Exposition of Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk and Zephaniah, Exposition of prophecy 3 · Argument
The ARGUMENT.
THis Prophet living almoſt in the ſame time with Iſaiah (only he was ſent out a little after him, and his commiſſion is alſo extended to the Kingdome of Iſrael) is much like him in matter, and is recorded in after-times to have been a faithful man in declining times, as it is, Jer. 26.18. If we compare the beginning of the firſt and the ſixth Chapters, which are almoſt one and the ſame, we may take up the whole Prophecie in two ſolemn Sermons: in the firſt whereof he foretels the captivity of the ten Tribes, and calamity of Judah by the Aſſyrians, becauſe of Idolatry, Chap. 1. and becauſe of covetouſneſſe, oppreſſion and contempt of the Meſſengers of God, Chap. 2. and the wickedneſſe of Rulers both in Church and State, for which Judah is yet further threatned, Chap. 3. Then he armes the godly againſt the Babyloniſh captivity then approaching, with the promiſe of reſtitution under the Meſſiah, (ſome taſte whereof is mixt with the threatnings, Chap. 2.12, 13.) chap.4. whoſe birth and government is held forth, chap.7 In the ſecond Sermon, having in the Lords Name challenged and threatned Iſrael for ingratitude, hypocriſie, injuſtice, and Idolatry, Chap.6. and having lamented the general defection of the time, be comforts himſelf and all Believers, under their troubles of al ſorts, by many ample promiſes; concluding al with one ſolemne acknowledgment of the mercy and fidelity of God, chap.7 Many particulars in this Prophecie wil be beſt underſtood by conſidering the times wherein the Prophet lived, of which ſee 2 King. 15, 16, 17. and 18 Chapters. and 2 Chron. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. Chapters.