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Passage 1: Job 38

(Job 38:1) Then answered the Lord vnto Iob out of the whirle winde, and said,

(Notes Reference) Then the LORD answered Job out of the (a) whirlwind, and said,

(a) That his words might have greater majesty, and that Job might know with whom he had to do.

(Job 38:2) Who is this that darkeneth the counsell by wordes without knowledge?

(Notes Reference) Who [is] this that (b) darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

(b) Which by seeking out the secret counsel of God by man's reason, makes it more obscure, and shows his own folly.

(Job 38:3) Girde vp nowe thy loynes like a man: I will demande of thee and declare thou vnto me.

(Notes Reference) Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I (c) will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

(c) Because he wished to dispute with God, (Job 23:3), God reasons with him, to declare his rashness.

(Job 38:4) Where wast thou when I layd the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast vnderstanding,

(Notes Reference) Where wast thou when I (d) laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

(d) Seeing he could not judge those things which were done so long before he was born, he was not able to comprehend all God's works: much less the secret causes of his judgments.

(Job 38:5) Who hath layde the measures thereof, if thou knowest, or who hath stretched the line ouer it:

(Job 38:6) Whereupon are the foundations thereof set: or who layed the corner stone thereof:

(Job 38:7) When the starres of the morning praysed me together, and all the children of God reioyced:

(Notes Reference) When the morning stars (e) sang together, and all the (f) sons of God shouted for joy?

(e) The stars and dumb creatures are said to praise God, because his power, wisdom and goodness is manifest and known in it.

(f) Meaning the angels.

(Job 38:8) Or who hath shut vp the Sea with doores, when it yssued and came foorth as out of the wombe:

(Job 38:9) When I made the cloudes as a couering thereof, and darkenesse as the swadeling bands thereof:

(Notes Reference) When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a (g) swaddlingband for it,

(g) As though the great sea was but as a little baby in the hands of God to turn to and fro.

(Job 38:10) When I stablished my commandement vpon it, and set barres and doores,

(Job 38:11) And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no farther, and here shall it stay thy proude waues.

(Notes Reference) And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be (h) stayed?

(h) That is, God's decree and commandment as in (Job 38:10).

(Job 38:12) Hast thou commanded the morning since thy dayes? hast thou caused the morning to knowe his place,

(Notes Reference) Hast thou commanded the (i) morning since thy days; [and] caused the dayspring to know his place;

(i) That is, to rise, since you were born?

(Job 38:13) That it might take hold of the corners of the earth, and that the wicked might be shaken out of it?

(Notes Reference) That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be (k) shaken out of it?

(k) Who having in the night been given to wickedness, cannot abide the light, but hide themselves.

(Job 38:14) It is turned as clay to facion, and all stand vp as a garment.

(Notes Reference) It is turned as clay [to] the seal; (l) and they stand as a garment.

(l) The earth which seemed in the night to have no form by the rising of the sun, is as it were created anew, and all things in it clad with new beauty.

(Job 38:15) And from the wicked their light shall be taken away, and the hie arme shalbe broken.

(Job 38:16) Hast thou entred into the bottomes of the sea? or hast thou walked to seeke out the depth?

(Notes Reference) Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the (m) depth?

(m) If you are not able to seek out the depth of the sea, how much less are you able to comprehend the counsel of God?

(Job 38:17) Haue the gates of death bene opened vnto thee? or hast thou seene the gates of the shadowe of death?

(Job 38:18) Hast thou perceiued the breadth of the earth? tell if thou knowest all this.

(Job 38:19) Where is the way where light dwelleth? and where is the place of darkenesse,

(Job 38:20) That thou shouldest receiue it in the boundes thereof, and that thou shouldest knowe the paths to the house thereof?

(Notes Reference) That thou (n) shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths [to] the house thereof?

(n) That you might appoint its highways and limits.

(Job 38:21) Knewest thou it, because thou wast then borne, and because the nomber of thy dayes is great?

(Job 38:22) Hast thou entred into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seene the treasures of ye haile,

(Job 38:23) Which I haue hid against the time of trouble, against the day of warre and battell?

(Notes Reference) Which I have reserved (o) against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

(o) To punish my enemies with them, (Exo 9:18; Jos 10:11).

