Westminster Annotations, Judges

Westminster Annotations · Judges

ANNOTATIONS On the Book of JUDGES.

The ARGUMENT.

THe Judges mentioned in this Book, were not ordinary Magistrates, but extraordinarily called by God, in times of great extremitie, when all things seemed deplorable and desperate, and endowed with heroick gifts of the Spirit, fitting them for those services, in which he was pleased to imploy them, which was usually to fight his Battles, and by vanquishing their enemies, to give his people deliverance from their grievous oppressions: As also to restore and rectifie the Government, when through the peoples insolencies and unrulinesse, all things were brought to disorder and confusion. Neither had these Judges supreme and regall power committed unto them; for in all their time, God was their King, and kept the jura regali…, or Royall Rights, in his own hand, unto whom, as supreme they were Exo. 18. 15, 19. 1 Sam. 8. 7. Judg. 8. 23.Exod 18:15Exod 18:191 Sam 8:7Judg 8:23to appeal in cases of greatest difficultie, till in Samuels time they rejected him and his Government, and would have a King of their own to raign over them, like other Nations; but they were onelyonly Gods Lievtenants, who were to go out and in before the people, at his command, to execute his designes, and at his appointment (when their work was done) to lay down their Authoritie and Rule, as we see in Gideons example. Now these were called Judges, because they were Gods Ministers, appointed by him to execute his righteous judgements, both in subduing, punishing, and destroying the wicked enemies of his Church, also when his people were delivered from their tyranny and oppressions, to administer justice unto them according to his Laws, and preserve unto them Gods true Religion, in puritie and sinceritie, without any tainture of Idolatry and Superstition. And this Scripture is called the Book of Judges, because it containeth the History of the memorable things done under their severall Governments, and the state of the people of Israel, both in Church and Common-wealth, in their times, which being computed from Joshua to Eli, amounteth to three hundred yeers saving one, they being twelve in number that bore this office. The main scope of this History is to set forth, and leave to the use of all posteritie, the state and condition of the Church and Common-wealth of Israel, from their first setling in the Land of Canaan, to the time of Eli; That all succeeding Ages might learn by their example, to imitate such things in them as are worthy imitation, and shun the contrary: For it discovereth their prosperous successe in all their enterprises, whilest they professed and maintained Gods true Religion, and valiantly executed his commands in fighting his Battles, and driving out their enemies; but when out of sloth, and love of ease, or Exo. 23. 32. Josh. 23. 13. Numb. 33. 55. Psal. 106. 35. Judg. 3. 6. and 2. 13.Exod 23:32Josh 23:13Num 33:55Ps 106:35Judg 3:6Judg 2:13cowardly fear, they neglected Gods charge, and suffered them to live amongst them: The Lord, as he had threatned, caused them to become snares and traps unto them, scourges to their sides, and thorns in their eyes, to vex and grieve them, as plainly appeareth by this History: For by conversing with these cursed Nations, they learned their works, as the Psalmist speaketh: They took their Daughters to be their Wives, and gave their Daughters to their Sons, and worshipped their gods Baalim and Ashteroth, and served their Idols, which were a snare unto them; yea, they sacrificed their Sons and Daughters unto devils. By which, their fearfull Apostasie, they shewed their horrible ingratitude unto God, who by such mighty wonders had delivered them out of the Egyptian bondage, subdued their many and mighty enemies, and performed all his gracious Promises in bringing them into, and giving them possession in that good Land of Canaan, which flowed with Milk and Honey: And also their shamefull perfidiousnesse in breaking their solemn Covenant with God, into which, Joshua a little before his death, had caused them to enter. By all which their provocations, they fearfully kindled Gods just wrath against them; as the story sheweth; so that he made them unsuccessefull in all their enterprises, delivered them into the hands of spoilers,Ju 14 that spoiled them, and sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could no longer stand before them; but being subdued, were grievously oppressed by them. Yet in all this just severity, the Lord is mindfull of his Covenant, and doth not utterly reject them as their sins deserved, but in his great mercy and goodnesse, doth thus sharply correct them to bring them to repentance; which was no sooner done, but presently he raiseth up Judges to deliver them out of the hands of their oppressing enemies. And though they often relapsed into their Idolatrous and sinfull courses, and were as often severely punished, yet returning unto God, who sinote them, by serious repentance, they still found him alike, gracious, and mercifull in pardoning their sins, and sending them deliverance. Lastly, By that horrible corruption of Religion and manners, which was at this time in the Common-wealth of Israel; specially instanced in that bloody massacre of Gideons sons, and the Sodimiticall filthynesse of the men of Gibeah, countenanced and maintained by the whole Tribe of Benjamin, is declared unto all posteritie, the miserable condition of such a state and people. who live in an Anarchy, or (that which is almost as bad) under the Government of wicked Magistrates, who either out of fear, dare not execute Justice upon offenders, being over awed with the insolencies of a stiff-necked and rebellious people, or out of favour will not, because they like their courses, as being suitable to their own dispositions; Or through negligence or love of their own ease, will not trouble themselves to examine and take notice of any wickednesse, that it may be punished; but as if there were no King in Israel, suffer every one to do that which seemeth good in his own eyes.

CHAP. I.

Vers 1. DEath of Jeshua] And the funerall mourning ended.

asked the Lord] To wit, by the high priest, according to the Law, Numb. 27. 21. Exod. 28. 30. So Judg. 20. 18. 1 Sam. 23. 9.

Who] i. e. What tribe shall first begin to fight against the Canaanites, and so be a precedent to the rest.

V. 3. said unto Simeon] Because their inheritances were intermingled, therefore they joyned in war. Josh. 19. 1.

V. 5. Ad…ni-bezek] i. e. Bezek the lord or …ing of that countrey.

Bezek] Which was neer Jerusalem.

V. 6. cut off his thumbs] To wit, by law of retaliation▪ because he had used the like cruelty to others, as himself confesseth, v. 7. 1 Sam. 15. 33. Isa. 33. 1.

V. 7. having their thumbs] Which cruelty he exercised, that they might never after handle arms, nor escape by flight, and that others might be deterred from warring with him, by their example.

V. 8. fought against Jerusalem] i. e. That southern part of it which was faln to their lot, and called Jebus; but not that northern part which was faln to Benjamins share, and called Salem, See Josh. 15. 8, 63. and 18. 11, 28. and here. v. 21. For this was a double city, besides the Castle (and therefore its name is of the duall number) of which, one was in Judah's lot, the other in Benjamins, together with the Castle.

V. 10. And Judah went] To wit, under the conduct of Joshua and Caleb. Josh. 10. 36. and 15. 13, 14. For these things here related to the 17 verse, were done in Joshuahs time, but here expressed more fully and particularly.

V. 14. And it came to passe] See this story before related, Josh. 15. 18, 19. And the annotations on that place.

V. 16. Kenite] i. e. Jethro, Exod. 18. 1. Num. 24. 21, 22.

palm-trees] i. e. Jericho. Deut 34. 3. 2 Chro. 28. 15.

Arad] See Numb. 21. 1.

V. 17. And Judah] Here the history broken off, v. 8. is resumed and prosecuted.

Zephath] See 2 Chro. 14. 10.

Hormah] i. e. Devoted to destruction. See Numb. 14. 45. and 21. 1, 3.

V. 18. Gaza] These cities were in the land of the Philistims, at the Mediterranean sea side, and were afterwards by them again recovered. Judg. 14. 19. 16. 1, 2. 1 Sam. 6. 17.

V. 19. because they had chari…ts] This was no just cause to deterre them from pursuing their conquests, for they had Gods expresse promise of victory, notwithstanding these iron chariots. Josh. 17. 18. But it was onelyonly their want of valour, and their sinfull fear, and want of faith in Gods promises that hindered them; and neglect of Gods commands, who enjoyned them to drive them out, Josh. 13. 6.

V. 20. Hebron to Caleb] See the story of it. Josh. 14. 6, 7, &c.

V. 21. Jerusalem] i. e. Their part of the city, and the castle or fort, but these remained unconquered till Davids time, 2 Sam. 5. 6, 7.

to this day] To wit, when this story was written.

V. 24. the entrance] i. e. The weakest part, where it may most easily be assaulted, and give us entrance into i….

V. 26. Hi…ites] On the north side of the mountain of Ephraim.

V. 27. Beth-shean] Which lay on the west-side of Jordan. See Josh. 17. 11.

Taanach] At the hill of Gilboa, Josh. 17. 11

Ibleam] Which lay neer the Mediterranean sea.

would] i. e. Either by force or composition.

V. 28. tribute] They made peace with them on this onelyonly condition, neglecting Gods worship, and expresse command; Exod. 23. 32. Deut. 7. 2.

V. 29. Gezer] Lying on the river Gaas, neer the Mediterranean sea, and being a citie of the Levites, Josh. 21. 21.

V. 35. would dwell] See v. 27.

house of Joseph] Which came to succour Dan, subdued the Amorites, so as they became tributar…es.

V. 36. Akrabbim] Lying southernly on the salt sea, and easternly on mount Seir, and on the utmost borders of Canaan, towards the sonth. Josh. 15. 2, 3.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. AN angel] Some take it for a messenger, or some prophet sent by God, which they think to be Phine has; but the sequell, as others think, sheweth, That he was the angel of the covenant, Jesus Christ, who before appeared to Joshua, Josh. 5. 9. seeing he attributeth unto himself the works of God, vers. 1, 2, 3. See Judg. 6. 11, 12.

from G…lgal] Where first he appeared to Joshua.

Bochim] So called by anticipation, from the weeping of the people there, vers. ….

V. 3. not drive them] i. e. The Canaanites.

thorns] See Num. 33. 55.

snares] To intangle you to your perdition in their idolatry, by keeping them company. See Exod. 23. 33. and 34. 12. Josh. 23. 13.

V. 5. sacrificed there] To wit, in Shiloh, which was neer Bochim.

V. 6. And when Joshua] In this verse, to the seventh of the third Chapter, he summa…ily setteth down the causes why God inflicted his judgements upon the Israelites, and would not drive out the Canaanites from before them, namely, their neglect of Gods commands, idolatry, and back-sliding. These words to the tenth verse, are repeated out of the 24th, v. 28. of Joshua, and here inserted, to clear the way to the ensuing story.

V. 9. Timmath-heres] So called from the idolatry in that place, committed to the sun. It is called Timnath-Serah by a transposition of letters, Josh. 24. 30.

V. 10. knew not the Lord] To wit, by his miraculous works, of which, they were not eye-witnesses, as their fathers were, nor had any holy impression of them in their hearts, by thei… relation.

V. 11. did evill] By committing idolatry, the greatest evill in Gods sight.

Baalim] Baal signifieth lord, and was a name generally used with idolaters, for all their gods and goddesses; which being many, they used to distinguish them one from another, by some addition; as Baal-berith. Judg. 8. 33. Baal-p…or, Num. 25. 3. Baal-zebub, 2 King. 1. 6. The Israelites thought their worship lawfull, because they worshipped the true God in these idols, Hos. 2. 16. So Exod. …2. 4, 5.

V. 13. Ash…ar…th] The Heathens called this idoll Astartz, which they worshipped in the female sex, and the Philistims, and Sidonians, under the form of a sheep. See 1 Sam. 31. 10. 1 King. 11. 5, 33. And under this, some think they worshipped Venus, or Piana, or the Moon.

V. 14. he sold them] i. e. Gave them over, as the seller the things sold into the hands of the buyer. So Chapter 4… …, 9. Psal. 44. 12▪ 13. Isa. 50. 1. Or as they use to sell captives taken in war for slaves.

V. 15. for evill] i. e. To crosse them in all their enterprises, and to bring upon them all mischiefs and miseries threatned, Lev. 26. and Deut. 28.

V. 16. raised up] Not in an ordinary way, but by the singular motion of his spirit, not for a setled course of government, but for speciall uses upon extraordinary occasion, whom God fitted for this service, by enduing them with Heroicall and extraordinary gifts and vertues. See Chap. 3. 9, 10. and 8. 23.

V. 17. a whoring] i. e. Defiled themselves with spirituall whoredom, to wit, idolatry with false gods.

V. 18. it repented] i. e. He altered his course, from executing judgement, to shewing mercy, upon their turning from their sins. See Gen. 6. 6.

V. 19. then their fathers] To wit, either in Egypt, or in the wildernesse.

ceased not] They desisted not from their wicked practices.

stubborn way] i. e. In which they stubbornly walked and persisted.

V. 21. Joshua left] i. e. Unconquered and unexpelled, Josh. 23. 13. besides those which after his death were subdued, as Chap. 1.

V. 22. prove Israel] And now punish them, being disallowed in the tryall, as was threatned. Josh. 23. 13. See Gen. 22. 1. 2 Chro. 32. 31.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. THe wars] To wit, in the time of Joshua; and that to this end, That he might still keep the people in the exercise of faith and obedience, seeing they still needed God assistant against these enemies.

V. 2. might know to teach] That is, by this continuall exercise of warre, might be able to teach their posterity the use of arms, and so not to grow weak-hearted, and effeminate by their long peace and rest.

