Read Scripture In A Year: December 22

Passage 1: Job 29-30

(Job 29:1) So Iob proceeded and continued his parable, saying,

(Job 29:2) Oh that I were as in times past, when God preserued me!

(Job 29:3) When his light shined vpon mine head: and when by his light I walked thorowe the darkenesse,

(Notes Reference) When his (a) candle shined upon my head, [and when] by his light I walked [through] (b) darkness;

(a) When I felt his favour.

(b) I was free from affliction.

(Job 29:4) As I was in the dayes of my youth: when Gods prouidence was vpon my tabernacle:

(Notes Reference) As I was in the days of my youth, when the (c) secret of God [was] upon my tabernacle;

(Job 29:5) When the almightie was yet with me, and my children round about me.

(Job 29:6) When I washed my pathes with butter, and when the rocke powred me out riuers of oyle:

(Notes Reference) When I washed my steps (d) with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;

(d) By these comparisons he declares the great prosperity that he was in, so that he had no opportunity to be such a sinner as they accused him.

(Job 29:7) When I went out to the gate, euen to the iudgement seat, and when I caused them to prepare my seate in the streete.

(Job 29:8) The yong men saw me, and hid themselues, and the aged arose, and stood vp.

(Notes Reference) The young men saw me, and (e) hid themselves: and the aged arose, [and] stood up.

(e) Being ashamed of their lightness and afraid of my gravity.

(Job 29:9) The princes stayed talke, and layde their hand on their mouth.

(Notes Reference) The princes refrained talking, and laid [their] hand on their (f) mouth.

(f) Acknowledging my wisdom.

(Job 29:10) The voyce of princes was hidde, and their tongue cleaued to the roofe of their mouth.

(Job 29:11) And when the eare heard me, it blessed me: and when the eye sawe me, it gaue witnesse to me.

(Notes Reference) When the (g) ear heard [me], then it blessed me; and when the eye saw [me], it gave witness to me:

(g) All that heard me, praised me.

(Job 29:12) For I deliuered the poore that cryed, and the fatherlesse, and him that had none to helpe him.

(Notes Reference) Because I delivered the (i) poor that cried, and the fatherless, and [him that had] none to help him.

(i) Because his adversaries did so much charge him with wickedness, he is compelled to render account of his life.

(Job 29:13) The blessing of him that was ready to perish, came vpon me, and I caused the widowes heart to reioyce.

(Notes Reference) (k) The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

(k) That is, I helped him who was in distress, and so he had cause to praise me.

(Job 29:14) I put on iustice, and it couered me: my iudgement was as a robe, and a crowne.

(Notes Reference) I put on (l) righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment [was] as a robe and a diadem.

(l) I delighted to do justice, as others did to wear costly apparel.

(Job 29:15) I was the eyes to the blinde, and I was the feete to the lame.

(Job 29:16) I was a father vnto the poore, and when I knewe not the cause, I sought it out diligently.

(Job 29:17) I brake also the chawes of the vnrighteous man, and pluckt the praye out of his teeth.

(Job 29:18) Then I sayde, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiplie my dayes as the sand.

(Notes Reference) Then I said, I shall die in my (m) nest, and I shall multiply [my] days as the sand.

(m) That is, at home in my bed without all trouble and unquietness.

(Job 29:19) For my roote is spread out by the water, and the dewe shall lye vpon my branche.

(Notes Reference) My root [was] (n) spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.

(n) My happiness increases.

(Job 29:20) My glory shall renue towarde me, and my bowe shall be restored in mine hand.

(Job 29:21) Vnto me men gaue eare, and wayted, and helde their tongue at my counsell.

(Job 29:22) After my wordes they replied not, and my talke dropped vpon them.

(Notes Reference) After my words they spake not again; and my speech (o) dropped upon them.

(o) That is, was pleasant to them.

(Job 29:23) And they wayted for me, as for the raine, and they opened their mouth as for the latter rayne.

(Notes Reference) And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide (p) [as] for the latter rain.

(p) As the dry ground thirsts for the rain.

(Job 29:24) If I laughed on them, they beleeued it not: neither did they cause the light of my countenance to fall.

(Notes Reference) [If] I (q) laughed on them, they believed [it] not; and the light of my countenance they (r) cast not down.

