Judges

Psalm 109.17, As he loved cursing, so shall it come unto him; and as he loved not blessing, so shall it be far from him. This, Adonibezek felt and confessed, when his thumbs were cut off, Judges 1.6, 7, As I have done, so God has rewarded me. Lastly, in that the destroyer kills…

Thus in Genesis 5:1, the phrase means "This is the narration" — namely, "of the generations of Adam" — and it is maintained that nothing written in a book is being asserted, but something told in a certain narration. Thus the ancient name of the city of Debir is said to have bee…

Sometimes indeed (though but rarely) God causes sinners to reap in this world, the same that they have sown; as has been their sin, such has been their punishment. It was openly confessed by Adonibezek (Judges 1:7): as I have done, so has God requited me. Socrates in his Church…

The penitent remembrance of that former guilt, would greatly help to curb the passionate resentment of the present trouble. When the undutiful rebellious son (in a story that I once read) dragged his father by the hair of the head to the house door, it qualified the anger of the…

What was this kindeness? For the first, The Kenites were the posterity of Jethro, Moses his Father in Law; this you may see, Judges 1:16 For the second, This kindeness was four hundred and twenty years before this time at the least, for so long it was from the Children of Israel…

Jacob in his journey would neither go to Laban, nor come from him, without a warrant. Jehoshaphat in the business of Ramoth-Gilead, would not stir a foot until he had counsel from God; he sends not only to the captain of the host, but to the prophet of the Lord, Inquire, I pray…

Christians, it is not enough to ask God's counsel, but ask his leave in any particular action; in disposing our dwellings, or our concernments of children, and the like. Who shall go up and fight against the Canaanites? (Judges 1) They would fain have the Lord decide it. And aga…

As for that judgement of Urim spoken of in Numbers 27:21, which was by way of Oracle, the high Priest having Vrim and Thummim about him giving answers in God's name, which were of infallible truth, and made a supreme determination, that was for the resolution of doubtful and dif…

There are many sins in one, when a man sins against many mercies, and walks not worthy of them, we may observe, that this is the course that God takes to break the hearts of the Israelites, when they had neglected his ways, and broken his commandments: what was his message, when…

2. There is but one omnipotent power. If there be two omnipotents, then we must always suppose a contest between these two; that which one would do, the other power being equal would oppose, and so all things would be brought into a confusion. If a ship should have two pilots of…

2. And when the persons in question are such as were regularly in Covenant in their infancy, by means of their parents covenanting for them, as the Reverend Author does acknowledge, how can their owning this Covenant, when they become adult, be justly counted a presuming to usur…

Mark, 'tis ingeminated for the more vehemency, that at the Sea, even at the red Sea, where they had seen the miracles of the Lord, and had experience of his glorious deliverance, that there they durst break out against God. See the contrary in Judges 2:7. Certainly the more rest…

The worship of Baal, Judges 2:11 — The progress of his worship under the reign of Ahab — Whether the oath-renouncing proclamation of Jehovah was affixed to the gates of Samaria — Baalim as a plural form — Whether Baal is a name common to several idols — Every image of Baal calle…

Ashtaroth is called the god of the Sidonians at (1 Kings 11:5, 33) — "god" rather than "goddess," since the Hebrews have no word to express a deity in the feminine gender. She is first mentioned at (Judges 2:18), and again at (Judges 10:6; 1 Samuel 7:3). That this idol was worsh…

IV. Whoever he was, no one can doubt that he gave a notable specimen of defection from the principles of evangelical theology. Now from this impious mixture — which was the source and origin of the ecclesiastical defection that occurred first after the entrance of sin (Genesis 6…

First, they lifted up their voice and wept. The word is Baca, and from that, the place (Judges 2:5) is called Bochin, where the people are said to lift up their voice and weep, when the Angel reproved them. In Psalm 84:6, we read of the valley of Baca, which some translate, the…

Indeed, idolatry is very usually set forth in Scripture by some of those visible actions which some of these false worshippers used to express their devotion towards their false deities, as bowing the body to them (Joshua 23:16): Served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them.…

Influences in perseverance in the way of God, by God's counselling and leading, are here insinuated; and beside that a spiritual desire (v. 25): "Whom have I in Heaven but you? and in the Earth (there is) none I desire beside you." 15. Self-love is a note of apostates in the las…

Jacob in his journey would neither go to Laban, nor come from him, without a warrant. Jehoshaphat in the business of Ramoth-Gilead, would not stir a foot until he had counsel from God; he sends not only to the captain of the host, but to the prophet of the Lord, Inquire, I pray…

The less the thing is that might draw you, the greater the corruption of your heart, that like a mighty stream transports you to the practice; so that there is no reason to be rendered, but only the wretchedness of your own spirit, why you fall into such an evil. When the Lord c…

Jacob wept and prayed (Hosea 12:3). The people of Israel wept and offered sacrifice (Judges 2:5). Gospel-mourning puts a man upon duty; the reason is, because in true sorrow there is a mixture of hope, and hope puts the soul upon the use of means.

Both are false, as is evident, [illegible] they say in the issue what we say, and contradict themselves, to wit, that believers, and only believers, are these for whom Christ died. We before said, the promises are conditionally to all within the Visible Church, but so as the con…

Samuel would convince them of that very sin above the rest, of choosing them a king (1 Samuel 12), and thereupon they confessed it. So (Judges 2:2, 4) when they saw they had gone against God's charge, in that particular sin, that wounded them to the heart. So when our Savior wou…

God here 1. Out of death, shame, sinful oppressing of the Lord of glory, raises the high work of man's redemption. 2. When we spill business and mar all, through sinning and provoking God, then Israel must bring a spilt business to God, that he may right them (Judges 3:10-11). G…

- 1. The poor soul can more freely open his heart to God in a closet. - 2. God will more clearly manifest himself to the soul in secret. 1. A soul in secret making its addresses to God, goes to him as a Father: Now, we know children cannot be so free in their addresses to their…

The night following the day, though it be nearest to the day, yet it is more dark, then the day following after, though it be further off from the day before. The elders and people that lived in the days of Joshua, they served the Lord: but when that generation were gathered to…

And if God establish David's seed forever (Psalm 89:4) and the seed of his people shall possess the gates of their enemies (Genesis 24:60) and if he pour his Spirit upon the seed of Jacob (Isaiah 44:3) and circumcise the heart of the seed of his people (Deuteronomy 30:6) and put…

God expects that every living soul should have his attention roused on such an occasion, and should most cheerfully yield to the call, and heedfully and diligently obey it (Isaiah 18:3): "All you inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see when he lifts up an ensign…

(2) Because, though Saul was a man rejected of God (1 Samuel 15:26), yet David says to the Amalekite, how were you not afraid to stretch forth your hand, to destroy the Lord's anointed (2 Samuel 1:14; see 1 Samuel 24:5; 1 Samuel 26:9). (3) Because, whatever may be alleged from P…

By what reasons are they confuted? (1) Because the visible church, under the Old Testament, often made defection to idolatry (Exodus 32:8; Judges 3:7). (2) Because, as long as we are here, we know but in part, and therefore we are subject and liable to mistakes (1 Corinthians 13…

The first is, Subduing of Kingdoms; which serves chiefly for the commendation of the faith of the four Judges there named, and of David. For, as we may read in the books of Judges, and of Samuel, all these subdued Kingdoms; as, the Canaanites, Judges 4, the Midianites, Judges 6,…

And thus much for the person of Gideon. The second person commended unto us, is Barak; of whom we may read, Judges 4. His Story is large and plain enough: and therefore we will not stand upon it.

(Acts 16:19) They caught Paul and Silas ⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩, and drew them to the market place to the rulers. 2. Drawing is by wiles, and persuasion, or love; (for wiles is covered, or pretended love;) (Judges 4:6) Draw them (by persuasion) to Mount Tabor to battle. (Hosea…

3. The Lord Christ makes it his request, that he may enjoy the presence and power of his Father with him in his work, and the administration of his mediation; and the Father always hears him. Part of his covenant with his Father was like that of Barak who was a type of him, with…

And if God establish David's seed forever (Psalm 89:4) and the seed of his people shall possess the gates of their enemies (Genesis 24:60) and if he pour his Spirit upon the seed of Jacob (Isaiah 44:3) and circumcise the heart of the seed of his people (Deuteronomy 30:6) and put…

According to his ways. Sometimes the word way is taken more specially for some special course in the carrying of some particular action; as Numbers 22:33, Judges 4:9. More commonly, for the general course, and carrying of our whole lives, as Psalms 119:1, Matthew 10:5.