(Job 38:24) By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the East winde vpon the earth?

(Job 38:25) Who hath deuided the spowtes for the raine? or the way for the lightning of ye thunders,

(Job 38:26) To cause it to raine on the earth where no man is, and in the wildernes where there is no man?

(Job 38:27) To fulfil the wilde and waste place, and to cause the bud of the herbe to spring forth?

(Job 38:28) Who is the father of the rayne? or who hath begotten the droppes of the dewe?

(Job 38:29) Out of whose wombe came the yee? who hath ingendred the frost of the heauen?

(Job 38:30) The waters are hid as with a stone: and the face of the depth is frosen.

(Notes Reference) The waters are hid (p) as [with] a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.

(p) The ice covers it, as though it were paved with stone.

(Job 38:31) Canst thou restraine the sweete influences of the Pleiades? or loose the bandes of Orion?

(Notes Reference) Canst thou bind the sweet influences (q) of Pleiades, or loose the bands of (r) Orion?

(q) Which rise when the sun is in Taurus, which is the spring, and brings flowers.

(r) Which comes in winter.

(Job 38:32) Canst thou bring foorth Mazzaroth in their time? canst thou also guide Arcturus with his sonnes?

(Notes Reference) Canst thou bring forth (s) Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide (t) Arcturus with his sons?

(s) Certain stars so called, some think they were the twelve signs.

(t) The north star with those that are about him.

(Job 38:33) Knowest thou the course of heauen, or canst thou set the rule thereof in the earth?

(Notes Reference) Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the (u) dominion thereof in the earth?

(u) Can you cause the heavenly bodies to have any power over the earthly bodies?

(Job 38:34) Canst thou lift vp thy voice to the cloudes that the aboundance of water may couer thee?

(Job 38:35) Canst thou sende the lightenings that they may walke, and say vnto thee, Loe, heere we are?

(Job 38:36) Who hath put wisedome in the reines? or who hath giuen the heart vnderstanding?

(Notes Reference) Who hath put wisdom in the (x) inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

(x) In the secret parts of man.

(Job 38:37) Who can nomber cloudes by wisedome? or who can cause to cease the bottels of heaue,

(Notes Reference) Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the (y) bottles of heaven,

(y) That is, the clouds in which the water is contained as in bottles.

(Job 38:38) When the earth groweth into hardnesse, and the clottes are fast together?

(Notes Reference) When the dust groweth into hardness, (z) and the clods cleave fast together?

(z) For when God does not open these bottles, the earth comes to this inconvenience.

(Job 38:39) (39:1) Wilt thou hunt the pray for the lyon? or fill the appetite of the lyons whelpes,

(Notes Reference) Wilt (a) thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,

(a) After he had declared God's works in the heavens, he shows his marvellous providence in earth, even toward the brute beasts.

(Job 38:40) (39:2) When they couch in their places, and remaine in the couert to lye in waite?

(Job 38:41) (39:3) Who prepareth for the rauen his meate, when his birdes crie vnto God, wandering for lacke of meate?

(Notes Reference) Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones (b) cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

(b) Read (Psa 147:9).

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Passage 2: Zechariah 13-14

(Zec 13:1) In that day there shall be a fountaine opened to the house of Dauid, and to the inhabitants of Ierusalem, for sinne and for vncleannesse.

(Notes Reference) In that day there (a) shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

(a) He shows what will be the fruit of their repentance, that is, remission of sins by the blood of Christ, which will be a continual running fountain, and purge them from all uncleanness.

(Zec 13:2) And in that day, sayth the Lord of hostes, I will cut off the names of the idoles out of the land: and they shall no more be remembred: and I will cause the prophets, and the vncleane spirit to depart out of the land.

(Notes Reference) And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the (b) names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the (c) prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

(b) He promises that God will also purge them from all superstition, and that their religion will be pure.

(c) Meaning, the false prophets and teachers, who are the corrupters of all religion, whom the Prophet here calls unclean spirits.

(Zec 13:3) And when any shall yet prophesie, his father and his mother that begate him, shall say vnto him, Thou shalt not liue: for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother that begat him, shall thrust him through, when he prophesieth.

