Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · Judges
Judges.
THE Book of JUDGES contains an History, not of four hundred and ten years; but of two hundred ninty and nine years. So, Counting the years of the VI. Oppressors within the years and times of the Judges; as I have shewed they necessarily must, upon Rahabs marriage with Prince Salmon▪ Josh. II. And so Expounding the Texts following, according to the truth of the times, thus; That the Land had Rest by Othniel, in the fourtieth year after it was first settled in Rest by Ioshua at his Death, Judg. III. 11. not after the Death of Moses. And again had Rest by Ehud in the eightieth year, after the former Rest by Othniel, Ch. III. 30. And again had Rest by Deborah in the fourtieth year, after the former Rest by Ehud, Ch. V. 31. And again had Rest by Gideon, in the fourtieth year, after the former Rest by Deborah, Ch. VIII. 28. These make up two hundred years. And then follow three of Abimelech; twenty three of Tolah; twenty two of Jair; sixe of Jephthah; seven of Ibzan; ten of Elon; eight of Abdon; twenty of Sampson, which make np the other ninty nine years; in all two hunded, ninty nine. The text, Judg. IV. 3, 4. seemes to accord with rhis reckoning: and to accompt Jabins Oppression within the years of Deborah. But yet counting, beside these, the times of the VI. Oppressors distinctly over and above, which amount to one hundred and eleven years; and is according to the seeming letter of the texts; And then fourty years of Eli being added thereunto, the summe ariseth to those 450. years mentioned by Paul, Acts XIII. 20. But reading the words of Saint Paul, as in order they stand there in the Original; and after these things about four hundred and fifty years; he gave them Judges untill Samuel the Prophet; we may rather conceive the four hundred and fifty years to comprehend all the time, from the choosing of the Fathers, till the Division of the Land by Joshua; it being four hundred fifty two from the Birth of Isaac, and four hundred fourty seven from the Rejection of Ishmael; both wayes about four hundred and fifty, wherein those things mentioned, ver. 18, 19, 20. were done and accomplished. And after that time he gave them Judges until Samuel the Prophet: And after that time, He gave them Kings. And thus the most learned Primate of all Ireland hath it in his learned Annals.
This Book seemes written of, and concerning the Judges, (as the Book of Ruth concerning Ruth;) And long after their times; As may seeme to be gathered by those phrases, remaine unto this day, and the like, Ch. I. 21, 26. and VI. 24. and X. 4. and XV. 19. And Ch. XVIII. 30. must needs have relation at soonest to the captivity of the Arke in the dayes of Samuel, 1 Sam. IV. 17. Psal. LXXVIII. 60, 61.
Asked] They asked the Lord; chapter I verse 1 by Phineas the High Priest; who by Urim and Thummim makes answer, Num. XXVII. 21. Both which were on or in the Breastplate; and the Breastplate was annexed to the Ephod, Exod. XXVIII. 28, 30. and XXXIX. 21. which made David call for the Ephod, and High Priest, thereby to enquire of the Lord, 1 Sam. XXIII. 9, 10, 11, 12. and Ch. XXVIII. 6. So Ezra II. 63. See more on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9.
Bezek] Bezek a City in the tribe of Iudah; verse 4 not farre from Ierusalem, lying from it South-West; and midway between … and Bethlehem.
Adoni-Bezek] verse 5 Of him see on Iosh. X. 1.
Said, verse 7 seventy Kings] His seventy Kings subdued, and mangled by him, must needs be very pettie Kings of Provinces, or Cities; if not such Princes as are now in Germany, where all the brethren of a Prince are called Princes likewise. And these seventy were such, as in the time of all his reigne and tyranny Adoni-bezek had subdued. He was brought from Bezek to Ierusalem to be made a publike example there.
Ierusalem] Iudah had taken Ierusalem, verse 8 slaine the inhabitants, and burnt the City, i. e. that part of it which belonged to Iudah, Iosh. XV. 8. yet so as the Jebusite still dwelt therein with the children of Iudah, ver. 63. even till Davids time, 2 Sam. V. 6, 7, 8. And Benjamin did the like, and no more, with their part of Ierusalem, Judg. I. 21. yet both had little hold in it in that Levites time, Iudg. XIX. 10, 11, 12. or haply at that time had never got any hold in it at all.
Hebron] Of this City see the Observations on 2 Sam. verse 10 II. 1.
Caleb] Of Caleb see the Observations on Iosh. verse 12 XV. 16.
A South-Land] Or dry Land. verse 15
Kenite] and Ch. IV. 11. and Ch. V. 24. See 1 Chron. II. 55. verse 16 As also Gen. XV. 19. Num. XXIV. 21. 1 Sam. XV. 6. And see my Observations on Num. X. 29.
Palme Trees] Jericho. Of this see the Observations on Ch. III. 13.
Gaza] Iudah took Gaza, verse 18 and Askelon, and Ekron: And lost them soone afterwards, Ch. III. 3.
Bethel] Of this see the Observations on 1 King. verse 22 XII. 29. and XXXII.
Beths…an] And the rest in this verse, were Cities in that half Tribe of Manasseh that lay West of Jordan. verse 27
Angel] The Angel here seemes to be no created Angel: chapter II verse 1 But that Angel of the Covenant, Mal. III. 1. that appeared to Moses in the Bush, Exod. III. 2. called Jehovah, ver. 4. and to Ioshua, Iosh. V. 14. And to Gideon, Iudg. VI. 16. And to Manoah, and his wife, Ch. XIII. Of whom Iacob spake, Gen. XLVIII. 24. And of whom God spake unto Moses, Exod. XXIII. 21, 22, 23. termed both Jehovah, Exod. XIII. 21. XIV. 10, 24. and his face, or presence, Exod. XXXIII. 14, 15. and an Angel, Exod. XXXIII. 2. the Messias, Acts VII. 38. the Sonne of God, Heb. I. 3. See on Judg. XIII. 3. But whether this History fell out in the life-time of Ioshua, or after his death, is somewhat more uncertain.
all the dayes of Joshua] Therefore the Angel's coming to Bochim, verse 7 though premised, was after the death of Joshua, and those Elders.
