This chapter informs us what progress the several tribes of Israel made in the reducing of Canaan after the death of Joshua. 1. The united tribes of Judah and Simeon took Bezek, Jerusalem, Hebron, Dohir, Horina, Gawa, and other places, ver. 1—19. Yet where there were chariots of iron their hearts failed them, ver. 19. Mention is made of the Kenites settling among them, ver. 16. 2. The other tribes, in comparison with these, did but little. (1.) Benjamin failed, ver. 21. (2.) The house of Joseph took Beth-el, ver. 22—26. but in other places did not improve their advantages, nor Manasseh, ver. 27, 28, nor Ephraim, ver. 29. (3.) Zebulon spared the Canaanites, ver. 30. (4.) After did not make them even tributary, ver. 31, 32. (5.) Naphtali was kept out of the full possession of several of his cities, ver. 33. (6.) Dan was strained by the Amritites, ver. 34. NOW after the death of Joshua, it came to pass, that the children of Israel, asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first to fight against them? 2. And the LORD said, 'Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand. 3. And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites, and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him. 4. And Judah went up, and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they flew of them in Bezek ten thousand men. 5. And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and they flew the Canaanites, and the Perizzites. 6. But Adoni-bezek fled, and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. 7. And Adoni-bezek said, 'Therefore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, I gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath required me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died. 8. (Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.) After Joshua's death, the children of Israel multiplying, began to think of enlarging their borders, by a farther extirpation of the Canaanites. On which, 1. They consult the Lord which tribe should go up, and he, by an articulate voice, which was probably the way of answering by Urim and Thummim, commands Judah to begin, with assurance of success. He which was most honourable, most numerous, and first provided for, must lead the way for his brethren's encouragement. Note, (1.) They who have the place of honour must maintain it, by being first to do God's work. (2.) Where God gives the best abilities he expects proportionable service. (3.) Confidence of success gives courage for the battle. (4.) Though the victory is God's gift, the warfare must be ours. 2. Judah hereupon mutters his armies, and as Simeon was his brother by the same mother, as well as father, and their lots lay together, he collects his assistance, and promises in return to shew him the same brotherly kindness. Note, (1.) We must seek to assist one another, and strengthen the hands of our S f f brethren Before Choir brethren in their warfare against the enemy of souls. (2.) God will help those with his grace, who help one another in love. 3. Their success is recorded. The Lord delivered their enemies into their hands; the army of the Canaanites was routed, ten thousand Slain in Bezek, the field of battle, or a city so called, and their king Adombezek taken prisoner, as he was attempting to escape. His barbarity to others returns now on his own head. As he had, during the course of his reign, thus served seventy other captive kings, his great toes and thumbs are cut off; and the justice of this judgment of God again him he is forced to acknowledge. They brought him to Jerusalem, where with grief, or of his wounds, he quickly died. Nite, (1.) God often repays the wicked in their own coin. (2.) The proudest are not too high for God to humble; let kings remember they are in slippery places. (3.) When God's judgments awaken the conscience, we shall own his righteousness, and stand self-condemned before him. 4. Notice is taken of the conquest of Jerusalem: some, as our transfusions, regard it as a pall translation; others, as now achieved. That it was in part in the pollution of the children of Judah, seems pretty evident, from 7:9b. av. 63. Perhaps during their wars it was neglected, and so inhabited by the Jebusites, who are now the second time dispossessed of the city, though they held the citadel till the time of David. Nite, Though the believer's enemies struggle long and hard, yet their end will be, to be rooted out at the left. 9. ¶ And "afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley. 10. And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron, (now the name of Hebron before our Kirjath-arba) and they flew 'Shefhai, and Ahiman, and Talmud. 11. And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir (and the name of Debir before our Kirjath-sepher). 12. And Caleb Said, He that imiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, 'to him will I give Achish my daughter to wife. 13. And Othuid the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achish his daughter to wife. 14. And it came to pals, when she came to don, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou? 15. And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south-land, give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs. 16. ¶ And the children of the Kenites, Mohel's father-in-law, went up out of the city of palm-trees with the children of Judah, into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Atad, and they went and dwelt among the people. 17. And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they flew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it: (and the name of the city was called Hebraah). 18. Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Athelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof. 19. And the LORD was with Judah, and he drove out the inhabitants of the mountain, but 'could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had 'charism of iron: 20. And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moies laid: and he expelled thence 'the three sons of Atad. 9. 9—20. We have here, 1. A farther account of Judah and Simeon's success against the Canaanites in the valley, to which they went down from Jerusalem; and here is inferred Caleb's conquest of Hebron, which was either now first made, and mentioned before by anticipation; or rather it was performed by Caleb, with the assistance of his brethren, and is mentioned here among the exploits of Judah, because Caleb belonged to that tribe. Simeon too, with Judah's assistance, took Zephath, and destroyed it, as also three of the Philistine cities; but by neglecting to stay the inhabitants, they afterwards left them, and for many years felt the scourge of their disobedience, in the sufferings they endured under the Philistine rules. The inhabitants of part of the valley also were suffered to remain quiet. Their charism of iron discouraged Judah; and, as a punishment for such unbelief, God left them for a scourge. Nite, (1.) They who do the work of the Lord unfaithfully, will surely impart for it. (2.) The neglect of a favourable opportunity can oft-times never be recovered. (3.) Unbelief of God's premises is the cause of all our complaints under the prevalence of sin. 2. The Kenites, the posterity of Jethro by Hobab, who came up with Israel into Canaan, and settled at first around Jericho, removed now into the lot of Judah; and, as they were permitted to chuse their abode, they fixed on the wilderness of Judah, where was pasture for their cattle, and which also best suited their love of solitude. Nite, They who will singly share with God's Israel in their sufferings in the wilderness, shall share also with them the inheritance in glory. 21. And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day. 22. ¶ And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Beth-el; and the LORD was with them. 23. And the house of Joseph sent to 'desert Beth-el: (now the name of the city before our Luz). 24. And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy. 25. And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they found the city with the edge of the sword: but they let go the man and all his family. 26. And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day. 27. ¶ Neither did Manalleh drive out the inhabitants of Beth-Shean and her towns, nor Taanich and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dar and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibizan and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 28. And it came to pals when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to Tributes, and did not at terly drive them out. 29. ¶ Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them. 30. ¶ Neither did Zebulon drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol: but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries. 31. ¶ Neither did Ather drive out the inhabitants of Aceho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor Achzib, nor Helbah, nor Aphik, nor of Rehab: 32. But the Atherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out. 33. ¶ Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Beth-Shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth-anath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless, the inhabitants of Beth-Shemesh and of Beth-anath became tributaries unto them. 34. And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley. 35. But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalibim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries. 36. And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabinim, from the rock, and upward. 9. 21—30. The success of the other tribes was not equal to the example set them. Benjamin neglected to conquer the part of Jerusalem, (which seems to have been a separate latter) from that taken by the men of Judah which fell to his lot. The house of Joseph did a little, yet nothing great as might have been expected, when it is laid the Lord was with them. By the help of one of the inhabitants, who, on promise of life and liberty, conducted them into a part of the city which was not guarded, they imported Beth-el, but neglected to improve their success. The Canaanites were permitted to dwell in several cities in the lot of Manalleh, though they were made tributary; and, in Ephraim, Gezer seems to have maintained its freedom. Zebulon followed their evil examples, and rather chose to subject than destroy the inhabitants of Kitron and Nahalol. Ather still more butely yielded to dwell among the Canaanites, and left many towns in their possession; so that they were rather harpets than matters. Naphtali was negligent in the rest, and contained himself with making Beth-Shemesh and Beth-anath tributary. Dan fared well of all. The Amorites making had against him, not only kept their possession, but threatened him in that part of the lot which was conquered, and, by the assistance of his brethren of the house of Joseph, they were at last reduced, and became tributary. From the whole we may only say, that God had eventually, unbelief of God's power, and want of destruction of idolatry, were still too rooted in this that checked people; yet God bore with them; yet shewed them. Nite, Though the remainder of evil still was within us, and we suffer for them, yet God doth not cast away his people, but multiplies his pardons and mercies towards them. CHAP. In this chapter we have, 1. A general account of Israel's enemies, ver. 1—7. 2. The brave exploits done by the three self judges. 1. Othniel, who lobbied the king of Melopotamia, ver. 8—11. 2. Ehud, who refused Israel out of the hands of the Moubites, ver. 12—20. and 3. Shanger, who signalized himself in a concourter with the Philistines, ver. 31. 4 Deut. viii. 5. Chap. ii. 6a. 6 PC Israel. 7. 7. Jaffa. xxii. 8. PC xiv. 9. 6 Deut. viii. 6. Jaffa ii. 6a. 6 Exod. xxxv. 16. Deut. vii. 6. 7 Kings xii. 2, 3. 1. NOW these are the nations which the LORD left to prove Israel by them, (even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; 2. Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof) 3. Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-hermon, unto the earring in of Hamath. 4. And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. 5. And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: 6. And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. 7. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgot the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves. We have the sad account of Israel's apostasy from God, by means of the Canaanites, who were left to prove them, whether they would continue faithful, and to keep the rising generation from that effeminacy which ease and affluence might produce. The five lords of the Philistines stood firm, and again recovered these three cities which had been taken. The northern Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites, in mount Lebanon, kept their possessions, whilst in every part of the country there continued multitudes of the devoted nations, whom Israel, those stoth and covetous, had spared, and suffered still to dwell among them. With these they soon mingled, joined in mar- riages, and, as the consequence thereof, followed after their ideals, worshipped Baalim and the groves, the idols which were placed there, and forgot God. Nate, (1.) Corruption remains in the regenerate to prove them, and exercise their graces. (2.) A wife of the daughters of Canaan is the most dangerous share the devil can put in the way of God's Israel. (3.) Forgetfulness of God is a besetting sin; and when He is forgotten, the reins are let loose upon the neck of every lull. Before Christ 1216. 8. Therefore the anger of the LORD was not against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chuthan-rishathaim king of Melopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chuthan-rishathaim eight years. 9. And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. 10. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war, and the LORD delivered Chuthan-rishathaim king of Melopotamia into his hand: and his hand prevailed against Chuthan-rishathaim. 11. And the land had rest forty years: and Othniel the son of Kenaz died. the patch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them. 24. When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw, that behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he I covereth his feet in his summer-chambers. 25. And they carried till they were ashamed; and behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour: therefore they took a key, and opened them, and behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth. 26. And Ehud escaped while they carried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath. 27. And it came to pals when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them. 28. And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pals over. 29. And they flew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all fully, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man. 30. So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel; and the land had rest fourfores years. Far from being suitably affected with their late deliverances, after Othniel's death, the long enjoyment of safe and affluent-plunged them again into their old Son, and provoked God to give them up to new oppression. 1. The king of Moab, who in vain, in former years, attempted to stand against them, now that God is no longer their deticter, arles to war, strengthens himself by the forces of Ammon and Amalek, and prevails against them. The Israelites, unable to resist, are every where beaten, their strong-holds taken, and the city of palm-trees, a fort it should form near Jericho, garrisoned to keep them under the yoke. Eighteen years they endured this servitude, and paid tribute to their oppressors. Note, (1.) When we return to sin, we may expect God will return to judgment. (2.) If lighter corrections are ineffectual, God will make them longer and heavier. (3.) No instrument so deplorable, but whenever God pleases, he can make it the rod of his anger. 2. Israel had again recourse to prayer, and though their suffering was prolonged, at last God pities and delivers them by the hand of Ehud, a Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin lying nearest the garrison of the Philifines, might probably be most oppressed, and, weakened as they were some time before by that stroke, recorded clasp. xx. less able to resist; but God can work by the waker means the greatest deliverances. Ehud, raised up under a divine impulse, embraces the first opportunity to accomplish the stroke he meditated for the rescue of the people. Being sent with a present to Egon king of Moab, he conceals on his right thigh a short dagger, which, being a left-handed man, was most conveniently thus situated. Having obtained an audience, and preferred the gifts he brought, he was graciously disinclined, and departed with his servants on his return. At the quarries of Gilgal, (a place where stones were below; or, as some have supplied from the word, which signifies engraving, or graven images, where the king of Moab had set up his old's open Jaffna's twelve stones) he disinclined his servants, and turned back again alone, under pretence of a message of importance to the king, which required privacy. His gifts had proved the way for a ready access, and easier credibility. Egon disinclines his servants, and now alone with Ehud in his summer parlour, with no know the subject of his errand; when, approaching him nearer, and telling him it was a message from God, the king, though very competent, respectfully made. Ehud immediately plunged the dagger into his bowels, which being short, the fat closed over it, and he fell down dead on the spot. On this Ehud offers forth, locks the door behind him, paces through the guards unmolested, and halters away. Long time his attendants waited, supposing he kept in his summer parlour, and cared not to be disinclined; at last, wearied with waiting, they opened the door, and to their astonishment behind their king dead on the floor. It was now too late to pursue the fugitive, who was escaped to a place of safety. Ehud, on his return, instantly proclaims his late achievement, and by found of trumpet summons the men of mount Ephraim to finish the stroke to had begun, with assurance of success. Thick as the Cullering sees they swarm around his standard, and, under his command, one party forars the fords of Jordan, which the rest attack the dispirited garrison, not a man of which was suffered to escape. Ten thousand of the most valiant Moabites fell that day, and therewith ended the dominion of Moab. The consequence of this victory was a rest of eighty years. Note, (1.) This act of Ehud's was by a particular command of God, and is not to be pleaded as a precedent for affirmation. (2.) The greatest dangers do not intimidate, nor the greatest difficulties example those, whom God arms with holy courage, and sup- piles with the spirit of wisdom. (3.) It is a great mercy to have rest from our spiritual enemies; let us improve it by diligence to grow in grace, that we may be better prepared for their reception, when they shall renew their attacks. 31. And after him was Shamgar, the son of Anath, which flew of the Philifines far hundred men with an ox-goad, and he also delivered Israel. Whilst one part of the country suffered from one enemy, the opposite border was infested by another. The Philifines made inroads, and ravaged their roads, plundering the villages, and making it unsafe to travel, See chas. v. 6. Shamgar, the son of Anath, on some sudden attack, immediately leaves his plough, and with no better weapon than in no-goad flew for hundred of them, and cleared the country of the spoilers. Note, (1.) The greatest men have often arled from the meanest employments. (2.) When God calls a ploughman to the government, or a fisherman to the apostleship, he will qualify them for their work, and bless them with success. 1. Israel recalls from God, ver. 1. 2. Is oppressed by Jubin, ver. 2, 3. 3. Judged by Deborah, ver. 4, 5. 4. Their deliverance is converted between Deborah and Hamid, ver. 6—9. 5. Shroud takes the field, ver. 10. 6. Sifra, Jubin's general, meets him, ver. 12, 13. 7. Deborah endowment him, ver. 14. 8. Sifra's army is rested, ver. 15, 16. 9. The general fleet, and is slain by Joel, ver. 17—21. 10. This complaint Israel's deliverance, ver. 23, 24. 1. AND the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was deaf. 2. And the LORD told them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Ham: the captain of whole host war Sifra, which dwelt in Hammeth of the Gentiles. 