For the text is plain, that Ishmael with his mother Hagar, by reason of extreme heat, and drought, was almost dead, wandering in the wilderness of Beersheba: and being in this extremity, she carried him not, but v. 18, led him in her hand, and set him down under a tree, and ther…

1. He will set himself against his enemies: He will set his attributes against them, his power and justice; and who knows the power of his anger (Psalm 90:11). 2. God will set the creatures against them (Judges 5:20). The stars in their course fought against Sisera.

In the latter sense God is said to raise up Pharaoh to show his power in him, that he might magnify his glorious power in his punishment and destruction (Exodus 9:16; Romans 9:17). In a good sense with respect to the call of God, it is used by Deborah (Judges 5:7): "Until I Debo…

Syr. [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Surgit. Vul. Lat. exurgat, arose, in an extraordinary manner (Judges 5:7). Until I Deborah arose, I arose a mother in Israel; that is, by an extraordinary call from God to be a prophetess and a deliverer.

5. The Creatures of God work for good to the Godly. 1. Creatures inanimate, Judges 5.20. The Stars in their course fought against Sisera; the Stars as the Host of God gathered in a Battalion, and by their influences raising terrible tempests, did as it were conspire the ruin of…

Sometimes to an army (Genesis 2:1): the heavens were finished and all the host of them. Order is necessary everywhere but especially in an host; there every one must keep in his rank and station; thus the stars have their courses (Judges 5:20), and the clouds their courses (Job…

It is indeed probable that he, and the citizens of Enoch over whom he presided (Genesis 4), repudiated that worship — namely, of sacrifices — from which he had drawn the first stain of evil, and usurped new rites of his own devising, worshipping with self-chosen devotion. That h…

We have entered upon other lines of reasoning in our investigation of the beginnings of superstitious worship; we will continue further on the path we have begun. The "new gods" — as the Holy Spirit speaks in (Judges 5:8) — which the apostates dispersed from Babylon first procur…

Our translators either retain "teraphim," as at Hosea 3:4, or render it by "images," with the word "teraphim" noted everywhere in the margin. XXI. Also the term meaning "new gods:": Judges 5:8, "The people chose new gods" — mushrooms of the earth, which but the day before yester…

Titus 2:5. That they be temperate, pure, tarrying at home, good, subject to their husbands, least that the word of God be blasphemed. Judges 5:24. Blessed be Jael the wife of Ghebar the Kenite, before all women which abide in the tents. Proverbs 31:5. Who shall find a woman of s…

But a gracious Providence has raised up other men, whom, though we may not feel ourselves at liberty to subscribe to all their views, we cannot but hail as the friends of evangelical truth, and admire for their holy fortitude in coming to the help of the Lord, to the help of the…

Thus One of those Angels slew an whole Host of men in one Night, Isa. 37. 36. And it is said that the Stars in their Courses fought against Sisera, Judg. 5. 20. God overruled the Influences of Heaven against them, though it may be Angels also are here intended.

Heaven above sends down a hell of fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24). The stars in their courses fought against Sisera (Judges 5:20). Devils do his will herein, he sent evil angels among the Egyptians (Psalms 78:49).

Shammatha therefore is only a general name for the expulsion of a person, sometimes with the Niddui, and sometimes with the Cherem, which yet I do not suppose was always thus horrid and fierce. To add to the terror of this Sentence, they used to accompany the pronouncing of it w…

The reason he gives is because stars are (Illustratores Diei) the enlighteners of the day; and to address it, we must not (says he) take the day strictly for a day artificial, for then the stars are of no use, but for that part of the day natural which is dark, namely the night;…

While it is called A Song of Songs, it is compared with, and preferred to, all other songs: and we conceive the comparison is not only between this and human songs; but, 1. It is compared with, and preferred to, all these which Solomon wrote, and it is preferable to all these 10…

4. That the care and love of Christ to them, in reference to all these, may appear, that they may know upon what grounds to comfort themselves in every condition, and may have this song, as a little magazine, for direction, and consolation in every condition. Therefore this song…

But the Holy Ghost never dreamed of such an inference, therefore let builders, watchmen and ministers of the Gospel go to bed and sleep, for God, he alone shall build cities and houses, and watch over men and all societies, and bring all souls to Christ. Yes, he has commanded us…

3. These must be strong influences, that with the anointing (Isaiah 61:1, 2) is given a power to preach the year of vengeance, to judge and trample upon the necks of all his enemies; that the man Christ shall come visibly and locally from the highest heavens, and the heavens bow…

3. The heart may be turned as streams of a river drawn through this part of the land, or this part (Prov. 21:1), and from nilling to willing, as the Lord thinks fit, according to God's will of precept; this is often the falling of the Church of Ephesus sinfully from their first…

Those that maliciously oppose and reproach this Work, and call it the Work of the Devil, want but one Thing of the unpardonable Sin, and that is doing it against inward Conviction. And though some are so prudent, as now openly to oppose and reproach the Work, yet it is to be fea…

Use 1: For consolation to all them that wait or care for the consolation of Israel; many are ready to faint and stagger at the distractions of the times (Judges 5:15). For the divisions or breaches of Ruben there were great thoughts of heart, or as the original will bear it, gre…

It was the observable felicity of Asa's reign, that in his days the land was quiet (2 Chronicles 14:1, 5). In the preceding reigns there was no peace to him that went out, or to him that came in, whether outward-bound or homewards bound, they were exposed to great vexations (cha…

Not only the unruly servant is cast into hell that beat his fellow-servant that ate, and drank with the drunken; but the idle servant that wrapped up his talent in a napkin. Meroz is cursed, not for opposing and fighting, but for not helping (Judges 5:23). Dives did not take awa…

His earnest hope and expectation is first to be considered: And here his hope is described, (1) By the effect, his looking after the accomplishment of the promise, as Judges 5:28, when Sisera's mother expected him, She looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why i…

It requires a good measure of the indwelling Spirit, and word of God to pray in the Spirit; but much more to sing in the Spirit, wherein our senses delighted with the melody are apt to steal away our hearts from spiritual fervency. Deborah found her heart dull to be awakened, so…

His other Song (Deuteronomy 32), he was commanded to teach it to the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:19). The Song of Deborah was sung by her and Barak (Judges 5:1). Under the Kings of Judah, and after the return from Captivity, the Officers of the Church only sang for the mo…

For without holiness no man shall ever see the Lord. Now this way of sanctification is a very narrow way, for it lies over the neck of every lust, and in the exercise of every grace, subduing the one, and improving the other; dying daily, and yet living daily, dying to sin and l…

When many went back and walked no more with Jesus, if commonness might have given encouragement, the disciples had warrant enough to have carried them in the stream, yet see how ill the Lord takes the least inclination or suspicion that way: Will you also go away? See how heavil…

What are the birds' thankful hymns (as Ambrose calls them) but tributes of obedience? Inanimate creatures obey God; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera (Judges 5); the wind and the sea obey him (Mark 4:41). The very stones, if God give them a commission, will cry ou…

It is first a Fox, and then a Lion. Sin does to a man, as Jael to Sisera, she gave him Milk, but then she brought him low, Judges 5.26, 27. She put her hand to the Nail, and with the Hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his T…

Now, to say the truth, by reason of the fierceness of the lions, and of the grim carriage of him that did back them, this way had of late lain much unoccupied, and was almost grown over with grass. Christiana: Then said Christiana, Though the highways have been unoccupied hereto…

Such as might rather intimate than plainly declare it, and rather afford an after instruction to teachable minds, than beget a present conviction and dread in the stupidly obstinate and unteachable. And this effect we find it had, as is observed by another evangelical historian,…

He can suspend natural agents, stop the Lions mouth, cause the Sun to stand still, make the fire not burn; Xerxes the Persian Monarch threw fetters into the sea, as if he would have chained up the unruly waters; but when God commands, the winds and sea obey him. If he speak the…

