Passage 1: Genesis 39-40
(Gen 39:1) Now Ioseph was brought downe into Egypt: and Potiphar an Eunuche of Pharaohs (and his chiefe stewarde an Egyptian) bought him at the hande of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him thither.
(Notes Reference) And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an (a) officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
(a) See (Gen 37:36).
(Gen 39:2) And the Lord was with Ioseph, and he was a man that prospered and was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
(Notes Reference) And the (b) LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
(b) The favour of God is the fountain of all prosperity.
(Gen 39:3) And his master sawe that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that hee did to prosper in his hande.
(Gen 39:4) So Ioseph founde fauour in his sight, and serued him: and he made him ruler of his house, and put all that he had in his hand.
(Notes Reference) And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him (c) overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.
(c) Because God prospered him: and so he made religion serve his profit.
(Gen 39:5) And from that time that he had made him ruler ouer his house and ouer all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptians house for Iosephs sake: and the blessing of the Lord was vpon all that he had in the house, and in the fielde.
(Notes Reference) And it came to pass from the time [that] he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD (d) blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
(d) The wicked are blessed by the company of the godly.
(Gen 39:6) Therefore he left all that he had in Iosephs hand, and tooke accompt of nothing, that was with him, saue onely of the bread, which he did eate. And Ioseph was a faire person, and well fauoured.
(Notes Reference) And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; (e) and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was [a] goodly [person], and well favoured.
(e) For he was sure that everything would prosper: therefore he ate and drank and did not worry.
(Gen 39:7) Nowe therefore after these thinges, his masters wife cast her eyes vpon Ioseph, and saide, Lye with me.
(Notes Reference) And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, (f) Lie with me.
(f) In this word he declares the purpose she was working towards.
(Gen 39:8) But he refused and said to his masters wife, Beholde, my master knoweth not what he hath in the house with me, but hath committed all that he hath to mine hande.
(Gen 39:9) There is no man greater in this house then I: neither hath he kept any thing from me, but only thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickednes and so sinne against God?
(Notes Reference) [There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against (g) God?
(g) The fear of God preserved him against her continual temptations.
(Gen 39:10) And albeit she spake to Ioseph day by day, yet he hearkened not vnto her, to lye with her, or to be in her company.
(Gen 39:11) Then on a certaine day Ioseph entred into the house, to doe his businesse: and there was no man of the houshold in the house:
(Gen 39:12) Therefore she caught him by his garmet, saying, Sleepe with me: but he left his garment in her hand and fled, and got him out.
(Gen 39:13) Nowe when she sawe that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled out,
(Gen 39:14) She called vnto the men of her house, and tolde them, saying, Beholde, he hath brought in an Ebrewe vnto vs to mocke vs: who came in to me for to haue slept with me: but I cryed with a loude voyce.
(Notes Reference) That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I (h) cried with a loud voice:
(h) This declares that in which lack of restraint exists and to this is joined extreme impudency and deceit.
(Gen 39:15) And when he heard that I lift vp my voice and cryed, he left his garment with me, and fled away, and got him out.
(Gen 39:16) So she layde vp his garment by her, vntill her lord came home.
(Gen 39:17) Then she tolde him according to these words, saying, The Ebrew seruat, which thou hast brought vnto vs, came in to me, to mocke me.
(Gen 39:18) But assoone as I lift vp my voyce and cried, he left his garment with me, and fled out.
(Gen 39:19) Then when his master heard the wordes of his wife, which she tolde him, saying, After this maner did thy seruant to me, his anger was kindled.
(Gen 39:20) And Iosephs master tooke him and put him in prison, in the place, where the kings prisoners lay bounde: and there he was in prison.
(Notes Reference) And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the (i) prison, a place where the king's prisoners [were] bound: and he was there in the prison.
(i) His bad treatment in the prison may be gathered from (Psa 105:18).
(Gen 39:21) But the Lord was with Ioseph, and shewed him mercie, and got him fauour in the sight of the master of the prison.
(Gen 39:22) And the keeper of the prison committed to Iosephs hande all the prisoners that were in the prison, and whatsoeuer they did there, that did he.
