A fruitfull commentarie vpon the twelue small prophets briefe, plaine, and easie, going ouer the same verse by verse, and shewing every where the method, points of doctrine, and figures of rhetoricke, to the no small profit of all godly and well disposed readers, with very necessarie fore-notes for the vnderstanding of both of these, and also all other the prophets. The text of these prophets together with that of the quotations omitted by the author, faithfully supplied by the translatour, and purged of faults in the Latine coppie almost innumerable, with a table of all the chiefe matters herein handled, and marginall notes very plentifull and profitable; so that it may in manner be counted a new booke in regard of these additions. VVritten in Latin by Lambertus Danæus, and newly turned into English by Iohn Stockwood minister and preacher at Tunbridge.

CAP. 1.

* 1.1THe end and drift of this prophesie, is all one with the rest of the other Prophets and their prophesies, namely, to leade vs by the feeling of our owne destruction and miserie, vnto God the fountaine and father of mercie through his Christ: and so consequently to teach vs to repent from our wicked liuing, and to serue the true God, and to worship him according vnto his law and commandement. Therefore he both layeth downe the threatnings of God, and also the promises. And first of all he doth in generall set foorth the threatnings against all sinners, yea, euen men that are infidels. Then afterwards particularly against those which call themselues the people of God, and do boast themselues of that name, such as in times past were both the Israelites, and also the Iewes properly so called, and now the Christians, whether Pa∣pists, or Gospellers: whereof it commeth to passe, that Amos be∣ginneth with those iudgements of God, the which God did threa∣ten generally against Idolaters. And afterwards he commeth vnto those which were peculiarly addressed vnto the Israelites, vnto whom by name he was from God appoynted a Prophet. Further∣more, hee rehearseth those also which were ordayned against the Iewes themselues, that is, against the kingdome of Iudah, be∣cause they also did vaunt themselues vpon the praise and title of the people and inheritance of God, and that vpon better reason, then the kingdome of Israel. And thus much concerning the threatnings.

As for the promises, Amos hath the same which other Prophets

haue, to wit, first generall vnto all mankinde, then particular vnto the true Church of God, for and through the Messias promised vn∣to the Fathers, that is, our Lord Iesus Christ, the which this our Pro∣phet for the comfort of the godly, doth excellently set downe. But concerning the time wherein Amos prophesied, * 1.2 thus I thinke, sa∣uing the iudgement of others, the which I would not by this mine opinion haue to be forestalled. Amos seemeth vnto me to haue been the second of all those Prophets, whose prophesies wee haue in the volume as well of the great, as also the small Prophets, the which are extant or to be found in the Canonical bookes of the ho∣ly Scriptures. And I thinke that he liued almost after fortie yeares at the least from the death of the Prophet Elizeus, & was by God raysed vp in the kingdome of Israel, for that the same part of the people especially wanted earnest admonitions, when as it had cast away the Word of God, and the true Sacrifices, and in the roome thereof set vp their owne. * 1.3 The reason of mine opinion is this, be∣cause that Elizeus dyed at least about the first beginning of the reigne of Ioas the sonne of Ioachaz king of Israel: for 2. King. cap. 13. ver. 14. mention is made that Ioas came to visite Elizeus lying in his death-bed in these words, When Elisha fell sicke of his sicknes whereof he dyed, Ioash the King of Israel came downe vnto him, and wept on his face, and sayd, O my father, O my father, &c. And that this was in the beginning of his reigne, the diligent considering of that which followeth in that chapter, and in the beginning of the next, will easilie declare. And from that time vntill the 27. yeare of King Ieroboam (who was the sonne of this Ioas, and in the first yeare in the which Vzzias began to reigne in Iudah, which was the time of the beginning of this prophesie) there doe come 41. yeares be∣tweene. So Amos then liued and prophesied in that age, as he him∣selfe teacheth. * 1.4 But the Prophet Ionas seemeth in time to haue bin before him, which Ionas his booke of prophesie is in the Canon, or among the Canonicall bookes of the Bible, for as much as either in the reigne of Ioas the father of this Ieroboam (about the 27. yeare of whose reigne Amos might haue begun to prophesie) or at least wise about the beginning of the reigne of this Ieroboam, Io∣nas executed his office, as appeareth 2. King. cap. 14. ver. 23. and so to the end of the chapter, and as I haue shewed before in my notes before these Prophets. So that the beginning of the Prophet Ionas may seem to haue bin some certain yeres after the death of Elizeus, the succession of the Prophets for a time being discontinued, as

