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.

JUDGES.

The ARGUMENT.

THE Author of this Book is not certainly known; whether it was Samuel, or Ezra, or some other Pro∣phet: nor is it material to know. 1. It matters not who was the Kings Secretary, or with what Pen it was written, if it be once known that it was the King who made the Order or Decree: It is suffici∣ent, that unto the Iews were commited the Oracles of God, Rom. 3. 2. i. e. the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament, one part of which this was, by confession of all; and that the Iews did not falsify their trust therein, but kept those Holy Books themselves, and delivered them to the World entire, without addition or diminution: for neither Christ nor his Apostles, who severely rebuke them for their mistakes and misunder∣standings of some passages of Scripture, ever charge them with any perfidiousness about the Canon or Books of the Scripture. This Book is called the Book of Judges, because it treats of the Iudges, or of the state of the Commonwealth of Israel under all the Iudges, except Eli and Samuel, who being the last of the Iudges, and the occasions or instruments of the change of this Government, are omitted in this Book. The Iudges were a sort of Magistrates inferior to Kings, and could neither make new Laws, nor impose any Tri∣butes, but were the supreme Executors of Gods Laws and Commands, and the Generals of their Armies.

NOW after the death of Joshua a, it came to pass, that the children of Is∣rael asked the LORD b, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Cana∣anites first c, to fight against them?

2 And the LORD said, Judah d shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.

3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother e, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites f, and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

4 And Judah went up, and the LORD deliver∣ed the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand, and they slew of them in Bezek g, ten thousand men.

5 And they found Adoni-bezek h, in Bezek i, and they fought against him k, and they •…•…lew the Canaanites, and the Perizzites.

6 But Adoni-bezek fled, and they purfued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs, and his great toes l.

7 And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore and ten kings m, having ‡ their thumbs and their great toes cut off, ‖ gathered their meat under my table n: as I have done▪ so God hath requited me o: and they brought him p to Jerusalem q, and there he died.

8 (Now the children of Judah had sought against Jerusalem, and had taken it , and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.)

9 And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the ‖ valley.

10 And Judah went against the Canaanites r that dwelt in Hebron, (now the name of Hebron before was Kirjath-arba) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahi∣man, and Talmai.

11 And from thence he went against the inha∣bitants of Debir, (and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher.)

12 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath∣sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

13 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Calebs younger brother, took it: and he gave him Ach∣sah his daughter to wife.

14 And it came to pass when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass, and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?

15 And she said unto him, Give me a blessing, for thou hast given me a south land, give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

16 ¶ And the children of the Kenite, Moses fa∣ther in law s, went up out of the city of palm∣trees t, with the children of Judah, into the wil∣derness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad t, and they went and dwelt among the people x.

17 And Judah went with Simeon his brother y, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it (and the name of the city was called Hormah) z.

18 Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof a.

19 And the LORD was with Judah, and ‖ he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain, but could not b drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had charets of iron.

20 And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Mo∣ses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak c.

21 And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin d in Jerusalem unto this day.

22 ¶ And the house of Joseph e, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.

23 ¶ And the house of Joseph sent to descry Beth∣el, (now the name of the city before was Luz.)

24 And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city f, and we will shew thee mercy.

25 And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword: but they let go the man and all his fami∣ly g.

26 And the man went into the land of the Hit∣tites h, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day.

27 ¶ Neither did Manasseh i drive out the inha∣tants

of Beth-shean k, and her ‡ towns, nor Taa∣nach l, and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor m, and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam, and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo n, and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

28 And it came to pass when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.

29 ¶ Neither did Ephraim drive out the Ca∣naanites, that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer o among them.

30 ¶ Neither did Zebulun drive out the inha∣bitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol: but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries.

31 ¶ Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor Achzib, nor Helbah, nor Aphik, nor of Rehob:

32 But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaa∣nites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.

33 ¶ Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabi∣tants of Beth-shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth∣anath, but he dwelt among the Canaanites the in∣habitants of the land: nevertheless, the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh p, and of Beth-anath, became tri∣butaries unto them.

34 And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley q.

35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Ajalon and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph r ‡ prevailed, so that they be∣came tributaries.

36 And the coast of the Amorites was from ‖ the going up to Akrabbim s, from the rock and up∣ward.

CHAP. II.

AND an ‖ angel of the LORD a came up from Gilgal to Bochim b, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you un∣to the land which I sware unto your fathers, and I said c, I will never break my covenant with you.

2 And ye shall make no league with the in∣habitants of this land, you shall throw •…•…wn their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: Why have ye done this d?

3 Wherefore I also said e, I will not drive them out from before you: but they shall be as thorns in your sides f, and their gods shall be a s•…•…are unto you.

4 And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people li•…•…t up their voice, and wept g:

5 And they called the name of that place ‖ Bochim: and they sacrificed h there unto the LORD.

6 ¶ And when Joshua had let the people go i, the children of Israel went every man unto his in∣heritance to possess the land.

7 And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that ‡ out-lived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD that he did for Israel.

8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD died, being an hundred and ten years old.

9 And they buried him in the border of his in∣heritance in Timnath-heres k, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north-side of the hill Gaash.

10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another gene∣ration after them, which knew not l the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD m, and served Baalim n.

12 And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

13 And they forsook the LORD, and served •…•…aal and Ashtaroth n.

14 ¶ And the anger of the LORD was hot against 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and he delivered them into the hand of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that spoiled them, and sold them o into the hand of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their Ene∣mies.

15 Whithersoever they went out p, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil; as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.

16 Nevertheless, the LORD raised up q judges r, which ‡ delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.

17 And yet they would not hearken unto their Judges s, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fa∣thers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD: but they did not so.

18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and deli∣vered them out of the hand of their Enemies all the days of the judge: (for it repented the LORD t, because of their groanings, by reason of them that vexed them, and oppressed them:)

19 And it came to pass ‡ when the judge was dead, that they returned u, and ‖ corrupted them∣selves more than their fathers x, in following other gods, to serve them, and to bow down unto them, ‡ they ceased not from their own doings y, nor from their stubborn way z.

20 ¶ And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my Covenant, which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkned unto my voice:

21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:

22 That through them I may prove Israel ‖, whe∣ther they will keep the way of the LORD, to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

23 Therefore the LORD ‖ left those nations, without driving them out hastily ‡, neither deli∣vered he them into the hand of Joshua.

CHAP. III.

NOW these are the nations which the LORD left to prove Israel by them, (even as ma∣ny of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan a:

2 Onely that the generations of the children of Israel might know to teach them war b, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof.)

3 Namely, five LORDS of the Philistines c, and all the Canaanites d and the Zidonians e, and the Hivites that dwelt in Mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-hermon f, unto the entring in of Ha∣math.

4 And they were to prove Israel by them, to know g whether they would hearken unto the com∣mandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

5 ¶ And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites.

6 And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods h.

7 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves i.

8 ¶ Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of ‡ Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushan-risha∣thaim k eight years.

9 And when the children of Israel cried l unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a ‡ deliverer to the children of Israel, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Calebs younger brother m.

10 And the spirit of the LORD ‡ came upon him n, and he judged Israel o, and went out to war, and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of ‡ Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim.

11 And the land had rest forty years p, and Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

12 ¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD strength∣ned Eglon p the King of Moab against Israel, be∣cause they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

13 And he gathered unto him the Children of Ammon, and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of Palm-trees q.

14 So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

15 But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a ‡ delive∣rer, Ehud the son of Gera ‖, a Benjamite r, a man ‡ left handed s; and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

16 But Ehud made him a dagger (which had two edges) of a cubit length t, and he did gird it under his raiment, upon his right thigh u.

17 And he brought the present x unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man y.

18 And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present z.

19 But he himself turned again a from the ‖ quarries b that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence c. And all that stood by him went out from him.

20 And Ehud came unto him, and he was sit∣ting in ‡ a summer parlour d, which he had for himself alone e: and Ehud said, I have a message f from God g, unto thee. And he arose out of his ‡ seat h.

21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.

22 And the haft went in after the ‡ blade: and the fat closed upon the blade, ‡ so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly, and ‖ the dirt came out i.

23 Then Ehud went forth k through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him l, and locked them m.

24 When he was gone out, his servants came, and when they saw, that behold the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he ‖ covereth his feet n in his Summer-chamber.

25 And they tarried till they were ashamed o: and behold he opened not the doors of the par∣lour, therefore they took a key p, and opened them: and behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.

26 And Ehud escaped while they tarried: and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Sei∣rath.

27 And it came to pass when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim; and the children of Israel q, went down with him from the mount, and he before them.

28▪ And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the foords of Jordan r toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

29 And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all ‡ lusty, and all men of valour, and there escaped not one man.

30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel, and the land had rest fourscore years s.

31 ¶ And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox-goad t, and he also ‡ Israel.

CHAP. IV.

AND the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.

2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan a, that reigned in Hazor b, the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles c.

3 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred charets of iron, and twenty years he mightily oppressed d the chil∣dren of Israel.

4 ¶ And Deborah ‡ a prophetess e, the wife of La∣pidoth f, she judged Israel g at that time.

5 And she dwelt under the palm-tree of Debo∣rah, between Ramah and Beth•…•…el in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judg∣ment h:

6 And she sent and called i Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali k, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel command∣ed l, saying, Go, and draw m toward mount Ta∣bor n, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali, and of the children of Ze∣bulun o?

7 And I will draw unto thee p to the river Kishon, Si•…•…era the captain of Jabins army, with his charets, and his multitude, and I will deliver him into thine hand.

8 And Barak said unto her, if thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go q.

9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: not∣withstanding the journey r that thou takest shall not be for thine honour: for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman s. And Debo∣rah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.

10 ¶ And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh, and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet t: and Deborah went up with him.

11 Now Heber u the Kenite x, which was of the children of Hobab y the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites z, and pitched his tent a unto the plain of Zaanarim, which is by Kedesh.

12 And they shewed b Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor.

13 And Sisera ‡ gathered together all his cha∣rets, even nine hundred charets of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles, unto the river of Kishon.

14 And Deborah said unto Barak, Up c, for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sise∣ra into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out be∣fore thee d? so Barak went down from mount Ta∣bor e, and ten thousand men after him.

15 And the LORD discomfited f, Sisera and all his charets, and all his host with the edge of the sword g, before Barak: so that Sisera lighted down off his charet, and fled away on his feet h.

16 But Barak pursued after the charets, and af∣ter the host unto Harosheth of the Gentiles, and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword, and there was not ‡ a man left i.

17 Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael k the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace l between Jabin the king of Hazor, and the house of Heber the Kenite.

18 ¶ And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in my lord, turn in to me, fear not m. And when he had turned in unto her, in∣to the tent, she covered him with a ‖ mantle.

19 And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink, for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink n, and covered him o.

20 Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, •…•…s there any man here? that thou shalt say, No p.

21 Then Jael, Hebers wife, took a nail of the •…•…ent q, and ‡ took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples r, and fastned it into the ground: (for he was fast asleep, and weary) so he died.

22 And behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.

23 So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan, before the children of Israel.

24 And the hand of the children of Israel ‡ pros∣pered, and prevailed against Jabin the King of Ca∣naan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Ca∣naan.

CHAP. V.

THEN sang Deborah a and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

2 Praise ye the LORD b for the avenging of Is∣rael c, when the people d willingly offered them∣selves e.

3 Hear, O ye kings, give ear, O ye princes f: I, even I will sing unto the LORD, I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel g.

4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom h, the earth i trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water k.

5 The mountains ‡ melted l from before

the LORD, even that Sinai m, from before the LORD God of Israel.

6 In the days of Shamgar n the son of Anath, in the days of Jael o, the high ways were unoccu∣pied, and the ‡ travellers walked through ‡ by∣ways p.

7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased q, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother r in Israel.

8 They chose s new gods t▪ then was war in the gates u: was there a shield or spear seen a∣mong forty thousand in Israel x?

9 My heart is toward the governours of Israel y that o•…•…ered themselves willingly among the peo∣ple: Bless ye the LORD z.

10 ‖ Speak a ye that ride on white asses b, ye that sit in judgment, and ye that walk by the way c.

11 They that are delivered from the noise of arch∣ers d in the places o•…•… drawing water e, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD f, even the righteous acts towards the inhabi•…•…ants of his villages g in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates h.

12 Awake, awake i Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise Barak, and lead thy captivity captive k, thou son of Abinoam.

13 Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people l: the LORD made me m have dominion over the mighty.

14 Out of Ephraim n was there a root of them o against Amalek p, after thee Benjamin q, among thy people r: out of Machir s came down governors t, and out of Zebulun they that ‡ handle the pen of the Writers u.

15 And the princes of Issachar were with Debo∣rah x: even Issachar y▪ and also Barak z, he was sent on ‡ foot into the valley: ‖ for the divisi∣ons a of Reuben there were great ‡ thoughts b of heart.

16 Why abodest thou among the sheep folds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks c? ‖ for the di∣visions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.

17 Gilead d abode beyond Jordan e: and why did▪ Dan remain in ships f? Asher continued on the sea▪ ‖ shore g, and abode in his ‖ breaches h.

18 Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that ‡ jeoparded i their lives unto the death, in the high places of the field k.

19 The kings l came and fought: then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo l, they took no gain of mony m.

20 They fought from heaven n, the stars o in their ‡ courses p fought against Sisera.

21 The River of Kishon q swept them away, that ancient river q▪ the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast troden down strength r.

22 Then were the horse hoofs broken s by the means of the ‖ pransings t, the pransings of their mighty ones u.

23 Curse ye Meroz x, (said the angel of the LORD y) curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof:

because they came not to the help of the LORD z, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

24 Blessed above women a, shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent b.

25 He asked water, and she gave him milk, she brought forth ‖ butter c in a lordly dish d.

26 She put her hand e to the nail, and her right hand to the workmans hammer: and with the hammer she ‡ smote Sisera, she smote off f his head, when she had pierced g and stricken through his temples.

27 ‡ At her feet he bowed, he fell, and lay down h: at her feet he bowed, he fell, where he bowed, there he fell down ‡ dead.

28 The mother of Sisera looked out at a win∣dow i, and cried through the lattess, Why is his charet so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his charets?

29 Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she re∣turned ‡ answer to her self,

30 Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey k, ‡ to every man a damsel or two? To Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers co∣lours of needle-work, of divers colours of needle∣work on both sides, meet for ‡ the necks of them that take the spoil l.

31 So m let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him, be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might n. And the land had rest forty years o.

CHAP. VI.

AND the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian a seven years.

2 And the hand of Midian ‡ prevailed against Israel, and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves b, and strong holds.

3 And so it was when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east c, even they came up against them.

4 And they encamped against them, and de∣stroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza d, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither ‖ sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

5 For they came up with their cattel, and their tents, and they came as grashoppers for multi∣tude; for both they and their camels were with∣out number e: and they entred into the land to de∣stroy it.

6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.

7 ¶ And it came to pass when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, because of the Mi∣dianites,

8 That the LORD sent ‡ a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth from the house of bondage.

9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that op∣pressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land:

10 And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God, fear not f the gods of the Amorites, in

whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.

11 ¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and fate under an oak which was in Ophrah g, that pertained unto Joash the Abi-ezrite h: and his son Gideon threshed wheat i by the winepress k, ‡ to hide it from the Midianites.

12 And the angel of the LORD appeared un∣to him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee l, thou mighty man of valour m.

13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befaln us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hand of the Midianites.

14 And the LORD looked upon him n, and said, Go in this thy might o: and thou shalt save Is∣rael from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee p?

15 And he said unto him, Oh my lord, where∣with shall I save Israel? behold ‡ my family q is poor r in Manasseh, and I am the least s in my fa∣thers house.

16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man t.

17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign, that thou talkest with me u.

18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my ‖ present x, and set it before thee y. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.

19 ¶ And Gideon went in, and made ready ‡ a kid, and unleavened cakes of an Ephah of flour z: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.

20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh, and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.

¶ 21 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh, and the unleavened cakes, and there rose up fire out of the rock and consumed the flesh, and the unleavened cakes a; then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas b, O LORD God: for because c I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

23 And the LORD said unto him d, Peace be unto thee e, fear not, thou shalt not dye.

24 Then Gideon built an altar there f unto the LORD, and called it ‖ •…•…ehovah-shalom g: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites.

25 ¶ And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy fathers young bullock, ‖ even the second bullock h, of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath i, and cut down the grove that is by it k.

26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God, upon the top of this ‡ rock l, ‖ in the ordered place m, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt∣sacrifice n with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.

27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants o, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared p his fathers houshold, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.

28 ¶ And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built q.

29 And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired, and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing r.

30 Then the men of the city said unto Joseph, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.

31 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal s? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death t, whilest it is yet morning u: if he be a god, let him plead for himself x, because one hath cast down his altar.

32 Therefore on that day he called him y Je∣rub-baal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, be∣cause he hath thrown down his altar.

33 ¶ Then all the Midianites, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east were gathered toge∣ther and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel z.

34 But the spirit of the LORD ‡ came upon Gideon a, and he blew a trumpet, and Abiezer b ‡ was gathered after him.

35 And he sent Messengers throughout all Ma∣nasseh c, who also was gathered after him, and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali d, and they came up to meet them.

36 ¶ And Gideon said unto God e, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor: and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside f; then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.

38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.

39 And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: Let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece. Let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew g.

40 And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

CHAP. VII.

THen Jerubbaal (who is Gideon) and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north-side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me b to give the

Midianites into their hand, lest Israel vaunt them∣selves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead c: and there returned of the people twen∣ty and two thousand d, and there remained ten thousand.

4 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The peo∣ple are yet too many: bring them down unto the water e, and I will try them for thee f there, and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee: and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go up.

5 So he brought down the people unto the wa∣ter: and the LORD said unto Gideon, every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself, likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink g.

6 And the number of them that lapped, put∣ting their hand to their mouth h, were three hun∣dred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.

7 And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped, will I save you, and de∣liver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place i.

8 So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets k: and he sent all the rest of Israel, every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.

9 ¶ And it came to pass the same night l that the LORD said unto him m, Arise, get thee down un∣to the host, for I have delivered it into thine hand.

10 But if thou fear to go down n, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host.

11 And thou shalt hear what they say, and af∣terward shall thine hands be strengthned o to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the out-side ‖ of the armed men that were in the host.

12 And the Midianites, and the Amalekites, and all the children of the east, lay along in the valley like grashoppers for multitude, and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea-side for multitude.

13 And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold▪ I dreamed a dream, and lo, a cake of barley bread p tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay all along.

14 And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel q: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian and all his host.

15 And it was so, when Gideon heard the tel∣ling of the dream r, and ‡ the interpretation there∣of, that he worshipped s, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise, for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

16 And he divided the three hundred men into

three companies t, and he put ‡ a trumpet in eve∣ry mans hand with empty pitchers, and ‖ lamps u within the pitchers x.

17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise y; and behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be, that as I do, so shall ye do.

18 When I blow with a trumpet, I, and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on eve∣ry side of all the camp, and say, The sword ‡ of the LORD, and of Gideon z.

19 ¶ So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp, in the beginning of the middle watch a, and they had but newly set the watch, and they blew the trum∣pets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held their lamps in their left hands b, and their trumpets in their right hands to blow withal, and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

21 And they stood every man in his place c, round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried and fled.

22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every mans sword against his fellow d, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Beth-shittah ‖ in Zererath, and to the ‡ border of Abel-meholah , unto Tabbath.

23 And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midi∣anites.

24 ¶ And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Beth-barah f, and Jordan g. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Beth-Barah and Jordan.

25 And they took two princes of the Midia∣nites, Oreb and Zeeb: and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the wine∣press of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan h.

CHAP. VIII.

AND the men of Ephraim said unto him, ‡ Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not a when thou wentest to fight with the Midia∣nites? and they did chide with him ‡ sharply.

2 And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you b? is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim c better than the vintage of Abiezer d?

3 God hath delivered into your hand the prin∣ces of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? then their ‡ anger was abated toward him, when he had said that e.

4 ¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over f, he, and the three hundred men that were with him: faint, yet pursuing them.

5 And he sent unto the men of Succoth g, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me, for they be faint, and I am pursuing af∣ter Zeba and Zalmunna, kings of Midian h.

6 ¶ And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zeba and Zalmunna now in thine hand i, that we should give bread unto thine army?

7 And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD

hath delivered Zeba and Zalmunna into mine hand, I will ‡ tear your flesh with the thorns of the Wilderness k: and with briers.

8 ¶ And he went up thence to Penuel l, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel an∣swered him as the men of Succoth had answered him.

9 And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower m.

10 ¶ Now Zeba and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell ‖ an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword n.

11 ¶ And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents o, on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah p, and smote the host: for the host was secure q.

12 And when Zeba and Zalmunna fled, he pur∣sued after them, and took the two kings of Midi∣an, Zebah and Zalmunna, and ‡ discomfited them.

13 ¶ And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battel before the sun was up r,

14 And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he descri∣bed unto him the princes of Succoth s, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.

15 And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?

16 And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness, and briers, and with them he ‡ taught the men of Succoth t.

17 ¶ And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

18 Then said he unto Zeba and Zalmunna, What manner of men u were they whom ye slew at Tabor x? And they answered, As thou art, so were they, each one ‡ resembled the children of a king y.

19 And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you z.

20 And he said unto Jether his first-born, Up, and slay them a: but the youth drew not his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 feared, because he was yet a youth.

21 Then Zeba and Zalmunna said, Rise thou and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength b. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ‖ ornaments that were on their camels necks.

22 ¶ Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us c, both thou, and thy son, and thy sons son also d: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian e.

23 And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you f, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you g.

24 ¶ And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, That ye would give me every man the ear-rings of his prey, (for they had golden ear-rings, because they were Ishmaelites h.)

25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein, every man the ear-rings of his prey.

26 And the weight of the golden ear-rings that he requested, was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold, beside ornaments, and ‖ collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels necks.

27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof i, and put it in his city k, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it l; which thing became a snare m unto Gideon, and to his house.

28 ¶ Thus was Midian subdued before the chil∣dren of Israel, so that they lifted up their head no more n: and the countrey was in quietness for∣ty years o in the days of Gideon p.

29 ¶ And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house q.

30 And Gideon had threescore and ten sons ‡ of his body begotten: for he had many wives.

31 And his concubine that was in Shechem r, she also bare him a son, whose name he ‡ called Abimelech s.

32 And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age t, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrite.

33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again u, and went a whoring after Baalim x, and made Baal-be∣rith y their god.

34 And the children of Israel remembred not the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hand of all their enemies on every side:

35 Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.

CHAP. IX.

AN•…•… Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem, unto his mothers brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mothers father, saying,

2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, ‡ Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal (which are threescore and ten persons) reign over you a, or that one reign over you? Remember also, that I am your bone and your flesh b.

3 And his mothers brethren c spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words, and their hearts inclined ‡ to follow Abimelech: for they said, He is our brother d.

4 And they gave him threescore and ten e pieces of silver f out of the house of Baal-berith g, where∣with Abimelech hired vain and light persons h which followed him.

5 And he went unto his fathers house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerub∣baal i, being threescore and ten persons k, upon one stone l: notwithstanding, yet Jotham the young∣est son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid him∣self.

6 And all the men of Shechem gathered toge∣ther, and all the house of Millo m, and went and made Abimelech king n, ‖ by the plain of the pil∣lar o that was in Shechem.

7 ¶ And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim p, and lift up his voice, and cried q, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem r, that God may hearken unto you s.

8 The trees went forth on a time t to anoint a king u over them, and they said unto the olive∣tree x, Reign thou over us.

9 But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness wherewith by me they honour God y and man z, and ‖ go to be promoted a over the trees?

10 And the trees said unto the fig-tree b, Come thou, and reign over us.

11 But the fig-tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness c, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.

13 And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheareth God d and man e, and go to be promoted over the trees?

14 Then said all the trees unto the ‖ bramble f, Come thou, and reign over us.

15 And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you g, then come, and put your trust in my shadow h: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon i.

16 Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands:

17 (For my father fought for you, and ‡ ad∣ventured his life far k, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

18 And ye are risen up against my fathers house this day, and have slain l his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abi∣melech the son of his maid-servant m king over the men of Shechem n, because he is your bro∣ther.)

19 If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal, and with his house this day, th•…•…n rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you.

20 But if not, let fire come out from Abime∣lech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo: and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech o.

21 And Jotham ran away, and fled p, and went to Beer q, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

22 ¶ When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel r:

23 Then God sent an evil spirit s between Abi∣melech, and the men of Shechem: and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech.

24 That the cruelty t done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them, and upon the men of Shechem, which ‡ aided him in the killing of his brethren.

25 And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him u in the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them x: and it was told Abimelech y.

26 And Gaal the son of Ebed z came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem a: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.

27 And they went out into the fields b, and ga∣thered their vineyards, and trod the grapes, and made ‖ merry c, and went into the house of their gods d, and did eat and drink e, and cursed Abi∣melech f.

28 And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abi∣melech g, and who is Shechem h that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal i? And Zebul his officer k? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem l: for why should we serve him?

29 And would to God this people were under my hand m, then would I remove Abimelech n, And he said to Abimelech o, Increase thine army, and come out p.

30 ¶ And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was ‖ kindled q.

31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech ‡ privily r, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed, and his brethren be come to Shechem; and behold, they fortifie the city against thee s.

32 Now therefore, up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lye in wait in the field.

33 And it shall be, that in the morning assoon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and behold, when he t, and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them ‡ as thou shalt find oc∣casion.

34 ¶ And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

35 And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entring of the gate of the city u;

and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait.

36 And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul x, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains, as if they were men y.

37 And Gaal spake again, and said, See, there come people down by the ‡ middle of the land z, and another company come along by the plain of ‖ Meonenim.

38 Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth a wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abi∣melech that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? Go out, I pray now, and fight with them.

39 And Gaal went out before the men of She∣chem, and fought with Abimelech.

40 And Abimelech chased him, and he fled be∣fore him b, and many were overthrown and woun∣ded c, even unto the entring of the gate.

41 And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah d; and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren e, that they should not dwell in Shechem.

42 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field f, and they told Abimelech.

43 And he took the people, and divided them in∣to three companies g, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and behold, the people were come forth out of the city, and he rose up against them and smote them.

44 And Abimelech, and the company that was with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entring of the gate of the city h, and the two other com∣panies ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and slew them.

45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and he took the city, and slew the peo∣ple that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt i.

46 ¶ And when all the men of the tower of She∣chem k heard that, they entred into an hold of the house of the god of Berith l.

47 And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together▪ into that place.

48 And Abimelech gate him up to mount Zal∣mon m, he, and all the people that were with him, and Abimelech took an ax in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen ‡ me do, make haste, and do as I have done.

49 And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire up∣on them: so that all the men of the tower of She∣chem died also, about a thousand men and wo∣men.

50 ¶ Then went Abimelech to Thebez n, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.

51 But there was a strong tower within the city,

and thither fled all the men, and women o, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower p.

52 And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower, to burn it with fire.

53 And a certain woman cast a piece of a milstone q upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull.

54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armour-bearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him r: and his young man thrust him through, and he died.

55 And when the men of Israel saw that Abi∣melech was dead, they departed every man unto his place.

56 ¶ Thus God rendred the wickedness of Abi∣melech which he did unto his father s, in slay∣ing his seventy brethren.

57 And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham, the son of Jerubbaal.

CHAP. X.

AND after Abimelech, there arose a to ‖ ‡ de∣send Israel b, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, and he dwelt in Sha∣mir in mount Ephraim c.

2 And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and dyed, and was buried in Shamir.

3 ¶ And after him arose Jair a Gileadite d, and judged Israel twenty and two years.

4 And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass▪colts e▪ and they had thirty cities, which are called ‖ Havoth-jair f, unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead.

5 And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.

6 ¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Paalim, and ‡ Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistins, and forsook the LORD, and ser∣ved not him g.

7 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon h.

8 And that year they vexed and † oppressed the children of Israel eighteen years i, all the chil∣dren of Israel that were on the other side Jordan, in the land of the Amorite which is in Gilead.

9 Moreover, the children of Ammon passed over Jordan, to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim: so that Israel was sore distressed.

10 ¶ And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also ser∣ved Baalim k.

11 And the LORD said l unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites m, from the children of Am∣mon n, and from the Philistines o?

12 The Zidonians p also, and the Amalekites q, and Maonites r did oppress you, and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.

13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more s.

14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen t, let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

15 ¶ And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned, do thou unto us whatso∣ever ‡ seemeth good unto thee u, deliver us onely, we pray thee, this day.

16 And they put away the ‡ strange gods from among them x, and served the LORD: and his soul ‡ was grieved y for the misery of Israel.

17 Then the children of Ammon were ‡ ga∣thered together, and encamped in Gilead: and the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh z.

18 And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

CHAP. XI.

NOW Jephthah the Gileadite a was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of ‡ an harlot b: and Gilead c begat Jephthah.

2 And Gileads wife bare him sons, and his wives sons grew up, and they thrust out Jeph∣thah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our fathers house, for thou art the son of a strange woman.

3 Then Jephthah fled ‡ from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob d: and there were ga∣thered vain men e to Jephthah, and went out with him f.

4 ¶ And it came to pass ‡ in process of time g, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel.

5 And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah h out of the land of Tob.

6 And they said unto Jephthah, Come and be our Captain i, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.

7 And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my fathers house k? and why are ye come unto me now, when ye are in distress?

8 And the Elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now l, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabi∣tants of Gilead.

9 ¶ And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again m to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head n?

10 ¶ And the elders of Gilead said unto Jeph∣thah, The LORD ‡ be witness between us o, if we do not so according to thy words.

11 Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gi∣lead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words p before the LORD q in Mizpeh.

12 ¶ And Jephthah sent messengers r unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What hast thou to do with me s, that thou art come against me, to fight in my land t?

13 And the king of the children of Ammon an∣swered unto the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land u, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.

14 And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon.

15 And said unto him, Thus saith Jephthah, Israel took not away the land of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon.

16 But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness unto the red-sea x, and came to Kadesh:

17 Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto: and in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh y.

18 Then they went along through the wilder∣ness, and compassed the land of Edom and the land of Moab, and came by the east-side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.

19 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon, and Is∣rael said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy land unto my place z.

20 But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people to∣gether, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought with If∣rael a.

21 And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon, and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that countrey.

22 And they possessed all the coasts b of the Amorites, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and from the wilderness c even unto Jordan.

23 So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites d from before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it?

24 Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess e? so whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

25 And now art thou any thing better than Balak f, the son of Zippor king of Moab? Did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them?

26 While Israel dwelt in Heshbon, and her ‡ towns, and in Aroer, and her ‡ towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years g? why therefore did ye not reco∣ver them within that time?

27 Wherefore I have not sinned against thee h, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the judg, be judg this day i between the children of Israel, and the children of Ammon.

28 Howbeit the king of the children of Am∣mon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him.

29 ¶ Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah k, and he passed over Gilead and Manasseh l, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead m, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.

30 And Jephthah vowed a vow n unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deli∣ver the children of Ammon into mine hand:

31 Then it shall be, that ‡ whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house, to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Am∣mon, shall surely be the LORDS, ‖ and I will of∣fer it up for a burnt-offering.

32 ¶ So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon, to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hand.

33 And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith o, even twenty cities; and unto the ‖ plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter: thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

34 ¶ And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and behold his daughter came out to meet him, with timbrels and with dances p, and she was his onely child: ‖ ‡ beside her q he had neither son nor daughter.

35 And it came to pass when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter, thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me r: for I have opened my mouth s unto the LORD, and I cannot go back t.

36 And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth u: forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies x, even of the children of Ammon.

37 And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may ‡ go up and down upon the mountains y, and bewail my virginity z, I, and my fellows.

38 And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months, and she went with her com∣panions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains.

39 And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed a: and she knew no man b: and it was a ‖ castom in Israel.

40 That the daughters of Israel went ‡ yearly c ‖ to lament the daughter of Jephthah d the Gileadite four days in a year.

CHAP. XII.

AND the men of Ephraim ‡ gathered them∣selves together, and went northward a, and said unto Jephthah b, Wherefore passedst thou over c to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? We will burn thine house upon thee with fire.

2 And Jephthah said unto them, I and my peo∣ple were at great strife with the children of Am∣mon; and when I called you d, ye delivered me not out of their hand.

3 And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hand e, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver∣ed them into my hand. Wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day to fight against me f?

4 Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said▪ Ye Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim, among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites g.

5 And the Gileadites took the passages of Jor∣dan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped h, said, Let me go over, that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay i:

6 Then said they unto him, Say now Shibbo∣leth k; and he said, Sibboleth l: for he could not frame to pronounce it right m. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time n of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.

7 And Jephthah judged Israel six years: then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities o of Gilead.

8 ¶ And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem p judged Israel.

9 And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he had sent abroad, and took q in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years.

10 Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Beth∣lehem.

11 And after him, Elon a Zebulonite judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.

12 And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was bu∣ried in Ajelon, in the country of Zebulun r.

13 ¶ And after him, Abdon the son of Hillel a Pirathonite judged Israel.

14 And he had forty sons, and thirty ‡ ne∣phews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts, and he judged Israel eight years.

15 And Abdon the son of Hillel the Piratho∣nite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites s.

CHAP. XIII.

AND the children of Israel ‡ did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for∣ty years b. a

2 ¶ And there was a certain man of Zorah c, of the family d of the Danites, whose name was Ma∣noah, and his wife was barren, and bare not e.

3 And ‡ the angel of the LORD f appeared un∣to the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a Son.

4 Now therefore, beware I pray thee g, and drink not wine, nor strong drink h, and eat not any unclean thing i.

5 For lo, thou shalt conceive and bear a son, and no rasor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite k unto God from the

womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel l out of the hand of the Philistines.

6 ¶ Then the woman came, and told her husband, saying, A man of God m came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an An∣gel of God, very terrible n: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:

7 But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt con∣ceive, and bear a son: and now drink no wine, nor strong drink, neither eat any ‡ unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb, to the day of his death.

8 ¶ Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my LORD, let the man of God, which thou didst send, come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

9 And God hearkned to the voice of Ma∣noah: and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sate in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.

10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.