Mount of Ephraim] Of this see the Observations on Joshua XXIV. verse 9 1.
Baal and Ashtaroth] Of these see the Observations on Ch. verse 13. 16. VIII. 33.
Judges] This Chapter seemes to be a summarie of the bulk of this Book.
Left those Nations] Ver. verse 23 22. and Ch. III. 1, 2, 4. See the Observations on Deut. VII 1. and 2.
King of Mesopotamia] Heb. chapter III verse 8 Aram-Naharaim, i. e. of Syria between the two rivers, Tigris and Euphrates: Naharaim being of the Dual number.
Fourty years] See the Observations on the beginning of this Book. verse 11
Palme-trees] Jericho, the City of Palme-trees, Deut. XXXIV. 3. verse 13 2 Chron. XXVIII. 15. This was nigh Jordan on the West-side of it; and Gilgal in the East border of Jericho, where Rahab entertained and hid the two Spies: And from the Plaines of Moab, Pisga and Shirtim, which were over against Jericho, on the East-side of Jordan the Israelites passed over. Here the Israelites kept the Passeover: and the Captain of the Lords Hoast appeared to Joshua This was burnt, Josh. VI. 24. And the Re-builder of it cursed, ver. 26. And the same verified in Hiel, in the dayes of Ahab, 1 King. XVI. 34. So that the Kenites being in it; and Eglons possessing of it mentioned here; And that of Davids ill-intreated messengers residing here, 2 Sam. X. 5. must be meant of some mean buildings, or Forts onelyonly in it, or rather by it. It fell by Lot to the Tribe of Benjamin, Josh. XVIII. 21. Here was a Colledge of the sonnes of the Prophets in the times of Elias; and Eliseus: and the waters healed by Eliseus, Hither were sent back courteously the many Jewes captived by Pekah in the dayes of Ahaz, 2 Chron. XXVIII. And in the Plaines here was Zedekiah taken by Nebuchadnezzars forces. And in the dayes of our Saviour, he did herein, or hard by, give sight to blinde men; and converted Zacheus.
And he arose] Reverence to God and his Word, verse 20 Num. XXIII. 18. 2 King. XX III. 2. 2 Chron. XXXIV. 31. Neh. VIII. 6.
Oxe-goad] Miraculous are the victories of Shamgar, verse 31 slaying sixe hundred Philistines with an Oxe-goad; and of Sampson slaying one thousand of them with the jaw-bone of an Asse, Ch. XV. 15, 16.
Jabin] This Jabin successor to that Jabin slaine by Joshua, chapter IV verse 2 and his City Hazor burnt, Josh. XI 1, 10, 11, 13. Yet this successor or sonne, reinforceth himself, and twenty years oppressed Israel; and was destroyed at last by Deborah and Barak, ver. 24.
Hazor] A City in Naphtali, and upper Galilee, East from Rehob in Asher: and in former times head of the neighbouring Kingdomes, I…sh. XI. 10. There was another Hazor, or two, in the Tribe of Judah, Iosh. XV. 23, 25.
Haresheth of the Gentiles] Ver. 16. In Naphtali, about thirty miles East from Hazor; near the South-bottome of the waters of Merom. Here he dwels, because Joshua had burnt Hazor, Iosh. XI. 11, 13.
Charets of iron] Much use of these in warre; verse 3 not by the Jewes, but by their enemies. See the Observations on Ch. XX. 2. and on 2 Sam. VIII. 5.
A Prophetesse] See the Observations on Zeph. verse 4 III. 4. and on 1 Sam. XVIII. 10.
at that time] Even when, and while Iabin oppressed them. So that those twenty years, v. 3. are within those fourty years of Deborah, V. 31.
Ramah] See the Annotations on Hos. verse 5 V. 8. There were divers Cities of this name in divers Tribes; See Josh. XVIII. 25. and XIX. 29, 36. 1 Sam. I. 1. Those in Benjamin, Ephraim, and Judah, were the chief Places, famous by Deborah, Samuel, Saul, and David; as the sacred Histories do record.
Barak] This Barak, verse 6 as also Rahab, Gideon, Jephthah, Sampson, commended for their Faith, Heb. XI. 31, 32. though weak in Faith; and not without their many failings.
Tabor] In the South-part of Zebulon; not farre from the river Kishon, as it runnes into the South-bottome of the Sea of Galilee. Of Tabor see more in the Annotations on Hos. V. 1.
Of a Woman] Deborah, verse 9 and Jael.
Zaanaim] Zaanaim by Kedesh in Naphtali, verse 11 where Barak dwelled.
Not a man left] Not a man left in the field to make any resistance, verse 16 Psal. XIV. 3. and LIII. 3. Rom. III. 12.
Shamgar] Of him, chapter V verse 4 Ch. III. 31. And of Jael, Ch. IV. 18.
Was there a speare] 1 Sam. XIII. 19. verse 8
From the noise] They could not fetch water without danger from the enemy. verse 11
Out of] Hence to the end of the Song, verse 14 and Chapter, Deborah relates how the several Tribes behaved themselves in this Expedition; with their praise, or dispraise. And here Reuben, Gilead, and Dan, and Asher are blamed; and Meroz cursed: and Jael the wife of Heber is blessed.