V. 3. five lords] Three of these are said to be conquered by Judah, Judg. 1. 18. But it seemeth, that for the apostacy and idolatry of the people, these enemies revolted, and got head again, and so long after continued in their strength. Judg. 15. 11. and 1 Sam. 4▪ and 6. 4. 17.

mount Lebanon] Lying in the north border of Canaan.

Baal-hermon] So called from the idoll there worshipped: it lay on the east end of mount Lebanon, and northward from Basan. 1 Chro. 5. 23. And the mount Hermon at the west end of Lebanon. Deut. 3. 9. and 4. 48.

V. 4. to know] i. e. To make known. See Deut. 8. 2.

V. 6. took their daughters] Contrary to Gods expresse command. Exod. 34. 16. Deut. 7. 3.

V. 7. and the groves] Or, the grove-gods which they worshipped in thick, dark-groves, under the goodliest shady trees, which they consecrated to the honour of their idols. Exod. 34. 13. Deut. 16. 21.

sold them] See Chap. 2. 14.

V. 8. Mesopotamia] Or Syria, of the two rivers, because it lyeth between two rivers, Euphrates and Tigris.

V. 10. spirit of the Lord] i. e. The spirit of wisedom, and fortitude, fitting him for warre and government, and inciting him unto it. So Chap. 6. 34. and 11. 29.

his hand prevailed] To wit, for the subduing of him, and keeping him in subjection.

V. 11. land had rest] To wit, from warre and servitude, true religion being restored, and the land flourishing in peace and plenty.

fourty yeers] Or, to the fourtieth yeer, reckoning this time from the death of Joshua to Othniels death, as may be gathered from 1 King. 6. 1.

V. 13. palm-trees] See Chap. 1. 16.

V. 14. eighteen yeers] They served the king of Mesopotamia eight yeers, and now Eglon eighteen yeers, because their sins increasing, their servitude also was prolonged.

V. 18. he sent away the people] Both to avoid suspition, because of their number, and to secure them from danger, if any should happen.

V. 19. Keep silence] To wit, till the company about me be departed.

V. 20. And he arose] i. e. In sign of reverence to Gods message and messenger, though he were an idolater.

V. 24. covereth his feet] i. e. He doth his easement, which the Hebrews modestly expresse by this phrase. 1 Sam. 24. 3. because sitting down, the feet were covered by the upper garment.

V. 26. Seirath] A place neer mount Ephraim.

V. 30. the land had rest] See v. 11.

fourscore yeers] Which (as some think) are to be reckoned from the death of Othniel.

CHAP. IIII.

Vers. 2. SOld them] See Chap. 2. v. 14.

Jabin] There was another Jabin slain by Joshua. Josh. 11. 1, 10. whom this succeeded.

of Canaan] Not the whole land of promise, but the north borders of that countrey.

Hazor] See Josh. 11. 10, 11. and 19. 36. Which Hazor was burnt by Joshua, but now reedified by the Canaanites.

Har…sheth of the Gentiles] That is, a woody strong place, whither the reliques of the conquered nations resorted to inhabit there, as being most safe and defensible against the Israelites.

V. 4. judged Israel] Not governing onelyonly as a judge, but also as a propheresse, counselling, and directing them by revealing unto them the will of God, by the spirit of prophecy. So vers. 6.

V. 5. palm-tree of Deborah] So called, because she dwelt there.

for judgement] i. e. To learn of her, as a prophetesse, the will of God, concerning things which themselves knew not, and also for judgement otherwise.

V. 6. Kedesh-naphtali] A City in Naphtali, between the waters of Merom, and the lake Genesareth. Josh. 19. 32, 37. and 20. 7. and 21. 32.

Hath not the Lord] An Hebraism, that is, the LORD hath assuredly commanded. For such questioning doth strongly affirm. So v. 14. and 6. 14. Gen. 13. 9.

mount Tabor] Neer the west border of the tribe of Zebulon by the river Kishon. See Chap. 5. 21. Psal. 83. 9.

V. 8. go with me] To give me assurance that God hath spoken by thee, and as a prophetesse to direct me by acquainting me with Gods will, as there shall be any occasion.

V. 9. for thine honour] i. e. Thou shalt not have the chief honour of the day, nor the praise of the victory, which is due to a Generall, because of thy fear and diffidence; but it shall be principally ascribed to women, to wit, Deborah and Jael.

sell Sisera] i. e. Shall deliver him into the power of a woman to be slain by her, seeing thou darest not execute the LORDS commands, without having the presence of a woman.

V. 10. at his feet] i. e. Who marched after him (as it were) treading in their leaders steps: The like Hebraism we have, Exod. 11. 8. 1 King. 20. 10.

V. 11. Heber] The husband of Jael. Vers. 17.

from the Kenites] That is, his countrey-men and allies, which dwelled in the tribe of Juda. Chap. 1. 16.

V. 12. Tabor] See vers. 6.

V. 13. Kishon] Which first riseth out of the▪ hills of Tabor, Hermon, and Gilboa, and afterwards dividing it self into two parts, one of them runneth into the Mediterranean, the other into the lake Genesareth.

V. 14. is not the Lord] i. e. Most certainly the LORD is gone out before thee, as Generall of the army, to sight for thee, and give thee victory. See vers. 6. Chap. 5. 20. 2 Sam. 5. 24.

V. 15. discomfited] i. e. Took away his heart and courage, and so overthrew him, and all his power in an extraordinary manner. So Josh. 10. 10. Judg. 5. 20. 1 Sam. 7. 10.

V. 16. not a man left] i. e. In the field, to make any resistance. See Psal. 14. 3. 53. 3. Rom. 3. 12.

V. 17. there was peace] No open hostility, Heber standing in a neutrality, between Jabin and the Israelites, and so enjoyed peace with both, but not by oath and covenant, for then Jaels act had been faulty.

V. 19. a bottle of milk] i. e. To make him the more sleepy, that she might have the better opportunity to effect her intended act, and the lesse suspicious upon the experience of her kinde entertainment. See Chap. 5. 25.

V. 20. shalt say, No] This he requireth, but she prudently giv…th him no promise to do it.

V. 21. a nail of the tent] i. e. Used to fasten coards of the tent to the ground, to keep it firm against the windes, and therefore long and strong enough for her intended use.

and smote the nail] This act proceeded from a singular zeal to Gods glory, and his peoples weal, inspired in an extraordinary manner and measure, by his spirit; seeing she is so highly commended for it by the holy Ghost. Chap. 5. 24.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 1. THen sang] Deborah as a prophetesse composed the song, and Barak joyned with her in singing it.

V. 2. the people] To wit, chiefly of the two tribes, Zebulon and Naphtali, as it is Chap. 4. 10. and 5. 18. with some others, v. 14, 15.

willingly] i. e. As voluntiers at the sound of the trumpet, Barak having no authority to presse them to the service.

V. 4. wentest out of Seir] i. e. When going before them in a cloudy pillar, thou diddest lead thy people thence into the land of promise, by a long circuit, after they had subdued King Arad. Numb. 20. 21. and 21. 4.

the earth] That is, the earth it self, or the nations, both Edomites and Amorites, trembled with fear of the Israelites neer approach. See Deut. 2. 25. Josh. 5. 1.

the heavens dropped] See Psal. 68. 2.

V. 5. mountains melted] By these hyperbolicall expressions he sheweth how the nations were afrighted and amazed when God shewed visible signes of his power in protecting his people. So Psal. 68. 15, 16, &c.

that Sinai] i. e. Even as mount Sinai had done when God proclaimed his law.

V. 6. Shamgar] See Judg. 3. 31. A narration of Israels misery, before this victory.

the high-wayes were unoccupied] Because there was no commerce nor intercourse of trading, and because men durst not travell in the high-wayes, for fear of enemies and robbers. See Lev. 26. 22. 2. Chron. 15. 5. Esa. 33. 1. Lam. 1. 4.

by-wayes] i. e. Forsaking the beaten roads, to escape robbers and enemies.

V. 7. of the villages ceased] i. e. Unwalled towns lay waste, because the countrey people durst not dwell in them.

a mother in Israel] i. e. As governesse and a prophetesse, teaching them Gods will, and tendring their miseries, have encouraged them to this war, which hath freed them out of all their calamities

V. 8. They chose new gods] i. e. They worshipped the heathen idols, which was the cause why God plagued them with all these miseries of war, Judg. 2. 10. and 4. 1.

was there a shield] i. e. Surely there were none, because the enemies had disarmed them. See 1 Sam. 13. 19, 22. or else they were grown so cowardly, that they durst not use their weapons in their defence, nor so much as let them come in sight.

V. 9. my heart] i. e. From my heart I honour and love the governours and heads of the tribes who offered themselves to be captains and leaders in this war, by their example encourageing the common people.

V. 10. white asses] i. e. Princes and chief governours, who used in those dayes to ride on such asses, as an ensigne of their state and power. See Chap. 10. 4. and 12. 14. do ye blesse the LORD, and speak of his greatacts.

walk by the way] That have occasion to travell in the highwayes, which were lately dangerous, but now secure, by the valour of these worthies.

V. 11. they that are] i. e. They that were formerly put in danger of their lives by the archers and souldiers, whiles they were drawing water, and are now out of this fear, let them blesse the LORD for this, and sing his praises.

righteous acts] To wit, in avenging his people upon their enemies.

villages] Which were in most danger, because least defensible; but now by this victory safe for habitation.

go down to the gates] i. e. All sorts, citizens and countrey-men, may now have free ingresse and egresse, both to the courts of justice, and to the market.

V. 12. thy captivity captive] i. e. Lead them captive, that kept thy people in captivity, Psal. 68. 18.

V. 13. Then he] i. e. The LORD made the remainder of the Israelites, rescued by this victory out of the tyranny of the Canaanites, to have now dominion over their nobles.

made me] i. e. Me Deborah, by my counsell and encouragement, to subdue great princes and captains.

V. 14. Out of Ephraim] Here Deborah beginneth to relate how the severall tribes acquitted themselves in this expedition, praising or blaming them according to their merit or demerit.

a root] Some take this root to be Deborah, dwelling upon mount Ephraim, Chap. 4. 5. the root or first mover of this expedition against the Canaanites, here called Amalek, in respect of their hatred and tyranny. Others take it to be Joshua an Ephraimite, who subdued Amalek, Exod. 17. 13. Others read it thus, whose root is by Amalek, and understand Judah and Simeon, whose coast did extend unto Amalek, as appeareth by comparing Judg. 1. 16. with 1 Sam. 15. 6.

after thee] That is, after thee, O LORD, Benjamin followed also with the rest of thy people. Some refer it as spoken to Ephraim, followed by Benjamin.

Machir] i. e. The Manassites descending from Machir the first-born of M…n…sseh, Josh. 17. 1.

governours] Captains and leaders, or judges and law-givers.

handle the pen] q. d. Not onelyonly captains and rulers, but even scribes, addicted to their studies, took arms to help their brethren.

V. 15. were with De…orah] i. e. Agreed with her to give their assistance when they were required.

even …ssa…har] i. e. Not onelyonly the princes, but the whole tribe.

also Barak] Being called with his tribe of Naphtali, came, and did what was commanded, Judg. 4. 6, 10.

on foot] So Judg. 4. 10, 14.

into the valley] To wit, of mount Tabor, Judg. 4. 14.

for the divisions of Reuben] Reuben, dwelling on the other side Jordan, kept himself separate from his brethren, giving them no assistance in this war, but stood as neutrall to both sides, regarding more their own private, then the publike interest.

great thoughts of heart] i. e. Wrought in mens mindes many strange impressions, and distracted them with severall opinions, and divers constructions, causing men to wonder much at this cold neutrality. Some think that these strange thoughts which made them so slack and remisse, were in the Reubenites themselves, who were distracted with severall opinions; some thinking it best to ayd their brethren: and others, the greater and more prevailing party, that they were better to abstain, that they might enjoy their ease, and avoid danger: others, because out of pride of heart they would not follow the conduct of a woman.

V. 6. abodest thou] i. e. Thou, O Reuben.

among the sheepfolds] For this tribe was rich in cattell, Num. 32. 1.

to hear the bleatings] i. e. Taking more care to tend thy cattell, then to assist thy brethren.

great searchings] See v. 15.

V. 17. Gilead] i. e. Half the tribe of Manasseh beyond Jordan, or else the two tribes and an half that dwelled together in Gilead. See Num. 32. 5. 29, 33.

in ships] The inheritance of Dan and Asher lay for the most part on the sea side, Josh. 19. 24, 26, 40, 46.

breaches] Made into the land by sea-floods.

V. 18. high places] i. e. Mount Tabor, from whence they went down with Barak into the battell. See Chap. 4. 10, 14.

V. 19. the kings] i. e. Jabin and his consederates.

in Taanach] Which belonged to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh, and was neer Tabor. See Chap. 1. 27▪

money] Though they hoped for much spoil, yet they got nothing, yea, l…st all and themselves too.

V. 20. they fought from heaven] i. e. The treasures from above, as the rain, windes, hail; and the stars with their influences conspired to work their ruine. See Chap. 4. 15.