(Notes Reference) And it shall come to pass, [that] when any shall yet (d) prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say to him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him (e) shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

(d) That is, when they will prophesy lies, and make God, who is the author of truth, a cloak for them.

(e) He shows what zeal the godly will have under the kingdom of Christ; (Deu 13:6, Deu 13:9).

(Zec 13:4) And in that day shall the prophetes be ashamed euery one of his vision, when he hath prophesied: neither shall they weare a rough garment to deceiue.

(Notes Reference) And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the prophets shall (f) be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

(f) God will make them ashamed of their errors and lies, and bring them to repentance, and they will no more wear prophet's apparel to make their doctrine seem more holy.

(Zec 13:5) But he shall say, I am no Prophet: I am an husbandman: for man taught me to be an heardman from my youth vp.

(Notes Reference) But he shall say, I [am] no (g) prophet, I [am] a farmer; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.

(g) They will confess their former ignorance, and be content to labour for their living.

(Zec 13:6) And one shall say vnto him, What are these woundes in thine hands? Then he shall answere, Thus was I wounded in the house of my friendes.

(Notes Reference) And [one] shall say to him, What [are] these (h) wounds in thy hands? Then he shall answer, [Those] with which I was wounded [in] the house of my friends.

(h) By this he shows that though their parents and friends dealt more gently with them, and did not put them to death, yet they would so punish their children that became false prophets, that the marks and signs would remain forever.

(Zec 13:7) Arise, O sword, vpon my shepheard, and vpon the man, that is my fellow, sayth the Lord of hostes: smite the shepheard, and the sheepe shall be scattered: and I will turne mine hand vpon the litle ones.

(Notes Reference) Awake, O sword, against my (i) shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand upon the little ones.

(i) The Prophet warns the Jews, that before this great comfort under Christ would come, there would be a horrible dissipation among the people: for their governors and pastors would be destroyed, and the people would be as scattered sheep. And the evangelist applies this to Christ, because he was the head of all pastors; (Mat 26:31).

(Zec 13:8) And in all the land, sayeth the Lord, two partes therein shall be cut off, and die: but the third shall be left therein.

(Notes Reference) And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, (k) two parts in it shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left in it.

(k) The greatest part will have no portion of these blessings, and yet they that will enjoy them will be tried with great afflictions, so that is will be known that only God's power and his mercies preserve them.

(Zec 13:9) And I will bring that third part thorowe the fire, and will fine them as the siluer is fined, and will trye them as golde is tryed: they shall call on my Name, and I will heare them: I will say, It is my people, and they shall say, The Lord is my God.

(Zec 14:1) Beholde, the day of the Lord commeth, and thy spoyle shall be deuided in the middes of thee.

(Notes Reference) Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be (a) divided in the midst of thee.

(a) He arms the godly against the great temptations that would come, before they enjoyed this prosperous estate promised under Christ, that when these dangers came, they might know that they were warned of them before.

(Zec 14:2) For I will gather all nations against Ierusalem to battell, and the citie shall be taken, and the houses spoyled, and the women defiled, and halfe of the citie shall goe into captiuitie, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from ye citie.

(Zec 14:3) Then shall the Lord goe foorth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battell.

(Notes Reference) Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he (b) fought in the day of battle.

(b) As your fathers and you have had experience both at the Red Sea, and at all other times.

(Zec 14:4) And his feete shall stand in that day vpon the mount of oliues, which is before Ierusalem on the Eastside, and the mount of oliues shall cleaue in the middes thereof: toward the East and toward the West there shalbe a very great valley, and halfe of ye mountaine shall remooue toward the North, and halfe of the mountaine towarde the South.

(Notes Reference) And his feet shall stand in that day upon the (c) mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst of it toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great (d) valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

(c) By this manner of speech the Prophet shows God's power and care over his Church, and how he will as it were by a miracle save it.

(d) So that out of all the parts of the world, they will see Jerusalem, which was before his with this mountain: and this he means of the spiritual Jerusalem the Church.

(Zec 14:5) And yee shall flee vnto the valley of the mountaines: for the valley of the mountaines shall reache vnto Azal: yea, yee shall flee like as ye fled from the earthquake in the daies of Vzziah King of Iudah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the Saints with thee.