3. And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. During the life of Ehud their deliverer, the people it seems behaved well; but no former is he dead, than, like a broken bow, they start aside, and return to their former abominations. This provoked a heavier scourge than either of the former, under Jabin, king of Canaan, whose royal hat was Haen, formerly destroyed by Jaffna, but now re-built and restored, through the negligence and theft of the Israelites. His captain, Sifra, also dwelt in Hammeth of the Gentiles, another fort is probably, where the fugitives of the several nations who had fled collected themselves, and now were become so strong, as mightily to oppress their former conquerors. The numerous hosts, and nine hundred chariots of iron, which he maintained, left no hope of redress, and in despair and anguish Israel is once more driven unto God. Note, (1.) When Israel variations do not answer their purpose, we may expect heavier. (2.) They who abide prosperity, shall know the cries of adversity. (3.) Whilst there is a tongue in the sinner to speak, God hath still an ear to hear. 4. And Deborah a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, the judged Israel at that time. 5. And the dwelt under the palm-tree of Deborah, between Ramah and Beth-el in mount Ephraim, and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6. And the sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam, out of Kedech-naphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go, and draw towards mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali, and of the children of Zebulon? 7. And I will draw unto thee, to the river: Kithon, Sifra the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots, and his multitude; and I will deliver him into these hand. 8. And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. 9. And the said, I will surely go with thee; notwithstanding, the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour: for the LORD shall sell Sifra into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedech. Twenty years the iron yoke of Jabin lay heavy upon them, when now at last God hears his people's cry, and comes to deliver them. T t t Deborah, deborah 15. 23. And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites. 24. ¶ And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take befive them the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan. 25. And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they flew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and and Zeeb they flew at the wine-packs of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan. Ple. v. 25. Rev. cit. 19. The victory was quickly blazed; the men of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, hulten to the pursuit; probably the last body which was dismissed, waited to see the event, at no great distance; and even the cowards, who departed for fear, now dare to pursue a flying enemy. Mean time Gideon dipatches particular messengers to the Ephraimites, who were marred Jordan, to seize the sords, that no Midianites might escape; they instantly arm and obey him, and into their hands two chief commanders of the hoffs of Midian fell, Oreb and Zeeb, whom they flew, and brought their heads to Gideon, giving their names to the places where they were put to death, in remembrance of this glorious day. Note, (1.) We should be always ready to lend God's people a helping hand. (2.) 'Tis in vain to fly from the decree of God. (3.) We should let up always our grateful memorial, whenever we receive mercies from God, for the confirmation of our faith in future exiproves, and to awaken continual returns of thankfulness for past savours. This chapter contains the triumphant song of Deborah and Barak for this signal victory. 1. They begin with praise to God, ver. 2, 3. 2. Compare his appearances on this occasion, with his appearance on mount Sinai, ver. 4, 5. 3. Magnify this deliverance from their calamitous condition, ver. 6—8. 4. Call upon those to join in praise, that shared in the benefits of the success, ver. 9—13. 5. Reflect honour upon those that were forward, and digitate on those that were backward in the service, ver. 14—19, 23. 6. Take notice how God himself fought for them, ver. 20—28. 7. Celebrate You, that few Sifera, ver. 24—30. 8. Conclude with a prayer to God, ver. 31. 1. THEN 'sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abraham, on that day, saying, 2. Praise to the LORD for the 'avenging of Israel, when the people 'willingly offered themselves. 3. 'Hear, O ye kings give ear, O ye princes; I, now I, will sing unto the LORD, I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel. 4. LORD, when thou 'wenteft out of Seir, when thou marched out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, bled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water. 5. The mountains + melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel. 9. 1—5. The grateful heart of Deborah, big with thankfulness, in strains more sublime, more tender, than Sapho or Homer ever long, under the guidance of the true infirm, of the state and leads the long among the victorious hofts of Israel, on that day, either the very day of battle, or on occasion of it, in some future solemnity. Barak and the people with joy united their voices, and praised with her the glorious God of faith. Note, Praise is comely, and as pleasing to God as comfortable to ourselves. 1. She opens with exaltation, Praise ye the Lord; and abundant reason is given, in the wondrous interposition which appeared when vengeance overtook their enemies. As God, after such a length of deferred servitude, had in mercy again stirred up the people's hearts to shake off the galling yoke, therefore to Him, the Lord Jehovah, the God of irresistible power, the Lord God of Israel, their covenant God, I, so bound in duty, so filled with gratitude, I, even I, will sing. Note, God must have all the glory of his own work; however he also instruments, yet the praise for the success is purely his own. 2. She demands attention from the great ones of the earth, whether the neighbouring kings and princes, who should hear and tremble, or the great men of Israel, who should rejoice with her. 3. She describes the glorious appearances of God in time past, when as Sinai the mountain trembled, and a mighty tempel was stirred up round about him; or when invading the country of Silsom, such terror went before them, that the hearts of the people shook with fear: their nobles, compared to the heavens, were weak as water, and the kings of Canaan, though high as the mountains, melted before the ark of God. He is still the same, wonderful in power, and glorious in majesty, his people's safeguard, his enemies destroyer. 6. In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the high-ways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through by-ways. 7. The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that Deborah arose, that I arise a mother in Israel. 8. They chose new gods; then our war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? 9. My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people: Bless ye the LORD. 10. Speak ye that ride on white ashes, ye that fit in judgment, and walk by the way. 11. They that are delivered from the noble of archers in the places of drawing water; there shall they rehears the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts towards the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates. 9. 6—11. Deborah proceeds, in her triumphant song. 1. To describe the wretched flare to which Israel was reduced, from the days of Shamgar, to the days of Jael, who had lately so liquidated herself. During twenty years nothing was seen but ravages and defolation. Infected with robbers, the high-ways were unsafe to travel: all trade was dispensed, all tillage neglected; the villages were deferred for fear of their plunderers, and incursions made even to the gates of the city; so that going forth to draw water was dangerous: the administration of justice was interrupted, and they, either disarmed by their oppressors, or negligent and cowardly, had not a sufficient number of swords and spears left to arm even forty thousand of the numerous hofts of Israel; or, as it may signify, not one in forty thousand had arms to defend themselves. Yet, worse than all this, and what more contributed to their ruin, they forsook God, who alone could help them; and, as if the former idols were not enough, they chose new ones, to increase their abominations. Note, No wonder they who foresee God, are forsaken by him. 2. She mentions with delight the deliverance God had wrought by her means; not out of pride, or vain conceit of her work or agency in it, but to the glory of God, who had enabled her for, and called her to the blessed service. Herein the acknowledges the ready assistance of those governors, who willingly offered themselves to fight the Lord's battles. Her heart was towards them in love for their fidelity, and drawn out to God in praise, for having inclined them to follow her. Note, They justly deserve the regard of man, who boldly stand up for the cause of God. 3. She enjoins the several ranks of men to praise God for the happy change. The nobles, who were distinguished by riding on white ashes; the judges, that far in the gate; the plowmans, that now securely broke the sod; the travellers, that safely trod the lately unoccupied path; the drawer of water, that drank before at the peril of his life; all must unite their hearts and voices to adore the great Deliverer, and to bless the Lord, who had done for them such marvellous things. Note, Every man in his Station hath peculiar mercies to be thankful for. Before Chall 1000. 12. Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a long: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam. 13. Then he made him that remained have dominion over the nobles among the people: The LORD made me have dominion over the mighty. 14. Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee Benjamin, among thy people: out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that + handle the pen of the writer. 15. And the princes of Ilfachar were with Deborah: even Ilfachar, and also Barak, he was sent on foot into the valley: for the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. 16. Why abode'd thou among the fleety-folds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? for the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. 17. Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? After continued on the sea-throw, and abode in his breaches. 18. Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeopardized their lives unto the death, in the high places of the field. 19. The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo, they took no gain of money. 20. They fought from heaven, the stars in their courses fought against Sifera. 21. The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon: O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength. 22. Then were the horfe-booth broken, by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones. 23. Curfe ye Meroz, (fuld the angel of the LORD) curfe ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof: because they came out to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. 9. 12—23. Deborah proceeding in her seraphic song, kindles as she recites the righteous acts of the Lord, and calls up all the faculties of her soul, to stretch their utmost powers in uttering his praise. Let Barak now arise, and lead the captive nobles of Canaan bound to his chariot wheels, and let the means of the Israelites, who have survived their oppressors, trample on the rocks of the mighty: yea, Deborah herself, though a woman, shall triumph in the dominion God hath given her. With just praise the mentions the brave warri is who assisted her, with wonder the mighty foes who fell before them, and with just indignation flamps with infamy the coward tribes that sat unconcerned (perfection of the war). 1. She praises Ephraim and Benjamin, for thence was the root and foundation of this expedition; and they seem to have detached a body to fall upon the Amalekites, who were Jabin's confederates, and advancing to reinforce his army. Machir supplied valiant officers: and Zebulun, turned for penmanship, laid down the quill to grasp the sword. Ilfachar too sent princes, men of courage and difficulties, to join their brethren, and fought on foot in the midst of danger: but Zebulun and Naphtali especially distinguished themselves: out of them the chief part of the army was railed. They, as they had been nearer Jabin's kingdom, and had most severely felt his yoke, were the most determinedly resolved to assert their liberty, or perish in the attempt. Yet all these united forces were the least part of their strength: the stars in their courses fought against Sifera. Either the angelic hofts of heaven appeared, or thunders and lightnings, from and tempel, burst upon them, as armed instruments of divine vengeance. They disbanded the army, and frightened their warlike deeds, till, entangled in their harmless, their very hoods were broken with their prancings. Nor had they where to flee to; the waters of Kishon swept away those who attempted to ford its rapid stream. Thus was the strength of Israel's enemies trodden down, and Deborah's soul triumphed. Note, (1.) They who are zealous for God, shall assuredly hear of it shortly to their everlasting honour. (2.) When we go to war against the enemies of our souls, we need be determined, since conquered or death eternal must be the issue. (3.) The whole creation is aimed to avenge God's quarrel against his own and his people's enemies. 2. The enemies they combated with were warlike, numerous, and inveterate in their hatred against Israel. Amalek, their sworn foe, and the kings of Canaan who yet remained, came with hearty readiness to serve under Sifera's banners, and fight against their common enemy. They served not for pay, but voluntarily engaged in humbling Israel, in hope to be enriched with their spoil, but were disappointed of their expected gain. Note, The world, like these confederates, are ever closely linked Phil. fol. Phil. Isevil. 12. linked against the children of God, and they hate them with a bitter hatred. 2. Deborah justly stigmatizes those, who refused to lend a helping hand in the glorious work.—Reuben stands first in the trandgertion: torn with interline divisions, they were wholly occupied at home, or separated from their brethren in affection, as much as by their situation they were content to fix still, to the grief of those who beheld their ungenerous conduct. Their worldly concerns engrossed their regard; the bleating of their sheep was better made than the trump of war; and as they were distant from the scene of oppression, they cared too little for their brethren's sufferings. Nate, Sallith worldly spirits are so wrapped up in pursuit of their own little intereils, that they care not to trouble themselves about the cause of God, or hazard the disturbance of their own repoty, however urgently their brethren call for their assistance.—Dan and After followed Reuben's bad example. Engaged in traffic and merchandise, they refused to be engaged in such an expedition, and pleaded, perhaps, their fox-faring way of life as their excuse. Nate, They who have no mind to engage in God's warfare, are never at a loss for a pretext. But above all the rest, Meroz most offended, and therefore a bitter curie descends from God upon the inhabitants thereof. This seems to have been a city situated near the field of battle, whose people refused their assistance, and were more afraid of Sifera's army, than affected with God's promises. Nate, (1.) They who would save their lives by their coward fears, shall lose them. (2.) There is no neutrality to be observed between God and the world: whosoever is afraid or ashamed to join God's people, is a deserter from the camp of God, and shall be treated accordingly. 28. Heb. She hammered, de. Dr. Botween. § Heb. Dethroyd. Pick. in. 7. 24. Bleffed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenzie be, bleffed shall she be above women in the tent. 25. He asked water, and she gave him milk, she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. 26. She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmens hammer: and with the hammer she smote Sifera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples. 27. At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell; where he bowed, there he fell down; dead. Jael, the wife of Heber, receives her deserved encomium for that noble deed against the enemy of God and his Israel. Lulled into security by her invitation and treatment, Sifera without suspicion drank of her cup, and lay down to sleep; when, by a divine impulse stirred up, her manly soul approached the devoted victim, and with unrelenting steadiards she struck the deadly blow. Awaking, at her feet he fell; the shadows of death hung heavy on his eye-lids, he bowed, he fell; he bowed, he fell down dead, not in the bed of honour, or slain by the devouring sword, but by the hand of a woman, surprised without the power of resistance. His head is severed from his body; the terror of the mighty now lies low, and pride is humbled to the dull: thus will it shortly be with those that now are sunk in sin, and allege in security; soon the arrows of the almighty will stick fast in them; they must bow under the stroke of vengeance, and fall not into the arms of death only, but into the belly of hell. 28. The mother of Sifera looked out at a window, and cried through the latter's, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots? 29. Her wife ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself. 30. Have they not spelt? have they not divided the prey, § to every man a damsel or two? to Sifera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needle-work, of divers colours of needle-work on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil? 31. So let all those enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him, be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. Exud. av. Heb. To the head of a man. c Pick. xii. q. vi. e Eph. vi. sa. e a Sam. xxv. a. PC. seven. 6. Advent. i. a. from Khear's doth. Most elegantly Deborah describes the vain confidence, impatience, and vanity of Sifera's mother; eager to see her triumphant son return, she chides the lingering chariot wheels: her wife women would suggest the reason, yea she answers her own question, and foolishly flattens herself that they are now dividing the prey. To the scandal of their sex, these Canaanville ladies wantonly please themselves with the view of Israel's daughters violated by the inhuman soldiers, whilst Sifera's mother vainly revolving in her mind her own expected spoil, some gaudy robe, wrought with most exquisite beauty of needle-work, trusts in this her far-cited garb of honour. How bitter than her disappointment, to end her princely milleness charged for prison garments, and this out-threched neck bowed under captive bands. Nate, (1.) Among the most befitting sins of women, is vanity of dress. (2.) When our hearts heat highest with worldly hopes, and after worldly gratifications, our disappointments will be proportionably bitter. The song concludes with a fervent prayer for the continuance of Israel's success. Let those enemies perish. Since their enemies are his, and it is for God's glory to punish those who continue impenitent, it may safely be the matter of our prayer: but in those who love him, his faithful people, shine bright as the sun when it goeth forth in its meridian splendor, victorious over all their enemies, and exemplary in all holy convertations and godliness. Nate, They who have fought the Lord's battles, and in faith and love approved themselves to him here before, shall shortly shine as the sun in the firmament of glory above for ever and ever. The effect of this victory was another forty years rest. Happy for them had they improved it more wisely than before, and prevented the return of judgments, which they had already so severely felt. Here is, 1. Israel harrassed by the inroads of the Midianites, ver. 1—6. 2. The message God sent them by a prophet, ver. 7—10. 3. A examples sent from God to God: a by an angel, and confirmed by a sign, ver. 11—24. 4. Gideon's referring his father's body, ver. 25—32. 5. The preparation for some yet a man with the Midianites, and the encouragement given him by a sign, ver. 33—40. 1. AND the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of a Midian seven years. 2. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and the cause of the Midianites, the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains and caves, and strong-holds. 