Surely, because (as the text says, verse 39) she had not known a man; and it was accounted a curse in Judea, for a woman always to live unmarried. Secondly, in the last verse it is said in our common English translation, that the daughters of Israel went year by year, to lament…

Thus we read, that Joseph being by Pharaoh set over all the land of Egypt, was arrayed with garments of fine linen, and had a golden chain put upon his neck, to put a difference between him and the inferior princes of Pharaoh (Genesis 41:42). Thus in ancient times, the captains…

It was a prophetess, one immediately inspired by God, that called the people to the battle, and conducted them in the whole affair: the people seem to have been miraculously animated and encouraged in the matter, when they willingly offered themselves, and gathered together to t…

3. Brute beasts and unreasonable creatures, who serve their great Lord against man, when he rebels against God, which otherwise should have been subservient to him: thus the fiery serpents in the wilderness, the two she-bears, to tear in pieces the mocking children, thus locusts…

And they being sometimes led by sense and reason while they walk in darkness, they are apt to interpret God's mind toward them rather by his works and dispensations, which they see and feel, than by his word, which they are to believe. This we may see in Gideon (Judges 6), who,…

The first is, Subduing of Kingdoms; which serves chiefly for the commendation of the faith of the four Judges there named, and of David. For, as we may read in the books of Judges, and of Samuel, all these subdued Kingdoms; as, the Canaanites, Judges 4, the Midianites, Judges 6,…

This is evident from hence, because whereas all the other golden utensils had rings and staves wherewith they were born, these had none, but must be carried in the hands of men, if they were not inseparable from the Ark. And when the men of Bethshemesh looked into the Ark, it do…

He has covered me with ashes. My outward comforts are as it were in the grave, and have ashes thrown upon them; the godly are apt to mistake and think God does not care for them, because he afflicts them (Judges 6:13). If the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?

'If God be for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31). What do you think was the reason of that great exploration Gideon made in Judges 6? He questions in verses 12-13; he desires a sign in verse 17; and after that another in verse 36.

He used the cackling of geese to save the Roman Capitol from a surprise by the Gauls. He picks out Gideon to be a general, who was least in his father's esteem (Judges 6:15). And what did his army consist of, but few, and those fearful — those that took water with their hands (w…

But it was Ahab who first built a temple for him. The more ancient idolaters were content with groves and altars, as appears from the history of Gideon's reformation (Judges 6:28). But after Solomon had at God's command prepared a temple for Him, the ancient rival and ape of God…

To suspend our belief till the event is distrust; but to wait, observing what God will do, as to the event, is an unquestionable duty. 2. There is an allowed trying of God in some cases, I cannot say it is a duty, because it is only warrantable by God's special indulgence and di…

Now in regard that the general use of signs is to sustain our infirmity, God for the most part stays not till they be asked, but from the beginning has always ordained such as himself knew would be the most profitable to his Church. If the faithful then at any time have desired…

Some frantic ones there are at this day who make no reckoning of Baptism, nor of the Lord's Supper, thinking them [reconstructed: ABCs] for little children: which yet they cannot do, but they must therewith reject the whole Gospel: for those things must not be separated which Go…

Zacharias inquires how, or by what proof, he might arrive at certainty. But Gideon was not blamed for twice asking a sign, (Judges 6:17, 37, 39.) Nay more, we are shortly after this informed of Mary’s objection, How shall this be, since I know not a man? (verse 34,) which the an…

This leads to the inquiry, Does Christ address them with such harshness of language, because they wished to have a sign given them? for on other occasions God manifests that He is not so much displeased on this account. Gideon asks a sign, (Judges 6:17,) and God is not angry, bu…

Sect. 23 Secondly; We may add hereunto those especial Endowments with some Moral Vertues which he granted to sundry Persons for the accomplishment of some especial Design. So He came upon Gideon and upon Jeptha to anoint them to the Work of delivering the People from their Adver…

Christ did not chuse the eloquent Orators, or men of Authority in the Courts of Kings and Emperours, but twelve poor Mechanicks, and Fisher-men; and these not sent together in a troop, but some to take one Countrey to conquer it, and some another: the most ridiculous course (in…

If things continue at one rate with us, we think our prayers are lost, and our hopes perished from the Lord: much more when things grow worse and worse, and our darkness and trouble encreases, as usually it does just before the break of day and change of our condition, then we c…

This phrase of giving or putting into the hand, is taken either for good or for evil. Sometimes the putting of a thing into one's hand, is only for the managing and disposing of it for good, as (Genesis 39:7-8) Joseph said that his master had committed all that he had into his h…

So Abimelech observed that he was with Abraham (Genesis 21:22): God is with you in all that you do: with you, to guide you, bless you, preserve you, as we shall see afterwards. So he promised to be with Joshua (chapter 1:5), and so he was with Gideon (Judges 6:12), to bless him…

"And he said Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come." And so he appeared to Gideon, Judges 6:11 etc., and so also to Manoah Judges 13:17-21. Here Christ appeared to Manoah in a representation both of his incarnation and death; of his incarnation, in that he ap…

I will not undertake to assign a sense to every particular expression, only in the general note: God will effect it, though there be no more hopes than to see lion and lamb, leopard and kid come together, and to persuade natures that are most fierce and contrary to a peaceable a…

In which reply it's hard to say whether there was more of wit or wisdom; and the effect was very good; the Ephraimites were pleased, their anger turned away, a civil war prevented; and no body could think the worse of Gideon for his mildness and self-denial; but on the contrary,…

David (1 Samuel 27:1), I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul; after all his experience. 7. Questioning our interest in God, by reason of crosses, or the doubtful posture of our affairs: (Judges 6:13) If the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? These are th…

God leaves them in their hands to dispose of them at their pleasure, which is a great and sharp temptation to his people. The Amalekites left no sustenance in Israel (Judges 6:4). 2. When a man is said to forsake his duty to God by such trials.

Our Lord has taught us to say [My God] in the bitterest agonies; but few learn this lesson. (Judges 6:13): If God be with us, why is all this befallen us? As if they were never exercised with trouble, who have God with them.

It was this Gospel of Peace with which God encouraged Abraham to come out of his own country, and with a patient and prepared heart to pass over all these difficulties to which he should be brought (Genesis 12:2-3). This was that glad tidings which the Lord brought to Moses (Exo…

(1) Because, God appointed, and commanded lawful war (Numbers 31:2). For it is said, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, when he was to fight the battles of the Lord, against the Midianites, and Amalekites (Judges 6:34). Indeed, the Lord himself prescribes the manner, and w…

Wait at the gates of wisdom's door; ministers are teachers under Christ (Ephesians 4:11). We read of pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers (Judges 7:16). Ministers are earthen vessels, but these pitchers have lamps within them to light souls to Heaven.

God would make Israel victorious, and what way does he go in? He lessens Gideon's army (Judges 7:2). The people that are with you are too many: he reduces the army of thirty-two thousand to three hundred, and by taking away the means of victory, makes Israel victorious.

3. When it may be for the good of his people, he will raise up deliverance to them (1 Chronicles 11:14). The Lord saved them by a great deliverance. God reigning as King, can save any way; by contemptible means, the blowing of trumpets, and blazing of lamps (Judges 7:20). By con…

He picks out Gideon to be a general, who was least in his father's esteem (Judges 6:15). And what did his army consist of, but few, and those fearful — those that took water with their hands (which as Josephus says, is a natural sign of fear) did God choose out to overthrow the…

So when flesh failed in the Wilderness, the people of Israel could not devise how God should spread them a Table there; there was no plowing or sowing, nothing to be seen but wild Beasts and Serpents; the Lord made the Heavens a Granary, and rained down bread upon them; here he…

Truly it is the Lord which deprives them of reason, and plunges them into frenzies, and that in such wise, that they bend against themselves the very weapons, which in times past they had drawn forth to massacre the Church with. And thus they turn their sword points one against…

Their god is made of gold, and to it they bow down. Those who bowed down on their knees to drink of the waters were accounted unfit soldiers for Gideon (Judges 7:6). So are those unfit for Christ, that stoop immoderately to the love of earthly things.

