§. 103. Of Gods grieving at sinners.
THe Greek word translated * 1.1 grieved, is emphaticall.
Some derive it from a Noun that signifieth a a 1.2 bank of a river; or a bunch in a mans body. Thence cometh a simple b 1.3 Verb which signifieth to take a thing grievously. For the heart of him who is grieved or offended, doth, as it were swell and rise up.
The c 1.4 compound here used, signifieth to be much grieved, and exceedingly offended.
There is d 1.5 another Greek Noun like to that before mentioned, differing only in one small letter, and signifieth a weight or grief: and a e 1.6 Verb thence derived, which signifieth to be pressed with a burden, or to be offended.
Both notations or derivations of the word here used, tend to the same purpose: namely to set out the greatness of Gods displeasure, which he took at their mani∣fold kinds of tempting him, and at their long continuing so to do.
The f 1.7 compound here used, doth adde aggravation to the offence which God took at his people. It is no where else used in the new Testament, but here and vers. 17. Yet by the Greek Interpreters of the old Testament it is frequently used
It is used to set out the great grief and offence which Rebekah conceived at Esaus hatred of his brother: and thus translated, g 1.8 I am weary of my life, (Gen. 27. 46.) and penitents h 1.9 loathing themselves for their former sinnes, (Ezek 36. 31.) and a Lands i 1.10 •…•…ing out her inhabitants for their monstrous abominations, Levit. 18. 25.
The k 1.11 same Hebrew word that is used Psal. 95. 10. and translated grieved, is also used, Ezek. 36. 31. (the place before mentioned, and translated loath.)
These significations of this word, shew that it carrieth much emphasis, and im∣ports an high degree of Gods displeasure.* 1.12
Herein such passion (by way of resemblance for teaching sake) is attributed to God, as is incident to Parents and other Governours, who earnestly desiring the good of those that are under them, are exceedingly grieved and offended when they see them stubbornly runne on in destructive courses, notwithstanding all the mean that have been used to reclaim them.
Under the Law a parent that had a stubborn and rebellious child, that regarded no admonition, but despised private correction, brought him forth to the Judges to stone him to death, Deut. 21. 18, &c. This is a manifestation of very great dis∣pleasure, and much aggravates the childes stubborn disposition. In this respect saith God to his people, O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Iudah, what shall I