hath no experience.

righteousnesse] Which teacheth the righteousnesse both of justification and sanctification, or a righteous word, Psal. 19. 7. & Prov. 8. 6, &c.

babe] 1 Cor. 14. 20. Ephes. 4. 14.

V. 14. of full age] Or perfect. Not absolutely, but in comparison of those whom he compares to babes, v. 13.

of use] Or, of an habit, or perfection. Or, habit attained by hearing, reading and meditating on the word.

senses] Their faculties of understanding and judgement: for words of sense often import faculties of the understanding part, and that both in generall, as Luk. 9. 45. compared with Luk. 18. 34. Phil. 1. 9. as also in particular, as Gen. 42. 1. & 2. 31. & 11. 7. Psal. 34. 8. 1 Pet. 2. 3.

to discern] 1 Cor. 2. 13, 15. For the choosing the good and refusing that which is evill.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. THerefore leaving] Not that we are to neglect the first principles of religion, but to labour for a greater measure of knowledge. 2 Pet. 3. 18.

the principles of the doctrine of Christ] Or, the word of the beginning of Christ. The first principles of Christian religion are here compared unto the foundation of a building, on which the more perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Gospel were to be built.

let us go on] Let us be carried on, or, led forward. See Chap. 2. 3.

unto perfection] Col. 3. 16.

of] These (as it is thought) were the six principles of the Apostles Catechisme.

dead works] Chap. 9. 14. That is, sinne; so called, first, because they make a man lyable unto death, Rom. 6. 16, 21, 23. & Chap 7, 5. Jam. 1. 15. Secondly, because they proceed from man, by nature spiritually dead. Eph. 2. 1.

V. 2. baptismes] Or, baptizings. The plurall number for the singular; as sacrifices for sacrifice, Chap. 8. 22, 23. some give this reason for it, viz. because in those times many baptismes were administred at once, there being set dayes appointed for it.

laying] Which is usually called confirmation, which stood, first, in examining those who had been baptized, what progresse they had made in the doctrine of Christianitie. Secondly, in praying for them, that God would continue them in the faith, and give them more grace, strengthening them by his Holy Spirit. Now when the chiefe Pastor or Pastors of the Church prayed for them, they laid their hands upon them; whence the Apostolicall constitution was called the laying on of hands. Or, understand thereby a ceremony used in the ordination of Ministers.

V. 3. if God permit] 1 Cor. 4. 19. Jam. 4. 15.

V. 4. For it is impossible] Chap. 10. 26. The Apostle observing that the Hebrews were ready to revolt from the Christian faith, into Judaisme, and by little and little to fall into the impardonable sinne which here he describes, labours to keep them from both: First, by manifesting the danger of such a relapse, vers. 4-9. Secondly, by assuring them of a happy successe if they did continue in that faith and course of life which they had begun, vers. 9-13.

impossible] In respect of Gods wisdome and justice, giving them up unto an impenitent heart.

those] Here is a description of the qualitie of those persons unto whom the sin against the Holy Ghost is chiefly incident, or most peculiar.

enlightned] With the knowledge of the truth. See Chap. 10. 26.

heavenly gift] Some understand hereby some peace and tranquillity of conscience arising out of a hope that their sinnes were p…rdoned: others understand it of faith, which is the gift of God, Ephes. 2. 8. some understand it of Christ. Joh. 4. 10. and 6. 32.

holy Ghost] That is, of the gifts of the holy Ghost, mentioned Chap. 2. 4.

V. 5. tasted] Have found sweetnesse in the Word of God, as Herod, Mark 6. 20. and those who are compared to stony ground, Mark 4. 16.

powers] The joyes of heaven; as Balaam, Num. 23. 10.

V. 6. If] Or, After.

fall away] That is, by an universall Apostasie into Judaisme or Paganisme, maliciously and despightfully contemning, persecuting or opposing the faith of Christ, of whose truth they are convinced in their consciences by the Holy Ghost.

crucifie] So much as in them lyeth; and if Christ were upon the earth again, they would be as malicious enemies unto him, as ever any were.

V. 7 For the earth, &c.] He illustrateth the former commination by a similitude taken from the earth; as the earth painfully tilled, and plentifully watered with rain from heaven, is good for nothing but to be burnt, if in stead of good fruit it bring th forth thorns and thistles: so these who have been plentifully watered with many sweet showers of the Word of God, and inriched with divers excellent graces, are good for nothing but to burn in hell fire for evermore. See Esa. 55. 10, 11.

V. 7. by whom] Or, for whom.

V. 9. But beloved] To moderate and sweeten his former harshn…sse, here he shews his good opinion which he had of the Hebrews, and to comfort them, by giving them assurance of Gods mercy in r…warding them, if they continued stedfast in their profession. See Chap. 10. 39.

V. 10. unrighteous] That is, unfaithfull or inconstant, so as to forget his promises of rewarding. See 2 Thes. 1. 6. 1 John 1. 9

labour] 1 Thes. 1. 3. Because they manifested their love with much danger, and through many discouragements.

toward] For his names sake; or out of love and obedience unto God, and not for carnall respects.

V. 11. full assurance] That is, that your faith and hope may be without anxietie and doubting.

unto the end] Chap. 3. 6. 14.

V. 12. slothfull] That is, negligent and carelesse to grow in faith, and to bring forth the fruits thereof. See Chap. 5. 11, 12. The contrary whereunto was Saint Pauls pressing hard towards the price of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3. 13, 14.

patience] Chap. 10 36. Jam. 5. 7.

V. 13. For when] The Apostle proveth by the example of Abraham the father of the faithfull, what he had testified of all their faithfull forefathers in the precedent verse; and he maketh choice to instance in Abraham, because the substance of that promise made unto him, was made also to all his children according to promise; that is, to all the faithfull. Rom. 9. 8.

he sware] Gen. 22. 16, 17.

V. 14. blessing] See Gen. 22. 17.

V. 15. promise] That is, the thing promised, viz. the abundant multiplication of his seed, the possession of the land of Canaan, and his eternall happinesse in heaven; which though he obtained not while he was alive, yet is said to have obtained, because in the appointed time they were performed unto him, though dead. See Chap. 11. 39.

V. 16. For men] From the use of an oath amongst men, the Apostle infers the reason why God sometimes confirms his promises by an an oath, viz. to declare the immutabilitie of the thing promised.

V. 17. more abundantly] The thing promised by a bare promise, may be reversed in respect of some change in the person, to whom the promise is made, without any change in God; but a thing promised by oath shall be immutable: so that an oath added unto a promise, implies the immutabilitie of the thing promised. See. 1 Sam. 2. 30.

confirmed it by an oath] Gr. interposed himself by an Oath.

V. 18. immutable] That is, his promise and oath.

V. 19. Which hope] Rom. 8. 25.

anchor] Whereby the soul in time of trouble, layes hold upon Christ the rock of our salvation.

vail] That is, heaven, whereof the holy of holyest was a type or shadow. Chap. 9. 24.

V. 20. forerunner] That is, Christ, so called, because he is ascended into heaven, to prepare mansions for us. John 14. 2, 3.

made] Here the Apostle resumeth the matter which he had left off, Chap. 5. 11. viz. to shew that Christ was a Priest after the Order of Melchisedec, and therein the excellency both of his person and priesthood.

CHAP. VII.

Ver. 1. FOr this Melchisedec] Gen. 14. 18, &c. The Apostle having before, Chap. 5. 6. & 10. & Chap. 6. 20. affirmed, that Christ was a Priest after the order of Melchisedec, here gives an historicall description of him, that so it might the better apear wherein he was a type of Christ, and by consequence wherein the Priesthood of Christ was better then that of Aarons.

king] Herein Melchisedec was a type of Christ, because he was both a King and Priest.

Salem] See the Notes on Gen. 24. 18, &c.

most high God] Psal. 78. 56. Dan. 3. 26. & 5. 18. That is, in essence and glory above all creatures; so God is often called, in opposition to the false gods of the Heathen.

blessed him] Numb 6. 23. 1 Chron. 23. 13. Not onelyonly by way of request, but with a solemne and Priestly blessing: and herein he was a type of Christ, in whom it was promised, that all the nations of the earth should be blessed, Gen. 22. 18. and who now sitting at the right hand of God, blesseth us with the blessings of this life, and the life to come.

V. 2. tenth part] As a signe of homage and thankfulnesse unto God for his victory.

righteousnesse] Herein likewise a type of Christ, the Scepter of whose kingdome is a Scepter of righteousnesse, Chap. 1. 8. and who is the Author of righteousnesse unto us. 1 Cor. 1. 31. and 2 Cor. 10. 17.

peace] Herein a type of Christ, who hath reconciled us unto God. Rom. 5. 1.

V. 3. Without] So described, because neither his father, mother, descent, birth or death are registred; in whose omission he was made a type both of the eternity of Christs person, and of his Priesthood: not that our Saviour Christ was without Father, &c. for these we finde recorded; but because that which was chiefly intended by the description of Milchisedec, doth most absolutely and perfectly agree unto Christ, and that was the eternitie of his person, and of his Priesthood.

without descent] Gr. without pedegree.

made] Or, transformed and turned out of his proper shape and likenesse, that he might be like unto the Sonne of God.