(Notes Reference) And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that [were] in the prison; and (k) whatsoever they did there, he was the doer [of it].
(k) That is, nothing was done without his commandment.
(Gen 39:23) And the keeper of the prison looked vnto nothing that was vnder his hande, seeing that the Lord was with him: for whatsoeuer he did, the Lord made it to prosper.
(Gen 40:1) And after these things, the butler of the King of Egypt and his baker offended their lorde the King of Egypt.
(Gen 40:2) And Pharaoh was angrie against his two officers, against the chiefe butler, and against the chiefe baker.
(Gen 40:3) Therefore he put them in ward in his chiefe stewardes house, in the prison and place where Ioseph was bound.
(Notes Reference) And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where (a) Joseph [was] bound.
(a) God works in many wonderful ways to deliver his own.
(Gen 40:4) And the chiefe steward gaue Ioseph charge ouer them, and he serued them: and they continued a season in warde.
(Gen 40:5) And they both dreamed a dreame, eyther of them his dreame in one night, eche one according to the interpretation of his dreame, both the butler and the baker of the King of Egypt, which were bounde in the prison.
(Notes Reference) And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, (b) each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which [were] bound in the prison.
(b) That is, every dream had his interpretation, as the thing afterward declared.
(Gen 40:6) And when Ioseph came in vnto them in the morning, and looked vpon them, beholde, they were sad.
(Gen 40:7) And he asked Pharaohs officers, that were with him in his masters warde, saying, Wherefore looke ye so sadly to day?
(Gen 40:8) Who answered him, We haue dreamed, eche one a dreame, and there is none to interprete the same. Then Ioseph saide vnto them, Are not interpretations of God? tell them me nowe.
(Notes Reference) And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and [there is] no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, (c) [Do] not interpretations [belong] to God? tell me [them], I pray you.
(c) Cannot God raise up such as shall interpret such things.
(Gen 40:9) So the chiefe butler tolde his dreame to Ioseph, and said vnto him, In my dreame, behold, a vine was before me,
(Gen 40:10) And in the vine were three branches, and as it budded, her flowre came foorth: and the clusters of grapes waxed ripe.
(Gen 40:11) And I had Pharaohs cup in mine hande, and I tooke the grapes, and wrung the into Pharaohs cup, and I gaue the cup into Pharaohs hand.
(Gen 40:12) Then Ioseph sayde vnto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three braunches are three dayes.
(Notes Reference) And Joseph said unto him, This (d) [is] the interpretation of it: The three branches [are] three days:
(d) He was reassured by the spirit of God, that his interpretation was true.
(Gen 40:13) Within three dayes shall Pharaoh lift vp thine head, and restore thee vnto thine office, and thou shalt giue Pharaohs cup into his hand after the olde maner, when thou wast his butler.
(Gen 40:14) But haue me in remembrance with thee, when thou art in good case, and shew mercie, I pray thee, vnto me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring me out of this house.
(Notes Reference) But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and (e) make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
(e) He does not refuse the method of deliverance which he thought God had appointed.
(Gen 40:15) For I was stollen away by theft out of the land of the Ebrewes, and here also haue I done nothing, wherefore they should put mee in the dungeon.
(Gen 40:16) And when the chiefe baker sawe that the interpretation was good, hee saide vnto Ioseph, Also mee thought in my dreame that I had three white baskets on mine head.
(Notes Reference) When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also [was] in my dream, and, behold, [I had] three (f) white baskets on my head:
(f) That is made of white twigs, or as some read, baskets full of holes.
(Gen 40:17) And in the vppermost basket there was of all maner baken meates for Pharaoh: and the birdes did eate them out of the basket vpon mine head.
(Gen 40:18) Then Ioseph answered, and saide, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three dayes:
(Notes Reference) And Joseph answered and said, (g) This [is] the interpretation thereof: The three baskets [are] three days:
(g) He shows that the ministers of God should not conceal that, which God reveals to them.
(Gen 40:19) Within three dayes shall Pharaoh take thine head from thee, and shall hang thee on a tree, and the birdes shall eate thy flesh from off thee.