Honours from below do Indicare virum; they soon try and show the man that is perfumed therewith; and the same is done by mercies from above. Therein the Lord brings us, as He did the soldiers of Gideon, to a river of plenty, and He says, as in Judges 7:4: now I will try them the…

This also was a remarkable type of the victory of Christ and his church over his enemies, by the pouring out of the Spirit with the preached gospel, as is evident by the manner of it, which Gideon was immediately directed to of God; which was not by human sword or bow, but only…

Whoever offers praise glorifies me. 2. We may know God is our Father by our resembling of him: The child is his father's picture (Judges 8:18). Each one resembled the children of a king: Every child of God resembles the King of Heaven; herein God's adopting children and man's di…

Hear the rod. Luther says he could never rightly understand some of the Psalms till he was in affliction (Judges 8:16). Gideon took thorns of the wilderness and briars, and with them he taught the men of Succoth: God by the thorns and briars of affliction teaches us.

Now, it was the manner in those countries where any forces were on an expedition, that those in their way who were at peace with them did bring forth supplies of bread and wine, or water for their refreshment. For the neglect of this duty, wherein they break the laws of friendsh…

And among the Papists, the surplice as some have well observed, has been such a master idol, that it sanctifies as it were all their other idols; so that without this it is unlawful for them to officiate. The Lord indeed appointed holy garments for the priests under the law, but…

Leviticus 17:7. They shall no more offer their sacrifices to devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. Gideon's Ephod (Judges 8:27) they went a whoring after it. With their idols have they committed adultery (Ezekiel 23:37), and throughout that chapter.

Fourthly, they who were so joined in council with the Priests (2 Chronicles 19:8) are plainly distinguished from the Judges and Magistrates (verse 11). And so are the Princes and Rulers distinguished from the Elders (Acts 4:5; Judges 8:14; Deuteronomy 5:23; Joshua 8:33). Fifthly…

Hierom reads it, As Salmana was destroyed by the house of him that vindicated Baal in the day of battle. And so all that follow the old Latin, they refer this to the story that we have in Judges 8, and think it has reference to that, the story where Gideon slew Zalmunnah the Pri…

But both were equipment of superstition; for the use of the ephod was no more lawful for the Israelites than that of the teraphim. 3. To this also belongs the ephod of Gideon (Judges 8:27). Nothing need be said about the form of the garment, since it is described at length in th…

A soft tongue breaks the bones (Proverbs 25:15). See the example of Gideon appeasing the Midianites (Judges 8:1), and Abigail pacifying David (1 Samuel 25). Fifthly, without meekness, we cannot savingly hear the word, either read or preached (James 1:21).

The second part of the commendation is verse 10, wherein her comeliness and beautiful adorning is set out: Though you think yourself black (says he) yet, your cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, and your neck with chains of gold. What is meant by neck, or cheeks, or chains, o…

When passion is up, that God whose eyes are upon all the ways of men, takes notice who speaks fiercely, and sets a mark upon them. The good effect of a soft answer, and the ill consequences of a peevish one, are observable in the stories of Gideon and Jephthah: Both of them in t…

Psalm 106:21: They forgot God their Savior, which had done great things in Egypt. Judges 8:34: And the children of Israel remembered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies on every side. It is a base ingratitude not to remember, prize an…

3. When you go forth to any work or conflict, without an actual renewing of your dependence upon God, it's a sign you lean upon the strength of your own resolutions, or present frame of your heart. The Ephraimites took it ill that Gideon would go to war, and not call them into t…

Persons of quality and honor that are used to, and deserve civility, will not bear such provoking words, nor take them but on the point of their rapier, and return it to the giver's throat. Great sins are committed from such beginnings; therefore Solomon tells us (Proverbs 15:1)…

And for this cause the least sin willingly, and with allowance lived in, spoils the good of all our obedience, and lays the soul under the whole wrath of God. One leak in a ship may sink her, though she be tight every where else; Gideon had seven sons, and but one bastard, and y…

Though the sinner could avoid or neglect the command of conscience, he cannot avoid the stroke of conscience: though he could avoid the warning of conscience, and cast away that, yet he cannot avoid the horror of conscience (Romans 2:14). His thoughts accusing of him in God's be…

Oh then behold the excellency of contentment, it does repel this temptation. If God be mine, says the contented spirit, it is enough, though I have no lands or tenements, his smile makes heaven; his loves are better than wine; better is the gleanings of Ephraim than the vintage…

Q. 7. What are the chief attributes of his being? A. (a) Eternity, (b) infiniteness, (c) simplicity, or purity, (d) all-sufficiency, (e) perfectness, (f) immutability, (g) life, (h) will, and (i) understanding. (a) Deuteronomy 33:37; Psalm 93:2; Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 1:11. (b…

Q. 7. What are the chief attributes of his being? A. (a) Eternity, (b) infiniteness, (c) simplicity, or purity, (d) all-sufficiency, (e) perfectness, (f) immutability, (g) life, (h) will, and (i) understanding. (a) Deuteronomy 33:37, Psalm 93:2, Isaiah 57:15, Revelation 1:11. (b…

The lust of the flesh, pleasure; the lust of the eye, money; pride of life, honor. O take heed of this! whatever you deify besides God, will prove a bramble, and fire will come out of this bramble, and devour you (Judges 9:15). Use 3. of Reproof.

Say not as those Jews, We have no King but Caesar, no King but our lusts. This is to choose the bramble to rule over you, and out of the bramble will come forth a fire (Judges 9). Submit to Christ willingly; all the devils in Hell submit to Christ, but it is against their will,…

[What can be worse than to be in the house of bondage, to have the Devil hurry men on in their lusts to perdition?] Sinners are willingly enslaved to Satan, they love their jailer; are content to sit quietly under Satan's jurisdiction; they choose this bramble to rule them, thou…

Is it not folly to refuse the best, and choose the worst? The trees of the field in Jotham's parable despised the vine tree which cheers both God and man, and the olive which is full of fatness, and the fig tree which is full of sweetness, and chose the bramble to reign over the…

Therefore we render it followers, that is, in doing what they did, treading and walking in their steps, as our Apostle expresseth it (Romans 4:12), as we are to follow the steps of Christ (1 Peter 2:21). It is to think we hear them saying to us what Abimelech did to his soldiers…

As it's said of Cardinal Wolsey when he was in distress, Oh says he, Had I but served God as well as I served the King, it would have been otherwise with me than it is; but I sought to please the King rather than God, and now I am left in this distressed estate. He would have sc…

But if a man lend a listening ear to God's law, it makes his prayer acceptable; listen to the Lord, and the Lord will listen to you, else not. It is to this purpose what you read (Judges 9, latter end of verse 7): Listen to me, that God may listen to you. If God gave them hearts…

Lose my fatness to rule over the trees? As the olive tree in Jotham's parable (Judges 9:9). 2. The sufficiency and stability of God's promises.

First, we must put difference between a lie and a Parable or figure. In a parable indeed there is something supposed or feigned; as for example, when the trees are brought in conferring, and consulting about their king (Judges 9:8). Nevertheless a parable is far from falsehood,…

Munera (crede mihi) placant hominesque deosque Placatur donis Jupiter ipse datis. And this Joash in his Parable seems to allude to (Judges 9:13), where he brings in the Vine saying, Shall I leave my Wine, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]delighting God and man; namely, in sacrifices a…

Again, the shadow of a thing in Scripture, notes the power of a thing, and to be under the shadow of a thing, is to be under the power of a thing. The bramble (Judges 9:15) said to the trees, if in truth you anoint me King over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: tha…

The word here used for trusting, is sometimes taken for to repair, or to retreat to any thing, and not properly to put trust, affiance or confidence, and so it is rendered in the margin of your books: they shall betake themselves to it. So is the word used (Judges 9:15; Psalm 36…

If there be any lust in the heart predominant, it will get head, and destroy all former zeal for religion. Abimelech, a bastard, destroyed seventy of his brethren upon one stone (Judges 9:15). If there be any lust the heart runs after, this bastard-sin will destroy seventy dutie…

To like purpose say the sons of Gilead's wife to Jephthah, You shall not inherit in our father's house, for you are the son of a strange woman (Judges 11:2). Just was that blame which Jotham laid upon the men of Shechem for making Abimelech the base son of Jerubbaal king (Judges…

There are not those motives to stir up love in servants to their masters, as in children to their parents: except therefore through awe and dread they be kept in compass, they will exceedingly transgress: and because this is so needful, servants must labor to nourish it, as a me…

