Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. II wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with the parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened : being a continuation of Mr. Pool's work by certain judicious and learned divines.

HAGGAI.

The ARGUMENT.

HAggai is the first Prophet that appears in the name of the Lord of Hosts, to awaken, reprove, direct, exhort and encourage both the Governour, High Priest, and People, returned out of Captivity to the restoring and settling the Worship of God to the rebuilding the Temple, whose foundations, together with the Altar of Burnt-offering, had been laid seventeen or eighteen years agone, but the finishing of the Tem∣ple prohibited by Cambyses all the time of his being Vice-Roy to his Father Cyrus, and during his own reign; and neglected, near two years in Darius Hystaspis his time, through the covetousness of many, the coldness of some, and the cowardice of others among the Iews, who were all bent on their own private con∣cerns, and pleaded 'twas not time to set about the building of God's Temple, and who in all probability would have deferred it much longer had they been let alone; now therefore the Lord doth in Zeal for his own glory, and in Mercy to his People send his servant Haggai to awaken them to their Duty, which was this, The Building the Temple, and Restoring the pure Worship of God, reproves them for neglecting this, tells them this sin was the cause of the penury and scarcity which afflicted them these fifteen or sixteen years past, assures them that so soon as ever they begin the work, their Ground, their Cattel, their Vines and Olives should won∣derfully increase their store, promiseth God's presence with them, and with it a supply of Gold and Silver which are his; and he will, as he did by the bounty of Darius, and the Contributions of others, bring into them. And though the external Glory of this Temple were less then that of the first Temple, yet this second Temple should exceed the first in glory for so much as their expected, longed for, and the Blessed Messiah should ap∣pear in it. All which as they were weighty arguments in themselves considered, so through the co-operation of the Spirit of God they prevailed with his hearers who set about the work, and when opposed by their Enemies, who sent to Darius to solicite him to renew the prohibition, he on the contrary confirms and enlargeth their Charter, granted by the grand Cyrus, and annexeth severe penalties on all that dare hinder this work, all which particularly, and at large, are set down in the sixth and seventh chapters of Ezra, and so in four years time the Temple is finisht, the feast of dedication is celebrated, and the final issue answers to the name of the Prophet who, sent of God, set it forwards, Haggai, who hath his name from the word that signifieth, A Feast, as if we should call him Festivus. He closeth all with a close prediction of many and long Wars, and Seditions to come among the Gentiles to the overthrow of the enemies of the Iews.

CHAP. I.

1 IN the second year of Darius a the king b, in the sixth month †, in the first day of the month, came the word c of the LORD † by Haggai d the prophet e unto Zerubbabel f son of Shealtiel g, ‖ governour h of Judah i, and to Joshua k the son of Josedech l the high priest m, saying,

2 Thus speaketh u the LORD of hosts, saying, This people x say y, The time is not come z, the time that the LORDS house should be built.

3 Then a came the word of the LORD b by Haggai the prophet c, saying,

4 Is it time d for you e, O ye, to dwell f in your ceiled g houses h, and this house lie waste i.

5 Now therefore k, thus saith the LORD of hosts l, † Consider your ways m.

6 Ye have sown much n, and bring in lit∣tle o? ye eat p but ye have not enough q: ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink r: ye clothe you, but there is none warm s: and he that earneth wages, earneth wages to put it into a bag † with holes t.

7 ¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider your ways u. Vid. ver. 4.

8 Go x up to the mountain y, and bring wood z, and build a the house b, and I will take pleasure c in it, and I will be glorified d, saith the LORD.

9 Ye e looked f for much, and lo g, it came to little h, and when ye brought it home, I ‖ did blow i upon it: Why? saith the LORD of hosts, Because of mine house that is waste k, and ye run l every man to his own house m.

10 Therefore n the heaven o over you stayed p from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

11 And I q called r for a drought upon the land s, and upon the mountains t, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oyl, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men u, and upon cattel x, and upon all the labour of the hands y.

12 ¶ Then a Zerubbabel the son of Sheal∣tiel b, and Joshua the son of Josedech c the high priest d with all e the remnant of the people f obeyed the voice of the LORD g their God h, and the words i of Haggai the pro∣phet as the LORD their God had sent k him and the people did fear before the LORD l.

13 Then m spake Haggai the LORDS mes∣senger n in the LORDS message o unto the peo∣ple p, saying, I am with you q, saith the LORD r.

14 And the LORD s stirred up the spirit t of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel u, governour x of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech y the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant z of the people, and they came a and did work b in the house c of the LORD of hosts d their God e.

15 In the four and twentieth f day of the sixth moneth, in the second year of Darius g the king.

CHAP. II.

1 IN the seventh a moneth, in the one and twentieth b day of the moneth, came the word of the LORD † by the prophet Haggai c, saying,

2 Speak now d to Zerubbabel e the son of Shealtiel f governour g of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech the high-priest h, and to the residue i of the people, saying,

3 Who is left among you k that saw l this house m in her first n glory? and how do ye see it now o? is it not in your eyes p in com∣parison of it, as nothing q?

4 Yet now r be strong s, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD, and be strong O Joshua son of Josedech the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work t: for I am with you u, saith the LORD of hosts.

