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.

CHAP. XIX.

1 a MOreover, take b thou up a c lamen∣tation for the d princes of e Israel.

2 And say, f what is g thy h mother? a i lioness: she k lay down among lions, she l nou∣rished her m whelps among young n lions.

3 And o she p brought up q one of her r whelps: it s became a young lion, and it t learned to u catch the prey, it x devoured y men.

4 The z nations also heard of him; he was taken in their a pit, and they brought him with b chaines unto the land of Egypt.

5 c Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then d she took another of her whelps, and made him a e young lion.

6 And f he went g up and down among the h lions, he became a young i lion, and learn∣ed to catch the prey, and devoured k men.

7 And l he m knew their desolate n pala∣ces, and he laid o waste their cities; and the p land was desolate, and the fulness thereof by the noise of his q roaring.

8 Then the r nations set s against him on t every side from the u provinces, and x spread their net over him, y he was taken in their pit.

9 And z they put him in a ward in ‖ b chains, and c brought him to the d king of Babylon; they brought him into e holds, that his f voice should no more be heard on the g mountains of Israel.

10 h Thy i mother is like a k vine in l thy ‖ blood, planted by the m waters: she was n fruitful and full o of branches by reason of many waters.

11 And she had strong p rods for the scepters of them that bear rule, and her q stature was r exalted among the thick s branches, and she t appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches.

12 But u she was x plucked up in fury, y she was cast down to the ground, and z the ••ast wind a dried up her fruit: her strong b rods were c broken, and withered; the d fire con∣sumed them.

13 And e now f she is g planted in the h wil∣derness, in a i dry, and thirsty ground.

14 k And l fire is gone out of a m rod of her branches, which hath n devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong o rod to be a scepter to rule. p This is a lamentation and shall be for a lamentation.q

Notes

• a

  And Heb.
• b

  Son of Man, Ezekiel, declare what lamenta∣ble state the Princes of Israel are falling into, propound it by parable.
• c

  'Twas usually exprest in verse, as Ieremiah did in his Lamentations, and as appears 2 Chron. 35.25 but the Prophet is here directed to an Hieroglyphick, as ver. 2.
• d

  Though they were Kings, yet, because subject to Babylon, or Egypt, they are by a diminutive, lessening term called Prin∣ces, and these were Iehoahaz, Iehoiachim, Iehoiachin, and Zede∣kiah.
• e

  Though they had but the two Tribes under them, yet because some of Israel, that escap't the captivating power of Shalmanezar, were joyned with the two Tribes, they are cal∣led by the name of Israel.
• f

  What resemblance shall I use to set out the Nature, De∣portment, and State of the Mother of these Princes? An un∣happy Mother of unhappy Children. Or alass! thy Mother, &c.
• g

  One of these was upon the Throne at once, and therefore the Prophet speaks to one at a time in the sin∣gular number.
• h

  The Land of Iudea and Ierusalem, the chief City of it, the Royal Family of David.
• i

  Though chosen of God to execute Justice, defend the Poor, to be his Vicege∣rents, and to delight in Mercy; yet once advanced, they soon degenerated into the fierce and ravening nature of the Lio∣ness, and as violently siezed the prey.
• k

  Associated, couch't, and grew familiar with, by leagues, commerce, and intermix∣ture of Marriages with Neighbour Kings, call'd here Lions; thou didst learn their manners, and grewest fierce and bloody, as they;
• l

  the Heb. includes both her bringing forth many, and her advancing them to greatness, the Royal Family of that Nation had many Kings, and some very great, but the time the Prophet points now at in particular, was after Iosiah, whose Character given Ier. 22.16. is, that he judged the poor and needy, but his Successors were of another temper, as Ier. 22.13, 14, 15, 17.
• m

  i. e. her Sons, Successors to the Crown, which cou'd be call'd nothing else to keep the decorum of the parable.
• n

  Either For∣reign Princes and Kings, or else some of the fiercer, unjuster, aspiring and tyrannizing Princes at home; for some such there were in these, as well as in Re••o••oam's times, who would have the Sons Finger thicker than the Fathers Loin••.
• o

  See ver. 3. let. b.
• p

  Not as a Nurse, the word is of other import but advanced, promoted, or caused him to take the throne after the slaughter of Iosiah.
• q

  This was Iehoahaz the second Son of Iosiah, of whom 'tis said 2 Kings 23.30. and 2 Chron. 36.1. the people made him King; for God had not made him so by primogeniture, and right of succession.
• r

  They lookt upon him as a warlike Prince, fitter for sustaining the troubles of those martial times, then his eldest brother, and therefore strain a point of Law, and right.
• s

  Soon shewed his fierce, haughty, cruel, and bloody disposition, as appea••s 2 Kings 23.30, 31, 32. though he continued but three months, and some odde dayes, wherein to play his pranks.
• t

  Had Tutors, and counsellors that shew'd him the method, and he an apt Scholar in an evil school learnt a pace.
• u