(Gen 40:20) And so the third day, which was Pharaohs birthday, hee made a feast vnto all his seruants: and hee lifted vp the head of the chiefe butler, and the head of the chiefe baker among his seruants.
(Notes Reference) And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's (h) birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
(h) Which was an occasion to appoint his officers, and to examine those who were in prison.
(Gen 40:21) And he restored the chiefe butler vnto his butlershippe, who gaue the cup into Pharaohs hande,
(Gen 40:22) But he hanged the chiefe baker, as Ioseph had interpreted vnto them.
(Gen 40:23) Yet the chiefe butler did not remember Ioseph, but forgate him.
Passage 2: Psalms 44
(Psa 44:1) To him that excelleth. A Psalme to give instruction, committed to the sonnes of Korah. We haue heard with our eares, O God: our fathers haue tolde vs the workes, that thou hast done in their dayes, in the olde time:
(Notes Reference) "To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil." We have heard with our (a) ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
(a) This psalm seems to have been made by some excellent prophet for the use of the people when the Church was in extreme misery, either at their return from Babylon or under Antiochus or in similar afflictions.
(Psa 44:2) Howe thou hast driuen out the heathen with thine hand, and planted them: how thou hast destroyed the people, and caused them to grow.
(Notes Reference) [How] thou didst drive out the (b) heathen with thy hand, and plantedst (c) them; [how] thou didst afflict the (d)
people, and (e) cast them out.
(b) That is, the Canaanites.
(c) That is, our fathers.
(d) Of Canaan.
(e) That is, our fathers.
(Psa 44:3) For they inherited not the lande by their owne sworde, neither did their owne arme saue them: but thy right hand, and thine arme and the light of thy countenance, because thou didest fauour them.
(Notes Reference) For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a (f) favour unto them.
(f) God's free mercy and love is the only fountain and beginning of the Church, (Deu 4:37).
(Psa 44:4) Thou art my King, O God: send helpe vnto Iaakob.
(Notes Reference) Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for (g) Jacob.
(g) Because you are our king, therefore deliver your people from their misery.
(Psa 44:5) Through thee haue we thrust backe our aduersaries: by thy Name haue we troden downe them that rose vp against vs.
(Notes Reference) (h) Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
(h) Because they and their forefathers made both one Church, they apply that to themselves which before they attributed to their fathers.
(Psa 44:6) For I do not trust in my bowe, neither can my sworde saue me.
(Psa 44:7) But thou hast saued vs from our aduersaries, and hast put them to confusion that hate vs.
(Psa 44:8) Therefore will wee praise God continually, and will confesse thy Name for euer. Selah.
(Psa 44:9) But now thou art farre off, and puttest vs to confusion, and goest not forth with our armies.
(Notes Reference) But thou hast cast off, and put us to (i) shame; and goest not forth with our armies.
(i) As they confessed before that their strength came from God, so now they acknowledge that this affliction came by his just judgment.
(Psa 44:10) Thou makest vs to turne backe from the aduersary, and they, which hate vs, spoile for theselues.
(Psa 44:11) Thou giuest vs as sheepe to bee eaten, and doest scatter vs among the nations.
(Notes Reference) Thou hast given us (k) like sheep [appointed] for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.
(k) Knowing God to be author of this calamity, they murmur not, but seek remedy at his hands who wounded them.
(Psa 44:12) Thou sellest thy people without gaine, and doest not increase their price.
(Notes Reference) Thou sellest thy people (l) for nought, and dost not increase [thy wealth] by their price.
(l) As slaves who are sold for a low price, you do not look for him who offers the most, but take the first offer.
(Psa 44:13) Thou makest vs a reproche to our neighbours, a iest and a laughing stocke to them that are round about vs.
(Psa 44:14) Thou makest vs a prouerbe among the nations, and a nodding of the head among the people.
(Psa 44:15) My confusion is dayly before me, and the shame of my face hath couered me,
(Notes Reference) My (m) confusion [is] continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,
(m) I dare not lift up my head for shame.