Roote] Most likely, understood of Deborah of Mount Ephraim, the firstrise and mover of this Expedition; though some extend it to Joshua; and others understand it of the Tribes of Judah and Simeon.
Amalek] Amalek joyned here with the Canaanites, in this battell against the Israelites.
After thee Benjamin] After Ephraim came Benjamin, to assist in this warre.
Out of Machir] That half Tribe of Manasseh that dwelt within Canaan. For though the one half of the children of Machir had their inheritance in Gilead, Josh. XIII. 31. which is here blamed, ver. 17. yet the other half of Machirs children had their inheritance within Canaan; West of Jordan, Josh. XVII. 1, 2. who are here commended.
Barak] Not of Issachar: verse 15 but of Naphtali, dwelling in Kedesh of Naphtali. Ch. IV. 6.
Divisions of Reuben] Divided among themselves touching this warre; or divided from the other Tribes, and deserting them in it.
Megiddo] Megiddo an eminent City which Manasseh had in Issachar, verse 19 Josh. XVII. 11. not farre from Jezreel, and the river Kishon. Joshua slew the King of it, Josh. XII. 21. And Josiah was slaine, or had his deaths wound, in the valley of it, 2 King. XXIII. 29, 30. 2 Chron. XXXV. 34.
Taanach] Taanach a royal City, near Megiddo, Josh. XII. 21.
Took no gaine] Took none of Jabin; nor got any gaine by this fight with Israel.
The Sta…s] The Stars in their stations; verse 20 by extraordinary influences, at Gods appointment, raising stormy Meteors, did help to ruine them. As it was in Ioshua's time, Iosh. X. and in Samuels time, 1 Sam. VII. Or frighting them with dreadful noises, as in Iehorams time, 2 King. VII. 6.
Rest fourty years] from that eightieth year mentioned, verse 31 Ch. III. 30. See the Annotations on Ch. III. 11. and the Observations on the beginning of this Book.
Midian] See the Annotations on Hab. chapter VI verse 1. 11. 14. III. 7.
Angel] Christ the Angel of the Covenant. ver. 14, 15, 16, 22, 23.
Thy might] Which I now give thee; with my promise to assist thee; as ver. 16.
My Present] Not Sacrifice, verse 18 or meat-offering; but for thy food and repast. As Abraham entertained the Angels, Gen. XVIII. and Manoab, Iudg. XIII. 15.
Fire] Here fire comes out of a rock: verse 2. 25. as water did, Exod. XVII. 7.
Of seven years old] The same age that the tyranny and oppression of the Midianites had arrived to.
And build an Altar] Gideon had Gods warrant and command for all, verse 26 for his building the Altar; and for his sacrificing upon it. And this is that Altar mentioned, ver. 24.
That he may die] Their idolatrous zeale. verse 30. 32.
Ierubbaal] Gideon so called by his father; not in way of reproach, but of honour rather. In 2 Sam. XI. 21. he is called Ierubbosheth. And so Eshbaal, and Meribbaal, the sonne, and grandchilde of Saul, 1 Chron. VIII. 33, 34. are called Ishbosheth, and Mephibosheth, 2 Sam. II. 8. and IV. 4.
Iezreel] As here in Iezreel the Midianites pitched; verse 33 so did both the Philistines, and Israelites in Sauls time, 1 Sam. XXIX. 1, 11. And hence came the newes of Sauls death, 2 Sam. IV. 4. who was slaine in Mount Gilboa on the North-side of Iezreel. This Iezreel was not that in the Tribe of Iudah, Iosh. XV. 56. But in Manasseh; towards Issachar; about twelve miles Northward from Samaria. Ahab from Carmel rode hither, and Elijah did run before his Chariot, 1 King. XVIII. 45, 46. Here Ahab gets Naboths Vineyard, and came from Samaria in the Tribe of Ephraim hither to take possession, 1 King. XXI. 18. having his habitations and Palaces in both Cities. And besides Gods judgement upon Ahab himself, ver. 19. both Ioram, and Iezebel, the sonne, and wife of Ahab, were slaine here by Iehu; and also all that belonged to Ahab in Iezreel: And the heads of Ahabs seventy sons were brought from Samaria to Iezreel, 2 King. IX. and X Chapters.
Messengers] The Tribes here named were the next to Gideon, verse 35 and to Iabin.
Fleece of wooll] Herein is Gods great condescension to Gideon, verse 37 working a miracle forward and backward, as it were; yea, many miracles for the strengthening of his faith, in his vocation, and in Gods promise.
From Mount Gilead] Or towards Mount Gilead. chapter VII verse 3 Haply to be there in a readinesse against the enemies flight that way.
The people] The three hundred lappers, verse 8 took the trumpets of them that were dismissed.
Fled] The places named here were in that half Manasseh where the overthrow was given. verse 22 And Abelmeholah was the habitation of the Prophet Elizaeus in after-ages, 1 King. XIX. 19.
Succoth] And so of Penuel, chapter VIII verse 5 ver. 8. See Gen. XXXIII. 17. and XXXII. 30. They, and Karker were in the tribe of Gad.
Ishmaelites] Midianites and Ishmaelites seeme confounded together: verse 24 as being intermingled one with another. So Gen. XXXVII. 25, 27, 28.
Golden ear-rings] The weight and multitude of them. verse 26 And chaines about their Camels necks. Of ear-rings, see Exod. XXXII. 2. and XXXV. 22.
Ephod] See the Observations on 1 Sam. verse 27 XXIII. 9. and on Hos. III. 4.
Ophrah] In the East border of this Westerne half Manasseh, near Jordan.
