Read Scripture In A Year: December 4

(Job 5:1) Call nowe, if any will answere thee, and to which of the Saintes wilt thou turne?

(Notes Reference) Call now, if there be any that will (a) answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?

(a) He wills Job to consider the example of all who have lived or live godly, whether any of them are like him in raging against God as he does.

(Job 5:2) Doubtlesse anger killeth the foolish, and enuie slayeth the idiote.

(Notes Reference) For (b) wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

(b) Murmuring against God in afflictions increases the pain, and uttered man's folly.

(Job 5:3) I haue seene the foolish well rooted, and suddenly I cursed his habitation, saying,

(Notes Reference) I have seen the (c) foolish taking root: but suddenly I (d) cursed his habitation.

(d) I was not moved by his prosperity but knew that God had cursed him and his.

(Job 5:4) His children shalbe farre from saluation, and they shall be destroyed in the gate, and none shall deliuer them.

(Notes Reference) His (e) children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the (f) gate, neither [is there] any to deliver [them].

(e) Though God sometimes allows the father's to pass in this world, yet his judgments will light on their wicked children.

(f) By public judgment they will be condemned and no one will pity them.

(Job 5:5) The hungrie shall eate vp his haruest: yea, they shall take it from among the thornes, and the thirstie shall drinke vp their substance.

(Notes Reference) Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the (g) thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.

(g) Though there are only two or three ears left in the hedges, yet these will be taken from him.

(Job 5:6) For miserie commeth not foorth of the dust, neither doeth affliction spring out of the earth.

(Notes Reference) Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, (h) neither doth trouble spring out of the ground;

(h) That is, the earth is not the cause of barrenness and man's misery, but his own sin.

(Job 5:7) But man is borne vnto trauaile, as the sparkes flie vpwarde.

(Notes Reference) Yet man is born unto (i) trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

(i) Which declares that sin is always in our corrupt nature: for before sin it was not subject to pain and affliction.

(Job 5:8) But I would inquire at God, and turne my talke vnto God:

(Notes Reference) I would seek unto (k) God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

(k) If I suffered as you do, I would seek God.

(Job 5:9) Which doeth great things and vnsearchable, and marueilous things without nomber.

(Notes Reference) Which (l) doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

(l) He counsels Job to humble himself to God to whom all creatures are subject and whose works declare that man is inexcusable unless he glorifies God in all his works.

(Job 5:10) He giueth raine vpon the earth, and powreth water vpon the streetes,

(Notes Reference) Who (m) giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:

(m) He shows by particular examples what the works of God are.

(Job 5:11) And setteth vp on hie them that be lowe, that the sorowfull may be exalted to saluation.

(Job 5:12) He scattereth the deuices of the craftie: so that their handes can not accomplish that which they doe enterprise.

(Job 5:13) He taketh the wise in their craftinesse, and the counsel of the wicked is made foolish.

(Job 5:14) They meete with darkenesse in the day time, and grope at noone day, as in the night.

(Notes Reference) They meet with (n) darkness in the daytime, and (o) grope in the noonday as in the night.

(n) In things plain and evident they show themselves fools instead of wise men.

(o) This declares that God punishes the worldly wise as he threatened in (Deu 28:29).

(Job 5:15) But he saueth the poore from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hande of the violent man,

(Notes Reference) But he saveth the (p) poor from the sword, from their (q) mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.

(p) That is, he who humbles himself before God.

(q) He compares the slander of the wicked to sharp swords.

(Job 5:16) So that the poore hath his hope, but iniquitie shall stop her mouth.

(Notes Reference) So the poor hath hope, and iniquity (r) stoppeth her mouth.

(r) If the wicked are compelled by God's works to shut their mouths, how much more they who profess God.

(Job 5:17) Beholde, blessed is the man whome God correcteth: therefore refuse not thou the chastising of the Almightie.

(Job 5:18) For he maketh the wound, and bindeth it vp: he smiteth, and his handes make whole.

(Job 5:19) He shall deliuer thee in sixe troubles, and in the seuenth the euill shall not touch thee.

(Notes Reference) He shall deliver thee in (s) six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

(s) He will send trouble after trouble that his children may not for one time, but continually trust in him: but they sill have a comfortable issue, even in the greatest and the last, which is here called the seventh.