11 And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? and he said, I am.

12 And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass o: ‡ how shall we order the child p? and ‖ ‡ how shall we do unto him?

13 And the angel of the LORD said unto Ma∣noah, Of all that I said unto the woman, let her beware q.

14 She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine, or strong drink, neither eat any ‡ unclean thing: all that I commanded her, let her observe.

15 ¶ And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee until we shall have made ready a kid ‡ for thee r.

16 And the Angel of the LORD said unto Ma∣noah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread s: and if thou wilt offer a burnt∣offering, thou must offer it unto the LORD t: for Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD.

17 And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass, we may do thee hononr u?

18 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is ‖ secret x.

19 So Manoah took a kid, with a meat▪offer∣ing y, and offered it upon a rock z to the LORD; and the angel did wondrously, and Manoah and his wife looked on.

20 For it came to pass when the flame a went up toward heaven from off the altar b, that the an∣gel of the LORD ascended in the flame c of the altar: and Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces d to the ground.

21 (But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife): then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD.

22 And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.

23 But his wife said unto him, If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt-offering, and a meat-offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time e have told us such things as these.

24 ¶ And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him f.

25 And the spirit of the LORD began to move him at times g, in the camp of Dan h, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

CHAP. XIV.

AND Samson went down a to Timnath b, and saw a woman in Timnath, of the daugh∣ters of the Philistines.

2 And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Tim∣nath, of the daughters of the Philistines: now there∣fore get her for me to wife.

3 Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou go∣est to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines c? and Samson said unto his Father, Get her for me d; for ‡ she pleaseth me well e.

4 But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines f: for at that time the Phi∣listines had dominion over Israel.

5 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother g to Timnath, and came to the vine∣yards of Timnath h: and behold, a young lion roared ‡ against him.

6 And the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him i, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid k, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done l.

7 And he went down, and talked with the wo∣man, and she pleased Samson well.

8 ¶ And after a time m he returned to take her: and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion, and behold, there was a swarm of Bees n, and ho∣ney in the carcase of the lion.

9 And he took thereof in his hands o, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother p, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion.

10 ¶ So his father went down unto the w•…•…man, and Samson made there a feast: for so used the young men to do.

11 And it came to pass when they saw him q, that they brought thirty companions to be wi•…•… him r.

12 ¶ And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle s unto you t if ye can certainly de∣clare it me within the seven days of the feast•…•…, and find it out, then I will give you thirty ‖ sheets u, and thirty change of garments x.

13 But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets, and thirty change of gar∣ments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle that we may hear it.

14 And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness y. And they could not in these days ex∣pound the riddle.

15 And it came to pass on the seventh day z, that they said unto Samsons wife, Entice thy hus∣band, that he may declare unto us the riddle. lest we burn thee and thy fathers house with fire: Have ye called us ‡ to take that we have a? is it not so?

16 And Samsons wife wept before him, and said, Thou doest but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father, nor my mother b, and shall I tell it thee?

17 And she wept before him ‖ the seven days, while the feast lasted c: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the chil∣dren of her people.

18 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey, and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer d, ye had not found out my rid∣dle.

19 ¶ And the spirit of the LORD came upon him e, and he went down to Ashkelon f, and slew thirty men of them, and took their ‖ spoil, and gave change of garments g unto them which ex∣pounded the riddle, and his anger was kindled h, and he went up i to his fathers house.

20 But Samsons wife was given k to his compa∣nion, whom he had used as his friend l.

CHAP. XV.

BUT it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest a, that Samson vi∣sited his wife with a kid: and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber b. But her fa∣ther would not suffer him to go in.

2 And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her c, therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she? ‡ take her, I pray thee, instead of her.

3 ¶ And Samson said concerning them, ‖ Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure d.

4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes e, and took ‖ fire-brands f, and turned tail to tail, and put a fire-brand in the midst between two tails g.

5 And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go h into the standing corn of the Phili∣stines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives.

6 ¶ Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? and they answered, Samson the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Phi∣listins came up and burnt her i and her father with fire.

7 ¶ And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you k, and after that I will cease.

8 And he smote them hip and thigh l with a great slaughter m; and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam n.

9 ¶ Then the Philistines went up, and pitched in Judah o, and spread themselves p in Lehi q.

10 And the men of Judah said, Why are ye come up against us? And they answered, To bind Samson are we come up, to do to him, as he hath done to us.

11 Then three thousand men of Judah ‡ went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us r? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.

12 And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me your selves s.

13 And they spake unto him, saying, No, but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock t.

14 ¶ And when he came unto Lehi, the Phili∣stines shouted against him u, and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands ‡ loosed x from off his hands.

15 And he found a ‡ new y jaw-bone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith;

16 And Samson said, With the jaw-bone of an ass, ‡ heaps upon heaps, with the jaw-bone of an ass have I slain a thousand men z.

17 And it came to pass, when▪ he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jaw-bone out of his hand, and called that place ‖ Ramath-Lehi a.

18 ¶ And he was sore athirst b, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised c?

19 But God clave an hollow place d that was in ‖ the Jaw e, and there came water thereout, and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof ‡ En-hakkore f, which is in Lehi unto this day g.

20 And he judged Israel h in the days of the Phi∣listines i twenty years.

CHAP. XVI.

THen went Samson to Gaza a, and saw there ‡ an harlot b, and went in unto her.

2 And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were ‡ quiet all night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him c.

3 And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight d, and took the doors of the gate of the city e, and the two posts, and went away with

them f, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron g.

¶ 4 And it came to pass afterward, that he lo∣ved a woman h ‖ in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

5 And the Lords of the Philistines i came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to ‖ afflict him k; and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver l.

6 ¶ And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth m, and wherewith thou mightest be bound, to afflict thee?

7 And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven ‖ ‡ green with•…•…, that were never dried n, then shall •…•… be weak, and be as ‡ another man.

8 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs, which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.

9 (Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber o) and she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs as a thread of tow is broken, when it ‡ toucheth the fire: so his strength was not known.

10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound?

11 And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes ‡ that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as ‡ another man.

12 Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. (And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber.) And he brake them from off his arms like a threed.

13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web p.

14 And she fastened it with the pin q, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web.

15 ¶ And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me r? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth?

16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was ‡ vexed unto death s,

17 That he told her all his heart, and said un∣to her, There hath not come arasor upon mine head: for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mothers womb: If I be shaven, then my strength will go from me t, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

18 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart u, she sent and called for the Lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the Lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand.

19 And she made him sleep x upon her knees y, and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off z the seven locks of his head, and she began to afflict him a, and his strength went from him b.

20 And she said b, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said c, I will go out as at other times before, and shake my self d. And he wist not e that the LORD was departed from him f.

21 ¶ But the Philistines took him g▪ and ‡ put out his eyes h, and brought him down to Gaza i, and bound him with fetters of brass, and he did grind in the Prison-house k.

22 Howbeit, the hair of his head began to grow again l ‖ after he was shaven.

23 Then the Lords of the Philistines gathered them together m, for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon n their god, and to rejoyce: for they said, Our God hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.

24 And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our God hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, ‡ which slew many of us.

25 And it came to pass when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison-house, and he made ‡ them sport n, and they set him between the pillars.

26 And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me, that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.

27 Now the house was full of men and wo∣men, and all the Lords of the Philistines were there: and there were upon the roof o about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport.

28 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O LORD God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, onely this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes p.

29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars, upon which the house stood, and ‖ on which it was born up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left q.

30 And Samson said, Let ‡ me die with the Phi∣listines r: and he bowed himself with all his might: and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein: so the dead which he slew at his death▪ were moe than they which he slew in his life.

31 Then his brethren s, and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him t between Zorah and Eshtaol, in the burying-place of Manoah his father: and he judged Israel twenty years t.

CHAP. XVII.

AND there was a man a of mount Ephraim, whose name was ‡ Micah.

2 And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst b, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver is with me, I took it c. And his mother said, Blessed be thou of the LORD d, my son.

3 And when he had restored the eleven hun∣dred shekels of silver to his mother, his mother said, I had wholly ‡ dedicated the silver unto the LORD e, from my hand, for my son f to make a graven image, and a molten image g: now there∣fore I will restore it unto thee h.

4 Yet he restored the money unto his mother i, and his mother took two hundred shekels of silver k, and gave them to the founder, who made there▪ of l a graven image, and a molten image, and they were in the house of Micah.

5 And the man Micah had an house of gods m,

and made an ‡ ephod n and teraphim o and con∣secrated one of his sons, who became his priest p.

6 In those days there was no King q in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes r.

7 ¶ And there was a young man out of Bethle∣hem-Judah s, of the family of Judah t, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there u.

8 And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehem-Judah, to sojourn where he could find a place x, and he came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah ‡ as he journeyed.

9 And Micah said unto him, Whence comest thou? and he said unto him, I am a Levite of Beth∣lehem-Judah, and I go to sojourn where I may find a place.

10 And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest y, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and ‖ ‡ a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in.

11 And the Levite was content z to dwell with the man, and the young man was unto him as one of his sons a.

12 And Micah consecrated the Levite b, and the young man became his priest c, and was in the house of Micah.

13 Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good d, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.

CHAP. XVIII.

IN those days there was no king in Israel a and in those days the tribe of the Danites b sought them an inheritance to dwell in, for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them c a∣mong the tribes of Israel.

2 And the children of Dan sent of their fami∣ly d five men from their coasts, ‡ men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol e, to spy out the land, and to search it, and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, they lodg∣ed there f.

3 When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite g: and they turned in thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this place h? and what hast thou here?

4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus deal∣eth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his Priest.

5 And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God i, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.

6 And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the LORD is your way k wherein ye go.

7 ¶ Then the five men departed, and came to Laish l, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zido∣nians m, quiet, and secure, and there was no ‡ ma∣gistrate in the land that might put them to shame in any thingn, and they were far from the Zido∣nians o, and had no business with any manp.

8 And they came unto their brethren to Zorah, and Eshtaol, and their brethren said unto them, What say ye?

9 And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and be∣hold, it is very good: and are ye still q? Be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.

10 When ye go, ye shall come unto a peo∣ple secure, and to a large land: for God hath gi∣ven it into your hand r: a place where there is no want of any thing, that is in the earth.

11 ¶ And there went from thence of the fami∣ly s of the Danites out of Zorah, and out of Esh▪ taol six hundred men, ‡ appointed with weapons of war.

12 And they went up and pitched in Kirjath∣jearim t in •…•…udah: wherefore they called that place Mahaneh-dan, unto this day: behold it is behind Kirjath-jearim u.

13 And they passed thence unto mount Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micahx.

14 ¶ Then answered y the five men that went to spie out the countrey of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in those hou∣ses z an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? Now therefore consider what ye have to do a.

15 And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, even un∣to the house of Micah, and ‡ saluted himb.

16 And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war, which were of the chil∣dren of Dan, stood by the entring of the gate.

17 And the five men that went to spy out the land went up, and came in thither c, and took the graven image, and the ephod, and the tera∣phim, and the molten image, and the priest stood in the entring of the gated with the six hundred men that were appointed with weapons of war.

18 And these e went into Micahs house: and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the te∣raphim, and the molten image; then said the priest unto them, What do yef?

19 And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thy hand upon thy mouth g, and go with us, and be to us a father, and a priesth: Is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe, and a family i in Israel?

20 And the priests heart was glad k, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people l.

21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones, and the cattel, and the carriage before them m.

22 ¶ And when they were a good way from the house of Micah, the men that were in the houses near to Micahs house, were gathered together, and overtook the children of Dan.

23 And they cried unto the children of Dan: and they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What ails thee, ‡ that thou comest with such a company?

24 And he said, Ye have taken away my gods

which I made n, and the priest, and ye are gone away: and what have I moreo? and what is this that ye say unto me, What aileth thee?

25 ¶ And the children of Dan said unto him, Let not thy voice p be heard among us: lest ‡ angry fellows q run upon thee, and thou lose thy life r, with the lives of thy houshold.

26 And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned, and went back unto his house.

27 And they took the things which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people that were at quiet, and secure, and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire s.

28 And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man: and it was in the valley that lieth by Beth∣rehob t, and they built a city, and dwelt therein.

29 And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their Father u, who was born unto Israel: howbeit, the name of the city was Laish at the first.

30 ¶ And the children of Dan set them up the graven imagex: and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he, and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan, until the day of the captivity of the landy.

31 And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.

CHAP. XIX.

AND it came to pass in those days a •…•… and when there was no king in Israel▪ that there was a certain Levite •…•…journing on the side b of mount Ephraim, who •…•…k to him ‡ a concu∣bine c out of Bethlehem-Judah.

2 And his concubine played the whore against him d, and went away from him e unto her fathers house to Bethlehem-Judah, and was there ‖ ‡ four whole months f.

3 And her husband arose, and went after her to speak ‡ friendly unto her g, and to bring her again h, having his servant with him, and a cou∣ple of asses t: and she brought him into her fa∣thers house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him k.

4 And his father in law, the damsels father, retained him, and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.

5 ¶ And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsels father said unto his son in law, ‡ Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.

6 And they sate down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsels father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tar∣ry all night, and let thine heart ‡ be merry.

7 And when the man rose up to depart, his fa∣ther in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again.

8 And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart, and the damsels father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tar∣ried ‡ until afternoon, and they did eat both of them.

9 And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsels father, said unto him, Behold, now the day ‡ draweth towards evening, I pray you tar∣ry all night: behold, ‡ the day groweth to an end l,

lodg here that thine heart may be merry, and to morrow get ye early on your way, that thou mayest go ‡ home.l

10 But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up, and departed, and came ‡ over against Jebus (which is Jerusalem) and there were with him two asses sadled, his concubine also was with him.

11 And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent, and the servant said unto his master, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in unto this city of the Jebusites, and lodg in it.

12 And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger m that is not of the children of Israel: we will pass over to Gibeah.

13 And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodg all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah n.

14 And they passed on, and went their way, and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin o.

15 And they turned aside thither to go in, and to lodg in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sate him down in a street of the city: for there was no man that took them into his house to lodg∣ing p.

16 ¶ And behold, there came an old man from his work, out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim q, and he sojourned in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites r.

17 And when he had lift up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence co∣mest thou?

18 And he said unto him, We are passing from Berhlehem-Judah, toward the side of mount Ephraim, from thence am I: and I went to Beth∣lehem-Judah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD s, and there is no man that ‡ receiveth me to house.

19 Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses, and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing.

20 And the old man said, Peace be with thee: howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me t, one∣ly lodg not in the street.

21 So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet u, and did eat and drink.

22 ¶ Now as they were making their hearts merry x, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial y, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him z.

23 And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you do not so wickedly, see∣ing that this man is come into mine house a, do not this folly.

24 Behold, here is my daughter, a maiden, and his concubine, them I will bring out now b, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not ‡ so vile a thing.

25 But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine c, and brought her forth unto them, and they knew her, and abused her all the night, until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go.

26 Then came the woman in the dawning of

the day, and fell down d at the door of the mans house, where her lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉, till it was light.

27 And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and behold, the woman his concu∣bine was fallen down at the door of the house, and her hands were upon the threshold f.

28 And he said unto her, Up, and let us be go∣ing. But none answered g: then the man took her up upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him into his place.

29 ¶ And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones h, into twelve pieces i, and sent her into all the coasts of Is∣rael k.

30 And it was so, that all that saw it, said, There was no such deed l done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt, unto this day: consider of it, take ad∣vice, and speak your minds m.

CHAP. XX.

THEN all the children of Israel a went out b, and the congregation was gathered together as one man c, from Dan even to Beersheba d, with the land of Gilead e, unto the LORD f in Miz∣peh g

2 And ‡ the chief h of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thou∣sand i foot-men k, that drew sword.

3 (Now the children of Benjamin heard l that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us m, how was this wickedness?

4 And ‡ the Levite n, the husband of the wo∣man that was slain, answered and said, I came in∣to Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my con∣cubine, to lodge.

5 And the men of Gibeah rose up against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me o: and my concubine have they ‡ forced that she is dead.

6 And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly p in Israel.

7 Behold, ye are all children of Israel q, give here your advice and counsel.

8 ¶ And all the people arose as one man, say∣ing, We will not any of us go to his tent r, neither▪ will we any of us turn into his house:

9 But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah, we will go up by lot against it:

10 And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to •…•…etch victual for the people, that they may do,

when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, accord▪ ing to all the folly that they have wrought s in Israel t.

11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, ‡ knit together as one man.

12 ¶ And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe u of Benjamin, saying, What wick∣edness is this that is done among you?

13 Now therefore deliver us the men, the chil∣dren of Belial which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil x from Israel: but the children of Benjamin would not hearken y to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel.

14 But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities, unto Gi∣beah, to go out to battel against the children of Israel.

15 And the children of Benjamin were num∣bred at that time out of the city, twenty and six thousand men that drew sword; beside the inha∣bitants of Gibeah, which were numbred seven hun∣dred chosen men z.

16 Among all this people, there were seven hun∣dred chosen men left▪ handed a, every one could sling stones at an hairs breadth, and not miss b.

17 And the men of Israel c, beside Benjamin, were numbred four hundred thousand men that drew sword, all these were men of war.

18 ¶ And the children of Israel d arose, and went up to the house of God e, and asked coun∣sel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battel f against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.

19 And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah.

20 And the men of Israel went out to battel against Benjamin, and the men of Israel put them∣selves in aray to fight against them at Gibeah.

21 And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day, twenty and two thousand men g.

22 And the people, the men of Israel incouraged themselves h, and set their battel again in aray, in the place where they put themselves in aray the first day i.

23 (And the children of Israel went up and wept k before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to battel against the children of Benjamin my bro∣ther l l? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)

24 And the children of Israel came near a∣gainst the children of Benjamin, the second day.

25 And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again, eighteen thousand men, all these drew the sword.

26 ¶ Then all the children of Israel, and all the people went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted m that day until even, and offered burnt-offerings n, and peace-offerings o before the LORD.

27 And the children of Israel enquired of the

LORD p, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there q in those days.

28 And Phineas the son of Eleazar r the son of Aaron stood s before it t in those days) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battel against the chil∣dren of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease u? And the LORD said, Go up, for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand .

29 And Israel set liers in wait x round about Gibeah y.

30 And the children of Israel z went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day a, and put themselves in aray against Gibeah, as at other times.

31 And the children of Benjamin went out a∣gainst the people, and were drawn away from the city b, and they began ‡ to smite of the people, and kill as at other times c, in the high-ways, of which one goeth up to ‖ the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field d, about thirty men of Israel.

32 And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first: But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the high-ways.

33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place e, and put themselves in aray at Baal-Tamar: and the lyers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places f, even out of the mea∣dows of Gibeah.

34 And there came against Gibeah ten thou∣sand chosen men out of all Israel g, and the battel was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them h

35 And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel, and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand, and an hundred men i: all these drew the sword.

36 So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait, which they had set beside Gibeah.

37 And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed up∣on Gibeah, and the liers in wait ‖ drew themselves along k, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.

38 Now there was an appointed ‖ sign between the men of Israel ‡ and the liers in wait, that they should make a great ‡ flame with smoke to rise up out of the city.

39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battel, Benjamin began ‡ to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons; for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battel.

40 But when the flame began to rise up out of the city, with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and behold, the ‡ flame of the city ascended up to heaven.

41 And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed l; for they saw that evil ‡ was come upon them.

42 Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel, unto the way of the wilderness, but the battel overtook m them: and them which came out of the cities, they destroyed in the midst of them n.

43 Thus they enclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down ‖ with ease o, ‡ over against Gibeah towards the sun-rising.

44 And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thou∣sand men p; all these were men of valour.

45 And they turned and fled toward the wil∣derness, unto the rock of Rimmon▪ and they glean∣ed q of them in the high-ways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and flew two thousand men of them.

46 So that all which fell that day of Benjamin, were twenty and five thousand r men that drew the sword: all these were men of valour.

47 But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness, unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock s Rimmon four months.

48 And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin t, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men u of every city, as the beast, and all that ‡ came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that ‡ they came to.

CHAP. XXI.

NOw the men of Israel had sworn a in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wise b.

2 And the people came to the house of God c, and abode there till even before God, and lift up their voices and wept sore.

3 And said, O LORD God of Israel, Why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel d?

4 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar e, and offered burnt-offerings, and peace▪offerings.

5 And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel, that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? for they had made a great oath f concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death g.

6 And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother h, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day:

7 How shall we do for wives for them that re∣main, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?

8 And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel, that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh-gilead i to the assembly.

9 For the people were numbred, and behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there.

10 And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go, and smite the inhabitants of Ja∣besh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children k.

11 And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every wo∣man that ‡ hath lien by man l.

12 And they found among the inhabitants of Ja∣besh-gilead, four hundred ‡ young virgins m that had known no man by lying with any male: and they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.

13 And the whole congregation sent some ‡ to speak to the children of Benjamin that were in the rock Rimmon, and to call ‖ peaceably unto them.

14 And Benjamin n came again at that time, and they gave them wives which they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead: and yet so they sufficed them not.

15 And the people repented them for Benja∣min o, because that the LORD had made a breach p in the tribes of Israel.

16 ¶ Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for Wives for them that remain q? seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin:

17 And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped out of Benjamin r, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.

18 Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters; for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin s.

19 Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh ‡ yearly t, in a place which is on the north-side of Beth-el u, ‖ on the east-side ‖ of the high-way that goeth from Beth-el to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

20 Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go, and lie in wait in the vine∣yards:

21 And see, and behold, if the daughters of Shiloh x come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards y, and catch ye every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh z, and go to the land of Benjamin.

22 And it shall be when their fathers, or their brethren come unto us to complain, that we will say unto them, ‖ Be favourable unto them a for our sakes: because we reserved not to each man his wife in the war b: for ye did not give unto them at this time, that ye should be guilty c.

23 And the children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives according to their number d of them that danced, whom they caught: and they went and returned unto their inheritance e, and repaired the cities, and dwelt in them f.

24 And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe, and to his fa∣mily, and they went out from thence, every man to his inheritance.

25 In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Notes

• a

  Not long after it, because Othniel, the first Judge, lived in Ioshuah's time.
• b

  Being assembled together at Shiloh, they enquired of the High-priest by the Urim and Thum∣mim. See Numb. 27. 21. Iudg. 20. 18. 1 Sam. 23. 9.
• c

  Be∣ing sensible that the Canaanites are troublesome to them, and expected great advantage against them by their heedless con∣dition, and finding their People to encrease and multiply exceedingly, and consequently the necessity of enlarging their Quarters, they renew the War. They do not enquire who shall be the Captain General to all the Tribes; but (as appears by the answer) What Tribe shall first undertake the Expedition, that by their success the other Tribes may be encouraged to make the like attempt upon the Canaanites in their several Lots.
• d

  Not a person so called, but the Tribe of Iudah, as is manifest from v. 3, 4, 8, 9. which is chosen for the first en∣terprise, because they were both most populous, and so most needing enlargement; and withal most Valiant, and therefore most likely to succeed: for God chuseth fit means for the work which he designs; and because the Canaanites were numerous and strong in those parts, and therefore were in time to be suppressed, before they grew too strong for them.
• e

  As nearest to him both by relation, being his Brother by both Parents, which few of them were; and by habi∣tation, as appears from Ios. 19. 1, 2.
• f

  Special∣ly so called, because they are distinguished from the Pe∣rizzite, v. 4.
• g

  Not in the City, for that was not yet taken, v. 5. but in the Territory of it, or near to it; as in Hor is taken, Numb. 33. 37. And in Iericho, Ios. 5. 13.
• h

  The Lord or King of Bezek, as his Name signifies
• i

  Whither he fled, when he had lost the Field.
• k

  i. e. Against the City wherein he had Encamped himself, and the rest of his Army.
• l

  That he might be disenabled to fight with his Hands, or to run away upon his Feet. And this they did, either by the secret instinct and direction of God, or upon notice of his former Tyranny and Cruelty expressed upon others, in this manner, as it follows: either way it was a just requital.
• m

  Which is not strange in those times and places: for these might be either, First, Kings successively, and so there might be divers of those Kings in one place, and so in others: Or, Secondly, Contemporary Kings▪ For it is well known, that anciently each Ruler of a City, or great Town, was called a King, and had Kingly Power in that place; and many such Kings we meet with in Canaan: and it is probable, that some years before, Kings were more numerous there, till the greater devoured many of the less.
• ‡

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thumbs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 feet.
• That so their hands might be unable to manage weapons of War.
• ‖

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• n

  An act of Barbarous Inhumanity thus to insult over the miserable, joyned with abominable Luxury.
• o

  He acknowledgeth the Providence and vindictive Justice of God, which also Pha∣roah did, and others too, without any true sense of Piety.
• p

  They carried him in Triumph as a monument of Gods righteous Vengeance.
• To wit, in Ioshuah's time; which though done before, may be here repeated, to shew why they brought Adoni∣besek to Ierusalem, because that City was in their hands, ha∣ving been taken before; as may be gathered from Ios. 15. 63. And the taking of this City may be ascribed to the chil∣dren of Iudah, rather than to Ioshua, because the City was not taken by Ioshua, and the whole Body of the Army in that time when so many Kings were destroyed, Ios. 10. and 12. (for there is mention made of the destroying of the King of Ierusalem, Ios. 10. 23. and 12. 10. But not a word of the taking of Ierusalem, as there is of the taking of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Libnah, and other Cities belonging to the Kings there mentioned, Ios. 10. 28, &c.) but by the Children of Iudah after they had received their Lot, when at the desire, and with the consent of the Benjamites, in whose Lot Ierusalem fell. Ios. 18. 28. they assaulted and took it, and thereby, as it seems acquired the right of Copartnership with the Benjamites in the possession of that City. Though some think Ierusalem was twice taken, once in Ioshua's Life-time; and being af∣terwards recovered by the Canaanites, was now retaken by the Children of Iudah.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 10. 36. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 11. 21. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 15. 13.
• ‖

  〈◊〉〈◊〉, low Countrey.
• r

  Under the Conduct of Caleb, as it is recorded Ios. 15. 14, &c. for that relation, and this here following, are doubtless one and the same Expedition and War, as appears by all the circumstances; and it is mentioned either there by anticipa∣tion, or here by repetition. Of this and the following Ver∣ses, see the Notes there.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 15. 13.
• Chap. 3. 9.
• s

  i. e. of Iethro, so called from the people from whom he descended, Numb. 24. 21, 22. And, whatsoever he did, it is evident, that his Posterity came into Canaan with the Israe∣lites, and were there seated with them. See Iudg. 4. 11. 17. and 5. 24. 1 Sam. 15. 6. 1 Chron. 2. 55.
• t

  i. e. From Iericho so called, Deut. 34. 3. not the City, which was utterly destroyed; but the Territory belonging to it, where it seems they were seated as in a most plea∣sant, and fruitful, and safe place, according to the promise made by Moses to their Father, Numb. 10. 31, 32. and whence they might remove, either to avoid the Society or Molestation of the Neighbouring Canaanites; or out of love to the children of Iudah, whom they went to; or to avoid temptations to Luxury, and exercise themselves in self-deni∣al, and contempt of the present evil World, and the Lusts thereof; as may be thought from Ier. 35. 6, &c. Or for some other cause unknown to us at this distance.
• In the Southern part of the Land of Canaan, where Arad was, Numb. 21. 1. u i. e. Some of them, for others of them dwelt in the con∣trary quarter, in the most Northern part of the Land.
• x

  Heb. that people, to wit, those Children of Iudah that lived there.
• y

  According to his Promise, v. 3. and the Laws of Justice and Gratitude.
• z

  Either 1. The same place so destroyed and called, Numb. 21. 3. and so what was there Vowed, •…•…, here Executed: Or 2. Some other place called by the same Name upon the like occasion, which was frequent among the He∣brews: This seems more probable, 1. Because this was but one City; that, divers Cities, Numb. 21. 2, 3. 2. Because that seems to have been done in Moses his time, though In∣terpreters generally think otherwise; of which see my Notes there.
• a

  The principal Cities of the Philistines. Qu. How could this be, when among the people le•…•…t to try Israel, are the five Lords of the Philistines, Judg. 3. 3? Ans. It is onely said that they took the Cities, and probably contented them∣selves with making them Tributary; but it is not said that they slew the people, as they ought to have done; and as it is said of the other Cities here, v. 5, 8, 17, 25. And the peo∣ple being thus spared, did by Gods Just Judgment, recover their strength, and expel the Iews out of their Cities, as we find afterwards: It is further observable, that Ekron here taken, was one of Dan's Cities, Ios. 19. 43. and it was at∣tempted and taken here by Iudah and Simeon, partly out of love to their Brother Dan, and partly to secure their new Conquests, and other adjoining Territories, from such potent Neighbours.
• ‖

  Or, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the mountain.
• b

  Because of their unbelief, whereby they doubted and distrusted Gods power to destroy those who had Chariots of Iron, and so gave way to their own fear and sloth, where∣by God was provoked to withdraw his helping hand from them, and so they were really made impotent, as they were unwilling. See Ios. 17. 16.
• Numb. 14. 24. Josh. 14. 9, 13. and 15. 13.
• c

  Above mentioned, v. 10.
• d

  See on Ios. 15. 36.
• e

  i. e. The Tribe of Ephraim, as appeaars from their op∣position to the Tribe of Manasseh, v. 27.
• Gen. 28. 19.
• f

  On which side it is weakest, that we may best invade and take it.
• Josh. 2. 12, 14.
• g

  Together with his Estate, as the following Verse ma∣nifests.
• h

  Where the Hittites seated themselves after they were driven out of Canaan, which seems to be Northward from Canaan, and near unto it. See 1 King. 11. 1. 1 Chron. 1. 17.
• Josh. 17. 11, 12, 13.
• i

  i. e. That half of this Tribe which dwelt in Canaan.
• k

  A place near Iordan, Ios. 17. 11.
• ‡

  Heb. daugh∣ters.
• l

  Of which see Ios. 1•…•…. 21. and 17. 11.
• m

  A great City with large Territories. See Ios. 11. 2. and 12. 23. and 17. 11.
• n

  A Royal City. See Ios. 12. 21. and 17. 11.
• •…•…sh. 16. 10.
• o

  Which they possessed till Solomons time, 1 King. 9. 16.
• p

  A place differing from that Bethshemesh, Ios. 15. 10.
• q

  i. e. Into the Plain Countrey; which was the occasion of that Expedition for the getting of new quarters; of which we read Ios. 19. and Iudg. 18.
• r

  i. e. Of the Ephraimites, who helped their Brethren the Danites against the Amorites, and that with good Suc∣cess.
• ‡

  Heb. was heavy.
• ‖

  Or Maale∣akrabbim.
• s

  Which was in the Southern part of Canaan, Ios. 15. 2, 3. from whence it went up towards the North. This is added to shew the great power and large extent of this people.
• ‖

  Or, Messen∣ge•…•….
• a

  Either, First, a Created Angel. Or, Secondly, a Prophet or man of God, for such are sometimes called Angels, which signifies onely Messengers of God; and then the following words are spoken by him in the Name of God, as may easily be understood. Or, Thirdly, Christ the Angel of the Cove∣nant, who is oft called the Angel of the Lord, as we have formerly seen, to whom the conduct of Israel out of Egypt, and thorough the Wilderness, and into Canaan, here spoken of, is frequently ascribed, as Exod. 14. 19. and 23. 20. and 33. 14. Ios. 5. 13, 14. Iudg. 6. 12. and 13. 3. Who alone of all the Angels could speak the following words in his own Name and Person; whereas created Angels and Prophets do universally usher in their Divine Messages with, Thus saith the Lord, or some equivalent Expression. And this Angel having assumed the outward shape of a Man, it is not strange that he imitates the local motion of a Man, and comes as it were from Gilgal to the place where now they were: by which motion he signified, that he was the person that brought them to Gilgal, the first place where they rested in Canaan, and there renewed Covenant with them, and pro∣tected them there so long, and from thence went out with them to Battel, and gave them success.
• b

  A place so call∣ed here by Anticipation, for the reason expressed here, v. 5. And it seems to be no other than Shilo, where it seems pro∣bable, that the people were met together upon some solemn Festival. And this was the proper and usual place of Sacri∣ficing, v. 5.
• c

  i. e. I promised, upon condition of your keep∣ing Covenant with me.
• Deut. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• Deut. 1•…•…. •…•…▪
• d

  i. e. Disobeyed these express Commands of mine?
• e

  With my self, I have now taken up this peremptory re∣solution.
• f

  See on Numb. 33. 55. Ios. 23. 13.
• Exod. 2•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 34▪ 1•…•…▪
• g

  Some of them from a true sense of their sins; but most of them from a just apprehension of their danger and ap∣proaching misery from the Canaanites growing Power, and Gods forsaking of them; as the following History makes most probable.
• ‖

  That is •…•…∣pers.
• h

  For the expiation of their sins, by which they had pro∣voked God to this resolution; and for the regaining of Gods favour.
• Josh. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• i

  When he had distributed their Inheritances, and dismissed them severally to take Possession of them. This was done before this time, whilst Ioshua lived; but is now repeated in order to the discovery of the time, and cause, or occasion of the Peoples defection from God, and of Gods desertion of them.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 longed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• Josh. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• k

  Called Timnath-Sera, Ios. 19. 50. and 24. 30.
• l

  Which had no experimental, nor serious and affectio∣nate knowledge of God, nor of his works.
• m

  Which notes the hainousness and the impudence of their sins, above other peoples sins, because Gods presence was with them, and his eye upon them in a peculiar manner, and he did narrowly observe all their actions, which also they were not ignorant of, and therefore were guilty of more contempt of God than other People.
• n

  i. e. False gods. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Plural Number, because the gods of the Canaanites and adjoyning Nations, which Israel Worshipped, were divers, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most of them called by the name of Baal.
• n

  •…•…. e. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Moon, whom many Heathens 〈◊〉〈◊〉, th•…•…gh under divers names; and so they ran into that Error which God had so expresly warned them a•…•…st, Deut. 4. 19.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. •…•…4. 1•…•…. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. •…•….
• o

  i. e. Delivered them up, as the seller doth his Commo∣dities, unto the buyer. Thus the same Phrase is used Iudg. 3. •…•…. and 4. 9. comp. with v. 14. Psal. 44. 13.
• p

  i. e. Whatsoever expedition or business they undertook, which is usually signified by going out, and coming in.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 26. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• q

