A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 114. Of Gods swearing, and that in wrath.

FOr abuse of Gods fatherly affection makes him take unto himself the passion of a Judge, and to turn grief into wrath: yea to lay down his rod and take up a sword; and to withdraw all blessings, and think of utter destruction. The curses that are inferred upon Gods blessings, Levit. 26. Deut. 28. do give proof hereun∣to. This made God to turn Ammi into Loammi, Hos. 1. 9. This is by wofull experi∣ence verified in the rejection of the Jews, and casting of the seven Churches of Asia, and most of the other Churches, which were planted by the Apostles.

This God doth to manifest his power in beating down the stoutest and stubborn∣est, Lev. 26. 19. and to make others fear.

This may be a warning to us to take heed of walking stubbornly against. God, lest we provoke him to deal thus with us. Note Lev. 26. 18, &c. Psal. 18. 26.

We ought the rather to lay this to heart, because Gods swearing vengeance, af∣ter fourty years forbearance, gives evidence, that there may be an end of Gods patience. The general deluge that swept away the whole world: the fire and brim∣stone that destroyed the Sodomites, and other judgements that God hath executed upon his people, give evident proof hereof. Well note Isa. 5. 5. Luk. 13. 9.

An oath (or swearing) is a solemn confirmation of a matter to gain credence thereunto. An oath is used, that that which is so attested should not be slighted, but stedfastly believed. This phrase, An oath for confirmation (Heb. 6. 16.) im∣plieth, that confirmation of a thing is the end of an oath.

The d 1.1 root from whence the Hebrew e 1.2 verb, translated swear is derived, signifieth seven, or seven times. Seven is counted a number of perfection. Such a confir∣mation is an oath, as if the thing were confirmed as much as might be, even seven times over.

Of the five kindes of bonds, whereby a matter in an oath is confirmed, applied to God, and of Gods swearing, See The Churches Conquest on Exod. 17. 16. §. 80.

The Scripture expresseth two cases wherein God useth to swear:

One was in making promises, as Gen. 22. 16. Psal. 132. 11.

The other in denouncing threatnings, as here, and Deut. 1. 34.

Both of them are for confirmation of his Word.

In the former case he swears in mercy and tender respect to his children, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to strengthen their faith in his promise, and to move them to give all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereunto, and with patience to wait for the accomplishment thereof. Thus God swore to Abraham, as this Apostle testifieth. See Chap. 6. 13. §. 97.

In the later case he swears in wrath the more to affright and terrifie those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom he swears: that they may know that the doom denounced against them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 surely be executed. Thus the Lord swore to the Israelites here: and thereupon the Apostle thus brings it in, I sware in my wrath.

Here just occasion is given to speak of Gods wrath: namely, how wrath or •…•…∣ger may be attributed unto him. But hereof, See A pl•…•…ister for the Plague on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 16. 46. §, 41, 42.

Notes

• d 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Sep∣tem, septies.
• e 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 In Niphal jura▪ vit.