Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

CHAP. XVI.

SEnd ye the lamb ‖ 1.1 to the ruler of the land a 1.2, from ‖ 1.3 † 1.4 Sela b 1.5 to the wilderness c 1.6, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion d 1.7:

2 For e 1.8 it shall be that as a wandring bird ‖ 1.9 cast out of the nest f 1.10, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon g 1.11.

3 † 1.12 Take counsel h 1.13, execute judgment i 1.14, make thy shadow as the night k 1.15 in the midst of noon∣day, hide the out-casts l 1.16, bewray not him that wandreth m 1.17.

4 Let mine out-casts n 1.18 dwell with thee, Moab, be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoi∣ler: for the † 1.19 extortioner is at an end o 1.20, the spoiler ceaseth, † 1.21 the oppressours are consumed out of the land.

5 And in mercy p 1.22, * 1.23 shall the throne q 1.24 be ‖ 1.25 esta∣blished, and he r 1.26 shall sit upon it in truth s 1.27, in the tabernacle t 1.28 of David, judging and seeking judgment u 1.29, and hasting righteousness x 1.30.

6 We have heard of the * 1.31 pride of Moab y 1.32, (he is very proud) even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so z 1.33.

7 Therefore shall Moab * 1.34 howl for Moab a 1.35, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kir∣hareseth b 1.36 shall ye ‖ 1.37 mourn c 1.38, surely they are stric∣ken d 1.39.

8 For the fields of Heshbon languish e 1.40, and the vine of Sibmah, the lords of the heathen f 1.41 have broken down the principal plants g 1.42 thereof, they are come even unto Jazer h 1.43, they wandered through the wilderness i 1.44, her branches k 1.45 are ‖ 1.46 stretched out l 1.47, thy are gone over the sea m 1.48.

9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer, the vine of Sibmah n 1.49: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for ‖ 1.50 the shouting for thy summer fruits, and for thy harvest is fallen o 1.51.

10 And * 1.52 gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field, and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shout∣ing: the treaders p 1.53 shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage-shouting to cease.

11 Wherefore my bowels shall sound q 1.54 like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir∣haresh.

12 And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary * 1.55 on the high place r 1.56, that he shall come to his Sanctuary s 1.57 to pray, but he shall not prevail t 1.58.

13 This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab † 1.59 since that time u 1.60.

14 But now the LORD hath spoken x 1.61, say∣ing, Within three years y 1.62, * 1.63 as the years of an hireling z 1.64, and the glory of Moab a 1.65 shall be con∣temned b 1.66, with all that great multitude c 1.67; and the •…•…emnant shall be very small and ‖ 1.68 feeble d 1.69.

Notes

• ‖ 1.1

  Or, of the ru∣•…•….
• a 1.2

  The Prophet continues his Prophecy against Moab in this Chapter, and here turneth his Speech to them, and gives them Counsel what to do, to prevent, if possible, the threatned Desolation. In these first Words he adviseth them to the Practice either, 1. of Justice: Pay that Tri∣bute of Lambs and Goats which you obliged your selves to pay unto David, and to his Posterity, 2 Sam. 8. 2. and pay it not unto Israel, as you have done, 2 Kings 3. 4. but un∣to the King of Iudah, who is the rightful Heir of David, and King of the Land: Or, 2. of Piety: Send a lamb, for a Sacrifice, unto God, who is the Ruler of the land; to wit, of your Land no less than of ours, or, of the earth, as the Word is commonly rendred, who is the God of the whole earth, as he is called Isa. 54. 5. the God of all the kingdoms of the earth, Isa. 37. 16. Make your Peace with God; by Sa∣crifice, for all your Injuries done to him, and to his People. These Words may be understood Ironically, and the Design of them may be to represent their miserable and desperate Condition; as if he had said, You have tried all other ways, and sought to your Idols, ch. 15. 2. and all in vain; now seek to the God of Israel, who alone can help you. But, alas! he is highly incensed against you, and coming to destroy you. But this seems rather to be serious Advice, by comparing these Words with v. 3, 4.
• ‖ 1.3

  Or, Petra.
• † 1.4

  Heb. a rock.
• b 1.5

  An eminent City of Moab, seated upon a Rock, which is here named, either because the King and his Court at this time resided there, or for some other Reason then evident, though now unknown.
• c 1.6

  To the Wilderness of Moab, of which we read Numb. 21. 11. Deut. 2. 8. and so onward to Zion, as it follows. Or, this may be added as a Description of the Place called Sela. Hence some render the Words, Sela of the wilderness; and others, Sela which lieth or looketh to∣wards the wilderness. And this Limitation might be the more necessary, to distinguish this from other Places of Moab called by the same name, which, signifying a rock, might be common to several Places in that Rocky Country.
• d 1.7