V. 4. unto whom] By two circumstances the Apostles gathers the preheminence of Melchisedec above Abraham: first, because Abraham paid tythes unto him, vers. 4, 5. Secondly, because Melchisedec blessed Abraham, vers. 6. 7.

Patriarch] That is, chief of Fathers. Numb. 18. 19. Deut. 18. 1. Josh. 14. 4.

spoils] Or, of the best things: not that Abraham made choice of the best things, and of them gave the tenth part onelyonly; for it is said vers. 2. that he gave a tenth of all; but that he made choice of the best things to pay the tenth part of the whole, as it was afterward ordained. Numb. 18. 12.

V. 5. they that] Numb. 18. 21, and 26.

to take tythes] Or, to tythe.

V. 6. descent] Or, pedegree.

blessed] See vers. 1.

promises] Gal. 3. 16.

V. 8. liveth] Because his death is not recorded.

V. 11. If therefore] In as much as God promised to raise up a Priest after another order then that of Aaron, and whose Priesthood should excell that of Aaron, hence is inferred the imperfection and abrogation both of the Legall Priesthood, and of that Covenant which was established or ratified upon it.

perfection] That is, if the Leviticall Priesthood could have justified, sanctified, and so consequently brought unto salvation.

for] This clause is inserted to shew the mutuall relation between the Leviticall Priesthood and the old Covenant.

under it the people received the Law] Or, upon it the Law was ratified unto the people.

Law] Old Covenant.

V. 12. changed] Or, translated.

change] Or, translation.

Law] That is, of the old Covenant, which was established or ratified upon it. Vers. 11.

V. 14. Juda] Revel. 5. 5.

V. 16. Who is made] That is, consecrated unto his Priesthood.

after the law] That is, not as those Legall Priests were by outward purification and sanctification, consisting in outward anointings, washings, offerings, and the like; which served onelyonly for the sanctifying of the person from Legall pollutions. See Chap. 9. 13.

power] That is, of God, or the anointing of the Holy Ghost, which was to continue upon him, and to qualifie and enable him to be an everlasting Priest, who should alwayes live to make intercession for us, and to communicate unto us the merit and power of his sacrifice, which he once offered for us unto everlasting life. Rom. 6. 9. Rev. 1. 18.

V. 17. Thou art] Psal. 110. 4.

V. 18. commandment] That is, of the Covenant.

weaknesse] Gal. 4. 9. viz. to justifie, sanctifie, and bring unto salvation by reason of the flesh. Rom. 8. 3. that is, of us men who are not able to fulfill the Law by reason of that corruption, which dwels in our flesh. Acts 15. 10. Gal. 3. 21.

V. 19. law] That is, old Covenant; as vers. 11. 12.

perfect] See vers. 18.

but the bringing in] Or, but it was the bringing in.

bringing] The Greek word signifieth the superinduction, or the bringing in of one thing after another.

better hope] That is, the new Covenant, called a better hope, because it being a Covenant of grace and mercy, worketh in us sure hope and confidence.

did] Or doth make perfect through Christ (upon whose Priesthood it is established) that which was impossible unto the law. See vers. 18.

draw nigh] Ephes. 2. 18. & 3. 12.

V. 20. And in as] From the manner of Christs installment unto his everlasting Priesthood, the Apostle proves again his Priesthood to be better then that of Aaron; because this was without, that with an Oath. Vers. 21.

V. 21. without an Oath] Or, without swearing of an Oath.

The Lord sware] Psal. 110. 4.

V. 22. better testament] Chap. 8. 6.

V. 23. And they] The same he proves again from the mor…alitie of the Legall Priests, and the immortalitie of Christ, whenc… he concludes, that he hath an unchangeable Priesthood. Vers. 24.

V. 24. unchangeable Priesthood] Or, which passeth not from another.

V. 25. to the uttermost] Or, evermore. That is, fully, perfectly, or to the end; so that no part of our salvation must be sought, either in our selves, or in any other. The Originall word signifieth all manner of perfection.

come] That is, by a true and lively faith.

intercession] Rom. 8. 34. 1 John. 2. 1.

V. 26. For such] Here is another prerogative of Christ, and so consequently of his Priesthood; they sinners, but he holy.

higher] Chap. 4. 14.

V. 27. those high Priests] Levit. 9. 7. & 16. 6. Hebr. 5. 3.

once] Chap. 10. 10. That is, once for all; fully, perfectly. See 1 Pet. 3. 18.

V. 28 infirmitie] Chap. 5. 2.

word of the oath] That is, the prophesie or promise of God by the Psalmist confirmed by an oath. Psal. 110.

consecrated] Gr. perfected. Chap. 2. 10. & 5. 9.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 1. RIght hand] Chap. 1. 3.

V. 2. of the sanctuarie] Or, of holy things. Not of the corporall, but of that which was shadowed by it: what that is, is expressed in the words following

V. 2. and] That is, which is: Or, that is of the true tabercacle.

true tabernacle] Chap. 9. 11. That is, of his own body or humane nature, whereof the corporall tabernacle was a type: hence Saint John saith, that the word tabernacled with us. Joh. 1. 14. speaking of his being in our flesh. See Joh. 2. 19. Col. 2. 9.

the Lord pitched] It being conceived of the holy Ghost, and was not erected by the hand of man; or not conceived by the concurrence of the man. See Chap. 9. 11.

V. 3. For every] Here is a reason given of that which was said in the former verse, taken from the analogie between the shadow and the substance, or type and truth: The Legall Priests had something to offer; so Christ was to have something, and that was his own body.

gifts and sacrifices] Chap. 5. 1. & 9. 9.

V. 4. For if] In this and the next verse there are reasons given why Christ could not be a Priest upon earth. First, because the earthly Priests were ordained by the Law to offer onelyonly earthly and carnall sacrifices; but there were no such sacrifices required of the Priest according to the order of Melchisedec, Psal. 40. 6. Vers. 4. Secondly, the Legall Priesthood and the sacrifices administred by it, were shadows of heavenly things, viz. of the Priesthood of Christ and his sacrifice: whence it evidently followes, that his Priesthood was to be a heavenly Priesthood, and his sacrifice to be a heavenly sacrifice, vers. 5.

there are priests] Or, they are priests.

V. 5. Who serve] The whole earthly Tabernacle, with the Priesthood, Sacrifices and Ceremonies, appertaining to it, were types and shadowes of Christ, and of heavenly things to be obtained through him.

shadow] Chap. 10. 1. Col. 2. 17.

For see] Exod. 25. 40. Act. 7. 44.

pattern] That is, copy, example, according to which a thing is done or built.

V. 6. ministerie] That is, Priesthood.

by how] Because the Priesthood must be answerable unto the Covenant.

mediatour] Chap. 7. 22. & 9. 15. & 12. 24. 1 Tim. 2. 5.

a better covenant] Or, testament. Chap. 7. 22. So called from the manner of the confirmation thereof, viz. by the death of Christ.

better promises] First, because they depend upon faith, Rom. 4. 13. 16. Gal. 3. 16, 17. Secondly, because God had promised to powre out a greater measure of his Spirit under the new then he did under the old Covenant, Esa. 44. 3. Joh. 2. 28. Act. 2. 16. Gal. 3. 2.

V. 7. faultlesse] That is, without imperfection. See Chap. 7. 18.

V. 8. Behold] Jer. 31. 31, 32, 33, 34. Though the Apostle doth not keep himself to the words of the Prophet: yet he retains his matter. See the Notes on Jer. 31. 31,—35.

V. 10. put my laws] Gr. give.

in their hearts] Or, upon.

V. 13. old] That i…, disanulled, or abrogated; not actually, but by way of prediction, viz. when the new Covenant should be established.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 1. COvenant] Not Tabernacle, though divers Greek Copies have it so: for it is not probable that the Apostle should say, that the Tabernacle had a Tabernacle.

ordinances] Or, ceremonies.

worldly] That is, earthly and corporall, it being here opposed to the heavenly and spirituall Tabernacle.

V. 2. For] What the Apostle called the worldly or earthly Tabernacle or Sanctuary; here he further describeth, with the principall furniture thereof; dividing it into two parts, making as it were two Tabernacles of one: Whereof the first was a type of Christs humane nature, Chap. 8. 2. The second of heaven, vers. 12.

the first Exod. 40. 4. He describes not the court of the people, because it did not make to his purpose; neither doth he describe the Temple made by Solomon, but the Tabernacle made by Moses.

the sanctuarie] Or, holy.

V. 3. second] Called so, to distinguish it from the vaile through which they entered into the first Tabernacle. See Exodus 26. 31, 36.