5 According to the word x that I covenanted y with you, when ye came out of Egypt z, so my spirit a remaineth b among you: fear ye not c.

6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, yet once d, it is a little e while, and I will shake f the heavens g, and the earth h, and the sea i, and the dry land k.

7 And I will shake all nations l, and the de∣sire of all nations shall come m, and I will fill this house n with glory o, saith the LORD of hosts p.

8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine q, saith the LORD of hosts.

9 The glory r of this latter house s shall be greater t than of the former u, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place x will I give y peace, saith the LORD of hosts z.

10 ¶ In the four and twentieth a day of the ninth month b, in the second year of Darius c, came the word of the LORD by Haggai d the prophet, saying,

11 Thus saith the LORD of hosts e, Ask f now the priests g concerning the law h, say∣ing,

12 If one i bear k holy flesh l in the skirt m of his garment, and with his skirt n do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat shall it be holy o? and the priests answered p and said, no.

13 Then said q Haggai, If one that is unclean r by a dead body s touch any of these t, shall it be unclean u? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean x.

14 Then answered Haggai, and said y, So z is the people a, and so is this nation b before me c; saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands d, and that which they offer there e is unclean f.

15 And now g, I pray h you, consider from this day i and upward k, from before a stone l was laid upon a stone m in the temple n of the LORD o.

16 Since those dayes p were, when one came q to an heap r of twenty measures, there were but ten s: when one came to the press fat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.

17 I smote t you u with blasting x, and with mildew y, and with hail z, in all the la∣bours a of your hands, ye you turned b not to me, saith the LORD c.

18 Consider now from this day and upward d, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth moneth, even from the day that the foundation of the LORDS temple was laid e, consider it f.

19 Is the seed yet in the barn g? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig-tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive-tree hath not brought h sorth: from this day i will I bless you k.

20 ¶ And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai, in the four and twentieth day of the month l, saying,

21 Speak m to Zerubbabel governour of Ju∣dah n, saying, I will shake o the heavens p, and the earth q.

22 And I will overthrow the throne of king∣doms r, and I will destroy the strength s of the kingdoms of the heathen, and I will overthrow the chariots and those that ride in them, and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother t.

23 In that day u, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee x, O Zerubbabel y, my servant z, the son of Shealtiel a, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet b: for I have chosen c thee, saith the LORD of hosts.

Notes

• Ezra 4.24. and 5.1. Zech. 1.1.
• a

  Of this name there were seven, Darius Midus, Hystaspis, Longimanus, Nothus, O••bus, A••sames, Codomaunus, one before Cyrus, viz. that Darius which is distinguisht from the otherby (Medus) the M••de, the next Darius was son of Hysta••pis, and third King of Persia (if we leave out Smerdis the cheat, who on Cambyses death counterfeited the true Smerdis, slain by Cambyses his order, got into the Throne, but was discovered and slain at seven months end,) of whom the Text speaketh; unless you can think Io∣shua High Priest through 144 years, and some considerable number of Jews to have lived 196 years, and the returned cap∣tives to have wanted a Temple for 112 years at least, which incredible things attend them who will have this Darius to be Nothus.
• b

  As being the greatest of that time, and by way of eminency above others.
• †

  Elul answering to part of our Au∣gust, an•• September.
• c

  The command or direction what they should do, and reproof for what they had omitted to do.
• †

  Heb by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Haggai.
• d

  We read nothing of his Parentage or Countrey in the Scripture, he doted that thought him an Angel.
• e

  Inspired, sent, approv∣ed and assisted of God in his office.
• 1 Chron. 3. 171 19.
• f

  Whose name speaks either his birth in Babylon or his interest and power there as some ••••••cture, probably his birth in Babylon might be ground of trust∣••••••m with the Government of Iudah, to which he had right.
• g

  Adoptive son to Shealtiel, being of the Royal Line, probably he was the chief branch thereof, (Uncle to him) but by Nature, or by generation, son of Pedajah, or else there were two Zerubba∣bel's sons of two brothers, Pedajah and Shealtiel.
• ‖

  Or, captain.
• h

  Appointed to this by the Persian King, under whose power the Jews were now fallen, and at whose pleasure Governours were placed or displaced
• i

  over the remnant returned out of Babylon, and once at last setled in the Land of Iudah.
• k

  A Type of the great deliverer, one Ioshua leads them into Canaan, another restores the Temple.
• l

  Whose name did portend good to this people, and bespoke Gods righteousness, his Father Serajah was High Priest and slain by Nebuchadnezzar.
• m

  By lineal descent according to the Law, chief of power in Church matters, as Zerubbabel was chief in civil things, to these the Prophet is sent to stir them up to the building of the Temple.
• u

  By way of reproof, and to awaken the drowsie Jews; he who knew their heart tells them what they both thought and spoke.
• x

  Whom mercy preserved in, redeemed out of Babylon, and brought into their Land on purpose to build the Temple. This people whom Cyrus by Proclamation sent to do this, who seemed to long for a Temple when they were in Babylon.
• y