(Notes Reference) And ye shall flee [to] the (e) valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal: yea, ye shall flee, as ye fled from before the (f) earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD (g) my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee.

(e) He speaks of the hypocrites, who could not abide God's presence, but would flee into all places, where they might hide themselves among the mountains.

(f) Read (Amo 1:1).

(g) Because they did not credit the Prophet's words, he turns to God and comforts himself in that that he knew that these things would come, and says, "You, O God, with your angels will come to perform this great thing."

(Zec 14:6) And in that day shall there bee no cleare light, but darke.

(Zec 14:7) And there shall bee a day (it is knowen to the Lord) neither day nor night, but about the euening time it shall be light.

(Notes Reference) But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, (h) not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, [that] at evening it shall be light.

(h) Signifying, that there would be great troubles in the Church, and that the time of it is in the Lord's hands, yet at length (which is here meant by the evening) God would send comfort.

(Zec 14:8) And in that day shall there waters of life goe out from Ierusalem, halfe of them towarde the East sea, and halfe of them towarde the vttermost sea, and shall be, both in sommer and winter.

(Notes Reference) And it shall be in that day, [that] living (i) waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

(i) That is, the spiritual graces of God, which would always continue in most abundance.

(Zec 14:9) And the Lord shall bee King ouer all the earth: in that day shall there bee one Lord, and his Name shalbe one.

(Notes Reference) And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one (k) LORD, and his name one.

(k) All idolatry and superstition will be abolished, and there will be one God, one faith, and one religion.

(Zec 14:10) All the lande shall bee turned as a plaine from Geba to Rimmon, towarde the South of Ierusalem, and it shall be lifted vp, and inhabited in her place: from Beniamins gate vnto the place of the first gate, vnto the corner gate, and from the towre of Hananiel, vnto the Kings wine presses.

(Notes Reference) All the land shall be turned (l) as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate to the place of the first gate, to the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel to the king's winepresses.

(l) This new Jerusalem will be seen through all the world, and will excel the first in excellency, wealth, and greatness.

(Zec 14:11) And men shall dwell in it, and there shall bee no more destruction, but Ierusalem shall bee safely inhabited.

(Zec 14:12) And this shall bee the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite all people, that haue fought against Ierusalem: their flesh shall consume away, though they stand vpon their feete, and their eyes shall consume in their holes, and their tongue shall consume in their mouth.

(Zec 14:13) But in that day a great tumult of the Lord shall be among them, and euery one shall take the hande of his neighbour, and his hande shall rise vp against the hand of his neighbour.

(Notes Reference) And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] (m) a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on (n) the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.

(m) God will not only raise up war outside, but sedition at home to test them.

(n) To hurt and oppress him.

(Zec 14:14) And Iudah shall fight also against Ierusalem, and the arme of all the heathen shall be gathered rounde about, with golde and siluer, and great abundance of apparell.

(Notes Reference) And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the nations around shall be gathered together, (o) gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.

(o) The enemies are rich, and therefore will not come to entreat, but to destroy and shed blood.

(Zec 14:15) Yet this shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camell and of the asse and of all the beasts that be in these tents as this plague.

(Notes Reference) And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the donkey, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this (p) plague.

(p) As the men would be destroyed, (Zec 14:12).

(Zec 14:16) But it shall come to passe that euery one that is left of all the nations, which came against Ierusalem, shall goe vp from yere to yere to worship the King the Lord of hostes, and to keepe the feast of Tabernacles.

(Zec 14:17) And who so will not come vp of all the families of the earth vnto Ierusalem to worship the King the Lord of hostes, euen vpon them shall come no raine.

(Zec 14:18) And if the familie of Egypt goe not vp, and come not, it shall not raine vpon them. This shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the heathen, that come not vp to keepe the feast of Tabernacles.

(Notes Reference) And if the family of (q) Egypt shall not go up, and shall not come, that [have] no [rain]; there shall be the plague, with which the LORD will smite the nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

(q) By the Egyptians, who were the greatest enemies to true religion, he means all the Gentiles.