(Psa 44:16) For the voyce of the slaunderer and rebuker, for the enemie and auenger.
(Notes Reference) For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and (n) avenger.
(n) Meaning, the proud and cruel tyrant.
(Psa 44:17) All this is come vpon vs, yet doe wee not forget thee, neither deale wee falsly concerning thy couenant.
(Notes Reference) All this is come upon us; yet have we not (o) forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.
(o) They boast not of their virtues, but declare that they rest on God in the midst of their affliction: who did not punished their sins now, but by hard afflictions called them to the consideration of the heavenly joys.
(Psa 44:18) Our heart is not turned backe: neither our steps gone out of thy paths,
(Psa 44:19) Albeit thou hast smitten vs downe into the place of dragons, and couered vs with the shadow of death.
(Psa 44:20) If wee haue forgotten the Name of our God, and holden vp our hands to a strange god,
(Notes Reference) If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a (p) strange god;
(p) They show that they honoured God correctly, because they trusted in him alone.
(Psa 44:21) Shall not God searche this out? for hee knoweth the secrets of the heart.
(Notes Reference) Shall not God (q) search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
(q) They take God to witness that they were upright toward him.
(Psa 44:22) Surely for thy sake are we slaine continually, and are counted as sheepe for the slaughter.
(Notes Reference) Yea, for thy sake (r) are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
(r) The faithful take comfort in this, that the wicked punish them not for their sins, but for because of God, (Mat 5:10; 1Pe 4:14).
(Psa 44:23) Vp, why sleepest thou, O Lord? awake, be not farre off for euer.
(Psa 44:24) Wherefore hidest thou thy face? and forgettest our miserie and our affliction?
(Psa 44:25) For our soule is beaten downe vnto the dust: our belly cleaueth vnto the ground.
(Notes Reference) For our soul is (s) bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.
(s) There is no hope of recovery, unless you raise us up with your hand.
(Psa 44:26) Rise vp for our succour, and redeeme vs for thy mercies sake.
(Notes Reference) Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy (t) mercies' sake.
(t) Which is the only sufficient ransom to deliver both body and souls from all kinds of slavery and misery.
Passage 3: Matthew 26
(Mat 26:1) And it came to passe, when Iesus had finished all these sayings, he saide vnto his disciples,
(Notes Reference) And (1) it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
(1) Christ witnesses by his going to death voluntarily, that he will make full satisfaction for the sin of Adam by his obedience.
(Mat 26:2) Ye know that after two dayes is ye Passeouer, and the Sonne of man shalbe deliuered to be crucified.
(Notes Reference) (2) Ye know that after two days is [the feast of] the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
(2) God himself and not man appoints the time that Christ should be crucified.
(Mat 26:3) Then assembled together the chiefe Priests, and the Scribes, and the Elders of ye people into the hall of the high Priest called Caiaphas:
(Mat 26:4) And consulted together that they might take Iesus by subtiltie, and kill him.
(Mat 26:5) But they sayd, Not on the feast day, least any vprore be among the people.
(Notes Reference) But they said, Not on the (a) feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.
(a) By the word "feast" is meant the whole feast of unleavened bread: the first and eighth day of which were so holy that they were not allowed to do any work on it, though the whole company of the Sanhedrin determined otherwise: And yet it came to pass through God's providence, that Christ suffered at that time, so that all the people of Israel might be witnesses of his everlasting sacrifice.
(Mat 26:6) And when Iesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper,
(Notes Reference) (3) Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
(3) By this sudden work of a sinful woman, Christ helps the guests to understand about his death and burial which was near: the gracious result of which will bring life to all sinners who flee unto him. But Judas takes an occasion here to accomplish his wicked purpose and plan.
(Mat 26:7) There came vnto him a woman, which had a boxe of very costly oyntment, and powred it on his head, as he sate at the table.
(Notes Reference) (b) There came unto him a woman having an alabaster (c) box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat [at meat].
(b) For these things were done before Christ came to Jerusalem: and yet some think that the evangelists have two differing accounts.