V. 21. swept them away] To wit, being swelled with rain and storms from above, did drown many of them in their flight.

strength] i. e. All the power of the enemies, or the strong and mighty enemy.

V. 22. h…f… broken] And so made unserviceable.

V. 23. Curse ye] i. e. Acknowledge and pronounce them accursed, by the authority and command of the angel speaking by me.

Meroz] Which was (as some think) a city neer the river Kishon, where the battell was fought, on the south border of Issachar. Others say that it is the name of a place now unknown, as being not elsewhere mentioned.

said the angel] That is, the angel of covenant, the LORD Christ. See Chap. 6. 11. and 2. 1.

h…lp of the Lord] i. e. To the help of the LORDS people, unto whose salvation Gods glory is annexed.

the mighty] i. e. Sisera and his mighty army. Some read it thus, among, or, with the …ghty: i. e. Barak, and his valiant worthies.

V. 25. a lord…y dish] i. e. A dish befitting a lord; or so large as he might drink his fill out of it.

V. 26. she smote Sisera] i. e. She smote the nail of the tent thorow his temples with the hammer.

V. 28. The mother of Sisera] A lively and ironicall representation of pride and carnall confidence, pr…suming of successe in enterprises upon sensuall grounds, without respect to Gods power and providence.

V. 30. Have they not sped?] i. e. They have surely sped, and got the victory, and therefore cannot come so soon, because they must have some time allowed them to divide the spoil.

on both sides] i. e. Both sides alike, and of equall beauty.

V. 31. as the san] i. e. From morning to high noon, still encreasing in glory and brightnesse▪ Prov. 4. 18. Psal. 37. 6.

Fourty yeers] To wit, being reckoned from that eighty yeers mentioned, Chap. 3. 30.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. OF Midian] i. e. The Midianites, who came of Midian the son of Abraham, by Keturah, Gen. 25. 2.

V. 2. made them the dens] Namely, to hide themselves in from the Midianites. See 1 Sam. 13. 6.

V. 3. And so it was] i. e. It was their usuall practice thus to do every yeer, as they did now.

Amalekites] Who were of Esau's posterity, Gen. 36. 12.

of the cast] i. e. The Arabians chiefly. See Chap. 8. 10, 11. Job 1. 3.

V. 4. unto Gaza] Lying west at the Meditertanean, so that they wasted the whole land, from east to west.

V. 5. as Grash…ppers] An hyperbolicall expression of their multitude, their army consisting of a hundred and thirty five thousand able fighting men, besides the rascallity which followed the camp, as appeareth, Chap. 8. 10.

without number] Heb. i. e. So many, that they were hardly to be numbred. So Chap. 7. 12. whereas a small company is expressed by the contrary phrase, That they are men of number. See Gen. 34. 30.

V. 11. an angel] That is, Christ the eternall Son of God; for he is called JEHOVAH, v. 14. and the LORD, v. 16. See Chap. 2. 1. Gen. 18. 17. 48. 16.

Ophrah] There were two Ophrah's, one in the tribe of Benjamin, Josh. 18. 23. and this in the tribe of Manasseh.

Abi-ezriie] Of the tribe of Manasseh, Josh. 17. 2. So below, v. 34. 35.

wine-presse] In an unusuall and secret place, that he might not be discovered.

V. 14, in this they might] i. e. Which I now give thee, with my promise to assist thee.

have not I] i. e. Surely I have sent thee. See Chap. 4. 6.

V. 15. wherewith shall I save Israel?] These are not words proceeding from difference, but of one seeking direction what means he was to use for the effecting of the thing promised, and the strengthning of his faith, Heb. 11. 32. Luk. 1. 34.

V. 16. as one man] i. e. As easily as if thou hadst to do but with one man, and not with a great army.

V. 17. shew me a signe] To wit, that thou art sent of God thus to speak unto me, that I may undertake this dangerous expedition with good conscience and courage.

V. 18. my present] Thinking him to be onelyonly a man or prophet, he desireth to give him entertainment, by setting meat before him, as Abraham did, Gen. 18. 5. and Manoah, Judg. 13. 15.

V. 19. the broth] To wit, upon the flesh and cakes, 1 King. 18. 34.

V. 21. fire out of the rock] With which, after the manner of a whole burnt offering, all upon it were consumed. So 1 Kin. 18. 38. and 2 Chron. 7. 1.

V. 22. Alas, O Lord] Being affrighted because he had seen the LORD, he thus cryeth out through the weaknesse of the flesh, as though he should presently die. So Gen. 32. 30. Deut. 5. 24, 26.

V. 24. Jehovah-shalom] This altar was by Gideon built, and dedicated to Christ himself that appeared to him, which he calleth Jehovah-shalom, because he is our peace, and the Prince of peace, Isai. 9. 6. and the author and giver of all our peace, Isai. 53. 1. Luk. 2. 14. Heb. 7. 2. Joh. 14. 27. and 16. 33. Act. 10. 36. And secondly, because he had promised to Gideon deliverance and peace to him and his people, by their victory over the Midianites.

V. 24. in Ophrah] See v. 11.

V. 25. second bullock] i. e. Which useth to stand second in the stall.

seven yeers old] Bred the same yeer when the Midianites began their tyranny.

cut down the grove] Dedicated to idolatry, beginning thy calling with the rooting out of idolatry, and restoring of Gods true worship, Judg. 3. 7.

V. 26. top of this rock] Out of which came the fire that had consumed the cakes, meat and broth.

ordered place] i. e. Fitted for the sacrifice in an orderly manner, by laying wood upon it.

offer a burnt sacrifice] This office was proper to the priests, yet in a case extraordinary, Gideon, who was no priest, did lawfully offer it, having Gods speciall command for it.

of the grove] To wit, which grew about Baals altar, and was now cut down.

V. 31. he that will plead] i. e. He that will still dare to speak in this idolls behalf.

yet morning] That is, presently, without further delay.

V. 32. he called him] i. e. Joash called his son Gideon by the name of Jerubbaal, in remembrance of this act of their contending for Baal.

V. 33. went over] i. e. Jordan. See Chap. 7. 24.

valley of Jezreel] There were tow of this name; one in Judah, Josh. 15. 56. this in Issachar, on the other side of mount Gilboa, between Manasseh and Issachar, Josh. 19. 18. ending at the city of Jezreel westward.

V. 34. the spirit] To wit, of wisedom, zeal and courage. So 1 Chron. 12. 18. and 2 Chron. 24. 20.

Abiezer] i. e. The family of Abiezer, of which he was.

V. 35. all Manasseh] The one half dwelling on this side Jordan, the other beyond it.

unto Asher, Zebulun, Naphtali] Which three tribes lay neer together.

to meet them] i. e. Gideon, with the Manassites, and Abiezrites.

V. 36. If thou wilt] He desireth this signe, not out of infidelity to tempt God; but in all humility, that his faith might be further confirmed in his vocation.

CHAP. VII.

Vers. 1. THe well of Harod] That is, the well of terrour or trembling; so called, either from the fear which seised on the two and twenty thousand Israelites, vers. 3. or on the Midianites routed and slain by Gideon, which encamped there on the other side, Chap. 6. 33. This well lay upon the borders of Manasseh.

Moreh] i. e. One of the hills of Gilboa, so called from the seasonable rains which used to fall there, 2 Sam. 1. 23.

the valley] To wit, of Jezreel. See Chap. 6. 33.

against me] By robbing me of the glory of the victory, and ascribing it to themselves.

own hand] i. e. My own power. See Ex. 8. 9.

V. 3. depart early] i. e. Betimes, and withall speed, as the word signifieth.

from mount Gilead] Or towards mount Gilead, beyond Jordan (as the word may signifie) whence the half tribe of Manasseh came, Chap. 6. 35. and which did lie over against Gideons camp.

V. 4. I will try them] i. e. I will give thee a signe whereby thou mayest trie them, separating those who must depart, from those that must go with thee, as it were drosse from gold.

V. 5. that lappeth] To wit, the water taken up out of the hollow of his hand, as it is v. 6.

V. 7. other people] To wit, which kneeled, and bowed themselves down to drink.

V. 8. So the people] i. e. The three hundred chosen men.

and their trumpets] i. e. Three hundred trumpets of their own, and theirs who departed from the camp.

he sent] i. e. Gideon.

in the valley] To wit, of Jezreel, on the other side of the hill.

V. 9. unto the host] To wit, of the Midianites.

V. 10. fear to go] To wit, alone, or to go yet down with thine army to fight with so great a number.

V. 11. thy hands be strengthened] i. e. Thou shalt be further encouraged to fight against them.

outside] i. e. To the first sentinells of the host.

V. 12. like grashoppers] See Chap. 6. 5.

as the sand] An hyperbolicall expression of a great multitude, usuall with the Hebrews. So Isai. 48. 19. Gen. 22. 17.

V. 13. a cake of barley-bread] To signifie the weaknesse and contemptiblenesse of the means, which God intended to use, for the saving of his people, and confusion of their enemies.

V. 15. he worshipped] i. e. Praised God for confirming him thus in his calling, and prayed unto him for good successe, according to this omen, or good signe.

V. 18. The sword of the Lord] i. e. This battle is fought by the sword of the LORD, as principall agent, and by Gideon▪ as his instrument.

V. 19. middle watch] i. e. About midnight, when the watches use to be changed.

V. 21. stood] To shew, that the LORD onelyonly fought the battell, and got the victory. See Exod. 14. 13. 2 Chro. 20. 17.

V. 22. every mans sword] i. e. The LORD struck them with such sudden terrour and amazement, that they knew not their friends from their enemies; but mistaking one for the other, they slew their friends instead of their foes. So 1 Sam. 14. 15, 20. 2 Chro. 20. 23.

Beth-shittah] Out of the plain towards Jordan, where all these places here named lay.

V. 23. And the men] i. e. Hearing of this defeat, and routing of the Midianitish army.

V. 24. and take before them] To wit, that being inclosed and hemmed in on both sides, they might have no way to escape.

the waters] That is, the foords, and passages by which they should passe and escape.

Beth-barah] Lying neer Jordan, which some think to be that Beth-barah, spoken of Joh. 1. 28.

V. 25. the rock Oreb] So called in after times upon this occasion, and lying at the east end of mount Ephraim, neer Jordan: So Zeeb likewise.

the other side Jordan] Where he now was pursuing Zeba and Zalmunna, with their fifteen thousand men that had in the time of the fight escaped over Jordan.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 2. IS not the gleaning?] q. d. Is not your rich gleaning better to be esteemed then our poor vintage? In which allegory he compareth the fight to a vintage; Ephraim's pursuit of the victory, and taking of the two princes, to the gleaning, which he preferreth before all that had been done by the Abi-ezrites.

V. 5. Succoth] Which lay at the river Jabbok beyond Jordan. See Gen. 33. 17. Psal. 60. 6. Another Succoth there was, Ex. 12. 37. and Num. 33. 5.

V. 6. Are the hands] q. d. Are they already in thy power as thy prisoners, before thou hast got the victory? that we should respect thee as victour, and not rather fear their revenge for relieving their feeble enemies? And thus they incense Godepm. by rejecting his request with a contemptuous scorm.

V. 7. I will tear your flesh] I will thus punish you with extreme severity, because you well deserve it, seeing you refuse to relieve my faint and wearied followers, fighting in a common cause against Gods enemies; herein grievously sinning against God, the common-wealth, my self and all my followers your brethren, and that in favour of their tyrannous enemies.

tear] Heb. thresh.

of the wildernesse] i. e. Lying between Succoth and Penuel, at the brook Jabbok, Gen. 32. 2. 22. 30. called also the wildernesse of Mahanaim, as lying neer unto it, 2 Sam. 17. 27, 29.

V. 8. Penuel] A city in the tribe of Gad, in the border by the Amorites, neer the brook Jabbok; so called by Jacob, because there he saw God, and wrestled with him, Gen. 32. 30. 1 Kin. 12. 25.

V. 9. in peace] i. e. Safe and victorious, having subdued my enemies.

this tower] In the strength whereof you being confident, have given my suit such a scornfull repulse.

V. 10. in Karkor] A city beyond Jordan towards the east.

an hundred and twenty thousand men] To wit, those which were slain before.

that drew the sword] i. e. Able men for service in war. So Chap. 20. 15, 17, 25, 46. 2 Sam. 24. 9. 2 Kin. 3. 26.

V. 11. that dwelt in tents] i. e. The Arabians, who were called by the Grecians Scenitae from hence, that is, tent-dwellers.

Nobah] A city in the tribe of Manasseh, Num. 32. 42.

Jogbehah] A city in the tribe of Gad, Num. 32. 35. both these cities beyond Jordan eastward.

V. 12. discomfited] Heb. terrified.

V. 14. he described] i. e. He gave to Gideon their names in writing, who were guilty of the offence committed.

V. 16. he taught] i. e. By making the Princes in this severe punishment an example to all the rest, he taught them more wit for the time to come, then to commit again the like sinnes.

V. 17. men of the city] i. e. The Princes and elders, who were chiefly guilty of the fault, as he did in Succoth.

V. 18. whom you shew] When this was done, is not expressed; but it seemeth it was very lately, in this expedition, seeing though Gideon knew that his brethren were slain, yet he understood not the manner and circumstances of their death.

at Tabor] See Chap. 4. 6.

as thou art] q. d. They were like thee, and both like children of a king, i. e. goodly and majesticall: and this they speak to humour him, and get favour.