(Zec 14:19) This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that come not vp to keepe the feast of Tabernacles.

(Zec 14:20) In that day shall there be written vpon the bridles of the horses, The holinesse vnto the Lord, and the pottes in the Lords house shall be like the bowles before the altar.

(Notes Reference) In that day there shall be upon the (r) bells of the horses, HOLINESS TO THE LORD; and the (s) pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar.

(r) Signifying to whatever service they were put now (whether to labour, or to serve in war), they were now holy, because the Lord had sanctified them.

(s) The one as precious as the other, because they will be sanctified.

(Zec 14:21) Yea, euery potte in Ierusalem and Iudah shall be holy vnto the Lord of hostes, and all they that sacrifice, shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the House of the Lord of hostes.

(Notes Reference) Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness to the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and boil in them: and in that day there shall be no more the (t) Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

(t) But all will be pure and clean, and there will neither by hypocrites, nor any that will corrupt the true service of God.

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Passage 3: Revelation 15-16

(Rev 15:1) And I sawe another signe in heauen, great and marueilous, seuen Angels, hauing the seuen last plagues: for by them is fulfilled the wrath of God.

(Notes Reference) And (1) I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven (2) angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

(1) This is that other passage of the acts of Christ, as I noted before See Rev 14:14. Now therefore is shown a singular work of the judgment of God belonging to the overthrow of Antichrist and his forces, of which divine work the preparation is described in this chapter: and the execution in the next. The preparation is first set down generally and in type in this verse: and is after particularly set forth in the rest of the chapter. (2) Of which (Rev 8:9) in sending forth the plagues of the world: for even these plagues do for the most part agree with those.

(Rev 15:2) And I sawe as it were a glassie sea, mingled with fire, and them that had gotten victorie of the beast, and of his image, and of his marke, and of the number of his name, stand at the glassie sea, hauing the harpes of God,

(Notes Reference) (3) And I saw (4) as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and (5) them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, (6) stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

(3) There are two parts of the narration: one, the confession of the saints glorifying God, when they saw that preparation of the judgments of God, to (Rev 15:3-4), another the vocation, instruction, and confirmation of those instruments which God has ordained for the execution of his judgments, in (Rev 15:5-8). (4) This part of the vision alludes to the sea or large vessel or brass, in which the priests washed themselves in the entrance of the temple: for in the entrance of the heavenly temple (as it is called) in (Rev 15:5), is said to have been a sea of glass, most luminous and clear to the commodity of choice mixed with fire, that is, as containing the treasury of the judgments of God, which he brings forth and dispenses according to his own pleasure: for out of the former, the priests were cleansed of old: and out of this the ungodly are destroyed now in (Rev 4:6). (5) That is, the godly martyrs of Christ, who shall remain faithful even in miracles to that beast; see (Rev 13:17; 14:9,10) (6) Glorifying God, from the particular observation of the weapons and instruments of God's wrath, floating in the sea of glass.

(Rev 15:3) And they sung the song of Moses the seruant of God, and the song of the Lambe, saying, Great and marueilous are thy workes, Lord God almightie: iust and true are thy wayes, King of Saints.

(Notes Reference) And they sing (7) the song of Moses the (a) servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, (8) Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy (b) ways, thou King of saints.

(7) That song of triumph, which is (Exo 15:2).

(a) So is Moses called for honour's sake, as it is set forth in (Deu 34:10). (8) This song has two parts: one a confession, both particular, in this verse, and general, in the beginning of the next verse (Rev 15:4), another, a narration of causes belonging to the confession, of which one kind is eternal in itself, and most present to the godly, in that God is both holy and alone God: another kind is future and to come, in that the elect taken out of the Gentiles (that is, out of the wicked ones and unbelieving: as in (Rev 11:2) were to be brought to the same state of happiness, by the magnificence of the judgment of God, in (Rev 15:4).

(b) Thy doings.

(Rev 15:4) Who shall not feare thee, O Lord, and glorifie thy Name! for thou onely art holy, and all nations shall come and worship before thee: for thy iudgements are made manifest.

(Rev 15:5) And after that, I looked, and beholde, the Temple of the tabernacle of testimonie was open in heauen.