  Dis∣course thus among themselves, and discourage all that were forward.
• z

  The proper season of rebuilding the house of God seems to be not come, for since the prohibition by Cambyses in the days of Cyrus, and through all the time of Cambyses and in the first year, and part of the second of Darius, we have no Commission to do it, but are required not to do any thing in this affair without farther order, Ezra 4.21.
• a

  When the people were thus sluggish, made excuses and delayed doing their duty, then at that time.
• b

  Chap. 1.1. let. a.
• c

  Vid. chap. 1. ver. 1. let. d.
• 2 Sam. 7.2. Psal. 132.3. &c.
• d

  You think it full time to build your own houses, you judge it seasonable enough to lay out much cost on adorning them, what pretence can you make that 'tis not seasonable to build my house?
• e

  Jews who were by a King (that knew not your God) sent to build my house, you unthankful and forgetful ones.
• f

  To settle your selves securely and for continuance with stateliness.
• g

  Arched and with Cedar Wainscote, curiously carved and covered, and as richly adorned, as if you were full of treasures.
• h

  It seems to intimate some of them had more then one house, a City, and a Countrey house, and whilst Gods house lay waste; they thus lavish out their wealth on private wordly conveniences, but grudge the charge on Gods House. Can you thus live without a Temple, an Altar, a Sacrifice, and yet cannot live without stately Houses? Do you owe so much to your selves and so little to your God? So much to your bodies, so little to your souls?
• i

  In its rubbish, or in bare, naked foundations without any superstructure.
• k

  Or And now, or but now Heb. it is time for you to consider, to set your heart to that I propose.
• l

  The great God speaks hearken therefore.
• †

  Heb. s••t your heart on your ways.
• m

  Ponder well the course you have taken and the success of it, what you have designed how you have suc∣ceeded, what care, and what disappointment, what labour and how fruitless your labour hath been? Consider how you have carried it toward God, and how God hath carried it towards you.
• Deu. 28.38. Hos. 4.10. Mich. 6.14, 15.
• n

  The Prophet doth help them or directs them what in par∣ticular they ought to consider, and so debateth it with them, your labour, care and charge hath been great in ploughing and sowing▪ that you are sensible of. But what Harvest have you had? O your Barns have been far from full, you have reap∣ed and brought in little, this is evident to all.
• p

  You seed on the fruit of your labour and product of the Earth.
• q

  But what you eat doth not nourish you, it doth not suffice; you are hun∣gry and meagre still.
• r

  The like emptiness and unprofitable∣ness in your drink, your water quencheth not your thirst, your wine does not refresh your heart, or revive your spirit, or you dare not eat or drink sufficiently for fear you should not have enough, least your store should fail you.
• s

  Your wool and flax is not what 'twas used to be, sufficient to defend you from the cold, 'twill not warm you.
• †

  Heb. pierced through.
• t

  Who labours or trades to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lay up, loseth all his labour, it runs from him as money 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a purse or pocket that hath no bottom, that cannot hold it. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fruitless labour you will soon discern, if you consider your ways, and what think you may be the cause of this?
• u

  Debate it with your selves, both as to what is already past, and what will be for time to come, it hath not been a chance, or an evil which none can tell whence it proceeds, 'tis from your neglect of God, his Temple and Worship.
• x

  Delay no longer, speed ye up.
• y

  Moriah, or Sion, better, Lebanon where best, and greatest store of Cedars were to be h••d, whence came the goodly Cedars which built Solomons Temple, 1 Kings 5, 14, 15. and where they had (before the building was forbidden) furnished themselves, Ezra 3.7.
• z

  Provide all sort of Timber for this future Edifice.
• a

  Go on with the work, the foundation whereof hath been laid some years, but the superstructure omitted.
• b

  Of God the Holy Temple.
• c

  This a very gracious promise revived, an assurance that God will dwell in it, and afford his presence there, I will meet you there, and there I will blesse you, there I will accept your offerings, hear your Prayers, forgive your sins, and satis∣fie you with the fatness of my house, much the same promise with that, 1 Kings 8.29. and 9.3.
• d

  Shew my majestly and account my self glorified by you also.
• e

  O Iewes, you toiled, and were at great cost, as verse 6.
• f

  Expected, hoped, promised your selves a great increase, a plentiful Harvest.
• g

  But you saw, discerned, and were sensi∣ble that it answered not expectation.
• h

  All dwindled into a very little, you were losers by all, went backward still.
• ‖

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 away.
• i

  Had your little been as the righteous man's little, you might have lived on it, and rejoiced in it, but it had not such a Blessing upon it; it was blasted, and so was weak, and empty, and heartless, it profited little.
• k

  All this curse on your Estate and Labour was for your ungodly neglect of my house, leaving it waste.
• l

  Did with eagerness carry on your own particular Buildings, spared not care or cost for them, you stir not a foot about my house, you run with greatest earnestness about your own,
• m

  Domestick affairs and concerns, in which not one or two, or some few, but every one is culpable, scarce any free from this fault.
• n

  For your great intolerable neglect of God, his House and Worship.
• Ier. 〈…〉〈…〉 De•••• 〈…〉〈…〉
• o

  Heb. Heavens.
• p

  Shut up, sealed, prohibited; God, whose they are, hath forbidden them, they drop not one Pearl of Dew, and the Earth must be barren, when dry with∣out the fructifying influences of Heaven.
• 〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• q