V. 19. I would not slay you] i. e. I would save your lives, if when they fell into your hands you had saved them.

V. 20. and slay them] This he did to hearten him against Gods enemies. So Josh. 10. 24. and to make him to share with himself in the glory of the victory.

V. 21. rise thou] This they desire, that they might die nobly, by the hand of one like themselves, and not by a boy, in an ignominious manner: and also for more quick dispatch, which could not be done by the weak hand of a boy, who would have hackled them with many blows, and so put them to more torment; whereas a man of strength striking them, would quickly rid them out of their pain.

ornaments] Or, ornaments like the moon.

V. 23. I will not rule] I will not take unto me the place and power of a king over Gods people, and intail it to my posterity, but the regall rights shall remain still in the hand of God: Whereby it appeareth, That the judges in this book were not lords and kings over the people, but raised extraordinarily for the defence and deliverance of Israel, their laws and liberties remaining still entire. See Chap. 2. 16. and 1 Sam. 8. 7. and 12. 12.

V. 24. car-rings] i. e. The golden ornaments of his prey, whether worn in the ear or fore-head; for the Hebrew word is used for both. See Gen. 24. 22, 47. 35. 4. neither doth he desire all, but that every man should give one of those which he had gotten for his prey, as the Hebrew text hath it.

they were Ishmaelites] See Gen. 37. 25. 25. 13.

V. 26. shekels of gold] See Gen. 24. 22. and Num. 7. 14.

V. 27. an Ephod] Which was an habit onelyonly to be used in divine worship, being a vestment that covered the shoulders, and compassed the brest, like a short strait coat without sleeves, put upmost upon the garments to keep them close. See Ex. 28. 4. 1 Sam. 2. 18. and 2 Sam. 6. 14. Judg. 17. 6.

and put it in his city] i, e. Set it up in some eminent place, as a monument of the late victory, to stirre up himself and the people to thankfulnesse: wherein, though his intent were seemingly good; yet because it was not as God had commanded, but an humane invention, it became a snare to Gideon and his house.

a whoring after it] After the death of Gideon abused it to idolatry, and the worship of Baal, v. 33. See Lev. 17. 7 and 20. 5.

became a snare] This sin of Gideon, in giving unto the people this occasion of idolatry, already too too prone unto it, brought ruine to his posterity, as appeareth in the following Chapter.

V. 28. lifted up their heads] i. e. Got no more any prevailing strength against Israel.

fourty yeers] i. e. Being computed from the end of those fourty yeers mentioned, Chap. 5. 31.

V. 29. in his own house] i. e. He raigned not as a king, v. 23, but led a private life; though as a judge he maintained Gods true worship, defended the laws and liberties of the people, and did all good service to the common-wealth, v. 28. and 33. See v. 23. and Chap. 2. 16.

V. 30. of his body begotten] Heb. going out of his thigh. See Gen. 46. 26.

V. 31. Shechem] Situate upon a hill in Ephraim neer Samaria. See Gen. 12. 6. and 33. 18. Josh. 20. 7.

Abimelech] Whom the Sichemites made their king.

V. 33. Baal-berith] i. e. The lord of the covenant, which was the idoll of the Sichemites.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 1. SHechem] See Chap. 8. 31.

unto his mothers brethren] i. e. Her kinred and allies, namely, to practise with them for the attaining of the kingdom. So v. 3. 18.

V. 2. of all the men] i. e. All the lords and chief citizens, as the word Baal or Behalim here used signifieth.

your bone] i. e. Of your blood and kinred by my mothers side. See Gen. 2. 23. and 29. 14. and if you will rather have one ruler then many, then chuse me before another, because I am your kinsman.

V. 3. hearts inclined to follow] i. e. To chuse him, before any other, to be their king and captain, because he was their kinsman.

V. 4. pieces of silver] See Gen. 20. …6.

out of the house] i. e. The idolatrous temple of this idoll, which stood upon an high hill neer Shechem.

vain and sight] i. e. A desperate and rascally crew, sons of Belial, that had no fear of God. So 2 Chron. 13. 7.

V. 5. seventy persons] He nameth the whole number designed to the Haughter, though one of them, to wit, Jotham, escaped. And this is usuall in the scripture. So Gen. 42. 13. Num. 14. 32, 33. 1 Cor. 15. 5.

V. 6. house of Millo] Some understand hereby a city neer Shechem: others, the strong hold spoken of, v. 20. 46, 49. used for the town-house, where the full councell met together, guarded with a garrison.

by the plain] i. e. In that field neer Shechem, where Joshua erected the great stone under an oak, Josh. 24. 26, 27.

V. 7. Gerizim] Which was neer Shechem, and over against it mount Ebal, Deut. 11. 29, 30. Josh. 8. 33.

said] i. e. By divine inspiration, or spirit of prophecie, …s the event shewed, v. 24, 57.

Hearken unto me] i. e. Hear me in my distresse, as you would have God hear you in yours.

V. 8. the trees] In this parable he setteth forth the modesty of his father, himself and brethren, and the ambition of Abimelech, with the evil fruits of it. See the like, 2 King. 14. 9.

V. 9. my fatnesse] i. e. My usefull oil.

God and man] For the oil thereof was used in sacrifices, and the lamps of the sanctuary, in the anointing of kings, priests and prophets, 1 King. 19. 16. for food and feature, Psal. 104. 15.

V. 13. cheareth God and man] Because wine also was used in sacrifices and oblations, and also cheareth the heart of man, Psal. 104. 14.

V. 15. my shadow] Which seeming to promise shelter and safety, doth indeed prick, scratch and tear all that come under it, as tyrants use to do, Dan. 4. 12.

the cedars] i. e. The princes, elders and chief men amongst them.

of Lebanon] This mount was famous for tall and goodly cedars growing there in aboundance.

V. 16. Now therefore] In these words he unfoldeth and applyeth the parable.

dealt well] If you have gratefully requited him for all the benefits received from him.

V. 17. adventured] Hebr. cast away: i. e. neglected and despised his life for the common good. So Chap. 12. 3. and 5. 18.

Vers. 21. ran away, fled and went] This variety of words, expressing the same thing, implyeth his great haste in fleeing.

to Beer] Some think it to be that Baalath-beer, in the tribe of Simeon, mentioned Josh. 19. 8.

V. 23. an evill spirit] i. e. Either Satan himself the author of discord, as 1 Sam. 10. 9. 19. 9. or the evill affection of division and dissention.

V. 24. cruelty] i. e. The just revenge of that cruelty.

their blood] i. e. The guilt and punishment of their blood unjustly shed. So 2 Sam. 1. 16. 1 King. 2. 32, &c.

V. 25. for him] i. e. For Abimelech to surprize him, if he passed by weakly attended.

robbed all] But those chiefly of Abimelech his party.

V. 26. confidence in him] Having chosen him for their captain.

V. 27. into the fields] Namely, to shew how much out of their confidence in Gaal they sleighted Abimelech, whom before they feared, and durst not for him, go out of the citie.

made merry] Or, sung, as they used to do in the time of vintage. Isa. 16. 9, 10. Jere. 25. 30.

their god] Namely, to praise him for delivering them from the yoak of Abimelech.

V. 28. Who is Abimelech] i. e. How base is he, and unworthy his place of government?

and who is Shechem] i. e. How unfit to be governed by him, being a city so ancient and famous?

the son of Jerub-baal] i. e. Who was but a mean private man, that got his name by that act of destroying the altar of our god Baal.

his officer] Left in Shechem as his lievtenant.

of Hamor] That is, some of his progeny, pointing as some think, at himself, who was descended of him. Others thus: If ye will needs serve, then such as do not rule tyrannically, like Abimelech, but in a fatherly manner, as Hamor did of old.

V. 29. under my hand] i. e. Under my goverment.

remove Abimelech] To wit, from being any longer king.

said to Abimlech] To wit, being absent in a Thrasonicall bragging manner.

Increase thine army] Make thy self as strong as thou canst, whereby my victory will be more glorious, and then if thou darest come out to battle.

V. 33. when he] i. e. Gaal.

V. 38. thy mouth] That is, thy glorying and boasting.

V. 41. Arumah] A city neer Shechem southerly.

V. 45. sowed it with salt] In token that it should for ever remain unfruitfull, desolate, and uninhabited. So Deut. 29. 23. yet afterwards it was reedified, 1 King. 12. 1, 25.

V. 46. god Berith] Called before Baal-berith, vers. 4. whither they went, trusting both in the strength and religion of the place.

V. 48. mount Zalmon] Which lay west-ward from Shechem, towards Jordan; on it were thick trees, and snow that seldom melted. Psal. 68. 14.

V. 49. died also] i. e. Were all destroyed, as well they in the tower, as the other.

V. 50. Thebez] A city lying on the north of Shechem, between the mounts of Samaria and Gilboa.

V. 51. shut it] i. e. Shut the gates of it.

V. 52. fought against it] i. e. Assaulted it.

V. 54. that men say not] He thought by this means to smother it, but this made it the more to be spoken of. 2 Sam. 11. 21.

V. 55. men of Israel] To wit, which had followed Abimelech.

V. 56. God rendered] i. e. Inflicted upon him justly, deserved punishment for his cruell murthers.

V. 57. men of Shechem] Who had assisted him in his tyrannies.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 1. THere arose] i. e. Being called by God extraordinarily, as the rest of the Judges. So v. 3.

to defend] i. e. To preserve them in their peace, liberties, and the purity of Gods worship, against all that did oppose them.

in Shamir] i. e. A town of Issachar bordering on Ephraim. There was another of that name in Judah. Josh. 15. 48.

V. 3. a Gileadite] Dwelling in Gilead of the tribe of Manasseh beyond Jordan, Josh. 17. 1, 5. Numb. 32. 39. Gen. 31. 48.

V. 4. asse-colts] In token of dignity and authority. See Chap. 5. 10.

Havoth-jair] So called either from this Jair, or from that Jair, Numb. 32. 41. Deut. 3. 14. It may be this mans progenitor.

V. 5. in Camon] A city belonging to Manasseh, in the land of Bashan, lying north from mount Gilead.

V. 6. Baalim and Ashtaroth] See Chap. 2. 13.

of Zidon] i. e. Astarte. See Chap. 2. 13.

of Moab] i. e. Chemosh. 1 King. 11. 33.

of Ammon] i. e. Milcom. 1 King. 11. 5. 33. and Chemosh. Chap. 11. 24.

of the Philistims] i. e. Dagon. 1 Sam. 5. 2. and Ashtaroth. See Chap. 2. 13.

V. 7. sold them] See Chap. 2. 14.

V. 8. And that yeer] That is, (as some think) wherein they fell from the true worship of God, to this grosse idolatry, they vexed them, and so from that time, to the end of eighteen yeers. Others reckon these eighteen yeers from the death of Jair. Others read it thus, They vexed them that yeer, that is, the eighteenth, or the last yeer of the eighteen.

in Gilead] See vers. 3.

V. 9. over Jordan] They did not onelyonly afflict those beyond Jordan, but they also entred into Canaan on this side Jordan, and vexed Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim.

V. 11. the Lord said] That is, either the Lord Christ appearing in humain shape, as before Chap. 2. 1. and 6. 23. or by his oracle related unto them by the high priest; or some prophet sent with this message.

V. 12. Maonites] i. e. (as some read it) the inhabitants of the land; to wit, Canaan. Others understand hereby the inhabitants of a city called Maon, upon the south of Judah, Josh. 15. 55. To which the wildernesse of Maon adjoyned, 1 Sam. 23. 25.

V. 13. deliver you no more] This threatning was not absolute, as the sequell sheweth, but conditionall, namely, if they did not repent, that is, Forsake their idolatry, and imbrace Gods pure worship, unto which, he provoketh and quickneth them, by this threatning. Jere. 18. 7, 8.

V. 14. Go and cry] This is no reall command, but an ironicall upbraiding of them for their sin of idolatry, which now they found so fruitlesse in their greatest need. So 1 King. 18. 27.

V. 15. do thou unto us] i. e. Punish us hereafter as thou pleasest, if we persist not in thy true and pure worship.

V. 16. his soul was grieved] Heb. shortned, or straitned, which is spoken of God after the manner of men, that we the better may conceive of it.

V. 17. Mizpeh] There were many other places of this name. But this did lie upon mount Gilead. See Chap. 11. 29. Gen. 31. 49.

V. 18. will begin to fight] i. e. Who will undertake to be our leader in this expedition against Ammon; he shall ever after be our captain and governour. Chap. 11. 8, 9.

CHAP. XI.

Vers. 1. GIleadite] See Chap. 10. 3.

Gilead] i. e. One of the posterity of Gilead, the son of Machir, mentioned. Josh. 17. 1, 3. and of his name.