(c) These boxes were of alabaster, which in ancient times men made hollow to put in ointments: for some write that alabaster keeps ointment without changing it in any way; Pliny, book 13, chap. 1.
(Mat 26:8) And when his disciples sawe it, they had indignation, saying, What needed this waste?
(Notes Reference) But when his (d) disciples saw [it], they had indignation, saying, To what purpose [is] this (e) waste?
(d) This is a figure of speech called synecdoche: for it is said that only Judas was moved at this; (Joh 12:4).
(e) Unprofitable spending.
(Mat 26:9) For this oyntment might haue bene solde for much, and bene giuen to the poore.
(Mat 26:10) And Iesus knowing it, sayde vnto them, Why trouble yee the woman? for shee hath wrought a good woorke vpon me.
(Notes Reference) (4) When Jesus understood [it], he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
(4) We ought not to rashly condemn that which is not orderly done.
(Mat 26:11) For yee haue the poore alwayes with you, but me shall yee not haue alwaies.
(Notes Reference) (5) For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
(5) Christ, who was once anointed in his own person, must always be anointed in the poor.
(Mat 26:12) For in that shee powred this oyntment on my bodie, shee did it to burie me.
(Notes Reference) For (f) in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did [it] for my burial.
(f) In that she poured this ointment upon my body, she did it to bury me.
(Mat 26:13) Verely I say vnto you, wheresoeuer this Gospel shall bee preached throughout all the worlde, there shall also this that shee hath done, be spoken of for a memoriall of her.
(Mat 26:14) Then one of the twelue, called Iudas Iscariot, went vnto the chiefe Priestes,
(Mat 26:15) And said, What will ye giue me, and I will deliuer him vnto you? and they appoynted vnto him thirtie pieces of siluer.
(Mat 26:16) And from that time, he sought opportunitie to betraie him.
(Mat 26:17) Nowe on the first day of the feast of vnleauened bread the disciples came to Iesus, saying vnto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eate the Passeouer?
(Notes Reference) (6) Now (g) the first [day] of the [feast of] unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
(6) Christ purposing to bring us into our country without delay and so, to pay the penalty of the law, truly fulfils the law, omitting the contrary tradition and custom of the Jews: and thus shows that all things will so come to pass by the ministry of men as governed by the secret plan of God.
(g) This was the fourteenth day of the first month: now the first day of unleavened bread should have been the fifteenth, but because the evening of this day (which after the manner of the Romans was referred to the day before) belonged by the Jews' manner to the day following, therefore it is called the first day of unleavened bread.
(Mat 26:18) And he said, Goe yee into the citie to such a man, and say to him, The master saieth, My time is at hande: I will keepe the Passeouer at thine house with my disciples.
(Mat 26:19) And the disciples did as Iesus had giuen them charge, and made readie the Passeouer.
(Mat 26:20) So when the Euen was come, hee sate downe with the twelue.
(Notes Reference) Now when the even was come, he (h) sat down with the twelve.
(h) Because the Law appointed them to be wearing footwear, and to have their staffs in their hands, as though they were is haste, therefore it is to be gathered that they did not sit down when they ate the Passover, but stood, for normally when they went to eat they took off their shoes: therefore he speaks here in this place, not of the Passover, but of the supper which was celebrated after the Passover was solemnly done.
(Mat 26:21) And as they did eate, he sayde, Verely I say vnto you, that one of you shall betraie me.
(Mat 26:22) And they were exceeding sorowfull, and began euery one of them to say vnto him, Is it I, Master?
(Mat 26:23) And hee answered and sayde, Hee that dippeth his hande with me in the dish, hee shall betraie me.
(Notes Reference) And he answered and said, He that (i) dippeth [his] hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
(i) That is to say, he whom I invited to come to my table, alluding in this to (Psa 41:9), which is not to be understood as though just as the Lord spoke these words Judas had his hand in the dish (for that would have been an undoubted sign) but it refers to his tabling and eating with him.
(Mat 26:24) Surely the Sonne of man goeth his way, as it is written of him: but woe be to that man, by whom the Sonne of man is betrayed: it had bene good for that man, if hee had neuer bene borne.