As civil authority and subjection to it, is the institution of God; so the peaceable correspondence of those two, just government and due obedience is the special gift of God's own hand, and a prime blessing to states and kingdoms, and the troubling and interruption of their cou…

Consider what God has proffered, to draw you off from your carnal delights, and sinful pleasures: no less than a Kingdom to bear you out, to call you off from your sins. O do not answer, as the olive tree and the vine in Jotham's parable (Judges 9:9), Shall I leave my fatness, a…

Now to this sporting lie, a fable, or parable is not to be reduced, for that's only an artificial way of representing the truth with the more advantage, and putting of it into sensible terms which most are apt to apprehend. As Jotham brings in the trees that went forth to anoint…

Whereas a false heart never yet truly turned from his sin, and sincerely humbled; if the venom of God's vengeance give him a vomit, and make him cast out all his [illegible] by confession in his own face, there follows such faint wrestlings of spirit, such restless and [illegibl…

This is applied to Professors, not for what they always are, but for what they ought to be, and they contradict their profession if they are not so: and what God righteously expects of them, on account of the manuring which he affords them: and here let these things be observed.…

Would you gain many proselytes to religion? be doers of the Word. Say as Abimelech to his fellows (Judges 9:48): what you have seen me do, make haste and do as I have done. Would you be as loadstones to draw your children and servants to heaven? set upon the practice of holiness.

Trust and confidence is an incommunicable flower of Gods Crown as Soveraign Lord, even among men it goes along with royalty. Set up a King, and as such he expects you should give him this, as the undoubted Prerogative of his place, and therefore to seek protection from any other…

(3.) There is in it a receiving of Christ (John 1:11) a fiducial resting of the heart upon God in Christ. And the word [illegible] is to confide, to betake himself to a lurking place, where one may be safe from a storm (Psalm 2:12; Psalm 11:1; Psalm 31:2; Deuteronomy 32:37; Psal…

Therefore, let us, when we have the word of the Lord, stick close to it. And so however he dealt with Gideon — a worthy man reckoned up among those worthies (Hebrews 11) — yet when he made an ephod, see what judgment fell upon his children (Judges 9), and all his house was cut o…

The Lord Jesus Christ, who is in this Chapter compared to a vine, was the most fruitful vine that ever was. Like Jotham's Vine, and like his Fig-tree, which had good fruit, whereby the heart of God and man was cheered (Judges 9:11, 13). He was always doing good (John 8:24): I do…

Not so much as our tears but they are bottled. Men may forget us, as Pharaoh did Joseph (Exodus 1), and the Shechemites Gideon (Judges 9:17), but God will not; our reward is sure, though not so speedy, as we desire; God here assures us of reward: the time he determines not. 3. D…

These two dishes were very fresh and good, and they all ate heartily thereof. The next they brought up was a bottle of wine, as red as blood (Deuteronomy 32:14; Judges 9:13; John 15:5). So Gaius said to them, Drink freely; this is the true juice of the vine, that makes glad the…

When the foot was trod on, the head cried out. God's soul was grieved for the children of Israel (Judges 10:16). As when one string in a lute is touched, all the rest of the strings sound: When God's children are stricken, his bowels sound.

Which words of Christ, might occasion that saying of Saint Augustine, Confession shuts the mouth of Hell, and opens the gate of Paradise. 3. The third ingredient in repentance is conversion, or turning from sin (Judges 10:15). We have sinned, there was confession, (verse 16) the…

The prophets, therefore, are to be understood as attacking under the name of Baal not merely the impious veneration of one idol, but all superstition and arbitrary worship, by which anyone grants dominion over his conscience to others besides the one true God. III. But in Judges…

Ashtaroth is called the god of the Sidonians at (1 Kings 11:5, 33) — "god" rather than "goddess," since the Hebrews have no word to express a deity in the feminine gender. She is first mentioned at (Judges 2:18), and again at (Judges 10:6; 1 Samuel 7:3). That this idol was worsh…

Love of the world had so prevailed with him, that he fell off from Paul, and from the Lord, whose servant Paul was, and from fellowship in the Gospel, and so did not find Christ; this rule is universally to be followed, and the care of it not to be neglected in any case, that ou…

It will be altogether and perfectly just, that you should have your portion with him with whom you have chosen your work; and that you should be in his possession to whose dominion you have yielded yourself. And if you cry to God for deliverance, he may most justly give you that…

O blessed be God for that teeming Providence that has already brought forth more than seventy years liberty and peace to the Church of God. I shall move in behalf of this Providence, that you would do by it, as the Jows by their Purim, Esther 9. 27, 28. and the rather, because w…

And this place being expounded by Onkelos in his Targum of a week; Nachmanides says upon it, that if it be so (which he also grants and pleads) then [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], there will be two tongues in one verse; or the same word used twice in the same verse with different…

4. The believer has a notable friend in Christ's own bosom, his soul is friendly to them, and is in a kindly way affected with their conditions, even though in his dispensations no such thing appear: And while he is man, and has a soul, they want not a friend. 5. Considering thi…

God is not weary of his blessings, to cast them away upon such Souls that are but graves to them. Mark what a reply God made to the Israelites, when they cryed to him for help, being invaded by the Amorites, Judges 10:11, 12, 13. Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and fro…

3. We may look upon it as an effect of comfort and joy, through the assurance of God's love; for that enlarges the heart, but sorrow constrains it, and puts it in bonds. The word that we translate grief (Judges 10:16), his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel, in the Hebrew…

1. For his own honor, to show himself faithful, willing, and able to succor his people in their distresses. This is the reproach cast upon the worshippers of idols, that they call upon those things which cannot help them, nor relieve them in their straits (Judges 10:14). Go to t…

(Exodus 2:24) He heard their groaning; and (Isaiah 63:4) in all their afflictions he was afflicted. (Judges 10:16) His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. Forms of speech taken from the manner of men, who use to be thus affected when they see a miserable object.

If you will part with your sins the Lord will set his love upon you (Jeremiah 3:1): though you have done evil things as you could, yet return to me. It's said in Judges 10:15-16, when the people of Israel came bewailing their sins, crying for mercy, and putting away their gods,…

It is with a true penitent as it is with a wounded man — he comes to the surgeon and shows him all his wounds. So a true penitent bewails all his particular sins (Judges 10:10): we have served the Baals. David lays his finger upon the sore and points to that very sin that troubl…

I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted. God does not use to take delight in punishing, Judges 10.16. His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

There are seven Rules which I shal lay down to you. Rule 1 First Rule in confession of sin to God is this; single out some bosome and master lust that does most frequently enslave you, and make confession and complaints against that, to God; do not onely confess sin in the lump…

Secondly, the path of duties, which (rested in) is but a clearer way. When the Israelites were in distress (Judges 10:14), the Lord bids them go to the gods they served: so when you shall lie howling on your death-bed, the Lord will say; Go to the good prayers and performances y…

2. It humbles a man's soul, and makes him take in good part whatever befalls him from the hand of God (Micah 9; Leviticus 26:41). 3. It will graciously reform us (Judges 10:5-6). 4. It will marvelously enlarge our consolation: Count it all joy when you fall into manifold temptat…

But Voveri non debet quod Deo displicet: such a vow should not be made, as is displeasing to God: as to vow voluntary poverty, as your friars; or to vow to live in nunneries. Jephthah's vow was rash and unlawful; he vowed to the Lord to sacrifice to him whatever he met with next…

2. They who shut the truth out of doors, hate God. Jephtha proves, that his brethren did hate him, because they laboured to shut him out of his father's house (Judges 11:7). The idolater shuts the truth out of doors: he blots out the Second Commandment: he makes a shape of the i…

God did abet the war between the tribes of Israel and Benjamin. When the iniquity of the Amorites was full, then God sent Israel to commence a war against them (Judges 11:21). Use 1. Lamentation, that this land is so defiled with blood (Numbers 35:33).