Baalim] Baalim in the Plural number, verse 33 signifying Lords, seemes to be a very common name to their He-gods, and Idols, among the Moabitts, Ammonites, Canaanites, Philistines, Sidonians, Phenicians, and other neighbouring Nations, and the idolatrous Israelites themselves: as Ashtaroth of the plural number, and feminine gender, seemes to be so to their She-goddesses, Iudg. II. 13. and X. 6. And there are sundry specifications of Baal; As Berith, and Baal-Berith here, and Ch. IX. 4, 46. the God of the Shechemites. Peor and Baal-Peor, the idol-god of the Moabites and Midianites, Num. XXV. 3, 17, 18. Baal-Zebub, called also Beelzebub, or Beelzebul, the god of Ekron, 2 King. I. 2. And from Baal, were names imposed, both upon persons, and places: as we read of Ethbaal, the King of Sidon, Iezebels father, 1 King. XVI. 31. of Esh-baal, 1 Chron. VIII. 32. of Baal-hanan, Gen. XXXVI. 38. of Jerubbaal, Judg. VI. 32. of Merib-baal, the other name of Mephibosheth, 1 Chron. VIII. 34. As also of Baal-Zephon, Exod. XIV. 2. and Baal-Meon, Josh. XVII. 17. And from other particular Idols, specially among the Babylonians, were like denominations take…. Whether Bel be a contraction, or in a diverse dialect, the same with Baal, is not so certaine. God himself also was called Baal; But refused after to be so stiled, because the name had been so commonly given to Idols, Hos. II. 16. Of Bel, see the Annotations on Esay XLVI. 1. Ashteroth or Ashtoreth or Ashtaroth is more specificaly the goddesse of the Sidonians, 1 King XI. 5, 33. 2 King. XXIII. 13. and of the Philistines, 1 Sam. XXXI. 10. Take also these other names of Idol-gods in Scripture;
Chemosh, of the Moabites, and Ammonites, Iudg. XI. 24. 1 King. XI. 5, 7, 33. 2 King. XXIII. 13.
Dagon, of the Philistines, Iudg. XVI. 23. 1 Sam. V. 2,—7. 1 Chron. X. 10.
Moloch, or Molech, or Milchom, of the Ammonites 1 King. XI. 5, 7, 33. 2 King. XXIII. 13.
Bel, and Nebo, and Belteshazzar, and Merodach, and Succoth-Benoth, of the Babylonians, Esay XLVI. 1. Dan. IV. 8. 2 King. XVII. 30. Ier. L. 2.
Nishrosh, of the Assyrians, and Sennacherib, 2 King. XIX. 37.
Rimmon of the Syrians, 2 King. V. 18.
2 King. XVII. 30, 31.
Nergal, of the men of Cuth.
Ashimah, of the men of Hamath;
Nibhaz and Tartak, of the Avites;
Adrammelech, and Anammelech, of Sephervaim;
Siccuth, Chiun, and Remphan; named, Amos V. 26. Acts VII. 43.
The seven Planets under several names, by several Nations.
And from the Egyptian Apis the Bull, and Mevis the Cow, the Jewes took their Idol of the golden Calf or Oxe, Psal. CVI. 20. And Ieroboam's Calves.
These Idols are called foreign quasi foreign not gods, 1 Cor. VIII. 4. Ier. 2. 11. and V. 7. and Ch. XVI. 20. or nothing worth, Ier. XI. 13. Vanities; They are called Shames, Abominations, 1 King. XI. 5. Dungie, or Dunghil-gods, Deut. XXIX. 17. Devils, Deut. XXXII. 17. 2 Chron. XI. 15. 1 Cor. X. 20, 21. Apoc. IX. 20. Psal. CVI. 37. 2 King. XX. 1.
Shechem] See the Observations on Josh. chapter IX verse 1. 2. XXIV. 1.
Threescore and ten persons] So ver. 18, 24, 56. and Ch. VIII. 30. The whole number designed to slaughter, though the youngest of them Iotham escaped; and Abimelech himself was the murderer. And this is a thing usual in the Scripture. As Gen. XLII. 13. Num. XIV. 32, 33. 1 Cor. XV. 5.
Gerizim] Near Shechem. verse 7. 20.
Millo] See the Observations on 1 Sam. V. 9.
Iair] Not that Iair, chapter X verse 3 Num. XXXII. 41. Deut. III. 14. But of his posterity, and name.
Thirty Cities] That former Jair in the dayes of Moses, verse 4 had but twenty three Cities, 1 Chron. II. 22. though the sonnes of Machir, the son of Manasseh, and the father of Gilead, and grandfather of this Iair, had among them sixty Cities, in the dayes of Moses, Iosh. XIII. 30, 31, 32. But here this Iair, the Judge, had thirty sonnes and they had thirty Cities, seven more then the former Iair had, all which they called by the same name of Havoth-Iair, as their progenitor had called his twenty three.
Philistines] In this time of their oppressing Israel, verse 7 which was the sixth oppression; Sampson lived, and was a Judge, and began to deliver them, Ch. XIII. 5.
Ammon] This was the fifth oppression; And Iephthah was the Judge and deliverer.
And that year] The last of the eighteen of their oppressing the Israelites. verse 8
Eighteen years] Which years of oppression fell upon the two Tribes and a half beyond Iordan in Iairs time.
Passed over Iordan] In this eighteenth year the Ammonites proceeded verse 9 further to invade the Tribes on this side Iordan. And then Iephthah doth vanquish them; and begin his sixe years of judging Israel. And all this stands well with the Chronologie of the times, viz: of two hundred ninty nine years in the Book of the Iudges; and of the four hundred and eighty mentioned, 1 King VI. 1.
