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Vers. 24. Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going downe into the pit, I have found a ran∣some.
These words hold out the generall issue and fruit of the la∣bours and good counsell of that messenger or Interpreter dealing with the sick man, and shewing him his uprightness.
There are three distinct interpretations which run quite through this verse, and they arise from a different apprehension about the antecedent in this pronoune [He] then he is gracious unto him. He; who is that? All the Popish interpreters refer it to the Guardian-Angel sent to attend on this sick man; Then he (the Angel) will be gracious, and he will say, deliver him. But as I then layd by that opinion that the messenger was an Angel properly taken, so I shall not stay upon that which is a consequent of it, here.
Secondly, Severall of our Protestant interpreters referre this he, to the Messenger or Interpreter, to the Prophet or any spiri∣tually wise and holy man, sent of God to assist and help the sick man in his distresse. Some are so positive in this opinion, that they deny the text any other reference;* 1.1 This is to be understood of the Messenger (saith one) and not of God. And I grant 'tis sutable to the business of the messenger who comes to comfort and instruct the sick man, that he should pitty and compassionate him in that discon∣solate condition, and likewise pray for him, according to the tenour of these words in the text, or to the same effect; O Lord God, be gra∣cious to him, and deliver him, let him not goe downe to the pit, for the ransome sake which I have found. As if Elihu had sayd; When that faithfull messenger shall have declared the benefits and grace of God to the afflicted man, then pittying his afflicted soule, he shall pray for him; O God deliver him from death and condemnation, from the pit, and from destruction, for I have found and shewed him a ransome, by which his soule may be delivered, and his sins par∣doned.
In the 19th Chapter of this Booke at the 27th verse, Job useth this word in his application to his friends, for their pitty to him, and more favourable dealing with him; Have pitty upon me, have pitty upon me, O my friends, for the hand of God hath touched me. As if he had sayd, The hand of God presseth me sore, O let not your