V. 2. thrust out] Not by private violence, but by publike authority, as he implyeth, vers. 7.

V. 3. land of Tob] A part of a countrey, lying along mount Gilead, not far from the Ammonites in the entrance of Arabiz the desart. 2 Sam. 10. 6, 8.

vain men] Idle fellows, that had no calling, nor means of maintenance.

went out with him] i. e. In military expeditions to fetch in booty to live upon, wanting other means; and as it is likely from the Ammonites, and with such good successe, that hereby the Gileadites were moved to think him the fittest man to be their generall.

V. 5. the elders of Gilead went] To wit, either by Gods speciall command, or some extraordinary instinct; for otherwise a bastard might not bear any publike office. Deuter. 23. 2.

V. 7. and expell me] i. e. Gave sentence against me at the suit of my brethren, that I should be expelled.

V. 8. Therefore we turn] As if they had said, Let these old things be forgotten; for now we are therefore come to make thee large amends by chusing thee for our generall.

and be our head] i. e. Not onelyonly in this expedition, but ever after.

V. 9. shall I be your head] i. e. Shall I indeed still continue to be your head, as you now promise?

V. 10. The Lord be witnesse] i. e. We call God as a witnesse and judge, to punish us if we do not keep this our covenant with thee.

if we do not] If we do not make thee our head in time to come, as well as now.

V. 11. all his words] i. e. Which had passed between him and the elders of Gilead.

before the Lord] i. e. In a solemn and religious manner, as in Gods presence, before the whole assembly of the people, encamped in Mizpch. Chap. 10. 17.

V. 12. What hast thou to do] i. e. What just cause of warre hast thou against me? speaking this in the name of all the people, as being their generall. See the like expressions. 2 Sam. 16. 10. Joh. 2. 4.

V. 13. took away my land] This was a false challenge, for he had no right to that land he claimeth, seeing it belonged first to the Moabites, then won from them by the Amorites, and from them by the Israelites. Numb. 21. 24, 25, 29, &c. Deut. 2. 19, 37.

unto Jordan] Eastward from mount Gilead unto Jordan westward.

V. 14. And Jephthah sent] That is, further to clear his cause for the quieting of his own conscience, the incouraging of his armies, and convincing of his enemies.

V. 15. Israel took not] Being forbidden expresly by God. Deut. 2. 9. 19.

V. 17. Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom] Num. 20. 14.

Kadesh] Which was also called Zim, to difference it from Kadesh-barnea. Numb. 13. 26. and 20. 14. and 33. 36.

V. 18. but came not within the border of Moab] Numb. 21. 13. and 22. 36.

V. 19. Israel sent messengers unto Sihon] Deut. 2. 26.

unto my place] That is, the land of Canaan which God hath given me.

V. 21. Israel possessed] To wit, by right of conquest in a lawfull war.

all the land] That is, all that region which the Ammonites do now unjustly challenge as theirs, v. 13.

V. 22. all the coasts of the Amorites] Deut. 2. 36. All the countrey within these coasts, as Arnon in the south, Jabbok north, the wildernesse, that is, the desert of Arabia east, and Jordan west.

V. 24. which Chemosh thy God] That is, according to thy opinion, though not in truth, giveth thee: This was an idoll both of the Ammonites, and of the Moabites, Num. 21. 29. 1 King. 11. 7. Jere. 48. 7. 13.

So whomsoever] That is, if thou thinkest thou mayest justly possesse, all that thy idoll Chemosh giveth thee; how much more may we lawfully possesse all which Jehovah the onelyonly true God giveth us.

V. 25. better then Balak the son of Zippor] Num. 22. 2. Deut. 23. 4. Josh. 24. 9. That is, hast thou better right, or more power and policy to maintain it, then Balak, who yet never made any such claim, or challenge?

ever strive] Namely, to recover this countrey of the Amorites, after the Israelites had conquered it; notwithstanding, that in former times it did belong to the Moabites. Numb. 21. 24, 26.

V. 26. did yee not recover] That is, if you had then such right unto these towns and countrey, as ye now pretend, why did you so long time suffer them to injoy them, making no claim to them?

V. 27. be judge] To preserve the innocent, and punish the offenders.

V. 29. the spirit of the Lord] That is, the spirit of wisedom and fortitude.

he passed] To wit, with all his army.

and Manasseh] That is, Bashan, in which, half the tribe of Manasseh inhabited.

V. 31. whatsoever cometh forth] Heb. that which cometh forth, which shall come forth.

in peace] That is, victorious.

be the Lords] Or, to the Lord, that is, shall be consecrated to him.

and I will offer] Others read it, or I will offer, for so the conjunction is sometime dis-junctive, Gen. 26. 11. Exod. 1. 10. and 21. 15. That is, if it be such a thing as may lawfully be offered, then I will offer it for a burnt offering; but if not, it shall howsoever be consecrated unto God. But by the law, not onelyonly humane sacrifices, but of things unclean, were forbidden, Levit. 27. 11, 12, 13. Isai. 66. 3. Deut. 12. 31.

V. 33. Aroer] Lying by the brook Arnon. Deut. 3. 12.

to Minnith] Beyond Arnon castward, and is a town in the borders of Ammon neer Rabba.

the plain of the vineyards] Or, Abel.

V. 34. with timbrels] As the custome was for women and maides, after great victories, to sing songs of triumph, Exod. 15. 20. Judg. 5. 1. 1 Sam. 18. 6.

beside her, he had neither son nor daughter] Or, he had not of his own either son or daughter; Heb. of himself.

V. 35. brought me very low] That is, I am not so much exalted by my great victory, as humbled and depressed with this sad and unexpected accident, whereby I am utterly hopelesse of having posterity.

I have opened my mouth] Hebr. that is, I have made a vow, as this phrase signifieth in the scriptures.

I cannot go back] That is, I dare not break my vow, not knowing in those dayes of ignorance and superstition, that the law of God gave him libertie in this case, to have redeemed her with thirty shekels of silver, Levit. 27. 4.

V. 36. do to me] Namely, according to thy vow: and seeing thou hast consecrated me, as holy to the LORD, to live a virgin, and as a Nazarite all my dayes; I willingly agree unto it, and ratifie thy vow, devoting my self wholly unto God. So Anna, Luk. 2. 36. See 1 Cor. 7. 34, 36, 37. Neither can we probably think, that Jephthah commended for his faith, Heb. 11. 32. should offer his daughter for a burnt-offering, seeing it is odious to God, Isai. 66. 3. and forbidden as abominable, Deut. 12. 31. And God requireth in the law, That the firstborn, which were his, Exod. 13. 22. 22, 29. should not be offered, but redeemed, Numb. 18. 15. Exod. 13. 13.

V. 37. go up and down] Heb. go and go down.

bewail my virginity] Whereby I shall be deprived of posterity, which in those dayes was accounted some dishonour, even as fruitfulnesse was much esteemed. See Gen. 30. 23. 1 Sam. 1. 6. Luk. 1. 25. And here note, that she speaketh not of bewailing her approaching death, or being sacrificed; but her virginity onelyonly upon the former reason.

V. 39. who did with her] That is, did not redeem her according to the law, but did consecrate her to the LORD, as a virgin, to lead a single life, 1 Cor. 7. 32.

and she knew no man] That is, she lived a virgin, as her father had vowed, and she assented.

custome] Or, ordinance.

V. 40. yeerly] Heb. from yeer to yeer.

to lament] Or as the word may signifie, to talk with her, that is, They did yeerly go to visite her, that they might commune and discourse with her, comfort, and chear her in this her solitary condition. See Chap. 5. 11. where the same Hebrew word is used to signifie, speaking or relating.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 1. GAthered themselves] Hebr. were called, Being moved with vain-glory, and envying Jephthahs, and the Gileadites victory, and good successe, as they did formerly Gideons, Chap. 8. 1.

North-ward] That is, over Jordan into Gilead, which was on the north of Ephraim, where Jephthah lived.

not call us] They backed their insolencie and ungratitude with a lye; for Jephthah, vers. 2. telleth them, That he had called them to the war, but they would not come.

V. 2. I and my people] That is, the quarrell was between the Ammonite and us, and not between them and you, and yet I called you to our ayd, as being brethren and allies, but you helped us not.

V. 3. I put my life] Hebr. That is, I exposed my life to the danger of death, like a precious jewell carried in the open hand, which is easily snatched away, or a glasse which is apt to fall and be broken. So 1 Sam. 19. 5. 28. 21. Job 19. 14. Psal. 119. 109.

Lord delivered] That is, confirmed my calling by crowning my attempts with victory; and why then do you quarrell against my proceedings, seeing God approveth them?

V. 4. Then Jephthah] That is, when he saw them so obstinate that no words or reasons would satisfie them.

Ye Gileadites are fugitives] That is, the refuse of two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, and so a mung…ll generation out of the mixture of both, as dwelling upon the passages of Jordan, just between those two tribes; and therefore ye ought not to have undertaken a matter of such importance, as this war, without our knowledge, and allowance, you being so base, and we so noble: And by this scornfull reproach and contempt, they incensed the Gileadites to their own ruine.

V. 5. took the passages] To wit, to this end, That none might escape by flight, as the Ephramites had formerly done in the war against the Midianites, Chap. 7. 24.

V. 6. said they unto him] That is, to every man that came to seek for passage over Jordan, that they might discern the Ephramites from those that dwelled beyond Jordan, and might happen at the same time to come and seek for passage.

Sibboleth] That is, a stream, foord, or water-course, a word fit for the present occasion, when they were to passe over, Psal. 69. 2. Isa. 27. 12.

and he said Shibboleth] Speaking upon the sudden, according to the dialect of their own countrey, unto which they were accustomed, not suspecting what they intended.

V. 8. Bethlehem] There were two cities of this name, one in Judah called Bethlehem Judah, the other in Zebulun upon its north borders, Josh. 19. 15. which it seemeth is meant here.

V. 9. sent abroad] That is, married away unto husbands.

V. 12. in the countrey of Zebulun] Added to distinguish it from other cities called by this name, Ch. 1. 35. 1 Chr. 6. 69. 8. 13.

V. 13. a Pirathonite] Pirathon was a citie westward from Samaria, and Shechem, where Benajah Davids worthy was born, 2 Sam. 23. 30.

V. 14. nephews] Heb. sons sons.

asse-colts] See Chap. 5. 10.

V. 15. of the Amalekites] Their own land lay without the limits of Canaan south-east, by the desert Havilah, Exod. 17. 8. 1 Sam. 15. 7. But some of them it seemeth dwelled in some part of the tribe of Ephraim, till they were destroyed by Saul, 1 Sam. 15. or at least had dwelled there before the conquest of Canaan, and so the mount still retained their name.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. DId evill again in the sight of the Lord] Heb. added to commit, &c. Chap. 2. 11. and 3. 7. and 4. 1. and 6. 1. and 10. 6.

V. 2. Zorah] A citie lying on the west-side of that hill, which parteth Judah and Dan, Josh. 15. 33. and 14. 41. In whose fields or countrey adjoyning it seemeth Manoah dwelled, and not in the citie it self, v. 25. and Chap. 16. 31.

V. 3. the angel of the Lord] That is, Christ the eternall word of his father; who is therefore called Jehovah, ver. 16. and 22. See Chap. 6. 11.

V. 4. unclean thing] That is, not onelyonly unclean meats, forbidden to all by the law, Levit. 11. But even wine and strong drink, forbidden to Nazarites, Numb. 6. 3.

V. 5. no rasour] So Numb. 6. 5. 1 Sam. 1. 11.

a Nazarite] That is, separated to God as a figure of Christ, perfectly sanctified from the womb, See Num. 16. 2. Luk. 1. 35.

begin to deliver] For he did onelyonly begin this deliverance, which was afterwards perfected by David, or as others, begin to save, that is save.

V. 6. A man of God] Thus the Scriptures usually honour Gods prophets and messengers with this title, Josh. 14. 6. 1 Sam. 2. 27. 1 King. 13. 1, &c. 1 Tim. 6. 11.

very terrible] That is, glorious, majesticall and fearfull unto frail mankinde.

V. 12. Now let thy words] This is a prayer of faith, laying hold on the former promise.

How shall we order] Heb. What shall be the manner of the, &c. That is, what must we observe in his education.

how shall we do unto him] Or, what shall be do? Heb. wint shall be his work?

V. 13. Of all that I said] These directions given to the mother, did chiefly respect her son, who was to be a Nazarite. See Numb. 6. 3, 4.

V. 15. for thee] Heb. before thee.

V. 16. not eat of thy bread] That is, of thy meat or provisions, but if thou wilt offer it for a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto me as being Jehovah, and not a created angel, v. 22.

V. 17. do thee honour] That is, in giving unto thee some present to testifie our thankfulnesse. So 1 Sam. 9. 7, 8. 1 Kin. 14. 3.

V. 18. secret] Or, wonderfull, Admirable and incomprehensible, Isa. 9. 5. Neither will I reveal my self unto thee by my name, but by my wonderfull actions, which I will do presently.

V. 19, offered it] See Chap. 6. 26.

vntounto the Lord] To wit, as the LORD had directed him, v. 16.

V. 21. an angel] That is, the eternall word, and angel of the covenant, which he calls Elohim, or God, and his wife, Jehovah, vers. 22, 23.

