A commentary upon the whole Old Testament, added to that of the same author upon the whole New Testament published many years before, to make a compleat work upon the whole Bible. Vols. 2-4. Wherein the divers translations and expositions, literall and mysticall, of all the most famous commentators both ancient and modern are propounded, examined, and judged of, for the more full satisfaction of the studious reader in all things, and many most genuine notions inserted for edification in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. A work, the like unto which hath never yet been published by any man, yet very necessary, nor only for students in divinity; but also for every Christian that loveth the knowledge of divine things, or humane, whereof this comment is also full. Consisting of IV parts. I Upon the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses. II Upon the historical part, from Joshua to Esther. III Upon Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Solomons Song. IV Upon all the prophets both great and small. By John Mayer, doctor of divinity.

CHAP. II.

HEre David first asketh counsell of the Lord, whether hee should not goe up * 1.1 to Judah, and being directed to go to Hebron in Iudah he went up, and thi∣ther came to him the Elders of Judah and anointed him King over Judah. In this relation is omitted the flocking of many to him to Ziklag before this, of which wee reade, 1 Chron. 12. as first some valiant and mightie men of Ben∣jamin * 1.2 Sauls owne Tribe, as Abiezer, Joash, the sonnes of Shemaah, &c. to Vers. 7. which is commemorated to the praise of David, and the justifying of him and the condemning of Sauls tyranny, in that so many of his owne kindred forsooke him, and fled unto David to helpe him, Secondly, some mighty men of Gad, who came unto him before, when hee kept himselfe in holds, that is, in the Wildernesse of Maon, where hee hid himselfe from Saul; they were * 1.3 eleven, and were swift as Roes, and had faces like Lions, the least of them be∣ing over 100. and the greatest over 1000. that is, afterwards, for as yet David * 1.4 had onely 600. men, Vers. 8, 9, &c. to Vers. 15. as Lyra noteth. Thirdly, some men of Judah, to whom others of Benjamin joyned themselves, that David might the rather receive them, and not have them in suspition, when hee was secured touching their true heartednesse towards him by those of his owne Tribe and kindred. Wherefore hee first required some assurance, that they came peaceably to helpe him indeed and not to betray him, and the spirit came upon Amasai, the chiefe of the Captaines, who was also called Amasa, Davids sisters sonne, the spirit comming upon him was not to prophesie, but of boldnesse and courage to speake, so Lyra: yet happily the spirit certified him of the true meaning of all these men, that hee might speake confident∣ly thereof to David, Vers. 16, 17, 18. Fourthly, many of Manasseh, of whom * 1.5 seven Captaines of thousands are reckoned up, and these came unto him at his returne to Ziklag from the Phylistims army, and helped him against the ro∣vers, that is, the Amalekites, who roved about to divers places and tooke. great booties, and specially to Ziklag in Davids absence, as is shewed, 1 Sam. 30 * 1.6 Vers. 19, 20, 21. Fiftly, many others came day by day unto him, untill that hee had a very great host, like the host of God, Vers. 22. For speaking of God, Job 25. 3. it is said, is there any number of his armies, so that hereby is noted an innumerable company. Whereas in speaking of those of the Tribe of Gad, Vers. 15. hee saith, these are they, that went over Jordan, when in the first moneth it over flowed all her bankes, this shewed their courage and mag∣nanimitie * 1.7 that would adventure in so dangerous a time to passe over Jor∣dan, and they put to flight all them of the valleys towards the East and West; that is, people of those nations appointed to bee driven out, who still inhabited in the Land of Canaan given to the children of Israel, so that hereby their great strength and valour might bee gathered. Now David by this great con∣course of forces being strengthned, and Saul being dead, so that the King∣dome by Gods donation belonged unto him, hee would not yet attempt the taking of it, but referred himselfe wholly to Gods good will and pleasure, seeking by him to bee directed. How hee asked counsell is not said, but it is most probable by the Ephod, as at other times. The divine Oracle directed him to goe to Hebron, because, saith Lyra, the foure principall patriarchs were

buried there, as was shewed, Gen. 23. and for this cause Caleb went thither before to pray unto God, Numb. 13. Josh. 14. and God would have the king∣dome of David therefore to begin here, so likewise Martyr, here were Abraham * 1.8 Isaac, and Jacob buryed, to whom that land was promised, and that Kings should come of them, wherefore David must begin his kingdome in this City. Caleb was a most ancient City built before Zoan in Aegypt, and it was given to Caleb and to his posterity, it was one of the Cities of refuge and of the Levites, being distant from Hierusalem as Hierom saith 20 miles, and as H: B: 16 miles * 1.9 from Ziklag, it was a Metropolitan City in Judah.

