§. 73. Of the Words dividing soul and spirit, joynts and marrow.
THe first particular instance of the piercing power of the Word, is, that it a 1.1 divideth asunder soul and spirit.
b 1.2 The simple Verb whence the Greek participle being a compound here tran∣slated piercing, signifieth to come. But c 1.3 the Preposition with which it is compoun∣ded addes emphasis: For d 1.4 the compound signifieth to come to, or into. Our Eng∣lish word pierce, doth fully expresse as much. Our former English thus translates i•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 through.
How sarre the word pierceth is demonstrated in this phrase, To the dividing asun∣•…•… of soul and spirit.
Of the Greek word translated dividing asunder, See Chap. 2. v. 4. §. 35.
The things here said to be divided are soul and spirit. Each of these words are* 1.5 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put for the whole soul of man; specially when they are singly set and joyned •…•…ith the body by way of distinction, as 1 Cor. 6. 20. Matth. 10. 28. But here both soul and spirit are put for particular distinct faculties.
The soul as distinguished from the spirit, is put for the will and affections: which are accounted inferiour faculties.
The spirit is put for the understanding or mind, which is accounted the highest faculty, commanding and guiding the rest.
Th•…•…s are they distinguished, 1 Thess. 5. 23. Luk. 1. 36, 37.
The soul and spirit are as nearly and firmly knit together as any parts of the bo∣dy can be: yet the Word can divide them asunder, and that not only by distin∣guishing the one from the other, but also by discovering the severall desires and delights, or dislikings and loathings of the soul; and likewise of the castings, plot∣tings and contrivements of the spirit: and all these both in good and evil things.
Some apply these words, soul, spirit, to the naturall and regenerate parts of* 1.6 man, to corruption and grace; which in Scripture are commonly called flesh and spirit, Gal. 5. 17. In this sense none can be here meant but such as are regenerate: because none else have the spirit in that sense. But the power of the Word, as here intended, is much manifested on those that are not regenerate.
These words following joynts and marrow, are metaphoricall, taken from the bo∣dy,* 1.7 and applied to the soul.
The Greek Noun translated e 1.8 joynts, is derived from f 1.9 a Verb that signifieth to fit or prepare. I have espoused, or fitted and prepared you, saith the Apostle, 2 Cor. 11. 2. Joynts are so fitted for that hollow place where they lie, as they are as close, and can as hardly be pierced or severed, as the entire bone. The substance of joynts is bony, they are very bones: so as a sword that easily cutteth asun∣der the thin skin and soft flesh, may stick at the bony joynt, and not cut it a∣s•…•…nder.
By these joynts are meant resolute purposes of the minde, obstinate resolutions of the will, hard hearts, feared consciences, stubborn affections and passions. Though a sharp two edged sword can hardly out asunder hard bony joynts, yet can Gods Word easily cut asunder the aforesaid joynts of the soul. It can alter re∣solved purposes, change obstinate wils, beat down hard hearts, rouze up feared consciences, and subdue violent passions: though they cleave so close to the soul as they may seem to be a part thereof.
How did Gods Word pierce the joynts of the soul of Ahab, 1 King. 20. 43. & 21. 27. and of the Princes of Iudah, Jer. 36. 16. and of Pilate, Joh. 19 12. So in