The hypocrite plays fast and loose, flies from his word; there is no more binding him with oaths and promises, than Samson could be bound with green withs (Judges 16:7). A sincere soul says as Jephthah (Judges 11:3, 5), I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot go back. 8…

The first is, Subduing of Kingdoms; which serves chiefly for the commendation of the faith of the four Judges there named, and of David. For, as we may read in the books of Judges, and of Samuel, all these subdued Kingdoms; as, the Canaanites, Judges 4, the Midianites, Judges 6,…

This did Samson, and therefore may justly be commended for his faith: neither is this fact of his any disgrace, but rather a notable commendation of his faith, and an evidence of great zeal for Gods glory, and of singular love to his people. The fourth person commended here, is…

If he has given Seir to Edom, what does he vexing and wasting Jacob? Shall they not possess what the Lord their God gives them to possess (Judges 11:24)? He has cautioned all the world; Kings and others in this kind: Touch not mine anointed, do my prophets no harm (Psalm 105:14,…

From the Wilderness the Ark was carried to Gilgal (Joshua 5:10), from there removed with the Tabernacle to Shilo (Joshua 18:2). Some suppose that after this it was occasionally removed to Mizpeh, as (Judges 11:11; 20:1, 27; 21:1, 2), because it is said in those places, that such…

1. If he be illegitimate: for such a one has no good title: The son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, says Sarah, and that justly. To like purpose say the sons of Gilead's wife to Jephthah, You shall not inherit in our father's house, for you are the son of a stran…

And for this cause, they to whom the Sword is committed, may with the sword lawfully defend the Truth, as the undoubted right, and privilege of those who do enjoy it, and of which they cannot be deprived without the greatest injury. Jephthah laid it down as the ground of the equ…

When we find ourselves dead in duty, our holy affections languishing, think thus: this is my sickness; sin has made me weak. As Jephthah said to his daughter (Judges 11:35): alas, my daughter, you have brought me very low. So may the soul say: alas, my sin, you have brought me v…

Now the several officers with their distinct employments, in and about this service, were so punctually prescribed, and limited by Almighty God, that as none of them might [illegible] without presumptuous impiety, intrude into the function of others, not allotted to them, as (Nu…

He who values his Saviour aright, has as precious thoughts of him in a day of prosperity, as in a day of adversity. The wicked make use of Christ, only when they are in straits; as the Elders of Gilead went to Jephthah when they were in distress, Judges 11:7. Themistocles compla…

The wicked he casteth down to the ground. Sin is a Planet of a bad Aspect; as Jephthah said to his daughter, when she met them with Timbrel and Dances, Judges 11:35. Alas my daughter, thou hast brought me very low.

It is no shame to die in Christ's debt, all the angels the Cedars of heaven are below Christ; angels and saints shall be Christ's debtors for eternity of ages, and so long as God is God, sinners shall be in grace's account-book. The truly humble is the most thankful soul that is…

Considering that it is plain, even by the light of nature, as also by the doctrine before taught, that a man is bound by the vow which he makes. This question admits sundry answers, according to the divers opinions and judgments of men, upon the place written (Judges 11). And my…

The angel of the Lord had pronounced him a mighty man of valor (Judges 6:12), and this his tame submission did not at all derogate from that part of his character. But Jephthah (who by many instances appears to be a man of a rough and hasty spirit, though enrolled among the emin…

A lascivious Tongue shews a lustful heart, an earthly Tongue a covetous heart; a Gracious Tongue, a Gracious Heart. The Ephraimites were known by their Pronunciation, saying Sibboleth for Shiboleth, Judg. 12:6. So by the manner of our speech we may be known who we belong to.

Indeed rather they grieve at those good works of others, if of any mark, wherein they have had no hand themselves. Like those Ephraimites, that said to Jephthah, Why did you go to fight against the children of Ammon, and did not call us (Judges 12:1)? But the sincere Christian,…

His Story is large and plain enough: and therefore we will not stand upon it. The third person is Samson; of whom we may also read, Judges 13:14, etc. Now, touching Samson, this question may well be asked, how he can be justly commended for his faith, seeing it may seem he kille…

As by Aquila (Exodus 4:12; Psalm 119:33; Proverbs 4:4; Isaiah 27:11) as Drustus observes. And it is so by the LXX (Judges 13:8; 2 Kings 12:2; chap. 17:27). Our Apostle uses it for to make manifest, that is, bring to light (1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 1:10).

The Lord answers, Verse 6, And he shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. It is true, [illegible] signifies to go from one place to another; it's here applied to the sun, and elsewhere to things that grow out of the earth (Judges 13:1…

The same abstinence was enjoined on the Nazarites, (Numbers 6:3,) until their vow should be fulfilled. By a striking mark God showed that John was dedicated to him to be a Nazarite for his whole life, as we learn was also the case with Samson, (Judges 13:3, 4.) But we must not o…

has explained it, I think, more correctly than any other writer. He thinks that the reference is to a passage in the Book of Judges: The child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb, (Judges 13:5.) These words, no doubt, were spoken with regard to Samson.

And because of this, their acting in the name, and representing the authority of God, the saints of old had an apprehension, that upon their seeing of an Angel they should die, from that saying of God, that none should see his face and live (Exodus 33:20). So Manoah expressly (J…

Aben-Ezra says it is an Arabick word. Chiskuni, an Egyptian; and it is evidently an interrogative of the Person in the Chaldee, and sometimes of the thing, as (Judges 13:14) [in non-Latin alphabet] What is your name? Yes, it seems to be used towards this sense in the Hebrew, Psa…

3. The heart may be turned as streams of a river drawn through this part of the land, or this part (Prov. 21:1), and from nilling to willing, as the Lord thinks fit, according to God's will of precept; this is often the falling of the Church of Ephesus sinfully from their first…

2. He begs an effectual application: let your mercies come to me; the way was blocked up with sins and difficulties, yet mercy could clear all, and find access to him, or make out its way. Let it come to me, that is, let it be performed or come to pass as it is rendered (Judges…

When they shall say to me, What is his name, and God said, I Am, that I Am. God was sending Moses upon a strange message, he was giving him commission to go and speak to a king, to dismiss and let go six hundred thousand of his subjects, to lead them to a place which God should…

Now the several officers with their distinct employments, in and about this service, were so punctually prescribed, and limited by Almighty God, that as none of them might [illegible] without presumptuous impiety, intrude into the function of others, not allotted to them, as (Nu…

And observe again in the gracious providence of God, does he not bear witness to you that your sins are pardoned, and are you not then to strengthen your faith in the assurance of that mercy? (Judges 13:23) If we should die, God would not have accepted our sacrifice; which shows…

This almightiness of God's power is a wonderful support and comfort to every believer. It was Samson's riddle (Judges 14:14): Out of the strong came forth sweetness. So out of the attribute of God's power, out of this strong comes forth sweetness.

Lord, use your pruning knife, so long as you will not come with your bloody axe to hew me down. 8. Means, If we would have our wills submit to God, let us not look so much on the dark side of the cloud, as the light side; that is, let us not look so much on the smart of afflicti…

As for the manner of the making and framing of the human nature of Christ, it was miraculous; not by generation according to the ordinary course of nature, but by an extraordinary operation of the Holy Ghost above nature: and for this cause, it is not within the compass of man's…

So are allowed in the Scriptures the use of the Bow (2 Samuel 1:18), of Music (Nehemiah 7:67), of hunting (Canticles 2:7) but so as we do not stir up, or provoke Christ with it. Lastly, for the exercise of wit, honest riddles (Judges 14). Rules for the better understanding of ev…

Sect. 24 Thirdly; There are sundry Instances of his adding to the Gifts of the Mind, whereby he qualified Persons for their Duties, even bodily strength When that also was needful for the Work whereunto he called them; Such was his Gift to Sampson. His bodily strength was supern…

In those sufferings of Christ, was laid the foundation of all that glorious victory that he has already obtained over Satan, in the overthrow of his heathenish kingdom, in the Roman Empire, and all the success the gospel has had since; and also of all his future and still more g…

For [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] can have no other sense, seeing [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] of the feminine gender relates to Leah, whose nuptials were to be celebrated, and not to [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a week, which is of the masculine. And it was the custom in those anci…

Besides they observe the number of the verses at the end of every book: as also that [in non-Latin alphabet] in [in non-Latin alphabet] Leviticus 11:42 is the middle letter of the Law; [in non-Latin alphabet], Leviticus 10:16 the middle word; Leviticus 13:33 the middle verse; th…

What are the promises, but divine cordials to revive fainting souls. A gracious heart goes feeding on a promise, as Samson on the honeycomb (Judges 14:9). The word comforts against sickness and death (1 Corinthians 15:55).