David according to the direction given him, goeth to Hebron with his Wives, and his men and their families, and dwell there and in the townes belonging to it. Then the men of Judah came and anointed him King over Judah. This was done, saith the same authour, 10 yeares after his anointing * 1.10 by Samuel, he being now 30 yeares old. He was anointed once more after this to bee King over all Israel, from which Lyra draweth this allegory, hereby was * 1.11 signified, that every good Christian hath three anointings, first, internally by the Spirit in his heart to beleeve; secondly, externally with his tongue to confesse; thirdly, in his workes to adorne his Christian profession. The tribe of Judah in anointing David King without the consent of the other Tribes, did but follow the revealed will of God, who long agoe by the mouth of Ja∣cob had assigned the Scepter to Judah, and more lately anointed David by Sa∣muel; and the other Tribes, who consented not with them herein, sinned a∣gainst the ordinance of God. David in his three anointings, saith Martyr, * 1.12 was a type of Christ, who was anointed, 1. By the Spirit comming upon him in his baptisme. 2. By the power of miracles. 3 When he rose againe from the dead. And his being held under persecution so long, before he could attaine to the kingdome, and then he attained not to the whole neither, till seven yeares after, served to figure out the adversities to be endured by such as are appointed to the kingdome of heaven, under which wee must therefore bee patient, being assured, that at length wee also shall attaine to our kingdome.

Then it was told David that the men of Jabesh had buried Saul, and hee sent to commend them for so doing, and to promise them favour; with * 1.13 what minde this was told unto David is uncertaine, either it might be to ex∣asperate David against the men of Jabesh, or that he might beware of them, as open favourers of Saul and of his house. But hee like a most virtuous King commendeth that, which was well done even towards his enemie, contrary to the manner of other Princes, Sylla, Marius, Antony, Octavius, who proscribed all such, as had shewed any favour towards their enemies. Where Jabesh was see before 1 Sam. 11. namely on the other side of Jordan in the land of Gilead.

When David was anointed King over Judah, Abner the Captaine of Sauls * 1.14 hoast tooke Ishbesheth the sonne of Saul, who yet survived, when three other of his sonnes, who followed him to the warres, were slaine, and made him King over Israel. It seemeth by his not going to warre with the rest, that either hee was not so able or fit for the warre, or that he was left at home to governe in his fathers absence, and by this meanes escaped, when his brethren were slaine. How soever he remained to be set up against David, and to breed him more trouble, before that he could come to the full possession of the whole kingdom. Yet Abners setting of him up, being against Gods Ordinance, was soone turned into his ruine, and his owne also; so vaine is it for any to strive against God. But [Note.] his dividing of the kingdom into two for a time, upon the next occasion offer∣ed, tooke effect againe to divide it betweene. Rehoboam the sonne of Solomon and Jeroboam for the sinnes of Solomon, so that they were never more reunited in the house of David. Thus God turned Abners wicked relucting against his decree, into an occasion or preparative to the punishing of sinne in Davids posterity; for the glorifying of his justice, so he makes all things to worke for his glory As Judah, by whose making of David King saith Martyr, this schisme came, yet was herein without fault, so they that abhorring the superstitions and ido∣latries * 1.15 [Note.] of the Church of Rome, doe separate themselves, cannot be blamed for

