Read Scripture In A Year: December 19

(Job 23:1) Bvt Iob answered and sayd,

(Job 23:2) Though my talke be this day in bitternes, and my plague greater then my groning,

(Notes Reference) Even to day [is] my complaint (a) bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

(a) He shows the just cause of his complaining and concerning that Eliphaz had exhorted him to return to God, (Job 22:21) he declares that he desires nothing more, but it seems that God would not be found of him.

(Job 23:3) Would God yet I knew how to finde him, I would enter vnto his place.

(Job 23:4) I would pleade the cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

(Job 23:5) I would knowe the wordes, that he would answere me, and would vnderstand what he would say vnto me.

(Job 23:6) Would he plead against me with his great power? No, but he would put strength in me.

(Notes Reference) Will he (b) plead against me with [his] great power? No; but he would (c) put [strength] in me.

(b) Using his absolute power and saying because I am God, I may do what I will.

(Job 23:7) There the righteous might reason with him, so I shoulde be deliuered for euer from my Iudge.

(Notes Reference) (d) There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

(d) When he of his mercy has given strength to maintain their cause.

(Job 23:8) Behold, if I go to the East, he is not there: if to the West, yet I can not perceiue him:

(Notes Reference) (e) Behold, I go forward, but he [is] not [there]; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

(e) Meaning, that if he considers God's justice, he is not able to comprehend his judgments on what side or whatever part he turns himself.

(Job 23:9) If to the North where he worketh, yet I cannot see him: he wil hide himselfe in the South, and I cannot beholde him.

(Job 23:10) But he knoweth my way, and trieth mee, and I shall come forth like the gold.

(Notes Reference) But he knoweth the (f) way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

(f) God has this preeminence about me, that he knows my way: that is, that I am not able to judge his work, he shows also his confidence, that God uses him for his profit.

(Job 23:11) My foote hath followed his steps: his way haue I kept, and haue not declined.

(Job 23:12) Neyther haue I departed from the commandement of his lippes, and I haue esteemed the words of his mouth more then mine appointed foode.

(Notes Reference) Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have (g) esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

(g) His word is more precious to me than the meat with which the body is sustained.

(Job 23:13) Yet he is in one minde, and who can turne him? yea, he doeth what his minde desireth.

(Notes Reference) But he [is] in one [mind], and who can (h) turn him? and [what] his soul desireth, even [that] he doeth.

(h) Job confesses that at the present he did not feel God's favour and yet was assured that God had appointed him to a good end.

(Job 23:14) For he will performe that, which is decreed of me, and many such things are with him.

(Notes Reference) For he performeth [the thing that is] appointed for me: and (i) many such [things are] with him.

(i) In many points man is not able to attain to God's judgments.

(Job 23:15) Therefore I am troubled at his presence, and in considering it, I am afraid of him.

(Job 23:16) For God hath softened mine heart, and the Almightie hath troubled me.

(Notes Reference) For (k) God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

(k) That I should not be without fear.

(Job 23:17) For I am not cut off in darknesse, but he hath hid the darkenesse from my face.

(Notes Reference) Because I was not cut off before the (l) darkness, [neither] hath he covered the darkness from my face.

(l) He shows the cause for his fear, which is, that he being in trouble sees no end, nor yet knows the cause.

(Job 24:1) Howe should not the times be hid from the Almightie, seeing that they which knowe him, see not his dayes?

(Notes Reference) Why, seeing times (a) are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his (b) days?

(a) Thus Job speaks in his passions, and after the judgment of the flesh: that is, that he does not see the things that are done at times, nor yet has a peculiar care over all, because he does not punish the wicked or avenge the godly.

(b) When he punishes the wicked and rewards the good.

(Job 24:2) Some remoue the land marks, that rob the flockes and feede thereof.

(Job 24:3) They leade away the asse of the fatherles: and take the widowes oxe to pledge.

(Job 24:4) They make the poore to turne out of the way, so that the poore of the earth hide themselues together.

(Notes Reference) They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves (c) together.

(Job 24:5) Behold, others as wilde asses in the wildernesse, goe forth to their businesse, and rise early for a praye: the wildernesse giueth him and his children foode.

(Notes Reference) Behold, [as] wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; (d) rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness (e) [yieldeth] food for them [and] for [their] children.

(d) That is, spares diligence.

(e) He and his live by robbing and murdering.