  By inward Inspiration and Excitation of their Minds and Hearts, and by outward Designation restified by some heroi∣cal and extraordinary Action.
• r

  Supreme Magistrates, whose office it was, under God, and by his particular di∣rection, to govern the Commonwealth of Israel by Gods Laws, and to protect and save them from their Enemies; to preserve and purge Religion; to maintain the Liberties of the People against all Oppressors. See Iudg. 3. 9, 10, 15, &c. and 4. 4. and 6. 25, 26. and 8. 23.
• ‡

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. s•…•…ved.
• s

  Who admonished them of their sin and folly, and of the danger and misery which would certainly befall them.
• t

  i. e. The Lord changed his course and dealings with them, as penitent Men use to do; removed his Judgments, and returned to them in mercy, Gen. 6. 6.
• ‡

  Chap. 3. 12.
• u

  To their former, and usual, and natural, though inter∣rupted course.
• ‖

  Or, were cor∣rupt.
• x

  In Egypt, or in the Wilderness.
• ‡

  H•…•…b. they let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…all of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• y

  i. e. From their evil practises, which he calls their own, partly because they were agreeable to their own natures, which in all mankind are deeply and universally corrupted, Gen. 6. 5. and 8. 21. and partly, because they were familiar and custo∣mary to them. Compare Isa. 58. 13. and 66. 3. Ezek. 36. 32. Act. 14. 16. Iude, v. 16.
• z

  Heb. hard way: so he calls their way of wickedness, either because it proceeded from an hard heart, and was managed with an hard and stiff neck: or to signifie, that although it seemed at first very soft, and easie, and pleasant, yet they would certainly, and did constant∣ly find, that it was hard, and difficult, and troublesome to them, as an hard way is to the Traveller.
• Jo•…•…h. 23. 13.
• ‖

  Either, First, that I may trie, and see whether. Israel wi•…•… be true and faithful to me, or whether they will suffer them∣selves to be corrupted by the evil counsels and examples of their bad neighbours, whom I will leave among them for their Tryal and Exercise. Or, Secondly, That by them I may a•…•…ict and punish Israel; for A•…•…ons are co•…•…y and justly called trials. But the former sense suits better with the following words.
• ‖

  Or, suffered.
• ‡

  Or, speedily, when the Israelites desired it, and needed i•…•….
• a

  i. e. Such who had no experience of those Wars, nor of Gods extraordinary Power and Providence manifested in them.
• b

  That by the Neighbourhood of such Warlike and Po∣tent Enemies, they might be purged from Sloth and Securi∣ty, and obliged to inure themselves to Martial Exercises, and to stand continually upon their guard, and consequently to keep close to that God whose Assistance they had so great and constant need of.
• Josh. 13. 3.
• c

  Whereof three had been in some sort subdued, Iudg. 1. 18. But afterwards rescued themselves, and recovered their former strength. See on Iudg. 1. 18.
• d

  Properly so called, who were very numerous, and dispersed through several parts of the Land, whence they gave denomination to all the rest of the People.
• e

  The people living near Zidon, and subject to its jurisdiction.
• f

  Which was the Eastern part of mount Lebanon: See Deut. 3. 8, 9.
• g

  i. e. That they and others might know by experience.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 16. Deut. 7. 3.
• h

  Were drawn to Idolatry by the perswasions and exam∣ples of their Yoke-fellows, through the just judgment of God, punishing their sinful Marriages by giving them up to Idolatry.
• i

  i. e. In the Groves, in which the Heathens usually Wor∣shipped their Baalims or Idols. Or, the Groves are here put Metonymically for the Idols of the Groves, which are distin∣guished here from their Baalim, which seem to have been Worshipped in other places, as the Prophets of Baal are distinguished from the Prophets of the Groves, 1 King. 18. 19.
• Heb. •…•…. 7.
• ‡

  Heb. Aram∣na •…•…araim.
• k

  i. e. Were made subject and Tributary to him.
• l

  i. e. Prayed servently for deliverance.
• ‡

  Heb. saviour.
• Chap. 1. 13.
• m

  Of which see on Judg. 1. 13.
• See Num. 27. 18.
• ‡

  Heb. was.
• n

  With extraordinary Influences, indowing him with sin∣gular wisdom, and courage, and resolution; and stirring him up to this great undertaking. Compare Iudg. 6. 34. and 11. 29.
• o

  i. e. Pleaded and avenged the cause of Isra∣el against their oppressors, as that Phrase is oft used, as Deut. 32. 36. Psal. 10. 18. and 43. 1.
• ‡

  Heb. Aram.
• p

  Either First, it rested about Forty Years, or the greatest part of Forty Years: it being most frequent in Scripture to use Numbers in such a Latitude. Thus the Israelites are said to bear their iniquities forty years in the wilderness, Numb. 14. 33. when there wanted near two years of that number; and to dwell in Egypt 430 years, when there want∣ed many years of that number. Thus Ioseph's kindred sent for, and called by him into Egypt, are numbred Seventy five souls, Act. 7. 14. although they were but Seventy, as is affirmed Gen. 46. 27. Exod. 1. 5. So here the land is said to rest forty years, although they were in servitude Eight of those Years, v. 8. And in like manner the land is said to have rest eighty years, though Eighteen of them they served the King of Moab, v. 18. And so in some other instances. Nor is it strange and unusual either in Scripture or in other Authors, for things to be denominated from the greater part, as here it was; especially, when they did enjoy some degrees of rest and peace even in their times of slavery, which here they did. Or, Secondly, it rested, i. e. began to rest, or re∣covered its interrupted rest, in the fortieth year, either after Ioshuahs Death, or after that first and famous Rest pro∣cured for them by Ioshua, as is noted Heb. 4. 9. when he destroyed and subdued the Canaanites, and gave them quiet possession of the Land; and the land had rest from war, as is said Ios. 11. 23. and 14. 15. So there is this difference be∣tween the years of Servitude and Oppression, and those of Rest, that in the former he tells us how long it lasted; in the latter, when it began; by which, compared with the other years, it was easie also to know how long the Rest lasted. To strengthen this Interpretation, two things must be noted: 1. That resting is here put for beginning to Rest, as to be∣get is put for beginning to beget, Gen. 5. 32. and 11. 26. and to Reign, for to begin to Reign, 2 Sam. 2. 10. and to build, 1 King. 6. 15. 36. for to begin to build, 2 Chron. 3. 1. 2. That forty years is put for the fortieth year: the Cardinal Number for the Ordinal, which is common both in the holy Scripture, as Gen. 1. 5, and 2. 11. Exod. 12. 2. Hag. 1. 1. Mark. 16. 1. and in other Authors.
• 1 Sam. 12. 9.
• p

  By giving him Courage, and Power, and Success against them.
• q

  i. e. Iericho, as may be gathered from Deut. 34. 3. Iudg. 1. 16. 2 Chron. 28. 15. Not the City which was De∣molished, but the Territory belonging to it. Here he fixed his Camp, partly for the admirable Fertility of that Soil; and partly, because of its nearness to the passage over Iordan, which was most commodious both for the conjunction of his own Forces which lay on both sides of Iordan; and to prevent the Conjunction of the Israelites in Canaan with their Bre∣thren beyond Iordan; and to secure his Retreat into his own Country, which therefore the Israelites prevented, v. 28.
• ‡

  Heb. a sa•…•…∣our.
• ‖

  Or, the s•…•… of Jemini.
• r

  Heb. the son of Iemini, who was of the Tribe of Ben∣jamin, 2 Sam. 16. 11. and 19. 17. 1 King 2. 8. This Tribe was next to him, and doubtless most Afflicted by him; and hence God raiseth a Deliverer.
• ‡

  Heb. shut 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his right hand▪
• s

  Which is here noted, partly, as a mark of his Courage, and Strength, and Activity: See Iudg. 20. 16. and principally, as a considerable Circum∣stance in the following Story, whereby he might more ad∣vantagiously and unsuspectedly give the deadly blow.
• t

  Long enough for his design, and not too long for carri∣age and concealment.
• u

  Which was most convenient both for the use of his left hand, and for the avoiding of suspi∣tion.
• x

  Which was to be paid to him as a part of his Tribute.
• y

  And therefore more unweildy and unable to ward of Ehud's blow.
• z

  He accompanied them part of the way, and then dis∣missed them, and returned to Eglon alone, that so he might have more easie access to him, and privacy with him; and that he might the better make his escape.
• a

  As if he had forgot or neglected some important busi∣ness.
• ‖

  Or, g•…•… images.
• b

  Either First, Whence they hewed stones: Or Second∣ly, The Twelve Stones which Ioshua set up there; by the sight whereof he was animated to his Work. Or, Thirdly, The Idols, as the Word also signifies, which that Heathen King might place there, either in spight and contempt to the Israelites who had that place in great Veneration: or, that he might ascribe his Conquest of the Land to his Idols, at the Israelites did to the true God, by setting up this Monu∣ment in the entrance or beginning of it.
• c

  Till my Ser∣vants be gone: whom he would not have acquainted with a business which he supposed to be of great and close impor∣tance.
• ‡

  Heb. a p•…•…∣lour of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• d

  They had divers Houses and Chambers, some for Winter, others for Summer. See Ier. 36. 22. Amos 3. 15.
• e

  Into which he used to retire himself from company: which is men∣tioned as the reason why his Servants waited so long ere they went in to him, v. 25.
• f

  To be delivered not in Words, but by Actions: Heb. a Word, or Thing, or Business. So that there is no need to charge Ehud with a Lye, as some do.
• g

  This he saith to Amuse him, by raising his expectation and wonder, to divert him from any apprehension of his Danger, and to oblige him to rise out of his Seat, which he knew he would do from the common practise of the Heathens in their entercourses with God. And he designedly useth the name Elohim, which was common to the true God, and false ones; and not Iehovah, which was peculiar to the true God; because Ehud not knowing whether the Message came not from his own false god, he would more certainly rise▪ and thereby give Ehud more advantage for his blow; where∣as he would-possibly shew his Contempt of the God of Is∣rael by sitting still to hear his Message.
• ‡

  Heb. there▪
• h

  In token of hum∣ble subjection and reverence to God. See Numb. 23. 18. 2 King. 23. 3. which condemns those Christians that behave themselves irreverently in the Presence and Service of the true God.
• ‡

  Heb. flame, so Gr. see Gen. •…•…. 24.
• ‡

  Heb. because he drew not. so Gr.
• ‖

  Or, it came out at the fun∣dament.
• i

  i. e. His Excrements came forth, not at the Wound, which closed up; but at the Fundament, as is usual, when persons Die either a Natural or Violent Death.
• k

  With a composed Countenance and Gate, without any fear; being well assured, that God who by his extraordinary Call had put him upon that enterprise, would by his special Providence preserve him, and carry him through it.
• l

  Ei∣ther upon the King, or upon or after himself.
• m

  Either by pulling it close after him, as we do when Doors have spring-Locks; or by taking the Key with him for more caution; and this he did, that they supposing the King to be retired, might wait till he was gone.
• ‖

  Or, doth his easement.
• n

  This phrase is used only here, and 1 Sam. 24. 3. It is commonly understood in both places, of easing nature; be∣cause the men not then wearing Breeches as we do, but long Coats, they did in that act cover their feet, as Women do: But a late judicious Interpreter expounds it, of compo∣sing himself to take a little Sleep or Rest, as was very usual to do in the day-time in those hot Countreys, 2 Sam. 4. 5. and 11. 2. And when they did so in cool places, such as this Summer-Parlour unquestionably was, they used to cover their Feet, as appears from Ruth 3. 7. And this may seem to be the more probable, both because the Summer-Parlour was more proper for this use, than for the former; and because this was a more likely reason of their long waiting at his Door, lest they should disturb his repose. And this sense best agrees with Saul's case in the Cave, when being asleep David could more securely cut off the lap of his Garment, 1 Sam. 24. 3. where see my Annotations.
• o

  Or, confounded, not knowing what to say or think; lest they should either disturb him, or be guilty of neglect towards him.
• p

  Another Key, it being usual in Princes Courts to have divers Keys for the same Door.
• q

  Whom doubtless he had prepared, and by his emissa∣•…•…ies gathered together in considerable numbers.
• r

  Where they passed over Iordan, that neither the Moa∣bites that were got into Canaan, might escape, nor any more Moabites come over Iordan to their succour.
• ‡

  •…•…eb. fat. •…•…
• s

  How these are to be understood, see on v. 11. instead of eighty, some Copies read eight years.
• t

  As Sampson did a thousand with the Jaw-bone of an Ass; both being miraculous actions, and not at all incredi∣ble to him that believes a God, who could easily give strength both to the persons and to their Weapons to effect this.
• ‡

  Heb. saved.
• a

  i. e. Of the Land where the most of the Canaanites, strictly so called, now dwelt, which seems to be in the Northern part of Canaan. This seems to be of the Posteri∣ty of that Iabin, whom Ioshua slew, Ios. 11. 11. who watch∣ed all opportunities to recover his ancient Possessions, and to revenge his own, and Fathers Quarrel upon the Israelites.
• b

  Either 1. In the City of Hazor, which though taken and burnt by Ioshua, chap. 11. 11. yet might be retaken and rebuilt by the Canaanites: Or 2. In the Territory or King∣dom of Hazor, which might now be restored to its former largeness and power, Ios. 11. 10. the names of Cities being oft put for their Territories, as Zorah, a City, Ios. 15. 33. is put for the Fields belonging to it, Iudg. 13. 2. in which Samp∣son's Parents lived, Iudg. 13. 25. and 16. 31. and 18. 2.
• 1 Sam. 12. 9.
• c

  So called, because it was much frequented and inhabited by the Gentiles, either by the Canaanites, who being beaten out of their former Possessions, seated themselves in those Northern parts; or by other Nations coming thither for Traffick; or upon divers occasions, as Strabo notes of those parts, whence Galilee, where this was, is called Galilee of the Gentiles.
• d

  More than the former Tyrants; partly from his malice and hatred against the Israelites; and principally from Gods Just Judgment, the growing punishment being most suita∣ble to their aggravated wickedness.
• ‡

  Heb. a wo∣man, a prophe∣tess.
• e

  As there were Men-Prophets, so there were also Women-Prophetesses, as Miriam, Exod. 15. 20. Huldah, 2 King. 22. 14. and divers others; but the word Prophets or Prophetesses is very ambiguous in both Testaments; sometimes being used of persons extraordinarily Inspired by God, and endowed with a power of working Miracles, and foretelling things to come; and sometimes of Persons endowed with special, though not miraculous gifts or graces, for the better under∣standing of, and discoursing about the Word and Mind of God, for praising of God, or the like; of which see 1 Chron. 25. 1. 1 Cor. 11. 5. and 14. 1, 3, 4, &c. And of this sort were the Sons of the Prophets, or such who were bred in the Schools of the Prophets, who are oft called Prophets, as 1 Sam. 10. 5, 10, 11, 12. See also 1 King. 18. 4. and 19. 10. And because we read nothing of Deborah's miraculous acti∣ons, peradventure she was only a Woman of eminent Holi∣ness and Prudence, and Knowledg of the Holy Scriptures, by which she was singularly qualified for the Judging of the People according to the Laws of God. If it be alledged, that she foresaw and foretold the following Victory; so did all the Sons of the Prophets foresee and foretel Elijah's translation, 2 King. 2. 3, 5. which yet were not extraordi∣nary Prophets.
• f

  Or, a Woman of Lapidoth; and so Lapi∣doth is not the name of a man, but of the place of her Birth or Abode.
• g

  i. e. Determined Causes and Controversies arising among the Israelites as is implied v. 5. And this Iabin might suffer to be done, especially by a Woman; and the frequent discharge of this part of the Judges Office, where∣by she gained great Power and Authority with the People, did notably (though not observed by the Tyrant), prepare the way for her sliding into the other part of her Office, which was to defend and rescue the People from their Ene∣mies.
• h

  To have their Suits and Causes determined by her •…•…ence.
• i

  By vertue of that power which God had given her, and the people owned in her.
• Heb. 11. 32.
• k

  So called, to distinguish it from other places of that name, one in Iudah, Ios. 15. 23. and another in Issachar, 1 Chron. 6. 72.
• l

  i. e. Assuredly God hath commanded thee; this is not the fancy of a weak Woman, which peradventure thou maist despise; but the Command of the great God by my Mouth: Which Com∣mand of God, and the following assurance of Success, the might either g•…•…her from the general rules of Scripture, and the common course of Gods gracious Providence, which was always ready to succour them when they cryed to God; or receive by instinct or direction from God.
• m

  Or, go; for so this word is oft used, as Gen. 37. 28. Iudg. 20▪ 37. Iob 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 33. Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to wit, thy self, or thy feet.
• n

  A place most fit for his purpose, as being in the borders of di∣vers Tribes, and having a large Plain at the top of it, where he might conveniently Marshal and Discipline his Ar∣my.
• o

  The•…•…e she names, partly, because they were nearest and best known to Barak, and therefore soonest brought together; partly, because they were nearest to the Enemy, and therefore must speedily be Assembled, or else they were likely to be hindred in their Design, whilst the other Tribes being at more distance, had better opportunity of gather∣ing Forces for their succour; and partly, because these had most smarted under this Oppressor, who was in the heart of their Countrey, and therefore were most forward in the present Service; but these are not named exclusively, as ap∣pears by the concurrence of some other Tribes, as is re∣•…•…ed Iudg. 5.
• p

  By my secret and powerful Providence, ordering and over-ruling his inclinations that way.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ •…•…▪ •…•…▪ •…•….
• q

  His offer to go with her, shews the truth of his Faith, for which he is praised, Heb. 11. 32. but his refusal to go without her, shews the weakness of his Faith, that he could not trust Gods bare word, as he ought to have done, with∣out the Pledge of the Presence of his Prophetess, whom he thought God would preserve and deliver, and himself for her sake.
• r

  Heb. the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, i. e. the course or practise, as the way is taken, Numb. 22. 32.
• s

  Either 1. I•…•…el, or rather 2. Debo∣rah, who being, as it were, the •…•…dg and chief Commandress of the Army, the Honour of the Victory would be ascribed to her: But for Iael, her Fact would have been the same, though Barak had gone into the Field without Deborah.
• t

  i. e. Who followed him or his Foot-steps; possibly he intimates that they were all Foot-men, the Israelites neither now having, nor otherwise allowed to have a multitude of Horses; and so this is emphatically added, to signify by what contemptible means God overthrew Sisera's great Host, wherein there were Ten Thousand Horse, as Iosephus re∣ports.
• u

  The Husband of Iael, v. 17.
• x

  Of whom see Numb. 24. 21, 22. Iudg. 1. 16.
• y

  Called also Iethro. See Numb. 10. 29.
• z

  From the rest of his Brethren, who lived in the wilderness of Iudah, Iudg. 1. 16. which removal is here mentioned, lest any should wonder to find the Kenites in this place.
• a

  i. e. His dwelling, which probably was in Tents, as Shep∣herds used.
• b

  They, i. e. His people dwelling there, or his Spies; or, he was told, this being an impersonal Speech.
• ‡

  Heb. •…•…∣ed by 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proclam•…•….
• c

  Heb. arise, delay not, fall to thy work.
• d

  To wit, as General of thine Army, to Fight for thee; see Iudg. 5. 20. and 2 Sam. 5. 24.
• e

  He doth not make use of the advantage which he had of the Hill, where he might have been out of the reach of his Iron Chariots, Ios. 17. 16. but boldly march∣eth down into the Valley, to give Sisera the opportunity of using all his Horses and Chariots, that so the Victory might be more glorious and wonderful.
• Psal. 83▪ •…•… 10.
• f

  With great Terror and Noise, as the word signifies, Exod. 14. 24. Ios. 10. 10. 1 Sam. 7. 10. most probably with Thun∣der, and Lightning, and Hail-stones, or other such Instru∣ments of Destruction poured upon them from Heaven, as is sufficiently implied, Iudg. 5. 20.
• g

  i. e. By the Sword of Barak and his Army, whose Ministry God used; but so, that they had little else to do, but to kill those whom God by more powerful Arms had put to flight.
• h

  That he might flee away more secretly and securely in the quality of a com∣mon Soldier, whereas his Chariot would have exposed him to more observation and hazard.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one.
• i

  To wit, in the Field; for there were some who fled away, as Sisera did.
• k

  For Women had their Tents apart from their Husbands, Gen. 24. 67. and 31. 33. And here he thought to lurk more securely than in her Husbands Tent.
• l

  Not a League or Covenant of Friendship, which they were forbidden to make with that cursed People; but onely a cessation of Ho∣stilities, which he afforded them because they were a peace∣able people, abhorring War, and wholly minding Pasturage, and were not Israelites, with whom his principal Quarrel was; and especially by Gods over-ruling disposal of his heart to favour them who were careful to keep themselves uncorrupted with Israel's Sins, and therefore are preserved from their Plagues.
• m

  This was a promise of Security, and therefore she can∣not be excused from Dissimulation and Treachery in the manner, though the substance of her act was lawful and worthy.
• ‖

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blanke•…•….
• Chap. •…•…. •…•…5.
• n

  Either because •…•…he had not Water in her Tent, and pre∣tended •…•…ear of Discovery, or some inconvenience if she went •…•…ut to •…•…etch it; or, as a signification of greater respect; or as a likely mean to cast him into a Sleep, which she desired and designed; to which end, possibly she might mix some∣thing with it to cause Sleep, which she could not so conve∣niently have done with water.
• o

  Upon pretence of hiding him, but really to dispose him to Sleep.
• p

  He speaks imperiously to her; but it is observable, that she gives him no promise to do so, nor makes him any An∣swer; possibly because though she knew her design upon him was warrantable, yet she had proceeded too far in using dissimulation therein.
• q

  Wherewith they used to fasten the Tent, which conse∣quently was long and sharp, being headed with Iron; These Weapons she chuseth, either, 1. Because she had no better Weapons at hand, this being only the Womans Tent, where Arms use not to be kept, and these people being wholly gi∣ven to Peace, and negligent of War; Or Sisera having dis∣armed them before this time. Or, 2. Because she had more skill in the handling these, than other Weapons, being pro∣bably accustomed to fasten the Tents herewith. Or, 3. Be∣cause this was very proper for his present posture, and which she knew would be effectual.
• ‡

  Heb. pu•…•….
• r

  Which is the softest part of the Skull, and soonest pierced. This might seem a very bold attempt; but it must be considered, that she was encouraged to it, partly by observing that the Heavens and all the Elements conspired against him, as against one de∣voted to Destruction; partly, by the fair opportunity which Gods Providence put into her hands; and principally, by the secret instinct of God inciting her to it, and assuring her of success in it. Qu. What shall we judge of this fact of Iaels? It is a difficult question, and necessary to be determined, because on the one hand there seems to be gross perfidious∣ness, and an horrid violation of all the Laws of Hospitality and Friendship, and of the Peace which was established between Sisera and her; and on the other side, this fact of hers is applauded and commended in Deborah's Song, Iudg. 5. 24, &c. And some who make it their business to pick quarrels with the Holy Scriptures, from hence take occasi∣on to question and reject their Divine Authority, for this very passage, because it commends an act so contrary to all Humanity, and so great a breach of Faith: And whereas all the pretence of their Infidelity is taken from the follow∣ing Song, and not from this History wherein the Fact is bare∣ly related, without any reflection upon it; There are many answers given to that Argument, as, 1. That there was no League of Friendship between Iael and Sisera, but onely a Cessation of Acts of Hostility, of which see the Notes on v. 17. 2. That Deborah doth not commend Iaels words, v. 18. Turn in my Lord, fear not; in which the great strength of this Objection lies; but onely her action, and that Artifice, that he asked water, and she gave him milk; which if impartially examined, will be found to differ but lit∣tle from that of Warlike Stratagems, wherein a man lays a Snare for his Enemy, and deceives him with pretences of do∣ing something which he never intends. And Sisera, though for the time he pretended to be a Friend, yet was in truth a bitter▪ and implacable Enemy unto God and all his people, and consequently to Iael her self. But these and other An∣swers may be omitted, and this one consideration following may abundantly suffice to stop the mouths of these men: It cannot be denied, that every word, or passage, or dis∣course which is recorded in Scripture, is not Divinely Inspi∣red, because some of them were uttered by the Devil, and others by Holy men of God, but mistaken (the Prophets themselves not always speaking by Inspiration) such as the Discourse of Nathan to David, 2 Sam. 7. 3. which God pre∣sently contradicted, v. 4, 5, &c. and several Discourses of Iob's three Friends, which were so far from being Divinely Inspired, that they were in a great degree unsound, as God himself tells them, Iob 42. 7. Ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my Servant •…•…ob hath; this being so, the worst that any malicious mind can infer from this place is, That this Song, though indited by a good man or woman, was not Divinely Inspired, but onely composed by a person piously minded, and transported with Joy for the delive∣rance of Gods People, but subject to mistake; who •…•…ere∣fore out of zeal to commend the happy Instrument of so great a deliverance, might easily overlook the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the means by which it was accomplished, and commend that which should have been disliked. And if they further object, that it was composed by a Prophetess, Deborah, and therefore must be Divinely Inspired; it may be replied, 1. That it is not certain what kind of Prophetess Deborah was, whe∣ther extraordinary and infallibly, or ordinary, and so liable to mistakes; for there were Prophets of both kinds, as hath been proved above on v. 4. 2. That every expression of a true and extraordinary Prophet was not Divinely Inspired, as is evident from Nathan's mistake above-mentioned, and from Samuel's mistake concer•…•… Eliab, whom he thought to be the Lords Anointed, 1 Sam. 16. 6.
• ‡

  Heb. going, went and was hard.
• a

  The composer of this Song, as may be gathered from v. 7.
• b

  Give him the praise who hath done the work.
• c

  Or, for taking Vengeance, to wit, upon his and their Enemies, by Israel, or for Israel, for Israels benefit, or for the injuries and violences offered by them to Israel.
• d

  Chiefly Zebulun and Naphtali, below v. 18. and 4. 6. and others hereafter men∣tioned.
• e

  When neither Deborah nor Barak had any power to compel them.
• f

  You especially that live near to Israel, and have evil minds and designs against Israel, know this for your instruction, and caution, and terror too, if you shall presume to molest them.
• g

  Who, as you see by this plain instance, is both able and resolved to defend them from all their ene∣mies.
• Deut. 33. 2.
• h

  Seir and Edom are the same place; and these two expressions note the same thing, even Gods marching in the head of his people from Seir or Edom, towards the Land of Canaan: Whilest the Israelites were encompassing Mount Seir, there were none of the following effects; but when once they had done that, and got Edom on their backs, then they marched directly forwards towards the Land of Canaan; the Prophetess being to praise God for the present Mercy, takes her rise higher, and begins her Song with the Com∣memoration of the former and ancient deliverances afford∣ed by God to his people, the rather because of the great re∣semblance this had with them, in the extraordinary and mi∣raculous manner of them.
• Psal. 68. 8. Isa. 64. 1. Hab. 3. 10.
• i

  Either, 1. The Inhabitants of the Earth or Land; or 2. The Earth, properly taken as the following passages are; God prepared the way for his People, and struck a dread into their Enemies, by Earth∣quakes, as well as by other Terrible Signs.
• k

  i. e. Thou didst send most dreadful Showers of Rain, Storms and Tempests, Thunder and Lightning, and other tokens of thy displeasure upon thine Enemies, as may appear by compa∣ring this with other parallel Texts.
• Psal. 97. 5.
• ‡

  Heb. •…•…med.
• l

  Or, •…•…owed, with Floods of Water poured out of the Clouds upon them, and from them flowing down in a migh∣ty Etream upon the lower grounds, and carrying down some part of the Mountain with it, as is usual in excessive Showers.
• Psal. 68. •…•….
• m

  She s•…•…ides into the mention of another, and a more ancient appearance of God for his People, to wit, in Sinai; it being usual in Scripture repetitions of former acti∣ons, to put divers together into a narrow compass, and in few words. The sense is, No wonder that the Mountains of the Amorites and Canaanites melted and trembled when thou didst lead thy People towards them, for even Sinai it sel•…•… could not bear thy Presence, but melted in like man∣ner before thee. Or, as that Sinai did upon a like ma∣nifestation of thy self; so there is onely a defect of the Particle as, which I have shewed•…•… to be frequent.
• n

  Whilest Shamgar lived, who was, if not a Judg, yet an eminent person for Strength and Valour, Iudg. 3. 31.
• Chap. 4. 18.
• o

  Iael, though an Illustrious Woman, and of great Authority and In∣fluence upon the People, did effect nothing for the Delive∣rance of Gods People, till God raised me up, &c.
• ‡

  Heb. walk∣ers of paths.
• ‡

  Heb. crook∣ed ways.
• p

  Partly, because of the Canaanites, who besides the publick Burdens and Tributes which they laid upon them, waited for all op∣portunities of doing them mischief secretly; their Soldi∣ers watching for Travellers in Common Roads, as is usual with such in times of War; and partly, because of the Robbers even of their own people, who having cast off the •…•…r and Worship of God, and there being no King or Ru∣le•…•… in Israel to restrain or punish them, and being also many of them reduced to great want, through the Op∣pression of the Canaanites; it is not strange, if in those times of publick disorder and ataxy, divers of the Israelites themselves did break forth into acts of Injustice and Vio∣lence, even against their own Brethren, whom they could meet with in convenient places, which made Travellers seek •…•…or by-paths.
• q

  The people forsook all their unfortified Towns, as not being able to protect them from Military Insolence.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 49. 23.
• r

  i. e. To be to them as a Mother, to Instruct, and Rule, and Pro∣tect them, which Duties a Mother oweth to her Children, as far as she is able.
• s

  They did not onely submit to Idolatry when they were forced to it by Tyrants, but they freely chose it.
• t

  New to them, and unknown to their Fathers, and new in comparison of the true and everlasting God of Israel, being but Up-starts, and of yesterday.
• u

  i. e. In their Walled Ci∣ties, which have Gates and Bars; Gates are oft put for Ci∣ties, as Gen. 22. 17. Deut. 17. 2. Obad. v. 11. Then their strongest Holds fell into the hands of their Enemies.
• 1 Sam. 13. 19, •…•…2.
• x

  i. e. There was not; the meaning is not, that all the Israelites had no Arms, for here is mention made onely of Shields or Spears, so they might have Swords, and Bows and Ar∣rows to offend their Enemies; but, either that they had but few Arms among them, being many Thousands of them disarmed by the Canaanites; or that they generally negle∣cted the use of Arms, as being utterly dis-spirited, and with∣out all hope of recovering their lost Liberty, and being necessitated to other employments for subsistence.
• y

  I greatly honour and love those, who being the chief of the people in Wealth and Dignity, did not withdraw themselves from the work, as such usually do; but did expose themselves to the same hazards, and joyned with their meaner Brethren in this noble, but dangerous attempt; and by their Examples and Countenance engaged others in it.
• z

  Who inclined their hearts to this undertaking, and gave them Success in it. As she gives Instruments their due, so she is careful the Soveraign Cause, and Lord of all, lose not his Glory.
• ‖

  Or meditate.
• a

  Celebrate the Praises of our Mighty God, whose hard hath done this.
• b

  i. e. Magistrates and Nobles, who used to do so, Iudg. 10. 4. and 12. 14. Hories being in a manner forbidden the•…•…e, Deut. 17. 16.
• c

  i. e. You that now can safely Travel about your business in those High-ways, which before you durst neither ride •…•…or wal•…•… in: So 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and mean persons are jointly excited to Praise God.
• d

  Either 1. From the noise or sound, and consequently, the force of those Arrows which are shot at them; but he names the noise, because this Epithete is frequently given to Bows and Arrows in Poetical Writings: Or, 2. From the Triumphant noise and shout of Archers, rejoycing when they meet with their Prey.
• e

  At those Pits or Springs of Water, which were scarce and precious in those hot Countreys, to which the peoples Necessities forced them oft to resort, and nigh unto which the Archers did usu∣ally lurk in Woods, or Thickets, or Hedges, that from thence they might shoot at them, and kill and spoil them.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the LORD.
• f

  When they come to those places with freedom and safety, which before they could not, they shall with thankfulness re∣hearse this Righteous, and Faithful, and Gracious work of God, in rescuing his People, and Punishing his Enemies.
• g

  Whom he mentions, because as their danger was greater, v. 7. so was their Deliverance and their Obligation to Praise God.
• h

  To wit, of their Cities, which were the chief places to which both City and Countrey resorted for publick business and matters of Justice, from which they had been debarred by their Oppressors; but now they had free access and passage, either in or out of the Gates, as their occasions required; and they who had been driven from their Cities, now returned to them in Peace and Tri∣umph; so the Citizens Deliverance is Celebrated here, as the Countrey-mens is in the foregoing words.
• i

  Stir up thy self and all that is within thee, to Admire and Praise the Lord.
• k

  How could this be done, when there was none of them left, Iudg. 4. 16? Ans. 1. None were left to make head against them. 2. None is oft put for few, and those few might be taken after the Battel, and carried Captive, and led in Triumph, and afterward Slain.
• l

  Thus God did not onely preserve the poor and despi∣sed remnant of his people, from the fury of the Oppressor before this War, and from the Destruction which Sisera de∣signed and promised himself to bring upon them by this War; but also gave them the Victory, and thereby the Do∣minion over the Princes and Nobles of Canaan, who were combined against them.
• m

  Though but a weak Wo∣man.
• n

  Now she relates the carriage and miscarriage of the se∣veral tribes in this expedition, and she begins with Ephraim.
• o

  Either First, of the Ephraimites: or Secondly, of them that came forth to this Expedition. By root she seems to mean a branch, as that word is sometimes used, as Isa. 11. 10. and 53. 2. By which also she may note the fewness of those that came out of Ephraim, that fruitful bough consisting of many branches, Gen. 49. 22. yielding but one branch, or an handful of Men to this service.
• p

  The constant and sworn enemy of the Israelites, who were confederate with their last oppressors the Moabites, Judg. 3. 13. And in all pro∣bability took their advantage now against the Israelites in the southern or middle parts of Canaan, whilest their main Force was drawn Northward against Iabin and Sisera. Against these therefore Ephram sent forth a Party, and so did Benjamin, as it here follows; and these hindred their conjunction with Iabin's Forces, and gave their brethren the advantage of sighting with Sisera alone.
• q

