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. The argument.

THe argument of this prophesie, albeit that it be like vnto the rest, so far forth as it containeth the threatnings & pro∣mises of God: the threatnings against wicked men,* 1.1 and his promises vnto the godly & faithfull, & such as feare God: yet hath it certaine peculiar & proper things vnto it selfe, & these two especi∣ally. First,* 1.2 a most bitter complaint of the Prophet himselfe, against the prouidēce of God, with the which al∣so the Prophet beginneth. Secondly, an especial forme of prayer, seruing as it were for a perpetual comfort,* 1.3 the which is set forth vn∣to the godly captiues, that they might cheere vp & comfort them∣selues in the midst of their miseries. This is the effect of this whole prophesie. So then the end of this Prophesie is most vnlike vnto his beginning. For the entrance or beginning sheweth a distēperature, & vnquietnes of minde in this Prophet: but the end declareth the pacified & quiet minde of the said Prophet, and resting in the iudg∣mēts of God as most iust decrees: so diuerscertes are the affections euen of godly men, & one while to be praysed, & another while to be dispraysed And it was behoofull and requisite, that there should such an example be extant and remaining, both that wee might haue at hand a ready and prepared answere vnto the blasphemous speeches of the vngodly against God, & their complaints of God, such as is here set downe, giuen by the spirit of God ver. 5. and also that these panges and intemperate fits of the mindes of the godly

might by these examples be bridled, the which do often come vp∣on them: and not vpon one man only. For with such a rage of minde rather then sorrow,* 1.4 is Dauid himselfe also vexed and cum∣bred, as appeareth Psal. 73, and Ieremy cap 12. and likewise cap. 15. ver. 10. where he saith: Wo is me my mother, that thou hast borne me, a contentious man, and a man that striueth with the whole earth: I haue neither lent on vsury, nor men haue lent vnto me on vsury: yet euery one doth curse me.

Furthermor concerning the time of the prophesying of this pro∣phet, he seemeth to haue prophesied after that now al the godly & holy men had fore-seene the most grieuous iudgments of GOD likely to insue vpon the Iewes, by reason of their haynous offences of all sortes, of the which Habacuc complaineth here in the first place.* 1.5 So then Habacuc prophesieth about the beginning of the reigne of Sedechias, to wit, the Iewes then daring aduenture the doing of any notorious wickednes: and the Chaldeans or Baby∣lonians being now knowen: and after that the selfe same persons had caried away many of the Iewes together with Ioacim their King captiues into Babylon, who waxed old in that captiuitie. Wherefore he liuely describeth or setteth out the power, & valour and experience, and warlike courage and manhood of the Chal∣deans, who were yet now further for to be, like as they had already bin, the rod of God, least the Iewes might suppose themselues to be out of their daunger: or able for to match them. In a word, Habacuck prophesied before the taking of Ierusalem by Nabu∣cadnezar.

Vers. 1.

The burden, which Habacuck the Prophet did see.

* 1.6THis verse conteineth three things, first the summe of the pro∣phesie insuing: and that is, a burthen, that is, a threatning of miseries and calamities.* 1.7 But here is not expressed by name vnto whom they are threatned: but by the things which folow it ease∣lie appeareth that this burden is caried and foretold by the Pro∣phet vnto the Iewes liuing wickedly: In the second place it shew∣eth the person it selfe of the Prophet.* 1.8 This is, Habacuc, not he of whom mention is made in the bookes of the Apocrypha, namelie in the storie of Bell,* 1.9 and the Dragon, the which is set downe Dan 14. ver. 32.33. and so foorth: but a Prophet of God, most knowen among the Iewes at that time. In the third place

is expressed a confirmation of this prophesie: namelie it is a visi∣on shewed or sent vnto this Prophet by God himselfe, like as Num 12. ver. 6. God sheweth that if a Prophet of the Lord be a∣mong them, hee will bee knowen vnto him by a vision, and will speake vnto him by a dreame.

Vers. 2.

O Lord how long shall I crye, and thou wilt not heare: euen crie out vnto the, for violence, and thou wilt not help.