easily may be gathered, if 2. King. cap. 13. ver. 14 be compared with cap. 14. ver. 25. Wherefore among the Prophets, * 1.5 whose writings are in the Canonicall Scripture, Ionas is the first in respect of time. For that which is obiected of Micheas, whose booke of prophesies is extant, is against this nothing at all: because that Micheas is not the same Micheas, the which prophesied in the dayes of King A∣chab, and was before Ionas. And this our Amos is second, * 1.6 Oseas third, who fell into the times of Ieroboam the sonne of Ioas king of Israel, and Vzzias the sonne of Amasias king of Iudah: but because he is sayd to haue prophesied vnto the times of King Ezechias, it is likely that he began not at the selfe same beginning and instant of time, in the which those two Kings (each in his kingdome) began to reigne: but a little after. For by the space of 14. yeares they reigned together, Ieroboam in Israel, and Vzzias in Iudah. There∣fore if we do graunt that Oseas began to prophesie an yeare or two after that same earthquake, two yeare before the which Amos pro∣phesied: Oseas must then begin to execute his office in the 31. or 32. yeare of Ieroboam the sonne of Ioas king of Israel, and in the 4. or 5. yeare of Vzzias king of Iudah. For I hold that the same earth∣quake happened in the second yeare of the reigne of Vzzias, and in the thirtith yeare of the reigne of this Ieroboam. And Oseas pro∣phesied vnto the beginning of Ezechias king of Iudah, beginning at the 32. yeare of the reigne of Ieroboam sonne of Ioas, (which fell into the fifth yeare of Vzzias the king of Iudah) that is, by the space of full 70 yeares, well neere. * 1.7 But Amos seemeth to haue fi∣nished his office within the space of that time, wherein this Iero∣boam of Israel, and Vzzias of Iudah liued in one age together in their Kingdomes and Empires, to wit, by the space onely of 14. yeares. For Amos maketh mention of no other King, either of Israel, or of Iudah, but of Ieroboam the sonne of Ioas, and of Vzzias. And thus much of Ionas, Amos, and Oseas.

* 1.8The fourth in order and time seemeth to haue been Isaias, and to haue begun his office after Oseas, but to haue continued it longer, namely, vntill the times of King Manasses, by whom about the be∣ginning of his reigne Isaias was put to death. For when as Isaias maketh no mention of this Ieroboam, who was the sonne of Ioas, but of Vzzias, Ioatham, &c. only, he seemeth indeed to haue begun to prophesie vnder Vzzias king of Iudah, but that same Ieroboam being now dead, vnder whom both Amos and Oseas had now exe∣cuted their office of Prophets. Therefore in as much as Ieroboam

the sonne of Ioas king of Israel dyed in the 14. yeare of Vzzias the king, Isaias cannot seeme to haue prophesied before this time, but afterwards about the 16. yeare of the reigne of Vzzias. From which time vnto Manasses, and the beginning of his reigne, there come betweene aboue 80. yeares, all which time Isaias must haue executed the office of a Prophet: for he himselfe cap. 7. maketh mention of three score yeares.

Vers. 1.

The words of Amos, who was among the heardmen at Te∣coa, which he saw vpon Israel, in the dayes of Vzziah King of Iu∣da, and in the dayes of Ieroboam sonne of Ioash King of Israel, two yeares before the earthquake.