(Job 5:20) In famine he shall deliuer thee from death: and in battel from the power of the sworde.

(Job 5:21) Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue, and thou shalt not be afraid of destruction when it commeth.

(Job 5:22) But thou shalt laugh at destruction and dearth, and shalt not be afraide of the beast of the earth.

(Notes Reference) At destruction and famine thou shalt (t) laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

(t) While the wicked lament in their troubles, you will have occasion to rejoice.

(Job 5:23) For the stones of the fielde shall be in league with thee, and the beastes of the field shall be at peace with thee.

(Notes Reference) For thou (u) shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

(u) When we are in God's favour, all creatures will serve us.

(Job 5:24) And thou shalt knowe, that peace shall be in thy tabernacle, and thou shalt visite thine habitation, and shalt not sinne.

(Notes Reference) And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle [shall be] in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not (x) sin.

(x) God will so bless you that you will have opportunity to rejoice in all things, and not be offended.

(Job 5:25) Thou shalt perceiue also, that thy seede shalbe great, and thy posteritie as the grasse of the earth.

(Job 5:26) Thou shalt goe to thy graue in a ful age, as a ricke of corne commeth in due season into the barne.

(Notes Reference) Thou shalt come to [thy] grave in (y) a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season.

(y) Though the children of God have not always carried out this promise, yet God recompenses it otherwise to their advantage.

(Job 5:27) Lo, thus haue we inquired of it, and so it is: heare this and knowe it for thy selfe.

(Notes Reference) Lo (z) this, we have searched it, so it [is]; hear it, and know thou [it] for thy good.

(z) We have learned these points by experience, that God does not punish the innocent, that man cannot compare in justice with him, that the hypocrites will not prosper for long, and that the affliction which man sustains comes for his own sin.

Passage 2: Micah 1

(Mic 1:1) The word of the Lord, that came vnto Micah the Morashite in the dayes of Iotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah Kings of Iudah, which he sawe concerning Samaria, and Ierusalem.

(Notes Reference) The word of the LORD that came to Micah the (a) Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

The Argument - Micah the prophet of the tribe of Judah served in the work of the Lord concerning Judah and Israel at least thirty years: during which time Isaiah prophesied. He declares the destruction first of the one kingdom, and then of the other, because of their manifold wickedness, but chiefly because of their idolatry. And to this end he notes the wickedness of the people, the cruelty of the princes and governors, and the allowing of the false prophets, and the delighting in them. Then he sets forth the coming of Christ, his kingdom, and the felicity of it. This Prophet was not that Micah who resisted Ahab and all his false prophets, (1Ki 22:8) but another with the same name.

(a) Born in Mareshah, a city of Judah.

(Mic 1:2) Heare, al ye people: hearke thou, O earth, and all that therein is, and let the Lord God be witnes against you, euen ye Lord from his holy Teple.

(Notes Reference) Hear, (b) all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

(b) Because of the malice and obstinacy of the people, whom he had so often exhorted to repentance, he summons them to God's judgments, taking all creatures, and God himself as witness, that the preaching of the Prophets, which they have abused, will be avenged.

(Mic 1:3) For beholde, the Lord commeth out of his place, and will come downe, and tread vpon the hie places of the earth.

(Notes Reference) For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come (c) down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.

(Mic 1:4) And the mountaines shall melt vnder him (so shall the valleys cleaue) as waxe before the fire, and as the waters that are powred downewarde.

(Mic 1:5) For the wickednes of Iaakob is all this, and for the sinnes of the house of Israel: what is the wickednes of Iaakob? Is not Samaria? and which are the hie places of Iudah? Is not Ierusalem?

(Notes Reference) For the transgression of Jacob [is] all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What [is] the transgression of Jacob? [is it] not (d) Samaria? and what [are] the high (e) places of Judah? [are they] not Jerusalem?

(d) Samaria, which should have been an example to all Israel of true religion and justice, was the dirty pool and the tank that all idolatry and corruption was kept alive in, and who prided themselves in their father Jacob, and boasted of him.

(e) That is, the idolatry and infection.