* 1.10THe exordium, entrance or beginning of the prophesie, with a complaynt, the which the Prophet conceiueth of the most defiled lyse of the Iewes among whom he liued, for that the same seemed by God to be left vnreuenged and vnpunished. And this be calleth (violence) that is to saie, open force,* 1.11 whereby not one∣lie one tooke awaie from an other that which was his without punishment, but also deteined or withheld euerie part of righ∣teousnes in vnrighteousnes, as Paul speaketh, and denied both vnto God and man their right, against whom (as it is Rom. 1. ver 18.) The wrath of God is reueiled from heauen for all vngodli∣nes and vnrighteousnes of men, the which withhold the trueth in vnrighteousnes, who (as Paul speaketh ver. 31. of the same Chap.) thogh they know the law or righteousnes of God, how that they which cōmit such things, are worthie of death, yet not onlie do the same, but also fauour them that do thē. Thus do I take this word here in this place, like as it is also taken in manie other places, as where the Prophet complayneth Psal. 55. ver. 9. Destroye, O Lord, and de∣uide their tounges: for I haue seene crueltie, (chamas) and strife in the Citie. and Gen. 6 ver. 11. where it is saide, The earth also was corrupte before God: for the earth was filled with crueltie: (chamas) Further the Prophet witnesseth that he not onelie cried, but also cried out against it, that is, for it, to haue it punished by God, and yet for al this that God was not wakened vp, or tooke vengeance against so wicked a kinde of lyfe. See Psal. 94.

Vers. 3.

Why doest thou shew me iniquitie, and cause me to behold sorrow? for spoyling and violence are before me: and there are that rayse vp strife and contention.

* 1.12THe rendring of a reason of the former complayning and rea∣soning of the Prophet with GOD, as the silence or for∣bearance

of God were now out of season and too long in so o∣uer much vnbrideled bold libertie and brasenfaced shamelesnes of men, yea euen of the Iewes, that is, of the seed of Abraham, to commit all euill and lewdnes. This verse hath two parts. The one which repeteth againe the same former complaint:* 1.13 The other, which expresseth the cause thereof,* 1.14 and sheweth what is vnderstood before by the word (violence.) Touching the com∣plaint, the same is here againe repeated, because that at the same time it was knowen vnto the most blinde, and as it were vnto euerie Cobler & Tincker,* 1.15 how wickedlie the Iewes liued, among whom he and the other Prophets had their conuersation or a∣biding. [unspec 1] And therefore in regard of the notoriousnes of their sinnes Ierem. 9. ver. 9. it is written, shall J not visit them for these things sayth the Lord? or shall not my soule be auenged on such a Nation as this? Yet were they, as I haue foresayde, the people of God, an holie Nation, the seede of Abraham. Wherefore the matter was intolerable or not to be borne withall of anie godlie man, much lesse of God, the which the Prophets and all the god∣lie did see with their own eyes. This open raunging and raging of vices and sinne was foorthwith to be punished by God with sword and fire (whose name was for this cause blasphemed or euill spoken of euen among the infidels, as it is also in the Pro∣phet Isaias) and at no hand to be deferred or prolonged, and put off from daie to daie. Wherefore this debating and reasoning of the matter with God is repeated as a iust complaint for so ma∣nifest or plaine comtempt and despising of God.

* 1.16Now the cause hereof, as I haue saide is the lyfe of the Iewes, outragious and horrible for all kind of lewdnes: for here are recko∣ned vp sundry sorts of wickednesse, namely, iniquitie, strife, conten∣tion, vexation, violence, spoyling: of the which the three former I doe referre vnto those iniuries, the which priuate men priuatly did one vnto another: & the three latter vnto those iniuries, the which they publikely committed one against another: as for example, ei∣ther the officers and magistrates vnto the subiects, or a people and cities vnto cities. And all these things argued or proued, that all charitie and loue was extinct or quenched among them: and con∣sequently that all feare of God was done away. Strifes and conten∣tions doe shewe their vniust law quarrels, the which notwithstan∣ding neuer ceased among them. For there were alwayes some which raised and stirred them vp. Which thing also appeareth in

France euen at this day, where there are in number more suites and processes, then heads of men. Iniquitie, is deceit subtiltie and craft, wherewith one beguiled another in their traffike and bargainings. Ʋexation, is such grieuance, as the toll-gatherers and custome-masters, and such like deceitfull, way ward and cruell persons did openly vse vnto the common people, demanding tribute of them. Spoyling, is such losses & harmes and vndoings, as these pillers and pollers of the people did euery where exercise and bring in. Ʋio∣lence, is the force and open wrong the which one did vnto another openly without punishment. And these things doe shew that there was at that time a wonderfull disorderousnes of that state both publike and also priuate. Compare with this place the like com∣plaints against this selfe same people by Isai cap. 1. Ieremie cap. 2. and 5. Ezech. 16.

Vers. 4.

Therefore the law is dissolued, and iudgement doth neuer goe forth: for the wicked doe compasse about the righteous: therefore wrong iudgement proceedeth.