this schisme, because they follow the revealed will of God, but such as see and cannot but acknowledge these corruptions, and yet will not separate, are great∣ly to be blamed. And as Davids cause might seeme not to bee good, because [Note.] he met with such opposition, yet it was certainely just and good, and after a a few yeares it was approved by the successe, which he had in comming to raigne over all Israel: so we must not thinke the proceedings of those, who stand for the truth & against Popish superstitions, to be the more disallowable for the ill successe at the first, but comfortably expect a good issue, when all oppositi∣on shall cease, and men shall joyne in one to promote the same truth. So Martyr, who also noteth the place, to which he caused Ishbesheth to go to be made King, viz. Mahanaim, which was on the other side of Jordan according to Junius, in the Tribe of Gad; the inhabitants of which parts, he was specially carefull to bring to acknowledge him for their King, because David had sent messen∣gers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, as he thought, to insinuate unto them, and others of the land of Gilead, which might make it suspitious if he sought not to prevent it, that they would be drawne after David. Wherefore to make them sure, hee brought Ishbosheth thither, and so hee was received for King * 1.16 over all Gilead, and Assuri, and Izreel, and Benjamin, and all Israel. The Vulg: Lat: he carryed him about the tents, for Mahanaim signifieth tents, but it is the proper name of a place, which was most strong, so called, because there the Angels of God appeared to Jacob, pitching their tents about him, and here Ishbosheth remained in greatest safety, whilst Abner and the hoast went out to fight against Davids Army. Assuri, by the Vulg: Lat: rendred Gessuri, is held by Lyra, and Hugo, to be Asher, and Junius rendereth it accordingly, su∣per Asheraeos, and Izreel or Jezreel, he saith was the middle region of Zebulun, * 1.17 Issachar, and Nephtali, and in naming these the whole latitude of the country from the sea to Jordan is described, then to shew the full extent of his kingdom it is said over all Israel.

Ishbosheth was 40 yeares old, when he began to raigne, and hee raigned 2 yeares. He was unjustly set up thorough the ambition of his cosen Abner, and * 1.18 therefore not like to continue long, for not only David had the right by Gods speciall appointmeat, but if they would make one King by succession, Mephi∣bosheth the sonne of Jonathan, had most right of all Sauls posterity, but Abner surely thought Ishbosheth, a man of no worth, fittest for his owne turne to be advanced to the royall dignity, that he might rule all, as he pleased. For the time of his raigning, viz: two yeares, it may bee doubted, how David was kept raigning over all 7 yeares and 6 months, as is said v: 11. if the time of his raigne were so short. Some saith Martyr, hold that 5 yeares passed af∣ter [Qu.] Sau's death, before that Ishbosheth was made King, because some were for Mephibosheth, but at length Abner seeing, that they would not come to any agreement about one of them, hee taketh Ishbosheth and maketh him King. Some againe thinke that after Ishbosheths death, there was an interregnum, of 5 yeares before that the Princes of Israel resolved upon David. Lastly some that much time passed after Sauls death, before that Ishbosheth was made King, and much time after his death before David was accepted of, R: Levi saith, that by these two yeares all the time of Ishbosheths raigne is not set forth, but the * 1.19 time that passed before the battle, that was fought betweene his men and Da∣vids men, v: 12, 13. &c. and this Martyr thinketh the most probable, and I thinke without doubt it is so meant, because the like phrase is used touching * 1.20 Saul, 1 Sam: 13. be raigned 2 yeares, that is, to that time, for he raigned indeed many more, as there hath beene shewed: and after this it is said, there was warre a long time betweene the house of Saul and Davids house, ch: 3. 1. And I will not here omit the conceit of R: Solomon related by Lyra, that God in his providence directed it thus, that Ishbosheth, the sonne of Saul of the Tribe * 1.21 of Benjamin should be made King, that the prophesie made unto Jacob Gen: 35. might be fullfilled, Kings shall come out of thee, when as all his sonnes were al∣ready borne except Benjamin, and now Ishbosheth being made King also, as his father Saul had beene, it was verified, for thus two Kings came of Benjamin,

thus hee, but although there had not beene two Kings of Benjamin, that promise had beene abundantly fulfilled, seeing the Lord said not, there shall yet one come of thee, from whom Kings shall spring, but Kings shall come of thee, which was fulfilled, when they came of some of his posterity, whether borne after or before this oracle.

