before there reigned any king] The posteritie of Esau was advanced sooner to royall dignitie then the posteritie of Jacob, which in the Egyptian servitude were under a rod of Iron, while Esaus off-spring swaid a golden Scepter. The wicked rise up suddenly to honour, and perish as quickly; but the inheritance of the children of God continueth for ever, Psalms 102:28. But how could Moses write this since the Israelites had no Kings in his time; this he might write by the Spirit of Prophecie, for he prophecieth of the peoples desire of a King, and gives rules both concerning his choice and his carriage, Deut. 17. 14, 15.