(Job 24:6) They reape his prouision in the fielde, but they gather the late vintage of the wicked.

(Notes Reference) They reap [every one] (f) his corn in the field: and they gather the (g) vintage of the wicked.

(f) Meaning the poor man's.

(g) Signifying that one wicked man will not spoil another, but for necessity.

(Job 24:7) They cause the naked to lodge without garment, and without couering in the colde.

(Job 24:8) They are wet with the showres of the moutaines, and they imbrace the rocke for want of a couering.

(Notes Reference) They are wet with the showers of the mountains, (h) and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.

(h) The poor are driven by the wicked into the rock and holes where they cannot lie dry for the rain.

(Job 24:9) They plucke the fatherles from the breast, and take the pledge of the poore.

(Notes Reference) They pluck the fatherless (i) from the breast, and take a pledge of (k) the poor.

(i) That is, they so pillage and plunder the poor widow that she cannot sustain herself that she may be able to nurse her baby.

(Job 24:10) They cause him to go naked without clothing, and take the glening from the hungrie.

(Job 24:11) They that make oyle betweene their walles, and treade their wine presses, suffer thirst.

(Notes Reference) [Which] make oil (l) within their walls, [and] tread [their] winepresses, and suffer thirst.

(l) In such places which are appointed for that purpose; meaning, that those who labour for the wicked, are pined for hunger.

(Job 24:12) Men cry out of the citie, and the soules of the slayne cry out: yet God doth not charge them with follie.

(Notes Reference) Men (m) groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out: yet God (n) layeth not folly [to them].

(m) For the great oppression and extortion.

(n) Cry out and call for vengeance.

(Job 24:13) These are they, that abhorre the light: they know not the wayes thereof, nor continue in the paths thereof.

(Notes Reference) They are of those that rebel against the (p) light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

(p) That is, God's word, because they are reproved by it.

(Job 24:14) The murtherer riseth earely and killeth the poore and the needie: and in the night he is as a theefe.

(Job 24:15) The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, and sayth, None eye shall see me, and disguiseth his face.

(Notes Reference) The eye also of the (q) adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth [his] face.

(q) By these particular vices and the licence of it, he would prove that God did not punish the wicked and reward the just.

(Job 24:16) They digge through houses in the darke, which they marked for themselues in the daye: they knowe not the light.

(Job 24:17) But the morning is euen to them as the shadow of death: if one knowe them, they are in the terrours of the shadowe of death.

(Job 24:18) He is swift vpon the waters: their portion shalbe cursed in the earth: he will not behold the way of the vineyardes.

(Notes Reference) He [is] swift as the (r) waters; their (s) portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.

(r) He flees to the waters for his succour.

(s) They think that all the world is bent against them and dare not go by the highway.

(Job 24:19) As the dry ground and heate consume the snowe waters, so shall the graue the sinners.

(Notes Reference) Drought and heat consume the snow waters: [so doth] the grave [those which] (t) have sinned.

(t) As the dry ground is never full with waters, so will they never cease sinning till they come to the grave.

(Job 24:20) The pitifull man shall forget him: the worme shall feele his sweetenes: he shalbe no more remembered, and the wicked shalbe broke like a tree.

(Notes Reference) (u) The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.

(u) Though God tolerates the wicked for a time, yet their end will be vile destruction, and in this point Job commits to himself and shows his confidence.

(Job 24:21) He doth euil intreat ye barren, that doeth not beare, neither doeth he good to the widowe.

(Notes Reference) He (x) evil entreateth the barren [that] beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.

(x) He shows why the wicked will not be lamented, because he did not pity others.

(Job 24:22) He draweth also the mighty by his power, and when he riseth vp, none is sure of life.

(Notes Reference) He draweth also the (y) mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no [man] is sure of life.

(y) He declares that after the wicked have destroyed the weakest, they will do the same to the stranger, and therefore are justly punished by God's judgments.

(Job 24:23) Though men giue him assurance to be in safetie, yet his eyes are vpon their wayes.

(Job 24:24) They are exalted for a litle, but they are gone, and are brought lowe as all others: they are destroyed, and cut off as the toppe of an eare of corne.

(Job 24:25) But if it be not so, where is he? or who wil proue me a lyer, and make my words of no value?

(Notes Reference) And if [it be] not (z) [so] now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?