  Your God whom you negl••cted.
• r

  Commanded or willed, which is call powerful enough to bring together any of his armed Souldiers, to punish rebellious and contumacious sinners.
• s

  Either the whole Land, or in di∣stinction to Mountains, the lower grounds and Valleys.
• t

  Which in Canaan were fruitful in Pasturage, and rich in Vines and Olives, and Corn, all which for want of Rain, dryed up, and withered, languished and came to nothing, so the condition of these people was very desolate, a just punishment for a Temple desolate by their negligence.
• u

  The very Blood, Humours and Constitutions of Men were strangely changed hereby, and ma∣ny diseases afflicted them.
• x

  Murrain, leanness and death a∣mong the brute beasts.
• 〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• y

  Whatever mans Industry planted, as Trees and Plants, were under this Curse, and languisht, dyed and were burnt up.
• This verse is a particular Narrative of what was more gene∣rally expressed in the former Verse, and all things mentioned herein are very plain.
• a

  So soon as they heard this convincing and awakening Ser∣mon.
• b

  Who is called Salathiel, 1 Chron. 3.17. Mat. 1.12.
• c

  Vid. chap. 1. verse 1. let. k. l.
• d

  The Twenty fourth from Aaron, as some reckon, Alsled. Chron. but the first after the Cap∣tivity.
• e

  Either none were deaf to the Lords reproof and counsel, or else none durst appear so, when the chief Rulers in State and Church were so forward in obeying the Prophet.
• f

  The common people, the meaner sort.
• g

  Acknowledged that 'twas the Sovereign Lord who spake▪ who ought to be obeyed, because he is the Lord.
• h

  And therefore they ought to do his will, that they might receive the Blessings, which he, as their God, had promised to them, a•• God made this an Ar∣gument to Obedience, so do these now, we are thy people, thou ar•• our God.
• i

  This interprets the former, the voice of the Lord was the words of H••ggai, he added nothing of his own to them.
• k

  According to all for which the Lord had sent and Commissioned him, or particularly in all that concerned the speedy building of the Temple.
• l

  This speaks the right Religious frame of heart in this people at this time.
• m

  When the people shewed their Obedience, and the wil∣lingness of their minds, then God encourageth them by his Prophet.
• n

  Legate or Envoy, the H••b. word signifieth also an Angel; but this is not sufficient to prove their opinion, who dream that Haggai was not a Man, but an Angel in the form of a man, the word here used (arising from a word that signifieth to send, and Paraphrased by a word that primarily signifieth to send as Messengers are sent) doth speak an Angel from his Of∣fice, and work as he ministreth before the Lord, and runneth swiftly on his Errand, it speaketh not the Nature of Essence of Angels, as they are Spirits. The French Version (which I use, Printed at Rochel, 1616) reads it, like ours, Ambassadour. So Haggai was Gods Messenger or Ambassadour to his people; no Angel.
• o

  As becometh an Ambassadour in the words of his Master, so Haggai delivered the Lords Message.
• p

  Not ex∣cluding the Governours, but the people are only mentioned, for that the Prophet spake to the whole Assembly, or because the Lord would encourage them most, who most needed en∣couragement.
• q

  A great promise, and which contains all they can need or desire, it ensureth Gods presence alwayes with them, and his assistance alwayes to them, and his Blessing alwayes upon them. He will be alwayes for, as well as alwayes with them, and then Tatnai, Shethar Bosnai, Sanballat, and all other Con∣spiratours with them, shall not prevail to hinder the work; such a promise as this, Vid. Exod. 3.12. and 4.11, 12, 13. Mat. 28.20. Rom. 8.31. 2 Cor. 12.9.
• r

  This solemn attestation addeth weight to the promise.
• s

  This is the first notable effect of Gods presence with them, a sensible performance of his promise. God inclined their minds, fixt their resolutions, and inspired them with courage for this work, whereas the stoutest of them before, had no mind to set on this work, now the weakest are forward to it, and bold in it.
• t

  The heart, mind or inclination.
• u

  See verse 12. let. b.
• x

  See verse 1. let. h.
• y

  See ver. 1. let. l. and ver. 12. let. m.
• z

  See verse 12. let. e. f.
• a

  Immediately without delay, and unanimously without any visible dissent.
• b

  Every one set their hands to it in such manner as was fit for them, Governours did oversee, direct and encourage the workmen. Artificers framed and prepared, and the people all laboured.
• c

  Which was now to be built upon the old Foundations, laid some seventeen years before, when Cyrus gave the Iewes leave to return and build their City and Temple.
• d

  By which name he delights to be known among the returned Captives; and it was a name best suited to their present state compassed on all hands with enemies, and in perpetual danger by them.
• e

  Vid. verse 12. l••t. h.
• f

  It appeareth then that Zerubbabel and Ioshua with the peo∣ple, did resolve on the matter quickly; for in three weeks, and three dayes, they are at the work, as is evident chap. 1. verse 1. on the first day Haggai preacht, on the twenty fourth day of the Moneth the people are at work, verse 15.
• g

  Vid. verse 1. let. a. Now this Darius was not Darius Nothus, but Da∣rius Hystas••is, as will appear by considering well the following Scheme of years, from the Captivity to the particular years of each of these two Darius's. Suppose we therefore the compu∣tation of these years, according to either of these Schemes, it will appear that there is no likelihood this Darius in the Text should be Darius Nothus.