* 1.17A Laying out of the matter more plainly. For the sheweth the causes of so great, & such vnpunished wickednesse of the Iewes. One is, and the same the chiefe cause, namely, the contempt or de∣spising of the law or doctrine of God, the which had vtterly lost her authoritie among them. And therefore in this place it is said to bee dissolued, or weakened. For it agreeth with chap. 7. of Ieremie. Doutles when as it alone prescribeth the true way of liuing well, Psalm. 19 Deut. 6. he which despiseth or setteth nought by it, must needes liue vngodly and vniustly.* 1.18 And so in the end two euils fol∣low of the breaking, despising and throwning downe of the autho∣ritie of the doctrine of God: One, that iudgement neuer mightie.* 1.19 Therefore men neuer haue their right giuen vnto them, but in stead of iustice, oppression or wrong, and robberie is exercised euen of the Magistrates in the publike iudgements, much more by priuate persons, and in obscure and secret places. Hereof complaineth the Prophet Isai cap. 5. ver. 7. saying: Surely the vineyard of the Lord of hostes is the house of Israel, & the men of Iudah are his pleasant plāts: and he looked for iudgement, but behold oppression: for righteousnesse, but behold a crying. So the Prophet Hosea telleth them cap. 10. ver. 13. You haue plowed wickednes: ye haue reaped iniquitie: you haue ea∣ten

the fruite of lyes,* 1.20 &c. The other euill is, That the wicked doth compasse about the righteous, that is, watcheth him, lyeth in waite for him, wringeth, feareth, and inuadeth or setteth vpon him. Nei∣ther can or da••eth the righteous man defend himselfe, or stirre out of his place to escape the power and violence of that wicked man Psal. 12. Whereof in the winding vp followeth this third thing, that wrong & crooked iudgement proceedeth or commeth forth,* 1.21 that is to say, appeareth, that the actions and doings of these men among themselues are full of deceit, crankes, windings, turnings, & crooked? of which kinde of men and their crooked dealings, the Psalmist speaking Psal. 125. ver. 5. sayth, That those that turne aside by their crooked wayes, them shall the Lord leade with the workers of iniquitie: but peace shall be vpon Israel. And the Lord by Ieremie cap. 6. ver. 28. complaineth of such maner of men, when he sayth, They all are rebellious traytors, walking craftilie: they are brasse and yron,* 1.22 they all are destroyers. For here in this place I take the word iudgement in this sense, and not in such meaning and signification, as I haue taken and expounded it before: but for the dutie of eue∣rie man, the which was foreslowed, nay, was turned awry with cun∣ning shifts and subtilties. And therefore it is called corrupt & croo∣ked. For so that wicked men may haue some shewe and colour in deceiuing, it is enough for them: by and by doe they be guile their neighbours. See whither in the ende the contempt or despising of the word of God doth carrie vs away, albeit that we diligently ob∣serue the lawes of men, and doe very well knowe and followe the rules and wayes of cases and controuersies, and of the Ciuill law.

Vers. 5.

Behold among the heathen, and regard, & wonder, and mar∣uaile: for I will worke a worke in your dayes: ye will not beleeue it, though it be told you.

* 1.23THe answer of God vnto the former complaint of the Prophet the which containeth a threatning of most grieuous punish∣ments against such wickednesse of the Iewes. And these punish∣ments did God prepare for the Iewes not in Iudea, but among the Gentiles or heathen. And therefore doth God will both the Pro∣phet and also the Iewes to looke vnto the Gentiles or heathen, a∣mong whom, and by whom those scourges and rods were now in preparing. For God by them purposed to punish this wickednesse and vngodlines, whereof the Prophet complained. So Ierem. 4.

ver. 16. the Iewes are cōmanded to behold, and diligently to marke what God intended and went about against them among the hea∣then, Make ye mention (sayth he) of the heathen, and publish in Ieru∣salem, Behold the scoutes come from a farre countrie, and crye out a∣gainst the cities of Iudah. So Isai 10. the selfe same wicked Iewes are sent backe vnto the Assyrian.