  Unto the Temple upon Mount Zion.
• e 1.8

  Or, Otherwise, as this Particle is sometimes used, if you do not follow my advice.
• ‖ 1.9

  Or, a nest forsaken.
• f 1.10

  Which knows not whither to go, nor what to do.
• g 1.11

  Which was the Border of the Land of Moab, where they were, either being carried that way into Captivity, or rather with design to flee out of their own Land, although they knew not whither, as the fore∣going Metaphor sheweth.
• † 1.12

  Heb. Bring.
• h 1.13

  Consider seriously among your selves what course to take to prevent your utter Ruine.
• i 1.14

  Do those things which are just and right, as to all men, so particularly to my People, to whom you have been most unrighteous and unmerciful.
• k 1.15

  Or, as the shadow of the night, large and dark, as the Shadow of the Earth is in the Night-season. The meaning is, Conceal and protect my People in the time of their Distress and Danger, as this Metaphor is ex∣plained in the rest of this, and in the following Verse.
• l 1.16

  Mine outcasts, as it follows v. 4. those of my People which are driven out of their own Land.
• m 1.17

  Unto their Ene∣mies, as thou hast treacherously done in former times.
• n 1.18

  Whom though I have forsaken, and sorely chastened, yet I do, and still will, own for my People; and I do observe, and will requite, both the Kindnesses and the Injuries done to them.
• † 1.19

  Heb. wring∣er.
• o 1.20

  Shall shortly be destroyed, and my People shall ere long be restored, and then thou wilt not lose the Fruit of thy Kindness. The Present Tense is put for the Future, as it is usually in Prophecies.
• † 1.21

  Heb. the treaders down
• p 1.22

  By my Mercy. Though they have sinned, and I am now punishing their Sins, yet I will deliver them for my own Mercies sake.
• * 1.23

  Dan. 7. 14. 27. Mic. 4. 7. Luk. 1. 33.
• q 1.24

  The Kingdom of Iudah. Therefore for thine own sake shew them Kindness in this day of their distress; for they will be capable of requiting thee.
• ‖ 1.25

  Or, prepa∣red.
• r 1.26

  Their King, which is easily and necessarily understood.
• s 1.27

  Which may respect either, 1. the Manner of his Govern∣ment, exercising Truth and Justice: But that is more plainly and fully expressed in the last part of the Verse. Or, 2. the Continuance of it, in truth, i. e. firmly and constantly; for truth is oft put for the stability and cer∣tainty of a thing, as 2 Chron. 32. 1. Prov. 1•…•…. 18. Isa. 61. 8. And this makes the Argument more considerable to the present purpose. The Kingdom shall not onely be resto∣red, but firmly setled: Therefore it is your Interest, O Moabites, to be kind to my People.
• t 1.28

  In the House, or Palace, which is called a tent or tabernacle, either because Houses are frequently so called in Scripture, as 2 Sam. 20. 1. 1 Kings 8. 66. & 12. 16. or with respect unto the unsetled∣ness of David's House, which now indeed was more like a Tabernacle than a strong Palace; and yet notwithstand∣ing its present Imbecility, should be firmly established.
• u 1.29

  Searching out the Truth of Causes and Things with care and diligence▪ which is the Duty of a Judge.
• x 1.30

  Nei∣ther denying, nor yet delaying Justice. And these good Qualifications seem to be here mentioned, partly to teach the Rulers of Moab their Duty towards their own People, and the Israelites which were among them; and partly as a Reason and Evidence of that Stability which he had promised to the House of David.
• * 1.31

  Jer. 48. 29. Zeph. 2. 10.
• y 1.32

  The Prophet, having spoken to the Moabites, and ac∣quainted them with their Duty and Interest, now he turneth his Speech to God's People, whom he armeth and comforteth against their approaching Misery. The scope and sence of the Prophet in this Verse is this, I do not expect that my Counsels will have any good effect upon Moab, they will still carry themselves insolently and out∣ragiously tawards you, and they promise themselves that they shall now effect what they have long desired, even satisfie their Malice in your total and final Destruction; but they shall be disappointed of their Hopes. It is well known to me, and you, and all their Neighbours, that they are an haughty and furious People, and therefore they will scorn my Advice, and doubt not to stand upon their own Legs.
• z 1.33

  His vain Imaginations, and false and crafty Counsels, shall not take effect. But the Words are and may be otherwise rendred, But his strength (as this Word is rendred Iob 18. 13. Heb. bars, which are the Strength of Gates or Doors) is not so, not equal to his Pride or Fury. Or thus, exactly according to the Words and Order of the Hebrew Text, not so lies. A concise Speech, such as are very common in this and other Prophets. And these Words may possibly be brought in as the Words of the Moabites, making this short Reply to the Prophets Counsels and Threatnings, directed to them in the foregoing Verses of this Chapter: It is not or shall not be so as thou sayst; thy Words are b•…•…t Lies, we fear not thy Threats against us. But this I propose with submission.
• * 1.34