  • Captivity either 3350 Temple burnt 3360 Cyrus's Decree 3420 Darius's Decree Noth. 3529. Helv.
  • Captivity either 3398 Temple burnt 3416 Cyrus's Decree 3468 Darius's Decree Hyst. 3485. Vsh.

  This latter account begins the Captivity at the fourth year of I••hoiakim, the former begins it at the first of I••conia••s Reign as Ez••kiel also doth, chap. 1.2. and 40.1. Hence that difference which is in the account of the years between the be∣ginning of the Captivity, and the burning of the Temple; the former account makes it eleven years, the latter makes it eigh∣teen, for it begins seven years sooner. In what follows, we shall find both agreeing well enough to clear the unlikeli∣hood of Darius Nothus being the King intended here.

  Both Accounts make the Captivity to end in the seventieth year according to the Scripture. But now the former account makes it one hundred and nine years between Cyr••s his Decree, and Darius his Decree; all which time the Temple by this ac∣count lay desolate, without a Prophet to stir them up to their Duty of building the Temple. Now is this probable? can it be reasonably suppos'd that the Temple should so long lie waste after they were sent out of Babylon purposely to build it? Or that they should be so long in that condition without a Pro∣phet? But now the latter account reckons seventeen years be∣tween Cyrus and Darius his Decree for Building the Temple, a space of time easily conceived likely to pass while the Iewes did not build; nay were forbidden by Cambyses (in Scripture called Artaxerxes) Vice-Roy to his Father Cyrus (engaged in forreign Wars) all the time Cyrus lived after he gave out the Decree, which some make more, some less, but who make the likeliest guess for ought I know, make it five years; whe∣ther Cyrus taken up with these Wars, did know of this Prohi∣bition, or thought not good to take it off till he return'd Con∣querour, I know not; but he died and left this Bar on the work, which continued all Cambyses his Reign, and unto the second year of his Succes••or Darius Hy••••a••pis. Now if this were seventeen, the most, some say but fifteen, others but twelve years, it is very probable, whereas One Hundred and Nine years is utterly improbable. Besides this, let us view what age those many or few were of, by these different accounts, who lived to see the Temple re-edified. If in Dari••s Nothus's time they could be no less than 185 allowing them to be sixteen at the burning of the Temple thus, sixteen when the Temple was burnt, thence sixty to Cyrus's Decree, and thence 109 to Da∣rius Nothus his Decree. But by the latter account their Age a∣mounts but to ninety five years, which appears thus; sixteen at the time the Temple was burnt, thence sixty to Cyrus his Decree, thence seventeen to Darius Hystasp••s his Decree; in all ninety five, which though a great Age, yet not improbable. at that time, though the other (185) be improbable. Besides how few through 169 years can distinctly remember what they saw and took notice of at sixteen, or could make that judgment of the disproportion between the two Temples? chap. 2 4. Or can it be supposed that Zechariah, chap. 1.12. would have accounted but seventy years desolation, when he might have more than doubled the years, and have reckon'd 169 years? would not the argument thus have been more moving?
• a

  Which the Hebrews called Tisri, and Ethanim, and it an∣swers to part of our September and to part of October.
• b

  Some seven weeks after the first, mention'd in the first Chapter, and about one moneth after they began to build, or at least pre∣par'd for building the Temple.
• †

  Heb. by th•• hand of.
• c

  Vid. chap. 1. ver. 1. let. c.d.e.
• d

  Once again acquaint them with what I now impart for their encouragement.
• e

  Vid. chap. 1. ver. 1. let. f.
• f

  Ibid. let. g.
• g

  Ibid. let. h.
• h

  Vid. chap. 1. ver. 1. let. k. l. m. See also chap. 1. ver. 12. where these persons are mentioned.
• i

  See chap. 1. ver. 12. let. e. f.
• k

  There are surely some that are of that Age as to have seen the Temple which our Fathers sins, Gods just displeasure, and the Chaldean malice burnt, who are they? and where may they be found? this question implieth there were such, and by Ezra 3.12, 13. appears there were many, for the cries and sobs of them equall'd the shouts of the younger, who reioiced to see the foundations of the second house laid.
• l

  Took notice of it then, and remember it now, that were of such age and know∣ledge as to remember what was standing in its glory (one hun∣dred and fifty years ago if some conjecture aright, but what is nearer to truth) who remember some fourscore years past, who are about one hundred years of Age.
• m

  The house of God, the Temple built by Solomon.
• n

  In the stately structure of it, in the rich adornings of it, in the unparallel'd skill and cu∣riosity of its Workmanship, when 'twas the Glory of the World.
• o

  Do you see the same Glorious Structure going for∣ward? Have you expectation of one equal to the former Tem∣ple?
• Zech. 4.10.
• p

  You cannot but recal the former to mind, and make your judgment of this by that.
• q