* 1.24But this verse hath two poynts to bee noted. The one is the phrase it selfe or kind of speaking, the which is full of vehemencie and pith, and mouing of affections,* 1.25 to the end that these men albeit they were neuer so stubborne, and fast asleepe in their vices, might be the more moued and stirred vp. For God vseth a speech that is ••••it and tied together with many copulatiue coniunctions, as, and see, and behold, and maruaile: also he striketh into them an attention or heedfulnes and feare, whereas it is sayd, Maruailing maruaile ye, or he astonished: I worke a worke in your dayes, the which shall not be beleeued when as it shall be told. These repetitions therefore do giue a great force and weight vnto this sentence and threatning, to the awakening and stirring vp of all hypocrites, sleeping, and careleslie snorting in their sinnes and vices. And so doth Paul Act. 13. ver. 41. generally applye this saying of Habacuck vnto all the wicked.

* 1.26The second poynt, which is here worthie the noting, containeth the matter it selfe, the which the Prophet foretelleth shall come to passe, namely, that same worke, the which the Lord was to doe in their age and time. Whereby appeareth that this prophesie went not long before those times, wherein those things which are here threatned, came to passe, and wee haue sayd alreadie. Further, this worke, is the rushing & breaking in of the Chaldeans into the land of Iewrie, and the destruction of Ierusalem. For these euen at that time did God ordaine and prepare to bee the executioners of the people of the Iewes, and the reuengers of the contemning or despi∣sing of his name. Concerning this matter, see Ierem. 5. Also Ierem. 13. ver. 20. and 21. the are willed to enter into the consideration of these things in these words: Lift vp your eyes, and behold them that come from the North: where is the flocke that was giuen thee, e∣uen thy beautifull flocke? what wilt thou say, when he shall visite thee? (for thou hast taught them to be captaines and as chiefe ouer thee) shall not sorowe take thee as a woman in trauaile? To this effect reade al∣so the 20. and 25. chapters of his prophesie.

Furthermore, God did thus prepare the Chaldeans vnto this

Empire began to arise vp, and gathered strength and power:* 1.27 for so by this meanes it did the more easilie execute those iudgements of God against the Iewes. Those increasings therefore of the Empire of the Chaldeans (the which at that time began to waxe very great among other nations neere vnto them) were as a gathering toge∣ther and making readie of rods, the which God would vse to whip his people withall. And the Iewes are willed to marke this, & that very diligētly, because that within short time afterward they were to be punished, and sharply corrected by those Chaldeans. So in the times of our Elders, when as God raysed vp the Empire of the Turkes, all the Christians ought to set their eyes thereupon, as on whippes,* 1.28 the which God ordained for them. So if any idolatrous kingdome (such as is that of Spaine) in God his will and purpose do afterward gather great increase, let vs Christians and the faithfull take it, as if euen now there were by God ordayned correctors of our sinnes, and of the nought setting by the doctrine of the Gospell, and fearfull reuengers of the despised name of God. Wherefore let men that are Christians, at the least now at length begin to abstain from their sinnes, and with speede and earnestly turne vnto the true God, when as they see these things to be done, and to be in prepa∣ring by God in the word.

Vers. 6.

For loe, I raise vp the Chaldeans, that bitter and furious na∣tion, which shall goe vpon the breadth of the land to possesse the dwelling places that are not theirs.

* 1.29A Making more plaine of that which went before. For he shew∣eth what that so wonderfull a worke is, the which God shall shortly worke against the wicked Iewes. And it is this: namely, God shall raise vp, and send in the Chaldeans most cruell and most mightie enemies, that the Iewes may be punished by them. And this agreeth with the threatnings of God, the which are extant and to be found Deut. 28. ver. 36.37. The Lord shall bring thee and thy king (which thou shalt set ouer thee) vnto a nation, which neither thou, nor thy fathers haue knowne, and there thou shalt serue others gods: euen wood and stone, And thou shalt be a wonder; a prouerbe, & a com∣mon talke among all people,* 1.30 whither the Lord shall carrie thee. Further, there is added a liuely and effectuall description or setting out of the power and crueltie of the Chaldeans, that hypocrites should not thinke, that they can escape the iudgements of God: or that

they are impossible because of that strength of their owne, the which, such as it was, they had in some measure at that time in the kingdome of Iudah. Conferre this place with that of Ieremie cap. 6. ver. 22.23. &c. Thus sayth the Lord, Behold, a people commeth from the North countrie, and a great nation shall arise from the sides of the earth. With bow and shield shall they be weaponed: they are cruell, and will haue no compassion: their voyce roreth like the sea, and they ride vpon horses well appoynted, like men of warre against thee, O daughter Zion.

