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 ...

§. 210. Of Jephthah's excellencies.

MAny excellencies are in the History of Iephthah expresly regi∣stred.* 1.1

• 1. His valour, he was a mighty man of valour, Judge 11. 1. That phrase im∣plieth* 1.2 that he was a man of a strong body, & couragious minde. Valour right∣ly used is of much use against the Enemies of the Church, and Common∣wealth in time of War: and against impudent offendors in time of peace, and against persecutors in time of persecution. God himself exhorteth Ioshuah here∣unto, Iosh. 1. 6. David and his Worthies are commended for it by the holy Ghost. It is reckoned up as one of the prime graces of Faith, vers. 33.
• 2. His improvement of his valour against Enemies (though he were dis∣gracefully* 1.3 thrust out by his Countrey-men) as is implied in this phrase went out, Iudge 11. 3. He spent not his time in base idleness, nor in more base rob∣bing and stealing: nor yet in plotting treason, or practising revenge. A wor∣thy president this is for high mindes, that are disgracefully dealt with.
• 3. His care of others like himself. He went out with them that were gathered* 1.4 to him, Judge 11. 3. so dealt David with his, 1 Sam. 22. 1, 2.
• 4. His providence in securing himself and his Countrey for the future, which* 1.5 was manifested by binding them to make him their head, Iudge 11. 9, 10, 11. so long as he was head, he had power to order matters: and he was privy to his own purpose, and the integrity thereof.
• 5. His fear dealing with his Enemies, Iudge 11. 12, 13. &c. He expostulates* 1.6 their wrongs: he adviseth them to desist: he manifesteth the equity and ne∣cessity of the engagements. All these he did to obtain peace without blood∣shed. Herein he followed the direction of the Law, Deut. 20. 10. a commend∣able pattern this is for Commanders in War.
• 6. His piety in waging War, Judge 11. 30, 31. Though he failed in the man∣ner,* 1.7 by reason of his rash vow: yet his course was commendable. It becomes* 1.8 Gods people to begin all their weighty affairs with God. The Heathen do it.
• 7. His faith, which herein had an excellency that he had no special, and ex∣traordinary* 1.9 charge, or promise: but he rested on Gods general promise, Deut. 30. 1, 2, 3, &c. and upon the peoples repentance manifested, Judge 10. 15, 16.

Obj. It is said that the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, (Judge 11. •…•…9.) whereby a special, extraordinary motion, and instinct is implied.

Answ. That is noted after his resolution and preparation for the war: which were the effects of his Faith. That of the spirits coming upon him, sheweth Gods approbation of what he undertook, and his encouragement thereunto, and his assistance therein.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Excellency of Iephthah.
• * 1.2

  1. Valour.
• * 1.3

  2. Improve∣ment of va∣lour against enemies.
• * 1.4

  3. Care of o∣thers.
• * 1.5

  4. Providence.
• * 1.6

  5. Fair deal∣ing.
• * 1.7

  6. Piety.
• * 1.8

  A Iove prin∣cipium.
• * 1.9

  7. Faith.