  Do you not judge this se∣cond nothing comparable with the first, you are ready to say (in proverbial speech) it is nothing to it.
• r

  In this juncture, though old men weep for the dispropor∣tion of the two Temples, yet now.
• Zech. 8.9.
• s

  Be of good courage your selves O Zerubbabel, and thou O Ioshua, and encourage others by your Example, animate each other, that all the peo∣ple of the Land may take heart with you.
• t

  Forthwith set about the building of the Temple.
• u

  Both to defend you from Enemies, to supply you with necessaries, to bless and ac∣cept you, vid. chap. 1. ver. 13.
• x

  Either the word of promise to give them his presence, and to carry them through all opposition, or, The word, the Son of God promised to them, and us, so it refers to Christ, in whom all the promises are Yea, and Amen.
• y

  In solemnest manner reduced to the Form and Model of a Covenant that it might be sure, and firm to you, as to your Fathers in whose time I made this Covenant, and with you in them.
• z

  When I brought you out of Egypt, the house of Bondage.
• a

  Of Strength and Courage, of Wisdom and Understanding, of Zeal and Fervency to carry you through this work
• b

  still doth dwell in you, shall be continued to you, and give direction and success.
• c

  Let no discouraging surmises settle in your mind, or weaken your hands. There were as many improbabilities lay in bar to your getting out of Egypt, yet my Word, Covenant, and Spirit over∣came all; fear not therefore, I am the same, and with you, as with your Fathers.
• ver. 21. Heb. 12.26.
• d

  After many repetitions and confirmations of the New Co∣venant one more repetition, and but one more rests to be made.
• e

  Comparatively 'twas little, though 517 years from the second of Darius Hys••aspis to the incarnation of Christ, a long time to us who are short lived, and short sighted, but a lit∣tle time compared with that between first promise to Adam, and Christ's coming; or take any other shorter period, as be∣tween Abraham or David, and Christ; this last period is short, a little while.
• f

  Whether it be metaphorical or literal, it was verified at the time of Christ's coming into the World. After the return of the Captivity, what with the commotions among the Graecians, Persians, and Romans, which began soon after this time; the Prophet points at this, was metaphorically fulfilled, all States were shaken either with Invasions from abroad, or Intestine Dissensions among themselves: Literally it was fulfil∣led by Prodigies, and Earthquakes, &c. as some have observed and recounted at the Birth, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.
• g

  Either States and Governments of the World, or Church Affairs, which in Scripture are called the Heavens, or the Ma∣terial Heavens, and the Firmament,
• h

  which either figura∣tively, or literally taken, will agree well with the Text, and the H••story of times.
• i

  Sea, one part of, that is called Earth, this lower Globe
• k

  the other part of this inferiour World, and both may as former Words be literally or figuratively taken, and which better, I do not undertake to determine.
• l

  Which was literally fulfilled in the overthrow of the Per∣sian Monarchy by the Graecians, in the Civil Wars, and suc∣ceeding troubles among Alexander his Successours, the growth of the Roman Power by the subduing their Neighbours, and their dissensions and homebred Wars, all husht by Augustus a little before Christ's birth. These convulsions began a little after this Prophecy, and continued long, in which the Iews under the Maccabe••s had their share.
• m

  Christ the most desirable, because the most helpful to all Nations, which some Proselytes in all ages did come to the knowledge of, and did earnestly desire, and who was desired by all that knew their own misery, and his sufficiency to save them, who was to be the light of the Gentiles as well as the Glory of his people Israel. The Messiah's coming (the Iews do own) is foretold in this Text, yet will they not see how this, yet a little while is long since past, and the true Messiah long since come,
• n

  which you now build, this second Temple. The first had a fulness of Glory in its magnificent Structure, rich Ornaments, and costly Sacrifices, but this was a worldly Glory, that which is here promised is a Heavenly Glory from the presence of Christ in it. He that was the brightness of his Fathers Glory, who is the Glory of the Church, appeareth in this second Temple.
• o

  Of my presence, preaching, healing, and comforting, saith the Messiah, the King of Glory, who en∣tred these everlasting Doors, Psal. 24.7, 8. This was before the desolation of this Temple by the Rom••ns a Demonstration that the Messiah should come whilest this second Temple stood. But now the hardned Iew seeks to evade this Text.
• p

  This is a solemn sealing the certainty of the thing in this Prophet, and Zechariah, and Malachi, who stile him Lord of Hosts near an hundred times.
• q

  The right as indisputable, the treasures of both as full and large, doubt not therefore but I will give enough to build this house, and I could beautifie it with these as much as the first Temple, but I intend a greater Glory, I am the Proprietor, others but Trustees, I have the full disposal of all.
• r

  Which God intends to put upon this Temple, Solomon, and a rich people with incredible spoils taken from conquered Na∣tions gave a Glory to the first house, but God himself will give the Glory of this House.
• s

  Which poor Captives, and feuda∣tary Governours do build; this second Temple, the Prophet speaks of as if 'twere already a house, whereas 'twas now to be built. What God accounts a glory, must be somewhat bet∣ter than Silver and Gold.
• t

  More truly glory, and in higher degrees, the least of Christ is greater Glory than all the Mag∣nificence of Solomon.
• u