V. 4. golden censer] It is probable that hereby is meant, either that particular censer, which the High Priest carried into the Holy of Holiest, once in the yeer, Lev. 16. 12. Or else the golden Altar of inc…nse, described Exod. 30. 1, &c. which though it was not within the Holy of Holiest, yet the holy of Holiest may be said to have it, because it was made for the service thereof; being placed before the vaile of the Holy of Holiest; that so the incense burnt thereon might cloud the Holy of Holiest. Hence it is said to be before the Ark of the Testimonie, Exod. 40. 5. The Originall word signifieth any Utensill, wherein, or whereon incense might be burnt, and it may be called golden, because it was over-laid with gold. See Exod. 4. 5. and Lev. 4. 11.

wherein] Both the Greek preposition and the Hebrew answerable unto it, signifie not onelyonly in or within, but also by, neer unto, or before. See Josh. 5. 13. Judg. 18. 12. Jer. 13. 5. Luk. 9. 31. Hence not only the Tables of the Covenant, but likewise the golden Pot which had the Manna, and Aarons Rod that budded, are said here to be in the Ark, notwithstanding the Tables of the Covenant were onelyonly within it, 1 King. 8. 9. 2 Chron. 5. 10. because we have no an werable preposition in the English, to signifie the latitude and extent of the Originall. Some referre (wherein) to Tabernacle, vers. 3. and it is true that sometimes the relative hath relation unto the more remote antecedent. See Joh. 8. 44.

the golden pot] Exod. 16. 34.

Aarons rod] Num. 17. 10.

the tables of the covenant] Deut. 10. 5. 1 King. 8. 9. 2 Chron. 5. 10.

V. 5. over it the] Exod. 25. 22.

V. 7. once every yeer] Exod. 30. 10. Levit. 16. 2.

errours] That is, all sorts of sinnes, because all sorts of sinnes arise from some errour in judgement, Chap. 5. 3. & 7. 27. Luk. 16. 16.

V. 8. a way] That is, the sacrifice was not yet offered, by vertue whereof the faithfull had free accesse unto God into heaven: not that the faithfull were not in heaven before Christs ascension; but to shew by whom, or by vertue of whose blood they entered, Chap. 10. 19, 20.

V. 9. Which] Or, which parable was for. That is, which similitude or type of the High Priest, of the Tabernacle, and of the furniture and service thereof.

for the] That is, of the nonage or minoritie of the Church.

in which] Or, according to which. That is, according to which time of the nonage or minoritie of the Church God fitted his publike worship. For the people of the Jews being a grosse people and much addicted to idolatrie, it seemed good unto the wisdome of God, to exercise them with a more grosse and bodily worship, that so he might keep them from it. See, Gal. 4. 1, 2, 3.

gifts and sacrifices] Chap. 5. 1. & 8. 3. That is, by gifts and sacrifices we are to understand the whole service of the Tabernacle, whereof the Apostle makes mention of some particulars in the verses following: thus incense is called an ostering, Num. 16. v. 15. compared with vers. 17. and the Ephah of fine flowre, used at the consecration of Aaron and his sons, a meat-offering, Lev. 6. 20.

that could not] That is they could not in themselves separated from their spirituall significations, either satisfie the conscience that sinne was pardoned, and reconciliation obtained with God; because the conscience could not have found satisfaction how Gods justice should be satisfied by those offerings, Chap. 10. 4. or sanctifie or purifie the conscience, they being corporall, and so could not reach unto it.

him] Or, the worshipper. Chap. 10. 2.

perfect] Chap. 7. 19. & 10. 1.

V. 10. imposed] Or being imposed, or which were imposed: onelyonly understand it of the gifts and sacrifices mentioned in the former verse.

and carnall ordinances] Or, rites, or ceremonies, or justifications of the flesh. Or, and in such like carnall Ordinances. The Apostle summing up that in generall, whereof he had made mention in some particulars before. Called carnall ordinances, or justifications of the flesh, because they did sanctifie onelyonly to the purifying of the flesh, vers. 13. that is, freeing those who used them from Legall pollutions and irregularities. See 2 Chron. 30. 19. Joh. 11. 55.

time of, &c.] That is, of Christs coming, who should and did reforme the carnall rites, or ceremonies and services of the Law, by fulfilling them; exhibiting the truth and those spirituall blessings typified and signified by them; and by instituting a more simple and spirituall worship. This is that which is meant, when God promises to create new heavens, and a new earth, Esa. 65. 17. and when Saint Paul saith, All things are made new, 2 Cor. 5. 17.

V. 11. But, &c.] Here followeth the explication and application of the former type: and the comparison is chiefly made between the remedy appointed for sinnes, meerly ceremoniall, that is, Legall pollutions and irregularities, which was the blood of Buls and Goats, &c. and the remedy of those sinnes which in their own nature poyson the soul; and this is onelyonly the blood of Jesus Christ.

an high priest] Or, for to be a high priest.

good, &c.] Chap. 10. 1. That is, of all those spirituall mercies and benefits which were purchased by his blood: as justification, sanctification, adoption, and everlasting salvation.

greater, &c.] That is, of his own body. See Chap. 8. 2.

made, &c.] As the Legall Tabernacle was. See more on Chap. 8. vers. 2.

V. 12. bloud, &c.] Ephes. 1. 7. Col. 1. 14. Rom. 3. 24, 25. Wherewith the High Priest entered the Holy of Holiest, Lev. 16. 3.

once] See Chap. 7. 27.

holy place] That is heaven, whereof the Holy of Holiest was a type.

having, &c.] First.

eternall] Esa. 51. 6.

V. 13. the bloud] Levit. 16. 14.

the ashes] Num. 19. 17, &c.

unclean] The Greek signifieth common, but in the Scriptures, especially of the New Testament, it signifieth unclean. See Mat. 15. 11. Mar. 7. 15. Act. 10. 14. It is meant here of such who were made unclean: that is, disenabled to enter into the Temple, through Legall pollutions: as by touching the dead, &c.

sanctifieth] See vers. 10.

V. 14. bloud, &c.] 1 Pet. 1. 19. Applied by faith. See Act. 15. 9. & 26. 18.

eternall] That is, God-head, Act. 20. 28. Rom. 1. 4. 1 Pet. 3. 18. Implying thereby that the sacrifice of Christs death had its value and vertue both to satisfie and sanctifie from his Deitie.

spot] Or, fault. Typified by the spotlesse sacrifices commanded to be offered under the Law, Exod. 12. 5. Numb. 19. 2. and 28. 3. Rom. 3. 25. 1 Pet. 1. 19.

purge, &c.] 1 Joh. 1. 9. Both in respect, of justification and sanctification.

dead, &c.] See Heb. 6. 1.

serve, &c.] Luk. 1. 74. Implying that no service is acceptable to God unto salvation, unlesse the conscience be first purified by the blood of Jesus Christ. See 1 …et. 2. 5.

V. 15. And for] Or, And so, or, so then.

Mediatour] Chap. 8. 6. & Chap. 12. 24.

that by the means of death] Or, to the end that. Gr. death being made.

transgressions that were under the first testament] Rom. …. 5. It is not the meaning of the Apostle, that sinnes committed under the Old Testament were not pardoned before Christ died, but that they were pardoned onelyonly by vertue of Christs death, who was the Lambe slain from the beginning of the world, Revel. 13. 8.

called] That is, effectually, or those who have beleeved.

eternall, &c.] Called eternall redemption, vers. 12.

V. 16. is] That is, in force.

be the death] Or, be brought in.

V. 17. after men are dead] Or, after the dead, or, till they are dead.

testatour liveth] In whose power it was to alter it.

V. 18. dedicated] Or, purified. That is, ratified, or confirmed.

V. 19. precepts] The conditions of that first covenant. See Chap. 7. 12. Ephes. 2. 15.

calves] So the Apostle cals the younger bullocks by reason of the neernesse of their age unto calves.

goats] There is expresse mention made onelyonly of bullocks, Exod. 24. 5. but by the sacrifice of bullocks as of the principall, we are to understand the sacrifices of all other beasts.

with water, &c.] There is no expresse mention made of these particulars, Exod. 24. 8. Whence some conceive that Saint Paul had them either by tradition, or revelation: but it is more probable, that he gatherethd it from the usuall custome of sprinkling blood under the Law, which was with water, Scarlet-wooll, and hyssope. See Lev. 14. 6. Num. 19. 6. & 18. Psal. 51. 7.

scarlet] Or, purple.

book] We read not that the book was sprinkled: it seemes therefore that the book was upon tho Altar and so sprinkled with it. This book was not the two Tables of stone, for these God made, but some other short summe of the first Covenant which Moses himself did write. See Exod. 24. 4. Some are of opinion that thereby are meant the 20, 21. and 23. Chapters of Exodus.

people] That is, the twelve pillars which represented the twelve Tribes. See Exod. 24. 4.

V. 20. This is the bloud] Exod. 24. 8.

enjoyned unto you] Or, hath ordained concerning you. Heb. 1. 7.

V. 21. Moreover] Though not at the same time, for then the Tabernacle was not made. See Exod. Chap. 25. &c.

tabernacle] We read that God commanded the Altar and all the vessels to be anointed with oyle by Moses, Exod. 74. 8, &c. and accordingly they were anointed by him, Levit. 8. 10. but we no where read expressely, as some are of opinion, that he either was commanded, or did sprinkle the Tabernacle and the furniture thereof with blood: It is supposed therefore by some, that Saint Paul gathered thus much from Exod. 29. 12. Lev. 8. 15. & 16. 14. where there is mention made of sprinkling with blood the Altar and Mercy-seat, &c. where by the principall part we may understand the whole Tabernacle and all the furniture thereof. Or it may be thus much is plainly expressed, Levit. 16. 16. Josephus reports, lib. 3. Antiq. Hebr. c. 9. that the whole Tabernacle was sprinkled.