* 1.9THe proposition or principall ground of this whole booke and prophesie, the which conteineth fiue poynts. First, the summed the matter, the which is comprehended in this booke, namely▪ Words,* 1.10 that is to say, the preaching of Amos, the which he vttered openly with a lowd voyce. The second, what manner of words the same words were, that is to say, the words of God: wherein the cer∣taintie and authoritie of these words, * 1.11 or prophesie is auouched. For it is a vision, that is, a reuelation shewed by God himselfe, and com∣mitted vnto the Prophet. Thirdly, vnto whom it was shewed, to wit, vnto Amos, who by the addition of certaine circumstances, is described what manner of man he was, both for the laying out of his person more certainly, * 1.12 that he might be knowne from others of the same name: and also for the better and greater confirmation of his calling, as which was altogether extraordinarie, and raised vp by God, for to beate downe the pride and outragious haughtinesse of the men of that age. For God made choyce of this man, whom he would send to terrifie or feare the kingdome of Israel, the which at that time was most florishing. And he choseth a man that is a Thecuite, that is, of the Iewes, not of the Israelites (such a one as E∣lias notwithstanding was) and one of the shepheards that kept cattell, as he confesseth of himselfe, chap. 7. vers. 14. saying: I was no Prophet, neither was I the sonne of a Prophet, (he meaneth of the ordinarie manner and calling of Prophets) but I was a heardman, and a gatherer of wild figges. God sendeth a Iew vnto the Israelites, to touch them the deeper by this meanes, as if they were such man∣ner of persons who now had none among them fit to teach them, but stood in need of forrainers and strangers, and especially Iewes,

whom notwithstanding they did deadly hate, as may appeare by the rent and breach, when the ten Tribes fell away from the other twaine, vpon that, that their request was not graunted by Reho∣boam, where they vpon that occasion speake thus, 1. King. cap 12. ver. 16. So when all Israel sawe that the King regarded them not, the people answered the King thus, saying, What portion haue we in Da∣uid? we haue none inheritance in the sonne of Ishai. To your tents, O Israel: now see to thine owne house, Dauid. So Israel departed vnto their tents. God sendeth a Neathea••d, that by this obscure and base person in the world, he may cast downe those high and loftie spi∣rits. For as it is 1. Cor. 1. ver. 27.28. God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise & God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the mightie things, And vile things of the world, and things which are despised hath God chosen, & things which are not, to bring to nought things that are. For as the same Apostle speaketh, 2. Cor. cap. 10. vers. 4, 5, 6. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mightie through God to cast downe holds, casting downe the imaginations, and euery high thing that is exalted agaynst the knowledge of God, and bringing into captiuitie euery thought to the o∣bedience of Christ, and hauing readie the vengeance against all disobe∣dience when your obedience is fulfilled. Thecua, of the which Amos in this verse is said to be, was one of the cities in Iudah, built by king Rehoboam sonne of Salomon, as it is 2 Chron. cap. 11. vers 5.6. And Rehoboam dwelt in Ierusalem, and built strong cities in Iudah: he built also Beth-Iehem, & Etam, and Tekoa. Fourthly, * 1.13 here is taught vnto whom Amos is sent or against whom those things were com∣maunded by God to be spoken, that is to say, against the Israelites, namely, against that kingdome properly, the which was separated and deuided from Iudah: but yet (because God is the keeper of his whole Church) Amos doth also prophesie against the kingdome of Iudah, that it also may be saued by God. Lastly and fiftly, * 1.14 vnder Vz∣zias king of Iudah, and Ieroboam the sonne of Ioas king of Israel, full two yeares before that same great earthquake happened in all that same whole countrey, the which, as I sayd, seemeth to haue happened at the least about the second yeare of the reigne of Vz∣zias, and the thirtith yeare of the reigne of this Ieroboam.

Vers. 2.

And he sayd, the Lord shall roare from Zion, and vtter ••e voyce from Ierusalem, and the dwelling places of the shephear•• shall perish, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