(q) That is, they thought it not to be a rest, or they did not think that I would condescend to them.

(r) They were afraid to offend me and cause me to be angry.

(Job 29:25) I appoynted out their way, and did sit as chiefe, and dwelt as a King in the army, and like him that comforteth the mourners.

(Notes Reference) I chose out (s) their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one [that] comforteth the mourners.

(s) I had them at commandment.

(Job 30:1) Bvt now they that are yonger then I, mocke me: yea, they whose fathers I haue refused to set with the dogges of my flockes.

(Notes Reference) But now [they that are] younger than I (a) have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the (b) dogs of my flock.

(a) That is, my estate is changed and while before the ancient men were glad to revere me, the young men now contemn me.

(b) Meaning to be my shepherds or to keep my dogs.

(Job 30:2) For whereto shoulde the strength of their handes haue serued mee, seeing age perished in them?

(Notes Reference) Yea, whereto [might] the strength of their hands [profit] me, in whom old age was (c) perished?

(Job 30:3) For pouertie and famine they were solitary, fleeing into the wildernes, which is darke, desolate and waste.

(Job 30:4) They cut vp nettels by the bushes, and the iuniper rootes was their meate.

(Job 30:5) They were chased forth from among men: they shouted at them, as at a theefe.

(Notes Reference) They were (d) driven forth from among [men], (they cried after them as [after] a thief;)

(d) Job shows that those who mocked him in his affliction were like their fathers, wicked and lewd fellows, such as he here describes.

(Job 30:6) Therfore they dwelt in the clefts of riuers, in the holes of the earth and rockes.

(Job 30:7) They roared among the bushes, and vnder the thistles they gathered themselues.

(Job 30:8) They were the children of fooles and the children of villaines, which were more vile then the earth.

(Job 30:9) And now am I their song, and I am their talke.

(Notes Reference) And now am I their (e) song, yea, I am their byword.

(e) They make songs of me, and mock my misery.

(Job 30:10) They abhorre me, and flee farre from mee, and spare not to spit in my face.

(Job 30:11) Because that God hath loosed my corde and humbled mee, they haue loosed the bridle before me.

(Notes Reference) Because he hath loosed my (f) cord, and afflicted me, (g) they have also let loose the bridle before me.

(f) God has taken from me the force, credit, and authority with which I kept them in subjection.

(g) He said that the young men when they saw him, hid themselves as in (Job 29:8), and now in his misery they were impudent and licentious.

(Job 30:12) The youth rise vp at my right hand: they haue pusht my feete, and haue trode on me as on the paths of their destruction.

(Notes Reference) Upon [my] right [hand] rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the (h) ways of their destruction.

(h) That is, they sought by all means how they might destroy me.

(Job 30:13) They haue destroyed my paths: they tooke pleasure at my calamitie, they had none helpe.

(Notes Reference) They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no (i) helper.

(i) They need no one to help them.

(Job 30:14) They came as a great breach of waters, and vnder this calamitie they come on heapes.

(Notes Reference) They came [upon me] as a wide breaking in [of waters]: in the (k) desolation they rolled themselves [upon me].

(k) By my calamity they took an opportunity against me.

(Job 30:15) Feare is turned vpon mee: and they pursue my soule as the winde, and mine health passeth away as a cloude.

(Job 30:16) Therefore my soule is nowe powred out vpon me, and the dayes of affliction haue taken holde on me.

(Notes Reference) And now my soul is (l) poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.

(l) My life fails me, and I am as half dead.

(Job 30:17) It pearceth my bones in the night, and my sinewes take no rest.

(Notes Reference) (m) My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.

(m) Meaning sorrow.

(Job 30:18) For the great vehemencie is my garment changed, which compasseth me about as the colar of my coate.

(Job 30:19) He hath cast me into the myre, and I am become like ashes and dust.

(Notes Reference) (n) He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes.

(n) That is, God has brought me into contempt.

(Job 30:20) Whe I cry vnto thee, thou doest not heare me, neither regardest me, when I stand vp.

(Job 30:21) Thou turnest thy selfe cruelly against me, and art enemie vnto mee with the strength of thine hand.

(Notes Reference) Thou art become (o) cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.

(o) He does not speak this way to accuse God, but to declare the vehemency of his affliction, by which he was carried beside himself.

