§. 36. Of God the Author of Saints afflictions.
IN directing us well to bear afflictions, the Apostle laboureth to remove two con∣trary impediments.
- One is in the excesse, despise not.
- The other in the defect, faint not.
The Hebrew a 1.1 word signifieth, to reject, or detest a thing.
It is used of those builders, which b 1.2 refused the head stone of the corner, which was Christ himself, Psal. 118. 22.* 1.3
The (c) Greek word, also, carrieth emphasis with it: For according to the d 1.4 notation of it, it signifieth, to have little care of a thing, to neglect it, or to con∣temn it. A fit word. It is used to expresse the fault of a child, or servant, in two light an esteem of his parent, or Master; which is a plain contempt of them, opposed to that honour, which is required in the fift Commandement.
That which is here forbidden to be despised is stiled e 1.5 chastening.
The Greek word is derived from a root that signifieth a f 1.6 child: and in general it implieth a Fathers dealing with his child. It is used sometimes for instruction, as 2 Tim. 3. 16. Sometimes for correction, as here; and they who correct, have g 1.7 their notation from this word, v. 9. And the act it self of correcting, is expressed under h 1.8 a verb sprouting out from the same root, Luk. 23. 16, 22. A Fathers correction is for instruction.
The notation of the i 1.9 Hebrew word, intendeth as much as the Greek. It im∣plieth such a correction as Fathers give to their children, whereby they may be the better instructed. It is also oft used for instruction, Prov. 1. 2, 3.
The Latine have a k 1.10 fit word to expresse both these sences, which we in Eng∣lish translate discipline. For men are disciplin'd both by instruction and correcti∣on.
The chastening here spoken of, is said to be of the Lord. God is the author and orderer thereof, Isa. 10. 5. 2 Sam. 16. 11.