The Sidonians] Divers of these Deliverances are not expressed in the holy History. verse 12
Grieved] Gods compassion to his people. verse 16
Mizpeh] There is mention of the Land of Mizpeh, verse 17 under Hermon, Josh. XI. 3. But most commonly there were Citiet of that name; And those builded on hills or high places, as the word signifies, fit to set wath-towers upon, as our Beacons. We read of divers such in Scripture. One Mizpeh in Moab, 1 Sam. XXII. 3. Another in Mount Gilead, in Manasseh, beyond Iordan, not farre from the Tribe of Gad, Josh. XIII. 26. Here Laban overtook Iacob, Gen. XXXI. 49. And here the Israelites encamped against the Midianites, in this text, Iudg. X. 17. And Iephthah their Judge and General had his house here, Iudg. XI. 11, 29, 34. Another Mizpeh was in Iudah, Josh. XV. 38. Likely that re-built by Asa, 1 King. XV. 22. 2 Chron. XVI. 6. But the most famous Mizpeh was that in Benjamin upon the border of it, Iosh. XVIII. 26. which was near the middle of the Land; and not farre from Shiloh, which stood East from it. This was a Place and City fit for general meetings and Assemblies of the Land. Thither all Israel assembled against the Benjamites, Iudg. XX. 1, 3. and XXI. 1. There Samuel brought all Israel to publike Repentance, 1 Sam. VII. 5, 6. And thither likewise, as to Bethel and Gilgal, he came in c…rcuit from year to year; to judge Israel, ver. 16. There Saul was found out, and made King, 1 Sam. X. 17, 21. And there Gedaliah was Governour; so made by Nebuchanezzar; and there slaine by Ishmael, 2 King. XXV. verse 3 23, 25.
Tob] Some thirty miles East from the waters of Merom. chapter XI
My Land.] No. It was the Land of the Moabites; after of Sihon; and from him conquered by the Israelites, by Gods command and donation, ver. 21, 22.
Three hundred years] And four of five over, which are omitted for the roundnesse of the number. As Ch. XX. 46. 2 Sam. V. 5. See the Observations on Ch XX. 46.
A Vow] Of Vowes, verse 30. 31. see the Annotations on Jonah. I. 16.
And I will offer it] These words of Jephthah's Vow do fairly admit a Disjunctive acceptation of the letter Vau to be interpreted and rendered Or, and not and. As it is likewise used in Gen. XXVI. 11. Exod. I. 10, and XXI. 15, 17. Deut. XVII. 9, 12. and XIX. 17. Judg. XV. 18. 1 Sam. VI. 3. Jer. VI. 20. and IX. 12. and XIII. 23. and XVI. 2, 7. and XXI. 9. and in very many other places.
Bewaile my Virginity] Much more her death, verse 37 if she had been vowed to be a burnt-offering; but that she doth not mention.
And she knew no man] But lived a Virgin, verse 39 as her father had vowed, and she consented.
To lament] Or talk with her, verse 40 and comfort her, being cut off from all hope of having posterity to uphold her fathers house, ver. 34.
Smote Ephraim] In a Wood, chapter XII verse 4 whence that place seemes to be called the Wood of Ephraim, from that slaughter of the Ephraimites. Where afterwards Absolom was slaine, and his armie, 2 Sam. XVII. 6. Ephraim having in truth no Wood, or Land, or portion of inheritance on that side of Jordan East-ward.
Because they said] The Ephraimites said; the Gileadites are fugitives, mungrels, the refuse of both Tribes. Or, the Gileadites being got between the Ephraimites and Manassites; said to the Ephraimites, ye are but the fugitives of Ephraim.
Took the Passages] As the Ephraimites were to return back from Gilead, verse 5 West-ward.
Shibboleth] Which signifies the streame of a river, verse 6 or foard; a proper word for the present place and purpose.
Fourty years] These fourty years of Oppression by the Philistines fall in with the times of Sampson and Eli, chapter XIII verse 1 and are a part thereof.
Angel] The Angel of the Lord, verse 3 is called by Manoah, Elohim, God, ver. 22. And by his wife, Jehovah, ver. 23. He whose Name is Wonderful, ver. 18, 19. Esay IX. 6.
Nazarite] Of Nazarites, verse 5 see the Observations on Num. VI. 2.
Begin] Sampson did but begin only. For the Philistines prevailed, and Lorded it over Israel, all the dayes of Sampson, Ch. XIV. 4. of Eli, of Samuel partly, 1. Sam. VII. 8. 13▪ and of Saul; slaine by them. This deliverance was not perfected till Davids dayes.
Drink no Wine] The mother is thus forbidden, verse 7 ver. 14. Likely because the infant was to receive hutriment and suck from her.
If the Lord] A good plea, and comfort, verse 23 And a good example for our imitation to comfort us in sundry cases and conditions.
Sampson] Sampson's Birth hath relation to that, verse 24 Ch. X. 7. where the Philistines are mentioned before the Ammonites. And he began to deliver Israel being young; and died about fourty.
To move him] Inspire him with magnanimous, verse 25 heroical thoughts, and indow him with miraculous strength.
Timnath] In the Tribe of Dan: chapter XIV verse 1 East from Ekron of the Philistines▪ Here Sampson intended to have his first wife. And Judah had his sheep-shearing, Gen. XXXVIII. 12. This Citie was given to the Tribe of Judah, Josh. XV. 57. And after, out of that Tribe to Dan, Josh. XIX. 43. But the Philistines most what possessed it. And in the dayes of wicked Ahaz, we read that they took it from him, 2 Chron▪ XXVIII. 18. Some make this in Dan, and that in Judah to be divers Cities.