(z) That is, contrary to your reasoning no man can give perfect reasons for God's judgments, let me be reproved.

Passage 2: Zechariah 1

(Zec 1:1) In the eight moneth of the second yeere of Darius, came the worde of the Lord vnto Zechariah the sonne of Berechiah, the sonne of Iddo, the Prophet, saying,

(Notes Reference) In the eighth month, in the second year of (a) Darius, came the word of the LORD unto (b) Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

The Argument - Two months after Haggai had begun to prophesy, Zechariah was also sent of the Lord to help him in the labour, and to confirm the same doctrine. First therefore, he puts them in remembrance for what reason God had so severely punished their fathers: and yet comforts them if they will truly repent, and not abuse this great benefit of God in their deliverance which was a figure of that true deliverance, that all the faithful should have from death and sin, by Christ. But because they remained still in their wickedness, and lack of desire to set forth God's glory, and were not yet made better by their long banishment, he rebukes them most sharply: yet for the comfort of the repentant, he ever mixes the promise of grace, that they might by this means be prepared to receive Christ, in whom all should be sanctified to the Lord.

(a) Who was the son of Histaspis.

(b) This was not the Zechariah, of which mention is made in (2Ch 24:20), but he had the same name, and is called the son of Berechiah, as he was, because he came of those progenitors, as of Joiada or Berechiah, and Iddo.

(Zec 1:2) The Lord hath bene sore displeased with your fathers.

(Notes Reference) The LORD hath been (c) sore displeased with your fathers.

(c) He speaks this to make them afraid of God's judgments, so that they should not provoke him as their fathers had done, whom he so grievously punished.

(Zec 1:3) Therefore say thou vnto them, Thus sayth the Lord of hostes, Turne ye vnto me, saith the Lord of hostes, and I will turne vnto you, saith the Lord of hostes.

(Notes Reference) Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; (d) Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

(d) Let your fruits declare that you are God's people, and that he has wrought in you by his Spirit, and mortified you: for otherwise man has no power to return to God, but God must convert him; (Jer 31:18; Lam 5:21) See Isa 31:6

(Zec 1:4) Be ye not as your fathers, vnto whome the former prophets haue cried, saying, Thus sayth the Lord of hostes, Turne you nowe from your euill wayes, and from your wicked workes: but they would not heare, nor hearken vnto me, saith the Lord.

(Zec 1:5) your fathers, where are they? and doe the Prophets liue for euer?

(Notes Reference) Your fathers, where (e) [are] they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

(e) Though your fathers are dead, yet God's judgments in punishing them ought still to be before your eyes: and though the prophets are dead, yet their doctrine remains for ever; (2Pe 1:15).

(Zec 1:6) But did not my wordes and my statutes, which I commanded by my seruants ye Prophets, take holde of your fathers? and they returned, and sayd, As the Lord of hostes hath determined to doe vnto vs, according to our owne wayes, and according to our workes, so hath hee dealt with vs.

(Notes Reference) But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of (f) your fathers? and (g) they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

(f) Seeing you saw the force of my doctrine in punishing your fathers, why do you not fear the threatenings contained in the same, and declared by my Prophets?

(g) As men astonished with my judgments, and not that they were touched with true repentance.

(Zec 1:7) Vpon the foure and twentieth day of the eleuenth moneth, which is the moneth Shebat, in the second yeere of Darius, came the worde of the Lord vnto Zechariah the sonne of Berechiah, the sonne of Iddo the Prophet, saying,

(Notes Reference) Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which [is] the month (h) Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

(h) Which includes part of January and part of February.

(Zec 1:8) I saw by night, and behold a man riding vpon a red horse, and hee stood among the mirre trees, that were in a bottome, and behinde him were there red horses speckeled and white.

(Notes Reference) I (i) saw by night, and behold (k) a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that [were] in the bottom; and behind him [were there] (l) red horses, speckled, and white.

(i) This vision signifies the restoration of the Church: but as yet it would not appear to man's eyes, which is here meant by the night, by the bottom, and by the myrtle trees, which are black, and give a dark shadow. Yet he compares God to a King who has his posts and messengers abroad, by whom he still works his purpose and brings his matters to pass.

(k) Who was the chief among the rest of the horsemen.

(l) These signify the various offices of God's angels, by whom God sometimes punishes, and sometimes comforts, and brings forth his works in various ways.