* 1.15THe summe of the iudgements of God the which should com•• to passe against the Israelites, to wit, the vtter desolation or wa∣sting of their whole countrey. For all the best and fattest things 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this kingdome of the Israelites, shall in such sort bee strooke•••• God in his iust iudgement, and for their disobedience, that bo•••• the cottages of the shepheard themselues shall mourne, to wit, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being destroyed: and also Carmel that same most fruitfull mou••∣taine shall wither, being touched with the heate of God his ange•• Therefore it is certaine that these things are denounced and tol•••• against Israel, by the place Carmel, the which the Prophet rehe••∣seth in as much as it is a famous mountaine in the land of Isra•••• And here in this place the Prophet also by and by getteth autho••∣tie vnto his prophesie, * 1.16 that it be not contemned or despised: a•• attention or eare-giuing thereunto, wherby be they neuer so pro•••• and loftie otherwise, he doth neuerthelesse terrifie or feare the••▪ He getteth authoritie when as he teacheth that these things are ••••∣nounced both by God himselfe, and that they shall also be fulfill•••• and that by the same God, the which is the God of Sion, a pla•••• most knowne, and most holy, that is, that these things doe co•••• from the true God, and not from Idols. And he getteth vnto him∣selfe attention, or eare-giuing vnto that he speaketh, by the figure which he vseth, as this proposition and sentence is garnished wi•••• maiestie and loftinesse of words. For God is sayd now to roare•••• gainst them with a great and terrible yelling, as it were a lyonst••∣red vp and teased with anger. For this roaring doth expresse bo•••• the anger of the lyon, and also the terriblenes or fearefulnes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 voyce: vnder which like phrase or manner of speaking the othe•• Prophets doe describe the fierce wrath and anger of God, as lo•••• cap. 3. ver▪ 16. The Lord also (sayth he) shall roare out of Sion, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vtter his voyce from Ierusalem, and the heauens and the earth s•••• shake, but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of t•••• children of Israel. So the Prophet Ieremy cap. 25. vers. 30. is will•••• for the terrifying of the wicked nations, to say vnto them: The L•••• shall roare from aboue, and thrust forth his voyce from his holy ha••∣tation: he shall roare vpon his habitation, and shall crye alou••••

as they that presse the grapes, agaynst all the inhabitants of the earth.

Vers. 3.

Thus sayth the Lord, For three transgressions of Damascus, and for foure, I will not turne to it, because they haue threshed Gi∣lead with threshing instruments of yron.

* 1.17THe confirmation of the former threatning against the Israelites both by the example of other nations, the which the Prophet here reciteth, (yea euen of Iudah) the which God doth punish for the same sinnes: and also by the iustice and righteousnesse of God, the which is neither rashly moued, neither yet ought to suffer these sinnes of the Israelites to escape vnpunished. God is not rashly mo∣ued to punish, but after that he hath a long season borne with men, yea and the same also obstinatly or stifly continuing in sundrie and most grieuous vices. Therefore he doth in the end chastice and cor∣rect, not for one or two sinnes of them onely, but for many. But God will not let the sinnes of the Israelites goe scotfree, who can not suffer the offences of the Iewes their brethren, nay of the Gen∣tiles being altogether infidels to be vnpunished, and therefore will he not beare with the sinnes of these, the which ought to be more holie.

* 1.18Further, he reckoneth vp onely those nations, the which were neighbours vnto them, to the end the Israelites should be the more moued, and should beleeue the things to be true, the which were threatned. For GOD hath also punished alwaies before this, other nations besides these for their sinnes, and doth yet at this day pu∣nish them. And he beginneth with the kingdome of Damascus, be∣cause that the power and glorie thereof at that time was greater then of other people neere vnto them, as being the head of al Syria: for so is it Isai. cap. 7. vers. 8. The head of Aram (that is of Syria) is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin, &c. And 1. King. cap. 19. vers. 15. Elias is commanded to returne by the wildernesse vn∣to Damascus, and there (as in the head citie of the land) to anoynt Hazael King ouer Aram, that is, Syria: * 1.19 for Damascus was then the Metropolitan or chiefe citie of Syria.

* 1.20Now this verse conteineth two things. The first, the wicked and stubborne life of them of Damascus. Their life is noted to bee wic∣ked by the word (Peshang) the which signifieth open rebellion and treacherie against God, and not only simple sinne. And that it was

fortresses:* 1.21 This prouince was called Decapolis. Secondly, by the countrey of Auen, or Aueria, the which was another prouince of the kingdome of Damascus neere vnto the Arabians, * 1.22 and in a ma∣ner a continuall valley by the riuer Euphrates. And last of all by the countrey of Eden, wherein also was a peculiar King of it owne, the which notwithstanding was subiect vnto the King of Damascus. * 1.23 All these countries as they were partners and partakers with them of Damascus, in these sinnes and crueltie against the people of God: so shall they in like manner be all ouertaken with the same iudgement of God. And thus much concerning the kingdome it selfe, and the prouinces of the kingdome at that time most florish∣ing.