V. 22. almost] Some referre (Almost) to all things, because we read that some things were cleansed by fire and water. Num. 31. 22. Others referre it unto purged, that is, from their Legall impurities, and make the sense this. All things are by the Law almost purged, though not altogether by blood; because sometimes other things were required: these are of opinion, that in all cleansings there was the use of blood. And so the words following (And without, &c.) they conceive are to be understood, otherwise there will seem to be a contradiction between (Almost) in the first clause and (without) in the second. Or may be the former part of this verse may be understood of things wherof some might be cleansed without blood, and the second part of persons which could not.

V. 23. patterns] Called figures, verse 24. and shadowes, Chap. 10. 1. See Chap. 8. 2.

heavenly things] Some understand thereby Christ himself, and those spirituall blessings which the faithfull obtaine through faith in him. For Christ himself was consecrated, or made perfect through sufferings, Chap. 2. 10. Others understand thereby the Church under the Gospel, and those spirituall graces whereof the members are made partakers therein. The Church under the Gospel being called the heavenly Jerusalem, duplicate page duplicate page Chap. 12. 22. and those graces being called spirituall blessings in heavenly places, Ephes, 1. 3. Others understand thereby heaven it self, whereinto Christ entred, vers. 24.

sacrifices] The singular number for the plurall, which is frequent in the Scriptures. Or may be the Apostle styles the one sacrifice of Christ [Sacrifices] because it was answerable unto all the Legall sacrifices, and farre beyond them.

V. 24. hands] Vers. 11.

heaven] Chap. 4. 14.

to appear] 1 Joh. 2. 1. Chap. 7. 25. Rom. 8. 24. Answerable to the High Priests entrance into the Holy of Holiest once a yeer to make atonement for the people, Exod. 30. 10.

V. 25. often] Vers. 28. Chap. 7. 27.

every yeer] Vers. 7.

others] That is, not with his own, but with the blood of beasts.

V. 26. For] That is, had Christ offered himself often, then he should have suffered often: for without suffering, no propitiatorie sacrifice. Where is then the sacrifice of the Masse?

in the end of the world] Chap. 1. 2. 1 Cor. 10. 11. Gal. 4. 4. Ephes. 1. 10.

appeared] Or, made manifest. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 1 Joh. 3. 8.

to put away sinne] That is, to abolish or make voyd the guilt or obligation of sinne, whereby it bindes over unbeleevers unto condemnation; so that unto beleevers, sinne is of no force to accuse or condemne them, or to shut them out of heaven.

himself] Chap. 1. 3.

V. 27. appointed] Job 30. 23. Psal. 89. 48. Eccl. 6. 6.

once] That is, according to the common or ordinary course of nature, though there be some extraordinary examples.

judgement] Understand it of every mans particular judgement presently upon his death.

V. 28. So] Or, Even so, Christ being once offered to bear the sinnes of many, shall appear or be seen the second time without sinne unto salvation, to all those who expect him.

Christ was] 1 Pet. 3. 18.

beare] Or carry up the sinnes of many upon the Crosse, there to make satisfaction for them, by the sacrifice of himself, 1 Pet. 2. 24. Or, take up sinne; that is, the guilt of our sinne upon himself.

many] Matt. 26. 27. Rom. 5. 19.

look] Phil. 3. 10. 1 Thess. 1. 10. 2 Tim. 4. 8. Tit. 2. 13.

second] Opposed to his first appearance, viz. in the flesh, verse 26. when he came with the guilt and burden of our sins upon him.

without sinne] That is, without the guilt or sacrifice of sinne, having made full satisfaction for it, by his own sacrifice of himselfe upon the Crosse.

unto salvation] Some referre this unto [look for him].

salvation] That is, both of soul and body in heaven, Chap. 5. 9. 1 Pet. 1. 19.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 1. LAw] That is, the old Covenant. So the word Law is taken, Chap. 7. 12. & 19.

shadow] Some are of opinion, that here Saint Paul alludes to the custome of Painters, who first make a rude draught, and then out of it a perfect and lively picture. These make the sense this, viz. That the old Covenant did contain onelyonly dark resemblances and types of heavenly things, no lively representations of them; this being reserved unto the time of the Gospel, wherein Christ and all spirituall blessings in him are clearly and plainly manifested. Others are of opinion, that Saint Paul alludes unto the shadow of a body, and these make this the sense of the words, viz. That the old Covenant had onelyonly types, wherein Christ and heavenly things through him, were darkely represented, not the substance and truth of the things themselves. This is the more probable opinion. See Col. 2. 17.

of good] Chap. 9. 11.

image] That is, the substance or truth. See the former Note, and 2 Cor. 4. 4. Col. 1. 15. Phil. 2. 6.

perfect] Vers. 4. That is, as touching the conscience. See Chap. 9. 9.

V. 2. For] Or, otherwise they would have, &c. Whether this clause be read with or without an interrogation, the sense will be the same: the scope of the Apostle being to shew the weaknesse and insufficiencie of the Legall sacrifices to purge the conscience from the guilt of sinne, from their often repetition.

because] Vers. 18.

worshippers] Chap. 9. 9.

once] That is, if they had been once purged from the guilt of their sinnes.

conscience] Should not have their conscience any longer under the burden or guilt of those sinnes.

V. 3. remembrance] Levit. 16. 21.

sinnes] That is, the same sinnes. For upon the day of propitiation there was confession of, and reconciliation for the sinnes of the whole yeer.

V. 4. take away sinnes] Vers. 1. Chap. 9. 9.

V. 5. when] That is, the Sonne of God, being to come, Mat. 11. 3. or fore-telling of his coming.

into the world] Joh. 16. 28. & 18. 37. 1 Tim. 1. 5. Understand it of his being made flesh, Joh. 1. 14. Or being manifested in the flesh, 1 Tim. 3. 16.

saith] By David who was a type of him, and unto whom this passage agrees, though not in that exactnesse as it doth unto Christ.

Sacrifice] Psal. 40. 6, &c. Though Saint Paul keeps not himselfe unto the expresse words of the Psalmist, yet he retains the substance and matter of them.

body] Heb. mine eare hast thou opened, or, digged open. It is a proverbiall manner of speech, whereby there is implied the qualifying, or fitting a man unto obedience in service: the eare, or opening of the eare being an emblem or symboll, or a metaphoricall sign of obedience. See Esa. 50. 5. Job 33. 16. Now Saint Paul following the Translation of the Septuagint, and being directed by the Spirit of God, expounds this of Gods sanctifying and fitting a body unto Christ, wherein he was obedient even unto the shamefull death of the Crosse.

hast thou prepared me] Or, thou hast sitted me.

V. 6. sacrifices for sinne] Rom. 8. 3.

V. 7. Lo, I] Joh. 4. 34. & 5. 30. & 6. 38.

volume] Luk. 24. 37. 44. Joh. 1. 45. & 5. 46. See the Note on Psal. 40. 7.

V. 8. by the law] Or, according to the law.

V. 9. first] That is, the Legall sacrifices.

second] That is, the one sacrifice of Christ.

V. 10. will] That is, of the Father, who appointed his Son to take our nature, and therein by death to make satisfaction for our sinnes. Or of the Sonne in his willing obedience unto his Father.

sanctified] That is, freed from the guilt of our sinnes, and consecrated to Gods service.

once] Chap. 7. 27. & 9. 26. 1 Pet. 3. 18.

V. 11. take away] Vers. 4.

V. 12. man] 1 Tim. 2. 5.

for ever] Chap. 1. 3. Some referre it to [sacrifice,] others to [sate.]

V. 13. till his enemies] Psal. 110. 1. 1 Cor. 15. 25. Chap. 1. 13.

V. 14. perfected] That is, as concerning the remission of their sinnes: having by his own offering paid the full price for the pardon of them.

sanctified] See Vers. 10.

V. 15. holy Ghost] Chap. 9. 8. Mark 12. 36. Act. 1. 16. & 28 25. 2 Pet. 1. 21.

said before] Or, first said, or said in the first place.

V. 16. This is the covenant, &c.] Or, This is the covenant that I will make with them: then followeth, after those dayes, saith the Lord, I will put, &c.

put my laws] Jer 31. 33. Esa. 59. 20.

V. 18. Now, where, &c.] See Vers. 2.

V. 19. Having] Here the Apostle resumes again the exhortation which he had begun, Chap. 2. 1. and farther pressed, Chap. 3. to the fifth.

therefore] That is, the pardon of sinne being purchased, sins onelyonly excluding from heaven.

boldnesse] Or, liberty; or, freedome.

holiest] Chap. 9. 8, 12. That is, heaven, whereof the Holy of Holiest was a type.

by] Through the merit of the, &c.

V. 20. new] Which the Apostle opposeth unto the old way, either by the bloud of beasts, wherewith the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holiest once in the yeer; or by the materiall vaile; or unto both.

living] That is, everlasting way which shall never faile, Joh. 4. 10. & 6. 51. & 7. 38. and which shall bring unto eternall life.

way] Joh. 14. 6.

consecrated] Or, new made. It is not improbable, that herein Saint Paul doth allude unto the custome of those, who in a snow or like case beat or tread out the way for those that are to follow after. It is by vertue of Christs resurrection and ascension that all true beleevers shall enter into heaven. Hence he is called the first-fruits of those who sleep, 1 Cor. 15. 20.

vail] The vail was a type of Christs humane nature, wherewith his Divine nature was hid and obscured, and through which he entered into heaven: even as the vail of the Temple did hide the Holy of Holiest, and as the High Priest through it did enter therein.

flesh] Humane nature, Psal. 16. 9. & 27. 2. Joh. 1. 14. called flesh because of the infirmities and weaknesses thereof, Psal. 78. 39.

