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 ...

§. 9. Of Kings slain in War.

THe time of Melchisedecs meeting Abraham is thus described, returning from the slaughter, &c. This hath reference to Abrahams arming Souldiers, and pursu∣ing

those enemies that had sacked Sodom, and among others of the City had taken Lot, and all that he had, Gen. 14. 14, &c. Melchisedecs meeting Abraham and royal∣ly entertaining him and his army, after he had in a warlike manner set upon the enemies, and slain them, testifieth his approbation of what Abraham had do•…•…e: which is further confirmed by Melchisedecs blessing him for what he had done. This giveth a plain proof both of the lawfulnesse of war: and also of slaying enemies 〈◊〉〈◊〉 warre.* 1.1

Of these two points, see the Churches Conquest on Exod. 17. 9. §. 13. and o•…•… Exod. 17. 13. §. 60.

The parties here said to be slain, are stiled Kings. There were foure Kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 joyned together in that army which Abraham set upon: and by this text it 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.2 that they were slain. To confirme me the truth whereof, the History it self thus saith: Abraham divided himself against them, he and his servants by night, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Gen. 14. 15. The History in generall saith, that the enemies were smitten, which includeth Commanders, as well as common Souldiers: and the Apostle, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the full extent of that History, expresly mentioneth the Kings themselves to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so as the greatest that be among men have no priviledge in war. Bullets, Arrows, Swords, and other warlike instruments, put no difference betwixt the greatest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the meanest. Not only Ahab a wicked King of Israel was in wars slain with an ar∣row (1 King. 22. 34.) but also Iosiah King of Iudah, one of the best Kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ever Iudah had, 2 Cro. 35. 23. The flesh of Kings, of Captaines and mighty 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ in this respect said to be meat for the foules of the Aire, Rev. 19. 18.

All that joyn in war are as members of the same body, and counted by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 common trespassers: The greater the commanders are, the more they are sought al∣ter by the enemy: and in that respect in greater danger; hereupon Davids 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would not suffer David himself to go with them in his own person, and that upon this reason, Thou art worth ten thousand of us, 2 Sam. 18. 3.

God also doth oft take occasion in this case to punish wicked Kings, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 1 Kings 22. 28. Or to punish people by taking away good Kings, as Iosiah, 2 Kings 23. 29.

Kings therefore and other great ones have just cause, when they attempt war, to be sure that their cause be just and weighty: and to seek unto God for his protection and blessing, yea, and to commend their soules into his hands. As in other cases, so in war, unto God the Lord belong the issues from death, Psal. 68. 20: See t•…•…e Churches Conquest on Exod. 17. 16. §. 86.

They who are here said to be slaine, were those who had before gotten a great* 1.3 victory, and slaine many on the other side, Gen. 14. 10. So as this giveth proo•…•…, that Conquerers may soon be Conquered. See the Churches Conquest, on Exod. 17. 11. §. 47.

Notes

• * 1.1

  War lawfull. Enemies may be slain in war.
• * 1.2

  The greatest subiect to the casualties of war.
• * 1.3

  Conquerers may be con∣quered.