* 1.31This verse hath two things especially to bee noted. One, the name it selfe of the Enemies, whom God shall bring and raise vp a∣gainst the Iewes. And these are the Chaldeans.* 1.32 Now who these were it is knowne by other places of the holie Scriptures, and also out of the prophane histories themselues, or Chronicles of the hea∣then. The second thing is, the description of this nation,* 1.33 whereby the same appeareth to be very terrible or much to be feared. And first of all it is said to be a most bitter nation, namely,* 1.34 such a nation as is bitter ouer other nation, because of their hard rule and go∣uemment ouer them. For the rule of the Chaldeans ouer the Iewes which were vnder their subiection, was a Manlian gouernment, that is, most cruell & tyrannicall, as is the rule of masters ouer their slaues, or of the Spaniards ouer the West Indians, and not as of a fa∣ther ouer his children. It was a quick and hastie nation, that is,* 1.35 dili∣gent in the executing of matters. And such must all nations be, the which of small beginnings and kingdomes doe gather vnto them∣selues great power, and beare rule ouer others, to wit, diligent and speedie in the dispatching of things. Such were the Romanes at the first, as Salust teacheth in his Catilinarie warres in these words: But the Romanes are diligent at home, and in warre speedie, readie, in∣couraging one another, going against their enemies.* 1.36 The same nation of the Chaldeans was ranging farre abrode, and walking vpon the breadth of the land. For the Chaldeans made warre vpon sundrie nations, and waged battaile farre abrode, as appeareth Iere. cap. 25. Finally, they were desirous of other mens goods,* 1.37 or of that which was not theirs, as namely, being couetous, and ambitious or proud, such as is the nation of the Spaniards, the which for praise & gaines sake is most desirous to enlarge their borders: the which thing also they haue effected or brought to passe. Now if the Ba∣bylonian Empire (the which notwithstanding in Daniel is compa∣red

vnto gold) were such a one and so cruell: what maner of ones may we suppose the other Monarchies or Empires for to haue bin, and what may wee thinke those great kingdomes, which worship not God, now also for to be? To wit, they are so many plagues, and spoylers of mankinde: such as is the one Empire of the Turkes at this day.

Vers. 7.

They are terrible and fearfull: their iudgement and their dignitie shall proceed of themselues.

A Staying still in the same matter. For now he purseth the other parts of this description: whereby appeareth, what maner of persons the Chaldeans were, that is to say, how terrible, or greatlie to be feared.* 1.38 First of all therefore is described their cruell nature: se∣cōdly, their might & power. Their nature, for they are said to be ter∣rible, or to be feared, as namely, being such which did strike a feare of themselues into all others: againe, to be feared, as whō other peo∣ple and nations stood in awe and dread of.* 1.39 A nation, which will be her owne caruer, and minister law according vnto her owne plea∣sure, and exercise and execute iudgement, [unspec 1] as her selfe listeth, ouer the people vnder their subiection, and such as by them haue been subdued or ouercomen, to robbe and spoyle them, and carrie them away into other lands, according vnto their owne liking. Al which things the Iewes afterward in these Chaldeans had experience of: and in the time of our Ancetors the West Indians found out but of late, haue also tried the like, as their histories doe testifie and beare record. So then their crueltie is in this place described, and that ve∣rie liuely. Finally, the honor and dignitie of this nation (which then was obscure or base) shall grow v, and appeare. To conclude, all these things make to this end, that the Iewes should not thinke, be∣cause as yet the Empire & name of the Chaldeans, was vnknowne vnto them and weake, that therefore they were not such, by whom they could be chastised and corrected. For they shall in time grow vp, and become a most mightie people: nay, one of those foure chiefe and especiall Monarchies or Empires, which afterward were in the world. So God lifteth vp what people he will, or pleaseth him, that by them he may chastifie others, and chiefly his owne people.

Vers. 8.

Their horses also are swifter then the Leopards, and are more fierce then the woolues in the euening: and their hors∣men are many: and their horsinen shall come from farre: they shall flie as the Eagle hasting to meate.

* 1.40THe description of the might and power of the Chaldeans fol∣loweth: for it is sayd, Their horsmē shalbe most swift & strong, as the Leopard. The Chaldeans therefore shall be most rauenous souldiers, the which for hope of praye & bootie, like vnto woolues in the euening, shall cast themselues into any dangers. Briefly, their horses, and their horsemen like vnto Eagles, hasting vnto their pray, shall flie into all places, so that nothing can escape them. Thus there is no helpe nor refuge against God punishing and cha∣stising vs.

Vers. 9.

They come all to spoyle: before their faces shall be an East winde, and they shall gather the captiuitie, as the sand.