(Job 30:22) Thou takest me vp and causest mee to ride vpon the winde, and makest my strength to faile.

(Notes Reference) Thou liftest me up to the (p) wind; thou causest me to ride [upon it], and dissolvest my substance.

(p) He compares his afflictions to a tempest or whirlwind.

(Job 30:23) Surely I knowe that thou wilt bring mee to death, and to the house appoynted for all the liuing.

(Job 30:24) Doubtles none can stretch his hand vnto the graue, though they cry in his destruction.

(Notes Reference) Howbeit he will not stretch out [his] hand (q) to the grave, though they cry in his destruction.

(q) No one can deliver me from there, though they lament my death.

(Job 30:25) Did not I weepe with him that was in trouble? was not my soule in heauinesse for the poore?

(Job 30:26) Yet when I looked for good, euill came vnto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkenesse.

(Notes Reference) When I looked for good, then (r) evil came [unto me]: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.

(r) Instead of comforting they mocked me.

(Job 30:27) My bowels did boyle without rest: for the dayes of affliction are come vpon me.

(Job 30:28) I went mourning without sunne: I stood vp in the congregation and cryed.

(Notes Reference) I went mourning (s) without the sun: I stood up, (t) [and] I cried in the congregation.

(s) Not delighting in any worldly thing, no not so much as in the use of the sun.

(t) Lamenting them that were in affliction and moving others to pity them.

(Job 30:29) I am a brother to the dragons, and a companion to the ostriches.

(Notes Reference) I am a brother to (u) dragons, and a companion to owls.

(u) I am like the wild beasts that desire solitary places.

(Job 30:30) My skinne is blacke vpon me, and my bones are burnt with heate.

(Notes Reference) My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with (x) heat.

(x) With the heat of affliction.

(Job 30:31) Therefore mine harpe is turned to mourning, and mine organs into the voyce of them that weepe.

Passage 2: Zechariah 6-7

(Zec 6:1) Againe, I turned and lift vp mine eyes, and looked: and beholde, there came foure charets out from betweene two mountaines, and the mountaines were mountaines of brasse.

(Notes Reference) And I turned, and lifted up my eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four (a) chariots out from between (b) two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass.

(a) By chariots here, as by horses before, he means the swift messengers of God to execute and declare his will.

(b) By the mountains he means the external counsel and providence of God, by which he has from before all eternity declared what will come to pass, and that which neither Satan nor all the world can alter.

(Zec 6:2) In the first charet were red horses, and in the second charet blacke horses,

(Notes Reference) In the first chariot [were] (c) red horses; and in the second chariot (d) black horses;

(d) Signifying that they had endured great afflictions under the Babylonians.

(Zec 6:3) And in the thirde charet white horses, and in the fourth charet, horses of diuers colours, and reddish.

(Notes Reference) And in the third chariot (e) white horses; and in the fourth chariot (f) spotted and bay horses.

(e) These represented their state under the Persians, who restored them to their liberty.

(f) Which signified that God would sometimes give his Church rest, and pour his plagues upon their enemies, as he did in destroying Nineveh and Babylon, and other of their enemies.

(Zec 6:4) Then I answered, and saide vnto the Angell that talked with mee, What are these, my Lord?

(Zec 6:5) And the Angell answered, and sayde vnto mee, These are the foure spirites of the heauen, which goe foorth from standing with the Lord of all the earth.

(Notes Reference) And the angel answered and said to me, These [are] the four (g) spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.

(g) Meaning, all the actions and motions of God's Spirit, whom according to his unchangeable counsel he causes to appear through all the world.

(Zec 6:6) That with the blacke horse went forth into the land of the North, and the white went out after them, and they of diuers colours went forth toward the South countrey.

(Notes Reference) The black horses which [are] in it go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the spotted go forth toward the (h) south country.

(h) That is, towards Egypt, and other countries there about.

(Zec 6:7) And the reddish went out, and required to go, and passe through the world, and he sayde, Goe passe through the worlde. So they went thorowout the world.

(Notes Reference) And the (i) bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Go from here, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.

(i) That is, those of different colours, which ask permission, to signify that Satan has no power to hurt or afflict, until God gives it to him; (Job 1:12).

(Zec 6:8) Then cryed hee vpon me, and spake vnto me, saying, Beholde, these that goe towarde the North countrey, haue pacified my spirit in the North countrey.

