lift up thine head] The same phrase that was used, vers. 13. and afterward, vers. 20. but in a contrary sense, as the words following [from off thee] shew, whereby may be meant that his head should first be stricken off and lifted up as the head of a traitor, and afterward his body hanged on a tree. the birds shall eat] The Gentiles, it seemes, did not cut those down they hanged up, (as did the Jewes according to the Law ordained of God, Deuteronomy 21. vers. 22, 23.) the same day of their execution; and herein Joseph doth freely and faithfully forewarne him of his danger, that he may prepare himselfe the better to undergoe it: It were to be wished that Physicians, and those that attend on sicke folke, would, if they see any signes, or presages of death, take occasion to warne them to make them ready for another world; the neglect of this dutie hath endangered many a soule while the Physitian loath to affright his Patient, lest it should hinder the operation of his Physick, and the friends of the sicke, unwilling to speake an uncomfortable word, have suffered them to depart without due preparation for so great a change; and if they be unwilling to heare of death, they must heare it for all that, that they may be made willing, for none come to heaven against their will.