  Jer. 48. 20.
• a 1.35

  For it self; the Noun put for the Pronoun, as is usual in the Hebrew Text. Or, to Moab. One Moabite shall howl or lament to or for another.
• b 1.36

  An ancient and eminent City of Moab, called Kir, chap. 13. 1. and Kir-haresh, v. 11. which signifies, The city of the sun; probably because there was the Temple of the Sun: which City was preserved when their other Cities were ruined, 2 Kings 3. 25. and therefore the Destruction of it was more lamented.
• ‖ 1.37

  Or, mutter.
• c 1.38

  Or, ye shall meditate or talk, as this Word commonly signifies. Your Thoughts and Discourses will run much upon the Ruine of such a City.
• d 1.39

  Or, broken, overthrown or destroyed.
• e 1.40

  Either for want of Rain, as ch. 15. 6. or because there are no men left to till and manure them.
• f 1.41

  The Assyrians or Chaldeans, the great Rulers of the Eastern Nations.
• g 1.42

  The choicest Vines. Under which one Particular he seems to understand not onely all their other Fruits and Goods, but even their Persons and choicest People.
• h 1.43

  Ei∣ther, 1. the Lords of the Heathen are come as far as Ia∣zer, which is the utmost Border of Moab; or, 2. the Peo∣ple of Moab are going into Captivity, and part of them are already gone as far as Iazer. Some understand this and the following Clauses of the Vines, which are here com∣mended, to aggravate the Loss and Ruine of them, and render the Words, which reached even unto Iazer, which Vine∣yards were planted for many miles together, even as far as Iazer.
• i 1.44

  Others of the Moabites fled away for their Lives, and wandred hither and thither in the Wilderness of Moab; of which see Numb. 21. 11. Deut. 2. 8.
• k 1.45

  i. e. Her People, called plants before.
• ‖ 1.46

  Or, plucked up.
• l 1.47

  Or, are spread abroad, as this Word signifies Numb. 11. 32. Iudg. 15. 9. 1 Sam. 30. 16. are dri∣ven from their own Homes, and dispersed into several Countries.
• m 1.48

  Over the Dead Sea, which was the Border of Moab. They were forced to flee out of their own Coun∣try, to save their Lives.
• n 1.49

  So the sence is, I will bewail Sibmab as I did bewail Iazer, which, they say, was destroyed before. Sibmah: Or, the weeping of Iazer might be a Proverbial Expression; for it is used also Ier. 48. 32▪ like that of the mourning of Hadad∣rimmon, Zech. 12. 11. though the Reason of it be now un∣known, as it is in many other Proverbs. The Words are by others rendred, and that more agreeably to the Hebrew Text, I will bewail with weeping (which is an usual Hebraism for, I will bitterly bewail) Iazer, and (which Particle is oft understood) the vine of Sibmah. But our Translation seems to be justified by the parallel Place, Ier. 48. 32. where it is, O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Iazer.
• ‖ 1.50

  Or, the alarm is fallen upon, &c.
• o 1.51

  Those joyful Shouts and Acclamations which were custo∣mary in the time of Harvest and Vintage, Isa. 9. 3. Ier. 25. 30. shall cease, because thy Land shall be wasted, and thy Peo∣ple destroyed. Or, as it is in the Margin, the shout or alarm is fallen upon thy summer-fruits and thy harvest, in stead of that joyful Shout which was then used, to which he here alludes. Which seems to be the truer Translation, not onely because this Hebrew Word is elsewhere used concerning the shout of an Enemy falling upon a People, as Ier. 25. 30. & 51. 14. but especially by considering the parallel Place, Ier. 48. 32. where, for the shout is fallen, it is, the spoiler is fallen upon, &c. If it be objected, That the next Verse speaks of the ceas∣ing of their joyful Shouts, and that this Hebrew Word is there used for vintage-shouting, which at first made me in∣cline to the former Interpretation; that seems to be fully answered from Ier. 48. 33. which speaks likewise of the ceasing of their Joy and joyful Shouts, but withal adds, in the close of the Verse, what may end this Controversie, their shouting shall be no shouting; They shall indeed have a Shouting, but not such an one as they used to have, a joy∣ful Shouting of their own People, but an insulting Shout of their Enemies.
• * 1.52

  Jer. 48. 33.
• p 1.53

  In those times they used to squeeze out the Juyce of their Grapes by treading them with their Feet, in Vessels appointed for that use, Iudg. 9. 27. Nehem. 13. 15.
• q 1.54