(Notes Reference) (9) And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

(9) The second part of the narration (as was noted in) See Rev 15:2 in which first the authority of the whole argument and matter is figured by a forerunning type of a temple opened in heaven, as in (Rev 11:19) namely that all those things are divine and of God, that proceed from thence in this verse. Secondly, the administers or executors, come out of the Temple in (Rev 15:6). Thirdly, they are furnished with instruments of the judgments of God, and weapons fit for the manner of the same judgments; (Rev 15:7). Finally, they are confirmed by testimony of the visible glory of God, in (Rev 15:8). A similar testimony to which was exhibited of old in the law; (Exo 40:34).

(Rev 15:6) And the seuen Angels came out of the Temple, which had the seuen plagues, clothed in pure and bright linnen, and hauing their breasts girded with golden girdles.

(Notes Reference) And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the (10) seven plagues, clothed in (11) pure and white linen, and having their breasts (12) girded with golden girdles.

(10) That is, commandments to inflict those seven plagues, by way of metonymy.

(11) Which was in old time a sign of the kingly or princely dignity.

(12) This girding was a sign of diligence, and the girdle of gold was a sign of sincerity and trustworthiness in taking in charge the commandments of God.

(Rev 15:7) And one of the foure beastes gaue vnto the seuen Angels seuen golden vials full of the wrath of God, which liueth for euermore.

(Notes Reference) And one of the (13) four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

(13) Of these before (Rev 4:7).

(Rev 15:8) And the Temple was full of the smoke of the glory of God and of his power, and no man was able to enter into the Temple, till the seuen plagues of the seuen Angels were fulfilled.

(Notes Reference) And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; (14) and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

(14) None of those seven angels could return, till he had performed fully the charge committed to him, according to the decree of God.

(Rev 16:1) And I heard a great voyce out of the Temple, saying to the seuen Angels, Go your wayes, and powre out the seuen vials of the wrath of God vpon the earth.

(Notes Reference) And (1) I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

(1) In the former chapter was set down the preparation to the work of God: here is delivered the execution of it. In this discourse of the execution, is a general commandment, in this verse, then a particular recital in order of the execution done by every of the seven angels, in the rest of the chapter. This special execution against Antichrist and his crew does in manner agree to that which was generally done on the whole world, chapters eight and nine and belongs (if my conjecture fail me not) to the same time. Yet in here they differ from one another, that this was particularly effected on the princes and ringleaders of the wickedness of the world, the other generally against the whole world being wicked. Therefore these judgments are more grievous than those.

(Rev 16:2) And the first went and powred out his viall vpon the earth: and there fell a noysome, and a grieuous sore vpon the men, which had the marke of ye beast, and vpon them which worshipped his image.

(Notes Reference) (2) And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the (3) mark of the beast, and [upon] them which worshipped his image.

(2) The history of the first angel, whose plague on the earth is described almost in the same words with that sixth plague of the Egyptians in (Exo 9:9). But it does signify a spiritual vicar, and that torture or butchery of conscience seared with a hot iron, which accuses the ungodly within, and both by truth of the word (the light of which God has now so long shown forth) and by bitterness stirs up and forces out the sword of God's wrath. (3) See (Rev 13:16)

(Rev 16:3) And the second Angel powred out his viall vpon the sea, and it became as the blood of a dead man: and euery liuing thing dyed in the sea.

(Notes Reference) (4) And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it (a) became as the blood of a dead [man]: and every living soul died in the sea.

(4) The history of the second angel, who troubles and molests the seas, that he may stir up the conscience of men sleeping in their wickedness; (Rev 8:8).

(a) It was turned into rotten and filthy blood, such as is in dead bodies.

(Rev 16:4) And the third Angel powred out his viall vpon the riuers and fountaines of waters, and they became blood.

(Notes Reference) (5) And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

(5) The story of the third angel striking the rivers, in this verse, who proclaiming the justice of God, commends the same by a grave comparison of the sins of men, with the punishment of God: which is common to this place, and that which went before. Wherefore also this praising is attributed to the angel of the waters, a name common to the second and third angels, according as both of them are said to be sent against the waters, though the one of the sea, the other of the rivers, in (Rev 16:5-6).