* 1.41THe applying or rather the explication or opening of the simi∣litude, why the Chaldeans are compared vnto wilde beast. Be∣cause that all this nation, to wit, of the Chaldeans shall come with purpose to rob and steale, and so consquently shall be most gree∣dy and rauenous, and most swift, wherein also is or lieth a conforma∣tion of the power of the Chaldeans. For those souldiers are wont to be most stout and valiant and eager, whom the hope of praye and bootie pricketh forward. For when as once they haue filled their budget, as it is in the prouerb, then afterward they waxe more fearefull.

* 1.42 Horatius lib. 2.Epistolar. Epistola secunda.

Luculli miles collecta viatica multis Aerumnis, lassus dum noctu stertit, ad assem Perdiderat: post hoc vehemens lupus & sibi, & hosti Iratus pariter, ieiunis dentibus acer Praesidium regale loco deiecit, vt aiunt, Summe munito, & multarum diuitererum.

In homely meeter thus:

The goods Lucullus souldier Collected had with toyle and payne, While weary snorting he doth lie

By night, he looseth all agayne. Thence forth becomming greedie woolfe, All angry with himselfe, and foe, with hungry teeth sharpe set on meate To get more pray he ginnes to goe. And eager bent with courage fell A kindly forte he throwes to ground, In place most strong, as men doe say, Which with great riches did abound.

Such therefore shall the Chaldeans be. For they shall come vn∣to the praye and offering of force and violence for the same, that nothing shall be more bolde,* 1.43 stoute, and couragious then they. Wherefore they shall easily ouercome the Iewes. Further, this also is a cause of the former comparison, for that their faces or looke shall be as the East winde, the which namely dryeth vp all things, and causeth diseases and sicknes, bringeth barrennes, and parcheth and scorcheth the corne ready to be reaped Agg. 1. So shall the Chaldeans spoyle and consume al the goods of the Iewes: they shal waste and spend their wealth and riches the which long since they had gathered, and haue lying by them in a readines: and for feare and trembling shall bring diseases vpon the Iewes, that they shall not be able to stand against them.

* 1.44Another effect, They shall gather the captiuitie as the sand, that is to say, they shall carrie away as many Captiues as they can. Nei∣ther shal they be satisfied with the gaine the which they shal make thereby. So the Sprniards, when as they had taken the Iland Hi∣spaniola ie the Indies within a few moneths they rid it cleane of the citizens and inhabitants,* 1.45 who first possessed it, whilest they gather vnto themselues Captiues and slaues.* 1.46 So the Turkes at this day do carrie away from the Christian countryes neere vnto them, and o∣thers, innumerable booties and prayes, insomuch that in this our age out of one poore Hungarie they haue often carried away a∣bout a fifteen thousand captiues at a time, to wit, so cruel, couetous, and merciles are they, and like vnto these Chaldeans, whom God of his great mercy through Christ turne from the neckes of his Church. Amen.

Vers. 10.

And they shall mocke the Kings: and the Princes shall bee as a scorne vnto them: they shall deride euery strong hold: for they shall gather dust, and take it.

* 1.47THis is an Hypophora, or the answering of an obiection, the which might be made, least any force of men, or any munition and for∣tifying of places might seeme to bee able to let, or keepe backe the assault of the Chaldeans. For they shall mocke all Kings, and make no account of them: they shall quickly take the most strong pla∣ces, making rampires and casting trenches about it. In the which selfe same thing there lyeth a proofe both of their easie executing of things: and also of the hurlie burlie and trouble of the whole world, and likewise of the victorie which the Chaldeans should haue. See Ierem. cap. 25. Ezech. 25.

Vers. 11.

Then shall they take a courage, and transgresse, and doe wic∣kedly, imputing this their power vnto their God.

* 1.48AN amplification of the great happines and successe of the Chal∣deans. For they themselues shall be in such sort puffed vp there∣withal, that they will not now take themselues for any mortall mē, but for gods, depend vpon their owne selues, and with great vn∣thankfulnes towards God, and through the most shameful sinne of iodlatrie worship their owne strength, so farre doubtles shall they beled with a spirit of so strong giddines, and in such sort shall they forget their mans nature, as if they were gods, and not men.

Vers. 12.

Art not thou of olde, O Lord my God, mine holie one? we shall not dye: O Lord, thou hast ordained them for iudgement, and O God, thou hast established them for correction.