And Abner and Ishbosheths servants went out of Mahanaim to Gibeon, and Joab * 1.22 and the servants of David met them &c. Ishbosheth being set up against David, now at length Abner thought to try by warre, to subdue Davids part and to bring all the kingdome to Ishbosheth, but it fell out contrary, as here appeareth. Josephus saith, that Abner being angry with the men of Judah for anointing David King, went to fight against Judah. David would not in all this time by force of arms seeke to obtaine all the kingdom, but expected till God who had promised it, should bring him to it, and herein he was a type of Christ, the * 1.23 subjects of whose kingdome are onely volunteers, for so many Nations are not subdued to him by force, but willingly yeilding themselves to his obedience. Moreover he had sworne unto Saul not to destroy his seed, and therefore he would not attempt it, but onely sought to defend himselfe. Gibeon, the place * 1.24 to which they came together, was a Metropolitan City in the Tribe of Benja∣min, and it was all one with Gibea of Saul often spoken of before. In the place where the armies met was a fish-pond, on the one side of which, one ar∣my pitched, and the other on the other side; then Abner said to Joab, let the young men rise and play before us, and then 12 of Benjamin, and 12 of Davids * 1.25 servants went forth and slew each other, till they all dyed. But Josephus saith, that the 12 men of Benjamin onely were slaine, how truely, let the Reader judge. The word translated play, saith Lyra, signifieth also to kill, and so it is here to be understood, that they should rise and shew their valour in fight∣ing * 1.26 hand to hand and killing one another. But I cannot finde, that the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 here used, hath any other signification, but to play, or to mocke. Al∣though then he meant they should kill one another in tryall of their fortitude, yet this not being intended to be done, as the duel of Goliah and David, to spare the armies from fighting, that side which was overcome, yeilding to the vi∣ctorer, it is rather to be thought, that Abner would have them to combat to∣gether to make their spectatours sport, as oft times hath beene done amongst the heathen Romans, as Florus saith, that Brutus at the funerall of his father put together 22 paire of sword-players to fight and kill one another; and Theodosius being requested to shew the people the like sport, he answered, it becometh a godly Prince not onely to raigne, but to use clemency; and in A∣thens * 1.27 the like being desired by the people, Demonax answered, that first the altar of Mercy must be demolished, before that any such cruelty were publickly ad∣mitted. It was a barbarous and wicked thing then in Abner to propound this, and in Joab to consent unto it. So Martyr, and from hence the place, where these fell together, was called Helcath Hassurim, that is, the field of the strong or valiant, but this was madnesse rather then true valour.

After this followed a great battle, and Abner and the men of Israel fled be∣fore Joab. Now there were three sonnes of Zerviah, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, and * 1.28 Asahel was most swift of foot, it is said that he could out-run horses, and there∣fore pursued hard after Abner to take him prisoner, because he being the chiefe Captaine, he thought it would bee a great glory and benefit to him, if he could take him, but Abner forbade him to pursue after him, willing him to turne ra∣ther after one of the young men and to take his spoiles, that is, when he had over come him, for such an one was fitter for him to contend with; whereby is intimated that Asahel was very young, so Hugo; and when he would not, he willed him againe, saying, that otherwise he would smite him, but if he did, he knew not how to lift up his face to his brother Joab: which he spake, because he thought, that David at length would prevaile, and then it would * 1.29 make much against him to have Joabs displeasure, who was Davids chiefe Cap∣taine. Asahel notwithstanding this warning pursued him still, till that hee turning strooke him through with his speare and hee dyed. For he was of