3. And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites; and the children of the eats, even they came up against them: 4. And they encamped against them, and they stroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza; and left no fullmenace for Israel, neither I sleep, nor ox, nor ais. 5. For they came up with their cattle, and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude, for both they and their camels; were without number: and they entered into the land to dethron the 6. And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD. Nothing but almighty grace can effect an abelian change on the heart. The severest providence, like the thunder-clap, only shackle us for a moment, and are forgotten. The rest they had enjoyed, opened a door for sin to enter among them, and for from improving by past experience, they should aside again from God. The consequence of this was, a new courage from a despicable and vanquished enemy. The eastern Midianites bordering on Minsk, whom they had smitten, Now, xxxi. recovered themselves, so as to make inroads on the country. They came me as a regular army to fight, but as troops of Banditsi, to rob and plunder; yet in such multitude with their camels, and oxen, and sheep, that they eat up all the land. For fear of them, the Israelites, who had laid their courage when they left their God, fled to the dens in the mountains for shelter, suffering all the millions of famine in a land of plenty, and seeing others eat the harvest they had sown. At last, after seven years affliction, they began to remember themselves, returned with deep humiliation to God, and cried to him in their distress. Nate, (1.) They who abude God's gifts in prodigality and luxury, often live as a just punishment to feel the want of them in hunger and nakedness. (2.) A guilty and accusing conscience makes men cowards. (3.) In the day of judgment, it will be vain to call to the mountains to cover us, or the rocks to hide us from the face of him that fifties on the throne. (4.) The only hope that remains for the sinner, is to make now supplication to God. 7. ¶ And it came to pass when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, because of the Midianites; 8. That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which laid unto them, Thus faith the LORD and God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage, 9. And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and draw them out from before you, and gave you their land; 10. And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God, fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice. 10. 7—10. God heard the prayer of the poor desirute, and pitied them; though it was not their sins but their sufferings that raided their cries. Heropon, 11. He sends a prophet to awaken them to a feuds of their sins, and bring them to repentance. Nate, (1.) It is a precious symptom of mercy in store for a sinful people, when God raises them up faithful ministers, to reprove their backfishing. 12. The message he brought. God expeditates with them on their ingratiate and folly in leaving him, who had delivered them so wonderfully from Egypt, so often subdued their energies before them, refused them from their oppressors, and given them their land for an inheritance. The returns he asked for such mercies were highly reasonable, to cleave to him alone, and never fear or worship the idol gods of the Amorites, who had neither power to help or hurt them. Yet they obeyed not his voice; though so plain the duty, and so vile the sin, they wilfully as wickedly refused to hearken, and left the living God to follow flocks and stones. Nate, (1.) Ingestion to the God of grace and mercy, is one of the greatest aggravations of our sin. (2.) God's service is the most reasonable. The folly of disobedience is as great as its evil. (3.) Ministers must speak plainly and closely to the sinner's conscience, and charge home the acceptance of God's violated laws. 11. ¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which swar in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joath the Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the wine-prefs, to hide it from the Midianites. 12. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, 'The LORD it with thee, thou mighty man of valour. 13. And Gideon said unto him, 'Oh my lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where he all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. 14. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt have Israel from the hand of the Midianites: 'have not I sent thee? 15. And he said unto him, Oh my lord, wherewith shall I have Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manaffah, and I am the least in my father's house. 16. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt fester the Midianites, as one man. 17. And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. 18. Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my pretext, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again. 19. And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid and unleavened cakes of an ephus of flour: the flesh he put in a beafen, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it. 20. And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so. 21. Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh, and the unleavened cakes: and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes: then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight. 22. And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, 'Alas, O Lord God: for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. 23. And the LORD said unto him, 'Peace be unto thee, fear not, thou shalt not die. 24. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-Shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites. 10. 11—12. Whilst God is leaving the people to ruminate upon the message he had sent them, he begins to interpose for their deliverance by the hand of Gideon, the son of Joath, of the half-mile of Manaffah on this side Jordan. To him the angel of the everlasting covenant, the Lord John Chrift, appeared in a human form, as he was threshing wheat by the wine-prefs, to hide it from the Midianites; for such was the distress to which they were reduced, that the very bread they did eat, must be secreted. Nate, When our cafe appears must desperate, then is the time God chutes to glorify his power in saving us. We have here that which passed between the angel of the Lord and Gideon. VOL. I. 1. The angel accooks him with a very comfortable salutation, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Probably in mournful meditation over Israel's griefs, and fervent excitations for speedy help, Gideon was lifting up his heart to God, and now he is answered: this unexpected valiant affirms him of God's pretence with him. Nate, However bleth we may be with natural gifts, unless God be with us, we possess them in vain. Without him the valiant are weak, and the mighty soon brought low. 2. Gideon, indulging his melancholy views of the hard oppression his people now suffered, doubts the truth of the message, and seems to call in question the former miracles which were recorded, because for a time, as the just punishment of their sins, God had left them under the power of Midian. Nate, (1.) It is sometimes difficult to reconcile our afflictive experiences with the great and precious promises, and not so far, if this he true, why am I thus? (2.) The greatest saints have given many a sad takers of the power of unbelief in their hearts. (3.) We are not so question the truth of past miracles, because they continue not to be still wrought. (4.) We are not hastily to conclude that God hath forsaken us, because for our sins he hath for a season had his face from us. 3. The Lord answers his doubts, by giving him orders to work the people's deliverance from the hand of Midian. With a look of complacency, and with a solemnity that added weight to his word, He who can enable him for the service, bids him go, and affirms him of success. Jehovah speaks; let Gideon hear and believe. Nate, (1.) It is the Lord's work alone to enable us for that which he doth command. (2.) Nothing inspires the heart with such earnestness to control against our spiritual enemies, as the assurance that we shall at last be more than conquerors. 4. Gideon is unprovided either with men or money to support a war against Midian; his family reduced, and himself inconsiderable, he hesitates at the command, and through distress of God, or rather modest diffidence of himself, expresses his apprehension of his inability for such an undertaking. Nate, (1.) Those who are little in their own eyes, God delights to exalt. (2.) When we find our own weakness, and spread it in prayer before God, then shall we, like Gideon, out of weakness be made strong. 5. God can give us no greater confirmation than his word of promise. Therefore he repeats it for Gideon's satisfaction, with a solemn asseveration, Surely I will be with thee; and then his poverty, or his want of human help, should be no bar to his compleat victory over the hosts of Midian. Nate, If God be for us, no matter who are against us, the day is ours. 6. As the commotion was extraordinary, for his own and others satisfaction, he asks a sign, as an assurance of the truth of what was said to him; and begs him to stay whilst he fetched him some refreshments, and treated him as a messenger from God. The angel confesses to stay, the plain repast is quickly provided, and Gideon returns from his father's house with part of a boiled kid, some broth, and unleavened cakes in a beaker. Nate, (1.) They who know the comfort of communion with God, or fellowship with his saints, will contrive to prolong the visit. (2.) Christians must use hospitality, and break their bread with cheerfulness to the hungry. (3.) They who give but a cup of cold water with regard to God, shall in no wise lose their reward. 7. Instead of spreading the table for repast, this divine stranger enjoins him to lay the meat on a rock near them, and pour the broth upon it. Gideon without hesitation obeys: when, lo! the sign he asked, appears: the angel, who seemed like a traveller, with his staff gently touched the provision as it lay, when instantly fire bursts forth, and consumes the offering; and thereupon the Lord disappears, leaving Gideon the strongest evidence of the truth of what he had told him. 8. Gideon, though a man of valour, and from every circumstance he might conclude the gracious design of all he had then and heard, trembles at the thought of having seen an angel; and as Jacob before, and Manoah after, fears he shall die. 9. The Lord silences his fears, by an audible voice probably, though he could not see the angel, he could hear him say, Thou shalt not die, fear not. Nate, Though every message from the world of spirits justly makes man, a sinner, to tremble; yet when by faith our hearts have rested on God's promises, then have we nothing to fear from thence, but every thing to hope for. Lastly, Gideon sets up an altar on this rock for a memorial, and calls it very properly, Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord is peace; for he had spoken peace to him when he was troubled, had brought him a message of peace for his afflicted brethren, and would give them peace from all their enemies round about. Nate, They who have God at peace with them, are happy indeed, and bound to erect the grateful altar, and offer him the sacrifices of never-ending praise. This altar continued till the time of Samuel, when this book is supposed to be compiled. U u u 25. ¶ And Before Christ 1687. 25. ¶ And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take 'thy fathers young bullock, 'y even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: 26. And build an altar unto the LORD thy God, upon the top of this work, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove, which thou shalt cut down. 27. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and 'did as the LORD had said unto him: And so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. 28. ¶ And when the men of the city rose early in the morning, behold the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built. 29. And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joath hath done this thing. 30. Then the men of the city said unto Joath, Bring out thy son, 'that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it. 31. And Joath said unto all that stood against him, Will 'ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because our hath cast down his altar. 32. Therefore on that day he called him a Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar. ¶ 25-32. Before God will advance him as judge in Israel, he will prove his piety as well as courage. Therefore, 1. The same night after he had appeared to him at the wine-pelts, he speaks to him in a vision on his bed, and commands him to overthrow the altar of Baal, which his father had encircled, and at which the men of the city paid their devotions, to cut down the grove around it, or perhaps the image upon it, then build an altar on the rock, where the Lord had caused the fire to break forth, and offer there his father's young bullock, designed for Baal, the second in the stall; or, and the second, another of seven years old, the two best of his herd, and this with the wood of the grove, or image, which he had cut down. Note, (1.) God often chases unlikely instruments, as now calling up an eminent reformer, out of a house devoted to idolatry. (2.) When the blood of atonement is shed, there is comfortable hopes that the sin being pardoned, the affliction will end. (3.) Christ is both our rock and altar; those will be acceptable sacrifices that are offered through him. (4.) It is a wise improvement of the unrighteous mormons, when like their monuments of idolatry, we can make it false-reverent to the work and service of God. 2. Gideon no sooner hears than he obeys. The same hour probably he arose, and as the night best favoured his designs, and prevented interruptions, before the morning, by the help of his faithful servants, whom he summoned to attend him, Baal's altar was laid in the dull, and God's new-raisled altar tinnaking with the grateful sacrifice. Note, (1.) In an idolatrous house, some are often found who bow not the knee to Baal, but, though in secret, cleave unto the Lord their God. (2.) He feared not his father's, or the people's displeasure: where the fear of God is, it swallows up every other concern. (3.) When we are called to God's work, it becomes us to make haste and delay not. What thou doest, do quickly. 3. The morning soon disclosed the scene. The men of Baal halting to their devotions, are surprised to find their grove and altar ruined. Gideon soon hears the suspicion, from his known disaffection to their god; enraged even to madness, nothing will satisfy them but his blood. To this end, they call on Joath, his father, to deliver him into their hands. Note, (1.) They who will be zealous for God against men's sins, must still put their life in their hands. (2.) How early was Baal's altar visited? Shall not their false worship rise up in judgment against those, who neither early nor late bow their knees before the true God? 4. Joath boldly refuses to comply with so cruel and unreasonable a request. Whether out of natural affection for his son, or many probably informed by Gideon of the motives for his conduct, and convinced of the evil of the abominable idolatry in which he had before lived. He therefore finally rebukes them or pleading for Baal, in opposition to the Divine command, and instead of giving up his son, justly threatens (for which he might plead the experts law of God) the perish that should dare speak a word for this idol with instant death. He also contemporaneously challenges Baal, if he were a God, to plead for himself in order to convince them, from his impotence, of their folly as well as sin, in trusting upon him. Note, (1.) If we have been zealous in a bad cause, we should with greater zeal seek to amend what we have done amish, by our open appearance for the truth. (2.) Nothing must prevail on us to give up the innocent, whoever combine to destroy them. (3.) Though it may be highly dangerous to remove a wicked people, we must do our duty, and trust God with the event. 5. Gideon gets heretofore the name of Jerubbaal, let Baal plead: and this could not but be a great encouragement to himself and soldiers; for having proved victorious over their God, he need the less fear the Midianites, his worshippers. 33. ¶ Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites, and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel. 34. But the spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he 'blew a trumpet, and Abiezer was gathered after him. 35. And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, who also was gathered after him, and he sent messengers unto After, and unto Zebulim, and unto Naphtali, and they came up to meet them. 36. ¶ And Gideon said unto God, 'If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, 37. Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor: and if 'the dew be on 'the fleece only, and if he dry upon all the earth before, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. 38. And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. 39. And Gideon said unto God, 'Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: Let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece.' 40. Let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. 40. And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground. ¶ 33-40. The harvest being ready for reaping, we have here, as during the preceding years, 1. An annual made by the considerate hosts of Midian, Amalek, and the Arabians, who, confident of success, were come to collect the spoil. Thus emboldened by success, the times, usually advances, till God, from the pinnacle of his liberty, hurls him down into the depths of misery. 2. God stirs up Gideon to oppose them; the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, or clothed him; a spirit of unusual courage roused him with zeal to befit himself. He blows the trumpet, invites all volunteers to his standard, and those who would have stoned him yesterday, are to-day the first to follow his orders. Of Maghfah chiefly he composed his army, though Asher, Zebulim and Naphtali also generously lent their assistance. Note, (1.) In a common cause, we should be ready to share the danger with our brethren. (2.) In the men of Abiezer, we see what changes God can work. Thus hath Divine Grace, often at a stroke, changed persecutors into preachers, and the most abandoned into converts to truth and holiness. (3.) When God gives us a spirit of grace and courage, however strong our corruptions within, or spiritual enemies without, he will subdue them under our feet. 3. Gideon heretofore, for the confirmation of his own faith, or rather perhaps for the encouragement of those who were with him, asks a sign of God, to allow him of victory over the numerous hosts of Midian. God confents to it: Gideon lays the fleece on the floor; and on the morrow, according to his own proposal, the fleece is filled with water, and the ground dry around it. Note, It is a blessed token for good in a minister's labours, when his own soul, like Gideon's fleece, is replenished with the dew of divine grace.—Once more he presumes to ask; ashamed of his own boldness, and begging pardon for his request: Let the sign be inserted; the fleece dry, the floor wet. God confents, and it is done; thus silencing every doubt of the certainty of his success. Note, There are seasons, every Christian known, when his own soul, like Gideon's fleece, is dry amidst the most refreshing dews of divine influence that fall on others around him. 1. King's vi. 18. 20. evii. 18. Phil. banish. 2. Hab. What is good? whether, inc. Phil. v. 2. Hab. Alter. Chap. viii. 7. Job xxx. 8. a King's 7. &iii. 1. Or, Ock of the pillar. Job. xxv. 48. 1. AND Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem, unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, laying, 2. Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal (which are three score and ten persons) reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. 3. And his mother's brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother. 4. And they gave him three score and ten pieces of silver, out of the house of Baal-berith: wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons which followed him. 5. And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and flew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being three score and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding, yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. 6. And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the || plain of the pillar that was in Shechem. Abimelech, (so called probably by his mother, out of vanity, my father, a king) resolves, if possible, to secure that crown Gideon had refused, and though neither called of God, nor chosen of men, by art and infatuation he thrusts himself into the throne. 1. He makes application secretly to his mother's friends in Shechem, and they, at his instigation, engaged in his interest the leading men of the city. The plea be said to support his solicitation was a lying infatuation of his brethren, as if they intended to lord it over the land, and their number would make the burden of such a government insupportable: though it never appears they had the least intention of doing so, as it was expressly contrary to their father's solemn declarations. Note, (1) They who have a wicked purpose to serve, stick not as a tie to accomplish it. (2) They who are conscious of their own bad designs, are ready to subject each other of the same ill intentions. 