  There were no more but two houses built by God's appointment, into the latter of which the M••s∣siah was personally to come, as Mal. 3.1. therefore he came before that latter Temple was destroyed, that is 1684 years ago, when at two Months old he was presented in the Temple, embraced and confessed by Simeon some 70 years before the Temple was burnt by the Romans.
• x

  In my house, Type of Christ, and who is glory of it.
• y

  A Spiritual, Internal, and Heavenly peace in pardoning guilt, and destroying sin, which displeaseth God, and disquieteth man himself. Christ made peace on his Cross, preached, or published it to the World, and gives it to them by the power of his Spirit.
• z

  Solemnly avowed by the Lord of Hosts, who cannot deceive, or be de∣ceived.
• a

  Two Months and two days after the third Sermon, ve••. 2.
• b

  Part of our November and December, Kisleu Heb.
• c

  which D••••ius this was, see chap. 1. ver. 1. l••t. a. and ver. 15. let. f.
• d

  See chap. 1. ver. 3. let. b. c.
• This tenth verse is an introduction to the fourth solemn dis∣course or Sermon the Prophet makes to this people, and there is nothing difficult in it but what hath been opened already.
• e

  The Prophet comes with his double parable, or problem, but not of his own head, but in the Name of the Lord of Hosts.
• 〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• f

  Consult with, desire the solution of the following case,
• g

  whose Office bound them to study the Law, and to answer all cases of Conscience, their lips should retain knowledge, Mal. 2.7.
• h

  What the Law saith in the case, not what the Church, but what the Scripture saith.
• i

  Any one
• k

  carry away from the Altar, or the Priests hands.
• l

  Part of the Sacrifice, legally, and ceremonially san∣ctified, or made holy by the Altar on which the whole was san∣ctified, of which a part is supposed to be carried away in the skirt of a garment.
• m

  In the lap of his Garment, or in any other Cloth or Napkin,
• n

  and this Cloth touch any common thing as bread, &c. shall
• o

  that common thing by such con∣tact become legally, or ceremonially holy?
• p

  Who these Priests were, is not mentioned, but 'tis likely that there were some among the people, who did by the Prophets perswasion go, and propose the case, and they received the answer as here in the negative, for neither Mediate, nor yet immediate touch of holy things, could make common things, or unholy persons holy.
• q

  Now the second case is proposed for resolution, &c.
• r

  Ceremonially, or legally polluted, and unclean.
• s

  For such touch, though at unawares, did pollute, Numb. 19.13.
• t

  Bread or Pottage, Wine, or Oyl, or Meat.
• u

  Shall that which the unclean (by touch of the dead) doth touch, become unclean, or no? Though a mediate touch of what is holy will not make ho∣ly, yet will not a mediate touch of what is polluted defile whatsoe∣ver it toucheth?
• x

  It is resolved affirmatively, it shall be polluted.
• y

  Now is the case applyed.
• z

  As common things toucht by holy things, are not sanctified, and as polluted persons, touch∣ing what is clean, pollute it as holy things did, not by touch and bodily application make him legally holy, who was com∣mon; but a polluted person made all he toucht, and handled unclean; so unsanctified and polluted Iews, polluted God's Ordinances, while the outward performing of legal and cere∣monial Duties, such as bringing, offering, eating, dragging about their legal sacrifices, left them as unholy in themselves, and as unacceptable to God as they were before; somewhat more than is to be done. The Soul is first to be purified, that they and we may offer up a pure offering.
• a

  The Body of the Iews, or the most part of them.
• b

  This ingeminateth the same thing to intimate to us how God resenteth it, and how we should be affected with it
• c

  in Gods account, or in his sight. who seeth indeed what men are, and what their actions are.
• d

  Whatever they do in Sacred or Civil matters, they make a shift to pollute all the polluted hands, by leprous touches.
• e

  What they do bring to the Altar with impure hearts, and hands, is more polluted by them, than sanctified by the Altar.
• f

  Really impure, though it seem externally clean and holy, 'tis unsutable to the purity of a holy God. In sanctified actions all is spoiled by unsanctified hearts. Thence 'tis that un∣cleanness is derived on their best works, and consecrated rites do not, cannot sanctifie prophane Spirits.
• g

  Furthermore consider:
• h

  He affectionately intreats them to observe
• i

  this twenty fourth day of the ninth month, ver. 10.
• k

  Through past years, trace year after year, and your successes and disappointments in them
• l

  observe all years past before you would set upon the re-building of the Temple after you had intermitted it, some years past, 10, or 15, or 20, or 40 (or more say some) between your surceasing from the work, and beginning to rebuild.
• m

  The Prophet meaneth either before they began to lay one stone upon another in the Foundation laid in Cyrus his time, or before they began to lay the Foundation of the Walls of the Courts and outward Edi∣fices.
• n

  Either strictly taken for the house of God, or more largely for the rest of the buildings about the house; this ••aci••ly reproves their sloth; 'twas the Temple they neglected, which they did long for in Babylon.
• o

  So much the greater their sin, for that 'twas the Lords Temple was slighted.
• p

  All that while the Temple lay neglected, and you were con∣tented with maimed, and half Worship.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1.9. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 8.10.
• q