(Notes Reference) Then he cried upon me, and spoke to me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my (k) spirit in the north country.

(k) By punishing the Chaldeans my anger ceased, and you were delivered.

(Zec 6:9) And the worde of the Lord came vnto me, saying,

(Zec 6:10) Take of them of ye captiuitie, euen of Heldai, and of Tobijah, and Iedaiah, which are come from Babel, and come thou the same day, and goe vnto the house of Ioshiah, the sonne of Zephaniah.

(Notes Reference) Take of [them of] the captivity, [even] of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, who are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of (l) Josiah the son of Zephaniah;

(l) To receive from him and the other three, money to make the two crowns: who were men of great authority among the Jews, and doubted of the restitution of the kingdom, and of the priesthood, and hurt others by their example.

(Zec 6:11) Take euen siluer, and golde, and make crownes, and set them vpon the head of Iehoshua, the sonne of Iehozadak the hie Priest,

(Notes Reference) Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set [them] upon the (m) head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;

(m) Because this could not be attributed to any one according to the Law, therefore it follows that Joshua must represent the Messiah, who was both Priest and King.

(Zec 6:12) And speake vnto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hostes, and sayth, Behold the man whose name is the Branch, and he shall growe vp out of his place, and he shall build the Temple of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And speak to him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The (n) BRANCH; and he shall grow (o) up out of his place, and he shall (p) build the temple of the LORD:

(n) Meaning Christ, of whom Joshua was the figure: for in Greek they were both called Jesus.

(o) That is, of himself without the help of man.

(p) Which declares that no one could build this temple of which Haggai speaks, but only Christ: and therefore it was spiritual, and not material; (Hag 2:9).

(Zec 6:13) Euen hee shall build the Temple of the Lord, and he shall beare the glory, and shall sit and rule vpon his throne, and he shalbe a Priest vpon his throne, and the counsell of peace shall be betweene them both.

(Notes Reference) Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the (q) glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between (r) them both.

(q) Of which Joshua had but a shadow.

(r) The two offices of the kingdom and priesthood, will be joined together in such a way, that they will no longer be separated.

(Zec 6:14) And the crownes shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Iedaiah, and to Hen the sonne of Zephaniah, for a memoriall in the Temple of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And the crowns shall be to (s) Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to (t) Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a (u) memorial in the temple of the LORD.

(s) Who was also called Heldai.

(t) He was also called Joshias.

(u) That they may acknowledge their infirmity, who thought that all things would be restored immediately: and of this their infidelity these two crowns will remain as tokens; (Act 1:6).

(Zec 6:15) And they that are farre off, shall come and build in the Temple of the Lord, and ye shall know, that the Lord of hostes hath sent me vnto you. And this shall come to passe, if ye will obey the voyce of the Lord your God.

(Notes Reference) And they [that are] (x) far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me to you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently (y) obey the voice of the LORD your God.

(x) That is, the Gentiles by the preaching of the Gospel, will help toward the building of the spiritual temple.

(y) If you will believe and remain in the obedience of faith.

(Zec 7:1) And in the fourth yeere of King Darius, the worde of the Lord came vnto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth moneth, euen in Chisleu,

(Notes Reference) And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, [that] the word of the LORD came to Zechariah in the fourth [day] of the ninth month, [even] in (a) Chisleu;

(a) Which contained part of November and part of December.

(Zec 7:2) For they had sent vnto the House of God Sharezer, and Regem-melech and their men to pray before the Lord,

(Notes Reference) When (b) they had sent to the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the LORD,

(b) That is, the rest of the people that yet remained in Chaldea, sent to the Church at Jerusalem for the resolution of these questions, because these feasts were consented upon by the agreement of the whole Church, the one in the month that the temple was destroyed, and the other when Gedaliah was slain; (Jer 41:2).

(Zec 7:3) And to speake vnto the Priests, which were in the House of the Lord of hostes, and to the Prophets, saying, Should I weepe in the fift moneth, and separate my selfe as I haue done these so many yeeres?

(Notes Reference) [And] to speak to the priests who [were] in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I (c) weep in the fifth month, (d) separating myself, as I have done these so many (e) years?

(d) That is, prepare myself with all devotion to his fast.

(e) Which had been since the time the temple was destroyed.