farre more valour then Asahel, although Asahel be reckoned for one of Davids worthies, 1 Chr: 11. 26. because Asahel was young and not yet come to his full strength, nor of that experience, but Abner was both valiant, and Miles vete∣ranus. That, wherewith Abner smote him, is said to be the hinder part of his speare, the Vulg. Lat. hath it aversa hasta, his speare being turned away, where∣upon saith Lyra, some gather, that hee slew him with the woodden end of his speare, but that cannot bee, because the speare went through his body, and therefore hee saith, it is to be understood, his speare being turned against him. The Hebr. may indifferently be rendred, he smote him with the hinder part of his speare under the fifth ribbe, or he smote him behinde with his speare un∣der the fifth ribbe, for the words are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Veiacchehu Beachari bacanith ell hocomesh. Asahel being very swift in running went before his bre∣thren in pursuing Abner, till that he came so neare unto him, that Abner saw himselfe to be in danger of being slaine by him, as he fled with his backe to∣wards him, wherefore when he could by no meanes perswade him to divert and pursue after some other, he turned and slew him. But hereunto he was un∣willing, * 1.30 because hee knew that Joab his brother would seek to revenge it, and happily hee hoped after this some peace might have been concluded, which by the killing of Asahel would be hindered; so Martyr: who also saith, when Abner bade him pursue after some young man, and take his spoiles, that hee meant, hee should seek to get him glory by taking the spoiles of one like unto himselfe, and not attempt this against him, lest that hee too late repented it. In Asahels fall wee may see, that sometimes excellency in some thing, is turned [Note.] to a mans owne overthrow, as Asahels swiftnesse of foot was to him; and Milo his strength to him, when hee having cleaved a tree by his great strength, was held in it closing together againe, till hee became a prey to the wilde beasts, that the strong may not glory in his strength, nor the swift in his swiftnesse, but give all glory to God alone. Again note, that enemies fleeing are not too hard to bee pursued, but with great care, that no advantage bee given them, lest their case seeming desperate, their feare bee turned into rage and resolution, to the destruction of their pursuers. For the onely health of those that are * 1.31 overcome, saith one, is to hope for no health, that is, desperately to recoyle upon their enemies; and Lucanus saith, vincitur haud gratis jugulo qui provocat bostem, Hee is overcome to his cost, who provoketh his enemy by his throat.

But Joah and Abishai, Asahels brethren, pursued after Abner still, untill that * 1.32 the men of Benjamin gathering themselves together upon an heape unto Abnes, made a stand upon the top of an hill, intending doubtlesse to fight with them, if they ceased not from pursuing them. Then Abner called unto Joab, saying, shall the sword alwayes devour, knowest thou not, that it will be bitternesse in the end? He used three arguments, saith Martyr, to breake off this warre, 1. Because * 1.33 the sword had devoured enough people already, warre is not good in it selfe, but that enemies being suppressed we may live in peace, and therefore it ought not when it is begunne to proceed without end: bellum warre hath the name from bellua, a beast, because it is the manner of beasts to goare and to teare one ano∣ther, wherefore men are to proceed no further in warre, then needes must. 2. Because it would turne to bitternesse in the end, that is, for the slaughter, that would bee made on both sides, if by Joabs pressing still upon them, they were provoked to renue the warre, for thus many valiant mens lives would be en∣dangered and so advantage given to the common enemy against them all. 3. Because they were all brethren, and therefore should be loath to destroy one another, and if they did, even the victors might have bitter sorrow for it in * 1.34 the end, as when all the other Tribes fighting against Benjamin had almost quite rooted that Tribe out, they lamented it. In a battle fought by Pompey against Cinna, and Marius, it is reported that one by chance killing his owne brother, and when he came to striphim to take his spoiles, seeing that it was his brother, he slew himselfe for sorrow.

Then Joab answered, As the Lord liveth, if thou hadst not spoken, the people had re∣turned * 1.35

in the morning each one from pursuing his brother, the Vulgar Latin, if thou hadst spoken in the morning, the people had returned, &c. that is, saith Lyra, * 1.36 if thou hadst spoken thus sooner, even when the fight began in the morning, after that 12 and 12 had slaine one another in proofe of their valour, there had beene no more bloud shed, the Hebr. Ʋnlesse thou hadst spoken, even from the morn∣ing, the people had returned, &c. that is, unlesse by bidding, that the young men should rise and play before us, thou hadst given occasion to this fight, we had returned againe without battle, so Junius and Martyr, and the Hebrew expo∣sitors. * 1.37 Now Josephus saith, that Abner did not onely speake so unto Joab, as was before said, but also excused to him the killing of Asahel, his brother, then * 1.38 Joab caused a retreat to bee sounded, and their men being mustered on both sides, it was found, that onely 20 of Davids men were lost, but of Ishbosheths 360. Thus he that bearing himselfe upon his great numbers, provoked first [Note.] unto the fight, was humbled, and forced to seeke for peace, and to yeild the victory to Joah, and so often times have others done through the just judge∣ment of God, as Joash 2 Chr. 25. 17. and Josiah 2 Chr. 35. 22. Wherefore let none be so forward to warre, but decline it, and seeke peace, wherewith God is best pleased, unlesse when he calleth to warre, as the Israelites against the A∣morites and Amalekites. What warres be lawfull, see upon Deut. 20.