V. 22. We shall surely die] See Exod. 33. 20. Chap. 6. 22. Deut. 5. 26.

V. 23. such things] For all these are signes of Gods favour, and gracious acceptance, and not of his displeasure.

V. 24. blessed him] That is, indued him with an heroick spirit, and wonderfull strength.

V. 25. began to move him] That is, to inspire into him magnanimous thoughts, and to indue him with miraculous strength, inciting him to attempt, and do wonderfull, and more then humane acts, fit for him that was called to be a deliverer of his people.

camp of Dan] Neer unto Hebron; which place had its name from that expedition of the Danites, Chap. 18. 11, 12. the meaning is, That the spirit moved him whilest he lived in his father house, which was in the fields of Dan, Chap. 16. 31.

Zorah] See v. 2.

Eshtaol] Which lay westward, towards the sea. See Ch. 16. 4.

CHAP. XIIII.

Vers. 1. TImnath] A town upon the confines of Judah, Dan, and Ephraim, lying west-ward from Zorah, towards the Mediterranean sea. See Gen. 28. 12. Joh. 15. 10, 57. 2 Chro. 28. 18.

V. 2. get her for me] That is, because I ought not to take a wife without your consent and liking, being my parents. See Gen. 21. 21. and 24. 3. 26. 34, 35.

V. 3. of thy brethren] That is, of thy kinred, tribe or nation.

uncircumcised] For by Gods expresse commandment, they were forbidden to marry with such, unlesse they became proselytes to their religion, and entred into the same covenant, Exod. 23. 22. 34. 12, 16. Deut. 7. 2, 3.

for she pleaseth me] Hebr. she is right in mine eyes, This he speaketh, not carried with lust of youth, but by a secret motion of the spirit, which he concealeth, chusing rather to manifest it by his ensuing actions, then by his words.

V. 4. that it was of the Lord] Who hath power to dispence with his own laws, Gen. 22. 1, 2. and Exo. 3. 22. And in his wise providence would have him take this occasion against the Philistines, listines, to fall at enmity with them upon a just cause; that out of these private quarrels, he might proceed to publike and hostile actions, suitable to his calling.

V. 5. father and mother] Having changed their mindes, and yeelded to his desire.

lion roared against him] Heb. in meeting him, His parents being absent, and he having (it seemeth) gone from them out of the common way upon some occasion, as is implyed, v. 8.

V. 6. came mightily] That is, inspired him with courage and strength, that by this essay he might confirm him in his calling (as it befell David in like case, 1 Sam. 17. 34.) and to incourage him to take up emnity against the Philistines, trusting upon Gods power, affisting him; and that he might have matter supplyed for his riddlo, which proved the occasion and cause of their quarrell.

V. 7. he went down] That is, being accompanied by his parents.

V. 8. to take her] To wit, in marriage.

turned aside] Namely, out of the common way, into the place where he had stain the lion.

V. 9. he told them not] Neither, where he had the honey, nor of his killing the lion; that keeping it secret, it might be the subject of his riddle, v. 16.

V. 10. his father] To wit, as chief of his company, but with him his mother, and rest of his friends.

a feast] That is, a wedding feast, lasting seven dayes, as young men used to do when they married wives.

V. 11. saw him] That is, some thing remarkable in him for strength, stature and demeanure.

they brought thirty companions] Which they did to honour him in shew, but indeed to have an eye over him, and to provide for their own safety, whatsoever should happen.

V. 12. a riddle unto you] That is, a dark speech, in which, something lyeth hidden, under the litterall sense, that is to be found out by the wit of the hearers, which is a pleasant and innocent excrcise of the wit, fit for feasts, to keep the guests from worse imployments. See Ezek. 17. 2.

seven dayes] The usuall time appointed for marriage feasts, Gen. 29. 27.

then I will give you] To wit, as a prize, or reward of your wit and industry.

thirty sheets] Or, shirts; that is, Fine linen cloaths, which in those east countries they used for sundry purposes, by day or night. Of this we read, Matth. 27. 59. Mark. 14. 51. So here the same is used in the Greek.

V. 13. Put forth thy ridde] q. d. We accept of the wager, therefore propound thy riddle.

V. 14. Out of the eater] That is, which lives by prey, devoures all, and is food for none.

the streng] That is, the strongest of beasts that live by prey, came forth that which is most sweet.

three dayes] That is, they tyred their wits in vain, to finde out the meaning; and from thence forward they begun to work with Samsons wife, to the seventh day by inticements, but not prevailing with her, or rather she with her husband, they provoke the utmost of her endeavours by terrours and threats.

V. 15. declare unto us] That is, that making it known to thee, thou maist declare the meaning of it to us.

to take that we have] Heb. to possesse us, or, to impoverishus.

V. 16. children of my people] That is, the thirty Philistines, which are they companions.

V. 17. seven dayes] Or, the rest of the seven dayes from the third.

the riddle] That is, the meaning of the riddle.

V. 18. If ye had not plowed] That is, if my wife had not unfaithfully discovered my secret, perswaded hereunto by your subtilty, you had never by your own wit found out the meaning. An allegory taken from husbandmen, who in plowing, by the labour of their beasts, finde things hidden under the earth, when the plow turns it up; wherein he taxeth both his wives persidi… ousnesse, and their fraud, and want of wit.

V. 19. the spirit] See v. 6.

Ashkelon] A citie lying on the borders of Dan, belonging to Judah and Simeon, Chap. 1. 18. But now possessed by the Philistines, whose inhabitants Samson slew.

spoil] Or, apparell.

anger was kindled] To wit, against his thirty companions, and his wife; and therefore he went from her to his fathers house.

V. 20. was given] That is, in marriage.

his companion] To wit, one of the thirty Philistines, whom in the marriage feast he had chosen for his friend, according to the custome in those countries, Joh. 3. 29.

CHAP. XV.

Vers. 1. VIsited] That is, went to visit her, carrying a kid with him as a testimony of his love.

V. 2. hated her] Because thou wentest away from her in displeasure, Chap. 14. 19,

I gave her] To wit, in marriage.

is not] That is, certainly she is.

take her] Heb. let her be thine.

V. 3. concerning them] That is, the Philistines.

Now] That is, seeing by this wrong they have given me just cause to take revenge. So vers. 11. Sea Chap. 14. 4.

Now shall I be more blamelesse then the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure] Or, Now shall I be blamelesse from the Philistines, though, &c.

V. 4. three hundred foxes] With which the land of Canaan abounded, Psal. 63. 11. Cant. 2. 15. Lam. 5. 18. The Lord also causing them to fall into his snares.

fire-brands] Or, torches.

V. 7. yet will I] q. d. I will not for all this desist, till I be fully revenged on you.

V. 8. hip and thigh] A proverbiall expression, signifying the totall nune of all their strength and abilities. Such phrases souldiers now have, pel mel, and cap a pee. See Deut. 28. 35. Isai. 9. 14.

he went down] To wit, from his fathers house.

Etam] A city on the fouth-end of mount Jud…h, fituate on in high and strong rock, neer the brook Etam, which belonged to the tribe of Simeon, whose inheritance was intermingled with Judalis, Josh. 19. 1.

V. 9. in Lehi] That is, a jaw-bone, a place so named by Sampson, vers. 17. upon this accident here recorded.

V. 11. went to] Heb. went down, To wit, that they might cleer themselves to the Philistines, whom they feared, by laying the whole blame upon Samson.

V. 12. not fall upon me] That is, not kill me, as they expound it in the next verse. q. d. I am content that you should binde me, so that you swear that you will not kill me.

V. 13. up from the rock] That is, to Lehi where the Philistines encamped, vers. 9.

V. 14. shouted] To wit, for joy, because their chief enemy was fallen into their hands.

and the spirit] See Chap. 14. 6.

became as flax] That is, were as casily broken by him as burnt flax.

loosed] Heb. were melted.

V. 15. new] Heb. moist.

V. 16. heaps upon heaps] Heb. an heap, two beaps.

V. 17. Ramath-lehi] That is, the lifting up of the saw-bone, or, casting away of the jaw-bone.

V. 18. now shall I die] q. d. Surely I shall not: for this was not a speech of diffidence, but of faith, relying upon Gods covenant, Heb. 11. 32. 1 Sam. 17. 26, 36. and 2 Sam. 1. 20.

V. 19. an hollow place] i. e. In figure like a morter. See the same words used, Prov. 27 22.

in the jaw] Or Lehi, That is, not in the jaw-bone it self, but in the place called Lehi, or jaw-bone on this occasion, wherein this spring did arise.

revived] That is, became strong and lively.

the name thereof] i. e. Of that well, in me moriall of his victory, reviving his thankfulnesse to God for both.

En-hakkore] That is, the well of him that called, or cryed.

V. 20. judged Israel] That is, He revenged their wrongs upon the Philistines, but did not quite free them from their tyranny.

CHAP. XVI.

Vers. 1. GAza] One of the most famous and greatest cities of the Philistines, lying in that part of the countrey allotted to Simeon and Judah, Judg. 1. 18. towards the Mediterranean sea.

an harlot] Heb. a woman an harlot.

and went in unto her] Some think, onelyonly to lodge in her house, being an inne-keeper, because here is no speech of his loving her: but the phrase is otherwise used in the Scripture. See Gen. 6. 4. 16. 2. 2 Sam. 3. 7.

quiet] Heb. silent.

V. 3. barie] Heb. with the bar…e.

top of an hill] Which lay castward from Gaza, from whence one might see Hebron, seated upon an other high h…ll.

V. 4. in the valley] Or, by the brook.

Sorek] Which is called, The grape-valley, from the aboundance of the best grapes growing there. Some read it, by the brook Sorek, which runneth along by the valley of Esheol, where these grapes grew, Deut. 1. 24. And some think that these are both one. See Num. 13. 23. 24.

V. 5. afflict] Or, humble.

eleven hundred pieces of silver] See Gen. 20. 16.

V. 7. green withs] Or, new cords, Heb. must.

another] Heb. one.

V. 9. be upon thee] i. e. Are here, ready to surprise thee.

toucheth] Heb. smelleth.

his strength was not known] That is, To the Philistines, neither whence it came; ner how it was retained and preserved.

that never were occupied] Heb. wherewith work hath not been done.

V. 13. If thou weave the seven locks] i. e. If thou divide all the hair of my head into seven parts or locks. So v. 19. 22.

with the web] Namely, woond about a weavers beam.

V. 14. And she] That is, she did as he had said with his locks, and withall did fasten the beam with a pin, that Samson might not pluck it out of its place.

went away] That is, he carried away with him both pin, beam, and web, into which his hair was woven.

V. 16. vexed] Heb. shortned.

V. 17. That he told her] Though he had thrice experience that she intended to betray him unto death, yet his doting affection so blinded him, that he could not beware.

my strength] Not because his strength lay in his hair, but because being a Nazarite, he was by Gods expresse command injoyned, not to cut his hair, Chap. 13. 5. Num. 6. 5. the which he transgressing, and breaking his vow, God withdrew from him his spirit of strength and courage, and left him to his own humane frailty.

V. 19. to afflict him] To wit, by rouzing him out of his sleep, and calling upon him as before.

V. 20. and shake my self] Namely, to put off drousinesse, that he might go about his imployments.

that the Lord was departed] That is, had withdrawn from him his spirit of strength which he had continued unto him, so long as he continued in obedience, and kept his vow.

V. 21. put out his eyes] Heb. bored out, To wit, that hereby he might be disabled from doing them any more hurt; and yet suffered him still to live, to insult over him, and for the greater glory of their idoll Dagon, v. 23, 24.

V. 22. be…an to grow] And with it, his strength, of which it was a signe; Samson in the mean time, reconciling himself unto God by serious repentance, and recovering his former state of a Nazarite, from which he had faln.

was shaven] Or, as when he was shaven, That is, to that length it was of before he was shaven.

V. 23. Dagon their god] That is, Triton, the Idoll of the heathens which lived on the sea coasts, as did the Philistance. He had his name from the Hebrew word Dag, signifying a Fish, because he was portrayed like a fish from his middle downward, 1 Sam. 5. 4.

V. 24. which slew many of us] Heb. and who multiplyed out slain.

V. 25. make us sport] That jeering him he may become a fie subject of scorn and laughter.

and he made them sport] Hebrew, before them, That is, he became the subject of their sport, as before; or gave them occasion of laughter, either by unwillingly committing some errours and mistakes, being blinde, or else willingly to blinde them by these shews, that they might not discover his main intention.

V. 26. the house] That is, the temple of Dagon where these idolaters kept their feasts, as the manner was. See Chapter 9. 27.

may lean] Pretending wearinesse, either by his labour in grinding, or his speedy and sudden coming to that place.

V. 17. upon the roof [As being flat, after the manner of those countreys.

V. 28. called unto the Lord] This being a prayer of faith, Heb. 11. 32. God heareth him, and giveth him strength.

at once avenged] To wit, according to my vocation, which is, to execute venzeance upon Gods, and the Churches enemies.

for my two eyes] Not onelyonly, because they have done me wrong in putting them out, but have also thereby disabled me to fight in Gods quarrell, for the deliverance of his people.