Jacob both obeyed his father in going to Laban's house for a wife (Genesis 28:2), and also when he came to Laban asked his daughter of him (Genesis 29:18, etc.). Though Samson saw a daughter of the Philistines which pleased him well, yet would he not marry her before he had his…

The Devil made the first division in Heaven; they may call the Devil Father; they may give the cloven foot in their coat of arms; their sweetest music is in discord; they unite to divide. Samson's fox-tails were tied together only to set the Philistines' corn on fire (Judges 15:…

The first is, Subduing of Kingdoms; which serves chiefly for the commendation of the faith of the four Judges there named, and of David. For, as we may read in the books of Judges, and of Samuel, all these subdued Kingdoms; as, the Canaanites, Judges 4, the Midianites, Judges 6,…

That man can never pray fervently, that does not pray feelingly. How earnest was Samson for water, when he was ready to die (Judges 15:18). I die for thirst.

Bring a hungry man flowers, music, tell him pleasant stories — nothing will content him but food. Shall I die for thirst? said Samson (Judges 15:18). So a man that hungers and thirsts after righteousness says, Give me Christ, or I die.

His word is as good as his bond: if he has made a promise, though it be to his prejudice, and does intrench upon his profit, he will not go back. The hypocrite plays fast and loose, flies from his word; there is no more binding him with oaths and promises, than Samson could be b…

First he saw, then he coveted, then he took them, then he hid them, then Israel falls and he is attached by lot; so it is said of Shechem and Dinah (Genesis 34:2): He saw her, and took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. So of Samson (Judges 16:1): He went to Gaza, and saw t…

In this manner the word mock is sometimes used in scripture. Thus Delilah says to Samson, Behold, you have mocked me, and told me lies, Judges 16:10, 13. That is, you have baffled me, as though you would make a fool of me, as if I might be easily turned off with any vain pretens…

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, but he was not idle, but prophesied and stirred up himself to believe. Often it's said the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, yet so as Samson roused up himself, and shook himself (Judges 16:20). Spirit-raptures, wherein we lie from d…

I am sick of love. As Cant. 2. Greek, wounded of love, the Hebrew word imports weakness (Judges 16:11). If they bind me with ropes, I shall be weak as another man.

It is pleasing to God, when we desire him to renew his work, to bring forth the actings of grace out of his own seed, to blow with his wind, with the breath of his spirit upon our gardens, that the spices may flow out (Song of Solomon 4:15). But now when we depend upon ourselves…

A man may repent of the eruption of sin, the former act, but the inclination to sin again is not taken off. (Judges 16:2) Samson loves a woman of Gaza, and she had betrayed him; but by carrying away the gates of the city, he saves his life; possibly upon that experience he might…

Seeing always comes between the sense and the heart. So of Samson, (Judges 16:1) Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in to her. So David was ensnared by looking on Bathsheba, (2 Samuel 11:2) and it came to pass in an evening tide, that David arose from off his…

Even flattery has a force in it, and offers a kind of violence, as (Proverbs 7:21). By importunity; Delilah made poor Samson almost weary of his life, she never left him till she had undone him; he stood it out a great while, but her importunity prevailed at last (Judges 16:16-1…

And now what miserable work do they make in their best performances? They feel themselves like Samson when his locks were cut (Judges 16:20). When they are left to themselves in an hour of temptation, and so are driven away by it into sin.

But our words do not passively present a thing to the view of another, but awaken him and work upon, and actively, and prevailingly call out any inclination to an evil, and that with [illegible] and overbearing importunity. Examples only offer the bait if the heart will nibble a…

James bids us turn our laughter to mourning (James 4:9), but they turn their mourning to laughter. Samson was brought forth to make the Philistines sport (Judges 16:26); the jovial sinner makes the devil sport. It is a saying of Theophylact: It is one of the worst sights to see…

How many do but assume the duties of religion! Obedience without the heart is hypocrisy. How can you say I love you, when your heart is not with me (Judges 16:15)? Obedience must be extensive — it must reach to all God's commandments (1 Kings 9:4; Luke 1:6).

One day a Christian is quick and lively in prayer, another day like the disciples — heavy and sleeping (Luke 22:45). At one time a Christian is like David when he danced before the ark with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14); at another time like Samson when his hair was shaved and h…

While the Christian commits a sin he hates it; whereas the other loves it while he forbears it. Secondly, when true grace is under the foot of a temptation, yet then it will stir up in the heart a vehement desire of revenge; like a prisoner in his enemies hand, who is thinking a…

So take these three darts, the Word of God, Prayer, Mortification, and strike through the heart of thy lusts that they die. As Samson dealt with the Philistines, they brought him low, they put out his eyes, and he never left till he was revenged on them, and brought them low, Ju…

Because we have by our negligence and security grieved the Spirit of God. Wherein it fares with us, as with Samson, who said with himself, I will go out now as at other times, and shake myself, but he knew not, says the prophet, that the Spirit of the Lord was departed from him…

And this answer may very well stand without further exception. The eleventh allegation: Judges 16:29 — the Atheists make a mock at the history of Samson, as fabulous, where it is said, that all the Philistines came together in one house, to make sport with him, and on the roof s…

Deceit 1: Men think they have the kingdom of grace in their hearts because they have the means of grace; they live where the silver trumpet of the gospel sounds, they are lifted up to heaven with ordinances. Judges 17:13: I have a Levite to my priest; surely I shall go to heaven…

God has set these political fathers to preserve order and harmony in a nation, and to prevent those state convulsions which otherwise might ensue. Judges 17:6: When there was no king in Israel, every man did that which was right in his own eyes. A wonder (Proverbs 30:27).

Their intention therefore was to worship the true God, but in a way of their own. And in like manner Micah's mother, she dedicated the silver to Jehovah to make a graven image (Judges 17:3), and Micah concludes, ver. last, that now Jehovah would do him good. Yes, Jeroboam himsel…

We will say more about it under the proper names of idols. The LXX. more often retains the word itself, as at Judges 17:5, 18:14, 17; 1 Samuel 15:23. Sometimes they render it as idols, as at Genesis 31:19, 34, 35; and as vain images, as at 1 Samuel 19:13.

II. Of this kind were the teraphim. They are first mentioned among the Jews at Judges 17:5. We said something about them in our exposition of Abrahamic theology, at Genesis 31:19.

For it principally denoted the Priests of Baal and Moloch, and their blackness (as the word is rendered, Job 3:5.) not from the garments they wore, but from the color they contracted in their diabolical sacrifices in the fire. Hence where ever the word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉…

As if Job had said, let as big a curse fall upon that night, as ever fell from the mouths of those profane fishers, not only when they have been successless in fishing for a Herring or a Sprat, but when after all their pains, and cost they cannot take Leviathan. Micah's mother c…

Thus far reaches the magistrate's duty and authority in things pertaining to the Church. And therefore we find in the Scripture, that when the worship of the true God was so much corrupted and forgotten among the Israelites, that Micah, out of a blind and idolatrous devotion, ma…

(Acts 7:41) They made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol. Again, secondly, Micah and his mother were certainly guilty of idolatry in making and worshipping their images: and yet that they were made to be symbolical representations of the true God, and erecte…

Those that idolize anything in this world, will be greatly discomposed, if they be crossed in it. The money which Micah's mother had, was her God (it is Bishop Hall's note) before it had the shape either of a graven or a molten image, else the loss of it would not have set her a…

But it was because the ordinance and duty was of God, the failing was only in the manner of preparation to it (2 Chronicles 30:18, 19, 20). But if Micah set up an invention of his own in his house, though he may promise himself a blessing in some orderly circumstance of it, (as…

[illegible] are [illegible] his goods in peace? [illegible][illegible], your woe, your [illegible], is Satan's wealth and substance, he has what he [illegible], and does what he will, and you are not troubled with anything, nor will trouble him by seeking out for relief and deli…

You that are a murmurer, are in the account of God as a witch, a sorcerer, as one that deals with the Devil. This is a sin of the first magnitude; murmuring often ends in cursing: Micah's mother fell to cursing when the talents of silver were taken away (Judges 17:2). So does th…

They hear and hear and are never the better, like the salamander which lies in the fire but, as naturalists say, is never the hotter. Some satisfy themselves with the having of ordinances (Judges 17:13): then said Micah, now know I that the Lord will do me good, seeing I have a…

They enjoy glorious privileges; they were born within the sound of the church bells, they were baptized, they have been fed with the bread of heaven. Therefore they hope they are in a good condition (Judges 17:13): then said Micah, now I know the Lord will do me good, seeing I h…

Look into the primitive assemblies of Christians (2 Corinthians 3:8, 9, 10), you shall see meekness, humility, and the glorious ministration of the Spirit in outward simplicity. Look into those of this guide, and you shall see them like the house of Micah (Judges 17:5), a house…

I was ignorant, forgetful, hard-hearted, now I understand and remember better, and can sorrow for my sins; if you do rest here, your duties never carried you further than yourself. Do you think after that you have prayed with some life, now I have done very well, and now you do…

The house of Micah (Judges 18) was notably furnished with images of all sorts. Judges 17: he had [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a house full of Gods, or a chapel adorned with images, for there was in it [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a carved image, and [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a s…

3. Because the glory of God has so much intrinsic value and excellence in it; it transcends the thoughts of men, and the tongue of angels. God's glory is his treasure, all his riches lie here, as Mica said (Judges 18:24), "What have I more?" So of God, what has God more?