V. 21. high priest] Chap. 2. 17. & 3. 1. & 4. 14.

house] Chap. 3. 6. That is, the Church of the faithfull, Ephes. 1. 23. 1 Pet. 2. 5. & 4. 17.

V. 22. draw neer] Chap. 4. 16. & 7. 25. & 11. 6. 1 Pet. 2. 14.

true heart] That is, with an upright and sincere heart without hypocrisie, Psal. 51. 6. and with a constant heart without drawing back, vers. 38. Luk. 16. 11. Joh. 6. 32. Hereunto is opposed an evill heart of unbelief, Chap. 3. 12. See Mat. 15. 8.

full assurance] That is, with a stedfast faith without wavering and doubting, vers. 23. Jam. 1. 6. Some are of opinion, that here and in other places there is an allusion unto ships under full saile: and then the Translation may be this: viz. With the full sail of faith. Faith is that grace, whereby we either do or may approach unto God, with full assurance of acceptance. Thus the righteousnesse of faith, Rom. 4. 13. is called the righteousnesse through faith, or by faith, Rom. 9. 30. & 10. 6. Phil. 3. 9. See Chap. 6. 11. Col. 2. 2. 1 Thess. 1. 5. Luk. 1. 1. Rom. 14. 5.

having] Or being sprinkled in, or, as touching our hearts.

sprinkled] By the bloud of Christ, Chap. 12. 24. 1 Pet. 1. 2.

hearts] That is, our soules; the heart being the chief seat of the soule.

evil conscience] That is, from the accusation of an evil Conscience. So long as our consciences are under the guilt of sinne, we cannot draw neere unto God with confidence of acceptation in any dutie. See Chap. 9. 14.

having] Or, being washed in, or, as touching our bodies.

bodies] Both soule and body are named; because every sinne is either of the soul or body. See 2 Cor. 7. 1.

washed] See Act. 22. 16. 1 Cor. 6. 11.

pure water] Ezek. 26. 25. That is, with the bloud of Christ, whereof the Legall washings were a type. See Rev. 1. 5. & 7. 14. Some are of opinion, that here Saint Paul hath relation unto the Sacrament of Baptisme; as Joh. 3. 5. Tit. 3. 5.

V. 23. hold fast] See Chap. 4. 14.

profession] Chap. 3. 1.

faith] Gr. hope.

faithfull that hath promised] Deut. 17. 9. & 32. 4. 1 Cor. 1. 9. & 10. 13. 1 Thess. 5. 24. 2 Thes. 3. 3. Chap. 6. 10. & 11. 11.

V. 24. consider] That is, let us take care of our watch over one other, prudently observing one anothers dispositions, gifts, graces, and defaults, that we may the better fit our selves to do good, each one of us to another, and to receive good each one of another.

V. 25. Not forsaking] Here is propounded one means or help, whereby they might incite one another to good works. Rom. 1. 12.

assembling] That is, the publike congregation of the faithfull, wherein the Word of God is taught, the Sacraments administred, and common prayer and thanksgiving made, unto which God hath promised a blessing. Mat. 18. 20. See Psa. 27. 4. & 122. 1.

manner] Either out of fear, or negligence, or pride, selfe-conceit and singularitie, or out of what causelesse reason else.

exhort] Chap. 3. 13. Luk. 19. 17. Ephes. 5. 11. Whereby understand not onelyonly exhortation properly so called, but also admonition, consolation, reproof, example, and the like. It may be a metaphor taken from sharpning tools. Deut. 6. 7. Prov. 27. 17.

and so much] Rom. 13. 11.

see] That is, by plain and evident foretold tokens and signes of the times. See Mat. 24. 33.

day] Some understand it of the second or last coming of our Saviour Christ, or of his coming to judgement; whereof see 2 Pet. 3. 9, &c. but it is not improbable that here we are to understand it of the time of the utter destruction of Jerusalem, and the temple; at which time there should be so great affliction, that by reason thereof many should fall from the faith. See Marke 13. 19.

V. 26. For if we sinne wilfully] See Chap. 6. 4.

remaines] In as much as such wilfully reject and scorn the onelyonly sacrifice of the New Testament; viz. the Lord Jesus, and all his merit. See Numb. 15. 30, 31.

V. 27. looking] Whereas the godly with comfort and joy expect the appearance of Christ. See Chap. 9. 28.

devour] Chap. 5. 8.

adversaries] Luk. 19. 17. Those who against the conviction of their consciences, wilfully resist, and persecute the Gospel. See Chap. 6. 4.

V. 28. despised Moses] Num. 15. 30, 31.

under two or three witnesses] Deut. 19. 15. Mat. 18. 16. John 8. 17. 2 Cor. 13. 1. 1 Tim. 5. 19.

V. 29. Of how much] Chap. 2. 3. & 12. 25.

troden] In treading his truth under their feet, by a malicious resisting and persecuting thereof, they do as it were tread Christ himself under their feet; or thereby they shew such a spitefull minde against him, that they would (if it were possible) pull him out of heaven, and trample him under their feet.

bloud] Mat. 26. 28. Luk. 22. 20. Chap. 17. 20. That is, the bloud of Christ, whereby the new Covenant was ratisied and confirmed. See Chap. 9. 10, &c.

sanctified] By which their sins were pardoned, in regard of that meritorious sufficient satisfaction purchased by it. See vers. 10. & 14.

unholy] Gr. common. Mark. 7. 2. Act. 10. 15. They make no more account of the bloud of Christ, then of the bloud of some malefactour, or of a brute beast.

despite] That is, by a wilfull and malicious resisting the work of the Holy Ghost, testifying and convincing them of, and sealing unto them the truth of the Gospel. See Acts 6. 10. & 7. 51. & 54.

Spirit of grace] That is, Authour of grace, Rom. 15. 16. 1 Cor. 12. 8. Gal. 5. 22. Ephes. 5. 9. Or, gracious Spirit, that is, which God of his free grace and mercy bestows on his people.

V. 30. know] And therefore our condemnation shall be the greater, if knowing how just God is in revenging all impietie, we wilfully sinne against him. Luke 12. 47. John 15. 22.

Vengeance belongeth unto me] Deut. 32. 35. Rom. 12. 19. Psal. 94. 1.

The Lord] Deut. 32. 36. Psal. 50. 4.

V. 31. hands] 2 Sam. 24. 14.

living God] Chap. 3. 12. and 9. 14. Job. 37. 22.

V. 32. But] In as much as these converted Hebrews had stood it out stedfastly against manifold afflictions even at their first entertaining of the Gospel; hence the Apostle inferreth, that therfore it did the much more become now to stand to that faith, which they had so long professed. See Gal. 3. 4.

Illuminated] Converted to the faith of Christ. Acts 26. 18. Ephes. 3. 9.

fight] Or wrastlings of afflictions, whereby Satan sought to overthrow your faith. The Apostle alludes to the custome of wrastlers, who seek to trip up one another. This wrastling was by faith. Chap. 11. 36. 1 Tim. 6. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 7.

V. 33. gazing-stock] Or placed, or shewed upon theaters or stages. Understand it either metaphorically, as it were so handled; or properly, for it was the custome of the heathen to set Christians upon theaters or stages, to be scorned and laught at. See 1 Cor. 4. 9.

compamons] Having a fellow-feeling of their miseries, and so assisting them to their ability, Chap. 13. 33. as also adjoyning themselves unto them, being not discouraged by their afflictions. 2 Tim. 1. 16. Phil. 1. 7.

V. 34. joyfully] Act. 5. 41. & 21. 13. Jam. 1. 2.

knowing] 2 Cor. 5. 1.

enduring] Chap. 11. 31. Mat. 6. 20. John 6. 27.

V. 35. confidence] Vers. 23. & Chap. 3. 6, 14.

recompense] Chap. 11. 26. & 12. 2. 1 Cor. 15. 58.

V. 36. need] Considering those great afflictions, which yet ye might endure.

promise] The thing promised, that is, heaven and the joyes thereof.

V. 37. yet a little while] Habak. 2. 3, 4. Luke 18. 8. 2 Pet. 3. 8, &c.

shall come] Mat. 11. 9. Revel. 1. 4.

V. 38. Now] Here the Apostle from the Prophet Habakkuk, directeth them to that grace, whereby they might be enabled to stand stedfast in the faith, in the sad and discouraging times of affliction. See Ephes. 6. 16.

the just] Rom. 1. 17. Gal. 3. 11.

but] Here is a transposition and change of the words, yet without any alteration of the sense. It is by pride that they trust not in God, but in themselves, and so by unbelief withdraw themselves from God, and such who do so have not upright heart, and in these God hath no pleasure.

V. 39. But] See Chap. 6. 9.

we] See Chap. 2. 3.

saving] John 3. 16. 1 Pet. 5. 9.

CHAP. XI.

