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. 14. Multitudes, multitudes in the val∣ley of decision; for the day of the LORD is neare in the valley of decision.

The effect of this sentence and command given to the executi∣oners, is, that there shall be great execution made of the ene∣mies, and they shall fall without number. And for the Churches greater comfort, it is declared, that this day of the Lords ven∣geance is near, not when the Prophet spake this, but it shall speedily come after the enemies great preparations against the Church. The place of this execution is called the valley of de∣cision, or threshing, which is the same with the valley of Jehosha∣phat, v. 2, 12. and it gets this new name, because there the Lord will make a great havoke of enemies (which is usually ex∣pressed by threshing, Mic. 4.13. Isa. 41.15. 2 Kings 13.7.) or, because it is the valley determined and appointed (as the word will signifie) wherein to do this execution, or the place wherein God will decide this great controversie betwixt him and his Church on the one part, and these enemies on the other▪ Doct. 1. Albeit it may be matter of admiration and terrour to the

Church, to see so great and so many enemies combined against her; yet God shall make that resolve in as great a wonder, to see the great havoke made of them; Therefore is it held out by way of admiration, Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision. 2. God will at last decide the controversie betwixt the Church (and especially of Israel) and her enemies, and will determine the question by making many a skin pay for it; For, the valley of Jehoshaphat, will be also the valley of decision, and there mul∣titudes, multitudes shall be laid in the dust. 3. When enemies are at the height of their attempts, especially against converted Israel, then the Lords people may expect that he will not be long in taking his day about of them, wherein his glory will shine; for, the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.