(Zec 7:4) Then came the word of the Lord of hostes vnto me, saying,

(Zec 7:5) Speake vnto all the people of the land, and to the Priests, and say, When ye fasted, and mourned in the fift and seuenth moneth, euen the seuentie yeeres, did ye fast vnto me? doe I approoue it?

(Notes Reference) Speak to all the people of the land, and to the (f) priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast to me, (g) [even] to me?

(f) For there were both of the people, and of the priests, those who doubted with regard to this controversy, besides those who as yet remained in Chaldea, and argue about it, as of one of the chief points of their religion.

(g) For they thought they had gained favour with God because of this fast, which they invented by themselves: and though fasting of itself is good, yet because they thought it a service toward God, and trusted in it, it is here reproved.

(Zec 7:6) And when ye did eate, and when ye did drinke, did ye not eate for your selues, and drinke for your selues?

(Notes Reference) And when ye ate, and when ye drank, did ye not eat (h) [for yourselves], and drink [for yourselves]?

(h) Did you not eat and drink for your own benefit and necessity, and so likewise you abstained according to your own imaginings, and not after the command and direction of my Law.

(Zec 7:7) Should ye not heare the wordes, which the Lord hath cryed by the ministerie of the former Prophets when Ierusalem was inhabited, and in prosperitie, and the cities thereof round about her, when the South and the plaine was inhabited?

(Notes Reference) [Should ye] not [hear] the words which the LORD (i) hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and her cities around her, when [men] inhabited the south and the plain?

(i) By this he condemns their hypocrisy, who thought by their fasting to please God, and by such things as they invented, and in the meantime would not serve him as he had commanded.

(Zec 7:8) And the worde of the Lord came vnto Zechariah, saying,

(Zec 7:9) Thus speaketh the Lord of hostes, saying, Execute true iudgement, and shewe mercy and compassion, euery man to his brother,

(Notes Reference) Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, (k) Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

(k) He shows that they did not fast with a sincere heart, but because of hypocrisy, and that it was not done from a pure religion, because they lacked these offices of charity which should have declared that they were godly; (Mat 23:23).

(Zec 7:10) And oppresse not the widowe, nor the fatherles, the stranger nor the poore, and let none of you imagine euil against his brother in your heart.

(Zec 7:11) But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their eares, that they should not heare.

(Notes Reference) But they refused to hearken, and (l) withdrew the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

(l) And would not carry the Lord's burden, which was sweet and easy, but would bear their own, which was heavy and grievous to the flesh, thinking to gain merit by it: which metaphor is taken from oxen, which shrink at the yoke; (Neh 9:29).

(Zec 7:12) Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, least they should heare the Lawe and the wordes which the Lord of hostes sent in his spirit by the ministerie of ye former Prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hostes.

(Notes Reference) Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his (m) spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.

(m) Which declares that they did not only rebel against the Prophets, but against the Spirit of God that spoke in them.

(Zec 7:13) Therefore it is come to passe, that as he cried, and they would not heare, so they cried, and I would not heare, sayth the Lord of hostes.

(Zec 7:14) But I scattered them among all the nations, whom they knew not: thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they layd the pleasant land waste.

(Notes Reference) But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate (n) after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land (o) desolate.

(n) That is, after they were taken captive.

(o) By their sins by which they provoked God's anger.

Passage 3: Revelation 3-4

(19) The note of praise is in this verse, and in (Rev 2:20) reprehension, for they tolerated with them the doctrine of unrighteousness and ungodliness. In (Rev 2:21), though they were called back to God, they did not repent. To this he adds even stronger threats and in (Rev 3:2-5) he gives a conditional promise and an exhortation to hold fast the truth

(i) So he calls those offices of charity which are done to the saints.

(Rev 2:20) Notwithstanding, I haue a few things against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Iezabel, which calleth her selfe a prophetesse, to teache and to deceiue my seruants to make them commit fornication, and to eate meates sacrificed vnto idoles.

(Notes Reference) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit (k) fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

(k) Often in the scripture, by fornication they mean idolatry.

(Rev 2:21) And I gaue her space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not.

(Rev 2:22) Beholde, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit fornication with her, into great affliction, except they repent them of their workes.

(Rev 2:23) And I will kill her children with death: and all the Churches shall know that I am he which searche the reines and heartes: and I will giue vnto euery one of you according vnto your workes.