SƲbstance] Or, ground, or confidence, or expectation. See Chap. 3. 14.

evidence] Or, conviction, Joh. 16. 8. That is, whereby the soule of a beleever is assured of the certain truth of those things which appeare not unto sense, because it resteth it selfe upon the immutable truth of Gods word, and the infinitenesse of his power.

seen] Vers. 7. 2 Cor. 5. 7.

V. 2. by it] That is, by the efficacie and power of their faith, enabling them to suffer and to obey, and work miracles and great exploits.

good report] Vers. 39.

V. 3. understand] That is, according to all the particular circumstances of the Creation, though somethine thereof may be known by the light of reason, 2 Pet. 3. 5. Rom. 1. 20.

the worlds] Gen. 1. 1. See Chap. 1. 2.

the word] Psal. 33. 6. & 9. 2 Pet. 3. 5.

appear] But out of nothing.

V. 4. Abel] Gen. 4. 4.

obtained witnesse] Vers. 2.

testifying] That is, of the acceptance of his gifts, either by fire from heaven, Levit. 9. 24. 1 Reg. 18. 38. 1 Chron. 21. 26. or by some like token. See Gen. 4. 4.

yet speaketh] Or, is yet spoken of. Some understand it of his blood crying for vengeance, Chap. 12. 24. Gen. 4. 10. Others more probably of his example, whereby he yet preacheth unto the world for imitation.

V. 5. Enoch] Gen. 5. 24. Wisd. 4. 10. Ecclus. 44. 16. & 49. 14.

translated] Thus Eliah was afterward translated, 2 King. 2. 11. See likewise 1 Cor. 15. 51. & 1 Thess. 4. 17.

testimony] Either in that it is said, that he walked with God, whence it may be inferred, that he pleased God; or else because God did by some more then ordinary meanes testifie so much of him, as he did of Abels sacrifice, vers. 4.

V. 6. without faith] Because Faith is that grace which unites us unto Christ, 2 Cor. 13. 5. Ephes. 3. 17. in whom God is well pleased with us, Ephes. 1. 6. 2 Pet. 1. 17. Mat. 3. 17.

cometh] That is, for refuge in this life, and salvation in the life to come.

rewarder] Not out of merit, but mercy, Rom. 4. 4.

V. 7. Noah] Gen. 6. 13.

seen] Vers. 1.

moved with feare] Or, being wary, or piously fearing. Chap. 5. 7.

by the which] That is, by building of which arke through faith and obedience unto God, he witnessed against the disobedient and ungodly (1 Pet. 3. 20. 2 Pet. 2. 5.) of the old world to the greater condemnation of their infidelity.

V. 8. Abraham] Gen. 12. 4.

he] That is, in his posteritie.

obeyed] Forsaking his Countrey, his kindred and fathers house, Gen. 12. 1. which might seem to be against reason, in that he left a certaintie for an uncertaintie.

not knowing] For God did not at first tell him of the place whither he should go, for the greater triall of his faith; Gen. 12. 1. but when he was come into Canaan, then he told him that that was the place, Gen. 12. 7.

V. 9. sojourned] Gen. 17. 7. & 23. 4.

strange] For there he was constrained either to buy, or hire, or borrow both a place for his dwelling, Gen. 14. 13. as also for the buriall of his dead, Gen. 23. 4. &c.

tabernacles] Gen. 12. 7.

V. 10. foundations] That is, a firme and enduring Citie, which the Apostle opposeth to the tents wherein Abraham dwelt, which had no foundations, but were moveable; hereby is meant heaven, wherein is immutable happinesse, Psal. 16. 11. 2 Cor. 5. 1. 1 Pet. 1. 4.

V. 11. Through faith] Though weake, for she laught at the promise of a sonne improbable, Gen. 18. 12.

Sara] Gen. 17. 19. & 21. 2.

her selfe] Though barren, Gen. 11. 30.

to conceive] Or, for a foundation of seed, that is, for a foundation to retain feed. It is an allusion unto a building, where the foundation is first laid.

when she was] Gr. beyond the fit time of age, she being ninetie yeeres old before she conceived, Gen. 17. 17.

faithfull] Chap. 10. 23.

dead] Rom. 4. 19.

starres] Gen. 15. 5. & 22. 17.

V. 13. All] Understand it of Abraham, Sara, Isaac, and Jacob, unto whom the three following verses properly and directly agree.

in faith] Gr. according to faith. That is, persevering in faith.

promises] That is, the Land of Canaan which was promised, and which was a type of heaven.

saw] As Abraham did the day of Christ, Jo. 8. 56.

afarre] For Abrahams posteritie had not the possession of the Land of Canaan till above foure hundred yeeres after, Gen. 15. 13.

embraced] Laid hold on them. It may be an allusion to the custome of saluting one another by embracings or laying hold of each other. Some are of opinion that the Apostle alludes to the custome of Mariners, who when they see land, joyfully salute it, though afarre off.

confessed] Gen. 23. 4. & 47. 9. 1 Chron. 29. 15. Psal. 39. 12. & 119. 19.

V. 16. But now] That is, seeing that they did not return when they might, hereby they manifestly declared, that they desired a better.

heavenly] 2 Cor. 5. 1.

ashamed] That is, accounted it an honour to be called their God, because by their faith they gave glory unto God, thereby acknowledging his power and faithfulnesse: or, in an especiall manner to be called their God, though he were the God of the whole world, Gen. 24. 3.

called] Gen. 26. 24. Exod. 3. 6. 15. & 4. 5.

prepared] Mat. 27. 34. 1 Cor. 2. 9.

V. 17. Abraham] Gen. 22. 9.

tryed] Psal. 11. 5.

offered] Jam. 2. 21. That is, in disposition and full purpose and willingnesse of mind, which God accepteth for the deed, 2 Cor. 8. 12.

and he that had received the promises] Or, even he who had received the promises, offered his onelyonly begotten, of whom, &c.

begotten sonne] Of Sara his lawfull wife; or his onelyonly begotten then in his house, for Hagar and her sonne were cast out, Gen. 21. 14.

V. 18. Of whom] Or, to. So the Greek preposition is used, Chap. 1. 7. & Chap. 4. 13.

That in Isaac] Gen. 21. 12. Rom. 9. 7.

V. 19. Accounting] Or, reasoning.

in a figure] Gr. parable; or after a sort. Which is to be understood either of Isaacs issuing from the dead body of Abraham and Sara's dead womb, Rom. 4. 19. or of his neernesse unto death, when his Father was about to sacrifice him, Gen. 22. 10.

V. 20. Isaac blessed] Gen. 27. 27, 39.

V. 21. blessed] Gen. 48. 15.

both] Gr. Every one of the sonnes of Joseph, which were but two when Jacob came into Egypt, Gen. 46. 27.

worshipped] Gen. 47. 31.

staffe] See Gen. 47. 31.

V. 22. Joseph] Gen. 50. 24, 25.

made mention] Or, remembred. Or, put his brethren into remembrance.

commandment] So did Jacob his Father, Gen. 47. 30. both thereby evidently manifesting their faith touching that promise, Gen. 15. 13. as also giving a pledge and token thereof.

V. 23. By faith] Ground (as it is very probable) on some particular revelation; or, on his generall providence.

Moses] Exod. 2. 2. Acts 7. 20.

proper child] Or, goodly, or very faire child, or comely.

not afraid] That is, not so much as others.

commandment] Exod. 1. 16.

V. 24. Moses] Exod. 2. 11.

daughter] And so consequently (as is probable) to be the next king of Egypt.

V. 25. pleasures of sinne] Or, sinfull pleasures.

season] Luk. 12. 19, &c.

V. 26. of Christ] Or, for Christ. Chap. 13. 13. 1 Cor. 1. 5. Gal. 6. 17. It is manifest hence, that Christ was before he was born of the Virgin. See likewise, 1 Cor. 10. 9. Joh. 8. 58.

respect] Vers. 6. Ezek. 10. 34, 35. Chap. 12. 2.

V. 27. endured] That is, patiently and couragiously persevered through faith, Act. 2. 42. Eph. 6. 18. Some conceive, that herein the Apostle alludeth to hounds, who will never give over till they have got the game.

seeing] Psal. 16. 8.

invisible] Col. 1. 15. 1 Tim. 1. 17.

he kept] Exod. 12. 21, &c. Or, celebrated, Mat. 26. 18. Luk. 22. 19.

touch] That is, hurt. See Gen. 16. 11. Josh. 9. 19. Ruth 2. 9. Job 5. 19. Psal. 105. 15.

V. 20. they passed] Exod. 14. 22.

V. 30. the walls] Josh. 6. 20.

V. 31. the harlot] Josh. 6. 23. Jam. 2. 25.

that beleeved not] Or, that were disobedient.

she had received] Josh. 2. 1.

V. 32. time] An hyperbolicall speech, like that Joh. 21. 25.

Gedeon] Judg. 6. 11.

Barak] Judg. 4. 6.

Samson] Judg. 13. 24.

Jephthac] Judg. 11. 1. Though a bastard, yet is here numbred amongst the faithfull; whence it is evident, that bastards were not excluded heaven by that, Deut. 23. 2.

David] 1 Sam. 16. 13.

Samuel] 1 Sam. 1. 20.