* 1.24In the second place he setteth downe what shall become of the men themselues. They shall goe into countries vnknowne vnto them, and farre off, as namely, being carried away by the King of the Assyrians into Media, and into the citie thereof, the which i•• called Cir, or Cirus, 2. King. cap. 16. vers. 9. Then the king of Asshur consented vnto him: (that is, to king Achaz king of Iuda, hiring him for money against Rezin king of Syria) and the king of Asshur went vp against Damascus, and when he had taken it, he carried the people away to Kir, (or Cir, or Cirus, as it is in the common translation, which for the most part in the proper names this author follow∣eth) and slew Rezin. And least that these things, because of the po∣wer and glorie of the kingdome of Damascus, might seeme ridicu∣lous, or to be laughed at as toyes, and vnpossible, the Prophet re∣hearseth againe, That these things are threatned by the true God himselfe, who cannot lye, and by the almightie Lord Iehouah, whom nothing can withstand.

Vers. 6.

Thus sayth the Lord, for three transgressions of Azzah, and for foure, I will not turne to it, because they carried away prisoners the whole captiuitie, to shut them vp in Edom.

THe second example of the iudgements of God against the peo∣ple bordering vpon Israel, * 1.25 to wit, against the Philistines. The same things in a manner are here to be noted, the which were be∣fore in the example of them of Damascus. I will therefore onely touch such things as it hath proper and seuerall to it selfe. In this verse then this is singular or proper to it selfe, to wit, the cause, why these Palestines, or Philistines are punished by God, and that with

so great a punishment, which is this, for that they also, like as the Damascens, vsed great crueltie against the Israelites, that is, against the people of God: but yet in another kind of crueltie. The Da∣mascens slew the Israelites whom they tooke: but the Philistines sold them, taking away all hope of deliuerance, or returning again, and comming home any more. For when they had once taken thē, they did them away both vnto the Greekish merchants, that they might carrie them away into farre countries: and also vnto the I dumeans the most deadly enemies of the people of God, making with them this condition when they solde them, that they neuer should afterwards be redeemed of any▪ For so doe I expound these words (to shut them vp in Edom) as if the Philistines did not simplie carrie them into Idumea, when they had taken them, and sold them there: but on this condition and bargaine, that afterwards they should neuer let them depart againe. * 1.26 Wherein appeareth their great crueltie, the which may also bee gathered by that which is written, 2. Chron. 21. ver. 16. in these words: So the Lord stirred vp against Iehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and the Arabians that were beside the Ethiopians. And they came vp into Iudah, and brake into it; and carried away all the substance that was found in the Kings house, and his sonnes also, and his wiues: so that there was not a sonne left him, saue Iehoahaz, the yongest of his sonnes. The Lord also by his prophet Ioel complaineth of this crueltie, as of other nations so also of the Philistins by name, for selling a way his people into farre countries vnto the Greekes, that there might be no hope of their returning, when he sayth: The children also of Iudah, and the chil∣dren of Ierusalem haue ye sold vnto the Grecians, that ye might send them farre from their border.

* 1.27By this example also appeareth, how deare the Church is vnto God, how small tokens soeuer it retaine of his couenant (as was the Church of the Israelites at that time) when as he is in such sort an∣grie against the enemies thereof, for handling it so cruelly.

Vers. 7.

Therefore will I send a fire vpon the walles of Azzah, and it shall deuoure the pallaces thereof.

* 1.28THis verse hath nothing singular or peculiar to it selfe from the fourth verse before, except the name of Azzah, or Gaza onely. It therefore noteth, that for this their crueltie they shall vtterly be consumed and destroyed, and that in most fearfull manner, as are

those things which are wasted by fire, the which consumeth all, and leaueth nothing that it can reach or come vnto: for with it there is neither pitie nor mercie.

Vers. 8.

And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the scepter from Ashkelon, and turne mine hand to Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistims shall perish, sayth the Lord.

* 1.29NOw the iudgements of God are threatned to the whole coun∣trey of the Philistines, as before vers. 5. to the whole kingdome of Damascus. And in this place are reckoned vp foure chiefe Te∣trarchies or Quarternes of that countrey of Palestina, to wit, that of Gaza or Azzah, that of Ashdod or Azotus▪ that of Asculon, and that of Accaron. The sift Tetrarchie or Quarterne is ouerpassed, namely, that of Geth, from whence was Goliath. Of this Gethor Gith is mention, Ios. 13. ver. 3. where it is reckoned vp as one of the fiue Lordships of the Philistines. But this is singular or peculiar in this verse, for that God doth denounce and shew that no remnants of this nation shall be left aliue, and this he threatneth, who is Lord, and hath rule ouer all things. So sore a punishment was not threat∣ned vnto the Damascens, but the iudgements of the Lord are iust and righteous, albeit the crueltie of the Damascens may seeme greater then this of the Philistines. Yet these Philistines did conti∣nually and daily afflict or trouble the Church of God, when as they did sell the Israelites in such sort that they should neuer afterward be free againe.

