written after Ierusalem was miraculously de∣liuered, and Senacheribs host discomfited. In the meane while, many things doubtlesse happened that are vnknowne to vs: and not vnlike but this perfidious wretch being in some credit, did his worst to suppresse Elia∣kim. For it appeares by the historie o•• the se∣cond booke of Kings, Chap. 19.2. that Shebna was one of the principall Secretaries, whom we now call Chancellour. But there is yet a little more difficultie in the word Socen: for some thinke it signifies a Treasurer, because the verbe Sacan signifies to locke: but seeing he calles him Chancellour in an other place, I thinke he was not Treasurer. Besides, the Prophet doth sufficiently witnesse, that this man had such cammand in his hands, that o∣thers in comparison of him were little estee∣med. Now this authoritie and dignitie could not well agree to a Treasurer: and there∣fore as I take it, the Prophet meant some thing else. For seeing this verbe signifies some times to entertaine, and to warme; it seemes the foresaid word is taken for one that sustaineth and vpholdeth, whom wee in our common speech call an entertai∣ner.
It is also certaine that this Shebna had in∣telligence with the enemie. In a word, he was a treacherous and subtile fellow: for he held secret amitie with the Egyptians and Assyri∣ans, & complotted mischieuously with them, to the end hee might make sure on all sides, for vpholding his owne authoritie. Others thinke it was a name of some of his prede∣cessours, and that he was called Socnite, be∣cause of the Citie wherein he was borne: for they say he was an Egyptian. I reiect not this opinion, but the other pleaseth me better; the reason is, because he plaid the Ambodex∣ter in pleasing both parts; thinking by this fetch to hold his owne, whatsoeuer should fall out.
It may be cleerely discerned, that the par∣ticle Hazzeh, is put for contempt: as if hee should say; Goe to that same cunning and subtile fellow that workes vpon the vantage, holding with the hare, and running with the hounds, as they say. This word Socen, is ta∣ken in that sense which I haue touched be∣fore in the first booke of the Kings, Chap. 1.2. where there is speech of a young virgin that should bee brought to the King to cherish him. Notwithstanding, if any had rather take it for a man that hurts, and wrongs men, I mislike it not, because the verbe also signifies to impouerish.