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 ...

§. 143. Of Praising God with the Voice.

THe Apostle to manifest his minde to the full, concerning praising God, further addeth, that is, the fruit of our lips, &c.

This phrase, * 1.1 that is, implieth an explanation of that which goeth before: Now the explanation here intended is not to clear difficult words or phrases; for the former

part of the verse is more clear and plain then that which followeth. But it is here to shew the extent of his intent in praising God: which is, that we content not our selves with inward thoughts of praising God: but that we must also manifest and testifie as much even by the words of our mouth: which he here calleth the fruit of our lips.

In this phrase the Apostle alludeth to a phrase which the people of God are brought in thus using, We will render the calves of our lips, Hos. 14. 2. That which the Prophet there calleth b 1.2 calves, the Apostle here styleth c 1.3 fruit: for the LXX on that place so translate it. In Hebrew the word that signifieth d 1.4 fruit; and that also that signifieth e 1.5 a calf, or a young heifer, come from one and the same root, which signifieth f 1.6 to bear fruit, Psal. 128. 3. and to grow, Isa. 11. 1. In this re∣spect the LXX might put one for the other: So they have translated this word, Ier. 50. 27.

Now because the word used by the LXX was as pertinent to the point in hand as the word calves, used in Hebrew, the Apostle writing in Greek, retained the same word, namely fruit.

In this phrase, calves of the lips, the Prophet hath reference to the Legall Rite of offering calves or young heifers for a gratulatory sacrifice, implying that the people of God would do that by the words of their mouth, coming through their'lips, which was intended by offering up of calves by way of thanks∣giving.

The word g 1.7 fruit, used by the Apostle signifieth an effect: or that which should proceed from the lips: For as fruit proceedeth from a tree, so words, as fruit, from the lips.

h 1.8 Lips are here Synecdochically taken for the whole mouth, they being a part thereof; as it were, two leaf-doors, which let into the mouth, and let out from the mouth. This Synecdoche is frequently used: thus, My lips shall praise thee, Psal. 83. 3. With my lips have I declared, &c. My lips shall utter praise, Psal. 119. 13, 171. The like is used of the tongue, thus, God was exalted with my tongue, Psal. 66. 17. My tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousnesse, Psal. 51. 14. The like also is used of the mouth, thus, My mouth shall shew forth thy praise, Psal. 51. 15. and thus, I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth.

All these phrases do evidently declare that it is not sufficient to have an inward affection of praising God, but that the same also must be outwardly manifested. See more hereof in the Saints Sacrifice, on Psal. 116. §. 86, 118.

Among other means the voice is an especiall one to set forth the praises of God, Psal. 26. 7. & 42. 4. In this respect the tongue is styled glory, (Psal. 30. 12. & 57, 8.) because it is the fittest instrument to set forth the praise and glory of God. For this we have the example of Christ himself, Psal. 22. 25. compared with Heb. 2. 12. and Psal. 40. 9, 10. compared with Heb. 5, &c. That which is said of voice in prayer (in The Saints Sacrifice, on Psal. 116. 1. §. 10.) may be applied to praise.

Notes

• * 1.1

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

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

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, fru∣ctum.
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 fructus.
• e 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 vitulus, juvencus.
• f 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 fructum protulit
• g 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• h 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, labia.