2. His application was as successful as he could wish. The men of Shechem were very well pleased to have one of their brethren a king and their city a metropolis, expecting, no doubt, their advantage therein; and therefore, to support him in his design, they supply him with money out of the common treasury, which was in the temple of their idol Baal-berith, or it may be from the hallowed things they had dedicated to him, imagining there must needs be success from such a support: with this he raises a band of men, prostrate as himself, to perpetrate the crimes he meditated. Note, (1) Self is at the bottom of every worldly man's policy. (2) They who help the wicked often prepare a rod for themselves. 3. It is often the case, that where there is a rage to reign, men must wade to a crown through blood. Pertaining his father's sons would justly object to his advancement, he resolves with so disgrace them, and all but one are their together on one stone, by himself and his wicked associates. Note, Ambition never hesitates; neither conscience nor natural affection, fear of God or love of men, can bind those who are under its faithful influence. 4. For from detestation of so inhuman a deed, the men of Shechem in counsel assembled at Millo, the council-hall, or with a family of distinction who bore this title, and without conduct of their brethren, or confiding them upon it, elect Abimelech their king. From such a proceeding no good can be expected to refuse. 7. ¶ And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Geriazim, and left up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, you men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. 8. The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them, and they said unto the olive-tree, Reign thou over us. 9. But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I leave my fainers, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? 10. ¶ And the trees said to the fig-tree, Come thou, and reign over us. 11. But the fig-tree said unto them, 'Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees? 12. Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us. 13. And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? 14. Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us. 15. And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your truth in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon. 16. Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands: 17. (For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian: 18. And ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, three score and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech the son of his maid-servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother.) 19. If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal, and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: 20. But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo: and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. 21. And Jotham are away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. Jotham alone, of all the sons of Gideon, escaped; and on a day when the men of Shechem were assembled, perhaps the very day Abimelech is elected, in the plain, from the top of mount Geriazim, whence he could be heard, and yet escape if they attempted to seize him, he gives the Shechomists a reproof for their baseness, and a warning of the consequences of their folly, and this he touches under an elegant table, the contrivance of which is as beautiful as the application was apposite. 1. The table itself. The trees are represented as chuting a king, the olive, vine, and fig-tree, to whom the sovereignty is offered, decline the honour, whilst the wretched bramble grasps at the dominion, vaunts the protection he would give them, and threatens to fire the cedars that should dare refuse allegiance and submission. In the one we for the modesty of Gideon's sons, in the other the vanity of Abimelech, and the scourge they might expect from this fiery bramble. Note, (1) The high office which the proud man covers, the humble and wise decline, knowing its weight. (2) They who are elected to public service, must forego all private advantages, as the trees in this table intimate. (3) None so insistent and overbearing, as a low person raised above his station. 2. He makes a pathetic application to the people; reminds them of the services of his father, reproaches them for their ingratitude to their benefactor's family, appeals to their consciences for the baseness of their proceedings, and to the issue of them for a proof of their wickedness, imprecating upon them the judgments they deserved, and therein prophetically warning them of the mutual miseries and contentions which would ensue from their present choice. Note, (1) Ungrateful man is sadly apt to forget his generous benefactors. (2) When we see men rejoice in prosperous wickedness, mark their end, and we shall usually be convinced, here below, that there is a God that judgment the earth. 3. Jotham dies hereupon from the resentment of Abimelech, and finds a safe retreat at Beer; where if he hath not Abimelech's greatness, he hath better, a good conscience, and his low estate is his security. 22. ¶ When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, 23. Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem: and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: 24. That 13. Before Chief me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee? 17. And the wept before him the seven days, while their feast halted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because the lay fore upon him: and the told the riddle to the children of her people. 18. And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day, before the fun went down, What is sweeter than honey, and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, 'If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle. 19. ¶ And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and flew thirty men of them, and took their food, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle: and his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. 20. But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend. b Mio. vii. 5. Hoh. Became to his companion. Chap. 2. 2. We have here, 1. Samson keeping his bridal feast. He refused not to comply with an innocent custom, nor would, on such an occasion, appear morose or singular. Note, Unnecessary singularity proceeds more from pride than piety. 2. Thirty young men are brought to do him honour on the occasion, and to be his companions during these feast days. Civility and respect are amiable, even in Philistines. 3. To amuse them with the innocent pallime, and to exercise their ingenuity, Samson proposes a riddle to them, and offers to lay thirty changes of raments, and as many fberts, or shirts, against their discovery of the meaning of it. The offer is accepted, and the riddle proposed. Note, (1.) Many dispensations of God for a time, like this riddle, from dark and inexplicable. (2.) The sweetest mercies of God to our fouls come from the feverest trials, as most from the eater, and honey from the lion. 4. These days in vain they puzzled to discover the secret; the fourth, which was the Sabbath, or seventh day, they come to Samson's wife, and threaten to burn her and her father's house with fire, unless she extorted it from him, and saved them the lots of their wages, though to her own husband's great disadvantage: a request unreasonable and villainous, and a threatening most barbarous and inhuman. Note, (1.) Unreasonable and wicked men stick at nothing, when their worldly interests are at stake. (2.) Though wages are always better avoided, yet they are sure to be found, when their lots is such, as may injure our circumstances, or endanger the nulling our tempers. 5. This false and faithless woman immediately began to importune him for a discovery, upholding him with want of love, and plying him with tears, which he could not behold without the tenderest emotions. In vain he expeditions on the unreasonableness of the demand, when he had not told even his parents; the wearies him with ceaseless importunity, till he can no longer resist her crocodile tears, and unkind accusations; and on the seventh day he trusted her with the important secret. Note, (1.) The inordinate love of women makes wife men fouls. (2.) A woman's tears are often her strongest argument: he must be more than Samson, who can feel his heart against them. 6. No sooner is the secret known, than communicated: perhaps the pride of her power operated as strongly as her fears or perfidy, to make her eager to know, and hasty to reveal it. With this explication they come to Samson before the seven days are expired, and claim the wager. He acknowledges it to be theirs, but hints their unfair dealing, in making use of his own wife to betray him, which he calls plowing with his heifer, without which they had never unravelled the clue. Note, (1.) When we trust a secret out of our own breast, we must not expect it will long continue such. (2.) Our corrupt affections are the heifer Satan plows with, and by these he prevails. 7. Though the wager is lost, it shall not be at Samson's cost; the Philistines shall sue for it. The Spirit of the Lord coming upon him to authorize and enable him for the work, he descends to Ashkelon, feizes thirty Philistines, flays and strips them, and with these garments pays his companions. And now, from experience of their perfidy, heartily sick of his wife and them, he leaves the country, and retires to his father's house. Note, (1.) An ill-judged and raft marriage ends frequently in an unhappy separation. (2.) It were well if the ill usage of the world drove us out of it in affection, to seek our true rest at home with our God and Father. 8. No sooner has he turned his back, than his wife is given to his companion: perhaps, for his sake she had betrayed her husband's secret, and now hesitates not to defile his bed. Note, (1.) A forsaken wife is in a dangerous state. (2.) The friend- ships of the world are often faithless. (3.) If a woman's affections flays from her husband, it is to be feared her person will soon follow them. In this chapter Gideon, (1.) Passforth the Ephraimites, ver. 1, 2, Chastifords the men of Succoth and Penuel, ver. 5-17. (4.) Sloys the two kings of Midian, ver. 18-21. (5.) He declines the government of Israel, ver. 22, 23. (6.) Says up an ephod in his own city, which proves a great force, ver. 24-27. (7.) Keeps the country quiet forty years, ver. 28-32. (8.) And dies in honour, ver. 32. (9.) Bish-be and his God are soon forget, ver. 33-35. Nish. When thing is this the then half done unto us. Nish. Synonym. Pretences. Phil. v. 3. a Chron. vs. 17. Phil. cit. 1. &cit. 1. 1. AND the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why halt thou served us thus, that thou calledest us not when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? and they did chide with him sharply. 2. And he said unto them, 'What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3. *God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that. Inftend of congratulating Gideon, as might be expected, on his courage and conduct, the Ephraimites, envious of his success, seek to quarrel with him. 1. They pretend it was an high affront that they were not called to the battle against Midian; as if their courage was suspected, or as though Gideon meant to exalt his own tribe, Manasseh, by carrying away alone the honour of the victory. Note, (1.) Only from pride cometh contention. (2.) In the eye of the envious man every exaltation of his neighbour is construed an injury done himself. (3.) When the danger is past every coward vaunts his valour. 2. Gideon, by an answer suited to their present temper, seeks to sooth their exasperated spirits. He doth not reproach them with the unreasonableness of their change, or return chiding with chiding, but magnifies their performance, as if they had done more in the pursuit, in their gleanings, than he in the battle, the vintage of Abiezer; and desires to give them particularly the honour of having slain the generals, and much exceeded him and his little company in their exploit. Note, (1.) True humility will always lead a man to think and speak lowly of his own doings, and to put the honour from himself upon his neighbour. (2.) The only way to pacify wrath is by yielding. (3.) All a man's gifts, graces, and attainments appear with double luffes, when above all he is chastised with humility. 3. The effect is answerable to his wishes. The anger of the Ephraimites abated. Note, (1.) We must let a man cool before we can hope to convince him of his error. (2.) We must not count it strange, if those who are most obliged to us, take occasion from our very services to find fault with us. 4. ¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, 'faint, yet pursuing them. 5. And he said unto the men of Succoth, 'Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me, for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian. 6. ¶ And the princes of Succoth said, 'Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army? 7. And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna unto mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness, and with briars. 8. And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him. 9. And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower. 10. ¶ Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hoffs with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hoffs of the children of the ealt: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword. 11. ¶ And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents, on the east of Nobah and Jogbehab, and smote the hoft: for the hoft was secure. 12. And when Zebah and Zalmunna sled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discontented all the hoft. 13. ¶ And Gideon the son of Joath returned from battle before the sun was up, 14. And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him, and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even thresfcore and seventeen men. 15. And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold, Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me; saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary? 16. And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness, and briars, and with them he taught the men of Succoth. 17. And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city. Though the battle is won, and a vast slaughter already made of one hundred and twenty thousand men of war, yet the sword of Gideon cannot rest whilst Zeba and Zalmunna, with fifteen thousand men, are still alive in Karkor. We have therefore, 1. His hot pursuit of them. With his three hundred men, not one of whom were missing, he passes Jordan; and since God had so eminently broken him, seeks no other affluence: though faint with watching, want of food, and fatigue, he slacks not his pace, nor is discouraged with the refusal of refreshment he met at Succoth or Penuel, but continues his march, and having taken a compass out of the Strait road, he surprised the forttive Midianites, who thought themselves secure, and must beyond the possibility of being overtaken. As before, they seek their safety in flight, and whilst most of them are slain, their two kings remain prisoners with the conquerors. Note, (1.) Though in our spiritual warfare our flesh and heart often form ready to fall, we must be still looking up for strength, and purifax. (2.) Those from whom we might expect the most cordial affliction, often, like the men of Succoth and Penuel, seek to weaken our hands and discourage our hearts. (3.) Patient perseverance will infallibly be crowned with success. 2. His heavy chafflement of his unnatural countrymen, according to his threatening, when they refused to afflict him with provisions in the pursuit; his request was small, he asked only a few loaves of bread, his necessities urgent, and his defects at the hand of every Israelite such as entitled him to their best entrainment; but they, whether afraid of the resentment of the Midianites, or led from the smallness of Gideon's forces, to treat his attempt at raft and desperate not only shut up their bowels of compulsion from him, as a brother, but ridiculed his own purifax, as they conceived it, calling contempt on his faith in God. Juffly incensed at such treatment, where not himself was more injured than God dishonoured; he had threatened to will them, and though he could not then interrupt his march to chaffle their insistence, now that he is returned he will do it more deliberately and feverily. Accordingly, having got intelligence of the chief men, by whose indignation he had been so used, he felons their cities and perfons; after upholding them with their husbands, and shewing them the captive kings in chains, as he had threatened he foursed those of Succoth with thorns and brims, that by this correction they might know their folly and their sin, whilst the men of Penuel are put to the board, and their fearless chancellors. Note, (1.) They who sin will smart for it, either now under the red of correction, or eternally under the wrath of God. (2.) It is no new thing to have the world ridicule the purifans of God's people; but they who counted their lives madness, will shortly see the folly was in themselves. (3.) In the feverish chafflements God means not our destruction, but correction: happy they who acknowledge God's hand, and correspond with the designs of his grace. 18. ¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye flew at Tabor? And they answered, 'As thou art, so were they, each one + resembled the children of a king. 19. And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not stay you. 20. And he said unto Jethur his first-born, Uly, and day them: but the youth drew not his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth. 21. Then Zeba and Zalmunna said, Rise thou and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon's arose, and flew Zeba and Zalmunna, and took away the + ornaments that were on their camel's necks. After judgment passed on his false brethren, he proceeds to the condemnation of his avowed enemies the princes of Midian. 1. He tries and convicts them on their own confession; little did they think, in their inroads and ravages, that ever inquisition would be made for the blood that was fixed; but God often thoroughly brings the murderer to justice. Gideon, as the avenger of his brethren's blood, who had been slain by the princes, charges them with the fact; they own it, and this confession their death, for though he would otherwise have spared them as captives, justice forbids they should live, as murderers. Note, The day is coming when every secret thing will be brought to light, and such conviction falls on the offenders, that they shall no longer be able to conceal their guilt. 2. The feastner being passed, execution is ordered, and Gideon bids his eldest son, as the avenger of blood, draw his sword, and slay these kings; but the youth is afraid, as amused to such bloody work. Zeba and Zalmunna fearing so timid an executioner would prolong their sufferings, beg Gideon himself, if it must be so, to dispatch them instantly. Which done, he spoils their camels of their ornaments, either chains of gold about their neck, or round tires like the moon, see fig. iii. 18. worn in honour of the goddess Affarte. Note, (1.) Courage doth not always run in a family. (2.) We must ever suit the burden to the back. (3.) They who fight God's battles shall be enriched thereby, and reap the fruits of their victories in glory. 22. ¶ Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou and thy son, and thy sons son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. 23. And Gideon said unto them, 'I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: * the LORD shall rule over you. 24. And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that you would give me every man the ear-rings of his prey: (for they had golden ear-rings, because they were throuseites.) 25. Vol. I. And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein, every man the ear-rings of his prey. 26. And the weight of the golden ear-rings that he requested, was a thousand and seven hundred Beeks of gold, besides ornaments and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels necks. 27. And 'Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. 28. ¶ Thus was Midian Sebecued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more: and the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon. Sebecued only. He will see Rom. 2. 9. About 23 24. reckoning from Debreth's death. Though he met with so ill a reception from the men of Penuel and Succoth, he met with a more honourable one from the rest of Israel. 1. They offer him the government, and to make it hereditary in his family. So affected were they with the greatness of their deliverance, that they thought no return belonged to the defects of their captain. Note, They who have seen the Lord Jefus appearing for their falvarion, cannot but with hearty choice for unto him, Come and reign over us. 2. Gideon modestly and proudly declines the proposal: 'the he would serve them as a judge, he will not rule over them as a king; this would be to change the established government, which was a inaccuracy, and therefore neither his son, any more than himself, may assume such authority. Note, The ambition of exalting a family is a great snare; but a true patron, who means not himself, but the public, will decline rather than seek those honours, satisfied with the consciousness of his own integrity, and defining not to rule but to serve his country. 