  Benjamin fol∣lowed Ephraim's Example. Or, After thee, O Benjamin: and thus the preeminence is here given to Benjamin in two re∣spects; First, That he was first in this Expedition, as indeed he lay nearer the Amalekites, and by his example incoura∣ged the Ephraimites. Secondly, That the whole Tribe of Benjamin, though now but small, came forth to this War, when the numerous Tribe of Ephraim sent only an handful to it▪
• r

  Either First, among the people of Benjamin, with whom those few Ephraimites united themselves in this Ex∣pedition. Or, Secondly, among the People or Tribes of Is∣rael; to wit, those who ingaged themselves in this War.
• s

  i. e. Out of the Tribe of Manasseh, which are elsewhere called by the name of Machir, as Ios. 13. 31. to wit, out of the half Tribe which was within Iordan; for of the other she speaks, v. 17.
• t

  Either civil Governours, the Prin∣ces and great Persons, who were as ready to hazard them∣selves, and their ample Estates, as the meanest: or Military Officers, valiant and expert Commanders, such as some of Machir's Posterity are noted to have been.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• u

  i. e. Even the Scribes, who gave themselves to Study and Writing, whereby they were exempted from Military Service, did voluntarily enter into this Service. Or, they that drew, to wit, The People after them, as that Verb is used, Iudg. 4. 6. With the pen of the scribe or writer, i. e. Who did not only go themselves, but by their Letters invited and engaged others to go with them to the Battel.
• x

  i. e. Ready to assist her.
• y

  Heb. And Issachar, i. e. The Tribe, or People of Issachar, following the counsel and exam∣ple of their Princes, and being now at their Commandments, as they were afterward upon another occasion, 1 Chron. 12. 32. Secondly, Or, even as Barak, i. e. They were as hearty and va∣liant as Barak their General, and as he Marched on foot here and Iudg. 4. 10. against their Enemies Horses and Chariots, and that into the valley where the main use of Horses and Chariots lies; so did they with no less courage and resoluti∣on.
• Chap. 4. 14.
• ‡

  Heb. his feet.
• ‖

  Or, in the di∣visions, &c.
• a

  Or, Separations, whereby they were divided or sepa∣rated, not so much one from another in their thoughts, counsels, and carriage in this War, (for they seem to be all too well agreed in abiding at home with their Sheep, as it follows) as all from their Brethren, from whom they were divided no less in their Designs and Affections, than in their Situation by the River Iordan: and they would not joyn their Interests and Forces with them in this common Cause.
• ‡

  Heb. im∣pressions
• b

  Or, great searchings, as it is v. 16. Great and sad thoughts, and debates, and perplexities of Mind among the Israelites to see themselves deserted by so great and potent a Tribe as Reuben was.
• c

  Why wast thou so unworthy and cowardly, so void of all Zeal for God, and compassion towards thy Brethren, and care for the recovery of thy own Liberties and Priviledges, that thou wouldst not ingage thy self in so just, so necessary, and so noble a cause, but didst prefer the care of thy Sheep, and thy own present ease and safety, before this generous un∣dertaking? Reuben thought Neutrality their wisest course; being very rich in Cattel, Numb. 32. 1. They were loath to run the hazard of so great a loss, by taking up Arms against so Potent an Enemy as Iabin was: and the bleatings of their Sheep were so loud in their ears, that they could not hear the call of Deborah and Barak to this Expedition.
• ‖

  Or, in.
• d

  Gilead is sometimes taken more largely, for all the Land of the Israelites beyond Iordan, as Numb. 32. 1, 26, 29. So it is not here taken, because Gilead is here distinguished from Reuben and his Land: sometimes it is taken more strictly for that part of the Land beyond Iordan which fell to the half∣tribe of Manasseh, as Numb. 32. 39, 40. Deut. 3. 15. Ios. 17. 1. And sometimes both for that part of Manasseh's, and for Gad's Portion, as Ios. 13. 24, 25, 29, 30, 31. And so it seems to be understood here; and the Land Gilead, is here put for the People, or Inhabitants of it, Gad and Manasseh.
• e

  In their own Portions, and did not come over Iordan to the help of the Lord, and of his People, as they ought to have done.
• f

  Dan, whose Coast was near the Sea, was wholly intent upon his Merchandise, and Shipping, as the great instrument both of his riches and safety; and therefore would not joyn in this Land-Expedition.
• ‖

  Or, part,
• g

  Where their Lot lay.
• ‖

  Or, creeks.
• h

  Either, First, in the creeks of the Sea, whether in design to save them∣selves by Ships in case of danger, as Dan also intended: or upon pretence of repairing the breaches made by the Sea in∣to their Country. Or, Secondly, In their broken and craggy Rocks and Caves therein, in which they thought to secure themselves.
• Chap. 4. 10.
• ‡

  Heb. exposed to reproach.
• i

  Heb. despised, or reproached, or contemned, comparative∣ly; they chose rather to venture upon a generous and ho∣nourable Death, than to enjoy a shameful and servile Life.
• k

  i. e. Upon that large and eminent Plain in the top of Mount Tabor, where they put themselves in Battel Array, and expected the Enemy; though when they saw he did not come up to them, they marched down to meet, and Fight him.
• l

  Either confederate with him, or subject to him: for it is known, that there were divers petty Kings in those parts; which also oft-times were subject to one greater and more potent king; and particularly, this Hazor, where this Iabin now Reigned, Iudg. 4. 2. was beforetime the head of divers petty Kingdoms, Ios. 11. 10.
• l

  Taanach and Megiddo were two eminent Cities belonging indeed to Manasseh, Iudg. 1. 27. but seated in the Tribe of Issachar, Ios. 17. 11. not far from Mount Tabor, Ios. 17. 10. Iudg. 1. 27. nor from the River Kishon.
• m

  Either, First, from Sisera, they fought without Pay, whether from meer hatred of the Israelites, and a desire to be revenged upon them: or from a full hope and confidence of Paying themselves abundantly out of Is∣raels spoils. Or, Secondly, From the Israelites; so the sence is, They fell, lost all their hopes of Money, and rich Spoils and Booty, which they assured themselves of; instead of gaining a Prey, they lost Themselves.
• n

  Or, they from heaven, or the heavenly Host fought, by Thunder, and Lightning, and Hail-stones, possibly mingled with Fire. Compare Ios. 10, 11. and 1 Sam. 7. 10.
• o

  Which raised these Storms by their Influences, which they do naturally and ordinarily, but now far more, when God sharpned their Influences, and disposed the Air to receive and improve their Impressions.
• ‡

  Heb. paths.
• p

  Or, from their paths, or stations, or high∣places. As Souldiers fight in their ranks and places assign∣ed them, so did these, and that with advantage, as those Enemies do which fight from the higher ground.
• q

  Which, though not great in it self, and therefore for∣dable, was now much swelled and increased by the forego∣ing Storm and Rain, as Iosephus affirms; and therefore drowned those who being pursued by the hand of God, and by the Israelites, were forced into it, and thought to pass over it, as they did before.
• q

  So called, either, First, in op∣position to those Rivers which are of a later date, being made by the hand and art of Man. Or, Secondly, Because it was a River anciently famous for some remarkable Exploits, for which it was Celebrated by the ancient Poets or Writers, though not here mentioned.
• r

  i. e. Thou, O Deborah, though but a weak Woman, hast by Gods Assistance and Blessing upon thy Councels and Prayers subdued a potent Enemy. Such Apostrophes and abrupt Speeches are frequent in Poe∣tical Scriptures.
• s

  Their Horses, in which they put most confidence, had their Hoofs, which are their support and strength, broken, either by dreadful Hail-stones, or rather, by their swift and violent running over the stony grounds, when they fled away with all possible speed from God and from Israel.
• ‖

  Or, tramp∣lings, or, pluagings.
• t

  Or, be∣cause of their fierce or swift courses.
• u

  Either, First, of their strong and valiant Riders, who forced their Horses to run away as fast as they could. Or, Secondly, Of their Hor∣ses, as this word signifies, Ier. 8. 16. and 47. 3. and 50. 42. i. e. Of themselves: the Antecedent for the Relative.
• x

  A place then, no doubt, eminent and considerable, though now there be no remembrance of it left, which possibly might be the effect of this bitter Curse; as God Curseth Amalek in this manner, that he would utterly blot out their remem∣brance, &c. Exod. 17. 14. Deut. 25. 19. And this place above all others may be thus severely Cursed; either because it was near the place of the Fight, and therefore had the greatest opportunity and obligation to engage with, and to assist their Brethren; and their denying their help, was a great dis∣couragement to all their Brethren, whose hearts, no doubt, were greatly Afflicted, and might have utterly fainted, at this great miscarriage, and scandalous Example; or for some other great aggravation of their Cowardise and Treachery, which may easily be imagined, though it be not here expressed.
• y

  She signifies, that this Curse proceeded not from her spleen or ill-will towards that place, nor from her own private opi∣nion or affection, but from Divine Inspiration; and that if all the rest of the Song should be taken but for the breath∣ings and expressions of a pious and devout Soul, but liable to mistake, yet this Branch of it was immediately dictated to her by the Lord, by the Ministry of an Angel: otherwise, •…•…he neither would, nor durst, have uttered so bitter a Curse against them.
• z

  Either, First, of the Lords People: for God takes what is done for, or against his People, as if it was done to himself, See Isa. 63. 9. Zech. 2. 8. Matt. 25. 45. Or, Secondly, Of the Lord himself, who though he did not need, yet did require and expect their help and con∣currence: and he expresseth it thus, to shew the sinfulness and unreasonableness of their cowardly desertion of this Cause, because it was the Cause of God, and they had the Call of God to it, whom they knew to be able easily to cru•…•…h that Enemy whom they dreaded, and who had promi∣sed to do it.
• a

  Celebrated, and praised, and endowed with all sorts of Blessings more than they. But of this fact of Iaels, See the notes on Iudg. 4. 21.
• Chap. 4 17.
• b

  In her Tent or Habitation, in her House and Family, and all her Affairs: for she and hers dwelt in Tents. The Tent is here mentioned in Allusion to the place where this Fact was done.
• c

  Or, cream, i. e. The choisest of her milk: so the same thing is repeated in differing words.
• d

  Which you are not to understand of such a stately and costly dish as the Luxury of after ages brought in, which is not agreeable to the simplici∣ty either of this Family, or of those antient times; but of a comely and convenient dish, the best which she had, and such as the better sort of persons then used.
• Or, cre•…•…m.
• e

  i. e. Her left hand, as appears from the nature of the thing; and from the right hand, which is opposed to it.
• ‡

  Heb. ham∣mered.
• f

  Or, struck through, as the LXX. and Syriack render it: or brake, as the Chaldee hath it.
• g

  Heb. and she pierced: or, and the Nail pierced.
• ‡

  Heb. between
• h

  Here is a lively representation of the thing done. At the first blow or Wound▪ he was awakened, and made some attempt to rise; but being astonished and very weak, she also following her first blow with others, he found himself impotent, and fell down dead; and then she struck the Nail quite through his head into the ground, as is said, Iudg. 4. 21.
• ‡

  Heb. destroy∣ed.
• i

  Expecting to see him returning: for she concluded, that he went forth not so much to Fight, as to take the Spoil.
• ‡

  Heb. her words.
• Exod. 15. 9.
• k

  i. e. It is certain they have got the prey, only they tarry to view it and distribute it, according to every mans quality and merit.
• ‡

  Heb. to the head of a man.
• ‡

  Heb. for the necks of th•…•… spoil.
• l

  Heb. of the prey, the prey put for the men of prey, those, or who take the Prey, as kindred is put for a man of kindred, or a kinsman, Ruth 3. 2. and Belial, for a man of Belial, 2 Sam. 16. 7. And days, for a man of days, or an old man, Iob 32. 7.
• m

  i. e. So suddenly, so surely, so effectually and irre∣coverably.
• 2 Sam. 23▪
• n

  When he first riseth, and so goeth on in his course, which he doth with great might, even as a strong man that runneth a race, Psal. 19. 5. and so as no creature can stop, or hinder him; even so irresistible let the people be.
• o

  How to be computed, see before on Iudg. 3. 11.
• Hab. 3. •…•….
• a

  For although the generality of the Midianites had been cut off by Moses about 200 years ago, yet many of them doubtless fled into the neighbouring Countries, whence af∣terwards they returned into their own Land, and in that time might easily grow to be a very great Number; espe∣cially, when God furthered their increase, that they might be a fit scourge for his People Israel when they transgressed.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strong.
• b

  In which they might secure their persons and provi∣sions from the hands of the Midianites.
• c

  i. e. The Arabians, who are commonly called the chil∣dren of the east, as Gen. 29. 1. Iudg. 8. 10, 11. Iob 1. 3. Ezek. 25. 4. Not all the Arabians, for in that were man•…•… and divers people; but in the Eastern part of Arabia.
• d

  i. e. From the East, on which side they entred, to the West, where Gaza was near the Sea: so they destroyed the whole Land.
• ‖

  Or, go•…•…
• e

  i. e. So many that it was not easie to number them. It is an Hyperbole.
• ‡

  Heb. a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a prophet.
• 2 King. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 35, 38. Jer. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 2.
• f

  i. e. Do not serve or worship them.
• g

  To wit, in Manasseh: for there was another Ophrah in Benjamin, Ios. 18. 23.
• h

  Of the Posterity of Abiezer, of whom, see Ios. 17. 2. 1 Chron. 7. 18. See Iudg. 8. 27, 32.
• Heb. 11. 32. called Gideon.
• i

  Not with Oxen, as the manner was, Deut. 25. 4. but with a staff to prevent discovery.
• k

  In the place where the Winepress stood, not in the common floor.
• ‡

  Heb. to cause it to flee.
• l

  i. e. Will assist thee against thine and mine Enemies.
• m

  To whom I have given strength and courage for this end.
• n

  With a setled and pleasant countenance, as a testimony of his favour to him, and of his readiness to help him.
• Sam. 12. 11. Heb. 11. 32.
• o

  Or, go now, or at this time in thy might: the strength which thou hast already received, and dost now further receive from me, is sufficient with my help.
• p

  I do hereby give thee command and commission for this Work, and therefore am obliged in Honour to Assist thee in it.
• ‡

  Heb. my thousand i•…•… the meanest.
• q

  Heb. my thousand: for the Tribes were distributed into several thousands, whereof each thousand had his peculiar Governour.
• r

  i. e. Weak and contemptible.
• s

  Either for Age, or for Wisdome, and fitness for so great a Work.
• t

  As easily, as if they were all but one man; or, thou shalt destroy them to a man, as he did, Iudges 8.
• u

  That it is thou, to wit, an Angel or Messenger sent from God, that appears to me, and discourseth with me; and not a Phancy or Delusion; that thou art in truth what thou seemest and prerendest to be, v. 12. Or, a sign of that which thou talkest with me; i. e. That thou wilt'st by me smite the Midianites.
• ‖

  Or, meat∣offering.
• x

  Not a Sacrifice, because neither was Gideon a Priest, not was this the place of Sacrifice, nor was any Altar here, nor was there any such Sacrifice as here follows, appointed by God; but a repast, or some food for the Angel, which he thought to be a man, as appears by v. 22. Compare Iudg. 13. 15. and Gen. 18. 5.
• y

  That thou maist eat and refresh thy self.
• ‡

  Heb. a kid of the goats.
• z

  To wit, out of the choicest part of a whole Ephah; as also he brought to him the best part of a Kid dressed; for a whole Ephah, and a whole Kid had been very superflu∣ous, and improper to provide for, and set before one man.
• Levit. 9. 24
• a

  By which, he shewed himself to be no man that needed such Provisions, but a true Angel of God, or the Son of God; and by this instance of his Omnipotency, gave him assurance, that he both could, and would consume the Midianites.
• b

  I am an undone man; I must dye, and that speedily for that he feared, v. 23. according to the common opinion in that case, of which see Gen. 16. 13. and 32. 30. Exod. 33. 20. Deut. 5. 25, 26.
• Exod. 33. 2. Chap. 13. 22.
• c

  Or, for therefore, &c. i. e. There∣fore God hath shewed me this sight as a presage of my death.
• d

  By inward suggestion, rather than in a visible Appariti∣on.
• e

  Thou shalt receive no hurt by this Vision, as thou fearest; but only peace, i. e. all the blessings needful for thy own happiness, and for the present work; for this is a very comprehensive Phrase among the Hebrews.
• f

  To wit, on the top of the Rock, as is evident from v. 20. and especially from v. 26. where that which is here expressed onely in general, and by anticipation, is more particularly described, according to the usage of the Scripture.
• ‖

  That is, the Lord send peace.
• g

  i. e. The Lords peace; the sign or witness of Gods speaking Peace to me, and to his People: or the place where he spake Peace to me, when I expected nothing but Destruction.
• ‖

  Or, and
• h

  Thus there was but one Bullock, which was young, to wit, comparatively, but not simply, for it was seven years old, and of such this Hebrew word is used, Iob 21. 10. For these Creatures are fruitful above seven years. Or thus, thy Fathers young Bullock, and the second Bullock: so there were two Bullocks. But because there is but one of them mentioned both in the next verse, and in the execution of this Com∣mand, v. 28. it is probable it was but one; and the Hebrew Particle, vau, and, is put exegetically for even, or, to wit, as is very usual. And this he calls his Fathers young Bullock, both because his Father was the owner of it, and because his Father kept and fed it for a Sacrifice to Baal. But be∣cause it is likely his father kept divers of these Cattel of diffe∣ring Ages and Statures for that use, either at his own, or at the Peoples charge; therefore he adds by way of limitation, that he should not take the eldest and the greatest, but the second; to wit, in age, or stature, or goodliness, or in the order of Sacrifice, that which was to have been Sacrificed to Baal in the second place. And this he singled out be∣cause of its age; for being seven years old, it began with the Midianitish Calamity, and being now to be Sacrificed, did fitly signifie, that the Period of that Misery was now come.
• i

  Which thy Father built in his own ground, though for the common use of the whole City, v. 28, 29, 30.
• Exod. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 13. Deut. 7. 5.
• k

  Planted by the Altar for Idolatrous or impure uses, as the manner of Idolaters was. See Iudg. 3. 7. This Action might seem injurious to his Fathers Rights and Authority, but Gods Command was sufficient warrant, and Gideon was now called to be the Supreme Magistrate, whereby he was made his Fathers Su∣periour, and was impowered, and authorized, and enjoyned to •…•…oot out all Idolatry and Superstition, and the instruments thereof.
• ‡

  Heb. strong place.
• l

  Of which v. 20, 21. Heb. of this strong hold: for in that Calamitous time the Israelites retreated to such Rocks, and hid and fortified themselves in them.
• ‖

  Or, in an or∣derly manner.
• m

  i. e. In a plain and smooth part of the Rock, where an Altar may be con∣veniently built. Or, in order, i. e. in such manner as I have appointed; for God had given Rules about the building of Al∣tars.
• n

  Gideon was no Priest, nor was this the appointed place of Sacrifice; but God can dispense with his own In∣stitutions, though we may not; and his Call gave Gideon suffi∣cient Authority.
• o

  Whom doubtless he had acquainted with his design, and the assurance of success in it; whereby they were easily in∣duced to assist him, if not sincerely, yet for the expectation of advantage to themselves by it.
• p

  Not so much, lest he should suffer for it, for he knew very well the doing it by night with so many hands could not hinder the discove∣ry, and consequently the punishment of it; but lest he should be prevented from doing it.
• q

  Not upon Baals Altar, for which it was designed; but upon an Altar erected in contempt of Baal.
• r

  Which they might easily conjecture, partly by his known aversion from the Worship of Baal, and partly because no other person durst presume to do such a thing, but they might more certainly learn it from some of the persons im∣ployed in it, who through fear or favour might inform them.
• s

  Why are you so zealous in pleading for that Baal, for the Worship whereof you suffer such grievous Calamities at this day, and from whom you have no help? It is plain, that Io∣ash had been a Worshipper of Baal: either therefore he was now convinced by Gideon's information and action, or he makes use of this pretence to preserve his Son, being indeed indifferent in matters of Religion; and therefore as he did worship Baal to comply with his Neighbours, so now he deserts him, to rescue his Son.
• t

  He that shall further plead for such a god as this, deserves to die for his folly and impiety. It is not probable, that this was all which he said for his Son's defence; or that he would neglect to mention the Call his Son had from God to it, the Apparition of an Angel, the Promise of Deliverance: but it is usual in Scripture to give onely some short hints of those things which were more largely discoursed.
• u

  i. e. Instantly, without delay; for it was now Morning-time, as appears from v. 28, &c.
• x

  As the God of Israel hath often done when any indignity or in∣jury hath been done to him. But Baal hath now shewed, that he is neither able to help you, nor himself; and there∣fore is not worthy to be served any longer. This couragious and resolute Answer was necessary to stop the torrent of the Peoples fury; and it was drawn from it, partly by the sence of his Sons extreme danger; and partly by the confidence he had, that God would Plead his Sons Cause, and use him for the Rescue of his People.
• y

  i. e. Ioash called Gideon so, Iudg. 7. 1. in remembrance of this noble Exploit, and to put a brand upon Baal.
• z

  Not that Iezreel in Iudah, of which Ios. 15. 56. but another in the borders of Manasseh and Issachar, Ios. 17. 16. and 19. 18. which was not far distant from Ophrah, where Gideon dwelt, and now was.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• a

  Inspiring him with extraordinary Wisdom, and Courage, and Zeal to vindicate Gods Honour, and his Countries Liber∣ty. Compare 1 Chron. 12. 18. and 24. 20.
• Numb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chap. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• b

  i. e. The Abiez∣rites, his kindred, and their servants, and others; who find∣ing no harm coming to him for the destroying of Baal, but rather a blessing from God, in giving him strength and cou∣rage for so great and dangerous an Attempt, changed their minds, and followed him as the person by whose hands God would deliver them.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called afte•…•… him.
• c

  On both sides of Iordan.
• d

  Because these Tribes were nearest to him, and so could soonest joyn with him; and were nearest the Enemy also, v. 33. and therefore were most sen∣sible of the Calamity, and would in all reason be most for∣ward to rescue themselves from it.
• e

  In way of humble Supplication, partly for the strength∣ning of his own Faith, and partly for the greater encou∣ragement of his Souldiers in this great and strange At∣tempt.
• f

  i. e. Upon all that spot of ground which adjoyneth to, and encompasseth the Fleece.
• Gen. 1•…•…. •…•….
• g

  Which was more difficult and preternatural than the former instance, because if there be any moisture, such bo∣dies as fleeces of Wool are most likely to drink it up.
• b

  i. e. For my purpose; which is, so to deliver Israel, that it may appear to be my own miraculous act, that so I may have all the Glory of it, and they may be more strong∣ly obliged to love and serve me.
• Deut. 20. 6.
• c

  Not that famous Mount Gilead which was beyond Ior∣d•…•…; for it is apparent that both the Camps of the Israelites and of the Midianites were on this side Iordan: but another Mount Gilead in the Tribe of Manasseh; which might be so •…•…alled, either for some resemblance it had with the other Mount Gilead, in remembrance of their Father Gilead; or, that this might be a Memorial of their near relation to their Brethren, notwithstanding their being divided one from another by Iordan; or, for some other reason now unknown at this •…•…istance of Time and Place. Or, the words may be rendred towards Mount Gilead; for the Hebrew Particle, min, or mem, is sometimes rendred towards, of which see Gen. 11. 2. and 13. 11. Deut. 32. 2. 2 Sam. 6. 2. And so it may be understood of the famous Mount Gilead, beyond Iordan, which he may mention here, either, 1. Because many of his Soldiers were of that half Tribe of Manasseh which dwelt there, and so it was most proper for them to return thither: Or, 2. Because that was their safest course, to get furthest from the danger which they feared; Or, 3. Because though he would remove them from danger, yet he would not have them dispersed, but kept together in a Body about Mount Gilead; knowing that they who had not Courage enough to Fight their Enemies, might have Va•…•…our enough to Pursue them, when they were beaten by others; and suspecting, That the Midianites, if beaten, would probably flee that way.
• d

  Who finding their whole Army to be very small, in comparison of their Enemies, who were a Hundred Thirty Five Thousand, Iudg. 8. 10. and they, no doubt well Armed and Disciplined, and encoura∣ged by song Success; whereas the Israelites were dis-spiri∣ted with long Servitude, and many of them unfurnished with Arms and Provisions; lost the Courage which in the beginning they seemed to have.
• e

  Either that which ran from the Well of Harod, men∣tioned v. 1. or some other Brook.
• f

  Because thy Proclama∣tion hath not sufficiently tried them; for many who are fearful indeed, will put on the face, and desire the opinion of being Valiant Persons; I will take another course.
• g

  It is true, there may be natural reasons given, why some did onely Lap of the Water, when others bowed down to drink; from the Temperance, or Fortitude, or Pa∣tience, or Strength, or Diligence of the one; and the Intem∣perance, or Cowardice, or Impatience, or Weakness, or Slothfulness of the other; but these seem to be meer con∣jectures: The true reason and design of this course, seems to be onely this, That God would reduce them to a very small number, which was likely to be done by this means; for the Season of the year being hot, and the generality of the Soldiers weary, and thirsty, and faint, they would most probably bow down upon their Knees, that they might more fully refresh themselves by a liberal draught, as in∣deed they did; and it could be expected that there would be but few, who either could or would deny themselves in this matter; especially, when God concurred in the work, and so disposed of the Minds and Bodies of them, that all, except Three Hundred, should lye down to drink.
• h

  Taking up a little water in the Palm of their Hands to put into their mouths.
• i

  i. e. To his own honie, as Numb. 24. 11.
• k

  i. e. The Trumpets belonging to the whole Army, even to those who were gone away, which he retained for the use here following. See v. 16.
• l

  After he had dismissed all but the Three Hundred.
• m

  In a Dream o•…•… Vision of the Night.
• n

  To wit, without some farther assurance of thy Success, I will condescend so far to thee, as to give thee another Sign.
• o

  Thou wilt be encouraged to proceed, notwithstanding the smallness of thy number, which may deter thee.
• ‖

  Or, of ranks by five.
• Chap. 6. 5, 33. and 8. 10.
• p

  A weak and contemptible thing; and in it self as unable to overthrow a Tent, as to remove a Mountain; but being thrown by a Divine hand, bore down all before it; which fitly resembled Gideon's case, which was mean and despica∣ble, as himself •…•…aith, Iudg. 6. 15. yet he was Mighty, through God, to destroy the Midianites.
• q

  As there are many examples of significant Dreams, gi∣ven by God to Heathens, as Gen. 41. Dan. 2. and 4. so some of them had the gift of Interpreting Dreams; which they sometimes did by Study and Art, and sometimes by Divine direction in this case.
• r

  Which he understood, though spoken in the Midiani∣tish Language; either, because it was near akin to the Hebrew, being onely a differing Dialect of it; or, because the Israelites had now been accustomed to the Midianites Company and Discourse for seven years.
• ‡

  H•…•…b. the brea∣king thereof.
• s

  He praised God for this Miraculous Work and special encouragement, where∣by he was confirmed in his enterprise.
• t

  To make a shew of a vast Army encompassing them.
• ‡

  Heb. trum∣pets in the hand of all of them.
• ‖

  Or, fire∣brands, or torches.
• u

  Or, Torches made of such materials as would quickly take Fire, and keep it for some time.
• x

  Partly to preserve the Flame from the violence of Wind and Weather; and partly to conceal it, and surprise their Enemy with sudden and un∣expected Flashes of Light.
• y

  For though 200 of his men were placed on other sides of the Camp; yet they were so disposed, that some person or persons, set as Watch-men, might see what was done, and give notice to the rest to follow the Example.
• ‡

  Heb. for the LORD and Gideon.
• z

  He mentions his own Name, together with Gods, not out of vain ostentation or arrogance, as if he would equal himself with God; for he mentions God in the first and chief place, and himself onely as his Minister; but from prudent Policy, because his Name was grown formidable to them, and so was likely to further his Design, and their Fight, as it did.
• a

  i. e. Of the second Watch; for though afterwards the night was divided into four Watches by the Romans, Mat. 14. 25. yet in more ancient times, and in the Eastern parts, it was divided into three: He chose the dark and dead of the night, to increase their Terror by the Trumpets, whose sound would then be loudest and best heard, and the Lamps, whose light would then shine most brightly, and seem big∣gest, to surprise them at disadvantage, and to conceal the smallness of their numbers.
• b

  That they might be thought to be a mighty Host, ha∣ving as many Troops or Companies, as there were Trum∣pets and Lights.
• c

  As if they had only been Torch-bearers to the several Companies.
• Isa. 9. 4.
• d

  They slew one another, either because they suspected Treachery, and so fell upon those they first met with; which they might more easily do, because they consisted of several Nations, as may be gathered from Iudg. 6. 3. and Iosephus affirms; or because the darkness of the night made them unable to distinguish Friends from Foes; or, because the suddenness of the thing struck them with Horror and Amaze∣ment; or, because God infatuated them, as he hath done many others. Compare 1 Sam. 14. 20. 2 Chron. 20. 23.
• ‖

  Or, towards.
• ‡

  Heb. lip.
• Of which see 1 King. 4. 12. and 19. 16.
• f

  i. e. The Passes over those Waters to which they are like to come.
• g

  The Foords of Iordan, which River they must pass over into their own Countrey.
• Psal. •…•…3. 11. Isa. 10. 26.
• h

  For Gideon in the pursuit had passed over Iordan, as we read Iudg. 8. 4. which though mentioned after, this may seem to have been done before it, such transpositions being fre∣quent in Sacred Story. Or, on this side Jordan, for the He∣brew word is indifferent to both sides, see Gen. 50. 10. And so this is opposed to what follows of his passing over Iordan, Iudg. 8. 4. And then there is no anticipation here.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unto us.
• a

  Why hast thou neglected and despised us, in not cal∣ling us in to thy help, as thou didst other Tribes? These were a proud people, Isa. 11. 13. puffed up with a conceit of their Number and Strength, and the preference which Ia∣cob by Divine direction gave them above Manasseh, Gen. 48. 19, 20. of which Tribe Gideon was, who by this act had seemed to advance his own Tribe, and to depress theirs.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• b

  What was done, was done by Gods immediate hand, making them one to kill another; what I have done in cutting off some of the Fugitive common Soldiers, is not to be com∣pared with your Exploit in destroying their Princes; I be∣gan the War, but you have finished.
• c

  What you have glean∣ed or done after me.
• d

  i. e. Of the Abiezrites, to whom he modestly communicateth the honour of the Victory, and doth not arrogate it to himself, as Generals common∣ly do.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• e

  His soft and humble Answer allayed their Rage and Envy; see Prov. 17. 11. and 25. 15.
• f

  Or, had passed over. When he passed over; see on Iudg. 7. 25.
• g

  A place beyond Iordan, Gen. 33. 17. Ios. 13. 27. Psal. 60. 8.
• h

  Where before this time were five Kings at once, Numb. 31. 8. who either reigned separately in divers parts of the Land; or governed by common counsel and consent; as sometimes there were two or three Roman Emperors to∣gether.
• i

  Art thou so foolish, to think with thy 300 faint and weary Soldiers, to conquer and destroy an Host of 15000 men?
• See 1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 25. 10.
• ‡

  Heb. thresh.
• k

  Which grow abundantly in the neighbouring Wilder∣ness; I will chastise or beat your naked Bodies with Thorny Rods, even unto Death: Or, I will lay you down upon Thorns, on the ground, and bring the Cart-wheel upon you, which will both tear your flesh, and bruise you to death.
• l

  Another City beyond Iordan; of which see Gen. 32. 30. 1 King. 12. 25.
• m

  Your confidence in which, makes you thus Proud and Presumptuous. He implies that he would afterwards destroy their persons, as is expressed v. 17.
• ‖

  Or, an hun∣dred and twenty thou∣sand, every one drawing a sword.
• n

  i. e. Persons expert and exercised in War, besides the retainers to them, Iudg. 6. 5.
• o

  i. e. Of the Arabians, so fetching a compass, and falling upon them where they least expected it.
• p

  Of which Ci∣ties see Numb. 32. 35, 42.
• q

  Being now got safe over Ior∣dan, and a great way from the place of Battel; and pro∣bably, supposing Gideon's men to be so tired with their hard Service, and the great Slaughter which they had made, that they would have neither Strength nor Will to pursue them so far.
• Psal. 83. 11.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• r

  By which it may be gathered, that he came upon them in the Night, which was most convenient for him who had so small a number with him; and most likely both to surprise and terrify them by the remembrance of the last Nights sad work, and the expectation of another like it.
• Heb. writ.
• s

  He told him their Names and Qualities.
• ‡

  Heb. made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 know.
• t

  By that severe punishment, of which v. 7. he made the men, i. e. the Elders of Succoth, to know their Sin and Folly, though it was too late for their good, but not for the instruction and warning of others.
• King. 12.
• u

  i. e. For outward shape and quality.
• x

  Whither he under∣stood they fled for shelter, upon the approach of the Mi∣dianites; and where he learnt that some were slain, which he suspected might be they.
• ‡

  Heb. accord∣ing to the form, &c.
• y

  Not for their Garb, or out∣ward Splendour, for the Family was but mean; but for the Majesty of their looks: By which commendation they thought to ingratiate themselves with their Conqueror.
• z

  For being not Canaanites, he was not obliged to kill them; but they having killed his Brethren, and that in cool blood, he was by Law the avenger of their Blood.
• a

  Partly, that he mig•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him to the use of Arms, for his God and Countrey, against their Enemies, and to the Exercise of Justice; partly, that the Death of those mischievous persons might be more shameful and painful; and partly, that he might have some share in the honour of the Victory.
• b

  Thou excellest him, as in Age and Stature, so in Strength; and it is more honourable, as well as easy, to die by the hands of a valiant man.
• ‖

  Or, orna∣ments like the moon.
• c

  Not as a Judg, for he was already made by God; but as a King.
• d

  Let the Kingdom be Hereditary to thee, and to thy Family.
• e

  This miraculous and glorious deliverance by thy hands, deserves no less from us.
• f

  To wit, as a King, which you desire.
• g

  In a special manner, as he hath hitherto done, by Judges, whom God did particularly appoint and direct, even by Urim and Thummim, and assist upon all occasions; whereas Kings had a greater Power, and onely a general dependence upon God, as other Kings had. Compare 1 Sam. 8. 6, 7.
• h