Vers. 9.

Thus sayth the Lord, for three transgressions of Tyrus, and for foure, I will not turne to it because they shut the whole captiui∣tie in Edom, and haue not remembred the brotherly couenant.

* 1.30THe third example of the iudgements of God vpon the nations neere vnto the Israelites, to wit, vpon the Tyrians, a florishing people at that time. The selfe same things are here againe rehear∣sed, the which haue been in the threatnings before, besides a very few things peculiar vnto Tyrians. For these also are noted and condemned for their extreme crueltie against the people of God, whom they did so scatter abroad, that they should neuer afterwards returne againe, but perish & dye in miserable captiuitie. And this

crueltie they procured against the Israelites by the Idumeans the brethrē of the Israelites: * 1.31 wherein these Tyrians did violate or break the lawe of consanguinitie or of bloud and kindred, and of nature, who did set those vnreconcileably together by the eares within themselues, whom they ought to haue made friends one with ano∣ther. These Tyrians therefore doe make Executioners of their cru∣eltie against the Church of God, not euery one without regard and at all aduentures, but the very brethren of the Church, by how much the more detestable and vnmercifull, nay more hurtfull and more contrary vnto nature it selfe, and the common lawe of huma∣nitie was this crueltie of the Tyrians against the Israelites, and ther∣fore worthily punished by God more seuerely or sharply. For not onely those which commit euill are worthie of death, but those al∣so that consent vnto them that doe euill, and stretch out the cordes of iniquitie, and increase vngodlinesse and wickednesse among men. Finally, those which so farre as in them lyeth doe vtterly ex∣tinguish or quench the law of nature, as these Tyrians did: against such kind of sinners the Lord by his Prophet doth threaten a curse, saying: Woe vnto them that draw iniquitie with cords of vanitie, and sinne as with cart ropes. Esay. cap. 5. vers. 18. And Paul, Rom. cap. 1. vers. 31. maketh mention of such as being fearfully giuen ouer of God vnto their owne reprobate sense, that they sinne against the lawe of God, and of their owne conscience, and draw on others to sinne, when he writeth: Which men (namely, giuen ouer of GOD) though they knew the lawe of God, how that they which commit such things, are worthie of death, yet not onely doe the same, but also fauour them that doe them.

Vers. 10.

Therefore will I send a fire vpon the walles of Tyrus, and it shall deuoure the pallaces thereof.

* 1.32Conferre this tenth verse with those other verses before, of the same contents and arguments.

Vers. 11.

Thus sayth the Lord, for three transgressions of Edom, and for foure, I will not turne to it, because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pitie, and his anger spoyled him euermore, and his wrath watched him alway.

* 1.33THe fourth example of the iudgements of God against the na∣tions bordering vpon the Israelites, namely, vpon the Idumeans