3. Though he declined their offer, he hath a request to make to them. He asked the golden ear-rings of their spoils, to which he added what fell to his own share, of jewels and fine garments, and with these he made an ephod, either designed for a memorial of his victory to be produced in Ephraim, or, conceiving that as God had ordered him to build an altar, and accepted his sacrifice, he might continue to minister before him, and ask advice and direction from God, though not of the order of Aaron; and perhaps, as Shaloh lay in the tribe of Ephraim, who had disobliged him, he the rather fell on this method to prevent his going up to the altar of the Lord there. But however honestly it was meant, it proved a dangerous snare, leading Gideon, and his own house, into a breach of God's commands, and proving a temptation to Israel, always too prone to idolatry. Note, (1.) In God's worship we must carefully adhere to God's word, avoiding all superstition. (2.) What may be indifferent or innocent to one man, may, to a weaker brother, be a dangerous snare. (3.) From small beginnings arose all the present horrid idolatry of the church of Rome. 4. After Gideon's victory the land had again rest for forty years, during which time he judged them, and kept them, so is to be hoped, in the ways and service of God. Note, It is a great mercy to any people, to have the lives of faithful ministers long spared among them. 29. ¶ And Jerubhaal the son of Joath went and dwelt in his own house. 30. And Gideon had three more and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives. 31. And his concubine that war in Shechemi, the also bare turn a son, whose name he called Ahmadech. 32. ¶ And 'Gideon the son of Joath died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joath his father, in Ophrah of the chivalries. 33. And it came to pass 'as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baal-brith their god. 34. And 'the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hand of all their enemies on every side: 35. 'Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubhaal, namely Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel. Heh. v. 14. Heh. Godeon not of his thigh. Chap. ii. 5. Gen. exil. 1. 5. Job v. Jud. exil. 1. 5. Kings Chap. ii. 10. 17. Ze- Chap. ii. 10. 17. Zech. ii. 14. We have here. 1. The history of the remainder of Gideon's life and death. He lived in peace in his own city, had many wives, as was too common in those days, and by them had a numerous family, no less than seventy sons, besides one by a concubine, which proved the ruin of his father's house. At last did age crept silently upon him; and death put a period to his life of idolatry, and carried him to receive that crown in heaven; which on earth he had proudly refused. 2. Israel's backfilling. No sooner is Gideon dead than their idolatrous affections appear, and they go a whoring after new gods; and ungrateful to man, as apostates from the Lord, the X x x family The family of their late deliverer is utterly neglected. Note, (1). We need not wonder they are ungrateful to us, who show themselves defturize of all gratitude to God. (2). They who are kept from evil, not by their own choice, but by the restraint of others, will, like the slackened bow, start aside the moment the firing is loofed. the cruelty done to the therefore and ten sons of Jerubbaai might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother which flew them, and upon the men of Shechem which aided him in the killing of his brethren. 25. And the men of Shechem set livers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. 26. And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. 27. And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and were into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and curled Abimelech. 28. And Gaal the son of Ebed said, 'Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaai, and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem? he why should we serve him? 29. And 'would to Gaal this people were under my hand; 'then would I remove Abimelech.' And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out. c. 22-29. For a time the wickedness of Abimelech seemed to prosper, and three years he enjoyed in peace his ill-gotten dignity; but the triumphing of the wicked is short, like sunshine before the thunder storm. For. 1. There was a spirit of dissention from between him and the Shechemists; God, in just judgment for the blood which was shed, visiting their sins upon them by the hands one of another. They who set up Abimelech, now tired of his government, confide to stay him; so tottering is that throne that hath been established by cruelty and blood-shed. Note, (1.) They who have sifted a perfidious part once, are seldom ever again to be trusted. (2.) Blood will cry for vengeance. (3.) Confiscates in iniquity have usually but feeble hands. (4.) They who promote themselves comfort in ill-gotten rule will be deceived, and find the crown they wear to be lined with thorns. 2. Gaal the son of Ebed, who seems to have been a Canaanite, hearing of the discontent of the men of Shechem, comes in hopes to turn it to his own use, and fish for himself in their troubled waters; they entertain him gladly, and he seeks to foment the dissention, and to inflame the minds of the people more against their king. At their entertainments, inflamed with wine and feasting, he boldly broaches the treason, speaks contemptuously of Abimelech, his family, and his officers, vaunting his own courage if they would make him their captain, and challenging Abimelech to assert his title, intimating that it were more eligible to serve a Canaanite king than such a one. Note, (1.) An artful leader, with an inflamed populace, can do a world of mischief. (2.) When men are intoxicated with wine, then they are fit for murders, treason, and every evil work. (3.) To speak evil of dignities is highly criminal. (4.) They who are most valiant over a bottle, prove often cowards when the sword must decide. 30. ¶ And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. 31. And he sent messengers unto Abimelech a privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed, and his brethren, be come to Shechem; and behold, they fortify the city against thee. 32. Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field. 33. And it shall be, that in the morning as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayst thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion. 34. ¶ And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies. 35. And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him from lying in wait. 36. And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul laid unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains, as if they were men. 37. And Gaal spake again, and said, Sir, there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonem. 38. Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy moods, wherewith thou saidest, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them. 39. And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech. 40. And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown, and wounded, rose unto the entering of the gate. 41. And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem. 42. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field, and they told Abimelech. 43. And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and behold, the people were come forth out of the city, and he rose up against them and fester them. 44. And Abimelech, and the company that was with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two other companies ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and flew them. 45. And Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and he took the city, and flew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and 'fowed it with salt. 46. ¶ And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith. 47. And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. 48. And Abimelech got him up to mount Zalmos, he and all that people that were with him; and Abimelech took an ax on his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen him do, make halfe and do as I have done. 49. And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on the upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. c. 30-49. Such proceedings were too public to be concealed, and too dangerous to be neglected. 1. Zebul, Abimelech's governor of Shechem, having got intelligence of their meetings, and intended at their contemptuous treatment of himself, informs his matter, advises him to come thither without delay, and forcible the conspirators before they were ready to oppose him. Note, (1.) Much mischief is prevented by nipping evil designs in the bud. (2.) The imprudence and improvidence of rebellious spirits is often as great as their wickedness; it blasts their designs, and sinks the pro-jectors of them in ruin. 2. Zebul, by pretending friendship to Gaal, betrays him. Abimelech having, according to Zebul's advice, marched all night, in the morning appears with his forces descending from the mountain: Gaal, from the gate, defraying the holt, Zebul, either to lull him into Security, or ridicule his foery, luggells that what he saw was only the shadow of the mountains, until a nearer approach removed the possibility of deception, when he throws off the mull, and insults him for his former bravado. Note, (1.) An insistent tongue is often put to shame by his own vaunting. (2.) They who are rebels themselves, must not expect fidelity from their associates. 3. Gaal now could not refute to go out, but he is quickly routed in the field, and Zebul having recovered the superiority in the city, he and his abettors are that night expelled. Thus may every traitorous design be blasted! 4. Abimelech at that time pushed his victory no farther, and the men of Shechem having expelled the traitor, promoted themselves now that his anger was appealed, and conclude they may securely gather their harvest; but treason is not so lightly past over, nor is the wrath of a king, and such a king, so ready to subside. Therefore, understanding their security, he marches from Arumah, dividing his forces into three companies, with two he falls on the people in the fields, with the other he seized the city; after he had got possession of it havoc was indeed dreadful, for he utterly destroyed the city, and fowed it with salt, in vengeance for their rebellion. Note, The wickedness of the wicked returns upon their own head: rebellion usually ends in the ruin of the traitors. 5. To complete the destruction of the remainder of the Shechemists, Abimelech believes the rests of the tower of Shechem (a place at no great distance probably from the city, perhaps the house of Milo,) who had fortified themselves in the temple of the God Baal-berith, either trulling to the strength of the situation, or to Abimelech's veneration for that place whence he first rose to the kingdom; but their refuge, like that of other sinners, proves a refuge of lies unto them. Though he could not carry the place by assault, policy prevails more than the sword; at his command his men follow his example, and surrounding it with fuel, they set the place on fire, and men, women and children, to the number of abode; all perish in the flames. Note, (1.) Civil wars are most inhuman, the innocent and the guilty there fall often together. (2.) Vain Before Ch. 1 1831. I. Hab. Hood. I. Pl. col. 9. Ser. 441. 8. Exph. 6. 9. I. Hab. I have done. V. Ver. 46. Pl. cor. 8. Before Christ 1930. is every covering to hide from the wrath of God, when his fire shall be stirred up round about the finner, it will burn, and none can quench it. 50. ¶ Then went Abimelech to Thebe, and encamped against Thebe, and took it. 51. But there was a strong tower within the city, and his father fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower. 52. And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire. 53. And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to break his skull. 54. Then he called hastily unto the young man his armour-bearer, and said unto him, 'Draw thy sword and say me, that 'men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man shrug him through, and he died. 55. And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place. 56. ¶ Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech which he did unto his father, in 'slaying his seventy brethren. 57. And all the evil of the men of Shechem, did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curle of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. Abimelech had not yet glutted his revenge, and no sooner succeed in the destruction of Shechem, than he determines to wreak his vengeance on the men of Thebe, who seem to have been confederates with the Shechemen. He succeeds in his attack upon the city, and promises as easily to carry the castle, to which the men of the city fled, by fire as before; but as he is eagerly pressing to the door to burn it, God, who had in judgment permitted him hitherto, flops his career; a finne thrown by a woman from the walls, breaks that guilty head which wore the bloody crown. Vexed at the thought of such an ignominious death from a woman's hand, the pride that led him to murder others, urges him when dying to self-murder, to cover his shame, least they should say a woman slew him; his armour-bearer therefore disjoined him, and heresque his army immediately dispersed. Thus God's justice visited Abimelech's bloody deeds, and the wickedness of his afflictions in Shechem, bringing upon them the curle of Jotham, the son of Jerubbaal. Nate, (1.) They who thrift for blood, God will at last give them their own blood to drink. (2.) When the rod of God's indignation hath done his work it is easily burnt. (3.) The weak in God's hand can confound the mighty, and those who walk in pride God is able to abate. (4.) They who in life consulted nothing but their pride and ambition, will usually die as they live, more solicitous that their honour should be preserved on earth, than their souls be saved from hell. (5.) The methods pound men take to secure a great name, only serve to perpetuate their infamy. (6.) Though the wicked flourish for a season like a green hay-tree, yet their end is near, and their destruction determined. In this chapter, 1. Israel enjoys peace under the government of Tala and Jair, ver. 1—5. 2. They are oppressed for joy, ver. 6—9. 3. They repent and find mercy, ver. 10—16. 4. They prepare for war, ver. 17, 18. 1. AND after Abimelech, these 'arose to defend Israel, Tolah the son of Pash, the son of Dodo, a man of Iffachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim. 2. And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir. 3. ¶ And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years. 4. And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty as colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havoth-jair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead. 5. And Jair died, and was buried in Camon. One tumultuous reign we have had, which needed two peaceable ones to repair its desolations. 1. Tola, of the tribe of Iffachar, succeeded Abimelech, not an chirping king, but raised up of God to be a righteous judge, to reform their abuses, decide their controversies, heal their unethical divisions, and protect them from foreign invaders. For the greater convenience of administering justice, he resided in mount Ephraim, and judged Israel twenty-three years. Nate, Though a warlike king looks greater in the annals of history, a peaceable and mild government is more for the prosperity and comfort of every nation. 2. Jair, of the half tribe of Manasseh, beyond Jordan, followed; for God divided now the honour, sometimes calling men of one tribe, sometimes of another, to the office of judge and captain. During his administration the peace of Israel was maintained; his thirty sons, a numerous family, as his assistants, for the people's convenience, rode their circuits to administer justice; each of them possessed of a noble patrimony, having a lordship to themselves, which bore their names in after times. Twenty-two years this government lasted, when Jair died, and was buried in Camon, a city of Gilead. Nate, The impartial administration of justice is, next to the gospel, the greatest blessing of any land. 6. And 'the children of Israel did evil again in the fight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ahtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Meiah, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him. 7. ¶ And the anger of the LORD was not against Israel, and 'he said them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon. 8. And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan, in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead. 9. Moreover, the children of Ammon passed over Jordan, to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed. No sooner were these good men gone, than the people, as before, returned to their abominations. Their obdurary grew worse and worse, their idols were multiplied, God was forgotten, and his service neglected; and as the consequence, when they leave him he leaves them. The Philistines on one side, and the Ammonites on another, oppressed and crushed them, as the corn between the upper and secher mill-stone. Eighteen years this servitude continued very rigorous, and yet the people returned not unto God; at last the Ammonites having thoroughly plundered those on one side Jordan, for so uncurable their good by attacking Ephraim, Judah, and Benjamin, which these disbarred tribes, having lost God's presence, lose all courage, and are unable to make head against their invaders. Nate, (1.) Reformation without conversion of heart will be of no long continuance. (2.) God never leaves us until we forsake him. (3.) They fall an easy prey to Satan, who are left destitute of Divine grace and protection. 10. ¶ And 'the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have finned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. 11. And 'the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptian, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? 12. The Zidonias, also, and the Amalekites, and the Mamites did oppress you, and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. 13. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods, wherefore I will deliver you no more. 14. 'Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. 15. ¶ And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have finned, 'do thou unto us whatsoever feeneth good unto thee, 'deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. 16. And 'they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and 'his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. 17. Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead: and the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped at Mizpeh. 18. And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, 'What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. It was long before they bowed the knee of penitence, but better late than never. We have, 1. Their humbling confession. They had committed two great evils, they had forsaken God, the fountain of living water, and had hewn themselves idols, broken cisterns which could hold no water; their suffering was therefore just, and they acknowledge their defects. Nate, The first step of a sinner's return to God is the discovery of his own great gods, and a sense of his deserved ruin. 2. God sends them a sharp and upbreaking answer to their cries. He turns not away his ear from their prayers, nor sinks them in utter despair, but speaks so as to awaken their consciences, and confound them under the sense of their baseness and ingrati- Ingratitude. Many a time they had been delivered, and those very oppressors fathered under them; yet they had vilely sinned against their own mercies: therefore he refers them to the gods whom they served, for help, to upheard their folly, and convince them of the weakness of their lying vanities. He refuses to deliver them any more, that is, conditionally, as long as their idols were kept among them. Note, (1.) If God frowns upon the returning sinner, let him not defraud; it is only his desert, indeed, if he be utterly rejected; yet with the Lord there is mercy and forgiveness. (2.) When we are brought to a real sense of our sins, we shall see the vanity and insufficiency of those things, to make us happy, on which formerly we trusted. 