  Obj. They are called Midianites before. Ans. Here seems to have been a mixture of People, Iudg. 6. 3. which are all called by one general name, Ishmaelites, or Arabi∣ans, who used to wear Ear-rings, Gen. 35. 4. but the great∣est, and the ruling part of them were Midianites.
• ‖

  Or, sweet Jewels.
• i

  Not of all of it; for then it would have been too hea∣vy for use; but of part of it, the rest being probably em∣ployed about other things agreeable and appertaining to it; which elsewhere are comprehended under the name of the Ephod, as Iudg. 17. 5. and 18. 14, 18. Hos. 3. 4.
• k

  Not as a Monument of the Victory, for such Monuments were nei∣ther proper nor usual; but for Religious use, for which alone the Ephod was appointed. The cafe seems to be this, Gide∣on having by Gods Command erected an Altar in his own City, Ophrah, Iudg. 6. 26. for an extraordinory time and oc∣casion, though it might be continued for ordinary use; and therefore as he intended to procure Priests, so he designed to make Priestly Garments, and especially an Ephod, which was the chief and most costly; which besides its use in sa∣cred ministrations, was also the instrument by which the Mind of God was enquired and discovered, 1 Sam. 26. 6, 9. and 30. 7. which might seem necessary for the Judg to have at hand, that he might consult with God upon all occasions.
• l

  Committing Superstition or Idolatry with it, or going thither to enquire the Will of God; whereby they were drawn from the true Ephod, instituted by God for this end, which was to be worn by the High-Priest onely.
• m

  An occasion of Sin and Ruine to him and his, as the next Chapter sheweth. Though Gideon was a good man, and did this with an honest mind, and a desire to set up Religion in his own City and Family; yet here seems to be many Sins in it; 1. Superstition and Will-worship, Worshipping God by a device of his own, which was fre∣quently and expresly forbidden. 2. Presumption, in wear∣ing, or causing other Priests to wear this kind of Ephod, which was peculiar to the High-Priest. 3. Transgression of a plain Command, of Worshipping God ordinarily but at one place and one Altar, Deut. 12. 5, 11, 14. and with∣drawing people from that place, to his. 4. Making a fear∣ful Schism or Division among the People. 5. Laying a Stumbling-Block, or an occasion of Superstition or Idola∣try before that people, whom he knew to be too prone to it.
• n

  i. e. Recovered not their former Strength or Courage, so as to Conquer or Oppress others, as they had done.
• o

  i. e. To the fortieth year, from the beginning of the Midiani∣tish Oppression; see on Iudg. 3. 11.
• p

  i. e. As long as Gi∣deon lived.
• q

  Not in his Fathers House, as he did before; nor yet in a Court like a King, as the People desired; but in a middle state, as a Judge, for the preservation and maintenance of their Religion and Liberties.
• ‡

  Heb. going out of his thigh.
• r

  She dwelt there, and he oft came thither, either to execute Judgment, or upon other occasions.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• s

  i. e. My Fa∣ther the King; so he called him, probably, to gratify his Concubine, who desired it either out of Pride, or De∣sign.
• t

  His long Life being Crowned with the continuance of his Honour, Tranquility and Happiness.
• u

  Whereby we see the Wicked temper of this people, who did no longer cleave to God, than they were in a man∣ner constrained to it, by the Presence and Authority of their Judges.
• x

  This was the general name including all their Idols, whereof one here follows.
• y

  i. e. The Lord of the Covenant, so called, either from the Covenant wherewith the Worshippers of this God bound themselves to maintain his Worship, or to defend one another therein; or rather, be∣cause he was reputed the God and Judg of all Covenants, and Promises, and Contracts, to whom it belonged to main∣tain them, and to punish the violaters of them; and such a God both the Grecians and the Romans had.
• Chap. •…•…. •…•….
• ‡

  What is good? whe∣ther, &c.
• a

  He supposeth that they would take that Government which their Father modestly refused; and that the multi∣tude of his Sons would occasion horrible Divisions, and Confusions, and Contests about the Sovereign Power; all which they might avoid, by chusing him King; and so they might enjoy the Monarchy which they had long and oft desired.
• b

  Your Kinsman, of the same Tribe and City with you; which will be no small Honour and Advantage to you.
• c

  i. e. Kinsmen, as that word is oft used, as Gen. 14. 16. and 29. 12.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• d

  They were easily perswaded to believe and follow what served their own Interest.
• e

  Agreeably to the number of his Enemies, Gideon's 70 Sons.
• f

  Not Shekels, as some fancy, which were too small a Sum for this purpose; but far larger pieces, the exact worth whereof it is neither possible nor needful for us now to know.
• g

  Out of his Sacred Treasury; for even they who were very parsimonious and base in their Expen∣ces about Gods Service, were liberal in their Contributions to Idols; having since Gideon's Death, built this Temple (which he would never have suffered whilest he lived) and endowed it with considerable Revenues.
• Chap. 11. •…•…
• h

  Unsettled, idle and necessitous persons, the most proper Instruments for Tyranny and Cruelty.
• i

  The onely persons who were likely to hinder him in establishing his Tyranny.
• k

  Wanting one, who is here ex∣pressed; And these Synecdochical expressions are frequent in Scripture, See Gen. 35. 26. and 42. 13. Numb. 14. 32, 33. Ioh. 20. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 5.
• l

  Whereby he would signifie, that this was either, 1. An act of Justice, in cutting them all off in an orderly matter, for some supposed Crime, probably, as designing Sedition and Rebellion: Or, 2. An act of Religion in avenging the dishonour and injury done to Baal by Gide∣on, Iudg. 6. 27, 28. upon his Children, whom he offered up as so many Sacrifices to Baal upon this Stone, which ser∣ved for an Altar; and for this reason it seems the Money was taken out of Baal's House, because it was to be laid out in his Service.
• m

  Of a place or person so called; some eminent and potent Family living in Shechem, or near to it, either the Family of Abimelech's Mother, or some other; Or, and all Beth-millo; so Beth is not an House, but a part of the name of the place.
• n

  To wit, over all Israel, v. 22. which was a strange Presumption for the inhabitants of one City to un∣dertake; but they had many advantages and encouragements for it; as the eager, and general, and constant inclination of the Israelites to Kingly Government; Abimelech's being the Son of Gideon, to whom, and to his Sons, they offered the Kingdom, Iudg. 8. 22. And though the Father could, and did refuse it for himself; yet they might imagine, that he could not give away his Son's right, conveyed to them by the Is∣raelites, in their offer; the universal defection of the Israe∣lites from God to Baal, whose great Patron and Champi∣on Abimelech pretended to be; the power and prevalency of the Tribe of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in which Shechem was, Ios. 20. 7. whose proud and imperious spirit, manifested Iudg. 8. 1. and 12. 1. would make them readily close with a King of their own Brethren; and Abimelech's getting the start of all others, having the Crown actually put upon his head, and an Army already raised to maintain his Tyranny.
• ‖

  Or, by the oak of the pillar. Se•…•… Iosh. 2•…•…. •…•…6.
• o

  Or, by the Oak of the Pillar, i. e. By the Oak, where Ioshua erected a Pillar as a Witness of the Covenant renewed between God and Israel, Ios. 24. 26. This place they chose, to signify that they still owned God, and their Covenant with him; and did not Worship Baal in opposition to God, but in conjun∣ction with him, or in subordination to him.
• p

  Which lay near Shechem, and near Mount Ebal. The Valley between these two Mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, was a famous place, employed for a Religious use, even for the Solemn reading of the Law, and its Blessings and Cur∣ses, Deut. 11. 29. and 27. 12. Ios. 8. 33. and therefore it is probable it was still used, even by the Superstitious and Idolatrous Israelites for such like occasions, who delighted to use the same places which their Religious Ancestors had Consecrated and used.
• q

  So as they that stood in the Val∣ley might hear him, though not suddenly come at him to take him.
• r

  Who are here met together upon a solemn oc∣casion, as Iosephus notes, Abimelech being absent.
• s

  When you cry unto him for Mercy; so he conjures and perswades to give him patient Audience, as they did.
• t

  A Parabolical Discourse, usual among the Ancients, es∣pecially in the Eastern parts; wherein, under the names of Trees, men are represented.
• u

  i. e. To make a King, which was oft done among the Israelites, and some others, with the Ceremony of Anointing.
• x

  By which he under∣stands Gideon.
• Psal. 104. 15.
• y

  In whose Worship and Service Oyl was used for divers things; as, about the Lamps, Exod. 35. 14. and Offerings, Levit. 2. 6, 7. and for the anointing of Sacred Persons and Things.
• z

  For Oyl was used in the constitution of Kings, and Priests, and Prophets, and for a Present to great Persons, and to anoint the head and face, &c.
• ‖

  Or, go up and down for other trees.
• a

  Heb. to move hither and thither, to wander to and fro, to exchange my sweet Tranquillity, for uncessant Cares and Travels for the good of others, as a King ought to do.
• b

  This, as also the Vine, v. 12. signifies the same thing with the Olive-Tree, but here are various expressions used, either for the decency of the Parable; or, because Gideon refused this Honour, both for himself, and for his Sons; or, to signify that the Sons of Gideon, whom Abimelech had so cruelly slain, upon pretence of their affecting the Kingdom, were as far from such thoughts as their Father; and there∣fore were unjustly and wickedly Murdered.
• c

  For which that fruit is particularly commended.
• d

  Wherewith God is well pleased, because it was offered to God, Numb. 15. 5, 7, 10.
• e

  See Psal. 104. 15. Prov. 3•…•…. 6.
• ‖

  Or, thist•…•….
• f

  Or, Thorn, a mean, and barren, and hurtful Tree, fitly representing Abimelech, the Son of a Concubine, and a per∣son of small use, and great Cruelty.
• g

  If you deal truly and justly in making me King.
• h

  Then you may expect Protection under his Government.
• Exod. 9. 23.
• i

  In∣stead of Protection, you shall receive Destruction by him, especially you Cedars, i. e. Nobles, such as the House of Millo, who have been most forward in this work.
• ‡

  Heb. •…•…ast his soul.
• k

  Heb. cast away his Soul or Life far off, out of his reach or power to recover it, i. e. Exposed himself to utmost ha∣zard for your sakes.
• l

  Abimelech's fact is justly charged upon them, as done by their consent, approbation and assistance.
• m

  His Con∣cubine, whom he so calls by way of reproach, because Maid∣servants were oft made Concubines, Exod. 21. 7, 8, 9, 10.
• n

  By which limitation of their power, and his Kingdom, he reflects contempt upon him, and chargeth them with Pre∣sumption, That having only power over their own City, they durst impose a King upon all Israel.
• o

  This is not a Prediction, but an Imprecation or Curse, as it is called v. 57. which, being grounded upon just cause, and being the onely way by which Iotham could perform the Duty of the avenger of his Brethrens Blood, which was incumbent upon him; had its effect, as others in like case had, as Ios. 6. 26. compared with 1 King. 16. 34. and 2 King. 2. 24.
• p

  Which he might easily do, having the advantage of the Hill, and other accommodations for flight; and because the people were not forward to pursue a man whom they knew to have such just cause, and great provocation to speak, and so little power to do them any hurt.
• q

  A place remote from Shechem, and out of Abimelech's reach▪ There were divers places of that name.
• r

  For though the men of Shechem were the first Authors of Abimelech's advancement, it's more than probable, that the rest of the People easily consented to that form of Go∣vernment which they so much desired; or at least, made no resistance against it.
• s

  God gave the Devil Commission to enter into, or work upon their minds and hearts; knowing, that he of himself, and by his own inclination, would fill them with mistakes, and jealousies, and dissentions, and heart-burnings, which would end in Civil Wars, and mutual ruine.
• t

  i. e. The punishment of the Cruelty.
• ‡

  Heb. strengthened his hands to kill.
• u

  To seize his person.
• x

  To wit, such as favoured or ser∣ved Abimelech; for to such onely their Commission reached, though it may be they went beyond their bounds, and by Military License robbed all Passengers promiscuously.
• y

  Who, as it is here implied, exercised Hostility towards the men of Shechem.
• z

  It is not known who, or of what Tribe he was; but it is evident, that he was a man very considerable for Wealth, and Strength, and Counsel, and Interest; and ill pleased with Abimelech's Power.
• a

  By his Presence and Counsel to ani∣mate and assist them against Abimelech.
• b

  Which, till his coming they durst not do, for fear of Abimelech; but now took confidence to do so, in contempt of him.
• ‖

  Or, Songs.
• c

  Partly, from the Custom of rejoicing, and sing∣ing Songs in Vintage-time, Levit. 19. 24. Isa. 16. 10. Ier. 25. 30. and partly, for the hopes of their Redemption from Abimelech's Tyranny.
• d

  Baal-berith, v. 4. either to beg his help against Abimelech, or to give him thanks, either for the fruits of the Earth now received, or for the hopes of recovering their former, and lost Liberty.
• e

  To the honor of their Idols, and out of the Oblations made to them, as they used to do to the honor of Iehovah, and out of his Sacrifices.
• f

  Either by reviling and reproaching him af∣ter their manner; or rather in a more Solemn and Religi∣ous manner, Cursing him by their god, as Goliah did Da∣vid, 1 Sam. 17. 43. Or, calling upon their god to ratify their Curses pronounced against him.
• g

  What is he but a base-born person, an Ambitious, Im∣perious, and Cruel Tyrant, and one every way unfit and unworthy to govern you?
• h

  Shechem is here the name, either, 1. Of the Place or City of Shechem; and so the Hebrew Particle mi, who, is put for mah, what, as it is Iudg. 13. 17. and then the sense of the place is this; Con∣sider how obscure and unworthy a person Abimelech is, and what a Potent and Honorable City Shechem is; and judg you whether it be fit that such a City should be subject to such a Person: Or, rather 2. Of a person, even of Abimelech, na∣med in the foregoing words, and described in those which follow, the son of Ierubbaal, between which Shechem is hem∣med in, and therefore cannot conveniently belong to any other. He is called Shechem for the Shechemite, by a Me∣tonymy of the subject, whereby the place is put for the person contained in it, and belonging to it; as, Egypt, Aethi∣opia, Seba, Iudea, Macedonia, and Achaia, &c. are put for the people of those Countreys, Iob 1. 15. and 6. 19. Psal. 68. 31. and 105. 38. Isa. 43. 3. Mat. 3. 5. Rom. 15. 26. Thus mi is taken properly, and the sense is, Who is this Sheche∣mite? for so he was by the Mothers side, born of a Wo∣man of your City, and she but his Concubine and Servant; Why should you submit to one so basely descended?
• i

  i. e. Of Gideon, a person obscure by his own Confession, Iudg. 6. 15. and famous onely by his boldness and fierceness against that Baal which you justly honour and reverence, whose Altar he overthrew, and whose Worship he endeavoured to abo∣lish.
• k

  And you are so unworthy and mean-spirited, that you do not onely submit to him, but suffer his very Servants to bear rule over you, and enslave you; and particularly, this ignoble and hateful person Zebul.
• l

  If you love Bondage, call in the old Master and Lord of the place; chuse not an up∣start, as Abimelech is; but rather take one of the old Stock, one descended from Hamor, Gen. 34. 2. who did not carry himself like a Tyrant, as Abimelech did; but like a Father of his City of Shechem. This he might speak, either 1. Sincerely, as being himself a Canaanite and a Shechemite, and possibly come from one of those little ones whom Si∣meon and Levi spared when they slew all the grown Males, Gen. 34. 29. And it may be that he was one of the Royal Blood, a descendant of Hamor, who hereby sought to insinu∣ate himself into their minds and Government, as it follows, v. 29. Would to God thus people were under my hand; which he might judg the people more likely to do, both because they were now united with the Canaanites in Religion; and because their present distress might oblige them to put them∣selves under him, who seemed or pretended to be a Valiant and Expert Comman•…•…▪ Or, 2. In way of decision, he be∣ing an Israelite; if you are so servile, serve some of the Children of Hamor; which because you rightly judg to be absurd and dishonourable, do not now submit to a far baser person; but cast off his Yoak, and recover your lost Liberties.
• m

  i. e. Under my Command; I wish you would unani∣mously submit to me, as your Captain and Governour; for he found them divided; and some of them hearkening after Abimelech, whom they had lately rejected, according to the levity of the popular humour.
• n

  As you have driven him ou•…•… of your City, I would drive him out of your Coun∣trey.
• o

  He sent this Message or Challenge to him.
• p

  I de∣sire not to surprise thee at any disadvantage; strengthen thy self as much as thou canst, and come out into the open Field, that thou and I may decide it by our Arms.
• ‖

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• q

  It seems he had temporized and complyed with the peoples humour and Plot against Abimelech, either in dis∣sim•…•…ation and design, and by Abimelech's connivence or advice; or, really; but when he heard Gaal's words, and himself traduced, and struck at by them, he changed his mind, repented of his defection from Abimelech, and in∣tended to return himself, and to bring the people again to the Obedience of their Lord and King.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or to 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• r

  So as Gaal and his Confederates might not know it. Or, in Thormah; or, who was in Tormah; for some make it the name of the place where Abimelech was, which is called with some variation, Arumah, v. 41.
• s

  They Besiege or Guard the City of Shechem, so as none may go out to thee, nor come in from thee.
• t

  i. e. Gaal mentioned v. 33.
• ‡

  Heb. as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 find.
• u

  To put his Army in order, and to conduct them a∣gainst Abimelech, whom he supposed to be at a great di∣stance.
• x

  Who concealed the anger which he had conceived, v. 30. and pretended compliance with him in this Expedition, that he might draw him forth into the Field where Abimilech might have the opportunity of Fighting with him, and overthrowing him.
• y

  For in the Morning, as this was, and in the Evening, the shadows are longest, and move most quickly. He intimates, that he was afraid of shadows.
• ‡

  Hebr. navel.
• z

  Heb. by the navel of the Land. So he calls, either First, the middle of it, as the middle part of Greece and of Sicily are called the navel of them, by the Roman Writers, because the Navel is in the midst of Mans Body: Or, Secondly, The higher part of it, called the Mountains, v. 36. and here the navel, because it was raised above the other ground, as the Navel is above the rest of the Body.
• ‖

  Or, the regar∣ders of •…•…imes.
• a

  i. e. Thy brags. Now thou betrayest thy fears, and therefore now shew thy self a man, and fight valiantly for thy self and people.
• b

  Being surprized by the unexpected coming of Abime∣lech, and possibly not fully prepared for the encounter.
• c

  Be∣ing pursued and overtaken by Abimelech.
• d

  He did not prosecute his Victory, but retreated to Aru∣mah, partly to see the effect of this Fight, and whether the Shechemites would not of themselves return to his Go∣vernment, being either perswaded by Zebul upon this occa∣sion, or terrified by his strength and valour, or now by his clemency in proceeding no further against them: and partly, that being hereby grown more secure, he might have the greater advantage against them, which accordingly he here makes use of.
• e

  Which he was inabled to do, because the Multitude, which is generally light and unstable, and judgeth of all things by Events, were now enraged against Gaal, suspecting him guilty either of Treachery, or Cowar∣dize, or ill Conduct: and besides, they thought the expul∣sion of Gaal would sweeten and satisfie Abimelech, and make him give over the War against them. But though they were offended with Gaal, yet Zebul's interest was not so considerable with them, that he could prevail with them either to kill Gaal and his Brethren, or to yield themselves to Abimelech; and therefore he still complies with the Peo∣ple, and waits for a fairer opportunity, though in vain.
• f

  Either, First, to renew the Fight, and avenge them∣selves for their last loss, the great God hardening their hearts to their Destruction, and the accomplishment of his Word delivered to them by Iotham. But here is not one word about the Peoples Arming, or Resisting, or Fighting, as there was before, v. 39. but only of their Slaughter, v. 43, 44. Or, Secondly, to their usual, and then proper Imployments about their Lands: for though their Vintage was past, the Seed-time was now come, and other things were to be done in the Fields. Or, Thirdly, Upon some solemn occasion, not here expressed; possibly to make a solemn Procession, or perform some other Rites in the Fields, to the honour of their god Baal-berith, as the manner of the Heathen was, to make supplication to him for his help, and for bet∣ter success; or onely to go for that end to the house of their god Baal-berith, which is thought to have been in the Fields; as may seem from v. 27, 46. on a Mountain upon the East side of the City.
• g

  Whereof he kept one with himself, v. 44. and put the rest under other Commanders.
• h

  To prevent their Retreat into the City, and give the other two Companies opportunity to Cut them off.
• i

  Not to make the place barren, as salt will do, for then he would have sowed the Fields, not the City; but in to∣ken of his detestation and desire of their utter and irreco∣verable Destruction: for Salt is the symbole or sign of Per∣petuity; Compare Numb. 18. 19. Deut. 29. 23. 2 Chron. 13. 5. Zeph. 2. 9.
• k

  A strong place belonging to the City of Shechem, and made for its defence or security, but without the City. It is thought, this was that Millo which was confederate with Shechem in their design against Abimelech, v. 6. which also Iotham Cursed with Shechem, v. 20. and that Curse is noted to have its Effect, v. 57. And this place may be called the Tower of Shechem; either because those who possessed and defended it, were sent from Shechem: Or, because it was built and kept for the safe-guard of Shechem.
• l

  Or, Baal-berith, v. 4. Hither they fled out of the Town be∣longing to it, fearing the same event with Shechem; and here they thought to be secure; partly by the strength of the place, as the Temples of Idols were oft-times built in the highest and strongest Places, as the Capitol at Rome, and the Temple at Ierusalem; and such this place seems to have been, because they laid their Treasure here, v. 4. Partly by the Religion of it, thinking that either their god would Protect them there, or that Abimelech would spare them there, if not out of piety to that god, yet out of thankful∣ness for the benefit which he received thence, v. 4.
• m

  A place so called from its shadiness, because there were many Trees there.
• ‡

  Heb. I have done.
• n

  Another Town near to Shechem; and, as it seems, within its Territory.
• o

  All that were not slain in the taking of the Town: or they all forsook the Town, and retired to their strong hold.
• p

  Which was flat and plain, after their manner of Build∣ing.
• Sam. 11. 21
• q

  Such great stones no doubt they carried up with them, whereby they might defend themselves, or offend those who Assaulted them. Here the Justice of God is remarka∣ble in suiting the Punishment to his Sin. He slew his Bre∣thren upon a stone, v. 5. and he loseth his own life by a Stone.
• So 1 Sam. 31. 4.
• r

  Which was esteemed a matter of disgrace.
• Judg. 9. 5. Ruth. 4. 10.
• s

  In rooting out, as far as he could, the name, and me∣mory, and remainders of his Father.
• a

  Not of himself, but either chosen by the People; or rather, raised by God, as the other Judges were.
• ‖

  Or, deliver.
• ‡

  Heb. save.
• b

  Or, to save, which he did not by fighting against, and overthrow∣ing their Enemies, but by a prudent and pious Govern∣ment of them, whereby he kept them from Sedition, and Oppression, and Tyranny, as also from Idolatry; as may be gathered from v. 6. which if not restrained and purged out, would have brought certain Ruine upon them.
• c

  Which was in the very heart and midst of the Land.
• d

  Of Gilead beyond Iordan.
• e

  Because Horses were scarce there, and were not to be multiplied by the King himself, Deut. 17. 16. Hence their Kings and Kings children used to ride upon Mules, 2 Sam. 13. 29. and 18. 9. 1 King. 1. 33, 38, 44. Compare Iudg. 5. 10. and 12. 14.
• ‖

  Or, the villa∣ges of •…•…air.
• f

  Object. These Villages were called so before this time from another Iair: And Numb. 32. 41. Deut. 3. 14. Answ. They are not said to be now first called by that Name; but to be still so called, because the old Name was revived and confirmed upon this occasion. As Sheba is said to be called Beersheba upon an occasion mentioned Gen. 26. 33. though it was so called before upon a more ancient oc∣casion, Gen. 21. 33. Possibly this Iair had enlarged or fortified these Towns, and so they were justly denomina∣ted from him, no less than from the former.
• Chap. •…•…. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 4. 1. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 13. 1.
• ‡

  Chap. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• g

  He shews how they grew worse and worse, and so ri∣pened themselves for the Ruine which afterward came upon them. Before they Worshipped God and Idols together: now they utterly forsake God, and wholly cleave to Idols.
• 1 Sam. 12▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• h

  The one on the West, the other on the East; so they were molested on both sides.
• †

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• i

  Or, That year they had vexed and oppressed the chil∣dren of Israel eighteen years. Or, They vexed them in that year, that was the eighteenth year; to wit, of that Vexation. This was the eighteenth year from the beginning of that Op∣pression. And these eighteen years are not to be reckoned from Iair's Death, because that would enlarge the time of the Judges beyond the just bounds; as may appear from 1 King. 6. 1. Nor from Iephtha's beginning to Reign, because he Reigned but six years, and in the beginning thereof put an end to this Persecution, but from the fourth year of Iair's Reign: so that the greatest part of Iair's Reign was contemporary with this Affliction. And although this Op∣pression of the Ammonites and Philistines, and the cause of it, the Idolatry of the Israelites, be not mentioned till after Iair's death, because the Sacred Pen-man would deli∣ver the whole History of this Calamity entirely and toge∣ther; yet they both happened before it; and Iair's death is mentioned before that, only by a Prolepsis or Anticipa∣tion, than which, nothing is more frequent in Scripture. The case of Iair and Sampson seem to be much alike. For as it is said of Sampson, that he judged Israel in the days of the Tyranny of the Philistines, twenty years, Judg. 15. 20▪ by which it is evident, that his Judicature, and their Dominion, were Contemporary; the like is to be conceived of Iair, that he began to judge Israel, and endeavoured to reform Religion, and purge out all abuses; but being unable to effect this through the backwardness and baseness of the People, God would not inable him to deliver the People, but gave them up to this sad Oppression; so that Iair could only perform one half of his Office, which was to determine Differences amongst the Israelites, but could not deliver them from their Enemies.
• k

  Because not contented to add Idols to thee, we have preferred them before thee, and rejected thee to receive and worship them.
• m

  Both Sihon and Og, and their people, Numb. 21. and other Kings of the Amorites within Iordan, Iosh. 10. 5.
• n

  Who were confede∣rate with the Moabites, Judg. 3. 13, 14.
• o

  See Iudg. 3. 31.
• k Either by himself, the Son of God appearing in a vi∣sible shape, which then was usual: or by some Prophet whom he raised and sent to this purpose: or by the High-Priest, who was consulted in the case.
• p

  For though we do not read of any oppression of Israel, particularly, by the Sidonians; yet there might be such a thing: as many things were said and done, both in the Old and New Testament, which are not Recorded there: Or, they might ioyn their Forces with the King of Mesopotamia, Judg. 3. 8. Or with some other of their Oppressors: for it is certain, these were left among others to prove Israel, Judg. 3. 1, 2, 3.
• q

  Of whom, see Iudg. 3. 13. and 6. 3.
• r

  Either First, those who lived in, or near the Wilderness of Maon in the South of Iudah, 1 Sam. 23. 25. and 25. 2. whether Edomites or others. Or, Secondly, the Mehunims, a People living near the Arabians, of whom, 2 Chron. 26. 7. For in the Hebrew, the Letters of both Names are the same, onely the one is the Singular, the other the Plural Number. Or, Thirdly, The Midianites, whose Oppression he would not omit; it be∣ing usual for one and the same Person or Persons to have two Names: although the Midianites may be comprehen∣ded under the Amalekites, with whom they were joyned, Iudg. 6. 3, 33. Or Fourthly, Some other people now un∣known, and not expressed elsewhere in Scripture.
• Deut. 28. 20. Ier. 2. 13.
• s

  To wit, except you Repent in another manner than you yet have done; which when they performed, God suspends the execution of this Threatning. Compare Ier. 18. 7.
• Deut. 32. 37, 38. Ier. 2. 28.
• t

  You have not been forced to Worship those gods by your Oppressors and Tyrants; but you have freely chosen these gods before me.
• ‡

  Heb. is good in thine eyes.
• u

  Do not give us up into the hands of these cruel Men, but do thou chastise us with thine own hand as much as thou pleasest; to wit, if we be not more faithful and con∣stant to thee, than we have hitherto been.
• ‡

  Heb. gods of strangers.
• x

  This was an evidence of the sincerity of their sorrow, that they did not only confess and bewail their Sins, but al∣so forsake them, and loath themselves for them.
• Isa. 63. 9.
• ‡

  Heb. was shortned.
• y

  Not properly, or as to inward affection; for God being infinitely happy, is not capable of grieving: but figuratively, and as to outward expression. He acted towards them, like one that felt their Sufferings; he had pity upon them, repented of his severe Proceedings against them, and quite changed his carriage towards them, and punished their Enemies as sorely as if they had grieved and injured his own person.
• ‡

  Heb. cried together.
• z

  That Mizpeh which was beyond Iordan in Gad or Ma∣nasseh; of which see Gen. 31. 49. Iosh. 18. 26. Iudg. 10. 17. and 11. 11, 29, 34. There were other Cities of that name in Scripture.
• Chap. 11. 8.
• Heb. 11. 32. called Jephte.
• a

  So called, either from his Father Gilead, Ios. 17. 1, 2. or from the Mountain, or City of Gilead, the place of his birth or abode.
• ‡

  Heb. a wo∣man an harlot
• b

  i. e. A Bastard; for though such were not ordinarily to enter into the Congregation of the Lord, Deut. 23. 2. Yet God can dispence with his own Laws, and hath sometimes done honour to base-born persons, so far, that some of them were admitted to be the Progenitors of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• c

  One of the Children of that An∣cienter Gilead, Numb. 32. 1. Iosh. 17. 1.
• ‡

  Heb. from the face.
• d

  The name either of the Land or Territory, or of the Man who was the Owner or Ruler of it. This place was in or near Gilead, as appears by the speedy intercourse which here was between Iephthah and the Israelites.
• Judg. 9 4. 1 Sam. 22. 2.
• e

  Idle per∣sons, who desire to get their living rather by Spoil and Ra∣pine, than by honest and diligent Labour. These evil mind∣ed persons Iephthah managed well, employing them against the Enemies of God, and of Israel, that bordered upon them; and particularly, upon Parties of the Ammonites, which made the Israelites more forward to chuse him for their Chieftain in this War.
• f

  When he made excursions and at∣tempts upon his and their Enemies.
• ‡

  Heb. after days.
• g

  Heb. after some days: or, after a year, days being oft put for a year, as hath been shewed; after that year mentio∣ned Iudg. 10. 8. The Ammonites had vexed and oppressed them Eighteen Years, and now that the Israelites begin to make Opposition, they commence a War against them. Or, some time after Iephthah had been banish'd, and after he had taken up Arms, and given them some disturbance. Or, af∣ter the Israelites assembled together, as is said, Iudg. 10. 18.
• h

  By direction or instinct from God, who both qualified him for, and called him to the office of a Judge. See Iudg. 12. 7. Heb. 11. 32. Otherwise they might not have chosen a Bastard, Deut. 32. 2. Unless we will say, that there being no other person among them fit for, and willing to this Work, necessity dispensed with this Law, as it did with other positive Laws, as those of the Sabbath and Sacrifices.
• i

  They say not, our King; for the experience of Abime∣lech's kingship had cooled their Appetite in that particular; but our Captain.
• Gen. 26. 27.
• k

  And deprive me of all share in my Fathers Goods, which, though a Bastard, was due to me. This Expulsion of him was the act of his Brethren; but he here ascribes it to the Elders of Gilead; either because some of them were among these Elders, as is very probable from the dignity of this Family; or because this act, though desired and pro∣moted by his Brethren, was executed by the decree of the Elders, to whom the determination of all controversies about Inheritances belonged; and therefore it was their fault that they did not Protect him from the Injuries of his Brethren, as their duty was.
• l

  Being sensible that we have done thee Injury, we come now to make thee full Reparations.
• m

  If you recall me from this place where I am now set∣led, to the place whence I was Expelled.
• n

  Will you re∣ally make good this Promise? Iephthah was so sollicitous in this case, either from his Zeal for the publick Good, which required that he should be so; or from the Law of Self-Preservation, that he might secure himself from his Bre∣thren; whose ill-will he had experienced, and whose in∣iuries he could not prevent, if, after he had served their ends, he had been reduced to his private capacity; or, there might be some Tincture of Ambition in him; for which God therefore severely, though paternally, chasti∣seth him, as we see afterwards.
• ‡

  Heb. be the hearer be∣tween us.
• o

  They confirm their Promise by a Solemn and Sacred Oath.
• p

  Objectively so called, i. e. All that was spoken, not onely by him, but also by the Elders of Gilead, con∣cerning him, and concerning this whole Transaction, and the conditions of it; or, all his matters, the whole busi∣ness.
• q

  i. e. Before the Publick Congregation, wherewith God was usually, and then especially present; see Exod. 20. 24. Deut. 6. 25. Mat. 18. 10. Or, before the Altar, which possibly they did erect upon this special occasion, by Gods Permission: Or, in Gods Presence, calling him to be present, as a Witness and Judge between them.
• r

  i. e. Ambassadors, to prevent Blood-shed, and make Peace; as far as in him lay; that so the Israelites might be acquitted before God and men from all the sad conse∣quences of this War; Herein he shewed great Prudence, and no less Piety.
• s

  What pretence, or reasonable cause hast thou for this Invasion?
• t

  He speaks this in the Name of all the People, whose the Land was.
• Numb. 21. 13.
• u

  i. e. This Land of Gilead, which was mine, but unjust∣ly taken from me, by Sihon and Og, the Kings of the Amo∣rites; and the injury perpetuated by Israel's detaining it from me. This Land, before the Conquests of Sihon and Og, belonged partly to the Ammonites, as is affirmed, Ios. 13. 25. and partly, and principally, to the Moabites, as appears from Numb. 21. 24, 26. Deut. 3. 11. And indeed, Moab and Ammon did for the most part join their Inte∣rests and their Forces, as appears from Scripture-Story; and as Balak the King of the Moabites acted for the Am∣monites, so now the King of Ammon seems to act for the Moabites, either as being now his Subjects; or, as his Confederates; whence it comes to pass that Moab and Ammon are here promiscuously mentioned, as v. 15, 17, 18, 25. and Chemosh the known god of the Moabites, Numb. 21. 29. 1 King. 11. 33. 2 King. 23. 13. Ier. 48. 13, 46. is here called the god of the Ammonites, v. 24. though to speak strictly, Moloch or Milchom was their god, 1 King. 11. 5, 7, 33. and 2 King. 23. 13.
• Deut. 2. 9.
• Num. 14. 25.
• x