(Mat 26:25) Then Iudas which betraied him, answered and sayde, Is it I, Master? He sayde vnto him, Thou hast sayd it.
(Notes Reference) Then Judas, (k) which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
(k) Who was thinking of nothing else but to betray him.
(Mat 26:26) And as they did eate, Iesus tooke the bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gaue it to the disciples, and sayd, Take, eate: this is my bodie.
(Notes Reference) (7) And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and (l) blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; (m) this is my body.
(7) Christ who will without delay fulfil the promises of the old covenant, institutes a new covenant with new signs.
(l) Mark says, "Had given thanks": and therefore blessing is not a consecrating with a conjuring type of murmuring and power of words: and yet the bread and the wine are changed, not in nature but in quality, for without doubt they become tokens of the body and blood of Christ, not of their own nature or force of words, but by Christ his institution, which must be recited and laid forth, that faith may find what to lay hold on, both in the word and in the elements.
(m) This is a figure of speech which is called metonymy: that is to say, the giving of one name for another: so he calls the bread his body, which is the sign and sacrament of his body: and yet nonetheless, it is a figurative and changed kind of speech meaning that the faithful do indeed receive Christ with all his gifts (though by a spiritual means) and become one with him.
(Mat 26:27) Also he tooke the cuppe, and when he had giuen thankes, he gaue it them, saying, Drinke ye all of it.
(Notes Reference) And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, Drink ye (n) all of it;
(n) Therefore they who took away the cup from the people, disobeyed the instruction of Christ.
(Mat 26:28) For this is my blood of the Newe Testament, that is shedde for many, for the remission of sinnes.
(Notes Reference) (o) For this is my blood of the (p) new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
(o) That is, this cup or wine is my blood sacramentally, as in See Luk 22:20.
(p) Or covenant, that is to say, by which the new league and covenant is made, for in the making of leagues they used the pouring of wine and shedding of blood.
(Mat 26:29) I say vnto you, that I will not drinke henceforth of this fruit of the vine vntil that day, when I shall drinke it new with you in my Fathers kingdome.
(Mat 26:30) And when they had sung a Psalme, they went out into the mount of Oliues.
(Notes Reference) And when they had sung (q) an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
(q) When they had made an end of their solemn singing, which some think was six Psalms, (Psa 112:1; Psa 117:2).
(Mat 26:31) Then saide Iesus vnto them, All yee shall be offended by me this night: for it is written, I wil smite the shepheard, and the sheepe of the flocke shalbe scattered.
(Notes Reference) (8) Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
(8) Christ, here taking more care of his disciples than of himself, forewarns them of their falling away, and provides them with some comfort.
(Mat 26:32) But after I am risen againe, I will go before you into Galile.
(Mat 26:33) But Peter aunswered, and sayde vnto him, Though that al men should be offended by thee, yet will I neuer be offended.
(Mat 26:34) Iesus sayde vnto him, Verely I say vnto thee, that this night, before the cocke crow, thou shalt denie me thrise.
(Mat 26:35) Peter saide vnto him, Though I should die with thee, I will in no case denie thee. Likewise also sayd all the disciples.
(Mat 26:36) Then went Iesus with them into a place which is called Gethsemane, and said vnto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I goe, and pray yonder.
(Notes Reference) (9) Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
(9) Christ having regard to the weakness of his disciples, leaves all the rest in safety, and takes with him but three to be witnesses of his anguish, and goes on purpose into the place where he would be betrayed.
(Mat 26:37) And hee tooke vnto him Peter, and the two sonnes of Zebedeus, and began to waxe sorowfull, and grieuously troubled.
(Notes Reference) And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and (r) very heavy.
(r) The word which he uses signifies great sorrow, and tremendous and deadly grief: this thing, as it indicates man's true nature, which shuns death as a thing that entered in against nature, shows that though Christ was void of sin, yet he sustained this horrible punishment, because he felt the wrath of God kindled against us for sins, which he revenged and punished in his person.
(Mat 26:38) Then sayde Iesus vnto them, My soule is very heauie, euen vnto the death: tarie yee here, and watch with me.