(Zec 1:9) Then sayd I, O my Lord, what are these? And the Angel that talked with me, sayde vnto me, I wil shew thee what these be.

(Zec 1:10) And the man that stood among the mirre trees, answered, and sayd, These are they whome the Lord hath sent to go through the world.

(Zec 1:11) And they answered the Angel of the Lord, that stood among the mirre trees, and sayd, We haue gone thorowe the world: and beholde, all the world sitteth still, and is at rest.

(Zec 1:12) Then the Angel of the Lord answered and sayd, O Lord of hostes, howe long wilt thou be vnmercifull to Ierusalem, and to the cities of Iudah, with whom thou hast bene displeased now these threescore and ten yeeres?

(Notes Reference) Then the (m) angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?

(m) That is, Christ the mediator prayed for the salvation of his Church, which was now troubled, when all the countries about them were at rest.

(Zec 1:13) And the Lord answered the Angel that talked with me, with good wordes and comfortable wordes.

(Zec 1:14) So the Angel that communed with me, said vnto me, Crie thou, and speake, Thus saith the Lord of hostes, I am ielous ouer Ierusalem and Zion with a great zeale,

(Notes Reference) So the angel that talked with me said to me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am (n) jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

(n) Though for a time God defers his help and comfort from his Church, yet this declares that he still loves them most dearly, as a most merciful father his children, or a husband his wife, and when it is expedient for them, his help is ever ready.

(Zec 1:15) And am greatly angrie against the carelesse heathen: for I was angrie but a litle, and they helped forward the affliction.

(Notes Reference) And I am very greatly displeased with the nations [that are] at ease: for I was but (o) a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

(o) In destroying the reprobate, I showed myself but a little angry toward my Church, but the enemy would have destroyed them also, and did not consider the goal of my chastisements.

(Zec 1:16) Therefore thus saith the Lord, I wil returne vnto Ierusalem with tender mercie: mine house shall be builded in it, saith the Lord of hostes, and a line shall be stretched vpon Ierusalem.

(Notes Reference) Therefore thus saith the LORD; I have returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line (p) shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

(p) To measure out the buildings.

(Zec 1:17) Cry yet, and speake, Thus saith the Lord of hostes, My cities shall yet be broken with plentie: the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet chuse Ierusalem.

(Notes Reference) Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet (q) be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

(q) The abundance will be so great, that the places of storage will not be able to contain these blessings that God will send, but will even break because of fullness.

(Zec 1:18) Then lift I vp mine eyes and sawe, and beholde, foure hornes.

(Notes Reference) Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold (r) four horns.

(r) Which signifies all the enemies of the Church: east, west, north, and south.

(Zec 1:19) And I said vnto the Angel that talked with me, What be these? And hee answered me, These are the hornes which haue scattered Iudah, Israel, and Ierusalem.

(Zec 1:20) And the Lord shewed me foure carpenters.

(Notes Reference) And the LORD showed me four (s) craftsmen.

(s) These craftsmen or smiths are God's instruments, who with their mallets and hammers break these hard and strong horns which would overthrow the Church, and declare that no enemies' horn is so strong, but God has a hammer to break it in pieces.

(Zec 1:21) Then said I, What come these to doe? And he answered, and said, These are the hornes, which haue scattered Iudah, so that a man durst not lift vp his head: but these are come to fray them, and to cast out the hornes of the Gentiles, which lift vp their horne ouer the land of Iudah, to scatter it.

Passage 3A: 2 John

(2Jo 1:1) The Elder to the elect Lady, and her children, whom I loue in the trueth: and not I onely, but also all that haue knowen the trueth,

(Notes Reference) The elder unto the (a) elect (b) lady and her children, (1) whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

(a) This is not a proper name, but is to be taken as it sounds that is to say, the worthy and noble lady.

(b) Excellent and honourable woman. (1) The bond of Christian union is the true and constant profession of the truth.

(2Jo 1:2) For the trueths sake which dwelleth in vs, and shalbe with vs for euer:

(2Jo 1:3) Grace be with you, mercie and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Iesus Christ the Sonne of the Father, with trueth and loue.

(Notes Reference) Grace be with you, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in

(2Jo 1:4) I reioyced greatly, that I founde of thy children walking in trueth, as we haue receiued a commandement of the Father.