3. The people of Israel solemnly assembled, it should seem, when this message by an angel, or prophet, was brought unto them, own their just defects, surrender themselves up to God; yet humbly enterit that once more he would spare them; and, convinced of their vanity, instantly put away their abominations. Note, (1.) When we come to God we must pretend no excuse for our sin, but plead guilty, and rest ourselves on the mercy of our judge. (2.) If we would approve our repentance, and, we must instantly renounce the sin we confess. (3.) When sin is our batseness and burden, though we may stand trembling under the black review, there is yet hope. 4. God regards them with tender compassion, and, to speak as a man, beholds their misery with bowels which yearn over them. Note, No prodigal returns to God but his fatherly heart is touched with the feeling of his wretchedness, and ready to embrace the most miserable of sinners. 5. The princes of Gilead hereupon, stirred up by the secret wrecking of God, during the absence of their oppressors, begin to prescribe themselves for war; on hearing this the Ammonites return over Jordan, and encamp in Mizeh, in order to suppress this rising in the bud. The Gileadites refuse now to make a stand for their liberty; but though united in their purpose, they want a commander, and such as one, brave and able, is sought by proclamation throughout the bud, who, as the fruit of his victory, would be advanced to be the head of his people. Note, (1.) The success of every enterprise depends as much on the prudence and bravery of the general, as on the courage of the people. (2.) They who fight the Lord's battle, are assured they shall reign with him. In this chapter we have, 1. Jephthah's rencounter with the Ephraimites, ver. 1—6. 2. His death, ver. 7. 3. An account of three other judges, Ibsan, Elon, and Abdon, ver. 8—15. 1. AND the men of Ephraim + gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore puffesfit thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and disfit not call us to go with thee? We will burn thine house upon thee with fire. And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands. 2. And when I saw that ye delivered me out, I put my life in my hands, and puffed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: Wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day to fight against me? 4. Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead house Ephraim, because they said, "Ye Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim, among the Ephraimites, and among the Manaffites. 5. And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was A, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped, laid, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Jbt thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Noy: 6. Then laid they unto him, Say now + Shibboleth: and he said, Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him and flew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites' forty and two thousand. 7. And Jephthah judged Israel fix years: then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in ear of the cities of Gilead. No sooner is Jephthah delivered from foreign enemies, than he is disturbed with domestic feuds. 1. The men of Ephraim, jealous of the honour Manaffish had got, seek occasion to quarrel with him, as they had before done with Gideon, under pretence of being slighted, because not called to the war against Ammon, and threaten with outrageous violence to free Jephthah's heuds over his head. Note, (1.) Quarrels between brethren are usually most bitter and violent. (2.) They who have done the greatest services to the cause of God, are not secure from the greatest insults, even sometimes from the pretended friends of the cause. (3.) The most spotless characters are the fairest mark for the foul fangs of envy to fallen upon. 2. Jephthah remonstrates against their violence and accusation. Their charge was as false as malicious: he had called them, and they had refused to come. When therefore the danger was so imminent, at the rise of his life, he went out to battle, and, through the strength of God, prevailed; was this a cause for their anger? Ought it not rather to be cause of thankfulness? Note, (1.) The greatest bullies are usually the greatest cowards. (2.) They who are themselves most in fault, would often save themselves by clamouring against the innocent. (3.) They well deserve the honour, who purchase it at the peril of their lives. 3. The ill temper of the Ephraimites will not be pacified, and their ill tongue provokes the Gileadites, who came to interpose with them in behalf of their captain. They call them fugitives, a vagabond race, pretending as if they were expelled Canaan from the Ephraimites and Manaffites, as unworthy their relation. Such insults is too much for men of war usually to bear: swords are instantly drawn, and the Ephraimites justly punished for their insolence. They are routed in the field, and the passes of Jordan being secured by the men of Gilead, by the pronunciation of the word Shibboleth, which, being accustomed so to speak, they called Sibboleth, they are all directed, and slain, to the number of forty-two thousand. Note, (1.) A hasty and leing tongue usually occasions much mischief to its owner. (2.) They who insolently upheard others, quickly get themselves into a worse case. 4. Six years ended Jephthah's government; perhaps grief for his daughter might contribute not a little to distress his days. He was buried in Gilead, probably in his own city Mizgeh. Note, Great and good men must die, as well as others; but there is one health, who will never leave his people to want a friend and protectors in time of need. 8. ¶ And after him Ibsan of Beth-lehem judged Israel. 9. And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, sadem he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. 10. Then died Ibsan, and was buried at Beth-lehem. 11. ¶ And after him, Elon a Zebulonite judged Israel, and he judged Israel ten years. 12. And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulon. 13. ¶ And after him, Abdon the son of Hillel a Pirathonite judged Israel. 14. And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on thricecore and ten 'afs-celts: and he judged Israel eight years. 15. And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites. We have a short account of three succeeding judges. 1. Ibsan, of Bethlehem in Judah, judged Israel eight years. In his administration nothing remarkable is recorded; but his family was large, and he took care to settle them well in the world before he went out of it. Note, It is among the greatest blessings parents can enjoy, to see their children provided for before they die. 2. Elon, a Zebulonite, succeeded Ibsan, and ministered justice, and directed their affairs during ten years in peace, then was gathered to his fathers. 3. Abdon, an Ephraimite, was then raised up of God, and he presided eight years. He lived to a good old age, and saw his children's children, forty sons, and thirty grandchildren, and all men of distinction, who rode in state as princes, or in circuit about the country, as judges and officers. Death, the common lot of man, at last removed him from his earthly blessings. Note, (1.) Whenever we hear of any man, and the good, we are sure to hear one thing of him, that he died. Let us read, and learn so to number our days, as to apply our hearts unto wisdom. (2.) If we must so join bid a kind adieu to every thing seen and temporal, let us by faith look forward to those things that are not seen, and are eternal. At this chapter begins the story of Samfon, the loft and the greatest of Israel's judges. He was both an eminent believer, Heb. xi. 32. and a glorious type of him who with his own arm we might salvation. Here it, 1. The oppression of Israel by the Phleffines, ver. 2. 2. His birth forested by an angel to his mother, ver. 2—5. 3. Her relation of it to his father, ver. 6, 7. 4. The angel's return, and directions to Manuah's wife, ver. 5—14. 5. The refferit they forewed him, ver. 15—18. 6. His departure in the flame of the altar, ver. 19—23. 7. Samfon's birth, ver. 24, 25. 1. AND the children of Israel + did evil again in the fight of the LORD, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Phleffines forty years. 2. ¶ And there was a certain man of Zouah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manuah, and his wife was + barren and bare not. 3. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and beareft not: but thou shalt conceive and bear a son. 4. Now therefore Before Chord therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine, nor ftrong drink, and eat not any unclean thing. 5. For lo, thou shalt conceive and bear a fon, and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. 6. Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, 'A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I afked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name. 7. But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive and bear a fon; and now drink no wine, nor ftrong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God, from the womb to the day of his death. There is no end of Israel's evil, or of God's mercy: Where his abounds, we see his grace much more abound. Once more the heavy hand of the Philistines is upon them, and during forty years, more or less, they bear the punishment of their sins under these oppressors, till God, in the person of Samson, raises up a deliverer for them. 1. His tribe and parentage: of Dan, which bordered nearest on the Philistines, and of parents who had long been childless. Nate, (1.) Where there is the greatest danger, and the least prologed of relief, there God often chokes to display his power and glory. (2.) The fruit of the womb is an heritage and gift which cometh of the Lord. 2. An angel appears to Manoah's wife, even the glorious angel of the everlasting covenant, who now comes in the fashion of a man, as afterwards really partaking of the same nature. 3. The message he brings her is most welcome and unexpected, and the charge he delivers itself and solemn. He compulsively mentions her misfortune of barrenness; this shall be her grief no longer; the shall conceive and bear a fon, who, being appointed for singular service, must be a Nazarite, not only from his birth, but also from his conception; for which end, during her pregnancy, she must not touch any thing that came of the vine, nor eat any unclean thing; nor is a razor ever to come on his head, God intending by him to begin his people's deliverance. Nate, (1.) God sees and compels man to the secret of the world. (2.) They who would preserve themselves in business for God, must deny themselves the indulgence of their appetites. (3.) The offspring usually partakes at the parent's bodily habit. Temperate parents have healthy children, while the curse of lewdness and luxury descends often on the fruit of the womb. (4.) The beginnings of salvation are glorious, how much more the compulsion of it. (5.) Samson is the type of him who foretold his birth: he was thus holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners, conceived of the Holy Ghost, a Nazarite purer than snow, raised up not only to begin, but to perfect the salvation of his people. 4. With a transport of joy she flies to carry her husband an account of what had passed. Struck at the majestic and venerable appearance of the messenger, she describes his countenance as luminous, like Moses's face, or bright with divine irradiation as an angel. His words are repeated, but neither dared ask his name, or whence he came. Nate, (1.) We should call those who are near and dear to us to partake in our joys. (2.) True yoke-fellows should communicate their experiences for their mutual comfort and satisfaction. 8. Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou disft send, come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born. 9. And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her. 10. And the woman made halfe, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day. 11. And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakeeth unto the woman? And he said, I am. 12. And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass: 'How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him? 13. And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman, let her beware. 14. She may not eat any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or ftrong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: 'all that I command her, let her observe. 1. Manoah rejoices at the news, flaggers not at the promise, but confidently depending on its fulfilment, prays for direction how to manage this child, when he should be born, agreeably to God's will; and for this purpose begs God would send the same messenger, to give them farther information. Nate, (1.) To improve God's blessings to his glory, is the prayer and labour of every gracious soul. (2.) When we have met with a refreshing visit from God, we cannot but cry, Return, O God of hoffts, return. (3.) They who wish a messenger from God, a preacher of his word, to be sent among them, would do well to make it the matter of their fervent prayer. 2. God refused not his request. The same day, probably, not another day, as our translation seems to make it, the angel of the covenant returns the second time to Manoah's wife when alone, either to her husband, or retired for cometh with God. She entreats permission to call her husband: this granted, she runs to inform him, and he gladly attends her to wait on their celestial vibrant, and there solicitously enquires about the management of the child, which in faith he believed should be given them. Nate, (1.) They who look God, will find him to their comfort. (2.) When we are alone with God, he will manifest himself to us as he doth not unto the world. (3.) They who have experienced the blessing of God's pretence and love, would fain call those who are near and dear to them, to taffe and flee with them how good the Lord is. (4.) When we are called to approach God, our hearts should never be backward to the gracious invitation. (5.) The care of children is a great concern, and parents need beg often of God, to direct them how to manage them so, as to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 3. The angel repeats the same instructions. Nate, (1.) It is good to have him on time, and precept on precept. (2.) When our treacherous memories would forget, or treacherous hearts neglect God's command, it is good to have near us a loving and careful remembrance. (3.) They who would be holy to the Lord, must watch with jealousy against the defilement of sin. 15. And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, 'let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee. 16. And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt-offering, thou must offer it unto the LORD: for Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD. 17. And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass, 'we may do thee honour? 18. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, 'Why asketh thou thus after my name, seeing it it? 19. So Manoah took a kid, with a meat-offering, and 'offered it upon a rock unto the LORD: and the angel did 'wonderously, and Manoah and his wife looked on. 20. For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar: and Manoah and his wife looked on it, and 'fell on their faces to the ground. 21. (But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife.) Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD. 22. And Manoah said unto his wife, 'We shall surely die, because we have seen God. 23. But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, 'he would not have received a burnt-offering, and a meat-offering at our hands,' neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us, such things as these. We have here a continuation of what passed at this interview. 1. Manoah intrests him to prolong his stay, and take some refreshment with him before he departed. Nate, When God sends his messengers with glad tidings to us, the least we can do is to afford them kind entertainment. 2. The angel declines accepting his offer, though he forbids him not to prepare the kid for sacrifice, which he might offer to the Lord, the only true object of worship. Nate, The services we do or offer to God's ministers, are acceptable sacrifices to God. 3. He refuses to gratify Manoah's curiosity, enquiring who he was, and where he lived, that he might, after the event, do him honour, either spread his fame, or send him a present on the birth of his son. His name is secret, not to be known, for who by searching can find out God? or wonderful, as Christ is called, for, is, which person, incarnation, and office, deserve this title. Nate, (1.) It is highly desirable to cultivate acquaintance with a good man. (2.) If we ask in prayer what is not good for us to receive, the best answer is a denial. (3.) In our enquiries in religion, vain curiosity is dangerous. There are secret things which belong only unto God, where it is our highest wisdom to be contentedly ignorant. 4. Manoah 4. Manoah having prepared the offering and sacrifice, and laid it on the rock, the angel did wonderfully, either, as in Gideon's sacrifice, he brought forth fire from the rock to consume it; or, if Manoah kindled the flame, to his aftermathment he lies him aforesaid in the midst of the fire, and disappear; hereby evidently intimating his acceptance of the oblation, and discovering himself to them, who now were convinced that he was more than man who talked with them. Note, (1.) When we bring our hearts to God in prayer, Jesus will kindle the holy fire, and lift up our souls to heaven as the flame ascends. (2.) The advent of the angel benzened the acceptableness of the offering. Jesus our ascended Lord is thus gone up to heaven, to present our sacrifices to God, as, for his sake, a sweet-bodding favour. 5. For a time in silent wonder and dread, Manoah and his wife, after this strange sight, remained on their faces: when infing to refrain on this transaction, Manoah expresses his fearful apprehensions, lest (as was then the general opinion) this divine appearance portended his death certain and near. Note, (1.) So weak are we, that we are afraid sometimes of our very mercies. (2.) In the habitual exercise of faith, some rifings of unbelief will at times distress and disturb us. (3.) A good man may at seasons be afraid to die. 6. His wife appears not only the strongest believer, but the wish of reasoner. She suggests the groundlessness of his fears from two arguments, strongly evidencing the favour of God towards them: 1. The acceptance of their sacrifice; and, 2. the promise he had made them, for the accomplishment of which they must need live. Note, (1.) It is a singular mercy to have such an help-mate as Manoah's. (2.) When the inner truth down, he should remember what Christ hath done for him by his bloody sacrifice, a sure proof that he designs me his death. (3.) The faithful, in times of discouraging provisions of free temptations, should remember the just experience of God's goodness, as a ground of present support. He that hath helped us hitherto, means not to destroy us at the left. 24. ¶ And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. 25. And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan, between Zorah and Ishtahol. v. 24, 25. According to the divine promise, in due time Samson is born, and from his infancy began to discover some extraordinary tokens of the divine blessing upon him. At particular times, deep impressions were made on his mind from God; or some uncommon instances of wisdom, courage, and strength appeared in him, either in the camp of Dan, where the Danims had assembled to oppose the ravages of the Philistines, or in Mehanch-Dan, which might be the place of his residence. Note, (1.) God often in earliest infancy is pleased to make the most gracious impressions on the minds of some of his chosen people. (2.) They who spend their youth under God's blessings, promise, when in years, to be men of singular use to their generation. Here is, 1. Samson's courtship and marriage to a daughter of the Philistines, ver. 1—5, 7, 8. 2. His conquest of a lion, ver. 5, 6, 8, 9. 3. His riddle propelled, ver. 10—14, and persuaded by the treachery of his wife, ver. 15—18. 4. The occasion this year him to sail thirty of the Philistines, ver. 19, and to break off his new alliance, ver. 20. 1. AND Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. 2. And he came up and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath, of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. 3. Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcribed Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me, for the pleaseth me well. 4. But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. 5. Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and behold, a young lion roared against him. 6. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but Vol. I. he told not his father or his mother what he had done. 7. And he went down, and talked with the woman, and the pleased Samson well. 8. ¶ And after a time, he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcafe of the lion: and behold, there was a swarm of bees, and honey in the carcafe of the lion. 9. And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcafe of the lion. Samson is no sooner grown a man, than occasion offers to fall on the Philistines. 