(Rev 2:24) And vnto you I say, the rest of them of Thyatira, As many as haue not this learning, neither haue knowen the deepenes of Satan (as they speake) I will put vpon you none other burden.

(Notes Reference) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the (l) depths of Satan, as they speak; I will (m) put upon you none other burden.

(l) He points out the bragging of certain men, who boasted of their deep, that is, plentiful and common knowledge, which nonetheless is devilish.

(m) I will speak no worse thing against you, being content to have showed you what I require to be in you.

(Rev 2:25) But that which ye haue alreadie, hold fast till I come.

(Rev 2:26) For he that ouercommeth and keepeth my workes vnto the end, to him will I giue power ouer nations,

(Notes Reference) (20) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give (21) power over the nations:

(20) The conclusion, in which Christ assures to his servants the communion of his kingdom and glory, in this verse, and that following: and commands a holy attention in the last verse (Rev 2:29).

(21) That is, I will make him a king, by communion with me, and my fellow heir, as it is promised; (Mat 19:28, Mat 25:34) (Rom 8:17; 1Co 6:3; Eph 2:6; 2Ti 2:12).

(Rev 2:27) And he shall rule them with a rodde of yron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall they be broken.

(Notes Reference) (22) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

(22) The brightness of greatest glory and honour nearest approaching to the light of Christ, who is the Son of righteousness, and our head; (Mat 4:14, Mat 4:16).

(Rev 2:28) Euen as I receiued of my Father, so will I giue him the morning starre.

(Rev 2:29) Let him that hath an eare, heare what the Spirite saith to the Churches.

(Rev 3:1) And write vnto the Angel of the Church which is at Sardis, These things saith he that hath the seuen Spirits of God, and the seuen starres, I knowe thy workes: for thou hast a name that thou liuest, but thou art dead.

(Notes Reference) And unto the angel of the church in (a) Sardis (1) write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a (b) name that thou livest, and art dead.

(a) Sardis is the name of a most flourishing and famous city, where the kings of Lydia kept their courts. (1) The fifth passage is to the pastors of Sardis. The introduction is taken from (Rev 1:4, Rev 1:16).

(b) You are said to live, but are dead indeed.

(Rev 3:2) Be awake, and strengthen the things which remaine, that are readie to die: for I haue not found thy workes perfite before God.

(Notes Reference) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are (c) ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

(c) Other things, whose state is such, that they are now going, and unless they are confirmed, will perish without delay.

(Rev 3:3) Remember therefore, how thou hast receiued and heard, and hold fast and repent. If therefore thou wilt not watch, I will come on thee as a thiefe, and thou shalt not know what houre I wil come vpon thee.

(Rev 3:4) Notwithstanding thou hast a few names yet in Sardis, which haue not defiled their garments: and they shall walke with me in white: for they are worthy.

(Notes Reference) Thou hast a few names even in Sardis (3) which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in (4) white: for they are (d) worthy.

(3) That is, who have with all religion guarded themselves from sin and moral corruption, even from the very show of evil; (Jud 1:23). (4) Pure from all spot, and shining with glory. So it is to be understood always hereafter, as in (Rev 3:5).

(d) They are suitable and proper, that is, because they are justified in Christ, as they have truly showed it: for he who acts righteously is righteous in the same way that a tree bears good fruit; (Rom 8:18).

(Rev 3:5) He that ouercommeth, shalbe clothed in white araye, and I will not put out his name out of the booke of life, but I will confesse his name before my Father, and before his Angels.

(Rev 3:6) Let him that hath an eare, heare, what the Spirite saith vnto the Churches.

(Rev 3:7) And write vnto ye Angel of ye Church which is of Philadelphia, These things saith he that is Holy, and True, which hath ye keye of Dauid, which openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth,

(Notes Reference) (6) And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the (e) key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

(6) The sixth passage is to the pastors of Philadelphia. The introduction is taken from (Rev 1:18).

(e) All power of rule in commanding and forbidding, in delivering and punishing. The house of David is the Church, and the continual promise of David's kingdom belongs to Christ.

(Rev 3:8) I knowe thy workes: beholde, I haue set before thee an open doore, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a litle strength and hast kept my worde, and hast not denied my Name.