(Notes Reference) (2) I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in (d) truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

(2) This true profession consists both in love towards one another which the Lord has commanded, and also especially in wholesome and sound doctrine, which also is delivered to us: for the commandment of God is a sound and sure foundation both of the rule of conduct and of doctrine, and these cannot be separated from one another,

(d) According as the truth directs them.

(2Jo 1:5) And nowe beseeche I thee, Lady, (not as writing a newe commandement vnto thee, but that same which we had from the beginning) that we loue one another.

(2Jo 1:6) And this is that loue, that we should walke after his commandements. This commandement is, that as ye haue heard from the beginning, ye should walke in it.

(2Jo 1:7) For many deceiuers are entred into this worlde, which confesse not that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh. He that is such one, is a deceiuer and an Antichrist.

(Notes Reference) (3) For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

(3) Antichrists fighting against the person and office of Christ had already crept into the Church, in the time of the apostles.

(2Jo 1:8) Looke to your selues, that we lose not the things which we haue done, but that we may receiue full reward.

(Notes Reference) (4) (e) Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

(4) He that makes shipwreck of doctrine, loses all.

(e) Beware, and take good heed.

(2Jo 1:9) Whosoeuer transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that continueth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Sonne.

(2Jo 1:10) If there come any vnto you, and bring not this doctrine, receiue him not to house, neither bid him, God speede:

(Notes Reference) (5) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:

(5) We should have nothing to do with those who defend perverse doctrine.

(2Jo 1:11) For he that biddeth him, God speede, is partaker of his euill deedes.

(2Jo 1:12) Although I had many things to write vnto you, yet I woulde not write with paper and ynke: but I trust to come vnto you, and speake mouth to mouth, that our ioy may be full.

(2Jo 1:13) The sonnes of thine elect sister greete thee, Amen.

Passage 3B: 3 John

(3Jo 1:1) The Elder vnto the beloued Gaius, whom I loue in the trueth.

(Notes Reference) The (1) elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

(1) An example of a Christian greeting.

(3Jo 1:2) Beloued, I wish chiefly that thou prosperedst and faredst well as thy soule prospereth.

(3Jo 1:3) For I reioyced greatly when the brethren came, and testified of the trueth that is in thee, how thou walkest in the trueth.

(3Jo 1:4) I haue no greater ioy then these, that is, to heare that my sonnes walke in veritie.

(Notes Reference) I have no greater joy than (a) to hear that my children walk in truth.

(a) Than these joys.

(3Jo 1:5) Beloued, thou doest faithfully, whatsoeuer thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers,

(Notes Reference) Beloved, thou doest (b) faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

(b) As becomes a believer and a Christian.

(3Jo 1:6) Which bare witnesse of thy loue before the Churches. Whom if thou bringest on their iourney as it beseemeth according to God, thou shalt doe well,

(Notes Reference) Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou (c) bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

(c) He commends to Gaius, either those same men whom he had entertained before returning to him, about the affairs of the Church, or else some other who had similar business.

(3Jo 1:7) Because that for his Names sake they went forth, and tooke nothing of the Gentiles.

(3Jo 1:8) We therefore ought to receiue such, that we might be helpers to the trueth.

(Notes Reference) We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be (d) fellowhelpers to the truth.

(d) That we ourselves may help the preaching of the truth.

(3Jo 1:9) I wrote vnto the Church: but Diotrephes which loueth to haue the preeminence among them, receiueth vs not.

(Notes Reference) (2) I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

(2) Ambition and covetousness, two pestilent sins (especially in those who have any church responsibilities) are condemned in Diotrephes.

(3Jo 1:10) Wherefore if I come, I will call to your remembrance his deedes which he doeth, pratling against vs with malicious wordes, and not therewith content, neither he himselfe receiueth the brethren, but forbiddeth them that woulde, and thrusteth them out of the Church.

(3Jo 1:11) Beloued, follow not that which is euill, but that which is good: he that doeth well, is of God: but he that doeth euill, hath not seene God.

(Notes Reference) Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not (e) seen God.

(e) Has not known God.

(3Jo 1:12) Demetrius hath good report of al men, and of the trueth it selfe: yea, and wee our selues beare recorde, and ye know that our record is true.

(3Jo 1:13) I haue many things to write: but I will not with yncke and pen write vnto thee:

(3Jo 1:14) For I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speake mouth to mouth. Peace be with thee. The friends salute thee. Greete the friends by name.