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 ...

§. 34. Of giving the best to God.

THe subject Matter: out of which Abraham is here said to pay the tenths is thus ex∣pressed, of the spoyles. a 1.1 The Greek word translated, spoyles, it is here only used in the New Testament. It is compounded of two nounes: b 1.2 the former signifieth the top or uppermost part of a thing, It being applied to the finger is translated the tip thereof, Luk 16. 24. It also signifieth the uttermost part of a thing, and appli•…•…d to the earth it is translated, the uttermost part, Mark 13. 27.

c 1.3 The other word signifieth an heap: so as to joyn them together, the Greek word here used, being of the plurall number, signifieth the tops, or uttermost 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of heaps. It is used to set forth first fruits, which were wont to be taken from the tops of such heaps of fruits as were taken from the earth, and laid together. The tops of such heaps are commonly the best.

By heathen authors it is commonly taken for so much of the spoyles, as were de∣dicated to their gods. The Apostle here useth the word, as fit to his purpose: an∣swerably most interpreters translate it spoyles.

The tenth of spoyles were given to Gods Priests. On these grounds,

• 1. That people might shew their willingnesse to give part of all they had to God; Ministers: according to the equity of that rule, which is prescribed by the Apostle, Gal. 6. 6.
• 2. Upon a good perswasion, that people are blessed in their undertakings by the prayers of Gods Ministers.
• 3. In testimony of their acknowledgement of Gods providence in giving them good successe, whereby they obtained the spoyles that they have.

The things which other authors comprised under the Greek word here used, were* 1.4 commonly the best: for the best things are to be given to God. Abel brought of the first •…•…ings of his flock, and of the fat thereof unto the Lord, Gen. 4. 4. The beast 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉 was not to be sacrificed to the Lord, Deut. 15. 21.

• 1. God is worthy of the best, for we have all from him.
• 2. That which is dedicated to God is best imployed.

Herein is manifested the deceitfulnesse of their heart, and undue respect towards God, who seem to give something unto God, but of the worst that they have: and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Ministers allowance, in setting apart some of their children to the Ministry, in works of piety, of charity, and other like things.

Let us be otherwise minded: and as we desire to be accepted of God, give him the best we have: even our soules, our hearts, our strength, the best of our time, the to∣wardest of our children, The best of our fruits, and the like in other things.

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 〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.4

  The best to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 given to God.