A brief exposition on the XII. smal prophets: the first volume containing an exposition on the prophecies of Hosea, Joel, & Amos. By George Hutcheson, minister at Edenburgh.

Vers. 18. And in that day will I make a cove∣nant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowles of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bowe, and the sword, and the battell out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

The fourth ground of consolation, is outward peace; Gods favour and Covenant shall secure them from hurt by any of the creatures, as if a Covenant were made with them for that effect; and shall give them peace, and security from warres. As for the extent of this promise, we may compare what is observed on Mic. 4.3, 4. It seemeth to have a special relation unto the state of converted Israel, of which, Ezek. 38.8. Doct. 1. All the creatures of God are justly at enmity with man, and armed a∣gainst him, so long as he is not reconciled with God their Crea∣tour: So much may be gathered from this promise following on their reconciliation. 2. Reconciliation with God brings peace with all the creatures, so far as is for the reconciled mans good, though there must be an exception of needful trial; and however, none of them shall marre his true peace and happinesse; So much is held ont in this promise, I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowles of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground; See Job 5.23. 3. That which secureth the godly man from trouble from the creatures, is Gods dominion over all of them, who can ensure his peoples tranquillity for them; For, saith he, I will make a Covenant for them, &c. that is, not only send this mercy to them by vertue of the Covenant, (which makes it sweet) but makes it as sure, by reason of his dominion, as if there were an expresse Covenant for that effect. 4. As peace and deliverance from war is a great blessing; So it is the Lord only who puts an end to war, and giveth peace: For, I will break the bowe, and the sword, and the battel, (that is, all other instruments of war, or the war it self acted by these weapons, which is broken, when the weapons are

broken,) out of the earth; See Jer. 47.6, 7. 5. When a people studie reconciliation with God, and are cordial in following a through Reformation, they arr in Gods way for attaining out∣ward peace; For, it is upon the accomplishment of the former promises, and particularly that, v. 16, 17. that this promise followeth, In that day I will break the bowe, &c. otherwise it may be said as Jehu said to Joram, 2 Kings. 9.22. See Judg. 5.8. 6. When the Lord hath given peace, it is he only who must maintain it, and can give quietnesse of minde to make people enjoy quietnesse and tranquillity by it; For, it is a new promise, I will make them to lie down safely, or in confidence. Unlesse he give peace, outward tranquillity will not afford it; and if he give that, we have no cause to complain, though we be in the midst of trouble.