1. In his visits to Timnath, a place in the tribe of Judah, but now under the power of the Philistines, he saw a woman who pleased his fancy, and relatives, with his father's consent, to make her his wife. His father justly remonstrates against to the President and unbecoming a match; but being him much for upon it, at last confesses. His father could not conceive any good from such an alliance, and perhaps Samson meant only to please himself, and did not see what God designed to do in over-rolling his position for the beginning of his people's deliverance. Note, (1.) It is a dangerous thing in the chance of a wife, to be guided by the eye alone. The face of an angel may conceal the violent Spirit of a Philistine. (2.) Conflicting parents in the disposal of our persons is not only to confide our own advantage, but a matter of absolute duty, by the sixth commandment. (3.) A godly parent will object to nothing so urgently, as to their children's choking a profane or religious partner. (4.) Nothing so likely to emerge him is an irony God, as such unequal marriages. (5.) Though parents do well to dissuade or reason, yet, when they see their children's choice is strongly fixed, it were wholly better to comply with an unreasonable request, than exasperate them by an unrelenting severity. (6.) God knows how to over-ride even our imprudencies and perverses, and bring to himself glory, and to us good out of the evil. 2. Having confessed to the match, his father and mother go down with him to see his intended bride; and as they went the first time, Samson being at a distance from them in the vineyards, out of the common path, a roaring lion met him, which, under a powerful impression of God's spirit, he strangled as easily as a kid, though entirely unarmed and disloyal. He soon rejoined his parents after this exploit, and modestly withholds the mention of his own prowess. Some time after, on a second visit with his parents, when the nuptials were to be solemnized, he turned aside to see what was become of the lion, when, by this time the flesh having been consumed, and the skeleton only remaining, a swarm of bees, which abounded in that country, had taken up their abode in it, and filled it with combs and honey. Of these he took and eat himself, and gave unto them, but said nothing where he got it, perhaps meditating now on the riddle, which afterwards he designed to propose. Note, (1.) Humility is the crown of great exploits. (2.) They who wander out of the Strait way into the vineyards of worldly enjoyment, will put their souls in imminent danger, though they may escape destruction. (3.) A good child will be happy to share with his parents every worldly comfort. (4.) They who are dead to God themselves, may possess gifts which may be useful to others; and, though in a lion's carcafe, the honey is good. (5.) We have here a type of the Lord Jesus Christ. The devil is this roaring lion, whom our divine Samson hath destroyed; and from his victory confessions are brought to the believer's soul, sweeter than honey and the honey-comb. 10. ¶ So his father went down unto the woman, and Samson made there a feast: for so used the young men to do. 11. And it came to pass when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him. 12. ¶ And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: If you can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets, and thirty change of garments. 13. But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets, and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle that we may hear it. 14. And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth beerself. And they could not in three days expound the riddle. 15. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, 'Easter thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not it? 16. And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, 'Thou doest but hate me, and loveest Z z z Sylvan's Church 1155. Heb. To riddle a riddle. Mat. 1:5. 16. Exch. 1:10. Gen. 2:10. 17. Or 3:10. Heb. Eating went forth from the water. Mat. 2:10. 18. John vi. 1:10. Job ii. 9. Mat. 3:10. We have here Samson's further exploits; strange indeed! but armed with divine power all things are possible. 1. For the perfidiousness of his wife and her father, he barns the corn of the Philistines, ver. 1—2. 2. He favors them with a great slaughter, ver. 6—8. 3. In Lahi he kills one thousand of them with the jawbone of an oil, ver. 9—17. 4. God gives him water in his thrift, ver. 18—20. 1. BUT it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat-harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid, and he said, 'I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in. 2. And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her, therefore I gave her to thy companion: it not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her. 3. And Samson said concerning them, 'Now shall I be more blameled than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure. 4. And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took fire-brands, and turned tail to tail, and put a fire-brand in the midst between two tails. 5. And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the flocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives. 6. ¶ Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? and they answered, Samson the son-in-law of the Timmite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire. 7. ¶ And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet: will I be averaged of you, and after that I will cease. 8. And he fmote them 'hip and thigh with a great slaughter; and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Exam. In process of time Samson's anger began to abate; for though most injuriously treated, it becomes us not to retain anger for ever, but to forgive and forget. Hereupon, 1. He resists to pay a visit to his wife, and with a kid, to make a tipper of reconciliation, goes down to her father's house. Note, (1.) A wife, though her behaviour were justly provoking, is not hastily to be put away. (2.) The wifes, though offended, will be the first to seek peace, and the resident to pass by a transgression. 2. When he would have entered his wife's apartment, unacquainted with what had passed, his father-in-law flays him, as having given her to another. To justify which, he pretends, that by his anger and abhoras he concluded he had hated her, and never meant to return; but if it will be any satisfaction to him for the injury, he offers his younger daughter, which was the handsomer, in her stead. This Samson repects. Note, (1.) Unreasonable jealousies often produce the greatest injuries. (2.) The bad practices of Canaan, however customary, will not for a true Israelite. 3. Samson hereupon meditates a severe correction. As the injury regarded him as an Israelite, as much as a private person, he resists as a public person, to make the Philistines run for it: and as he concludes the justice of his quarrel from what had passed, he, without delay, procures a number of foxes, and tying a fire-brand between two tails, sends them into the fields of the Philistines, and into their vineyards, where, as it was now harvest, the fire soon made dreadful ravages. Some have thought, from the strangeness of the contrivance, that the word Shulim should be translated sheaves, or flocks; but it never appears elsewhere in this sense. The word caught is never applied to any thing but taking a thing by force of arms, or by cunning; nor the word tail used in scripture, but of a living creature; so that the literal sense is to be adhered to. Note, (1.) When we have done our duty to prevent a quarrel, we cannot be charged with the consequences of it. (2.) When we flagger at God's word, because our hostile reason objects to the methods of his proceeding, it is a sure sign we desire to be wise above what is written. 4. Provoked at their lots, the Philistines enquire into the cause, and wreak their vengeance on the Timmite and his daughter; let her to their house, and continue them in the flames; thus executing upon the woman the sentence of adultery, and involving her in the very man which by her perfidy she endeavoured to avoid. Note, (1.) God often makes use of his people's enemies to avenge their quarrel. (2.) They who by John Chaff 1752 by fin fock to avoid suffering, only bring upon themselves more swift and sure destruction. 5. Though they had averaged his quarrel, and thereby thought to have ingratiated themselves with him, he had not done with them. Being railed up for his people's deliverance, he falls upon them, and, though unarmed, makes vast havoc, and then retired to the rock Enan, waiting another occasion to renew his attacks upon them. Note, They who fight the Lord's battles most respect but little repots, but after one con-eft and temptation prepare for another. 9. Then the Philistines were up and pitched in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi. 10. And the men of Judah said, Why are ye come up against us? And they answered, To bind Samson are we come up, to do to him, as he hath done to us. 11. Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Enan, and laid to Samson, Knoweth thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them. 12. And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves. 13. And they spake unto him, saying, No: but we will bind thee fall, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new coats, and brought him up from the rock. 14. And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the coats that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his hands lashed from off his hands. 15. And he found a new jaw-bone of an ash, and put forth his hand and took it, and flew a thousand men therewith. 16. And Samson said, With the jaw-bone of an ash, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw-bone of an ash, have I slain a thousand men. 17. And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he call away the jaw-bone out of his hand, and called that place Kamath-lehi. 9. 9—17. Unable any longer to bear such treatment, the Philistines gathered their armies, not to fight with Israel, but to oblige them to give up their enemy Samson, to be put to death for the outrages he had committed. Hereupon, 1. The men of Judah understanding the reason of their invasion, instead of bravely setting Samson at their head to fight for their liberty, basely resolve to make a sacrifice of him to his enemies, preferring ignominious servitude before a generous struggle for their country. Instead of honouring him for his courage, they blame him for his ruthlessness, and desire him peaceably to submit to their bonds. Samson might well expeditate with them, that what he had done was for their good, and a just correction for the wrongs he had received; but knowing that this was from God, that he might have a new occasion to destroy them, he peaceably submits to be bound; and having first engaged his brethren to do him no harm, confents to be delivered into the hands of the Philistines. Note, We have here in Samson a lively figure of the Lord Jesus. A hand of armed men surround him in the garden; he is betrayed, and forsaken by his own disciples; though able to destroy at a stroke those who came to bind him, yet quietly submissive, and led as a lamb to the slaughter. 2. With joy the Philistines behold their captive approaching, and shout aloud, as now triumphant over their destroyer: but how momentary the triumphing of the wicked? In fact, a sudden impulse of divine power comes upon him; like to be captive hands are built asunder: no better weapon is at hand than the jaw-bone of an ash's carcase: this he fetzes, flies on his amazed foes, and turns the shouts of joy into throes of horror; for soon with irresistible fury he moves down their ranks, and heaps the slain on the slain. A thousand fell on the spot, and wearished of killing and flight only saved the remainder. Note, (1.) When God will work, the most despicable instruments in his hand shall be effectual. (2.) Though tied and bound with the chains of our sins, the Spirit of the Lord can lords these captive bonds, and let us free. (3.) Unequal as the contest is between one poor believer and all the hosts of hell and earth without, and corruption within, yet Divine Grace can make him more than conqueror. (4.) When his rejoicing enemies were most secure, and under the soul and stone had thus bound up the dead body of our crucified Lord, then, like Samson, he broke the hands of death, awaked as a giant refreshed with wine, confounded his fries, and led captivity captive. 3. Samson celebrates his victory, not out of vanity, but to the glory of God, who with so unfit a weapon, had enabled him to make so great a daughter. The same Hebrew word signifying an ash and an heap, makes, in the original, an elegant paronomasia, not to be expressed in a translation. Then, having finished his song of praises, he calls away the ulster's jaw; and, in memory of this signal event, calls the place Kamath-Lehi, The lifting up of the jaw-bone. Note, (1.) God must have the glory of his own work. (2.) Songs of praise are as honourable to him, as reviving to our own souls. 18. ¶ And he was fore' athrift, and called on the LORD, and said, 'Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: And now shall I die for thrift, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? 19. But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout: and when he had drunk, 'his spirit came again, and he revived wherefore he called the name thereof § En-hakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day. 20. And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years. 9. 18—20. The with-holding the most common necessities of life, little as we are apt to value them, would be more fatal than the found. The want of a draught of water brought Samson nearer to the grave, than all the hosts of Philsus. 1. We see him here ready to die with thrift; no water was near, and he was so parched and weak, as to be unable to look farther. In this distress he calls upon God, who alone could relieve him. So his prayer he pleads God's just mercies as an argument for present help, and urges the dishonor which would he call on God, if now he should be given into the hands of the uncircumcised, after such an instance of divine interposition. Note, (1.) Jesus on the cross cried thus, I thrift. (2.) In time of distress, prayer is our best resource. (3.) Past services should encourage us to wait upon God, and no plea so prevalent as his own glory. 2. God heard and answered him, permitting the distress only to exercise his faith, keep his spirit humble, and magnify his own power and grace. Out of the jaw-bone itself, or out of a hollow in Lehi, the name Samson had given the place, a stream of fresh water sprung up, and hereupon his fainting spirit revived, and his departing life returned. Note, (1.) Every day we have to praise God for a new life given us. (2.) Without the constant supply of living streams from the fountain of grace, our souls must quickly faint and die. 3. He gives the place a name corresponding to the mercy, En-hakkore, The presence of him that was sailing, in remembrance of his own distress, and God's gracious answer to his prayer. 4. Twenty years he judged Israel, during which the Philistines, though not utterly subdued, seem not to oppress them as before, checked by the terror of his arm; so that they had respite from the yoke, if not perfect freedom. Note, (1.) It is a mercy to have our affections alleviated. (2.) If we improve the beginning of our mercies, we may expect they will be continued and perfected. In this chapter, 1. Samson in great danger carries away the gates of Gaza, ver. 1—3. 2. He falls in love with Dalilah, ver. 4. 3. He tells her, and she tells the Philistines, whereas his strength lay, ver. 5—17. 4. They rob him of it, ver. 18—20. 5. They put out his eyes, and imprison him, ver. 21—24. 6. He pulls down the house in which the Philistine Lords were assembled, and dies in the ruins, ver. 26—31. 1. THEN went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her. 2. And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compelled him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him. 3. And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put down upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron. 9. 1—3. As woman first was man's ruin, how often since hath she been his share? Other passions have slain their thousands, the love of women is ten thousands. 1. Samson, who could not be taken in the tolls of the Philistines, is enslaved with the attire of an harlot: to his flame the story is recorded. He went down to Gaza, on what occasion is not mentioned; but the bad tendency of familiarity with Philistines is left for our admonition. He saw a woman, who pleaded his eye, and, passion overcoming conscience, he went in to her. Note, (1.) The strongest in grace need deeply C17 Before Chaff John sire. 4. ¶ Pl. iii. 7. Or, in Lehi. 1. Ills. 2. ap. 2. 1. a. The fraction of him that called or cried. Pl. year. 6. ¶ 2. vi. 1. About 1795 Or, in Lehi. 1. Ills. 2. ap. 2. 1. a. The fraction of him that called or cried. Pl. year. 6. ¶ 2. vi. 1. About 1795 Babam Chro Cry cry, Lead us not into temptation. (2.) They who ramble into places of vain company, must not wonder if they smart for it. 3. Though perhaps he came in disguise, he was not long concealed; and whilst he is lying in the arms of an harlot, danger and death await him at the gate. Note, (1.) In our most secret fine God will find us out. (2.) Men would not sleep quiet on the bed of lewdness, could they see the wrath of God which is hanging over them. (3.) The more securely the finner sleeps, the more dangerous his state. 3. Whether the convictions of his conscience terrified him, or a dozen monitory of his danger awakened him, or some intelligence was brought him of the Philistines designs, at midnight he arose, and finding the gates of the city barred, and the guards asleep probably, little expecting such a visitant; he took up polls, gates, and bars together on his shoulders, and carried them to a distant hill, to let his enemies see how vain were their attempts against him. Thus Chroft, on his resurrection day, carried off the gates of death, mocking at the impotent designs of his enemies, and opening a passage for all his people to follow him to the hill of God. 4. ¶ And it came to pafs afterward, that 'he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was 'Delilah. 6. And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, 'Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lords, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and 'we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver. 6. And Delilah said to Samson, 'Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lords, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee. 7. And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then 'shall I be weak, and be as another man. 8. Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs, which had not been dried, and she bound him with them. 9. (Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber) And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he broke the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire: 'So his strength was not known. 10. And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: 'now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound. 11. And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes 'that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. 12. Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. (And there were lions in wait abiding in the chamber) And he broke them from off his arms like a thread. 13. And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: 'tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web. 14. And the fastened is with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and 'went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web. 15. ¶ And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? Thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lords. 16. And it came to pafs, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was 'vexed unto death; 17. That 'he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head: for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: 'If I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. We find here this mighty man fishing under the power of his befitting sin. Once and again he had been brought by it into the most imminent danger; yet again relapsing, and the third time, severely suffers. What a warning to every man of God to make a covenant with his eyes, and watch against and deny the sinful lusts of the lusts, which are as easily befitting, as difficult to be resisted. 1. Another harlot caught his eye, and enslaved his heart. In criminal conversation with her he passed the day, and him whom armies could not move, a woman enslaves. 