This warre being ended, Abner hasteth to his King Ishbosheth at Mahanaim, beyond Jordan, and Joab having buried his dead brother Asahel in Bethlehem, to * 1.39 his King David in Hebren, going all night, till he came thither with his men, which is not to be understood of the same night, that Abner fled to Mahanaim, for Josephus saith, that Joab kept his station that night, where the battle was * 1.40 ended, and next day having buried Asahel, ceased not to travaile all the night following, till he came to David to Hebron. Yet Lyra and Martyr also thinke, * 1.41 that Asahels buriall was deferred, till they had returned to Hebron, although it be mentioned before, but of this their opinion, I see no reason, but of the contrary, because both the buriall precedeth in order, and it is not probable that they would carry a dead body about to Hebron, and then to Bethlehem, to be buried, and it agreeth not with the victorer to flee from the field in the night, but to the vanquished, the victorer staying to view the number of those that were slaine. But Hebron, saith Martyr, was now in the possession of the Philistims and therefore it may seeme strange, that they should permit them to come and bury Asahel there, or that they tooke not the opportunity of this di∣vision to prosecute their victory against Israel, but in this the singular provi∣dence of God over his people is to be admired, who, when wicked Saul was punished by them, overruled them so, that they stirred no more, till that Da∣vid had obtained the whole kingdome, and so was of greater strength to deale with them.

Mystically by Davids going to Hebren, which signifieth marriage with his two wives, may be understood Christs entring into marriage with two * 1.42 sorts of peoples, Jewes and Gentiles. The men of Judah signifying praise, that came hither to anoint him King, set forth the elect, that ascribe unto Christ the kingdome and glory, when as the reprobate and proud contemne him. Ishbosheth signifying the sonne of confusion, that reigned over the other Tribes, setteth forth the errour of confusion, that raigneth in all others except those that by faith cleave unto Christ.

Notes

• * 1.1

  V. 1, 2, 3, 4.
• * 1.2

  1 Chron: 12: 1, 2, 3, 4.
• * 1.3

  1 Chron: 12: 8: 9, 10, 11, &c.
• * 1.4

  Lyra.
• * 1.5

  1 Chron. 12. 16, 17, 18,
• * 1.6

  1 Chron. 12. 19, 20, 21. V. 22.
• * 1.7

  1 Chron, 12. 15.
• * 1.8

  Peter Martyr.
• * 1.9

  H. B. Patriarks travailes. V. 2, 3.
• * 1.10

  2 Sam. 5.
• * 1.11

  Lyra.
• * 1.12

  Peter Martyr. The Mystery.
• * 1.13

  V. 4, 5. 6, 7.
• * 1.14

  V. 8.
• * 1.15

  Peter Martyr.
• * 1.16

  V 10.
• * 1.17

  Junius.
• * 1.18

  V. 10.
• * 1.19

  R. Levi.
• * 1.20

  P. Martyr.
• * 1.21

  R Solemon.
• * 1.22

  V. 12.
• * 1.23

  Peter Martyr.
• * 1.24

  1 Sam: 24. 23.
• * 1.25

  V. 14.
• * 1.26

  Lyra.
• * 1.27

  P. Martyr.
• * 1.28

  V. 17.
• * 1.29

  Lyra.
• * 1.30

  Peter Martyr.
• * 1.31

  Vna salus victis nullam sperare salutem. Lucanus.
• * 1.32

  V. 24. 25. 26.
• * 1.33

  Peter Martyr.
• * 1.34

  Judg 20. Aug: de Civit: l: 2. c. 25.
• * 1.35

  V. 27.
• * 1.36

  Lyra.
• * 1.37

  Junius. P. Martyr.
• * 1.38

  V. 28.
• * 1.39

  V. 30, 31.
• * 1.40

  Iosephus.
• * 1.41

  Lyra. P. Martyr.
• * 1.42

  The mystery. Rabanus.