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 ...

§. 25. Of Gods speaking by Prophets.

Verse 3.

As he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest, &c.

THese words, As he said, &c. may have a double reference.* 1.1

One immediate to the words next before. So they are a proof of them, by the rule of contraries. Such a proof was noted before in this verse, §. 21.

The force of the argument resteth on that ruled case, which the Apostle taketh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grant, v. 6. namely that some must enter into that rest which God hath promised, Hereupon this argument may be made,

If some must enter, then believers or unbelievers.

But not unbelievers: for God by Oath hath protested against them.

Therefore believers shall enter.

The other reference is more remote to the later part of the former Verse. If •…•…e first clause of this verse be included in a Parenthesis, the reference of this unto •…•…former verse will appear to be the more fit. For it sheweth that unbelievers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no benefit by the word of promise, because God hath sworn that such shall not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into his rest.

This relative HE, in this clause, As HE said, hath reference to God. It was the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that said and swore, that they should not enter into his rest.

That which HE said, was in and by David, v. 7. and that in Psal. 95. 11. It was* 1.2 God that spake in and by the Prophets, as was noted Chap. 1. v. 1. §. 11. The holy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spake what the Prophets spake.

Yea though that which is here quoted were the written word, yet he sets it out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by word of mouth, thus, he said. See Chap. 3. v. 7. §. 74.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Unbelievers enter not into Gods rest.
• * 1.2

  God spake by Prophets.