V. 33. subdued] Judg. 4. & 6. & 15. & 16. 2 Sam. 8. 1. Judg. 11. 2 Sam. 2. 6.

righteousnesse] That is, that which was right in the sight of God.

promises] That is, the benefit and accomplishment of those particular promises, which were made unto them.

stopped the mouthes of the Lions] Judg. 14. 5. 1 Sam. 17. 34. Dan. 6. 22.

V. 34. Quenched] Dan. 3. 25.

weaknesse] 2 King. 20. 7.

V. 35. Women] 1 King. 17. 22. 2 King. 4. 35.

tortured] 2 Mac. 7. 7.

that they] See Vers. 26.

better resurrection] Chap. 10. 34.

V. 36. triall of cruel mockings] Chap. 10. 32. 1 Pet. 1. 7. Or, suffered mockings.

V. 38. worthy] Notwithstanding they were hated and persecuted of all, Mat. 24. 9. and accounted the filth and off-scouring of the world, 1 Cor. 4. 13.

V. 39. good report] Vers. 2.

promise] That is, Christ, and the happy and glorious estate of the Church under him.

V. 40. having] According to the counsell of his will, whereby he doth dispose of times and seasons, Act. 1. 7.

provided] Or, foresceu; or, ordained.

better] That is, a better condition and far greater priviledges for us under the Gospel, in that he hath now sent his Sonne in the flesh, and made him the Mediator of a better Covenant, Chap. 7. 22. & 8. 6. under which the doctrine of salvation is more manifestly revealed, Col. 1. 16. 2 Tim. 1. 9, 10. and the gift of the Spirit more plentifully powred out, Act. 2. 16.

they] Who wer under the law or first Covenant.

should not be, &c.] That is, made partakers of that better condition without us or before us. Some understand it of that perfection whereof all the faithfull shall be made partakers, as well in body as in soule, at the resurrection of the just.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 1. SEeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses] Gr. having such a cloud of witnesses compassing us about. Cloud]ie. Multitude. See Jer. 14. 13. Ezek. 38. 9. Some are of opinion, that here the Apostle alludes to that cloud whereby the children of Israel were guided, Exod. 13. 21. viz. That as that cloud guided the Israelites from Egypt to the Land of Canaan: So this company of the faithfull may direct all the right way from the kingdome of darknesse to the spirituall Canaan, the Kingdome of heaven.

let us lay aside] Gr. laying aside, or putting off. as Ephes. 4. 22. It is an allusion unto the custome of those who being to run a race, put off and cast away all things burthensome and troublesome. The same word is used, Jam. 1. 21.

weight] That is, all worldly contents, so farre as they are a burthen unto us and do hinder us in our journey to heaven, Mat. 5. 29. Secondly, all manner of sinne, and especially pride and conceit of self-sufficience, Rom. 10. 3.

easily] Entangleth or wraps about: It is a borrowed speech taken either from a net or a long garment. Some understand it of originall sinne, others of sinne in generall.

and let us] Gr. let us.

race that is set before us] 1 Cor. 9. 24. Gal. 5. 7. 2 Tim. 4. 7.

V. 2. Looking] The originall word signifieth an averting or drawing off the eye from one object to another. In our christian race we must take off our minds from every thing which might divert and discourage us, and we must fix them upon Christ for our imitation.

author] Or, beginner, or, Captain, as Act. 5. 15. 13. Heb. 2. 10.

right hand] Chap. 1. 3. & 8. 1. Phil. 2. 9, &c.

V. 3. consider] Seriously and diligently.

contradiction] Thereby understand all that Christ suffered from man in the dayes of his flesh or humiliation.

lest ye be wearied and faint in your mindes] Or, lest fainting in your mindes ye be wearied.

wearied] Rev. 2. 3.

faint] Vers. 5. Gal. 6. 9.

V. 4. Ye have not] Though ye have suffered much, Chap. 10. 32, &c. yet ye have not resisted unto death, as your Captain did: Or, may be herein the Apostle alludes to those Hethenish conflicts and combates which seldome were determined without bloud, or wherein it was a shame to yeeld before bloud was drawn.

striving] With all our might and main, as combaters and wrastlers were wont to do.

sin] Or, sinners; as Psal. 49. 5. & 119. 133.

V. 5. the exhortation] Or, that consolatory exhortation.

which] Wherein God discourses or reasons with you, as with children.

My sonne] Job 5. 17. Prov. 3. 11. See the Notes on Prov. 11. 12.

V. 6. whom the Lord] Rev. 3. 19.

V. 7. If ye endure] That is, patiently, then thereby ye may know that God corrects you in mercy, for your good, as a father doth his sonnes: Or, if you be chastened, which may seem to be the scope of the place, by that which followes, Vers. 8.

V. 8. all] That are sonnes. Vers. 7.

V. 9. Furthermore] Or, what? seeing we have have had the fathers of our bodies chastisers, and have reverenced them, how much rather ought we to be, &c.

flesh] That is, bodies. Rom. 2. 28. 1 Cor. 5. 5. Ephes. 6. 5. 1 Pet. 4. 6.

spirits] Souls. Num. 16. 22. & 27. 16. Eccles. 12. 9. Esa. 57. 16. Zech. 12. 1. 2 Cor. 7. 1. 1 Pet. 4. 6.

live] The life of grace here, vers. 10. and the life of glory hereafter, Act. 14. 22. affliction fitting, and preparing for both.

V. 10. pleasure] Or, as it seemed good to them; or, judgement, which often is corrupt, whereby many times they doe more hurt then good.

be partakers] Or, partake.

holinesse] See Vers. 9.

V. 11. seemeth] Or, is. See Chap. 4. 1.

joyous] Gr. of joy. 1 Pet. 1. 6.

grievous] Gr. of griefs.

yeeldeth] By training, disciplining, and fitting a man to a holy life, which bringeth peace of conscience, passing all understanding. Psal. 119. 67, 71.

V. 12. lift] Esa. 35. 3. Job 4. 43. Take heart & courage, faint not, or give not over, because of the sharpnesse of your afflictions: Or, may be here, as vers. 4. the Apostle alludes to those combates of the Heathen, wherein it was a token of yeelding, when a man hung down his hands: Or, to those who runne in a race, following the former similitude, vers. 1. Or, may be to both; lift up your hands to fight, and your feet to runne.

V. 13. streight] Or, even. That is, walk seemly, or keep a right course. Prov. 4. 26, 27.

V. 14. Follow peace] Rom. 12. 18. Psa. 34. 14.

holinesse] 2 Cor. 7. 1.

see the Lord] Mat. 5. 8.

V. 15. lest] Chap. 6. 4. & 10. 26.

fail] Or, fall from; or, come short. See Chap. 4. 1. Rom. 3. 23.

grace] That is, free favour and mercy of God, offered in the Gospel, 2 Cor. 6. 1. Tit. 2. 11. or the doctrine of grace in the Gospel.

root] Understand thereby either a corrupt and evill heart, which will send forth the bitter fruits of sin, Chap. 3. 12. Or, any Apostatising or backsliding person, who by his example may trouble and cause many to fall. Deut. 29. 18.

defiled] 1 Cor. 5. 6. Gal. 5. 9.

V. 16. profane] That is, impure person, or rather a despiser of, or trampler upon holy things; as upon Christ, and those benefits which are offered through him, Chap. 10. 29.

as Esau] Who in despising his birthright, which he sold at so low a rate, became a type of such, who despised Christ, of whom the first-born were a type.

who] Gen. 25. 33.

one morsell] Or, one meals meat.

sold] Or, gave away.

birthright] Or, the right and priviledge of his being the first-born.

V. 17. when] Gen. 27. 38.

place of repentance] Or, way to change his minde.

repentance] That is, in his Father, to reverse or call back that blessing wherewith he had blessed his younger brother Jacob above him.

V. 18. For ye] The Apostle further presseth on the Hebrews the exhortation begun vers. 12. from the excellency of their condition who are under the Gospel, or New Covenant, above others who were under the Law or Old Covenant. The same argument or motive, in substance, Saint Paul had used, Rom. 6. 14.

the mount] Exod. 19. 12, 18, 19. That is, Sinai, whereon the Law was given.

touched] In it self, though not in respect of Gods charge. Vers. 20.

burned] By this terrible manner of giving the Law, we are given to understand the slavish, servile, and fearfull condition of those who were under it.

V. 19. voice] Understand thereby, either that terrible manner, wherewith the Law was given; or the Law it self, the rigour whereof they were not able to bear. See Exod. 20. 18, 19. Rom. 8. 3.

intreated] Exod. 20. 19. Deut. 5. 5. & 18. 16.

V. 20. And if so] Exod. 19. 13.

V. 21. Moses said] Some conceive that this may be gathered from Exod. 19. 14. Others, that the Apostle had it either by tradition, as those names of Jannes and Jambres, 2 Tim. 3. 8. and the Prophesie of Enoch. Jude 14. or else by divine revelation, as Moses had the Historie of the Creation, and of other things, before his own time.

mount Sion] Gal. 4. 26. That is, to the Church under the Gospel, whereof Mount Sion was a type, Psal. 14. 7. & 50. 20. Esa. 2. 3. and where the Gospel was first proclaimed, without that terrour wherewith the Law was delivered. Esa. 2. 3.

unto the citie of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem] Or, unto the heavenly Jerusalem, which is the Citie, &c.

heavenly] So called, first, because it cometh from heaven, through Gods effectuall calling, Rev. 3. 12. & 21. 2, 10. Secondly, because it shall ascend into heaven. Col. 3. 4.