  Men were disap∣pointed half in half,
• r

  which he expected would prove twenty measures, Epha••s, or Bushels, or what other measure you please.
• s

  It proved but half your hopes, thus your Corn failed, but your Oyl much more failed, and you found but two where you expected five; this Barrenness you cannot be ignorant of.
• ••eut. 28.22. ••ing. 8.37.
• t

  My hand was visible in your losses, scarcity, and disap∣pointments.
• u

  The persons put for their Labours, their Corn, Vines, and Olives.
• x

  Burning, and scorching Winds that blasted all.
• y

  Which with too much clammy moisture, that like glew cleaves to fruits, and turns to a corrupting of them,
• z

  which in these colder Countreys many times by its violence destroys Corn, Fruits, and Trees, but in those Countreys doth it of••er. Now here was in these somewhat more of the hand of God, and so the punishment was as more grievous, so more visible.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 4.9. ••••ap. 1.11.
• a

  In your Plowing and Sowing for Harvest, in Plan∣ting of Olives and Vines for a Vintage.
• b

  You did not see my hand, though you felt it, you did not repent of your sinful neglect of me, my Worship, and Temple, nor thought of building my House.
• c

  This attested with Gods own hand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 witness hereto.
• d

  See ver. 15. l••t. i. k.
• e

  See ver. 15. let. m. Make your observation from the day when you began to build on the old foundation laid many years agon in the time of Cyrus.
• f

  Let that be the precise day from which you begin your reckon∣ing, by this the Prophet excites them to believe, and wait, since he doth in the Name of the Lord so expresly promise a bles∣sing, and tells them when it shall begin to come unto them, and would have them observe how truly he speaks.
• g

  Your Seed for the next Harvest is yet in your barns, un∣sown, and no one can make any conjecture, yet whether next years increase shall be great, and blest; or whether it shall be blasted and little, I do not speak, saith H••gg••i, on conje∣cture, but in the Name of the Lord foretel, and promise you, that it shall be a plentiful Harvest to you;
• h

  nor have your Fruit-Trees yet put forth, no sign yet appears what Vintage you shall have, what store of Wine, Oyl, Figs, and Pomegra∣nates, which are your choice and rich Fruits, but in the word of God I tell you you shall be blest in them all, and have a large produce, a joyful Vintage.
• i

  See ver. 10, let. a. b. and ver. 15. let. i.
• k

  In all your labour, as before you were blasted in all, because you neglected; so now you shall be blest in all, because you diligently build the Temple of the Lord.
• l

  See ver. 10. let. a. b. and ver. 15. let. i.
• m

  My Word, and in my Name, saith the Lord.
• n

  See chap 1. ver. 1. let. f. g. h. i. and chap. 1. ver. 12. let. b.
• o

  Vid. ver. 6. let. f.
• p

  ibid let. g.
• q

  ibid let. h.
• r

  Now Babylonians are subjected to the Persian Power, and this standeth on the strength of many Kingdoms, and seems to be one Throne secured by all the Power of the known World, and can hardly be hoped to be hereafter better than an Ene∣my, and Opposer of the Iews, and their restoring of the Wor∣ship of God; for comfort in this case here is foretold God's over∣throwing them, in case they oppose.
• s

  This seems an ex∣plaining of the former, and a confirming it too. Though the Gentiles, of many Kingdoms united in all their strength, set to hinder this work, this shall succeed so contrary to their expecta∣tion, that not you, but they shall find destruction as the end thereof; which was verified in the successive ruin of the Persian, Graecian, and Syrian Kingdoms, all which opprest the Church, and were destroy'd for it.
• t

  This passage foreshews that God will, by suffering Civil Wars to arise among these Nations, ruine them by themselves, as in truth they did, now whilest those Commotions and overthrows perplex and hurt the Iews, yet they were an occasion sometimes of some respite to them; Their Enemies were engaged on other designs, and could not mind mischief to the Iews.
• u

  During those dayes of Troubles, Wars, and Destruction, and particularly towards the end of them.
• x

  Advance, Ho∣nour, Defend and own.
• y

  Personally understood it respecteth the beginning of those dayes. Politically understood, it refers to all those times in which God promiseth he would, and in∣deed did preserve, guide, and honour such Governours of his people, who were as Zerubbabel was; somewhat of which pro∣mise and performance you may observe in the times succeeding unto, and through, the Meccabees times, Typically this refers to Christ, and the setting up of his Kingdom, shadowed out by the Government of Zerubbabel.
• z

  The Stile changed seems to point to him who was Gods most beloved Servant, Isa. 42.1. and 52.13.
• a

  Who was one of the Progenitors of the Me••••iah, Matth. 1.12. Luk. 3.27.
• b

  Which is very highly valued, care∣fully kept, and used to confirm, and ratifie Gif••s, Edicts, and Patents, Dan. 6.17. So shall the Antitypical Zerubbabel, th•• Messiah be Advanced, Loved, and inviolably preser••ed King, and Supreme over his Church,
• c

  for he is the Chosen one, the Beloved one, in whom God was well pleased, as the Chald. Paraphrast. and Matth. 3.17.