  To seise first, and then to tear the prey, by frauds and violence to hunt, take, and devour that he took, as Lions use.
• x

  Eat up as the word notes, lived upon.
• y

  Man, Adam the weaker sort, or it may be in those divided times Adam may imply such, as were crusht, because they were not of the tyrannising faction, at that time Pharaoh had some, that inclined to him, and perhaps these were used hardly by Iehoahaz.
• z

  The Egyptians heard and considered what he did, they had intelligence of Iehoahaz rigours against them and all that abetted their interest, this made them (as Neighbours do when a Lion is reported to waste their flocks) gather together against him.
• a

  Or in their net, as hunters in those parts dig pits, and spread nets, into which they drive the hunted Lion, or Bear. So here or else thus. This Lion was taken at last though he did some mischief first to the Egyptians, so the word may bear.
• b

  The story of it you have, 2 Kings 23.33. these barbarous Conquerors used him as men use a Lion, put and keep him in chains, carried him captive into Egypt, where he died, Ier. 22.10, 11, 12. with 2 Kings 23.34.
• c

  Upon the ill success of Iehoahaz, Ierusalem and the Jews in the Land fell from their hopes, under great disappointments, for Iehoahaz is taken, deposed, carried captive by the Egyptians, instead of shaking off the Egyptian yoak.
• d

  Yet 'tis said 2 Chr. 36.4. and 2 Kings 23.34. That the King of Egypt made the next King, both true, the Jews with Pharaohs liking, or Pharaoh with the Jews consent, advance him, whether 'twere Ieho••akim, or Iehojachin.
• e

  King and infused the lion-like maxims for his rules.
• f

  Iehojachim.
• g

  This is said of him, because he continued 11 years, on the throne, and so many years as a Lion, tore and devoured; whereas Iehoahaz was taken as soon almost as he first ventured out to hunt the prey.
• h

  Carried it after the manners and usages of the Heathen Kings, those barbarous Tyrants, with whom he entred leagues, as he saw good, laid aside the Law of God which was to guide King and People.
• i

  Grew strong, fierce, ravenous, un∣satiable. vid. ver. 4. where the rest is explained.
• k

  Either his neighbours the Ammonites, and Moabites▪ or he devoured his own subjects, impoverisht, and eat out their Estates, spared not the Prophets, or their Prophesie, Ier. 26.1, 2. and Vria he slew, what Iehojakim was appears, Ier. 22.13, 14, 15, 17.
• l

  Iehojachim.
• m

  On view not only heard of them, but set∣ting on them violently, and taking them he came to know their Palaces, which are here called, what he made them, desolate, so the word I••aiah 13.22.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 widows.
• n

  Or it may be rendred widows, and then 'twill refer to such, whose Husbands this Lion devour∣ed, and thereby occasioned their petitioning to him, and thus he knew them, whom he made desolate, but the former best suits what follows.
• o

  Pilling, polling and by exactions driving the inhabitants out by his cruelty, and Tyranny.
• p

  The whole Land, or the Countrey sped as ill as the Cities and so 'twas emp∣tied of men, riches and strength.
• q

  By the perpetual violent threats of this cruel King, which are called his roaring, and so Prov. 19.12. which terrified his neighbours in the three years revolt which are mentioned, 2 Kings 24.1, 2.
• 2 King. 24.2.
• r

  Which were feudatory to Nebuchadnezzar, and were bound to assist him in his Wars.
• s

  By order of the King of Babylon gathered together to hunt this Lion, to make War on this re∣volting King.
• t

  Surrounded him that he might not scape. Which belonged to the Babylonish Kingdom, and were governed by Presidents, or petty Kings, vassals to Nebuchadnezzar.
• 2 Chro. 36.6.
• x

  Soon got him into their toiles, as Huntsmen get a Lion, or other wild beast into their net.
• y

  See ver. 4. let. a.
• z

  The armies of the several Nations, or the chief Comman∣ders of those Armies.
• a

  In grates, or great Cage, as wild beasts are conveyed.
• ‖

  Or, b••••ks.
• b

  'Tis reported they put an Iron collar on his neck, and fastned an iron chain to it.
• c

  He was carri∣ed that long Journey in chains, enough to change his roaring Lion like into the roarings of a desperate, miserable Captive.
• d

  Wherever he was (for some dispute it whether now in Baby∣lon, or else where with some of his armies) however, 'tis this unhappy King was carried to Nebuchadnezzar, or died on the way perhaps, by Command of Nebuchadnezzar so used, that hard usage killed him, and then they cast him out unburied, as Ier. 22.18, 19. foretold.
• e

  Kept him safe that he should not escape, or brought him to Babylon, which, though one City, yet so large, and had so great, and many Forts about it, that it seemed to be made up of many strong holds.
• f

  That he might never more either afright, or kill, or devour any of his people, and subjects in the Land of Israel.
• g