  Unto which they came three times; once, Exod. 13. 18. again, a little after their passage over it, Exod. 15. 22. and a third time, long after, when they came to Ezion-Gaber, Numb. 33. 35. Deut. 2. 8. which was upon the Shoar of the Red-Sea, 1 King. 9. 26. 2 Chron. 8. 17. from whence they went to Kadesh, Numb. 20. of this time he speaks here.
• Num. 20. 1.
• Numb. 20. 14.
• y

  Peaceably, and did not revenge their unkindness and inhumanity, as they could have done.
• Numb. 21. •…•…
• Num. 21. •…•… and 22. 36.
• Deut. •…•…▪ •…•….
• z

  i. e. Unto the Land of Canaan, which God hath gi∣ven to me.
• a

  So Sihon was the aggressor or beginner of the War; and the Israelites were forced to it for their own De∣fence.
• Deut. •…•…
• b

  Or Borders; together with all the Land included with∣in those Borders; for so that word is oft used, as Exod. 8. 2. Psal. 147. 14. Ier. 15. 13. and 17. 3.
• c

  To wit, the Desert of Arabia.
• d

  God, the Soveraign Lord of all Lands, hath given us this Land; This he adds, as a further and a convincing reason; because otherwise it might have been alledged against the former Argument, that they could gain no more Right to that Land from Sihon, than Sihon himself had; and he had but an unjust Claim to it.
• e

  He speaks according to their fond and absurd Opinion: The Ammonites and Moabites got their Land by right of War, and Conquest of the old Inhabitants, whom they cast out; and this Success, though given them by the true God, for Lot's sake, Deut. 2. 9, 19. they impiously and ri∣diculously ascribe to their god Chemosh, whose Gift they owned to be a firm and sufficient Title.
• Num. •…•…▪ •…•… Deut. 23. •…•… Josh. 24. 9.
• f

  Art thou wiser than he? or hast thou more right than he had? Balak though he Plotted against Israel, in defence of his own Land, which he feared they would Invade and Conquer, Numb. 22. 4. yet he never contended with them about the restitution of those Lands which Sihon took from him or his Predecessors, after the Israelites had Conquered them.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ters.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ters.
• g

  Not precisely, but about that time, either from their coming out of Egypt; or, from their first Conquest of those Lands; and thus numbers are oft expressed, see Numb. 1▪ 46. and 2. 32. and 11. 21. Iudg. 20. 46. He urgeth Pre∣scription▪ which is by all men reckoned a just Title, and it is fit it should be so for the good of the World, because otherwise the Door would be opened both to Kings, and to private Persons, for infinite Contentions and Confusi∣ons.
• h

  I have done thee no wrong.
• i

  Let him determine this Controversy by the success of this day and War.
• Chap. 3. 10.
• k

  Indued with a more than ordinary Courage and Re∣solution.
• l

  i. e. Bashan, which the half Tribe of Manasseh, beyond Iordan, inhabited, Ios. 20. 8. and 21. 6.
• m

  So cal∣led, to distinguish from other Cities of that name: Having gathered what Forces he suddenly could, he came hither to the borders of the Ammonites.
• n

  Of this and the following Verse, see the Notes on ver. 39.
• ‡

  Heb. that which cometh forth, which shall come forth.
• ‖

  Or, or I will offer it, &c.
• o

  A place not far from Rabbah, the chief City of the Ammonites.
• ‖

  Or, Abel.
• p

  In Confort with other Virgins, as the manner was, See Exod. 15. 20. 1 Sam. 18. 6.
• ‖

  Or, he had not of his own either son or daughter.
• ‡

  Heb. of him∣self.
• q

  Heb. of himself, i. e. Pro∣ceeding from his own body; which may imply, that he had other Children, either by Adoption, or in right of his Wife, who had them by a former Husband.
• r

  Before this, I was troubled by my Brethren; and since, by the Ammonites; and now most of all, though but occa∣sionally, by thee.
• s

  i. e. I have Vowed, which was done by Words, Numb. 30. 2, 6.
• t

  i. e. Not retract my Vow; I am indispensably obliged to perform it.
• u

  Do not for my sake make thy self a Transgressor; I freely give my consent to thy Vow; wherewith, and with the Success of his Arms he had now acquainted her, though it be not here expressed.
• x

  I am willing to bear my Burthen; being abundantly satisfied with the great Deliverance which God hath given to his People by thy hands.
• ‡

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 go down.
• y

  Which she chose as a solitary place, and therefore fittest both for Lamentations, and for her Preparation for her approaching Calamity.
• z

  That I shall Die Childless, which was esteemed both a Curse and a Disgrace for the Israelites, Gen. 30. 23. 1 Sam. 1. 6, 7. Isa. 4. 1. Because such were excluded from that great Priviledg of increasing the Holy Seed, and contributing to the Birth of the Messiah, who was to be Born of an Israelitish Wo∣man.
• a

  Qu. What was it which Iepthah Vowed and Perform∣ed concerning his Daughter? Ans. Many, especially of Modern Writers, conceive, that Iephtha's Daughter was not Sacrificed, but only Devoted to perpetual Virginity; which then was esteemed a great Curse and Reproach: This they gather, 1. From v. 37, 38. where we read, that she bewail∣ed not her Death, which had been the chief Cause of Lamentation, if that had been Vowed, but her Virginity▪ 2. From this, v. 39. where, after he had said, that he •…•…id with her according to his Vow; he adds, by way of decla∣ration of the matter of that Vow, and she knew no Man. But for the first, there may be a fair reason gi∣ven, That she could not with Honour bewail her Death, which she had so generously and chearfully accepted of▪ because it was attended with, and occasioned by the Publick Good, and her Fathers Honour and Happiness, v. 36. and was a kind of Martyrdom; and moreover, an act of Religion, the payment of a Vow, which ought to be done chearfully; but onely bewailed the circumstance of her Death, that it was in some sort accursed and op∣probrious; she having had no Husband to take away her reproach, as they speak, Isa. 4. 1. and leaving no Posterity to her Fathers Comfort, and the Increase of Gods People: And for the second, that Clause, and she knew no man, is plainly distinguished from the Execution of his Vow, which is here mentioned before; and this is ad∣ded, not as an Explication of the Vow, but as an ag∣gravating Circumstance, that this was executed when she had not yet known any man. Besides, this Opinion seems liable to weighty Objections; 1. There is no Ex∣ample in all the Scripture, of any Woman that was ob∣liged to perpetual Virginity by any Vow of her own, much less by the Vow of her Parents; nor have Parents any such Power over their Children, either by the Law of Nature, or by the Holy Scripture. 2. The express words of the Vow, v 31. mention nothing of her Virginity, but onely, that she should surely be the Lords; i. e. Devoted to the Service of the Lord, which might be without any ob∣ligation to perpetual Virginity; for, even Samuel, who was as fully devoted to the Lord by his Parents, as she could be, 1 Sam. 1. 11. and Sampson, who was Devoted not onely by his Parents, but by God himself, and that in the highest degree, even to be a perpetual Nazarite, Iudg. 13. 5, 7. yet were not prohibited Marriage; nor were any of the most Sacred Persons, Levites, or Priests, or High Priests, though they were the Lords in a singular manner, obliged to per∣petual Virginity; and therefore if she was not Offered up for a Burnt-Offering, as the Authors of this Opinion say, but onely was Consecrated to God, there was no occasion to bewail her Virginity, which, for any thing that appears, she was not tied to. 3. If this were all, here was no sufficient cause, why so wise and valiant a man as Iepthah should so bitterly and passionately lament over himself or his Daughter. And therefore it may seem most probable, that Iepthah did indeed Sacrifice his Daughter, as he had Vowed to do; which was the Opinion of Iosephus the Jew, and of the Chaldee Paraphrast, and of divers of the Iew∣ish Doctors, and almost all the Ancient Fathers, and many eminent Writers; and this best agrees with the words of the Vow, delivered v. 31. Whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me—shall surely be the Lords, and I will offer it for a Burnt-Offering. Nor is there one word in all the following Verses, which denies that she was thus offered; onely the execution of the Vow is delivered in more ambiguous and general terms, v. 39. which in all reason, and by the Laws of good Interpreta∣tion, ought to be limited and explained by the more plain and particular description of it: It is true, these words may seem capable of another interpretation; the conjunctive Particle, and, may be here par for the disjunctive, or, as it often is, as Exod. 21. 16, 17. Levit. 6. 3, 5. 2 Sam. 2. 19, & •…•…. and so the meaning is, that what I first meet shall sure∣•…•… be the Lords, or, I will offer it up for a Burnt-Offering; to wit, if it be a Creature •…•…it to be so offered; Otherwise, •…•…y they, if a Dog or an Ass should have met him first, he should have been obliged to offer them, which was against the Law: But it is sufficiently evident, that he speaks of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Humane person, from the very Phrase of coming forth to meet him at his return; which plainly argues a design to meet him, purposely to Congratulate his Return; this phrase of going to meet a person coming, being very oft used in Scripture, and constantly of one person meeting another, as Gen. 14. 17. and 18. 2. and 24. 17, &c. and never of any bruit Creature: And although and is sometimes put for or, yet it is not to be so used without necessity, which seems not to be in this place; nor is it very proper to distin∣guish two Sentences in this manner, where the one is more general, and the other being more special, is comprehended within it, which is the case here; for it shall surely be the Lords, is the general; and its being offered up for a burnt∣offering, is the particular way or manner how it was to be the Lords; as it were very improper to say, This is either a man, or it is my servant Iohn; because the latter branch is con∣tained in the former: and therefore in all the alledged in∣stances where and is put for or, they are two distinct per∣sons or things, and not one comprehended within ano∣ther, as Exod. 21. 17. Father or Mother, 2 Sam. 2. 19. right hand or left. But the great objection against this Opini∣on is this, That it seems a most horrid Act, directly con∣trary to the Law of Nature, and to plain Scripture, thus to Sacrifice his own Daughter; and that it seems altogether incredible, either that such a man as Iepthah, so emi∣nent for Piety, and Wisdom, and Zeal, and Faith, should ei∣ther make so Barbarous a Vow, or pursue it for above two Months space; and that none of the Priests of that time should inform him of the unlawfulness of executing so Wicked a Vow, and of the liberty he had to redeem such a Vow, by vertue of Levit. 27. 2, 3. &c. or that Iep∣thah would not willingly receive information, especially where it was so agreeable to his own interest and natu∣ral affection; or, that the Priests and People would suffer him to execute his own Daughter, and not rather hinder him by force, as they afterwards did Saul, when he had sworn the Death of Ionathan. These and other such diffi∣culties I confess there are in the case; but something may be truly and fairly said to allay the seeming Monstrous∣ness of this fact. 1. These were times of great and ge∣neral ignorance and corruption of Religion, wherein the Israelites had Apostatized from God, and learnt and fol∣lowed the practises and worships of the Heathen Nations, Iudg. 10. 6. whereof this was one, to offer up Humane Sacrifices to Moloch; and although they seem now to have repented and forsaken their Idols, Iudg. 10. 16. yet they seem still to have retained part of the old Leaven, and this among the rest, That they might offer Humane Sacrifices, not to Moloch, as they had done, but unto the Lord. And whereas some of the Iewish Writers pretend that Phinehas was alive at this time; and tell a fine Story concerning him and Iepthah, That both stood upon their Terms, and neither would go to the other to advise about the matter; yet it is more than proba∣ble that Phinehas was dead long before this time; and whosoever was the High-Priest then, he seems to be guilty either of gross ignorance or negligence; so that a late Learned Writer concieves, that this was the reason why the Priesthood was taken from him, and from that line, and translated to the line of Ithamar, which was done in the time of the Judges, as may be gathered from 1 Sam. 2. 35, 36. Moreover, Iepthah, though now a good man, may seem to have had but a rude and barbarous Education; ha∣ving been banished from his Fathers House, and forced to wander and dispose himself in the utmost Borders of the Land of Gilead, beyond Iordan, at a great distance from the place of Worship and Instruction; Nor is it strange, That the Priests and People did not resist Iepthah in this Enterprise; partly, because many of them might lye under the same ignorance and mistake that Iepthah did; and partly, because they knew Iephtha to be a stout, and resolute, and boisterous man, and were afraid to op∣pose him in a matter wherein he seemed to be so pe∣remptory, and their Persons and Families were not much concerned. 2. This mistake of Iepthah's, and of the rest of that Age, was not without some plausible appearance of Warrant from the Holy Text, even from Levit. 27. 28, 29. wherein it is expresly provided, That no Devoted thing, whether Man or Beast, should be redeemed, but should sure∣ly be put to Death; a place, which it is not strange that a Soldier in so ignorant an Age should mistake, seeing even some Learned Divines, in this knowing Age, and Ca∣pellus amongst the rest, have fallen into the same error, and justified Iepthah's action from that place; and though I doubt not they run into the other extreme, as men commonly do, those words being to be otherwise un∣derstood than they take them; of which see my Notes on that place; yet it must be granted that place gave Iep∣thah a very colourable pretext for the Action; and being pushed on by Zeal for God, and the Conscience of his Vow, he might easily be induced to it; and though this was a Sin in him, yet it was but a Sin of Ignorance; which therefore was overlooked by a gracious God, and not reproved by any Holy men of God. It is probably conceived, that the Greeks, who used to steal Sacred Histo∣ries, and turn them into Fables, had from this History their relation of Iphigenia (which may be put for Iephtigenia) Sacrificed by her Father Agamemnon, which is described by many of the same circumstances wherewith this is ac∣companied.
• b

  To wit, carnally, she died a Virgin.
• ‖

  Or▪ o•…•…▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• ‡

  Heb. i•…•… days to days▪
• c

  To a place appointed for their meeting to this end, possibly to the place where she was Sacrificed.
• ‖

  Or, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with.
• d

  To ex∣press their Sorrow for her loss, according to the manner. Or, to Discourse of (so the Hebrew Lamed is sometimes used) the Daughter of Jepthah, to celebrate her Prai∣ses, who had so willingly yielded up her self for a Sa∣crifice.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called.
• a

  Over Iordan, so Northward towards Mizpeh, where Iepthah was, Iudg. 11. 34. and which was in the Northern part of the Land beyond Iordan.
• b

  Through Pride and Envy, conrending with him, as they did before with Gi∣deon, Iudg. 8. 1.
• c

  Not over Iordan, for there he was al∣ready; but over the Borders of the Israelites land beyond Iordan, as appears by comparing this with Iudg. 11. 29. where the same Phrase is used.
• d

  Hence it appears, that he craved their assistance, which they denied; though that be not elsewhere ex∣pressed.
• e

  i. e. I exposed my self to utmost danger▪ as a man that carries a brittle and precious thing in his hand, which may easily either fall to the ground, or be snatch∣ed from him. The same Phrase is used 1 Sam. 19. 5. and 28. 21. Iob 13. 14. Psal. 119. 109.
• f

  Why do you thus requite my kindness in running into such ha∣zard to preserve you and yours?
• g

  According to this Translation, these words are a scoffing and contemptuous expression of the Ephraimites concerning the Gileadites, whom they call Fugitives of Ephraim; the word Ephraim being here taken largely, as it is elsewhere, as Isa. 7. 2, 5. so as it comprehends the other Neighbouring Tribes, of which Ephraim was in some sort the head or chief; and especially their Brethren of Manasseh, who lived next to them, and were descended from the same Father, Ioseph; by reason whereof, both these Tribes are sometimes reckoned for one, and called by the name of the Tribe of Ioseph. And this large signification of Ephraim may seem probable from the following words, where instead of Ephraim is put the Ephraimites, and the Ma∣nassites. By Gileadites here they seem principally to mean the Manassites beyond Iordan, who dwelt in Gilead, as ap∣pears from Deut. 3. 13. Iosh. 17. 1, 5, 6. And although other Gileadites were joyn'd with them, yet they vent their passion against these; principally, because they envied them most; partly, because they seem to have had a chief hand in the Victory, Iudg. 11. 29. And partly, because they were more nearly related to them, and therefore more obliged to de∣sire their Conjunction with them in the War. These they here opprobriously call fugitives, i. e. such as had deserted their Brethren of Ephraim and Manasseh, and for some worldly advantage planted themselves beyond Iordan at a distance from their Brethren, and were alienated in Affecti∣on from them, and carried on a distinct and separate Inter∣est of their own; as appears by their Monopolizing the glory of this Success to themselves, and excluding their Bre∣thren from it. According to the Hebrew the words lie, and may be rendred thus, Therefore (so chi is oft rendred) they said, Fugitives of Ephraim are ye; (i. e. Ye Ephraimites are meer run-aways: for the words next foregoing are, the men of Gilead smote Ephraim. And having told you what they said, because the Pronoun they was ambiguous, he adds by way of Explication) who said it, even, the Gileadites (and they said it when they had got the advantage over them, and got between them and home, as the next verse shews) be∣ing between Ephraim and Manasseh; i. e. Having taken the passages of Iordan, as it follows, which lay between Ephraim and that part of Manasseh which was beyond Iordan. Or these latter words may be rendred thus, And the Gileadites were between Ephraim and Manasseh. So there is only an Ellipsis of two small words, which are oft defective, and to be understood in Scripture. Or thus, And the Gileadites were in the midst of the Ephraimites, and in the midst of the Manassites, to wit, those Manassites who ordinarily lived within Iordan, who possibly were confederate with the Ephra∣imites in this quarrel. And so the meaning is, they followed close after them, and overtook them, and fell upon the midst of them, and smote them; and they sent a party to intercept them at the passages of Iordan, as it here follows.
• h

  Heb. The fugitives of Ephraim, as before; for the Hebrew words are the same. Which may make the latter Expositi∣on of the foregoing words more probable, to wit, that it is not the Gileadites, but the Ephraimites who are there as well as here so called, because they were smitten before Iep∣thah, and fled from him.
• i

  To avoid the present danger.
• k

  Which signifies a stream or river, which they desired to pass over: so it was a word proper for the occasion, and gave them no cause to suspect the Design, because they were required onely to express their desire, to go over the Shib∣boleth or River.
• l

  It is well known, that not only divers Na∣tions, but divers Provinces, or parts of the same Nation who use the same Language, differ in their dialect and man∣ner of pronunciation.
• m

  Or rather, he did not frame or direct himself to speak so, or to speak right; i. e. So as he was required to do it. The Hebrew Text doth not say that he could not do it, but that he did it not, because he suspect∣ing not the design of it, uttered it speedily according to his manner of Expression.
• n

  Not in that place, at the passages of Iordan, but in that Expedition, being slain either in the Battel, or in the Pursuit, or at Iordan.
• o

  Heb. In the cities. The Plural Number put for the Sin∣gular, as Gen. 19. 29. where Lot is said to dwell in the cities, i. e. one of the Cities: And 1 Sam. 18. 21▪ the twain is put for one of the twain: and Iudg. 18. 14. Houses for house: and Ionah 1. 5. The sides, for one of the sides.
• p

  Either that in Iudah, of which Matt. 2. 6. Or that in Zebulun, Iosh. 19. 15.
• q

  i. e. Took them home for Wives to hip Sons. See Gen. 24. 67. and 31. 50. Deut. 21. 12. 2 Sam. 11. 27.
• r

  This is added to distinguish it from other Asalons, of which see Iudg. 1. 35. 1 Chron. 6. 69. and 8. 13.
• ‡

  Heb. Sons sons.
• Chap. 5. 10. and 10. 4.
• s

  So called from some remarkable Exploit, done either by, or upon the Amalekites in that place.
• ‡

  Heb. added to commit, &c.
• Chap. 2. 11. and 3. 7. and 4. 1. and 6. 1. and 10. 6.
• b

  To be computed, not from Abdon's death, but before that time, as is evident both from v. 5. where it is declared, that Israel was under the Power of the Philistines; and from Iudg. 15. 20. where only twenty of these Years are said to have been in Sampson's days. And it is probably conceived, that that great slaughter of the Ephraimites made by Ieph∣thah did greatly encourage the Philistines to rise against Israel, when one of their chief Bulwarks was so much weak∣ned; and therefore that the Philistines began to domineer over them not long after Iepthah's death.
• a

  i. e. Fell into Idolatry, &c. not now after the death of Abdon the last Judge, but in the days of the former Judges.
• c

  A City, of which see Iosh. 15. 33. and 19. 41.
• d

  i. e. Of the Tribe or People, as family sometimes signifies, Iosh. 7. 17. Ier. 8. 3. and 10. 25. Amos 3. 1. Mich. 2. 3. Zach. 14. 18.
• e

  An Emphatical repetition of the same thing in divers words, which is an usual Elegancy both in Scripture and other Authors.
• ‡

  Heb. an an∣gel.
• f

  The Son of God oft so called in the old Testament, as may be gathered from v. 18. yet distinguished from the Lord, because he appeared here as it were in the form of a Servant, as a Messenger sent from God, and was really a distinct person from God the Father.
• g

  Because the child was to be a Nazarite from the Womb, v. 5. and from the conception; and because the Mothers Pollution extends to the Child, she is enjoyned from this time to observe the following rules belonging to the Naza∣rites.
• Numb. 6. 2, 3.
• h

  Under which by a Synecdoche are comprehended the other particulars mentioned Numb. 6. 2, 3, 4. as is im∣plyed v. 14.
• i

  Any of those meats forbidden, Levit. 11. which were forbidden to all, but especially to the Naza∣rites.
• Numb. 6. 5. 1 Sam. 1. 11.
• k

  A person separated from others, and consecrated to Gods service.
• l

  And the deliverance shall be carried on and perfected by others, as it was in part by Eli, and Samuel, and Saul; but especially by David.
• m

  A Prophet, or sacred person, sent with a Message from God.
• n

  Or, venerable, or awful, full of Majesty.
• ‡

  Heb. un∣cieanness.
• o

  Or, thy words shall come to pass: I firmly believe that thy promises shall be fulfilled.
• ‡

  Heb. what shall be the manner of the &c.
• p

  What rules shall we ob∣serve about his Education?
• ‖

  Or, what shall he do.
• ‡

  Heb. what shall be his work.
• q

  Whilest the Child is in her Womb, and after the Child is Born, let him observe the same Orders.
• ‡

  Heb. un∣cleanness.
• ‡

  Heb. before thee.
• r

  Supposing him to be a Man and a Prophet, to whom he would in this manner express his respect, as was usual to strangers. See Gen. 18. 5. Iudg. 6. 18.
• s

  i. e. Meat, as bread is commonly taken in Scripture.
• t

  Not unto a man, as now thou apprehendest me to be; but unto the Lord, as thou wiltst by and by perceive me to be.
• u

  Either by making honourable mention of thee, or by performing respect and service to thee, by a Present, which they usually gave to Prophets, 1 Sam. 9. 7, 8. 2 King. 14. 3.
• Gen. 32 29.
• ‖

  Or, wonder∣ful.
• x

  Or, hidden from mortal Men: or wonderful, such as thou canst not comprehend: my nature or essence (which is oft signified by name in Scripture) is incomprehensible. This shews, that this was the Angel of the Covenant, the Son of God.
• y

  Which were generally joyned with the chief Sacrifices.
• z

  The Angels presence and command being a sufficient War∣rant for the offering of Sacrifice by a person who was no Priest, and in a place otherwise forbidden.
• a

  Either arising from the fire which Manoah brought for the offering: or produced by the Angel out of the Rock in a miraculous manner.
• b

  i. e. From that part of the Rock which served instead of an Altar, upon which the Sacrifice was laid.
• c

  To manifest his nature and essence to be Spi∣ritual, because not capable of hurt by the fire; and Caelestial.
• d

  Partly in Reverence to that glorious Presence manifested in so wonderful a manner: and partly, out of a religious Hor∣ror and fear of death upon this occasion; as is expressed v. 22. for the prevention whereof they fell down in way of supplication to God.
• Exod. 33. •…•… Deut. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chap. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• e

  Or, at this time: the Particle, as, noting here, not likeness, but the truth and reality of the thing, as it doth Numb. 11. 1. Deut. 9. 10. and elsewhere. This Expression seems to have some Emphasis in it, to enhance Gods Mercy to them, as being afforded them in a time of such publick and grievous Calamity; and in a time when the Word of the Lord was precious; and there was no open Vision, as it was afterwards, 1 Sam. 3. 1.
• Heb. 11 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• f

  i. e. Endowed him with all those graces and gifts of mind and body which were necessary for the Work he was designed for.
• g

  i. e. To stir him up to Heroical Designs; to shew forth its Power in him in the frame of his mind, and in the strength of his body, discovered to his Neighbours in extraordinary Actions; to encline his heart to great attempts to the help and deliverance of Gods People, and to give some essays of it to his brethren, and to seek all opportunities for it, as he did in the next Chapter.
• h

  A Place so called, either from the Expedition of the Danites, Iudg. 18. 11, 12. which though placed after this History, was done before it: or from some other Camp which the Danites had formed there at this time, to give some check to the Incursions of the Phili∣stines.
• a

  After he was come to mature Age.
• b

  A Place not far from the Sea, of which see Gen. 38. 12. Iosh. 15. 57. and 19. 43.
• c

  With whom the Israelites were forbidden to Marry, Exod. 34. 12, &c. And although the Philistines were not Ca∣naanites in their Original, Gen. 10. 14. Deut. 2. 23. yet they were so in their Habitation, and concurrence with them in wickedness, and therefore were liable to the same censures and judgments with them.
• d

  This action of Sampson's, though against common rules, seems to be warranted, partly by the greatness and goodness of his Design in it; and principally by the instinct and direction of God, which is mentioned in the following words, which was known to Sampson, but not to his Parents.
• ‡

  Heb. she is right in mine eyes.
• e

  Not so much for her Beauty, as for the De∣sign mentioned in the next Verse.
• 1 King. 12. 15 2 Chron. 10. 15 and 22. 7. and 25. 20.
• f

  Which he knew by very probable conjecture, if not by particular Inspiration, that Marriage would give him many ways.
• g

  Who accompanied him, either because they were now acquainted with his Design; or to order the circumstances of that action which they saw he was set upon: or to watch if they could find any occasion to take him off from his in∣tention.
• h

  Whither he had turned aside either by a Divine impulse, or upon some real or pretended occasion.
• ‡

  Heb. in meet∣ing him.
• i

  Stirred up and increased his courage and bodily strength.
• k

  As soon and as safely.
• l

  Lest by their means it should be publickly known; for he wisely considered, that it was not yet a fit time to awaken the jealousies and fears of the Phi∣listines concerning him, as this would have done.
• m

  Heb. after days, i. e. Either after some days: or ra∣ther, after a year, as that word oft signifies; as Exod. 13. 10. Levit. 25. 29. Numb. 9. 22. Iudg. 17. 10. 1 Sam. 1. 3. and 27. 7. When the flesh of the Lion, which by its strong smell is offensive to, and avoided by Bees, was wholly consumed, and nothing was left but the bones.
• n

  Not generated of the dead Lions body, but elsewhere, and settling themselves there, as they have sometimes done in a man's Skull, and in a Sepulchre, and such like places.
• o

  Out of the Lions Carcase. Quest. Did not Sampson trans∣gress in touching a Carcase? Answ. It was in it self a legal Pollution: but some such Pollutions were involuntary and unavoidable, as in one that hath an issue running in his sleep; and some were necessary duties, as in those who were to at∣tend upon a Woman in her Month, or upon the burial of a Dead Body. And such was this Pollution, being contracted by Divine Instinct and direction, and in order to Gods ho∣nour, and therefore dispensed with by the Author of that Law, and required by him for his service.
• p

  From whom he had turned aside for a season, v. 8. upon some pretence or other.
• q

  Or, observed or considered him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and countenance, and carriage, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• r

  Partly in compliance with the Custom of having 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men; of which see Matt. 9. 15. Mark 2. 19. •…•…oh. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 though they were not so numerous; and principally by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of caution, and as a Guard put upon him under a prete•…•… of respect and affection.
• s

  i. e. An obscure sentence for you to resolve and explair▪
• t

  For so long Marriage-feasts lasted. See Gen. 29. 27.
• ‖

  Or, shi•…•…ts.
• u

  Fine linnen Cloathes, which were used for many purposes in those parts. See Matt. 27. 59. Mark 14. 51.
• x

  i. e. Changea∣ble suits of Apparel, as below, v. 19. and Gen. 45. 22.
• y

  i. e. Out of that strong and devouring Creature, the Lyon, came forth sweet Meat; to wit, honey: withall it is covertly implyed, that the Philistines, though now they had strength on their side, and Dominion over Israel▪ whom they did devour upon all occasions, yet at last they should become Meat to the Israelites.
• z

  They had doubtless spoken to her before this time, but with some remisness, supposing that they should find it out; but now their time being nigh slipped, they press her with more vehemency, and put her under a necessity of searching it out.
• ‡

  Heb. to pos∣sess us; or, to impoverish us.
• a

  i. e. To strip us of our Garments: and so your ci∣vility will end in gross unkindness and injustice.
• b

  Though I have had much more experience of their fi∣delity and taciturnity, than of thine.
• ‖

  Or, the rest of the seven days, &c.
• c

  i. e. On the residue of the seven days; to wit, after the third day. It is a familiar Synecdoche. Or, on the seventh of the days on which the Feast was: And then the follow∣ing Clause, on the seventh day, is only the Noun repeated for the Pronoun, on that day; as is most frequent, as 1 King. 8. 1. Solomon assembled—unto Solomon, i. e. unto himself.
• d

  If you had not employed my Wife to find it out, as men Plough up the ground with an Heifer, thereby Dis∣covering its hidden parts; he calls her Heifer, either, be∣cause he now suspected her wantonness and too much fa∣miliarity with that Friend which she afterwards Married; or, because she was joined with him in the same Yoak; or, rather because they used such in Ploughing.
• e

  Though he had a constant habit of eminent Strength and Courage; yet that was exceedingly increased upon special occasions, by the extraordinary influences of Gods Spirit.
• f

  Either to the Territory, which oft comes un∣der the name of the City; or to the City it self, where he had both Strength and Courage enough to attempt what here follows; and upon the doing hereof they were doubt∣les•…•… struck with such a Terrour, that every one sought one∣ly to preserve himself, and none durst oppose or pursue him.
• ‖

  Or, appar•…•….
• g

  Together with their Sheets or Shirts, which it suf∣•…•… to imply here, being expressed above v. 13.
• h

  For the Treachery of his Wife and Companions.
• i

  To wit, alone or without his Wife.
• k

  By her Father.
• l

  i. e. To the chief of the Bride-men to whom he had shewed most respect and kindness.
• a

  Which circumstance is noted as the proper season for the following exploit.
• b

  Into her proper Chamber, which Women had distinct and separate from the mens.
• c

  Because thou didst desert her in great Wrath: But this was not sufficient cause; for he should have endeavoured a reconciliation, or waited for it; and not have disposed of another mans Wife without his consent, which is not onely against the Law of God, but of Nature also.
• ‡

  Heb. Let her be thine.
• ‖

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall I be blameless. from the Phi∣listines thirst.
• d

  Because they have first provoked me by an irreparable injury: But although this may look like an act of private revenge; yet it is plain enough, that Samson acted as a judge (for so he was) and as an avenger of the publick Injuries and Oppressions of his People, as plainly appears from hence, that Samson designed this very thing before he had received any personal injury, Iudg. 14. 4.
• e

  Of which there were great numbers in Canaan, as appears from Neh. 4. 3. Psal. 62. 11. Cant•…•…c. 2. 15. Lam. 5. 18. Ezek. 13. 4. So that divers places there have their Names from the Foxes which abounded there; as, Ios. 15. 28. and 19. 42. 1 Sam. 13. 17. Add to this, that some Learned men concieve that the Hebrew Name Schual is more general, and contains not only the Foxes, but ano∣ther sort of Creature very like to them, called Thoes, whereof there were so many there, that sometimes 200 of them have been met together in one Company; as some who have lived in those parts have left upon Re∣cord: But Infidels are much scandalized at this History, and pretend it incredible that Samson should catch so many Fox∣es together; so nice and delicate is the Faith of these men in things concerning God and Scripture, that can devour things ten times more difficult and absurd, concerning the production of the World, and of men▪ &c. But there is no cause of wonder here, for any man that is tollerably wi•…•…e; for it is not said that Samson caught them all, either at one time, or by his own hands; for being so eminent a per∣son, and the Judge of Israel, he might require assistance of as many persons as he pleased, and all his people would readily assist him; nor can it at all perplex any mans Reason or Faith, if it be allowed, that the God who made the World, and by his singular Providence watched over Israel, and intended them deliverance at this time, could easily dispose things so that they might be taken. He chose to do this exploit, not by his Brethren, whom he would preserve from the Envy, and Hatred, and Mischief which that might have occasioned to them, but by bruit Crea∣tures, thereby to add scorn and contempt to their Cala∣mity, and particularly by Foxes; partly, because they were fittest for the purpose, being Creatures very fearful of Fire; and having such Tails as the Fire-brands might most con∣veniently be tied to; and not going directly forward, but croo•…•…edly and involvedly, whereby the Fire was likely to be dispersed in more places.
• ‖

  Or, Torches.
• f

  Made of such matter as would quickly take Fire, and keep it for a long time, which was easy to procure.
• g

  That the Foxes might not make too much haste, nor run into their holes, but one of them might delay and stop another in his course, and so continue longer in the places where they were to do Execution.
• h

  To wit, successively at several times; and in divers pla∣ces, with great care and discretion, so as they might no•…•… hinder one another, nor all run into the same Field; but being dispersed in all parts, might spread the Plague far∣ther; and withal might be kept at a distance from the Fields and Vineyards of the Israelites. It is not worthy of our enqui•…•…y what became of these Foxes afterward, whether they were burnt by the Fire-brands, or run into Holes, or were taken and killed by the Philistines. The truth of this History is notably attested by a custom of the Romans, which it is very probable they had from the Phoenicians, upon this occasion; for every year they had a Solemnity in April, the very time of Canaan's Wheat-Har∣vest, wherein Foxes were let loose with burning Torches fastned to their Back-sides, &c.
• i

