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 ...

§ 79. Of this phrase, With whom we have to do.

THe last clause of the 13^th verse, which is this, With whom we have to do, is a•…•…∣biguous.

a 1.1 The word translated to do is the very same that was used, v. 12. and translated, The Word.

It is derived from a b 1.2 Verb that signifieth to say, or to speak, Mat. 3. 9. Answerably this word signifieth word or speech which is uttered.

In this sense the meaning is this, Of whom we speak.

In this sense the c 1.3 Greek Preposition, which properly signifieth TO, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be put for OF. The d 1.4 Preposition, which properly signifieth OF, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 used in a like phrase, thus, Of whom we have many things to say, H•…•…b. 5. 11.

The fore-said word doth also signifie a matter, a thing, or case, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christ saith, I will ask you * 1.5 one thing, Matth. 21. 24. and where he saith, * 1.6 •…•…∣ving for the cause, Mat. 5. 32. The Hebrews do also use * 1.7 Word for thing, or •…•…∣ter, as Exod. 18. 26. Esth. 9. 31. In reference to this signification it is here transla∣ted, With whom we have to do.

3. * 1.8 This same word signifieth also an account. In this sense it is frequently used, and that both in taking an account, as Mat. 18. 23. & 25. 19. and also in giving 〈◊〉〈◊〉 account, as Luk 16. 2. Rom. 14. 12. In this last signification of an account, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 * 1.9 Preposition TO is properly used, and it may be thus translated, To whom we are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 give an account.

None of these senses are impertinent.

Our former English Translators mention the two former Interpretations. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Margin, t•…•…us, Concerning whom we speak. The other in the Text thus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom we have to do.

The former of these giveth proof, That Christ is the searcher of hearts. 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.10 Christ is he, concerning whom the Apostle especially speaketh. Thus all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 points which were before in general delivered of Gods Power and Property, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this respect, are in particular to be applied to Christ; yea by just and necessary consequence, it also from thence followeth, That Christ is true God. Hereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chap. 1. v. •…•…. §. 107.

The later giveth evidence, That it is the Lord with whom we have espe∣cially* 1.11 to do in all things. Thus much is implied under this charge which God giveth to Abraham, Walk before me, Gen. 17. 1. So did 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Gen. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉, Gen. 6. 9. Abraham and Isaac, Gen. 48. 15. and Ioseph, Gen. 39. 9.

Under this interpretation may well be comprized that which was noted of giving* 1.12 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ccount to God. For they who have to do with God must give an account to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and in giving an account to God they have to do with him. See Chap. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 § •…•…29.

God is the supream Soveraign over all: he hath appointed to every one his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He is that Judge to whom all are to give an account.

On this ground we ought in all things to have an eye to him: in matters of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in our affairs with men, Magistrates, Subjects, Masters, Servants, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ll sorts apply this, Col. 3. 23. & 4. 1.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.10

  Christ is the heart searcher.
• * 1.11

  We have in all things to do with God.
• * 1.12

  An account to be given to God.