  In a comely observance of the Parable the Kingdom is the Mountains, when the King is the Lion, that rangeth, and roareth on them, Two more Li∣ons of the same temper, and alike miserable in their end, I doubt not, are included in this emblem, and by these the Jews might know what would become of Ieconiah called also Iehoja∣chin, and of Zedekiah, who was called Mattaniah.
• h

  O thou Prince of Israel.
• i

  See ver. 2.
• k

  Frequently so com∣pared Psal. 80.8.14, 15, 17. Isa. 3.14. and 5.2. and 27.2.
• l

  Either when thou wast first-born, as Ezekiel 16.6. or the Royal line thy Kingly race, or in the vigour of thy strength.
• ‖

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• m

  In a very fruitful soil.
• n

  And accordingly she did thrive, and brought forth much fruit, see chap. 17.8. Though she lost many thousands carried away, yet more were born, bred up, and trained up to useful arts, and imployments say some, but this too general. The Royal Family did spring like a Vine well watered.
• o

  Full of Children when Iosiah died, he left four behind him, beside other branches of the Royal line.
• The 10th. verse begins the second part of the chapter.
• p

  Many excellent persons endowed with qualifications befit∣ting Kings, that they might sway the Scepter, and rule the People with equity.
• q

  The grandure of the Kings and King∣dom.
• r

  Exalted above the ordinary majesty of other King∣domes.
• s

  The goodly Cedars and their thick branches, i. e. This Kingdom equaled, if not excelled, the greatest neighbour Kingdoms, and her Kings as David, Solomon, &c. exceeded all their neighbour Kings, in Riches and Power.
• t

  Like a migh∣ty Tree, that over tops all the forest, so did this goodly King∣dom over all Kingdomes, and it was seen and noted according to Gods promise that it should be the head, and not the tail, and to that Deut. 4.6, 7, 8.
• u

  This flourishing Vine first degenerated, brought forth fruit to it self not to God, and grew proud, abused Gods mer∣cies to all manner of sin.
• x

  Was violently, suddenly, and to∣tally rooted out, tore up by the roots, so was the once flourish∣ing Kingdom of the Jews overthrown.
• y

  Had she been again set, there might have been some hope, but pluckt up root and branch together 'tis perisht for ever.
• z

  To hasten the utter destruction hereof an East-wind, that blasting, piercing wind blows upon her, the King of Babylon with all his Power raised of God to pull up this sinful Kingdom.
• chap. 1••.•• Hos. 13.1••
• a

  Blasted all her fruit, de∣posed her King, captivated him, his Family, and the whole King∣dom.
• b

  All the choice men, the Councellours, Warriours, Ar∣tificers, all that were like to be the strength of the Kingdom.
• c

  By Nebuchadnezzars hand pluckt away, and removed into Ba∣bylon, where they lay as withered branches.
• d

  Called fury in the former part of the verse. Gods displeasure for their sins, their adversaries rage, and their own animosities burnt them up; their Houses, and Palaces, their City, and Temple all burnt, yea and some persons with this ••ire were consumed also, beside some that the Conqueror rosted.
• e

  At this present time.
• f

  But, alas! how unlike what she was? a brand pulled out of the burnings, a few of the branches of the last pruning, or a few smaller roots taken up by the pro∣vident hand of the Lord of the Vineyard, a remnant that might be a Nursery, a seed plot, but the much greater part of the Vine is, as said, destroyed.
• g

  It is not said who planted them, but it is easie to conjecture Nebuchadnezzar planted them in policy, and for his advantage, they planted themselves out of necessity, and God planted them there in just correcting mercy, and will give them root, and make them thrive, and transplant them after 70 years, and set them on the mountains of Israel again.
• h

  So it was to the Jews a forlorn, dangerous, and necessitous state, though Babylon was in a very fruitful place yet the salvage cruelty, and the insulting pride of the Babylonians made it to the Jews, as terrible, as a wilderness, besides there were some bar∣ren places of this Kingdom to which some of the Jews might be carried and confined.
• i

  This and the other expression are a description of the nature of a Wilderness, and illustrate what the Prophet had spoken, or may be paraphrased by that of Da∣vid, Psal. 63.1. 'twas dry and thirsty where no one stream ran from that River which made glad the City of God, Psal. 46.4.
• k

  This verse doth give you account of the immediate cause of this hasty, furious totall pulling up of this Vine.
• l

  Of rebellion will be kindled by
• m

  Zedekiah, who is of the blood Royal, made King by Nebuchadnezzar, and who swore Allegiance to him.
• n

  Brought the Land, City, Kings Palaces, and Gods Temple to utter desolation.
• o

  The regal dignity is ceased and shall no more rise, you shall never have a crowned head to rule you more.
• p

  This I have told you is the subject of my mournful thoughts.
• q

  And the execution of these things, which shall be much more terrible, shall make you lament at sight of them, and at remembrance of them as long as you live.