V. 19. on which it was borne up] Or, he leaned on them.

V. 30. Let me dye] Heb. my soul, This was not a despairing speech, of one impatient to live any longer; but of a faithfull man, humbling himself to the very death, that he might do God and his people service; and that not in an ordinary way, but by an extraordinary motion of Gods spirit inspiring him, and suggesting unto him this prayer: Neither doth he primarily and simply desire death, but respectively as it was a means to destroy the enemies of God, and his people, wherein he executed the office of a judge and deliverer, as appeareth, vers. 31.

slew at his death] Where in he was a type of our Lord Christ, who by his death and sufferings principally conquered all his and the Churches enemies.

V. 31. Zorah and Eshtaol] See Chap. 13. 2. and 15.

he judged Isiael] See Chap. 15. 20.

CHAP. XVII.

Vers. 1. ANd there was] It is not certainly known and agreed upon, when the things related in this, and the following Chapters were done: But learned expositors upon evident grounds, do agree, That they hapned not after the death of Samson, but long before, and soon after the death of Joshua, and the elders that lived with him, when religion was most corrupted, and idolatry set up, Chap. 2. 11. And that these stories were annexed to the end of this book, that the history of the Judges might be continued without interruption: For Jonathan the Danites priest, was the son of Manasseh, Moses his grand-childe, who dyed long before Samsons times, Chap. 18. 30. And the following story of the Levites wife, and the warre with the Benjamites (which hapned after this here related, as appeareth, Chap. 19. 1.) sheweth, that these things were all done, when Phinehas the grand-son of Aaron was high priest, Chap. 20. 28. Which place he executed in the first times of the Judges.

V. 2. The eleven hundred she…els] See Gen. 20. 16.

thou cursedst] To wit, the theif that stole it from thee.

in mine ears] That is, in my hearing, where with being affrighted, I now come to acknowledge my fault, that I may be freed from the curse.

Blessed he thou] q. d. I do not onelyonly free thee from the curse, but turn it now into a blessing.

V. 3. unto the Lord] So they cloaked their grosse idolatry under shew of Gods service, though he had so often forbidden, and condemned it in his law.

from my hand] That is, to be bestowed by me upon my son, and his son for religious uses, vers. 5.

I will restore it] That is, seeing it was devoted for thy use, there is no need that thou shouldest bring it to me, but keep it still thy self.

V. 4. Yet he restored] That is, though his mother pressed him to keep it, yet he would needs restore it, to be the more free from the curse.

made] To wit, of the silver that remained of the eleven hundred shekols, which were wholly consecrated, v. 3.

V. 5. an ephod] That is, vestnients for a priest. See Chap. 8. 27. and Exod. 28. 4.

teraphim] That is, images or honshold Gods. See Gen. 31. 19. Hos. 3. 4.

consecrated] Heb. filled the hand.

priest] Though not of A…rons linage, which he did, and all the rest as a grosse idolater expresly contrary to Gods law.

V. 6. In those dayes there was no king in Israel] Chap. 18. 1. and 21. 25.

no king] That is, no Judge or supreme magistrate to keep the people in aw and order. So (King) is taken, Gen. 36. 31. Deut. 33. 5.

own eyes] Not that which was right in Gods eyes, but what himself fancied to be right.

V. 7. family of Judah] That is, who was of the tribe of Levi, but born and brought up at Beth-lehem Judah.

V. 8. to sojo…n] For in those times, religion being wholly corrupted, the Levites were neglected, and wanted maintenance.

as he journeyed] Heb. in making his way.

V. 10. a father] Though he were yonger then Micah, yet for honours sake, he saith he should be a father unto him in respect of his calling.

a suit of apparell] Or, a double suit, &c. Heb. an order of garments.

went in] That is, agreeing to his conditions, he went into Micha's house to dwell with him.

V. 11. as one of his sons] That is, he loved and cherished him, as if he had been one of his own sons.

V. 12. Micah consecrated] He had no right to consecrate him, nor the Levite to be a priest, as not being descended from Aaron, but from Moses, Chap. 18. 30.

V. 13. Now know I] Thus he blesseth himself in his blinde devotion and superstition, though it wholly tended to grosse idolatry, and exposed him to Gods wrath and vengeance.

CHAP. XVIII.

Vers. 1. IN those dayes] That is, soon after the death of Joshua, before God raised up Judges extraordinarily to deliver and govern the people.

no king] See Chap. 17. 6. and 21. 25. And this is prefixed as a reason, why the Danites were put to provide an inheritance for themselves, whereas whilest the whole people were under any government, the tribes assisted one another. Chap. 2. 3. Josh. 22. 2, 3. Numb. 32. 21.

had not faln] That is, they had not an inheritance large enough for their numerous tribe, as appeareth, Josh. 19. 47. And the Amorites also did drive them out of part of that which fell to their lot, Judg. 1. 34.

V. 2. men] Heb. sons.

Zorah] See Chap. 13. 2.

Esh…aol] See Chap. 13. 25.

Iodged there.] In that place where Micah had a house.

V. 3. knew the voice] By his pronunciation they perceived that he was not an Ephramite, but of Judah.

V. 6. priest said] To wit, after that he had enquired of his idoll, by whom it is like the devill gave this answer, or else himself feigned it to humour them in their course

before the Lord] That is, the eyes of the LORD watch over you, to favour, direct, and prosper you in your journeyes; and thus he abuseth the LORDS holy Name, to countenance his idolatrous courses.

V. 7. Laish called also Leshem] See Josh. 19. 47.

carelesse] That is, quiet and secure (in their opinion) from all danger of surprise. See v. 28.

manner of the Zid…nians] That is, using their customes and laws, who were alike secure, trusting to their strength, and the situation of their countrey.

no magistrate] Heb. possessour, or, heir of restraint, That is, either none at all, or none hereditary and perpetuall, but during their pleasure, from yeer to yeer, who did let them live as they list, for fear of displeasing them; and so all things became lawfull, and nothing that pleased them accounted dishonest.

put them to shame] That is, were so far from punishing them according to their demerits, that they would not so much as disgrace or discountenance their vices and faults.

from the Zidonians] Who did lie farre west from them, and therefore could not on a sudden send them any ayds.

no businesse] No league or commerce, but lived of themselves pleasantly and securely.

V. 8. to their brethren] That is, to the Danites, who were of their tribe.

V. 9. and are ye still?] That is, not replying to our relation any thing, and losing time and opportunity in not present setting upon the conquest. So Exod. 14. 14.

V. 11. appointed] Heb. girded.

V. 12. Kirjath-jearim] Or, Kirjath-Baal, Josh. 15. 60. situate upon a hill on the borders of Juda and Dan, northward.

Mahaneh-dan] That is, the camp or leaguer of Dan. See Chap. 13. 25.

it is behinde] That is, on the west-side; for as the east part is called the fore part, so the west, the hind part. So Josh. 1. 4. and 13. 5.

V. 14. Then answered] That is, they began to speak; so this phrase is usually taken in the Scriptures, as 1 Sam. 14. 28. Ezra 10. 2. Matth. 11. 25. Act. 5. 8.

Do ye know] That is, we would have you to know.

in these houses] That is, in one of these houses.

consider] That is, Whether it be not expedient, that we take all these along with us, or no, to make the like use of them, that we have done before.

V. 15. And they turned] To wit, after they had resolved to do as they advised.

saluted him] Heb. asked him of peace.

V. 19. lay thine hand] That is, refrain from speaking any thing against our proceedings. So Josh. 21. 5. and 40. 4. Exod. 30. 32.

V. 20. went in the midst] To wit, that they who pursued them, might not recover the things stoln.

V. 23. that thou comest with such a company] Heb. that thou art gathered together.

V. 24. what have I more?] That is, What have I worth the having, in comparison of my idolls and priest, which you have taken away?

V. 25. angry fellows] Heb. bitter of soul, That is, imbittered and incensed with thy clamours. So 2 Sam. 17. 8.

V. 28. far from Zidon] i. e. Laish lay far from Zidon eastward, hard by mount Lebanon, and therefore they could have no help from thence in this sudden surprise, though there (as it seemeth) was their chiefest hope.

it was] To wit, the city Laish.

Beth-rehob] A part of Syria Trachonitis: of which, see 2 Sam. 10. 6, 8.

V. 29. Dan] Josh. 19. 47.

their father] Their great grandfather, or the father of their tribe, Gen. 30. 6.

unto Israel] i. e. Unto Jacob. See Gen. 32. 28.

V. 30. and Jonathan] See Chap. 17. v. 7.

of the captivity] Which followed (as most of the learned think) upon that great defeat of the Israelites, when the ark of God was taken, as the next verse seemeth to imply. See 1 Sam. 4. 10, 11. and Psal. 78. 60, 61.

V. 31. all the time] For afterwards, when Samuel came to govern, and the ark was carryed to Kirjath-jearim, 1 Sam. 7. 1. he destroyed all the idolls of the land, and this, no doubt, among the rest, 1 Sam. 7. 3.

CHAP. XIX.

Vers. 1. WHen there was no king] i. e. No supreme magistrate to punish sin: which is rendred as a reason of this concubines continuing in whoredom, because she was not punished for it, neither in Judah nor Ephraim; and of that outragious wickednesse of the men of Gibeah, which followed upon it. See Chap. 17. 6. and 18. 1. and 21. 25.

a cencubine] Hebr. a woman a concubine, or, a wife a concubine; so called, to distinguish her from a common harlo…; and also from the lawfull wife, who was mother of the family, and the onelyonly true wife, by Gods first institution, Gen. 2. 18, 24. Mal. 2. 15. Matth. 19. 4. 5. and by his law, Lev. 18. 18. 1 Cor. 7. 2.

Beth-lehem-judah] See Chap. 12. 7.

V. 2. against him] i. e. Against her faith and promise made unto him, she committed whoredom with others; for though concubines were no wayes equall to the lawfull wife, yet were they contracted, though not so solemnly; and therefore bound to keep their faith to them to whom they were contracted. See Gen. 22. 24. 1 Kin. 11. 1.

went away] i. e. Out of dislike or fear.

four whole moneths] Or, a yeer and four moneths. Hebr. dayes four moneths.

V. 3. to speak friendly] Hebr. to her heart: i. e. By loving perswasions to reclaim and bring her back with him, Gen. 34. 3.

V. 4. eat and drink] i. e. They feasted and made merry one with another, as the phrase is usually taken, Exod. 32. 6.

V. 5. they arose] i. e. They of the family.

he rose] i. e. The Levite also.

comfort thine heart] i. e. Refresh and strengthen thy self for thy journey. So Gen. 18. 5. 1 Kin. 13. 7, 8.

Comfort] Hebr. strengthen.

morsell of bread] i. e. With a little food.

V. 8. untill after noon] Hebr. till the day declined.

V. 9. draweth] Hebr. is weak.

the day groweth to an end] Hebr. it is the pitching time of the day.

V. 9. groweth to an end] i. e. And therefore it is a time more fit to take up ones lodging, then to begin a journey.

home] Hebr. to thy tent.

V. 10. ever against] Hebr. to over against.

V. 10. Jerusalem] i. e. So called afterwards, but now a city of the Jebusites, Josh. 15. 63. So that this story was of things done before the taking of Jerusalem, and expelling of the Jebusites, spoken of, Chap. 1. 8. if at least the people of Judah were not for their sins again beaten out by the Jebusites after they first took it.

V. 11. Jebusites] Who were of the posterity of Canaan. See Gen. 10. 16.

V. 12. city of a stranger] i. e. A cursed nation, est…anged from God and his people.

V. 13. in Gibeah, or in Ramah] These two cities were neer Jebus northward, situate on hils in the way to mount Ephrain…, whither the Levite travelled, v. 18. Some think that there were two cities of this name in the tribe of Benjamin; one situate on a mountain, the other in a plain, unto which this Levite came. See Chap. 20. 31.

V. 18. house of the Lord] Which then was in Shiloh, not f…r from mount Ephraim, Josh. 18. 1. 1 Sam. 1. 3.

receiveth] Hebr. gathereth.

V. 19. there is] To wit, with us, for our own provision in our journey.

of any thing] To wit, saving a place to lodge in.

V. 20. peace be with thee] i. e. Be of good chea…, quiet and comfort thy self.

let all thy wants] Heb. i. e. I will undertake to supply all thy wants, and therefore take care for nothing.

V. 21. they washed their feet] Which was one of the rites of hospitality towards travellers, in those hot countreys. See Gen. 18. 4. 19 2.

V. 22. sons of Belial] i. e. Most wicked men, or desperately wicked, who had quite shaken off all law, and the yoke of government, Deut. 13. 13.

beset the house round about] Gen. 19. 4. Hos. 9. 9. and 10. 9.

may know them] A modest expression of their s…lthy lust, according to the scripture phrase. See Gen. 19. 5. Gen. 4. 1.

V. 23. into my house] To wit, that ye may be …afe under my protection from suffering any wrong. See Gen. 19. 8.

folly] See Gen. 34. 7. 2 Sam. 13. 12, 13. Prov. 7. 7.