(Notes Reference) (10) Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
(10) Christ, a true man, who is about to suffer the punishment which we should have suffered for forsaking God, is forsaken by his own: he has a terrible conflict with the horror and fear of the curse of God: out of which he, since he escaped as a conqueror, causes us not to be afraid of death any more.
(Mat 26:39) So hee went a litle further, and fell on his face, and praied, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup passe from me: neuerthelesse, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
(Notes Reference) And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, (s) let this (t) cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].
(s) Let it pass me, and not touch me.
(t) That is, which is at hand, and is offered and prepared for me: an idiom which the Hebrews use for the wrath of God, and the punishment he sends. See Mat 20:22.
(Mat 26:40) After, hee came vnto the disciples, and founde them a sleepe, and sayde to Peter, What? coulde yee not watch with me one houre?
(Notes Reference) (11) And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
(11) An example of the carelessness of man.
(Mat 26:41) Watch, and praie, that yee enter not into tentation: the spirit in deede is readie, but the flesh is weake.
(Mat 26:42) Againe he went away the second time, and praied, saying, O my Father, if this cuppe can not passe away from mee, but that I must drinke it, thy will be done.
(Mat 26:43) And he came, and founde them a sleepe againe, for their eyes were heauie.
(Mat 26:44) So he left them and went away againe, and praied the third time, saying the same woordes.
(Mat 26:45) Then came he to his disciples, and said vnto them, Sleepe henceforth, and take your rest: behold, the houre is at hand, and the Sonne of man is giuen into the hands of sinners.
(Mat 26:46) Rise, let vs goe: beholde, hee is at hande that betraieth me.
(Notes Reference) (12) Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
(12) Christ offers himself willingly to be taken, that in so obeying willingly he might make satisfaction for the wilful fall of man.
(Mat 26:47) And while hee yet spake, loe Iudas, one of the twelue, came, and with him a great multitude with swordes and staues, from the high Priests and Elders of the people.
(Notes Reference) And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, (u) from the chief priests and elders of the people.
(u) Sent from the high Priests.
(Mat 26:48) Now he that betraied him, had giuen them a token, saying, Whomesoeuer I shall kisse, that is he, laie holde on him.
(Mat 26:49) And forthwith he came to Iesus, and sayd, God saue thee, Master, and kissed him.
(Mat 26:50) Then Iesus sayde vnto him, Friende, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laide hands on Iesus, and tooke him.
(Notes Reference) (13) And Jesus said unto him, (x) Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
(13) Christ is taken, that we might be delivered.
(x) Christ reprehends Judas tauntingly, and rebukes him sharply, for he knew well enough why he came.
(Mat 26:51) And behold, one of them which were with Iesus, stretched out his hand, and drewe his sworde, and strooke a seruaunt of the high Priest, and smote off his eare.
(Mat 26:52) Then sayde Iesus vnto him, Put vp thy sworde into his place: for all that take the sworde, shall perish with the sworde.
(Notes Reference)
(14) Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that (y) take the sword shall perish with the sword.
(14) Our vocation must govern our zeal.
(y) They take the sword to whom the Lord has not given it, that is to say, they who use the sword and are not called to it.
(Mat 26:53) Either thinkest thou, that I can not now pray to my Father, and he will giue me moe then twelue legions of Angels?
(Notes Reference) (15) Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
(15) Christ was taken because he was willing to be taken.
(Mat 26:54) Howe then shoulde the Scriptures bee fulfilled, which say, that it must be so?
(Notes Reference) (z) But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
(z) By this questioning he answers a sly objection, for they might have asked him why he did not in this his great extremity of danger call to his Father for aid: but to this objection he answers by this question.
(Mat 26:55) The same houre sayde Iesus to the multitude, Ye be come out as it were against a thiefe, with swordes and staues to take mee: I sate daily teaching in the Temple among you, and yee tooke me not.
(Mat 26:56) But all this was done, that the Scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsooke him, and fled.
(Mat 26:57) And they tooke Iesus, and led him to Caiaphas the hie Priest, where the Scribes and the Elders were assembled.