(Notes Reference) (7) I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

(7) The note of praise is in this verse of promises, and (Rev 3:9) to bring home again them that wander, in (Rev 3:10) to preserve the godly and in (Rev 3:11) to exhort.

(Rev 3:9) Behold, I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan, which call themselues Iewes, and are not, but doe lye: beholde, I say, I will make them, that they shall come and worship before thy feete, and shall knowe that I haue loued thee.

(Notes Reference) Behold, I will make them (f) of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come (8) and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

(f) I will bring them to that case. (8) That is, fall down and worship either you civilly, or Christ religiously at thy feet (this is how I would rather take it) whether here in the Church (which seems more proper to the argument here) or there in the world to come, for Christ shall truly fulfil his word.

(Rev 3:10) Because thou hast kept the woorde of my patience, therefore I wil deliuer thee from the houre of tentation, which will come vpon all the world, to trie them that dwell vpon the earth.

(Notes Reference) Because thou hast (g) kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

(g) Because you have been patient and constant, as I would have my servants be.

(Rev 3:11) Beholde, I come shortly: holde that which thou hast, that no man take thy crowne.

(Rev 3:12) Him that ouercommeth, will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall goe no more out: and I will write vpon him the Name of my God, and the name of the citie of my God, which is the newe Hierusalem, which commeth downe out of heauen from my God, and I will write vpon him my newe Name.

(Notes Reference) (9) Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: (10) and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

(9) The conclusion which contains a promise, and a commandment.

(10) That is, the new man shall be called after his father, mother, and his head Christ.

(Rev 3:13) Let him that hath an eare, heare what ye Spirit saith vnto the Churches.

(Rev 3:14) And vnto the Angell of the Church of the Laodiceans write, These things saieth Amen, the faithfull and true witnesse, that beginning of the creatures of God.

(Notes Reference) (11) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the (h) Amen, the faithful and true witness, the (i) beginning of the creation of God;

(11) The seventh passage is to the pastors of the Church of Laodicea. The introduction is taken out of (Rev 1:5).

(h) Amen sounds as much in the Hebrew tongue, as truly, or truth itself.

(i) Of who all things that are made, have their beginning.

(Rev 3:15) I knowe thy woorkes, that thou art neither colde nor hote: I woulde thou werest colde or hote.

(Notes Reference) (12) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

(12) The proposition of reproof is in this verse, and in (Rev 3:16) a threat while in (Rev 3:17) a confirmation declares the same. To faith and repentance in (Rev 3:18-19) a conditional promise is added in (Rev 3:20).

(Rev 3:16) Therefore, because thou art luke warme, and neither colde nor hote, it will come to passe, that I shall spewe thee out of my mouth.

(Rev 3:17) For thou saiest, I am rich and increased with goods, and haue neede of nothing, and knowest not howe thou art wretched and miserable, and poore, and blinde, and naked.

(Notes Reference) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, (13) and poor, and blind, and naked:

(13) The spiritual misery of men is metaphorically expressed in three points which are matched as corresponds to those remedies offered in (Rev 3:18).

(Rev 3:18) I counsell thee to bye of me gold tried by the fire, that thou maiest bee made rich: and white raiment, that thou maiest be clothed, and that thy filthie nakednesse doe not appeare: and anoynt thine eyes with eye salue, that thou maiest see.

(Rev 3:19) As many as I loue, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and amend.

(Notes Reference) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be (k) zealous therefore, and repent.

(k) Zeal is set against those who are neither hot nor cold.

(Rev 3:20) Behold, I stand at the doore, and knocke. If any man heare my voice and open ye doore, I wil come in vnto him, and will suppe with him, and he with me.

(Notes Reference) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: (14) if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

(14) This must be taken after the manner of an allegory; (Joh 14:23).

(Rev 3:21) To him that ouercommeth, will I graunt to sit with me in my throne, euen as I ouercame, and sit with my Father in his throne.

(Notes Reference) (15) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

(15) The conclusion, consisting of a promise, as in (Rev 2:26) and of an exhortation.

(Rev 3:22) Let him that hath an eare, heare what the Spirit saieth vnto the Churches.

(Rev 4:1) After this I looked, and beholde, a doore was open in heauen, and the first voyce which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with mee, saying, Come vp hither, and I will shewe thee things which must be done hereafter.

(Notes Reference) After (1) this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.