themselues, who are called the brethren of the Israelites. Therefore the Israelites ought to be now the more moued with their punish∣ment, that they should not thinke that themselues should goe sco•• free, but should beleeue the comminations or threatnings of God vsed against them, * 1.34 to be true. Now these things are common vnto the Idumeans with the other nations before named, to wit, that the Idumeans, like as the former nations, liued stub borne and disobe∣dient against God, and voyd of repentance: and wickedly heaping sinnes vpon sinnes. Secondly, that they also, like as the rest, were cruell against the Church of God. * 1.35 But the kind of their crueltie•• speciall, and proper to themselues, and also farre greater then the which hath been set out before. The which the Lord also doth de∣clare by these circumstances. First, in regard of the persons: for whilest the Idumeans doe persecute the Israelites, * 1.36 they persecute and murther, not euery one of the meinie, but their owne brethren. For Esau was the brother of Iacob, yea his brother german, and his twin, or borne at one birth with him. Of Esau came the Idumeans of Iacob the Israelites. Their crueltie therefore was more shame∣full against the Israelites, then was that of the other nations. For they did manifestly or openly breake in sunder the affections of nature it selfe. Secondly, God proueth the crueltie of the Idumeans to be greater, * 1.37 by the manner, or outragiousnes of their anger against the Israelites. For it was so ouerpassing and farre out of square, that it did vtterly abolish or doe away those inward feelings of nature, the which doe stirre vp pitie and compassion among men, as ap∣peared by the doings and sayings of the Idumeans against the Is∣raelites. An example whereof may be taken out of the Psalm. 137. vers. 7. where the Prophet prayeth vnto God against the same, say∣ing: Remember the children of Edom, O Lord, in the day of Ierusalem, which sayd, rase it, rase it to the foundation thereof. Hereupon, that is, by reason of the excessiuenes thereof, the crueltie of the Idumeans in this place is called, not only anger, but also wrath, or furie. Third∣ly, * 1.38 by the effects: for they both persecuted them with the sword, and also raunged against the Israelites with robbing and stealing. Therefore the Idumeans spared neither the life, nor the goods of the Israelites: but being not content to haue murthered them, they carried away, and spoyled all their goods, like theeues. Fourthly, by the time. * 1.39 This anger of the Idumeans against the Iraelites was perpetuall, and continuall: not to be appeased, not abating, not ceasing: nay, the Idumeans spoyled and slew the Israelites both in

the time of warre: and also their wrath did watch the Israelites in the time of peace, that is to say: did lay continuall waite for them, procured hatred, and did hurt them.

Vers. 12.

Therefore will I send a fire vpon Teman, and it shall de∣noure the pallaces of Bozrah.

* 1.40TEman, a nation, citie, or people of Idumea, of the which Ieremy speaketh, cap. 49. ver. 7. To Edom thus sayth the Lord of hostes: Is wisedome no more in Teman? Is counsell perished from their chil∣dren? Is their wisedome vanished? Bozrah the head citie of the Idu∣means. The rest of this verse is allone with the like going before, which hath been often repeated, and signifieth: that for this their crueltie they shall sharply be punished.

Vers. 13.

Thus sayth the Lord, for three transgressions of the chil∣dren of Ammon, and for foure, I will not turne vnto it, because they haue ript vp the women with child of Gilead, that they might en∣large their border.

* 1.41THe fift example of the Ammonites, who themselues also were cosines or of kinne vnto the Israelites, as namely, those which came of Lot the nephew of Abraham, to the end the Israelites might be the more moued with these domesticall or home exam∣ples. And this in these Ammonites is a peculiar kind of crueltie a∣gainst the Israelites, that is, the Church of God such as it was, for that they most barbarously at one blow as it were, * 1.42 did cut in sun∣der the women of the Israelites, and the same great with childe, a∣gainst the lawe and feeling of nature cruelly murthering both the mother and her innocent or giltles child together. The which furie is more then barbarous and brutish. And this crueltie is increased by the circumstance of the cause, for that the Ammonites did these things so cruell, not to keepe away, or to be reuenged of these mo∣thers, as being in armes, or offering wrong vnto them: but onely to the end they might haue the larger borders of their kingdome, and the same voyd and emptie: these Ammonites forsooth made lesse esteeme of the image of God shining forth in these women and their children, then of one foote of dead earth the which they had a minde to vse and reteine. Therefore in these men there was ex∣treme crueltie ioyned with extreme couetousnes and ambition: &

so consequently it was also grieuously punished by God, and th•••• worthily.

* 1.43Further, in all these examples this is to bee obserued and note•• that God is described and set foorth to be especially angrie wi•••• those nations, because of the crueltie which they executed agai•••••• the Church of God, euen such as it was (such as the Israelites th•••••• were) that those, which in these our dayes haue made those mo•••• cruell slaughters and butcheries against the Church of God in the Realme of France, and elsewhere, may at the last vnderstand wha•• iudgement of God is prepared for them, and hangeth ouer th•••••• head.

Vers. 14.

Therefore will I kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall deuoure the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of be tell, and with a tempest in the day of the whirlewinde.