(Notes Reference) (16) And they that had laid hold on Jesus led [him] away to (a) Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
(16) Christ being innocent is condemned by the high Priest for that wickedness of which we are guilty.
(a) From Annas to Caiaphas, before whom the multitude was assembled; (Joh 18:13).
(Mat 26:58) And Peter followed him a farre off vnto the hie Priestes hall, and went in, and sate with the seruants to see the ende.
(Notes Reference) But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's (b) palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
(b) The word used here properly denotes an open large room in the front of a house, as we see in kings' palaces and noblemen's houses: we call it a court, for it is open to the air, and by the use of synecdoche, is understood to mean the house itself.
(Mat 26:59) Nowe the chiefe Priestes and the Elders, and all the whole councill sought false witnesse against Iesus, to put him to death.
(Mat 26:60) But they founde none, and though many false witnesses came, yet founde they none: but at the last came two false witnesses,
(Mat 26:61) And saide, This man saide, I can destroie the Temple of God, and build it in three daies.
(Mat 26:62) Then the chiefe Priest arose, and sayde to him, Answerest thou nothing? What is the matter that these men witnesse against thee?
(Notes Reference) And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? (c) what [is it which] these witness against thee?
(c) How does it come to pass that these men witness against thee?
(Mat 26:63) But Iesus helde his peace. Then the chiefe Priest answered, and saide to him, I charge thee sweare vnto vs by the liuing God, to tell vs, If thou be that Christ the Sonne of God, or no.
(Mat 26:64) Iesus saide to him, Thou hast saide it: neuerthelesse I say vnto you, hereafter shall ye see the Sonne of man, sitting at the right hande of the power of God, and come in the cloudes of the heauen.
(Notes Reference) Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, (d) Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting (e) on the right hand of power, and coming in the (f) clouds of heaven.
(d) This word distinguishes his first coming from the latter.
(e) Sitting with God in like and equal honour at the right hand of his power, that is, in greatest power: for the right hand signifies among the Hebrews that which is mighty and of great power.
(f) Clouds of heaven; see above in (Mat 24:30).
(Mat 26:65) Then the hie Priest rent his clothes, saying, Hee hath blasphemed, what haue wee any more neede of witnesses? beholde: nowe yee haue heard his blasphemie.
(Notes Reference) Then the high priest (g) rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
(g) This was a peculiar custom among the Jews: for so were they bound to do when they heard any Israelite blaspheme God, and it was a tradition of their talmud in the book of the magistrates, in the title, of the four kinds of death.
(Mat 26:66) What thinke yee? They answered, and said, He is guiltie of death.
(Mat 26:67) Then spet they in his face, and buffeted him, and other smote him with roddes,
(Mat 26:68) Saying, Prophecie to vs, O Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
(Mat 26:69) Peter sate without in the hall, and a maide came to him, saying, Thou also wast with Iesus of Galile:
(Notes Reference) (17) Now Peter (h) sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
(17) Peter by the wonderful providence of God, in being appointed to be a witness of all these things, is prepared to be an example of outstanding faithfulness through this experience of unbelief.
(h) That is, outside the place where the bishop sat, but not outside of the house, for afterward he went from there into the porch.
(Mat 26:70) But hee denied before them all, saying, I wote not what thou saiest.
(Mat 26:71) And when hee went out into the porche, another maide sawe him, and sayde vnto them that were there, This man was also with Iesus of Nazareth.
(Mat 26:72) And againe he denied with an othe, saying, I knowe not the man.
(Mat 26:73) So after a while, came vnto him they that stoode by, and sayde vnto Peter, Surely thou art also one of them: for euen thy speache bewraieth thee.
(Mat 26:74) Then began hee to curse himselfe, and to sweare, saying, I knowe not the man. And immediately the cocke crewe.
(Notes Reference) Then began he to (i) curse and to swear, [saying], I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
(i) He swore and cursed himself.
(Mat 26:75) Then Peter remembred the wordes of Iesus, which had sayde vnto him, Before the cocke crowe thou shalt denie me thrise. So he went out, and wept bitterly.