* 1.49A Most strong reason for their comfort. For the Prophet from the euerlastingnes and constancie of God, the certaintie of his a∣doption, the holines of God, and his care for those that are his, in such great trouble of all things, doth promise that the helpe & ayde of God shall bee present both with himselfe, and also with all the godlie, and therewithall doth cheere and comfort himselfe. Final∣lie, in so great stirre and barboyle of the world, he teacheth that there shall be one condition or estate of the godlie, and another of

the vngodlie, in as much as the Chaldeans are ordained of God on∣ly for the chastising of the godly, and haue appointed vnto them by God a stinted measure and rate of punishing them, the which in this place he calleth iudgement.

Vers. 13.

Thou art of pure eyes, and canst not see euill: thou canst not behold wickednesse: wherefore doest thou looke vpon the transgres∣sors, and holdest thy tongue, when the wicked deuoureth the man that is more righteous then he?

* 1.50THe asking of a question, wherein according vnto iudgement darkned with the cloudes of the flesh, that same iustice of God, whereby he hateth all wickednesse, seemeth to bee shuffled with his decree,* 1.51 and falling out of the former vision. This was a great combat, the which the Prophet felt in his minde, when as he held it for a most certain and assured foundation and ground, That God did not fauour the vngodly, and yet he sawe these Chaldeans, vnto whom so great happines or good successe against all nations of the world, and especially against the people of God, was promised by God himselfe,* 1.52 to be most cruell, and worse then other men. From hence haue sprung those blasphemous disputations of the Philoso∣phers, Whether the world were gouerned by God his prouidence: from hence these complants of Pompeius ouerthrowne by Caesar in the Pharsalian battaile, That God fauoured the vniust cause, as Plutarch reporteth in his life. But the answer of Cratippus was true, That the Common wealth of the Romanes had neede of these pu∣nishments, because of his wickednesse, and therefore that this alte∣ration & change of things fell out at Rome by God his prouidence. And that his decree of GOD, as a thing too high for vs to deale with, must bee left vnto God himselfe. And from hence also came those opinions of the Platnonists,* 1.53 That so straunge alterations and changes of things did fall out by reason of the matter, whereof hu∣mane things do consist, the which daily desireth new formes. From hence is the accusation of the gods Homer. lib. 1. Odyss.

Vers. 14.

And makest men as the fishers of the sea, and as the cree∣ping things, that haue no ruler ouer them?

Vers. 15.

They take vp all with the angle: they catch it in their net, and gather it in their yarne, whereof they reioyce and are glad.

* 1.54THe rendring of a reason. For the Prophet sheweth the cause why he is so greatly moued within himselfe. And this was first,

for that so many and so innumerable nations,* 1.55 were so easilie layd o∣pen as a pray, and for a fishing vnto the people & King of the Chal∣deans, in such sort as he described before, namely, as if the mind and purpose of God were to glut him only, and to satisfie him alone, e∣uen with the losse and destruction of so many nations. The cause hereof is alleaged Iere. 27. ver. 5.6. in these words, I haue made the earth, the man, and the beast that are vpon the ground by my great power, and by my oustretched arme, and haue giuen it vnto whom it pleased me. But now I haue giuen all these lands into the hand of Ne∣buchadnezzar the king of Babel my seruant, and the beasts of the field haue I also giuen him to serue him.

Vers. 16.

Therefore they sacrifice vnto their net, and burne incense vnto their yarne, because by them their portion is fat, and their meate plenteous.

* 1.56SEcondly, for that this selfe same King of the Chaldeans, vnto whom God giueth so great things, shall be both blasphermous a∣gainst God himselfe, and also most vnthankful vnto him. For he shall ascribe or giue the praise of this his so great felicitie or happi∣nes vnto his owne selfe, as one that no doubt despiseth all soue∣raig••tie and maiestie of God: and shall sacrifice vnto his owne net or arme, as whereby alone he shal get vnto himselfe so great a Mo∣narchie or Empire. This prophesie is more at large declared & layd open Dan. 4. ver. 26.27. where the proude King Nebuchadnezzar most blasphemously vaunteth himself against God, & giueth vnto himselfe the whole praise of his strength and power, and maiestie, and glorie, &c. The word be these: At the end of twelue moneths, he walked in the royall palace of Babel. And the King spake and sayd, is not this great Babel, that I haue built for the house of the kingdome by the might of my power, and for the honour of my maiestie?

Vers. 17.

Shall they therefore stretch out their net, and not spare con∣tinually to slay the nations?