  Partly, for her Adultery, which divers Heathens punish∣ed with Death; and partly, for that mischief which she had occasioned to them; thus she brought upon her self that mischief which she studied to avoid, Iudg. 14. 15. as wicked persons oft do, Prov. 10. 24.
• k

  Whereby it appears, that it was not his private inju∣ries, but the Publick, which he did revenge.
• l

  Upon their Hips and Thighs, peradventure not designing to Kill them, but to make them uncapable of Military em∣ployment; or, of doing hurt to the Israelites. Or, He smote them with his Leg upon their Thigh, i. e. without any other Weapon but his Leg and Foot he kicked them, and made them Lame and useless for War.
• m

  Heb. with a great stroke; for so it was, even to them whom it did not Kill.
• n

  Partly, because there he could better defend him∣self from his Enemies; and partly, because he would not involve his Brethren in the same danger with himself, but like a Worthy Magistrate, would secure them even with his own greater hazard.
• o

  Where the Rock Etam was, see 1 Chron. 4. 32. 2 Chron. 11. 5, 6.
• p

  As coming in great Numbers with a powerful Host.
• q

  A place so called by anticipation, v. 17.
• ‡

  Heb. went down.
• r

  Thou hast by these actions punished not them, as thou intendedst; but us, who being under their Dominion, are sure to smart for it.
• s

  Not that he feared them, or could not as easily have Conquered them, as he did the whole Host of the Phili∣stines; but, because he would be free from all Obligation or Temptation of doing them any harm, though it were in his own just and necessary defence.
• t

  i. e. From the Cave or Hole in the Rock, in which he had secured himself, out of which he was first brought up, and then carried down from the Rock to the Plain.
• u

  For Joy and Triumph, because they had now their great Enemy, as they supposed, in their hands.
• ‡

  Heb. were melted.
• x

  Heb. were melt∣ed, i. e. were dissolved, as things are which are melted in the fire.
• ‡

  Heb. moist.
• y

  And therefore more tough and strong.
• ‡

  Heb. an heap two heaps.
• z

  This, though it might seem difficult, yet is not at all impossible or incredible; especially, seeing the Learned af∣firm of the Asses of Syria, that they were larger and stron∣ger than ours, and so consequently were their Bones. And withal, it must be acknowledged, that there was something extraordinary and Miraculous in this, as there was unque∣stionably in Samson's strength, and so all the difficulty va∣nisheth.
• ‖

  That is, the lifting up of the jaw-bone, or, casting a∣way of the jaw-bone.
• a

  And by contraction, Lehi, v. 14. it being usual so to con∣tract Proper Names; as Salem is put for Ierusalem, Psal. 76. 3. Sheba for Beersheba, Ios. 19. 2. and many other.
• b

  So as he was ready to faint and die with Thirst; which was natural, from his excessive toil and heat; partly, sent by God, that by the experience of his own Impotency, he might be forced to ascribe the Victory to God onely, and not to himself.
• c

  Wilt thou not finish what thou hast begun? Wilt thou undo what thou hast done.
• d

  i. e. By cleaving a place, made it hollow; an expres∣sion like that Isa. 47. 2. grind Meal, i. e. Grind Corn into Meal; and that Psal. 74. 15. thou didst cleave the Fountain, i. e. cleave the Rock so as to make a Fountain in it.
• ‖

  Or, Lehi.
• e

  In the Jaw-bone which he had used, which God could easily effect, either by causing the Jaw-bone to send forth Water, as the Rock formerly did, the Miracle being in effect the same, though in a differing subject, causing a Spring to break forth in Lehi, or in that Le•…•…i mention∣ed before v. 14. for Lehi is both the name of a place, and signifies a Iaw-bone.
• ‡

  That is, the well of him that called, or, cried.
• f

  i. e. The Fountain of him that cryed for Thirst, or, that called upon God for Deliverance; i. e. the Fountain or Well which was given in Answer to my Prayer.
• g

  According to this Translation, Lehi is the name of a place, and not a Iaw-bone, because it seems im∣probable that a Jaw-bone should continue there so long, which every Traveller might take away, and would be forward enough to carry a Fountain with them in those hot Countries; although it is not incredible that Passen∣gers would generally forbear to meddle with, or remove so great a Monument of Gods Power and Goodness; or, that the same God who made it instrumental to so great a wonder, should add one circumstance more, to wit, fix it in the earth, as a Testimony to Posterity of the Truth of this glorious work: But these words may be other∣wise rendred thus, which Fountain was in that Iaw-bone; and for the following words, unto this day; they may not be joined with the words next and immediately foregoing, as if the Fountain was there to this day; but with the for∣mer words, he called, &c. and so the sense may be this, That it was so called unto this day, and the place may be thus read, he called the name thereof; or, the name thereof was called (such active verbs being frequently put passively and impersonally,) The Well or Fountain of him that called or cryed (which was in Lehi) unto this day.
• h

  i. e. He pleaded their Cause, and avenged them against the Philistinees.
• i

  i. e. Whilst the Philistines had the Power and Dominion, from which he was not fully to deliver, but onely to begin to deliver them, as it was foretold, Iudg. 13. 5. From this place it is manifest that in the computation of the times of the Judges, the years of Servitude or Oppressi∣on are not to be separated from the years of the Judges, and added to them, but are comprehended within them; which proposition is of great importance for clearing this difficult part of Scripture-Chronology, and for justifying that account of times given 1 King. 6. 1.
• a

  A chief City, to make some new attempt upon the Philistins, whom he feared not either in their Cities or in their Camps, having had such large experience of his own strength, and of God's Assistance; Possibly he came in thi∣ther by Night, unknown and unobserved till afterwards.
• ‡

  Heb. a wo∣man an harlot.
• b

  Going into an House of Publick Entertainment to re∣fresh himself, as the manner was, Ios. 20. 1. He there saw this Harlot; which implies, that he did not go thither up∣on so evil a Design, but accidentally saw her there, and by giving way to Lustful looks upon her, was ensnared by her.
• ‡

  Heb. sile•…•…t.
• c

  This they chose to do, rather than to seize upon him in his House and Bed by night; either, because they knew not certainly in what House or place he was; or, because they thought that might cause great Terror, and Confusion, and Mischief among their own People; whereas in the day-time they might more fully discover him, and more unexpectedly surprise him, and more certainly direct their blows, and use their Weapons against him.
• d

  Being either smitten in Conscience for his Sin, when he first awaked, and thence fearing danger, as he had just cause to do; or, being secretly warned by God in a Dream; or, by an inward impulse, for the prevention of his de∣signed Destruction.
• e

  Not the great Gates, but lesser Doors made in them, and strengthned with distinct Posts and Bars.
• f

  The Watch-men not expecting him till morning, and therefore being now retired into the sides, or upper part of the Gate-house, as the manner now is, to get some rest, whereby to •…•…it themselves for their hard Service in∣tended in the morning; or, if some of them were in his way, he could easily and speedily strike them dead, and break the Door, whilst the rest were partly astonished with the surprise; and partly, preparing themselves for resist∣ance: Nor durst they pursue him, whom they now again perceived to have such Prodigious Strength and Courage; and to be so much above the fear of them, that he did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 run away with all speed, but went leisurely, having so great a weight on his Shoulders, wherewith they knew he could both defend himself and offend them.
• Heb. With 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ba•…•….
• g

  Ei∣ther, 1. To an Hill near Hebron, which was above 20 miles from Gaza; or, 2. To the top of an high Hill not far from Gaza, which looked towards Hebron, which also stood upon another high Hill, and might be seen from this place, though it was at a great distance from it. And Sampson did this not out of vain ostentation, but as an evidence of his great strength, for the encouragement of his peo∣ple to join with him more vigorously for their own De∣liverance, than yet they had done, or durst do; and for the greater terror and contempt of the Philistines. It may seem strange that Sampson immediately after so foul a Sin should have the Courage in himself, and the strength from God, for so great a work. But First, it is probable, that Sampson had in some measure repented of his Sin, and begged of God Pardon and Assistance, which also he perceived by Instinct, that God would afford him. 2. This singular strength and courage was not in it self a Grace, but a Gift, which might have been in a graceless person, and therefore might continue in a good Man, notwithstanding an hainous act of Sin; and it was such a Gift as did not depend upon the disposition of his Mind, but upon the right ordering of his Body, by the rule given to him, and others of that Order.
• h

  Either, First, with Conjugal Love, so as to Marry her, as divers both Jews and Christians have thought. Or, Se∣condly, with lustfal Love, as an Harlot: which, though not certain, because the Phrase is here Ambiguous, she being neither called an Harlot, as she of Gaza was, v. 1 Nor yet his Wife, as she of Timnath was, Iudg. 14. 2, 3, 20. yet it may seem more probable; partly, because the dreadful pu∣nishment now inflicted upon Sampson for this Sin, whom God spared for the first Offence, is an intimation, that this Sin was not inferior to▪ the former; partly, because the confi∣dence which the Philistine Lords had in her, and their bold and frequent Treating with her, and the whole course of her carriage towards Sampson, shew her to be a mercenary and persidious Harlot, and not a Wife; whose Affection and Interest would have obliged her to better things; and part∣ly, because Sampson did not carry her home to his House, as Husbands use to do with their Wives; but lodged in her House: as appears from the whole Story.
• ‖

  Or, by the brook.
• i

  The Lords of their five Principal Cities, who seem to have been united together at this time in one Aristocratical Government; or at least were▪ Leagued together against him as their common Enemy.
• ‖

  Or, humble.
• k

  To chastise him for his injuries done to us. They mean to punish him severely, as they did; but they express it in mild words, lest the horror of it might move her to pity him.
• l

  i. e. Shekles, as that Phrase is commonly used, as Numb. 7. 13, 85. 2 Sam. 18. 12. 2 King. 6. 25.
• m

  What is the cause of this prodigious Strength, or wherein doth it consist? She seems to ask meerly out of curiosity, to understand the state of a person whom she so highly values.
• ‖

  Or, new 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• n

  Sampson is guilty both of the Sin of Lying, though he dress up the Lye in such circumstances as might make it most probable; and of great folly in encouraging her en∣quiries, which he should at first have checkt: But as he •…•…ad forsaken God, so God had now forsaken him, and deprived him of common Prudence; otherwise the fre∣quent repetition and vehement urging of this Question might easily have raised Suspicion in him.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men. So 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• o

  With her, i. e. in the same House, in a Chamber, i. e. in a secret Chamber within her Call. Nor is it strange that they did not fall upon him in his Sleep; partly, because they feared to awake a sleeping Lion; and partly, because they expect an opportunity for doing their work more certainly, and with less danger.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 done.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men, 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• p

  Or threed which is woven about a Weavers loom: or, with a Weavers beam. If my hair, which is all divided into seven locks, be fastned about a Weavers Beam; or inter∣woven with Weavers threeds: Understand out of the fore∣going Verses; then I shall be weak as another man.
• q

  Having done what Sampson directed, she adds this for sureness-sake, she fastned the hair thus woven with a pin.
• r

  When thy love consists only in outward expression, not in Affection, and thou wiltst not open thy heart to me, as one true friend doth to another.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ned.
• s

  Being Tormented by two contrary and violent Passions, desire to gratifie her whom he so much doted upon, and fear of betraying himself to utmost hazard. But being deserted by God, it is no wonder that he chuseth the worse part.
• Numb. 6▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• t

  Not that his Hair was in it self the Seat or Cause of his Strength, but because it was the chief condition of that Vow or Covenant, whereby as he stood obliged to him, so God was pleased graciously to ingage himself to fit him for, and assist him in that great Work to which he called him: but upon his violation of his condition, God justly withdraws his help, and leaves him to himself.
• u

  Which it was not hard for her to discover, by the change of his Countenance, and the matter of his Discourse, and the whole carriage of the business.
• x

  By some sleepy Potion, which it is like she gave him up∣on other pretences, agreeable enough to his present and viti∣ated inclination.
• y

  Resting his head upon her knees.
• z

  With a gentle hand, as if she her self had but been sporting with him. She did this more securely; partly, because she had cast him into a deep Sleep; and partly, because, if he had discovered it before it was finished, she would have said, it was onely an innocent intention to try the sincerity of his Affection to her, and the truth of this last relation, which she had so just reason to doubt of, from his frequent dissimulation and lyes.
• a

  i. e. To disturb, and awaken, and affright him, as by other ways, so particularly by crying out in a terrible man∣ner, The Philistines are upon thee, as she had done before, and as it follows v. 20.
• b

  Which, as is here implyed, the per∣ceived, because he could not now shake himself as he did be∣fore, i. e. with equal vigour and might, as is intimated in the ne•…•…t verse: or, because she had bound him, though it be not here expressed, and found him unable to break his bonds.
• c

  Within himself, i. e. he purposed and attempted it.
• d

  i. e. Put forth my strength to crush them, and to deliver my self.
• e

  Being not yet well awake, and not distinctly feeling the loss of his Hair, or not duly considering what would fol∣low upon it.
• f

  In respect of the strength and help he had formerly given him.
• g

  Who now durst Apprehend him, because they rested in the Assurance which Delilah had given them, that now all was discovered and done.
• ‡

  Heb. b•…•…red o•…•…t.
• h

  Which was done by them out of Revenge and Policy to disenable him from doing them much harm, in case he should recover his strength; but not without Gods Providence, punishing him in that part which had been greatly instrumental to his sinful Lusts.
• i

  Because this was a great and strong City, where he would be kept safely; and upon the Sea-coast, at sufficient distance from Sampson's People; and to repair the Honour of that Place, upon which he had fastned so great a scorn, Iudg. 16. 3. God also ordering things thus, that where he first sinned, Iudg. 16. 1. there he should receive his Punishment.
• k

  As Captives and Slaves use to do: See Exod. 11. 5. Isa. 47. 2. Matt. 24. 41.
• l He made himself a Slave to vile Lusts and Harlots, and now God suffers men to use him like a Slave.
• l

  This circumstance, though in it self inconsiderable, is noted as a sign of the recovery of Gods favour, and his for∣mer strength, in some good degree, upon his bitter Repen∣tance, and his renewing of his Vow with God, which was allowed for Nazarites to do, Numb. 6. 9, &c. and which it is here supposed he did, and by the Effects proved.
• ‖

  Or, as when •…•…e was •…•…haven.
• m

  Either upon some annual or customary Solemnity: o•…•… rather upon this special occasion, To praise Dagon for this singular favour. And they did not appoint this solemn Ser∣vice as soon as Sampson was taken, but some considerable time after, as appears by the growth of Sampson's Hair in the mean time, because they would give sufficient time and warning for all their Friends and Allies to come thither, and for the making of all necessary preparations for so great an Occasion.
• n

  Which is by most supposed to be an Idol, whose upper part was like a Man, and whose lower part was like a Fish; whence there is mention of Dagon's hands, but not of his Feet, in 1 Sam. 5. 4. And this Place being near Aegypt, where some of their gods were Worshipped in the form of Fishes; and being near the Sea, it seems most pro∣bable, that it was one of the Sea-gods of the Heathens; and that it had in some part the resemblance of a Fish.
• ‡

  Heb. and who multiplyed our slain.
• ‡

  Heb. before them.
• n

  Either, First, Passively, being made by them the mat∣ter of their sport and derision, and of many bitter Scoffs, and other Indignities or Injuries: Or, Secondly, Actively, by some ridiculous Actions, or some proofs of more than or∣dinary Strength yet remaining in him, like the ruines of a great and goodly Building: whereby he •…•…ull'd them asleep in security, until by this seeming complaisance he prepared the way for that which he design'd; otherwise his generous Soul would never have been forced to make them sport, save in order to their Destruction.
• o

  Which after the manner was flat, and had Windows through which they might see what was done in the lower parts of the house.
• p

  This Prayer was not an act of Malice and Revenge, but of Faith and Zeal for God, who was there publickly disho∣noured; and justice, in punishing their Insolencies, and vindi∣cating the whole Common-wealth of Israel, which was his duty, as he was Judge, to do. And this is manifest from hence, because God, who heareth not Sinners, and would never use his Omnipotency to gratifie any Mans impotent Malice, did manifest by the Effect, that he accepted and owned his Prayer as the dictate of his own Spirit. And that in this Prayer he mentions only his Personal injury, the loss of his Eyes, and not their Indignities to God and his People, must be ascribed to that prudent care which he had, and de∣clared upon former occasions, of deriving the rage and ha∣tred of the Philistines upon himself alone, and diverting it from the People. For which end I conceive this Prayer was made with an audible Voice, though he knew they would entertain it onely with scorn and laughter, which also he knew would quickly be turned into Mourning.
• ‖

  Or, he leaned on them.
• q

  Qu. How could so great a Building, containing so many thousands of People, rest upon two Pillars so near placed to∣gether? Here Infidels triumph, as if they had got an un∣answerable Argument against the truth of the Scriptures. But it is a far more incredible and ridiculous thing to ima∣gine, that the Pen-man of this Book should feign such a cir∣cumstance as this is, if it had been false, whereby he would have utterly overthrown the Credit of the whole Book; and that he should do this before a People that could easily have confu•…•…ed him; and that the people should have so high a Veueration for that Book in which they knew so notorious a falshood to be: these things, I say, are far more absurd to believe, than the truth of this Relation. But to this I shall add two Answers. First, It is no sufficient Argument to prove, that this was not true, because we do not at this day understand how it was done. There were many great Works, and excellent pieces of Art, some footsteps whereof are left in ancient Writers; but the exact way and particular manner of them, is wholly, or in a great measure unknown and lost: so that Pancirollus hath written a whole Book of such things. Particularly, the old way of Architecture is much in the dark, as is confessed by the Learned. It may be pretended, That though there might be curious Arts of Building in the Learned and Ingenious part of the World, it is not probable they were among such a rude and barbarous People as the Philistines. But this is certainly a very great mistake; for these People were either a part of, or very near Neighbours to the Phoenicians, from whom it is con∣fessed the Arts came to the Grecians. And forasmuch as many things which were concluded by the Ancients to be impossible, are by the wit and industry of later Ages found to be possible, and certainly true; it cannot be strange if some things now seem impossible to some men, which were then known to be practicable. And he that will venture his Faith and Salvation upon this Proposition, That such a Build∣ing as this was simply impossible, because he doth not see the possibility of it; or, which is all one, That no man understands more than he doth; will find few admirers of his Wisdom. And to question the Truth and Divinity of the Holy Scriptures, which is so fully and clearly proved by sundry Arguments, upon such a moety as this, is but a more learned kind of Do•…•…ing. Answ. 2. Instances are not wanting of far more large and capacious Buildings than this, that have been supported only by one Pillar. Particularly, Pliny in the 15th. Chapter of the 36th. Book of his Natural Histo∣ry, mentions two Theaters built by one C. Curio, who lived in Iulius Cesar's time; each of which was supported only by one Pillar, or Pin, or Hinge, though very many thousands of Peo∣ple did sit in it together. And much more might Two Pillars suffice to uphold a Building large enough to contain Three thousand persons, which is the number mentioned, v. 17. Or, the Pillars might be made Two in the lower part meerly for Ornament-sake, which might easily be so ordered as to support a Third and Main Pillar in the Mid∣dle, which upheld the whole Fabrick.
• ‡

  Heb. my soul
• r

  i. e. I am con∣tented to Die, so I can but therewith contribute any thing to the Vindication of Gods Glory, here trampled upon, and to the Deliverance of Gods People. This is no example nor en∣couragement to those that wickedly Murder themselves: for Sampson did not desire, nor procure his own Death vo∣luntarily, but only by meer force and necessity; because he did desire, and by his Office was obliged to seek the de∣struction of these Enemies and Blasphemers of God, and Oppressors of his People; which in these circumstances he could not Effect without his own Death: and his Case was not much unlike theirs, that in the hea•…•… of Battel run upon the very mouth of the Canon, or other evident and certain danger of Deat•…•…, to execute a design upon the Enemy; or theirs, who go in a Fire-ship to destroy the Enemies best Ships, though they are sure to Perish in the Enterprize. Moreover, Sampson did this by Divine Instinct and Appro∣bation, as Gods Answer to his Prayer manifests, and that he might be a Type of Christ, who by voluntarily undergo∣ing Death, destroyed the Enemies of God, and of his Peo∣ple.
• s

  Either, First, Largely so called, his kinsmen▪ Or, Second∣ly, strictly •…•…o called; Sampson's Parents having had other Chil∣dren after him; as it was usual with God when he gave an extraordinary and unexpected Power of procreating a Child, to continue that strength for the Generation or Conception of more Children, as in the case of Abraham, Gen. 25. 1, 2. and Anna, 1 Sam. 2. 21.
• t

  Which they adventured to do; partly, because the most barbarous Nations allowed Burial even to their Enemies, and would permit this oft-times to be done by their friends: partly, because Sampson had taken the blame of this Action wholly to himself, for which his innocent Relations could not upon any pretence be Punished: and principally, because they were under such grief, and per∣plexity, and consternation for the common Calamity, that they had neither heart, nor leisure to Revenge themselves of the Israelites, but for their own sakes were willing not to disquiet or offend them; at least, till they were in a better posture to resist them.
• t

  This was said before, Iudg. 15. 20. and is here repeated, partly to confirm the Relation of it, and partly to explain it; and to shew when these Twenty years ended, even at his Death, as is here Noted.
• a

  The things mentioned here, and in the following Chap∣ters, did not happen in the order in which they are put; but much sooner, even presently after the Death of the Elders that over-lived Ioshua, Iudg. 2. 7. as appears by divers passa∣ges; as First, because the place called Mahaneh-Dan, or the camp of Dan, Iudg. 13. 25. was so called from that which was done, Iudg. 18. 12. Secondly, Because the Danites had not yet got all their Inheritance, Iudg. 18. 1. which is not credible of them, above 300 Years after Ioshuah's Death. Thirdly, because Phinehas the son of Eleazar was Priest at this time, Iudg. 20. 28. who must have been about 350 years old, if this had been done after Sampson's Death, which is more than improbable.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• b

  i. e. Didst Curse the Person who had taken them away, and that in my hearing, as it follows.
• c

  The fear of thy Curse makes me acknowledge mine Offence, and beg thy Pardon.
• d

  I willingly consent to, and beg from God the re∣moval of the Curse, and a Blessing instead of it. Be thou free from my Curse, because thou hast so honestly restored it.
• ‡

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ fied.
• e

  In the Hebrew it is, Iehovah, the incommunicable name of God. Whereby it is apparent, that neither she, nor her Son; intended to forsake the true God or his Worship; as appears from his rejoycing when he had got a Priest of the Lords appointment, of the Tribe of Levi, Iudg. 17. 13. but onely to Worship God by an Image; which also it is appa∣rent, that both the Israelites, Exod. 32. 1, &c. and Ieroboam af∣terwards, designed to do.
• f

  Either, First, for the honour and benefit of thy self, and Family; that you need not be con∣tinually going to Shiloh to Worship, but may do it as well at home by these Images. Or, Secondly, that thou mayest cause these things to be made; to which end, she restored all the Money to him, as it here follows.
• g

  Many think this was but one Image, partly Graven, and partly Molten. But it seems more probable, that they were two distinct Images, because they are so plainly distinguished, Iudg. 18. 17, 18. where also some other words come between them. It is true, the graven image alone is mentioned, Iudg. 18. 20, 30, 31. not exclusively to the other, as appears from what is said just before; but by a common Synecdoche, whereby one is put for all; especially, where that one is esteemed the chief.
• h

  To dispose of, as I say.
• i

  Though his Mother allowed him to keep it, yet he per∣sisted in his resolution to restore it, that she might dispose of it as she pleased; and did actually restore it, as was said before; and now confirms the former Restitution, and therefore is twice said to restore it.
• k

  Reserving 900 Shekels either for the Ephod and Teraphim, or for other things re∣lating to this Worship: or for her own private use; being, it seems, cooled in her first Zeal, and willing to have as cheap a Religion as she could, as also her Son Micah was, Iudg. 17. 10.
• l

  Made them, either, First, of that Matter: Or, Secondly, for that money.
• m

  i. e. An House or Place Consecrated for the Service of God in this manner.
• n

  An eminent part of the Priestly Garments, Exod. 28. 4. which, some think, is here put for all of them.
• Gen. 31. 19. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 3. 4.
• o

  Some sort of Images so called, of which see Gen. 31. 19. Hos. 3. 4.
• Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the hand.
• p

  Because the Levites in that corrupt Estate of the Church, neglected the Exercise of their Office, and therefore were neglected by the People, and others put into their Employment. But this kind of Priest∣hood was condemned, Numb. 16. 40. and 18. 2, 7.
• Chap. 18. 1. and 21. 2•…•….
• q

  i. e. No Judge to Govern and Controul them. The word King being here used largely for a Supreme Magistrate; as Gen. 36. 31. Deut. 33. 5. God raised up Judges to Rule and de∣liver the People, when he saw fit; and at other times for their Sins he suffered them to be without them, and such a time this was; and therefore they ran into that Idolatry, from which the Judges usually kept them; as appears by that solemn and oft-repeated passage in this Book, that after the Death of such or such a Judge, the people forsook the Lord, and turned to Idols.
• r

  i. e. Not what pleased God, but what best suited his own fancy or lusts.
• s

  Or, of Bethlehem-Iudah, so called here, as Matt. 2. 1, 5. to difference it from Bethlehem in Zebulun, Iosh. 19. 15. There he was born and bred.
• t

  i. e. Of, or belonging to the Tribe of Iudah; not by Birth, for he was a Levite; nor by his Mother, for though that might be true, the Mothers-side is not regarded in Genealogies; but by his Habitation and Ministration. For the Levites, especially in times of Confu∣sion and Irreligion, were dispersed among all the Tribes; and this mans Lot fell into the Tribe of Iudah: which seems to be here noted by way of reflection upon that Tribe, and as an evidence of the general defection, that a Levite could not find entertainment in that great and fa∣mous Tribe which God had put so much honour upon, Gen. 49. 8, 9, 10, 11. and therefore was forced to wander and seek for subsistence elsewhere.
• u

  So he expresseth it, because this was not the proper, nor usual place of his abode, this being no Levitical City.
• x

  For employment and a lively-hood; for the Tithes and Offerings, which were their maintenance, not being brought in to the house of God, the Levites and Priests must needs be reduced to great streights.
• ‡

  Heb. in ma∣king his way.
• y

  For, a Father, that is, a Priest, a Spiritual Father, a Teacher or Instructor, for such are called Fathers; see 2 King. 6. 21. and 8. 9. and 13. 14. Isa. 22. 21. He pretends Reverence and Submission to him; and what is wanting in his Wages, he pays him in empty Titles.
• ‖

  Or, a double 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c.
• ‡

  Heb. an or∣de•…•… of gar∣ments.
• z

  Being constrained by necessity, and infected with the common contagion of the Superstition and Idolatry of the times.
• a

  i. e. Treated with the same degree of kind∣ness and affection.
• b

  To be a Priest, for which he thought a Consecration necessary, as knowing that the Levites were no less ex∣cluded from the Priests office than the people.
• c

  Instead of his Son, whom he had Consecrated for want of a •…•…it∣ter, v. 6. but now seems to restrain him from the exercise of that Office, and to devolve it wholly upon the Levite, who was nearer akin to it.
• d

  I am assured God will Bless me. So blind and grosly partial he was in his Judgment, to think that one right circumstance would answer for all his substantial errors, in making and worshipping Images against Gods express Command, in worshipping God in a forbidden place; and in that he being an Ephraimite presumed to make a Priest, &c.
• Chap. 17. 6. and 21. 25.
• a

  Not long after Ioshua's death, of which see on Iudg. 17. 6▪
• Josh. 19. 47.
• b

  i. e. A part or branch of that Tribe, consisting onely of 600 men of War, v. 16. with their Families, v. 21. or, a Family of the Danites; for the word, Schebet, which pro∣perly signifies a Tribe, is sometimes taken for a Family, as Iudg. 20. 12. as elsewhere Family is put for a Tribe, as Zech. 12. 13.
• c

  The Lot had fallen to them before this time, Ios. 19. 40, &c. but not the actual possession of their Lot, because therein the Philistines and Amorites opposed them, not without success. See Ios. 19. 40. Iudg. 1. 34.
• d

  Which shews that it was but one, though a large Fa∣mily, which was engaged in this Expedition.
• ‡

  Heb. sons.
• e

  Of which see Ios. 19. 41. Iudg. 13. 2, 25.
• f

  Not in the same House, but near it, as appears from the next Verse, in a neigh∣bouring place.
• g

  Either, 1. By his manner of pronunciation, which was differing and distinguishable in several Tribes, as appears from Iudg. 12. 6. Mork 14. 70. Or 2. By the celebration of some part of his Office, which they then lodging in the neighbourhood, might be invited to. Or rather, 3. By some acquaintance which some of them formerly had with him, which they might have upon many occa∣sions.
• h

  This being not thy usual place, nor proper for thy employment.
• i

  To wit, by thine Ephod▪ or Teraphim, or Images, which they knew he had, v. 14.
• k

  i. e. Your Journey or Design is under the eye of God. i. e. under his Care, and Protection, and Direction, which the eye of God being upon a person, commonly notes in Scripture, as Psal. 32. 8. and 34. 15. Compare Ier. 39. 12. and 40. 4. So the phrase is here taken in a restrained sense, which is elsewhere taken more largely, as Prov. 5. 21. This Answer he either feigns to gratify their humour; or, did indeed receive from the Devil, who transformed him∣self into an Angel of Light, and in Gods name gave them Answers, and those not seldom very true, which God suf∣fered for the tryal of his people: See Deut. 13. 1, 2, 3. But it is observable, that his Answer was, as the Devils Oracles usually were, ambiguous, and such as might have been in∣terpreted either way, as they had success or disappoint∣ment.
• l

  Called also Leshem, Ios. 19. 47.
• m

  Who living in a very strong place, and abounding in Wealth, and understanding that they were not a part of that Land which God gave to his people; and perceiving that the Israelites never at∣tempted any thing against them, were grown secure and careless.
• ‡

  Heb. posses∣sor, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heir of r•…•…straint, 1 Sam. 9. 17.
• n

  Or, that might rebuke or punish any thing, i. e. any crime; Heb. that might put any thing to shame, or, make any thing shameful. Putting to shame seems to be used Metonymically for inflicting Civil Punishment, be∣cause shame is generally the adjunct or effect of it.
• o

  Who otherwise could have succoured them, and would have been ready to do it.
• p

  No League or Confederacy, nor much Converse with other Cities, it being in a plea∣sant and plentiful Soil, between the two Rivolets of Ior and Dan, not needing Supplies from others, and therefore minding onely their own case and pleasure.
• q

  Heb. silent? Silence is oft put for stillness or cessati∣on from action or motion, as Exod. 14. 14. Isa. 62. 1. La∣ment. 2. 18. For they do not accuse them for want of speaking, for that they did; but for wanting of doing and putting their words and resolves into execution.
• r

  This they gather partly from Gods Word or Promise, which they supposed they had from the Levites mouth; and partly from his Providence, which hath so disposed them, that they will be an easy Prey to you.
• s

  By which it again appears, That the Tribe, v. 1. is put for Family.
• ‡

  Heb. girded.
• t

  Called Kiriath-baal, Ios. 15. 60. a City lying in the Northern parts of Iudah, in the Road to Laish; yet not in the City, but in the Fields belonging to it, as the fol∣lowing words evince.
• u

  i. e. Westward from it, as the Western Sea is called the hindermost Sea, Deut. 11. 24. and as on the contrary, the East is called Kedem, which signifies the fore-part.
• x

  i. e. To the Town in which his House was, for they were not yet entred into it.
• y

  i. e. Spake, the word answering being oft used in Scripture of the first speaker, as 1 King. 1. 28. and 13. 7. Ezra 10. 2. Isa. 14. 10.
• z

  i. e. In one of these Houses, the Plural number for the Singular, as Iudg. 12. 7.
• a

  Whe∣ther it be not expedient; either, 1. To consult them again for your own satisfaction; or, rather, 2. To take them away for your further use, as you shall have oc∣casion; for their action is the best Comment upon their words.
• ‡

  Heb. ask•…•… him of pe•…•…
• b

  Heb. asked him of Peace, i. e. if he were in peace, Peace being commonly put for Health and Prospe∣rity.
• c

  To wit, into the House, and that part of it, where those things were.
• d

  Whither they had drawn him forth, that they might without noise or hindrance take them away.
• e

  To wit, the five mentioned, v. 17.
• f

  What do you mean to do? I hope you will not do so Impious and Injurious an action.
• g

  i. e. Be silent, as this Phrase is used, Iob 21. 5. and 29. 9. and 40. 4. Prov. 30. 32. The same thing repeated in other words.
• h

  See on Iudg. 17. 10.
• i

  To wit, a tribe, that is, (and being oft put for that is) a family. For it is certain this was not an expedition of the whole tribe, which num∣bred 64000 men, Num. 26. 43. but only of one family, which it seems were more vexed with the Philistines or Amorites, and therefore resolved to seek new habitations at a great distance from them. And after this time we find the Body of the Danites in their old and proper portions in Sampson's time, which, though placed before this, was long after it.
• k

  Being wholly governed by his own Interest, and making all his obligations of Justice and Gratitude give place to it. But it is not strange, if he who was before perfidious to God, should prove so to men.
• l

  i. e. Among the People: or properly in the midst, both for the greater security of such precious things, and that Micah might not be able to come at him, either to injure or upbraid him; and, it may be, be∣cause that was the place where the Ark used to be carried.
• m

  For their greater security, if Micah should pursue them.
• ‡

  Heb. that thou art ga∣thered toge∣ther.
• n

  So far was he besotted with Superstition and Idolatry, that he esteemed those gods, which were man's work. But he could not be so stupid, as to think these were indeed the great Iehovah that made Heaven and Earth; but only a lower sort of gods, by whom, as Mediators, he offered up his Wor∣ship unto the true God, as it is manifest divers of the Hea∣thens did.
• o

  I value nothing I have in comparison of what you have taken away. Which zeal for Idolatrous trash may shame multitudes that call themselves Christians, and yet ap∣parently value their Worldly conveniences more than all the concerns even of the true Religion, and of their own Salvation.
• p