Sampson] Sampson by extraordinary motion of the Lord, the lawfull Dispenser with his own Law, seeks a marriage, though a Nazarite, with a Philistine: had thirty of the Philistines brought as companions to be with him at the nuptial feast, to honour him in shew; but more in jealousie and fear of him, seeing and noting some things extraordinary in his person. His wife weeping before him the seven dayes while the Feast lasted, but more after the third day, and most upon the seventh and last day, he expounds his Riddle to her; and she to the companions. He performes what he had promised thereupon: And in anger; for their fraud, and her treachery, he went away; leaving them; and her too behinde him.
Foxes] The Lan… was full of them. chapter XV verse 4 And besides his own art and industry by sundry meanes to take them▪ he was not debarred the help of others; and above all Gods providence eoncurring therein.
Hip] Sampson hip and thigh, verse 8 pell-mell, haply with his leg, and foot onelyonly, slew the Philistines with a great slaughter. And afterwards slaying one thousand of them with Lehi, that is, the jaw-bone▪ of an Asse, upon that occasion he called the place jaw-bone, or Lehi: And at his prayer, had a Well of water, which he therefore calls Enhakkore, springing in that place of Lehi, to revive his spiri, being near dead with thirst.
Rock Etam] We read of a Citie of that name▪ 1 Chron. IV. 32. Called also Ethar. Josh▪ XIX. 7. in the Tribe of Simeon; as it joynes to the Tribe of Dan and Judah; in the North-East corner of Simeon; and not very far from Zorah in the South-East corner of Dan, where Sampson was borne, ver. 2. not meaning that Dan, or that so farre distinct portion of Dan, that lay in the North-bounds of the Land of Canaan.
Of Judah] Iudah joyning to Dan, verse 11 on the East-side of it.
Twenty years] These twenty years, verse 20 in the just computation of the times, do fall in with the former half of Eli his fourty, 1 Sam. IV. 18.
Gaza] See the Annotations on Amos I. chapter XVI 6.
Harlot] Sampsons sinne; yet upon repentance pardoned; and he registred among those Worthies, Heb. XI. 32.
Took the doores] His strength came up to a miracle. verse 3
Before Hebron] Not so farre as Hebron. Of Hebron, see the Observations on Gen. XXIII. 2.
Sorek] The river or torrent of this name divides Dan, verse 4 and Simeon.
Delilah] The chief Passages of this part of the History are these; That Delilah had a very great summe payed in hand for betraying of Sampson, ver. 5, 18. whose strength yet lay not in his haire, in the having of it; or in the growing of it again; the haire being but a ceremonial signe of it; But in Gods presence with him: And so his weaknesse, not in the losing of his haire; which here he lost unwittingly, and unwillingly; But in the Lords departing from him, for his sinnes, ver. 20. The shaver might easily have cut his throat, being asleep: But Gods Providence was in and over all. And blinde Sampson coming at last to see his sinnes, and repent; And being brought into the magnificent house and Idol-temple, containing about three thousand persons spectators upon the roof of it, verily a wondrous building is moved by an extraordinary instinct of Gods Spirit, in his last act, not to murder himself, but to undervalue his own life, so as he might therewithal, as a Judge, and publike person execute Gods mighty vengeance upon his own, and Gods peoples enemies and oppressors, ver. 30. wherein many make him a Type of Christs victorious conquest over our spiritual enemies, at and by his death: Or at least do take an occasion, to use an Allusion from the one to the other.
Dagon] Dagon] seemes to have his name from Dag, verse 23 signifying a Fish in Hebrew: And was portraied in the likenesse of a Fish from the middle downward, and of a man from the middle upward, 1 Sam. V. 4. A sea-Idol, worshipped by them of Gaza, and the Philistines that dwelt on the sea-coast; as the Heathens did their Neptune or Triton. And the Idolaters do here ascribe it to this Idol their god, that he delivered Sampson into their hand; and therefore offer a great sacrifice to him. In his most stately Temple they fastened the head of King Saul, 1 Chron. X. 10. And at Ashdod, by Dagon in the house of Dagon (for he had many Temples) they placed the Arke of God, 1 Sam. V. 2. Of this again you may see more in the Observations upon that text, 1 Sam. V. 2.
These five last Chapters of Iudges containe Histories of things done, soone after the death of Ioshua, chapter XVII and those Elders that out-lived him, chapter XVIII Iudg. chapter XIX. XX. XXI. II. 7. soone after the Idolatry and Apostasie of the People mentioned, Ch. II. 11, 12 in the times, if not before the times, of all the Judges, whose times and Histories are recorded, Ch. III. and along to the XVII. Chapter, without any interruption. And this appears by very many Passages in these five last Chapters.
Cursedst] So Prov. chapter XVII verse 2 XXIX. 24. That is, didst adjure, with an execration; if an answer were not made in truth and fidelity. Thus, 1 King. VIII. 31. Levit. V. 1. Num. V. 21. And so it is expounded, 1 Thes. V. 27. And so put to our Saviour, Matth. XXVI. 63. And so used, 1 Sam. XIV. 24. 2 Chron. XVIII. 15. Neh. XIII. 25.
The Lord] Micha's mother dedicated this silver to the Lord Jehovah; verse 3 to make both a graven, and a moulten Image, Ch. XVIII. 18. to worship Jehovah in and by them; and not any false god. For in this point of the Object or Thing worshipped, the Idolatries of the Jewes, and of the Heathens most what differed. See Exod. XXXII. 4, 5. 2 Chron. XXXIII. 17. Hos. II. 16. The other nine hundred Shekels, it is like, she bestowed on house, vestments, and other necessaries for that Idolatrous service.