V. 24. humble ye them] See Gen. 19. 8. It was commendable in him that he highly prizeth the laws of hospitality; but the means to be condemned, as sinfull: and we may not do evil that good may come of it.

what seemeth good] i. e. use them at your pleasure.

so vile a thing] i. e. Such a notorious villany.

V. 25. so the man] To wit, the Levite.

took his concubine] i. e. So reverencing the laws of hospitality, that he thought it unreasonable to expose his hosts daughter to be abused for his sake.

knew her] See v. 22.

V. 26. fell down] i. e. Dead, or ready to die.

her lord] i. e. Her husband; so called for honours fake, which the Apostle commendeth in Sarah, 1 Pet. 3. 6.

V. 27. go his way] i. e. To go on his journey.

and her hands] As if she had lien asleep.

V. 28. none answered] She being st…k dead.

V. 29. sent her] To wit, piece-meal, that by such a horrid spectacle he migh… incense their wrath, to take the more sharp revenge: the which his fact was inhumane, Deut. 21. 22.

into all the coasts] Because there was at that time no supreme to punish this soul fact, he addresseth himself and his complaint to the whole body of the people.

V. 30. take advice] To wit, what course is to be taken in such a wofull case.

CHAP. XX.

Vers. 1. ALL the children] That is, the tribe of Benjamin onelyonly excepted.

as one man] That is, with unanimous consent. So v. 8, 11. 1 Sam. 11. 7. Ezr. 3. 1.

from Dan] Called before Baish, Chap. 18. 7. and Leshem, Josh. 19. 47. which was the utmost border of Canaan upon the north, 1 Kin. 4. 25.

Beer-sheba] Which was the utmost border upon the south, in the tribe of Judah, towards the Philistines, Gen. 21. 33, 34.

of Gilead] In the east beyond Jordan, the countrey where the two tribes and an half lived.

unto the Lord] That is, to worship, pray and ask counsell of the LORD at Shiloh, which was neer Mizpeh on the east.

in Mizpeh] A place in the borders of Benjamin, Josh. 18. 26. and therefore fit for their present occasion; which was also often used for such generall assemblies, as lying in the heart of the land, and so commodious for such meetings, 1 Sam. 7. 5. and 10. 17. Some think that there was here some synagogue, of place of publike worship.

V. 2. And the chief] That is, gathered out of all corners of the land, as the Hebrew hath it, which calleth the chief princes, corners (as some think) because they are like corner-stones or pillars, the main strength of the fabrick of the commonwealth.

that drew sword] See Chap. 8. 10.

V. 3. Then said] That is, unto the Levite.

V. 4. the Levite] Hebr, the man the Lovite.

the husband] See Chap. 19. 2.

V. 5. slain me] That is, either by abusing me, as they did my concubine; or if I would not yeeld to prostitute my body to their abominable lusts; before which, I should have much preferred death it self.

forced] Hebr. Humbled.

V. 6. lewdnesse] That is, horrible wickednesse, which ought not to go unpunished.

folly] See Chap. 19. 23.

V. 7. ye are all children] Whom this horrible fact concerns as well as me, being the people of God, who are bound by Gods command to punish such outragious wickednesse, and so to put away evil from Israel, v. 13.

V. 8. We will not] That is, before we have seen this abominable fact severely punished.

V. 9. by lo… ] Which shall determine who shall perform this service; that is, who shall make provision for the camp, and who shall go to fight.

V. 10. and a thousand] That is, in the whole, fourty thousand out of four hundred thousand.

for the people] That is, to victuall the camp.

V. 11. knit together] Hebr. fellows; To wit, both heart and hand.

V. 12. sen… men] To wit, as ambassadours of peace, if they would punish the offenders; or heraulds to proclaim war, if they refused.

V. 13. the children of Belial] See Chap. 19. 22.

would not hearken] And so made themselves accessaries, abe… ters, and guilty of that horrible fact.

V. 16. left-handed] Chap. 3. 15.

at an hair …ead…h] An hyperbolicall expression, whereby is signified, That they were so skilfull in s…inging stones, that they would commonly hit a small mark.

V. 18. house of God.] At Shiloh, neer Mizpeh, and not farre from Gibeah, Chap. 21. 12. and 19. 18.

and asked counsell] See Chap. 1. 1.

go up first] Being full of confidence, in respect of the justnesse of their cause, and also their great number and strength, they strive for precedency, and who should have the honour of the day, and so seek to God onelyonly for the determining of this difference between them.

V. 21. twenty and two thousand men] To punish their selfconfidence, and their idolatry, and other sins for which they were not duely humbled in their seeking unto God.

V. 22. en…waged themselves] Still trusting more in their own strength then in Gods assistance.

V. 23. went up and wept] As bewailing their great defeat and losse, but not thorowly humbling themselves in the …ight and sense of their sins by …asting and prayer, as vers. 26.

Beniamin my brother?] Doubting (as it seemeth) of their successe, because they raised war against thou brother, that is, a tribe of their own people.

go up] But doth not promise victory, as v. 28.

V. 25. drew sword] That is, were valiant men, and able to manage their weapons.

V. 26. sate there] That is, according to the posture of mourners, Lam. 1. 1. Psal. 137. 1. or, as others, abode there, 2 Sam. 7. 18. Psal. 23. 6.

and fasted] That is, they did perform the duty of humiliation and repentance, not overtly, slightly and formally, as they had done before, but in a serious manner.

burnt-offerings] To wit, for the expiation of their sins.

and peace-offerings] To wit, to testifie their faith and assurance of victory, having sought God in a right manner.

V. 27. enquired] To wit, by the high priest, after the judgement of Urim, Num 27. 21.

V. 28. Phinehas] See Chap. 17. 1.

stood before it] To wit, to perform the office of an high priest in the tabernacle. So Deut. 10. 8. and 18. 5.

V. 29. liers in wait] Josh. 8. 4.

V. 31. the people] To wit, of Israel.

high-ways] Or crosse ways leading to divers places.

Gibeah in the field] So called (as it seemeth) to distinguish it from the other Gibeah on the hill. See Chap. 10. 13. and Josh. 18. 24, 28. both which cities lay neer together in the tribe of Benjamin.

V. 33. Baal-tamar] lying on the west of Gibeah.

V. 34. against Gibeah] To wit, to put themselves between the city and the army, that there might be no place of retreat.

ten thousand chosen men] To wit, who had lien in ambush.

V. 35. twenty five thousand and an hundred] This was the whole number of all that were slain, which afterwards are more particularly specified.

V. 36. for the men] In these and words following he describeth the manner of the Benjamites defeat, and the Israelites victory.

gave place] That is, feignedly fled.

V. 37. drew themselves along] Or, made a long sound with the trumpets; to wit, out of the places where they had li…n in ambush.

all the city] That is, all that they found in the city.

signe] Or, time; to wit, when the Israelites which did seemingly flee should, stay and return upon the Benjamites.

and] Hebr. with.

flame] Hebr. elevation.

V. 39. to smite and kill] Hebr. to smite the wounded.

V. 40. the flame] Hebr. the whole consumption.

V. 41. that evil was come] That is, that they were utterly lost, without any hope of escaping.

upon them] Hebr. touched them.

V. 42. in the midst of them] That is, having enclosed them on all sides, they slew them.

V. 43. with ease] Or, from Mem…chah, &c.

over against] Hebr. unto over against.

V. 44. And there fell] To wit, in the battell.

V. 45. the rock of Rimmon] A city lying upon a rock, between Bethel and Gibeah on the south-west of Benjamin.

they gleaned] That is, they slew here and there as they could meet with them, cutting them clean off, as the ears of corn are gleaned after the harvest, or the grapes after the vintage.

V. 46. were twenty and five thousand] He expresseth here onelyonly the round or grand number, leaving out the hundred mentioned v. 25. as it is usuall in the scripture; and also the remainder of the twenty six thousand and seven hundred mentioned v. 15. which it seemeth were all slain in the two other battels, these six hundred excepted.

V. 47. rock Rimmon] Chap. 21. 13.

V. 48. children of Benjamin] To wit, those that remained in the cities, both men and women.

that came to hand] Hebr. was found; Namely, in the heat and sury of the war.

they came to] Hebr. were found.

CHAP. XXI.

Vers. 1. IN Mizpeh] See Chap. 20. 1.

there shall not any] Out of their great detestation of that horrible wickednesse committed amongst them, which they all defended, they binde themselves by this rash oath; of which, upon more serious deliberation, they now repent, v. 6.

V. 2. house of God] That is, at Shiloh, where the tubernacle was, and in it the ark, the visible signe of Gods presence.

V. 3. why is this] With this expostulation (it is like) they joyned a prayer, That God would be pleased to direct them unto some means whereby they might both preserve the tribe in Israel, and also keep their oath.

V. 4. built there an altar] God appointed that in ordinary use there should be but one altar for sacrifice, as there was to be but one tabernacle, and one temple, as types of our onelyonly Saviour Christ, Heb. 13. 10, 11. and therefore the two tribes and half were thought to have sinned, when they built another for this ordinary use, Josh. 22. 11. But upon extraordinary and necessary occasions, God allowed his people to build more then this one in number, though they were all one in kinde, both in respect of matter and form, especially when it was done by holy men, and without danger of idolatry: yet with this difference, That the one was to be fixed and permanent, the other to stand onelyonly so long …s the necessary occasion continued. And thus we read of divers altars erected; as by Samuel, 1 Sam. 7. 9, 17. 11. 15. and 16. 2, 5. by David, 2 Sam. 24. 25. by Elijah, 1 Kin. 18. 32. by Solomon, 1 King. 8. 64.

V. 5. unto the Lord] See Chap. 20. 1.

V. 6. for Benjamin their brother] All the Israelites were brethren, because they were in covenant with God their father, and because they were all descended from Israel, who was their common father, and were all called after his name.

there is] That is, it is in danger to be cut off, if some course be not taken to preserve it. Others read it thus, Should we this day out off a tribe of Israel?

V. 7. that remain] To wit, that so the tribe may be preserved from perishing.

V. 8. Jabesh-gilead] Lying beyond Jordan towards the east, neer the lake of Genesareth, in the tribe of Manasseh.

V. 11. ye shall utterly destroy every male] Num. 31. 17.

lien by man] Hebr. knoweth the lying with man, reserving onelyonly virgins for the Benjamites.

V. 12. young virgins] Hebr. young women virgins; which were marriagable.

brought them] That is, having killed all the other women that had lien by man.

land of Canaan] Beyond Jordan, west ward from Gilead.

V. 13. to speak] Hebr. and spake and called.

rock Rimmon] Chap. 20. 47.

call peaceably] Or, proclaim peace.

V. 14. sufficed them not] Hebr. found they nothing for them. That is, they were not enow to fit the number of the Benjamites to have every man his wife, and so to satisfie their desire. The like phrase is used, Num. 11. 23. Josh 17. 16.

V. 15. repented them] That is, both because they had in the heat and fury of war slain their brethren with so great a slaughter; and also more especially, because they had killed so many of their virgins, as there were not enow left for the men than remained, and they knew not now how to help it.

the Lord] To wit, by their hands, as executioners of his justice.

V. 16. that remain] That is, the two hundred Benjamites which have no wives provided for them.

V. 17. an inheritance] That is, Benjamin must be reserved to have the twelfth portion in the inheritance of Jacob, in the time of Joshua allotted unto them, seeing it is unlawfull to alienate any part of it to another tribe: And therefore it being so large, and they so few in number to inhabite it, there is the more need that all of them should have wives to multiply their tribe, that they may enjoy their inheritance.

V. 18. have sworn] It was a rash oath, which did not binde unto that which was evil, onelyonly it was a bond to a superstitious conscience; for they must either give them wives, or they must marry strangers, which was expresly contrary to Gods law, unlesse they became proselytes.

that giveth] To wit, at this time, or to these Benjamites that are guilty of this wicked fact; neither did this oath binde them for ever after.

V. 19. of the Lord] And therefore one of those three solemn and religious feasts which he had commanded, some think the feast of tabernacles.

yeerly] Hebr. from yeer to yeer.

on the east side] Or, towards the sun-rising.

of the high-way] Or, on

V. 21. to dance in dances] Their dances were not light and wanton, but sutable to their feast, which was religious, and instituted to Gods praise; like Miriam's, Exod. 15. 20. and Jephthah's daughters, Chap. 11. 34. and theirs, 1 Sam. 18. 6. and Davids, 2 Sam. 6. 14.

and catch you] This advice was given either by speciall dispensation from God, in respect of the present necessity; or if otherwise, their counsell was no lesse unlawfull to take wives by such fraud and force, then to have given their daughters, notwithstanding their rash oath.

V. 21. Be favourable unto them] Or, gratifie us in them.

for our sakes] Who have brought this necessity upon them, and so are no lesse faulty then they.

not give] To wit, your daughters unto them voluntarily, but they by force have taken them away; and therefore you are free from the breach of your oath.

V. 24. to his tribe] That is, they went in troops to the tribe of which they were; and coming thither, they parted company, and went severally to their families from which they were descended, and then particularly every man to his own house.

no king] See Chap. 17. 6.

V. 25. In those dayes there was no king in Israel] Chap. 17. 6. and 18. 1. and 19. 1.