  The complaints and reproaches.
• ‡

  Hebr. bitter of soul.
• q

  The Soldiers, who are in themselves sharp and fierce, and will soon be enflamed by thy provoking words.
• r

  Which, notwithstanding all thy pretences, thou dost value more than thy Images, as indeed appeared from his following practice.
• s

  Not wholly, but in a great measure, to strike the greater terror into the Inhabitants, and to make their conquest of the place more easie.
• t

  A place near Libanus and Hamath: of which see Numb. 13. 21. Ios. 19. 28. and 21. 31. Iudg. 1. 31.
• •…•…osh. 19. 47.
• u

  That it might be manifest, that they belonged to the tribe of Dan, though they were seated at a great distance from them, even in the most-Northerly part of the Land: whereas the lot of their tribe was in the Southern part of Canaan.
• x

  Having succeeded in their expedition according to the prediction which, as they supposed, they had from this Image, they had a great veneration for it.
• y

  Either 1. When the Ark and the Israelites were taken captives by the Phi∣listines, 1 Sam. 4. 10, 11. Though there is no mention of any who were then taken captives, or that the Philistines did pursue the Victory, and Conquer the Land at that time, for their Victory was quickly damped, and turned to Mourn∣ing, 1 Sam. 5. Or 2. After that time, when the Philistines slew Saul and Ionathan, and discomfited the whole Host of Israel, and made the rest of the People flee out of their Ci∣ties, and took possession of their Cities and Land. Or 3. When the whole Land of the ten Tribes, whereof Dan was one, was Conquered, and the People carried Captive by the Assyrian, 2 King. 17. 6, 23. which is called by way of Emi∣nency, the Captivity, 1 Chron. 5. 22. But against this it is Objected, That it is not probable, that this Idolatry should continue so long in such a publick place and manner: or that David and Solomon would suffer it. Ans. It is not said, that the graven Image was there so long, for that is restrained to a shorter date, even to the continuance of the Ark in Shiloh, v. 31. which was removed thence, 1 Sam. 4. But only that Ionathan's posterity were Priests to this Tribe or Family of Dan, which they might be under all the changes, even till the Assyrian Captivity, sometimes more openly and allowedly, sometimes more cunningly, sometimes more se∣cretly, sometimes in one way of Superstition or Idolatry, and sometimes in another; and, in and after Ieroboam's time, in the Worship of the Calves, for which service though he did make Priests of the meanest of the People, 1 King. 12. 31. yet that was not by choice, but out of necessity, because the Priests and Levites generally forsook him, 2 Chron. 11. 13, 14. and therefore when he could engage any of the Priests or Levites in that service, he was doubtless very glad of them to gain reputation to his Impious and absurd device.
• a

  Of which see on Iudg. 17. 1.
• 〈…〉〈…〉
• b

  Heb. in the sides, i. e. in one of the sides, as Verse 18.
• ‡

  Heb. a wo∣man, a •…•…∣bine, or, a w•…•…e a concubine.
• c

  Heb. a Wi•…•…e, a Con∣cubine, i. e. such a Concubine as was also his Wife, as ap∣pears from v. 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 26, 27. and Iudg. 20. 4. See of these Gen. 22. 24. and 25. 1.
• d

  i. e. Against her Faith given to him, or to his wrong; or, with him, i. e. in his House, or whilest she lived with him, which is opposed to her going away, which here fol∣lows.
• e

  Either for fear of his severe rebukes or punish∣ment; or, because her heart was alienated from him.
• ‖

  Or, a year and four months.
• ‡

  Days for months.
• f

  Heb. some days, to wit, four months; or, a year (so days com∣monly signifie) and four months; wherein not only she sin∣ned, but her Father by some indulgence and connivence at her Sin, and neglect of just endeavours for her reconciliation to her Husband, the ill effects whereof he speedily felt, in the loss of his Daughter in so dreadful a manner.
• ‡

  Heb. to her heart.
• g

  Or, to speak to her heart, i. e. kindly and comfortably, as that phrase is taken, Gen. 50. 21. Hos. 2. 14. to offer her pardon, and reconciliation, and restitution to her former state.
• h

  To wit, to his own House.
• t

  Partly, for himself or his Wife to ride upon, as there was occasion; and part∣ly, for carrying their Provision, as appears from v. 19
• k

  Ho∣ping the breach would be made up by this means.
• ‡

  Heb. strength en.
• ‡

  Heb. b•…•… good
• ‡

  Heb. till the day declined.
• ‡

  Heb. is weak.
• ‡

  Heb. it is the pitching time of the day.
• ‡

  Hebr. to thy tent.
• l

  Heb. It is the encamping time of the day, i. e. the Even∣ing, when Armies having marched in the day, begin to pitch their Camp; or, when the Sun that makes the day, begins to encamp himself, and go toward rest; so it is a Poetical expression taken from hence, That the Sun when he sets, seems to vulgar eyes to go to rest.
• ‡

  Hebr. to over against Jebus.
• m

  i. e. Of a strange Nation, which the Canaanites posses; for though the City Ierusalem had been taken by Caleb, Iudg. 1. yet the strong Fort of Zion was still in their hands, 2 Sam. 5. 6, 7. whence it is likely they did much mo∣lest, and afterwords by Gods permission, and for the pu∣nishment of their Sin, drive out the Israelites who dwelt there.
• n

  Both which places lay in Benjamin's Portion, a little Northward from Ierusalem, and in the Road from Bethle∣hem-Iudah to Gibeah.
• o

  This is added to difference it from another Gibeah in Iudah, Ios. 15. 57. Possibly this is that which was called Gi∣beah of Saul, 1 Sam. 11. 4.
• p

  Though they were soft and effeminate in other respects, yet they were hard-hearted towards Strangers or indigent persons. Either there were no publick Houses to receive and entertain Travellers, as may be gathered from Gen. 28. and 42. and 45. and Ios. 9. &c. or, if there were such an one here, they might perceive it to be a very wicked House, as being in so lewd a place, and therefore might decline it, and expect that some private person would ex∣ercise Hospitality to them, as persons of any worth used to do, as Gen. 18. 1, 2, 3, 4. and 19. 1, 2. Heb. 13. 2.
• q

  Whence also the Levite was, which obliged and encli∣ned him to shew the more kindness to his Countrey-man.
• Hebr. Sons of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Chap. •…•…5.
• r

  This was indeed one of the Cities belonging to the Priests, Ios. 21. 1 Chron. 6. but you must consider that the Cities which were given to the Priests, and whereof they were Possessors and Owners, were not inhabited by the Priests or Levites onely, especially at this time when they were but few in number, but by many other persons of differing Professions and Callings, which was necessary for their conveniency.
• s

  Which was in Shilo, Ios. 18. 1. and 22. 12. Thither he went, either because he lived there, for that was in the Tribe of Ephraim; or, rather, because he would there of∣fer Prayers, and Praises, and Sacrifices unto God, for his Mercy in reconciling him and his Wife together, and for his Blessing upon them again, and to make atonement for his Wise.
• ‡

  Hebr. ga∣thereth.
• t

  It matters not whether thou wantest nothing or every thing, I will take care to supply all thy wants.
• Gen. 13. •…•…
• u

  As they used to do to Travellers in those hot Coun∣treys, Gen. 18. 4. and 19. 2. and 24. 32, &c.
• x

  i. e. Refreshing themselves with the Provisions set be∣fore them.
• Hos. 99 〈◊〉〈◊〉 10. 9.
• y

  Wicked and Licentious men; see Deut. 13. 13.
• z

  An ambiguous expression; whereby they pretended one∣ly a desire to know and see what person he had brought among them, and yet carry on their Wicked design of knowing him Carnally. Compare Gen. 19. 5. where the same phrase is used in that sense upon a like occasion. But though they name onely the man; yet it is plain from the following relation, that their Design was princi∣pally upon the Woman, and therefore under the name of the man, they comprehend those that belong to him.
• Gen. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• a

  And therefore I am obliged to protect him by the Laws of Hospitality. Compare Gen. 19. 7, 8.
• b

  He offers this to avoid a greater and more unnatural Sin, which he thought they designed; but it seems they did not, their abuse being confined to the Woman, and not extended to the Man, who also was in their power, if they had lusted after him. But this offer was Sinful, because he offered that which was not in his, nor in the Mans power to dispose of, even the Chastity of his Daughter, and the Mans Wife; and because no Man must do any evil, though never so small, for the prevention of any evil of Sin or Misery, or for the procuring of the greatest good, Rom. 3. 8. though his Sin was much mitigated by his Ignorance, by his honest and generous Intention of protecting a stranger; by the force which was in some sort put upon him, and by the sud∣denness and violence of the Temptation.
• ‡

  Hebr. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this folly.
• c

  Being willing to expose her, rather than the Daughter of his Host, who had expressed such a singular care and af∣fection for him.
• d

  To wit, dead, as the following words show, and as that word is oft used, as Exod. 19. 21. Psal. 82. 7. and 91. 7. Hos. 5. 5. killed, partly with grief of heart, and partly with excessive abuse of her Body, of which there have been divers instances. Thus the Sin she formerly chose, v. 2. is now her Destruction; and though her husband par∣doned her, God would punish her, at least as to this life.
• e So he is called, either because he was her husband; for which cause Sarah called Abraham Lord, 1 Pet. 3. 6. or be∣cause she had been his maid-servant, as Concubines oftentimes were; as Gen. 30. 3, 9.
• f

  The posture either of one that had fallen down; or of one that was layed down to sleep, her hands or arms (for the Hebrew word signifies both) leaning upon the threshold, and being put under her head: and therefore he thought to awake her, and raise her up.
• g

  For she was dead, as is said, Iudg. 20. 5.
• h

  Or, according to her bones, according to the joints of her Body, for there he made the division. This might seem to be a Barbarous and inhuman act in it self; but may seem ex∣cusable if it be considered, that the sadness of the Spectacle did highly contribute to stir up the zeal of all the Israelites to avenge his Concubines death, and to execute Justice upon such profligate Offenders; and was necessary, especially in this time of Anarchy and general Corruption, Iudg. 17. 6. to awaken them out of that Lethargy, in which all the Tribes lay.
• i

  That one piece might be sent to every Tribe; where∣of none to Levi, because they would meet with it in every Tribe, being dispersed among them; but one to Benjamin; for he might well presume, that they would as much abhor so villanous an Action, though done by some of their own Tribe, as any of the rest.
• k

  By several messengers, by whom also he sent a particular Relation of the Fact.
• l

  So wicked and abominable.
• m

  Let us meet together, and seriously consider, and every one freely speak what is to be done in this case▪
• a

  i. e. A great number, and especially the Rulers of all the Tribes, except Benjamin, v. 3, 12.
• b

  From their several habitations.
• c

  i. e. With one consent.
• d

  Dan was the Northern border of the Land, near Lebanon; and Beer∣sheba the Southern border, Gen. 21. 33. Compare 1 King. 4. 25.
• e

  Beyond Iordan, where Reuben, Gad, and half Ma∣nasseh were.
• f

  As to the Lords Tribunal: for God was not only present in the place where the Ark and Tabernacle was, but also in the Assemblies of the Gods, or Judges, Psal. 82. 1. and in all the places where Gods name is recorded, Exod. 20. 24. and where two or three are met together in his name, Matth. 18. 20. for his service, and to seek for Counsel and mercy from him: compare Iudg. 11. 11.
• g

  A place in the borders of Iudah and Benjamin, and therefore ascribed to both of them, Ios. 15. 38. and 18. 26. This they chose, as a place most fit and proper in many respects: First, as a place they used to meet in upon Solemn occasions, See Iudg. 10. 17. and 11. 11. 1 Sam. 7. 5, 16. and 10. 17. Secondly, For its convenient Scituation for all the •…•…ribes within and with∣out Iordan. Thirdly, As being near the place where the Fact was done, that it might be more throughly examined: and not far from Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was, whither they might go or send, if need were.
• ‡

  Hebr. the corners.
• h

  Heb. the corners, i. e. the Nobles and Rulers, which are oft so called, because like corner-stones, they both unite, and support, and adorn the whole Building. Or, and four hun∣dred thousand; It is an Ellipsis of the Particle, and of which Examples have been given before: for the chief of the Peo∣ple were not so many; but the common Soldiers, and these were all Foot-men; whereas many of the Rulers rid upon Horses, or Asses, Iudg. 5. 10. and 10. 4. and 12. 14. The number is here set down, to shew both their zeal and for∣wardness in punishing such a Villany; and the strange blind∣ness of the Benjamites that durst oppose so great and united a Body; and that the success of Battel•…•… depends not upon great numbers, seeing this great Host was twice defeated by the Benjamites, but wholly upon Gods blessing.
• k

  For horse-men they had few or none in their Armies.
• l

  Like Persons unconcerned and resolved, they neither went nor sent thither: partly from their own pride, and stubbornness, and self-confidence: partly because as they were loath to give up any of their Brethren to Justice, so they presumed the other Tribes would never proceed to a War against them: and partly, from a Divine infatuation harden∣ing that wicked Tribe to their own Destruction.
• m

  The Verb is of the Plural Number, because they speak to the Levite, and his Servant, and his Host, who doubtless were present upon this occasion.
• ‡

  Hebr. the man the L•…•…∣vite.
• n

  To whose Relation the other two gave their consent.
• o

  Except I would either submit to their unnatural Lust, which I was resolved to withstand even unto death: or de∣liver up my concubine to them, which I was forced to do.
• ‡

  Hebr. hum∣bled.
• p

  i. e. A lewd folly, most ignominious and impudent Wickedness.
• q

  The Sons of that Holy man, who for one filthy action left an Eternal brand upon one of his own Sons: a People in Covenant with the holy God, whose Honour you are obliged to vindicate, and who hath expresly commanded you to punish all such notorious Enormities.
• r

  i. e. His habitation, to wit, until we have revenged this Injury.
• s

  That we may punish them as such a wickedness deserves.
• t

  This is added as an aggravation, that they should do that in Israel, or among Gods peculiar People, which was esteem∣ed abominable even among the Heathen.
• ‡

  Heb. fellows.
• u

  Heb. tribes: Either the Plural Number for the Sin∣gular: or rather tribe is put for family, as was noted be∣fore, as families are elsewhere put for tribes. They take a wise and a just course, in sending to all the parts and fa∣milies of the tribe, to separate the Innocent from the Guilty, and to give them a fair opportunity of preventing their ruin, by doing nothing but what their Duty, Honour, and Interest obliged them to; even by delivering up those vile Malefa∣ctors, whom they could not keep without horrid guilt and shame; and bringing the Curse of God upon themselves.
• x

  Both the Guilt and the Punishment, wherein all Israel will be Involved, if they do not Punish it.
• y

  Partly from the Pride of their Hearts, which made them scorn to submit to their Brethren, or to suffer them to meddle in their Ter∣ritory; partly from a conceit of their own Valour and Mili∣tary skill; and partly from Gods just judgment.
• z

  Object. This agrees not with the following numbers: for all that were slain of Benjamin were 25100 men, v. 35. and there were only 600 that survived, v. 47. which make only 25700. Ans. The other thousand men were either left in some of their cities, where they were slain, v. 48. or were cut off in the two first Battels, wherein it is unreasonable to think they had an unbloody Victory: and as for these 25100 men, they were all slain in that day, i. e. the day of the third Battel, as is affirmed v. 35.
• Chap. 3. 15.
• a

  Heb. shut up on their right hand, i. e. using their left hand instead of their right.
• b

  An Hyperbolical expression, signifying, that they could do this with great exactness. There are many Parallel Instances in Historians of Persons that could throw Stones, or shoot Arrows with great cer∣tainty, so as seldom or never to miss. Of which see my La∣tin Synopsis. And this was very considerable, and one ground of the Benjamites confidence, because in those times they had no Guns.
• c

  To wit, such as were here present, v. 2. for otherwise it is most probable they had a far greater number of men, being 600000 before their entrance into Canaan, Num. 1. 2.
• d

  i. e. Some sent in the name of all.
• e

  To wit, to Shiloh, which was not far from Mizpeh, where they were.
• Chap. 1. 1.
• f

  This they ask to prevent Emulations and Contentions: but they do not ask whether they should go against them, o•…•… no, for that they knew they ought to do by the will of God already revealed: nor yet do they seek to God for his help by Prayer, and Fasting, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in all reason they ought to have done; but were confident of Success, because of their great Numbers, and Righteous Cause.
• g

  Quest. Why would God suffer them to have so great a loss in so Good a Cause? Ans. Because they had many and great Sins reigning amongst themselves, and they should not have come to so great a Work of God as this, with pol∣luted hands, but should have pulled the Beam out of their own Eye, before they attempted to take that out of their Brother Benjamin's Eye: which because they did not, God doth it for them, making them by this loss more clearly to see their own Sins, and their need of Gods help, without which their great Numbers were insignificant; and bringing them through the Fire, that they might be purged from their Dross; it being probable that the great God who go∣verns every stroke in Battels, did so order things, that their worst and rotten Members should be cut off, which was a great Blessing to the whole Common-wealth.
• h

  Heb. strengthned themselves, partly by supporting themselves with the Conscience of the Justice of their Cause, and the hopes of success: and partly, by putting themselves in better order for defending themselves, and an∣noying their Enemies.
• i

  Hereby shewing their freedom from that Heathenish Superstition, whereby they might have been apt to have rejected that as an unlucky place. Com∣pare 1 King. 20. 23, 28.
• k

  Not so much for their Sins, as for their Defeat and Loss, as appears by the Sequel.
• l

  They impute their ill Success, not to their own Sins, as they had great reason to do, but to their taking up Arms against their Brethren, the Lawful∣ness whereof they now begin to doubt of. But still they per∣sist in their former neglect of seeking Gods assistance in the way which he had appointed, as they themselves acknow∣ledge presently, by doing those very things which now they Sinfully neglected, v. 26. and therefore are again justly punished.
• l

  God answers to their question; but as they did not desire his assistance and success, so he doth not pro∣mise it.
• m

  Being now sensible of their former slightness, and not be∣ing truly humbled for their Sins, which now they discover to be the true Cause of their ill success.
• n

  To make atonement to God for their own Sins.
• o

  Partly to bless God for sparing so many of them, whereas he might justly have cut off all of them when their Brethren were slain: and partly to Im∣plore his assistance for the future, and to give him Thanks for the Victory, which now they were confident he would give them.
• p

  To wit, by Urim and Thummim, Numb. 27. 21.
• q

  In Shiloh where they were now assembled.
• r

  This is added to give us some light about the time of this History, and to shew it was not done in the order in which it is here placed, after Sampson's Death, but long be∣fore.
• s

  i. e. Ministred, as the word stand oft signifies, as Deut. 10. 8. and 18. 7. Prov. 22. 29. Ier. 52. 12. compare with 2 King. 25. 8. because standing is the usual posture of Servants.
• t

  i. e. Before the Ark: or, before his, i. e. the Lord's face, or presence: which shews that he was the high∣priest, for none else might appear there
• u

  Which, if thou requirest, we are willing to do, notwithstanding the provoca∣tion they have given us, and our own Inclination to revenge.
• Now when they had sought God after the due order, and truly humbled themselves for their Sins, he gives them a full and satisfactory Answer to their Desires.
• x

  Though they were assured of the Success, by a particu∣lar and absolute promise, yet they do not neglect the use of means; as well knowing that the certainty of Gods purposes or promises doth not excuse, but rather require Mans dili∣gent use of all fit means for the accomplishment of them.
• y

  i. e. On several sides of it, as may be gathered from the following Verses.
• z

  i. e. A considerable part of them, who were ordered to give the first onset, and then to counterfeit flight, to draw the Benjamites forth of their strong hold. See v. 32.
• a

  To wit, after the second Battel; for the first day after it, they spent in perplexing thoughts, and going up to the House of the Lord: the second, in Fasting and Prayer there: and this third, in the Fight. Or, this is so called with respect unto the two several foregoing days of Battel, and so this was the third day of Battel.
• b

  By the dissembled Flight of the Israelites.
• ‡

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. to sinite of the people wounded as at▪ &c.
• c

  With the same kind, though not the same degree of Success.
• ‖

  O•…•…, Bethel.
• d

  So called, to difference it from this Gibeah, which was upon an Hill; wherefore they are constantly said, to ascend or go up against it, as v. 23, 30. See Ios. 18. 24, 28.
• e

  Where they had disposed themselves, that they might fall upon the Benjamites, when they were drawn forth to a sufficient distance from their City, and when they were pursuing that Party mentioned, v. 30.
• f

  To execute what was agreed upon, even to take Gibeah, and burn it, as they actually did, v. 37.
• g

  Selected out of the main Body, which was at Baal-Tamar; and these were to march directly to Gibeah on the one side, whilst the liers in wait stormed it on the other side, and whilst the great Body of the Army laboured to intercept these Benjamites, who having pursued the Israelites that pre∣tended to flee, now endeavoured to retreat to Gibeah.
• h

  They were so puffed up with their former Successes, that they were insensible of their danger.
• i

  This is the Total Sum, whereof the particulars are re∣lated v. 44, 45. and for the odd hundred not there mention∣ed, they were killed in other places not their expressed.
• ‖

  Or, made a long sound with the trumpet.
• k

  Or, extended themselves; i. e. whereas before they lay close and contracted into a narrow compass, now they spread themselves, and Marched in Rank and File, as Armies do. Or, marched, or went: Heb. drew their Feet. So this Verb is oft used, as Gen. 37. 28. Exod. 12. 21. Iudg. 4. 6. Iob 21. 33.
• ‖

  Or, time.
• ‡

  Heb. with.
• ‡

  Hebr. elevation.
• ‡

  Heb. to smite the wounded.
• ‡

  Heb. the whole con∣sumption.
• l

  Because of their great disappointment, and the present danger wherewith they were surrounded on every side.
• ‡

  Heb. touch∣ed them.
• m

  i. e. The Men of Battel or War. The abstract for the concrete, as Poverty, 2 King. 24. 14. Pride, Psal. 36. 11. Deceit, Prov. 12. 25. Dreams, Ier. 25. 9. Election, Rom. 11. 7. are put for Persons that are Poor, Proud, Deceitful, Dreamers, Elect.
• n

  So the sence may seem to be this, That the Is∣raelites did not only kill the Inhabitants of Gibeah, and all the Benjamites that came into the Field against them, 600 excepted; but in the midst of them, or together with them, they killed also the rest of the Benjamites, who, when they saw their Army was wholly Destroyed, made haste to flee out of their several Cities or Towns, that so they might escape the Sword, which was coming towards them. But the words may be rendred thus: And them who were of the other ci∣ties, to wit, of Benjamin, i. e. who abode in their own Ci∣ties, and did not go up to Gibeah, they Destroyed in the midst of them, i. e. in their several Cities, or, in the midst of it, i. e. of every City: for so it is said v. 48. where it is said, That they smote the men of every City. But this I submit to the Learned.
• ‖

  Or, from Manuchah, &c.
• o

  Without great difficulty. Now that God gave them his presence and assistance, they easily did that which before they found too hard for them. Or, unto Menuchah, or, as far as Ma•…•…uchah, a place so called. See 1 Chron. 2. 52. Ier. 51. 59.
• ‡

  Heb. unto over against.
• p

  To wit, in the Field, or Battel.
• q

  i. e. They cut off the remainders in the pursuit, and spa∣red none. A Metaphor from those who gather Grapes or Corn so clearly and fully, that they leave no relicks for those who come after them.
• r

  Besides the odd hundred expressed ver. 35. but here only the great number is expressed, the less being omitted, as in∣considerable; which way of numbring is frequent in Scrip∣ture, as Iudg. 11. 26. 2 Sam. 5. 5. and in other Authors, and in vulgar use; as when they are called, the 70 Interpre∣ters, who in truth and exactness were 72. Here are also a thousand more omitted, because here he speaks onely of them who fell in that third day of Battel. See on v. 15.
• Chap. 21. 13.
• s

  In a Cave within that Rock, where they Fortified them∣selves, and fetched in Provision as they had opportunity; which they could easily do, when the heat of the Battel was over, and the Israelites were not solicitous to pursue them fur∣ther.
• t

  Having destroyed those that came to Gibeah, and into the field, now they follow them home to their several habi∣tations.
• u

  Comprehensively taken, so as to include women and children. If this seem harsh and bloody, either it may be ascribed to Military Fury; or rather, it may be justified; partly, from that high guilt brought upon the whole Tribe, in which it is no wonder if their Infants suffered, which was not unusual in such cases, as Numb. 31. 17. 1 Sam. 15. 3. I•…•…s. 7. 15. partly, from that Command of God in a Parallel case, Deut. 13. 15. and partly from that Solemn Oath by which they had Anathematised or devoted to Death all that came not up to Mizpeh, Iudg. 21. 5. which none of the Benjamites did; for which cause also they destroyed all the Men, Women, and Children of Iabesh-Gilead, Judg. 21. 10.
• ‡

  Heb. was found.
• ‡

  Heb. were found.
• a

  In the beginning of this War, after the whole Tribe had espoused the quarrel of the Men of Gibeah, Iudg. 20. 13, 14
• b

  They do not (as some suppose) here swear the utter extirpation of the Tribe, which fell out beyond their ex∣pectation, Iudg. 21. 3, 6. but only not to give their Daugh∣ters to those Men who should survive; justly esteeming them for their harbarous Villany, to be as bad as the worst of Hea∣thens with whom they were forbidden to Marry. In this Case the Benjamites might have Married among themselves, if any of their Men and Women were left alive.
• c

  Partly to mourn for the common loss; and partly, to ask counsel from God about the repairing of it.
• d

  Why hast thou given them up to such wickedness, and us to such rage, that the whole Tribe should be in a manner lost! Hence it appears, that they did not swear to root them all out, as is further manifest from the different matter and words of this Oath, ver. 1. which only denied them their Daughters in Marriage; and that concerning the people of other Tribes who joyned not with them in this business, which was, that they should be put to death, v. 5. And their sparing of those 600 Men in the Rock Rimmon, v. 13, 14. plainly shews, that they were not obliged by any Oath or Vow to extirpate them.
• e

  Not for a Monument of the Victory, as some say, but for Sacrifices, as the next words shew. Qu. What need was there of this, when the ordinary Altar was there, to which also they seem to be restrained, Deut. 16. 2? Answ. They are not there restrained to one Altar, but to one place of Worship, as is expressed; and therefore there might be in that place more Altars than one, when the Multitude of Sacrifi∣ces so required, which was the case, 1 King. 8. 64. and pro∣bably at this time, when all the Tribes being met, they had many Sacrifices to offer, some in common for all, and some peculiar to every Tribe. Nay, other Altars might be, and oft-times were Erected in other places, by Divine Direction or Dispensation; as Iudg. 6. 24, 26. 1 Sam. 7. 9, 17. and 11. 15. and 16. 2, 5.
• f

  i. e. A solemn Oath joyned with some terrible Execrati∣on against the Offenders herein.
• g

  Because by refusing to execute the Vengeance due to such Malefactors, they were justly presumed guilty of their Crime, and therefore liable to the same Punishment, as was the case of that City that would not deliver up an Idolater dwelling among them, to Justice.
• h

  Not for the War which was just, and necessary, and good; but for their immoderate severity in the Execution of it, and for the dreadful consequences of it.
• i

  A City in Gilead, and in the Tribe of Manasseh; of which see 1 Sam. 11. 1, 3, 9, &c. and 31. 11, &c.
• k

  Who in such publick and scandalous Crimes were for the greater Terrour of such Transgressors, and prevention of the like Sins, oft involved in the same Punishment with the men, as Deut. 13. 15. Ios. 7. 24, &c.
• Numb. 31▪
• ‡

  Heb. know∣eth the lying with man.
• l

  But not the Virgins, as appears from the next Verses. It is questionable, whether they were not obliged to destroy these also by vertue of their Oath, and of Gods express Com∣mand concerning Devoted Persons, such as these certainly were, that they should surely be put to death, Levit. 27. 29. which was also particularly enjoyned and practised in such Cases, as Deut. 13. Ios. 7. &c. But the natural and necessary duty of preserving a Tribe from total Ruine, might seem to render the case difficult and doubtful, and incline their Opi∣nions, as well as their Affections, to the more favourable side. And it may be, the Lord, whom they were here consulting with upon all their occasions, gave them a Dispensation thus to do, though that be not expressed; which is the case of many other things which were done, though not Recorded; as this very Oath was omitted in its proper place, and had not been Recorded if this extraordinary occasion had not been offered.
• ‡

  Heb. young women Vir∣gins.
• m

  Not Married, yet marriageable: it is probable, there were other and younger Virgins; but whether they were slain or spared, Scripture determines not, and the Learned do not agree. But these could not serve the present and urgent oc∣casion, and therefore he takes notice onely of these 400 which were of riper Age.
• ‡

  Heb. and •…•…pake and cal∣led.
• ‖

  Or, proclaim peace.
• n

  The poor remainders of the Tribe of Benjamin.
• o

  Were yet more grieved upon this unhappy disappoint∣ment, for they supposed here would have been Wives suffici∣ent for them.
• p

  The Benjamites were the onely Authors of the Sin, but God was the chief Author of the Punish∣ment, and the Israelites were but his Executioners.
• q

  For the 200 who are yet unprovided of Wives.
• r

  The Inheritance promised by Iacob and Moses, and given by Ioshua to the Tribe of Benjamin, doth all of it belong to those few which remain of that Tribe, and cannot be Possessed by any other Tribe; and therefore we are obliged to procure Wives for them all, that they may make up this breach, and be capable of Possessing and managing all their Land: that this Tribe, and their Inheritance may not be con∣founded with, or swallowed up by any of the rest. Heb. the inheritance (to wit, belonging to the whole Tribe of Benjamin) is, or belongs to them that be escaped of Benja∣min.
• s

  i. e. To this Generation of Benjamites who have made themselves guilty of this foul Wickedness: but this Oath did not extend to their Posterity. And some think it had another exception, to wit, unless the surviving Benjamites could not otherwise be supplied with wives.
• ‡

  Heb. from year to year.
• t

  On the three solemn Feasts, in which they used some honest and holy Recreations; among which; Dancing was one, Exod. 15. 20. 1 Sam. 18. 6. and 2 Sam. 6. 14. and probably it was the Feast of Tabernacles, which they did Celebrate with more than ordinary joy, Deut. 16. 13, 14, 15.
• u

  Heb. Which is on the north of Bethel. Which doth not relate to Shiloh, which was so known a place, that it was frivolous to describe it by such circumstances, even by pla∣ces much less known than it self; but to the Feast, which as to that part or exercise of the Feast here especially con∣cerned and mentioned, to wit, the Dancing of the Virgins, was not celebrated in Shiloh, but in a Neighbouring place more convenient for that purpose.
• ‖

  Or, towards the sun-rising.
• ‖

  Or, on▪
• x

  By whom he may possibly understand not those onely who were born or settled Inhabitants there, (as many con∣ceive) but all those who were come thither upon this occa∣sion, and for a time sojourned there: For although only the Males were obliged to go up the Three solemn Feasts; yet it is apparent, that the Women had liberty to go, and those who were most devout did usually go, and others upon spe∣cial reasons or occasions: See 1 Sam. 1. 7, 21, 22, 24. Luk. 2. 22, 23, 41, 42, 43. And it may be justly presumed, especi∣ally concerning those women that lived at no great distance from the place of Publick Worship, that they came thither in great numbers. Moreover, the daughters of Shiloh, strict∣ly so called, are not onely they that liyed in that Town or City, bu•…•…n the Country belonging to it, which oft comes under the name of the City to which it belongs. And these may be here particularly named, because though others might come, yet they were under great obligations to come, because of their nearness to the place.
• y

  Which were near to their Dancing-place.
• z

  Take them away by force or violence. Which they might the better do, because mixed Dances were not used by the People of God in their Solem∣nities, but the Women danced by themselves, and therefore were more liable to this Rape.
• ‖

  Or, Gratisie us in them.
• a

  Pass by their offence, if not for their sakes, whom necessi∣ty forced to this course; yet for our sakes, and indeed for your own sakes; for both you and we have done them a great injury in Prosecuting them with so much fury, as to en∣danger the utter extinction of the whole Tribe: and there∣fore this is the least we can do by way of reparation.
• b

  Ei∣ther, First, in the War with Iabesh-Gilead, wherein they should have taken care to reserve a sufficient number, which they might have done, by sparing either so many of the Mar∣ried Women as were necessary, who, their former Husbands being slain, might have been married to those Benjamites; or as many of the younger Virgins, who within a little time might have been Married to them; whom many suppose that they flew. Or, Secondly, in the War with the Benjamites, in which they acknowledge their cruelty in destroying the wo∣men with such fury, as not to leave a competent number for the Men which were left. See Iudg. 20. 48.
• c

  Qu. Whether this did really discharge them from their Oath? 1. Answ. It seems to excuse those Parents of these Virgins who were not acquainted with the Plot, and did neither directly nor indi∣rectly give their Daughters to them, but they were taken away by force, without their knowledge and consent. If it be said, those Parents might and should have retaken their Daughters from them; it may be replied, that they could not do so before they were corrupted, and the Rulers of Israel would not assist them with their Power to recover them. And it is a Maxime, That many things which ought not to be done, when once they are done, should not be undone. And for those Parents who were conscious of the Design, it is probable they kept their Daughters at home to avoid this. Secondly, Either the Oath was made with an Exception of the Case of the Total Extirpation of a Tribe, or it was a rash Oath to do what was out of their Power, or what they could not lawfully do; to wit, utterly to destroy a Tribe out of Israel, which therefore they here speak of with horror, v. 3, 6. and if so, as they Sinned in making it, so they were not obliged to keep it; it being an acknowledged truth, That Rash and Sinful Oaths are better broken than kept. Thirdly, Yet they cannot be wholly excused from Sin in this matter; for as it was folly to take such an Oath as it is ex∣pressed, so the manner of freeing themselves from their own Snare, is fraudulent and injurious to the Parents, in disposing of their Children without their consent.
• d

  i. e. Each Man his Wife, as is said v. 22. By which we •…•…ay see, they had no very favourable opinion of Poligamy, because they did not allow it in this case, when it might seem most necessary for the reparation of a lost Tribe.
• e

  Which being very near the place, they could speedily do before the Parents could obtain redress.
• f

  Not at that in∣stant, which could not be; but by degrees, increasing their Buildings as their number increased.
• Chap. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 18. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 19. •…•….