* 1.44THis is speciall and peculiar in the punishment of the Ammo∣nites, that it shall be most speedie, and most full of terroure feare. It shall be most full of feare, for that with the burning of Rab∣bah the chiefe citie of the Ammonites shall be ioyned both bat∣tell, and such horrible feare, as in miscrable manner is wont in su•••• cases to be heard, by reason of the slaughters and murthers there•••• committed. For he telleth that this fire & burning of Rabbah sh•••• be in the very day of battell, and in the very noyse and shoutings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the battell, where with those that are taken by the enemie shall Sword•• most swift and speedie. For it shall come creeping like a which wind (such as is wont to be when stormes doe arise) that this pu∣nishment of the Ammonites may fall out vnlooked for.

Vers. 15.

And their King shall goe into captiuitie, he and his print•••• together, sayth the Lord.

COnferre this verse with the fift of this chapter expounded be∣fore, with the which it hath some things agreeing. This no••∣withstanding is here speciall and proper, that not onely the peop•••• and common sort, as in the punishment of them of Damascus the•••• specified: but also the King himselfe, and the Princes and Nobl•••• or Peeres of the kingdome, shall be led away prisoners, and cap∣tiues vnto miserable seruitude, slauerie or bondage together so companie.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The end of this prophesie, as al∣so of the rest.
• * 1.2

  The time wherein Amos prophesied.
• * 1.3

  The reason why the Pro∣phet Amos is thought to haue prophe∣sied about this time.
• * 1.4

  Ionai seemeth to haue been before Amos.
• * 1.5

  Ionas the first in time of all the Prophets canonicall.
• * 1.6

  Amos the se∣cond, Oseas the third.
• * 1.7

  Oseas prophe∣sied almost full 70 yeares, and Amos but 14.
• * 1.8

  Esaias the 4. Prophet in or∣der and time.
• * 1.9

  The proposition conteining fiue points.
• * 1.10

  1. The preaching of Amos.
• * 1.11

  2. What maner of preaching it is, namely, such as was reueled by vision.
• * 1.12

  3. Vnto whom this preaching is committed.
• * 1.13

  4. Vnto whom A∣mos is sent.
• * 1.14

  5. At what time Amos proph••∣sied.
• * 1.15

  The summe of the iudgements of God against the Israelites.
• * 1.16

  The Prophet winneth au∣thoritie and attention vnto his prophesie.
• * 1.17

  The confirma∣tion of the for∣mer threat∣ning.
• * 1.18

  Why the Pro∣phet reckoneth vp onely those nations, the which were borderers vpon the Israelites.
• * 1.19

  Damascus the chiefe citie of Syria.
• * 1.20

  1. The wicked life of the Damas∣cens.
• * 1.21

  1. Decapolis.
• * 1.22

  2. Auen, or Aue∣ria.
• * 1.23

  3. Eden.
• * 1.24

  2. What shall be∣come of the men.
• * 1.25

  The second ex∣ample of God his iudgements against the Philistines.
• * 1.26

  The extreme crueltie of the Philistines, the which like they vsed at other times also a∣gainst God hi•• people.
• * 1.27

  God his church deare vnto him.
• * 1.28

  This verse is in a manner all one with the fourth before.
• * 1.29

  The iudgemēts of God against the whole land of the Phili∣stines.
• * 1.30

  The third ex∣ample of God his iudgements against the Ty∣rians.
• * 1.31

  The Tyrians breake the law of consangui∣nitie, and of nature.
• * 1.32

  This verse is al one with some other before.
• * 1.33

  The fourth ex∣ample of God his iudgements against the I∣dumeans.
• * 1.34

  Things com∣mon vnto the Idumeas with other nations.
• * 1.35

  Special and pe∣culiar to them∣selues, by these circumstances.
• * 1.36

  1. Of the persons.
• * 1.37

  2. Of the outra∣giousnes of their anger.
• * 1.38

  3. By the effects.
• * 1.39

  4. By the time.
• * 1.40

  The wisedome of Edom shall not helpe it in the day of visi∣tation.
• * 1.41

  The fift exam∣ple of the Am∣monites.
• * 1.42

  The barbarous crueltie of the Ammonites.
• * 1.43

  God cannot a∣way with cru∣eltie shewed a∣gainst such as beare a shew of his church be it neuer so little.
• * 1.44

  A speciall and peculiar point in the punish∣ment of the Ammonites, a∣boue the other nations men∣tioned before.