  Through compassion to them: of which see on Isa. 15. 5. In excessive Griefs the Bowels are sometimes rolled and tumbled together, so as to make an audible noise. Hereby he signifies the greatness of their approaching Ca∣lamity, which being so grievous to him, must needs be in∣tolerable to them.
• * 1.55

  Chap. 15. 2.
• r 1.56

  When it shall appear to them and others, that all their other Devotions are vain and ineffectual.
• s 1.57

  To the Tem∣ple of his great God Chemosh, Numb. 21. 29. 1 Kings 11. 7. Ier. 48. 46. from whom he shall seek and expect Succour.
• t 1.58

  His God can neither hear nor help him.
• † 1.59

  Heb. from then, that is, heretofore.
• u 1.60

  Since the beginning of God's Revelation to me con∣cerning Moab, and hitherto. Which Exposition seems to be confirmed by the following Words, But now.
• x 1.61

  Hath made this further discovery of his Mind to me.
• y 1.62

  To be computed either, 1. from the time of Ierusalems Destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, who did, as is confessed by all, invade the Moabites at or about that time, and execute the Judgment first foretold by this Prophet, and afterwards by Ieremy, ch. 48. or rather, 2. from the time of the De∣livery of this Prophecy. Which, being uncertain, leaves us the greater Latitude for the determination of the precise time when this was fulfilled. But this is certain, from Isa. 1. 1. that this Prophecy must be delivered, at farthest, be∣fore the end of Hezekiah's Reign. And then there ariseth this great Difficulty, How this can consist with the Prophecy of Ieremiah, who above or about an hundred years after this time speaketh of Moab as a People that had been at ease from their youth, and had not gone into captivity, Ier. 48. 11. and prophesieth against them in the very same Words which Isaiah useth in this Prophecy? The Answer is, That they do not speak of the same time, nor of the same Cala∣mity; but Isaiah of a former Tribulation, and Ieremiah of their latter Devastation. It is true, Ieremiah useth the same Words which Isaiah doth, and so do the later Prophets some∣times use the Words of the former, to other purposes than they were first delivered, as we shall see hereafter, and as is most evident from the Revelation of St. Iohn, in which the same Words are used concerning Mystical Babylon, which were used by the foregoing Prophets concerning the first and literal Babylon. And although the foregoing Prophecy of Isaiah seems to speak of the same Destruction threatned by Ieremiah, and inflicted by Nebuchadnezzar; yet this Pro∣phecy contained in this Verse, and ushered in with ano∣ther Preface, seems to be of a differing nature, and to speak of a more speedy and less grievous Affliction that should befal them, which should be as a Pledge to assure them of the certain Accomplishment of the other Prophe∣cy, and of their utter Destruction. And therefore it is observable, that the Prophet doth not here say, Within three years all that I have foretold and threatned shall be fulfil∣led; but onely, the glory of Moab shall be contemned, &c. which is quite another thing; and as the Terms here used are much milder, so the Judgment here denounced seems much less, than in the foregoing Prophecy. And therefore this Verse may very well be understood of some great Blow given to the Moabites, either by Sennacherib, or by his Son Esarbaddon, from which notwithstanding they in a little time recovered themselves, and flourished again, and continued so to do, till Nebuchadnezzar compleated their Destruction. And this may well enough consist with what is said of Moab's being at ease from his youth, Ier. 48. 11. which is not to be understood simply as if they had been wholly free from War and other Calamities; for the con∣trary is evident both from Scripture, as 2 Sam. 8. 2. 2 Kings 3. 24, 25. and from other Histories: but comparatively, that they had not been brought to Desolation, nor carried away into Captivity, as it is explained in the following Words, and as Israel had been at that time, and Iudah was threatned to be.
• * 1.63

  Chap. 21. 16.
• z 1.64

  i. e. Within three years precisely ac∣counted; for Hirelings are very punctual in observing the Time for which they are hired; and their Thoughts and Desires run much upon it, because then they are to re∣ceive their Wages: of which see Iob 7. 1. 2. & 14. 6. And this Exposition is confirmed by comparing this Place with Isa. 21. 16. where the same Phrase is used of one year. So groundless is that Opinion which the Jewish Writers ga∣ther from this Place, compared with Deut. 15. 18. That three years was the usual and appointed time for the ge∣nerality of hired Servants.
• a 1.65

  Their Strength, and Wealth, and other things in which they glory.
• b 1.66

  Shall be made contemptible to those who formerly admired them.
• c 1.67

  With the great numbers of their People, of which they boast∣ed.
• ‖ 1.68

  Or, not ma∣ny.
• d 1.69

  Comparatively to what they were before. Which might be very true, and yet afterwards, in an hundred years space, they might be sufficiently recruited.