An house of gods] So great was the Idolatry of the Jewes at this time. And their zeale great in their Idolatry, Ch. XVIII. 24.
Ephod] This Ephod, mentioned againe, verse 5 Ch. XVIII. 14. As likewise that of Gideon, Ch. VIII. 27. were not like those Linnen Ephods, Exod. XXVIII. 40. 1 Sam. II. 18. and Ch. XXII. 18. But like Aarons rich and glorious Ephod, Exod. XXVIII. 6,—34. See the Annotations on Hos. III. 4. and the Observations on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9.
Teraphim] Or Theraphim, a word of the plural number; and still so used in Scripture; signifies Images, or Idols; Hos. III. 4. 1 Sam. XV. 23. But of what kinde or fashion, it is uncertaine; some conceive them to be made like men; because Michal put one of them in Davids bed, thereby to deceive her father Sauls messengers, 1 Sam. XIX. 13. Some take them to be houshold-gods; and as such in Labans house and family, Gen. XXXI. 19, 34. Some to be such as they used to consult with as Oracles; as in the case of the Danites here, and Ch. XVIII. 14, 17, 18, 20. and of Nebuchadnezzar, Ezek. XXI. 21. and in Zecharies time, Zech. X. 2. Answers likely being given by the subtilty of the Devil, or forgery of their Priests. And to workers with familiar spirits, and Wizards, They are joyned in Josiah's Reformation, 2 King. XXIII. 24. See the Annotations on Hos. III. 4.
Consecrated] And ver. 12. The grosse abuse of Consecration. As in Jeroboams time, 1 King. XIII. 33.
No King] King here is taken, verse 6 not properly for a King, but for a Judge; such as the thirteen Judges in this Book: for King properly there was none till Sauls reigne.
A Levite] A Levite borne or▪ verse 7 bred in Bethlehem. Judah, or sojourning there as a stranger.
Where I may finde a place] The necessitous state of the Levites, verse 9 in those Idolatrous times, ver. 10, 11.
Danites sought] Their inheritance by lot is set down, chapter XVIII verse 1 Josh. XIX. 40. But they got it not all; through their own sinne and default, Iudg. I. 34. And their tribe being numerous, they sought out larger bounds, and more commodious habitations, Iosh. XIX. 47. And this, though mentioned in that text of Ishua, yet fell out after his death, and the death of those Elders that out-lived him; likely soone after, but surely before the dayes of Sampson.
Mount Ephraim] See the Observations on Josh. 2. XXIV. 1.
Ask counsel] These Danites, verse 5 being superstitious Idolaters, ascribe thus much to this Levite, and to his Idolatrous Ephod, and Teraphim, and graven and molten Images, ver. 14, 17.
Laish] Laish very farre off from the body of the Tribe of Dan; verse 7 that lying next to Simeon, and Judah, in the South-parts of the Land of Canaan, and this under Mount Libanon, by Asher, and Naphtali, in the North-bounds. This Citie first burnt, and after rebuilt by these Danites, they then called Dan; which is taken as the North-bound of the Land of Canaan, as Ch. XX. 1. 1 Sam. III. 20. 2 Sam. III. 10. and elsewhere. And here Jeroboam did set up one of his golden Calves, 1 King. XII. 29.
Jonathan] A Levite the great grandchilde of Moses, verse 30 though borne in Bethlehem-Judah; and so, as of the family of Judah, Ch. XVII. 7. And though a Levite, yet taken and used as a Priest; and consecrated thereunto by Micah an Ephraimitie, ver. 1, 12. Who likewise had consecrated one of his owne sons to become his Priest, ver. 5. And this Jonathan forced to seeke and shift for his maintenance and livelihood; and to accept of one so poore and base, ver. 10. All this bespeaks the sad and lamentable condition and coufusion of those times wherein they lived.
Captivity of the Land] This Idolatry of the Danites, in this Citie Dan, continued untill the day of the Captivity of the Land; that is, as it is explained, ver. 31. all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh, till the Philistines took the Arke, 1 Sam. IV. Psalme LXXVIII. 60, 61. which was at the death of Eli.
A Concubine] Or a wife a Concubine. chapter XIX The word for Concubine in Hebrew is etymologized wittily by some from two other words of that language, which put together, verse 1 signifie that which the Greeks call foreign, some old Latine Inscriptions, Viro-conjux, an half-wife, or secondarie wife. We read in Scripture of Concubines, and Wives, variously: Of many wives to one man, in the Old Testament. And this, not onelyonly in prophane and evill men, as in Lamech, Gen. IV. and Esau, and other; but also in good and godly men, as in Iacob, David, and others. And among these many wives, we sometimes finde a kinde of distinction of them into two sorts; One sort, the First, and principal, and absolutely lawful wife, and Mistris; The other sort, but in a secondary and inferiour degree. And such as had no Dowries; nor solemne Rites of reception; nor Rule in the family; nor their children had any Inheritance, but Gifts and Portions, For that of Iacobs sons by Bilhah, and Zilpah, was a case extraordinary. And thus we finde with Abraham, Sarah of the first sort; and Hagar, and Keturah of the second: with Iacob, Rachel, and Leah, of the first; Bilhah, and Zilpah of the second. And those of the second sort, are sometimes called wives, and sometimes Concubines; as we see in Keturah, Gen. XXV. 1, 6. 1 Chron. I. 32. And in Bilhah, Gen. XXX. 4. and XXXV. 22. and Ch. XXXVII. 2. And Davids ten Concubines, 2 Sam. XV. 16. and Ch. XVI. 22. and Ch. XX. 3. are called his wives, 2 Sam. XII. 11. And thus Concubines are of two sorts, some are wives, or half-wives; others plaine Whores and Harlots. But this Concubine of the Levite was his wife, and he her Lord, as appears, ver. 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 26, 27. and Ch. XX. 4.