2. The Philistines seize the opportunity, and hope at last to prevail against him. Persuaded that there was some charm or spell, which gave him such waschefs' strength, which if once discovered, they might be able to bind him, they offer Delilah a large bribe, amounting to near seven thousand pounds, to get the secret out of him; and, farther to induce her, engage not to kill, but only to disarm and secure him from doing them farther mischief. Note, (1.) Where the love of money is rooted in the heart, bribe high enough, and you may buy body, soul, and all. (2.) By this was the Son of God betrayed; the love of thirty pieces of silver prevailed on the traitor Judas. 3. On the first opportunity, when carefree had paved the way for an easier entrance into his heart, the wishes he would gratify her com愿y with informing her where lay his strength, and how he might be so bound, as to be unable to help himself. Loeb to declare the real secret, and hoping to put her off, he hesitates not at a lie; but when, to make the experiment, the others bound him, and an alarm of danger was given, the deceit appeared. Again she tries; again he misfortunes her: the new ropes were as tow on his hands. The third time, upbreaking him with his deceit, the wearies him to tell the truth; but still reluctant, he gives her a false information; and when she had wove his locks with her web, and fastened them to the beam, no sooner was the cry heard. ¶ The Philistines be upon thee, than pin, beam, and all were carried away. Note, (1.) We must never expect fidelity from those, who shew their utter unfaithfulness to God. (2.) When the heart is infatuated with lust, repeated warnings of danger will be disregarded. (3.) They who feel themselves unable to resist the opportunity of their temper, should instantly fly from their company. 4. At last, wearied out with her ceaseless upheadings, and enslaved by his evident passion for her, the fatal secret is extorted. He could not bear to be suspected as wanting in affection to her, and, rather than not convince her of it, by gratifying her most unreasonable requests, his own reputation, life, yes worse, God's honour, and the people's safety, are badly betrayed into the power of a faithless woman. Note, (1.) They who are slaves to their lusts, are the worst of slaves, and slick at nothing to gratify them. (2.) They who trust their honour with a vile woman, deserve to be betrayed. 18. And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and 'brought money in their hand. 19. And 'she made him sleep upon her knees, and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head, and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. 20. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he will not that the LORD was departed from him. 21. ¶ But the Philistines took him, and 'put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and 'bound him with fetters of brass, and he did grind in the prison-house. Fully convinced now, from the seriousness of his manner, or the name of God which he had used, that he had discovered to her his whole heart, the summons the lords of the Philistines once more to attend her, who, by being so often disappointed, had returned home in despair; and they, ready to attend her, take the money in their hands, and haith away. Behold and pray this unhappy victim, deblond now as a sheep to the slaughter. Note, It is just in God to give up those to suffer, who give themselves up to sin. 1. When her assitants were ready, this treacherous wretch spreads the soft lap of love, and, after dallance sweet, the mighty Samson links down to rest, and closes those eyes, that, fascinated with beauty's charm, can see no danger in that pleasing pillow. But now the fatal razor approaches; his seven locks fall off; his strength departs; some symptoms of it in sleep perhaps appeared; and now the Philistines, at her cry, rush in, and, to his utter confusion, he discovers his irreparable ruin. At first when he awoke, he thought he might shake himself as before, and with not his dire mishap; but God was departed, and therefore resistance is vain. Note, (1.) Indulgence of sensual appetite stupifies the conscience, and rocks the soul asleep in security; but Satan wakes, and ostensibly leads us into the pit of ruin. (2.) Many a sinner closes his eyes in peace, which the alarm of death or judgment will open, only to discover his state of everlasting despair. (3.) When God is provoked to depart, though we may think we can die at other times, our weakness will appear to our confusion, and we shall sink under our wickedness. (4.) Let everyone who reads, beware of Samson's sin, lest they bring themselves, like him, into the depths of misery. 2. The Philistines secure him fast. No longer now the terror of the mighty, they drag him down to Gaza in triumph, and, to disable him for ever, put out his eyes, and with fetters of brass chain him to the mill; at once to suffer and serve them. | --- | --- | --- | | 1. The mother of one Micah, of the tribe of Ephraim, had, by her frugality, hoarded up a large sum of money; which coming to the knowledge of her son, he made no scruple to steal it, for the use of his family; the mother, enraged at the loss of her silver, is in a rage, and denounces grievous imprecations on the thief, in the hearing of the son, whom perhaps she suspected. Stung with the sense of the evil of the deed, and fearing the curle, he confesses the theft, brings back the money to his mother; who hercups recalls her denunciations, and gives him her blessing. Note, (1.) Governments is the best-fitting sin of old age; they who can shorten enjoy the world, are usually most anxious to lay up the largest provisions. (2.) Parents by their niggardinesis put great temptations in their children's way to rob them, or with them dead, that they may possess their boasts. (3.) He is a wicked son that robs his parents. (4.) The losses which make one man pray, make others curle and blasphem. (5.) They who are badly in their imprecations, will sometimes lay them where they would not wish. 4 A they | on this great deed, he lifts his heart to God in prayer, for power to avenge, as a public person, his own and Israel's wrongs, and for his people's sake cheerfully devotes himself to death. With arms extended then he grafts the maffy pillars, and feeling an answer to his prayer, in the renewed strength bestowed on him, he bows himself forward, the pillars rock, the building totters, the roof, incumbent with the weight of the spectators, rushes down, and death, in every tremendous shape, appears. Crushed under the load, or daffied to pieces in the fall, thousands expire; their music now is changed to dying groans; and shrieks of agonizing pain, instead of lungs of triumph, fill the air. Thus dies the mighty Samson, glorious in his fall, and more terrible to the Philistines in his death, than even during his life. Note, (1.) They who sport and mock at God's servants, fill fast the measure of their iniquities. (2.) When we return unto God in penitent prayer, God will return unto us in mercy, and renew our strength. (3.) To die for our country is great, as do for God is greater still. (4.) Samson's death is a type of Christ's; his arms were thus extended on the cross; laying down a life that none could elie take from him; saving his people by shedding his own blood, and calling down thereby the throne of Satan, ruining his temple in the hearts of men, and destroying the power of sin, death, and hell, their mortal enemies. 3. His father and friends, during the confirmation, went up and took his dead body from the ruins, the Philistines not daring to oppose them, or, as having no just quarrel with them, permitting it quietly, and buried it in his father's fe))^(1)th. To make their joy compleat Samson is led forth, insult added to his sufferings, and he degraded to be the sport of fools. Note, (1.) If even a Philistine could ascribe his victories only to his dung-hill god, how much more are we bound to give our God the glory due unto his name, for all he doth by us, in us, and for us. (2.) They who by their ill-conduct have brought dishonour upon God, justly deserve to bring contempt upon themselves. (3.) They who have sported in sin to their own deceiving, will find themselves at last exposed to everlasting shame, when even God himself will mock at their calamity. 2. Little thought the lords of the Philistines what ruin hung over their heads. In mirth and wine the joyful day was spent, and besides the capital nobility, a vast concourie of men and women crowded the temple within and without, on left than three thousand being on the roof: unhappy Samson stood the spectacle of their delight, fallen from his high attack, trumpeted upon by every foot, and led blind along by a little lad, the guide and guard of this once renowned hero. Either wearied with walking round, or grinding at the mill, he wanted to reft his limbs, or meditating the fatal blow, having informed himself of the supporters of the roof, he desires the lad to lead him, that he may lean against them; there pausing for awhile Vol. I. 23 | 1. The mother of one Micah, of the tribe of Ephraim, had, by her frugality, hoarded up a large sum of money; which coming to the knowledge of her son, he made no scruple to steal it, for the use of his family; the mother, enraged at the loss of her silver, is in a rage, and denounces grievous imprecations on the thief, in the hearing of the son, whom perhaps she suspected. Stung with the sense of the evil of the deed, and fearing the curle, he confesses the theft, brings back the money to his mother; who hercups recalls her denunciations, and gives him her blessing. Note, (1.) Governments is the best-fitting sin of old age; they who can shorten enjoy the world, are usually most anxious to lay up the largest provisions. (2.) Parents by their niggardinesis put great temptations in their children's way to rob them, or with them dead, that they may possess their boasts. (3.) He is a wicked son that robs his parents. (4.) The losses which make one man pray, make others curle and blasphem. (5.) They who are badly in their imprecations, will sometimes lay them where they would not wish. 4 A they | Before God they should light. (6.) The curle of a parent is a heavy load. (7.) When we have done ill we must confess and restore, if we would regain peace of conscience. (8.) They who return and repent will find the curle they have deserved turned into a blessing. 2. Better the money had been lost for ever, than found for the ule to which it is applied. Micah's mother, either before it was stolen, or as a vow if the recovered it, had dedicated the money to the Lord, but in a way which was most abominable in his sight, to make a graven and a molten image with it; hereunto the son too easily complies, the silver is given to the founder, either the whole nine hundred for the images, and two hundred for the making, or a part only; the love of her money and of her idols dividing her heart, and making her willing to reserve the best share for herself of the dedicated sum. Note, The contending corruptions of a sinner's heart oftentimes jar with each other, and one can only be indulged on the denial of another. 3. The images being made, Micah sets them up with an ephod and teraphin, little houshold gods for divination, in imitation of the arim and thummin; and having set apart a room of built a house for his gods, consecrated one of his sons, probably the eldest, as priest to minister before them. At first they seem to intend only the worship of Jehovah, in and through these representations of him; but the breach of one commandment soon destroyed the other, and fapped the foundation of all. Note, (1.) Corruptions in the church arise from small beginnings; to avoid idolatry we must keep from superposition. (2.) It matters little whether the idol be set up in the heart or the house; whatever alienates the affections from God leads us into idolatry. 4. The reason is given why this met no reproof: there was no judge in Israel; and they must be bad days indeed when no magistrates restrain sin, and ministers are negligent to reprove it. 7. ¶ And there was a young man out of Beth-lehem-judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there. 8. And the man departed out of the city from Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place; and he came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. 9. And Micah said unto him, Wheree cometh thou? And he said unto him, I am a Levite of Beth-lehem-judah, and I go to sojourn where I may find a place. 10. And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in. 11. And the Levite was content to dwell with the man, and the young man was unto him as one of his sons. 12. And Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah. 13. Then said Micah, 'Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.' 9. 7—13. Micah had probably been content with his son's service, if an accident had not brought him a more acceptable chaplain in a Levite of Beth-lehem-judah, who was, by his mother's side, of the tribe of Judah, and had resided at Beth-lehem; either through the neglect of God's worship, which began to take place, he could no longer gain a maintenance from the ministry, and was forced to seek a livelihood; or perhaps of a ramifying genius, unsettled, and untestify to be confined at home: it may be also bearing of Micah's house of gods, and hoping for better preferment in his service, abominable as it was, than at the altar of God. Note, (1.) They must be bad times indeed, when God's ministers want a maintenance. (2.) A roving spirit ill becomes a Levite's office. (3.) The priest who sets out with an eye to preferment, is certainly in the high road to hell. (4.) The ministry is the best calling, but the worst trade in the world. Micah having at the door enquired whence he came, and learned his profession, invites him in; offers, if he will officiate for him, to treat him with respect as a father; to provide him meat, drink and two furs a year, and give him beside ten shekels, about twenty-five shillings, as a salary. The Levite confesses, the bargain is concluded, and as he found it a good house, though the work was scandalous, and the wages meant, he thought himself well settled. Micah hereupon prefumptuously consecrates him for his priest, and shews him all respect and affection; foolishly concluding himself now happy in a Levite for his priest, and vainly promising himself God's blessing, whilst taking the most direct means to bring down his curle upon him. Note, (1.) They whose office and duty it is to re-bake him, for the sake of their belly, and a good table, are often wicked and mean enough to fit by and countenance it. (2.) They who chuse their own delusions, would gain flatter themselves, that God approves of them. (3.) More, like Mi- cah, derive their hopes from the priest and the altar, their worship, and external devotions, than from spirituality of temper and real purity of heart. (4.) The deeds the self-righteous behalf of, as most commending them to God's favour, are those God most abhors, and which most effectually feel them up under wrath. 6. Heb. A wife, a concubine. Gen. xviii. 24. Mel. v. 15. 5. Prior. xix. 20. Heb. To her home. Lev. xix. 27. Gal. vi. 1. Heb. Strengthen. Gen. xviii. 5. 1. Nonp. xix. 7. Pl. xix. 11. 4. Heb. Be good. Heb. En- vil the day destined. Heb. Gibeah. Nat. xix. 11. Heb. xix. 1. Heb. Gibeah. Nat. xix. 11. Heb. xix. 1. 1. AND it came to pafs in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite fojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Beth-lehem-judah. 2. And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Beth-lehem-judah, and was there four whole months. 3. And her husband and a sad went after her to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of afters: and she brought him unto her father's house, and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him. 4. And his father-in-law, the damsel's father, retained him, and he abode with him three days: to they did not and drink, and lodged there. 5. And it came to pafs on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rode up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son-in-law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way. 6. And they sat down and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be me. 7. And when the man rose up to depart, his father-in-law urged him: therefore he lodged there again. 8. And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart: and the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them. 9. And when the man rose up to depart, he and his concubine, and his servant; his father-in-law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth towards evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry: and to-men now get you early on your way, that thou mayst go home. 10. But the man would not tarry that night, but he arose up and departed, and came over-against. 11. Jebus, (which is Jerusalem) and there were with him two afters faddled, his concubine also was with him. 12. And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent, and the servant said unto his mother, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in unto this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it. 13. And his mother said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel: we will pafs over to Gibeah. 14. And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah. 15. And they patted on, and went their way, and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belonged to Benjamin. 16. And they turned aside thither to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for three was no man that took them into his house to lodging. The events of the following chapters are proofs how great a misery it is to any people to be without good government. We have here, 1. The journey of a Levite of mount Ephraim, after his wife or concubine, whom he had taken out of Beth-lehem-judah. She had proved false to him, left his house, and returned to her father; but still retaining his affection for her, and hearing, it seems, of her sorrow for her ill-condarly, he went to speak comfortably to her, and fetch her home again. Note, (1.) Unfaithfulness to marriage vows, makes a breach that, of all others, can most dissufficiently be healed. (2.) Where there is real remorse in the offender, let not the injured be impacable. (3.) Though parents should be very jealous how they receive those into their houses who have deserted their husbands, yet it is highly dangerous, by severity, to render those desperate, who, by milder methods may be reclaimed. 2. The reception he met with from the father was very affectionate. The reconciliation was matter of great joy to him, he makes a three days entertainment to welcome his son, and, when he was preparing to depart on the fourth, importance him to dine first; and, as it then seemed too late to set off, prevails with him to stay the night. The next day he used the same importunity, but though he prevailed on his son-in-law to dine with him, his uneasiness would not permit a longer absence from home, and in the evening he set out on his journey, and took his concubine along with him. Note, (1.) Generous hospitality to our friends and relations is very becoming, and a proof of our regard to them. (2.) Though we may yield somewhat to the importunity of friends, yet every man hath calls at home, and Levites especially, that will not permit long absence. (3.) Let kind friends beware of selfishness in their solicitations, lest their intended kindness do us real injury. (4.) They who would have a prosperous journey, ought to take day-night before them. 3. Being resolved to go, though late, he harsher onward; but night approaching, but servant beguiles to him whether they had not been lodge at Jebus, least they should be benighted on the journey: to this his mother objects, not chasing to lodge among strangers, when cries of his brethren were near, which they might reach in time. Accordingly they go on for Gibeah, or Ramah; but it growing dark space, they turn in at Gibeah, as nearest: and as there was then no public inns, they sat down in the street, waiting for some invitation, but in that inhospitable place, no man was kind enough to offer them a lodging. Note, (1.) It becomes us to be very careful with whom we conceal intimation. (2.) Where we have reason to regard the greatest kindness, we sometimes receive the most mortal injuries. (3.) When we lodge at an inn, let us not complain of the accommodation, but thank God we are not compelled to lodge in the street. 16. ¶ And behold, there came an old man 'from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites. 17. And when he had left up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither good thou? and whence cometh thou? 18. And he said unto him, We are passing from Beth lehem-judah, toward the side of mount Ephraim, from thence an I: and I went to Beth-lehem-judah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD, and there is no man that receiveth me to house. 19. Yet there is both three and provender for our afters: and there is bread and wine also for me and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing. 20. And the old man said, Peace be with thee: howsoever, let all thy wants lie upon me, only lodge not in the street. 21. So he brought him into his house, and 'gave provender unto the afters: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.