(Rev 16:5) And I heard the Angel of the waters say, Lord, thou art iust, Which art, and Which wast: and Holy, because thou hast iudged these things.

(Rev 16:6) For they shed the blood of the Saints, and Prophets, and therefore hast thou giuen them blood to drinke: for they are worthy.

(Rev 16:7) And I heard another out of the Sanctuarie say, Euen so, Lord God almightie, true and righteous are thy iudgements.

(Notes Reference) (6) And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.

(6) A confirmation of the praise before going out of the sanctuary of God, whether immediately by Christ, or by some one of his angels, for Christ also is called another angel; (Rev 3:8, Rev 7:2, Rev 12:1)

(Rev 16:8) And the fourth Angel powred out his viall on the sunne, and it was giuen vnto him to torment men with heate of fire,

(Notes Reference) (7) And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

(7) The story of the fourth angel, who throws the plague on the heavens and on the sun, of which Luke notes the effects in (Luk 21:26). The one peculiar, that it shall scorch men with heat in this verse. The other proceeding accidentally from the former, that their fury shall so much more be enraged against God in (Rev 16:9), when yet (O wonderful mercy and patience of God) all other creatures are first stricken often and grievously by the hand of God before mankind, by whom he is provoked: as the things before declare.

(Rev 16:9) And men boyled in great heate, and blasphemed the Name of God, which hath power ouer these plagues, and they repented not, to giue him glorie.

(Rev 16:10) And the fifth Angel powred out his viall vpon the throne of the beast, and his kingdome waxed darke, and they gnawed their tongues for sorowe,

(Notes Reference) (8) And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

(8) The story of the first angel, who strikes the kingdom of the beast with two plagues abroad the darkness, with biles and distresses most grievous, throughout his whole kingdom that by this he might wound the conscience of the wicked, and punish the perverse obstinacy of the idolaters: of which arose perturbation, and thence a furious indignation and desperate madness, raging against God and hurtful to itself.

(Rev 16:11) And blasphemed the God of heauen for their paines, and for their sores, and repented not of their workes.

(Rev 16:12) And the sixth Angel powred out his viall vpon the great riuer Euphrates, and the water thereof dried vp, that the way of the Kings of the East should be prepared.

(Notes Reference) (9) And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river (10) Euphrates; and (11) the water thereof was dried up, (12) that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

(9) The story of the sixth angel, divided into his act, and the event of it. The act is, that the angel cast out of his mouth the plague of a most glowing heat, in which even the greatest floods, and which most were accustomed to swell and overflow (as Euphrates) were dried up, by the counsel of God in this verse. The event is, that the madness with which the wicked are enraged that they may scorn the judgments of God, and abuse them furiously to serve their own turn, and to the executing of their own wicked outrage.

(10) The bound of the spiritual Babylon, and to the fortresses of the same (Rev 9:14).

(11) So the Church of the ungodly, and kingdom of the beast is said to be left naked, all the defences of it in which they put their trust, being taken away from it.

(12) That is, that even they who dwell further off, may with more convenience make haste to the sacrifice, which the Lord has appointed.

(Rev 16:13) And I sawe three vncleane spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of that dragon, and out of the mouth of that beast, and out of the mouth of that false prophet.

(Notes Reference) And I saw (13) three unclean spirits (14) like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the (15) dragon, and out of the mouth of the (16) beast, and out of the mouth of the (17) false prophet.

(13) That is, every one of them focus their whole force, and conspired that by wonders, word and work they might bring into the same destruction all kings, princes and potentates of the world, cursedly bewitched by them by their spirits, and teachers of the vanity and impunity of the beast that committed fornication with the kings of the earth. This is a good description of our times.

(14) Croaking with all importunity and continually day and night provoking and calling forth to arms, as the trumpets and furies of wars, as is declared in (Rev 16:14).

(15) That is, the devil; (Rev 12:3)

(16) See (Rev 13:1).

(17) That is, of that other beast; (Rev 13:11), for so he is called also in (Rev 19:20, Rev 20:10).

(Rev 16:14) For they are the spirits of deuils, working miracles, to go vnto the Kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battell of that great day of God Almightie.