Assurance of God's love is a pledge of election, 'tis the angels' banquet; what other joy have they? As Micah said, (Judges 18:24). What have I more? So when God assures the soul of his eternal purposes of love, what has he more to give?

You cannot say you have health, and shall have it forever: You have a child and shall have it forever: But if God be your God you shall have him forever: This God is our God forever and ever. If God be our God, he will be a God to us as long as he is a God: You have taken away m…

O infinite astonishing mercy, that God should take dust and ashes into so near a bond of love, as to be our God. As Micah said (Judges 18:24), What have I more? So what has God more?

2. In the kingdom of Heaven there is a glorious fruition of all good. Had I as many tongues as hairs on my head, I could not fully describe this; I may say as (Judges 18:9-10), Heaven is called, The excellent glory, (2 Peter 1:17). I may as well span the firmament, or drain the…

If we will not take pains for the Kingdom of Heaven what Kingdom will we take pains for. It was the speech of the spies to their brethren (Judges 18:9): We have seen the land, and behold it is very good, and are you still? Be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.

God's glory ought to weigh down all before it; it must be preferred before our dearest concerns: Christ preferred his Father's glory before his own glory, as he was Man (John 8:49-50): "I honor my Father, I seek not my own glory." God's glory is that which is most dear to him, i…

If you lose but a ring which you affect, how are you troubled till it be found again! You have taken away my gods (says he,) and do you ask, What aileth you? (Judges 18:24). So when God is withdrawn, all visits of love and influences of grace are suspended, and they have no comm…

LXX., "a carved image, any likeness." XIV. With respect to material and form they are called by a term meaning "carved images"; for this is an image or likeness hewn from stone, wood, or any other material, Exodus 20:4; Leviticus 26:1; Judges 18:17; Isaiah 42:17. The LXX renders…

2. The royalties and excellencies of that kingdom are great. We may say of Heaven, as it was said of Laish (Judges 18:9-10), "We have seen the land, and behold it is very good; a place where there is no want of any thing." The heavenly kingdom abounds with riches (Revelation 21:…

My Mother, says Solomon to Bathsheba (1 Kings 2:20). I find also the title of Sir or Lord, used: a title of honor (1 Samuel 24:12; 2 Kings 5:13; Judges 18:19; 2 Kings 6:21; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Timothy 5:1; Genesis 22:7; Genesis 27:18; Matthew 21:30; Genesis 31:35). 2. By using…

It is a killing thing to be disappointed in one's expectation, in which his all is concerned: and if the deferring of hope makes the heart to faint, the defeating of it must needs make it to die in the man; especially when he sees no other course to be taken, or any other refuge…

It is observable in the parable, when all things were at peace, the strong man kept the house, that is certain! As it is said of the city of Laish (Judges 18:7), They were quiet and secure and had no business with any man: Is it so with you? You are quiet and secure, and have no…

This is to hold [reconstructed: down] the Truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Truth is pressing — this ought, this should, this must be done, or else you die for it; you see the Word pregnant, the way plain, the duty undeniable; say nothing, says unrighteousness in the heart…

They thought Lot had dreamed of a dry Summer. And the like do we see in Laish (Judges 18:27): they were a people at quiet, and secure, and now were the Danites at hand, to smite with the edge of the sword, and to burn the city with fire. So in Babylon; we read (Daniel 5:1) that…

But who told you that your images represent the things mentioned by the Apostle? for instance, God the judge of all, the spirits of just men, Angels, and the Church of the first born; or can any man unless he be greatly distempered in his imagination, fancy any such thing. The h…

Where should the child ease all its cares, but in the bosom of its parent? (Judges 19:20) Let all your wants lie upon me. So God seems to say to his children, let all your wants lie upon me.

Secondly, that we may be able to reprove and censure them. Consider the matter, consult, and give sentence (Judges 19:30). Thirdly, that we may follow their good example.

In every cause, when passion presently demands judgment, meekness moves for further time, and will have the matter fairly argued, and counsel heard on both sides. When the injured Levite had pitched upon a very barbarous course to irritate the tribes of Israel (who commonly were…

Some wives pretend that they cannot endure the smoke of the city, others that they cannot endure the air of the country: whereas indeed their own humor and conceit troubles them more than either city smoke or country air. I cannot call such the daughters of Sarah herein: they ar…

Sometimes it signifies to keep in safe custody; so keep your heart — lock it up safe, that it may be forthcoming when God calls for it. Your heart: the heart is taken diversely in scripture — sometimes for the vital part (Judges 19:5), for the soul (Deuteronomy 13:3), for the mi…

Let the serpent but wind in his head, and he will draw his whole body after. When the Levite's father-in-law had drawn him to stay till noon, he drew him on further to stay all night, yes and till towards the evening of the next day (Judges 19). If he had named the whole time at…

The second place may be expounded of the Apostles, and the preceding words favor this exposition; but though it should be taken of the multitude, it proves not their meeting together into one place for the worship of God, for it was an extraordinary confluence, upon an extraordi…

This is a Hebraism — He arose and rent his mantle, that is, He presently rent his mantle upon the hearing of these messages, especially the last. And so you have the word in diverse places, as Judges 20:18. The children of Israel arose and went to the house of the Lord, that is,…

In the words there are 4 things. 1. This foundation stone. 2. The laying of it. 3. The building on it. 4. The greatness and excellency of the work. 1. For the foundation called here a chief cornerstone, though the Prophet's words are not precisely rendered, yet the substance, an…

By 'corners' are sometimes understood the leaders of the people, because they are, as it were, its strength. And thus this word 'corners' is customarily used in scripture, either for the strength of the people, or for the whole body: an example of which usage is found in Judges…

They that justify the wicked are equally an abomination with them that condemn the righteous (Proverbs 24:17). Some are so wicked, as to defend other men's wickedness (not only like Lawyers, but like Soldiers) by sword and force of arms; as they did for him, who had abused the L…

Here was our Savior's sincerity, that his mouth was not stopped with the Pharisees' good cheer, but even at their own tables laid them out in their own colors, and entertains them with as many menaces, as they did him with dishes of meats (Luke 9:37, 42). Here was the Benjaminit…

Objection. Esau's tears were no whit regarded, nor the tears of the Israelites when they went to fight against Benjamin (Hebrews 12:17), no nor David's tears when he prayed, fasted, and wept for his child (Judges 20:23; 2 Samuel 12:22). Answer.

It is objected, on the other hand, that at almost no period had that law been observed: but the arguments on which that assertion rests are frivolous. They quote the instance of the eleven tribes binding themselves by an oath, that they would not give a wife to the Benjamites, (…

Though Samson saw a daughter of the Philistines which pleased him well, yet would he not marry her before he had his parents' consent (Judges 14:2). 4. These words of Tamar (2 Samuel 13:13), "Speak to the King" (who was her father,) "for he will not withhold you from me," show t…

The commonwealth of the Jews was a political body; of this God was the head and king; hence their historian says their government was [in non-Latin alphabet]; and when they would choose a king, God said they rejected him, who was their political head; to whom a sickle was paid y…