Angels] Who are both a part of the Church generally considered, and also Guardians and Ministers thereof. Chap. 1. 14. Psal. 34. 7.

V. 23. To the generall] Some understand this clause by way of explication or amplification, as if the Apostle hereby intended further to explaine and amplifie the last clause of the former verse: but more probably hereby we are to understand the church of the Elect styled the first-born, because of those speciall prerogatives which they enjoyed above those who are onelyonly outwardly called, and onelyonly make an outward profession of the Gospel: even as the first-born under the Law had some speciall prerogative.

written in heaven] Or, enrolled. Luke 10. 20.

judge of all] Rom. 2. 6, 16. & 14. 10.

just men] The Elect here on earth may be said to be gathered to those departed, because they make but one Church, whereof one part is on earth, the other in heaven.

made perfect] That is, according to their soules, not bodies.

V. 24. mediatour] Chap. 8. 6. & 9. 15.

covenant] Or, testament.

the bloud of] 1 Pet. 1. 2. That is, to the bloud of Jesus Christ sprinkled, as the word of hearing is the word heard, Chap. 4. 2. See 1 Pet. 1. 2. And this is added, because that Christ by his bloud confirmed the New Covenant, &c.

better] Christs bloud cries for mercy and pardon, whereas Abels cried for vengeance. Gen. 4. 10.

V. 25. See that] Chap. 2. 2. & 10. 28.

him that spake on earth] Or, from the earth. That is, Moses.

from heaven] That is, Christ, who came from heaven. John 3. 13.

V. 26. then shook] At the giving of the Law. Exod. 19. 18.

Yet once] Hag. 2. 6, 7. The Hebrew particle signifieth both once and a little while, and the place of the Prophet may be understood of both; yet the Apostle makes use onelyonly of the first, in the next verse, because that onelyonly was to his purpose.

shake] Which was fulfilled in those prodigies and signes which appeared upon the earth, and in the heavens, before, and at our Saviours coming in the flesh, to proclaim and confirm the Gospel. Some understand it of Christs second coming, that is, to judgement, whereof Saint Peter speaks, 2 Pet. 3. 10. but it is plain, that the Prophet speaks of shaking the earth and the heavens which should be while the second Temple stood; for it is said, that the desire of all Nations, that is, the Messias should come, and fill the second Temple with glory. See Hag. 2. 6, 7.

V. 27. once] From this word [once] the Apostle inferres the removing of the Law or Old Covenant, given by Moses, and the immutabilitie and unchangeablenesse of the Gospel, or New Covenant.

are shaken] Or, may be shaken.

V. 28. kingdome] That is, the Gospel, often called the Kingdome of God. See Mat. 13. 11. 24, 31. Mark 1. 15. & 15. 13. Rom. 14. 17.

moved] That is, altered or changed. Luk. 1. 33.

let us have grace] Or, let us hold fast.

grace] See vers. 15.

with reverence] Psal. 2. 11. Exod. 19. 18.

V. 29. our God is a consuming fire] Chap. 10. 31. Deut. 4. 24. & 9. 3. Psal. 50. 3.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. BRotherly] Rom. 12. 10. Ephes. 4. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 7. The Apostle speaketh not of that love which should be between naturall brethren and kinsfolk, though this is required, but of that which should be between those who professe themselves to be brethren through faith in Christ, Chap. 2. 11. Col. 1. 2.

V. 2. Be not forgetfull] Rom. 12. 13. 1 Pet. 4. 9.

some have entertained angels] Gen. 18. 3. & 19. 2.

V. 3. Remember them] 2 Cor. 11. 29.

suffer adversitie] Or, evil entreated.

in the body] That is, as members of the same body, 1 Cor. 12. 25, &c. Or, as being yet living, and so subject to the same afflictions.

V. 4. and the bed] That is, with the bed, or so that the bed be undefiled; as the words following imply.

adulterers] Mal. 3. 5.

judge] That is, punish, Gen. 15. 14. 1 Sam. 2. 25. 2 Chron. 20. 12.

V. 5. covetousnesse] Luk. 12. 15. Col. 3. 5.

content] Luk 3. 14. 1 Tim. 1. 6. 8.

I will never] Deut. 31. 8. Josh. 1. 5. 1 King. 8. 57. Gen. 28. 15. Hence it appears, that particular promises may be geneally applied, when the thing promised appertains unto all. See Rom. 15. 4.

V. 6. The Lord is] Psal. 56. 4, 11. & 118. 6.

V. 7. have the rule] Or, are the guides. Vers. 17. & 24.

faith] That is, cleave stedfastly unto that faith; which they professed.

follow] Chap. 6. 12. Phil. 3. 17.

considering] Or, often considering. How patiently they suffered in defence thereof.

end] See Jam. 5. 11.

V. 8. Jesus Christ the same] Rev. 1. 8. Phil. 1. 12, &c. Psal. 102. 17. Same, that is, unchangeable in his Essence, promises and doctrine.

V. 9. carried] That is, as the waves of the Sea, or as the clouds of the ayre are now this way, now that by the windes, Ephes. 4. 14. Jude 12. but be constant in that faith which you have received, Col. 2. 7.

divers] Sometimes with this, sometimes with that doctrine.

strange] Different and disagreeing unto that faith which you once received, Jude 3.

grace] That is, either with the doctrine of grace, or else with those graces which are wrought in the soul by the preaching of the word or doctrine of grace: as faith, love, &c.

meats] Rom. 14. 17. That is, with a Legall observance, or choice of meats: whereby we may understand by a Synecdoche all the Legall Ceremonies.

walke] That is, who addict, or tye themselves unto it. Or, who superstitiously use them.

V. 10. altar] Understand hereby Christs divine Nature, whereby his flesh or humane nature was sanctified and qualified, to be a sufficient sacrifice to make atonement for the sinnes of the whole world, and this was typified by the legall Altar which sanctified the gifts that were offered upon it. Matth. 23. 19. Or Christ may be called our Altar, because we must offer up our prayers and thanksgivings unto God by him. See v. 15. Revel. 6. 9. & 8. 3. Or understand by Altar the sacrifice offered upon it; that is, the flesh or humane nature of Christ, which is the true food of the soule. Joh. 6.

eat] That is, to be partakers of. See 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17, 18.

serve] Which still stubbornly observe the Leviticall ceremonies. Such cut themselves off from the Communion of Christ. Gal. 5. 3.

V. 11. For] Here is a reason given of that which went before, Vers. 10. and it stands thus. Even as those who served the Tabernacle might not eat of those beasts, which were burnt without the camp or tents: so those who now cleave to the Tabernacle, cannot be partakers of Christ. This is further illustrated, Vers. 13. where the Apostle shews, that those beasts were a type of Christ, and the place of their burning, a type of the place of Christs suffering.

the bodies of those beasts] See Lev. 4. 11, 12. and 6. 30. and 16. 27.

sanctuary] Viz. into the Holy of Holiest, on the day of atonement, Lev. 23. 17.

V. 12. Wherefore] See Vers. 11.

sanctified the people with his own bloud] 1 Joh. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5.

V. 13. Let us] Here is a further accommodation or application of the former type.

go forth] Understand the place, either of our forsaking the legall ceremonies which were administred within the camp, cleaving stedfast to Christ and his doctrin; or of our forsaking the world in our affections, viz. of our denying our selves, and taking up Christs crosse and following him. This last may serve to be implyed by the words following.

his reproch] See Chap. 11. 26. 2 Cor. 1. 5. Col. 1. 24.

V. 14. For here we have no continuing citie] See Chap. 11. 16. Mic. 2. 10. Heb. 11. 10.

V. 15. By him] See vers. 10. Ephes. 5. 20. 1 Pet. 2. 5.

the fruit of our lips] Hos. 14. 2.

giving thanks to] Gr. confessing to.

V. 16. with such sacrifices] Matth. 25. 34. Phil. 4. 18.

well pleased] Through Christ. See vers. 10.

V. 17. Obey them] 1 Thess. 5. 12.

have the rule over you] Or, guide. Or, your leaders. See vers. 7.

for they watch for your souls] Ezek. 3. 17, &c. & 33. 2-7.

V. 18. conscience] Act. 24. 16.

V. 20. God of peace] Rom. 15. 33. and 16. 20. 2 Cor. 13. 11.

shepherd] Joh. 10. 11. 1 Pet. 2. 25. & 5. 4.

through the bloud] Here is set down whereby Christ obtained to be the great Shepherd of the Church. viz. his bloud, whereby he confirmed the everlasting covenant. Chap. 9. 12.

everlasting] Gen. 17. 7.

covenant] Or, testament.

V. 21. working in you] Or, doing. Phil. 2. 13.

through Jesus Christ] It may have relation either to working, or to well-pleasing, See vers. 10.

V. 23. Hence it is certaine, that the subscription of this Epistle is supposititious, because what need should there be of certifying that Timothy was set at libertie, if so be that this Epistle was sent by him?

written] See vers. 23.