(Rev 16:15) (Beholde, I come as a theefe. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, least hee walke naked, and men see his filthines)

(Notes Reference) (18) Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

(18) A parenthesis for admonition, in which God warns his holy servants, who rest in the expectation of Christ, always to think of his coming, and to look to themselves, that they be not shamefully made naked and circumvented of these unclean spirits, and so they be miserable unprepared at the coming of the Lord; (Mat 24:29, Mat 25:13).

(Rev 16:16) And they gathered them together into a place called in Hebrewe Arma-gedon.

(Notes Reference) (19) And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue (20) Armageddon.

(19) Namely the angel, who according to the commandment of God, was to do sacrifice: nonetheless that those impure spirits do the same wickedly, as servants not to God, but to the beast that has seven heads.

(20) That is, (to say nothing of other expositions) the mountain itself, or mountain places of Megiddon. Now it is certain by the Holy Scripture, that Megiddon is a city and territory in the tribe of Manasseh, bordering on Issachar and Asher, and was made famous by the lamentable overthrow of king Josias; (2Ch 35:22; Zec 12:11). In this mountain country God says by figure or type that the kings of the people who serve the beast shall meet together; because the Gentiles did always cast that lamentable overthrow in the teeth of the Church of the Jews, to their great reproach and therefore were persuaded that that place should be most fortunate to them (as they speak) and unfortunate to the godly. But God here pronounces, that that reproach of the Church and confidence of the ungodly, shall by himself be taken away, in the same place where the nations persuaded themselves, they should mightily exult and triumph against God and his Church.

(Rev 16:17) And the seuenth Angel powred out his viall into the ayre: and there came a loude voyce out of the Temple of heauen from the throne, saying, It is done.

(Notes Reference) (21) And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the (22) air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from (23) the throne, saying, (24) It is done.

(21) The story of the seventh angel to the end of the chapter, in which first is shown by sign and speech, the argument of this plague, in this verse: and then is declare the execution of it in the verses following.

(22) From whence he might move the heaven above, and the earth beneath.

(23) That is, from him that sits on the throne, by metonymy.

(24) That is, Babylon is undone, as is shown in (Rev 16:19) and in the chapters following. For the first onset (as I might say) of this denunciation, is described in this chapter: and the last containing a perfect victory, is described in those that follow.

(Rev 16:18) And there were voyces, and thundrings, and lightnings, and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were vpon the earth, euen so mightie an earthquake.

(Notes Reference) (25) And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great.

(25) Now is declared the execution (as is said) in (Rev 16:17) and the things that shall last come to pass in heaven and in earth before the overthrow of the beast of Babylon: both generally in (Rev 16:18) and particularly in the cursed city, and such as have any familiarity with it, in the last verses.

(Rev 16:19) And the great citie was deuided into three partes, and the cities of the nations fell: and that great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to giue vnto her the cup of the wine of the fiercenesse of his wrath.

(Notes Reference) (26) And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations (27) fell: and great (28) Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

(26) The seat or standing place of Antichrist.

(27) Of all who cleave to Antichrist and fight against Christ.

(28) That harlot, of whom in the next chapter following. Now this phrase "to come into remembrance" is from the Hebrew language, borrowed from men, and attributed to God.

(Rev 16:20) And euery yle fled away, and the mountaines were not found.

(Notes Reference) And every island fled away, and the mountains (29) were not (b) found.

(29) That is, were seen no more, or were no more extant. A borrowed Hebraism.

(b) Literally "appeared not"; (Gen 5:24)

(Rev 16:21) And there fell a great haile, like talents, out of heauen vpon the men, and men blasphemed God, because of the plague of the haile: for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

(Notes Reference) (30) And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a (c) talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

(30) The manner of the particular execution, most evidently testifying the wrath of God by the original and greatness of it: the event of which is the same with that which is in (Rev 9:12) and that which has been mentioned in this chapter, from the execution of the fourth angel till now, that is to say, an incorrigible pertinency of the world in their rebellion, and a heart that cannot repent; (Rev 16:9-10).

(c) About the weight of a talent, and a talent was sixty pounds, that is, six hundred groats, by which is signified a marvellous and strange weight.