Gibeah] Distinct from Gibeah in the tribe of Iudah, chapter XIX verse 12 Iosh. XV. 57. And from Gibeon in the Tribe of Benjamin, Iosh. XVIII. 25. This was either that which afterwards was called Gibeah of Saul in the Tribe of Benjamin, 1 Sam. XI. 4. or else very near it, in the same Tribe, and not farre from Ierusalem, and Ramah, ver. 13, 14, 16.
House of the Lord] In Shilo. verse 18 And so Ch. XX. 18. This was near Mount Ephraim; where he sojourned. And thither the whole Campe came, Ch. XXI. 12.
Know him] So Gen. verse 22 XIX. 5. monstrous impudent wickednesse: a modest intimation of a most immodest meaning.
My brethren] Men in nature, verse 23 though worse then beasts in their lusts.
Behold my daughter] Sinful this; verse 24 to use unlawful means, though to a good end. We may not do evill that good may come thereof, Rom. III. 8.
Not hearken] Yet did in the next words. verse 25 And she sinning by lust. ver. 2. was plagued by lust.
Divided her] An act barbarous in it self and inhumane: verse 29 though he did it to a good end; to bring these sons of Belial to deserved punishment; that such pests might not be suffered to live, and poi…on the aire with their breath, and so pollute the Land, and go unpunished. The unbowelling, and enbalming of dead bodies, and anatomizing of them by Physitians and Chirurgeons, to good uses, is a case different in divers points,
Mizpeh] See the Observations on Ch. chapter XX verse 1 X. 17.
Footmen] Footmen four hundred thousand. verse 2 We read not of Horsemen among the Israelites, in all, or any of their battels. OnelyOnly we finde them prepared iu Solomons time, 1 King. IV. 26. and IX. 19. and Ch. X. 26. 2 Chron. I. 14. and Ch. VIII. 9. and Ch. IX. 25. where the four thousand stalls of horses for his Chariots, 2 Chron. IX. 25. agree well with the fourty thousand in 1 King. IV. 26. counting ten single stalls or divisions in every stable: yet we finde no expresse mention of the use of any horsemen in any battel afterwards. And to this the command and care for the houghing of the enemi es horses▪ and the burning of their Char…o…s, may have relation, Iosh, XI. 6, 9. 2 Sam. VIII. 4. 1 Chron. XVIII. 4. yet we read of many horses and Chariots in warre; with the Canaan…tes, Iosh. XI. 4. Iudg. IV. 3▪ 13. And many among the Israelites; Esay II. 7. Trust in them is forbidden, D…u…. XVII. 16, 17. Psal. XX. 7. & XXXIII. 16, 17. Prov. XXI. 31.
Asked Counsel] The eleven Tribes presume here more upon their own strength▪ verse 18 and the justnesse of their Cause, then upon God; and consult him at first onelyonly about the precedencie in the warre, and who shall have the honour of the day. And upon their first overthrow, they weep; but more for their shame, and smart, then for their sin; And they aske counsel of God, whether they shall fight again; but neither crave his assistance, nor inquire of the successe, being still so confident in themselves of their own strength, and still putting their trust in the arme of flesh and blood. But upon the second overthrow, they seek God in a right manner; they more seriously mourn, and Fast, and repent of their sins; Offering Burnt-offerings for the expiation of them; and Peace offerings, to make their peace with God, and testifie their Faith in him: And gaining a Promise of successe, yet they carefully use the means, and stratagems, which formerly they sleighted, and presumptuously neglected. And by this stratagem they seeme to divide their army into three parts; some to lie in wait; some to fight, and seemingly flee: And the body of their Army, as a strong reserve to fall on and gaine the victory, upon an appointed signe, when the Benjamites were brought to an amazed stand, and come within the reach of it.
Phineas] Phineas here living, verse 28 yet died long before Sampson was borne; which sheweth this History preceded Sampson a long time. As the like might have been observed, to a like end, of many other Passages in these five last Chapters, as hath been formerly said.
All which fell] The odde hundred men mentioned, ver. 35 are here omitted; verse 46 as well known out of the foresaid former verse; The sacred Author here contenting himself with the round number of 25000. As the like is in the number of the time of Davids reigne, 2 Sam. V. 5. and Ch. II. 11. And of the time of Solomons building the Temple, 1 King. VI. 1, 38. And the like is in Jephthahs accompt of the 300. years, Judg. XI. 26. And likely here in the number of the remaine of the Benjamites that were slaine after the three battels.
Turned again] This done in heat of warre, verse 48 and rage of blood; though after a sort it may be said to be done in cold blood, and after the fierce brunt of warre was over▪ And of this, they repented afterwards, as of a barborous and bloody act, as well they might. This slaughter lessened the number of the Benjamites in very many generations after. See that in Jehoshaphat's time, comparing the number of Benjamin with Judah, 2 Chron. XVII. 14,—18.
Had sworne] This Oath, chapter XXI verse 1 and Curse, ver. 18. was made in rashnesse, and rage, out of a blinde zeale, and superstitious ignorance; And by Gods Law might and ought to have been broken; And was unlawful to be kept; and much lesse to have fraud, and violent rape, without consent, either of parties, or parents, used, for the keeping of it. Which yet they did, thinking to silence thereby the cry of a superstitious conscience in themselves; and to provide also for the like in those parents of the 200 Virgins, ver. 22.
Women] The women, and children, verse 10 here are unjustly and outragiously slaughtered. Here again rash zeal out-runs right reason.