* 1.57AN interrogation or asking of a question, as it were a conclusiō, wherewith the Prophet doth both comfort the godly, and also mocketh the Chaldeans. He comforteth the godly, in that he shew∣eth that this barbarous crueltie of the Chaldeans. He comforteth the godly, in that he shew∣eth that this barbarous cruelties of the Chaldeans shall not be per∣petuall, or last for euer. He mocketh the Chaldeans, because he

threatneth that there shall at last bee an end of their crueltie and power. He doth indeed aske a question of the thing, the which not∣withstanding he doth not thinke shall be, but this kind of phrase or speaking carrieth a greater emphasis, vehemencie or force with it, then a direct or plaine and simple conclusion.

Notes

• * 1.1

  2 Things proper vnto this Pro∣phet.
• * 1.2

  1 A complaint against the pro∣uidence of God.
• * 1.3

  2. A prayer for them in capti∣uity.
• * 1.4

  Dauid.
• * 1.5

  The time of the prophesying of Habacuck.
• * 1.6

  Three parts of this verse.
• * 1.7

  1 The summe of this prophesie.
• * 1.8

  2 The person of the Prophet.
• * 1.9

  3 A confirmation of this prophe∣sie.
• * 1.10

  The Prophet beginneth with a complaint.
• * 1.11

  Chamas.
• * 1.12

  A reason of the former com∣plaint.
• * 1.13

  Two parts of this verse.
• * 1.14

  1. A repeting of the former complaint.
• * 1.15

  2 The cause of the same.
• * 1.16

  2. Iniquitie Strife. Contention. Vexation. Violence. Spoyling.
• * 1.17

  The cause of so great wicked∣nes among the Iewes, to wit, the contempt of the law of God.
• * 1.18

  Two euils fol∣low of the de∣spising of the law of God.
• * 1.19

  1. Iudgement ne∣uer goeth forth
• * 1.20

  2. The wicked doth compasse about the righ∣teous.
• * 1.21

  Crooked iudge∣ment.
• * 1.22

  The worde (iudgement) in this place how it is taken.
• * 1.23

  The answer of God vnto the former com∣plaint of the Prophet.
• * 1.24

  Two parts of this verse.
• * 1.25

  1. The kind and maner of spea∣king.
• * 1.26

  2. The thing it selfe foretold by the Prophet.
• * 1.27

  The Chaldeans growing in strength and power, might the more easilie execute God his iudgements against the Iewes.
• * 1.28

  The kingdome of Spaine likely to be a whip to correct the sins of the professors of the Gospell.
• * 1.29

  What that wonderfull worke is, the which God shal worke against the Iewes.
• * 1.30

  A liuely de scription of the power and cru∣••••ltie of the Chaldeans.
• * 1.31

  Two things here to be no∣ted.
• * 1.32

  1. The name of the Enemies.
• * 1.33

  2. The description of that nation.
• * 1.34

  1 A most bitter nation.
• * 1.35

  2. A quicke and hastie nation.
• * 1.36

  3. A nation ran∣ging farre a∣brode.
• * 1.37

  4. Desirous of that is none of theirs.
• * 1.38

  1. The cruell na∣ture of the Chaldeans.
• * 1.39

  2. Their might and power.
• * 1.40

  The descriptiō of the power of the Chaldeans.
• * 1.41

  Why the Chal∣deans are com∣pared vnto wild beasts.
• * 1.42

  The purpose of our Autor here by is to shew, that like as this souldier hauing lost al his vi∣ctuals & goods gotten before with great toile becometh more eager vpon a new pray: so shall the Chal∣deans in hope of the spoyle & booty most gree dilie and fierce∣ly set vpon the Iewes.
• * 1.43

  The looke of the Chaldeans like vnto the East winde.
• * 1.44

  They shall cary away as many captiues as they can.
• * 1.45

  The cruelty of the Spaniards.
• * 1.46

  The Turkes.
• * 1.47

  The figure Hy∣pophora, what it is, see Amos cap. 5. ver. 21.
• * 1.48

  An amplifica∣tiō of the great successe of the Chaldeans.
• * 1.49

  A strong rea∣son for the com∣fort of the god∣lie.
• * 1.50

  The asking of a question.
• * 1.51

  A great com∣bat of the Pro∣phet.
• * 1.52

  The blasphe∣mous disputa∣tions of some Philosophers. The cōplaints of Pomperus. The answer of Cratippus.
• * 1.53

  The Platonists.
• * 1.54

  A cause why the Prophet is thus troubled within himself.
• * 1.55

  1. For that so ma∣ny nations shal be subiect vnto the King of Babylon.
• * 1.56

  2. For his blas∣phemie & vn∣thankefulnes vnto God.
• * 1.57

  An interro ga∣tion of the pro∣phet comfor∣ting the godlie, and mocking the Chaldeans.