(Mic 1:6) Therefore I wil make Samaria as an heape of the fielde, and for the planting of a vineyard, and I will cause the stones thereof to tumble downe into the valley, and I will discouer the foundations thereof.

(Mic 1:7) And all the grauen images thereof shalbe broken, and all the giftes thereof shalbe burnt with the fire, and all the idoles thereof will I destroy: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall returne to the wages of an harlot.

(Notes Reference) And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the (f) hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered [it] of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return (g) to the hire of an harlot.

(f) Which they gathered by evil practices, and thought that their idols had enriched them with these wages because of their service to them.

(g) The gain that came by their idols will be consumed as a thing of nothing: for as the wages or riches of harlots are wickedly gotten, so are they vilely and quickly spent.

(Mic 1:8) Therefore I will mourne and howle: I wil goe without clothes, and naked: I will make lamentation like the dragons, and mourning as the ostriches.

(Mic 1:9) For her plagues are grieuous: for it is come into Iudah: the enemie is come vnto the gate of my people, vnto Ierusalem.

(Mic 1:10) Declare ye it not at Gath, neither weepe ye: for the house of Aphrah roule thy selfe in the dust.

(Notes Reference) Declare ye [it] not at (h) Gath, weep ye not at all: in the house of (i) Aphrah roll thyself in the dust.

(h) Lest the Philistines our enemies rejoice at our destruction.

(i) Which was a city near to Jerusalem (Jos 18:23), there called Ophrah, and signifies dust: therefore he wants them to mourn and roll themselves in the dust, for their dusty city.

(Mic 1:11) Thou that dwellest at Shaphir, go together naked with shame: she that dwelleth at Zaanan, shall not come forth in ye mourning of Beth-ezel: the enemie shall receiue of you for his standing.

(Notes Reference) Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of (k) Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Bethezel; he shall (l) receive of you his standing.

(k) These were cities by which the enemy would pass as he came to Judah.

(l) He will not depart before he has overcome you, and so you will pay for his staying.

(Mic 1:12) For the inhabitant of Maroth wayted for good, but euill came from the Lord vnto the gate of Ierusalem.

(Notes Reference) For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the (m) gate of Jerusalem.

(m) For Rabshakeh had shut up Jerusalem, so that they could not send to help them.

(Mic 1:13) O thou inhabitant of Lachish, binde the charet to the beastes of price: she is the beginning of the sinne to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.

(Notes Reference) O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the chariot to the (n) swift beast: she (o) [is] the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.

(n) To flee away: for Sennacherib laid siege first to that city, and remained there when he sent his captains and army against Jerusalem.

(o) You first received the idolatry of Jeroboam, and so infected Jerusalem.

(Mic 1:14) Therefore shalt thou giue presents to Moresheth Gath: the houses of Achzib shalbe as a lye to the Kings of Israel.

(Notes Reference) Therefore shalt thou give presents to (p) Moreshethgath: the houses of Achzib [shall be] a lie to the kings of Israel.

(p) You will bribe the Philistines your neighbours, but they will deceive you, as well as those of Jerusalem.

(Mic 1:15) Yet will I bring an heire vnto thee, O inhabitant of Mareshah, he shall come vnto Adullam, the glorie of Israel.

(Notes Reference) Yet will I bring an (q) heir unto thee, O inhabitant of Mareshah: he shall come unto Adullam (r) the glory of Israel.

(q) He prophesies against his own city: and because it signified a heritage, he says that God would send an heir to possess it.

(r) For so they thought themselves because of the strength of their cities.

(Mic 1:16) Make thee balde: and shaue thee for thy delicate children: enlarge thy baldenesse as the eagle, for they are gone into captiuity from thee.

Passage 3: Hebrews 11

(Heb 11:1) Now faith is the grounds of things, which are hoped for, and the euidence of things which are not seene.

(Notes Reference) Now (1) faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(1) An excellent description of faith by the effects, because it represents things which are but yet in hope, and sets as it were before our eyes things that are invisible.

(Heb 11:2) For by it our elders were well reported of.

(Notes Reference) (2) For by it the (a) elders obtained a good report.

(2) He shows that the fathers ought to be accounted of by this virtue.

(a) That is, those fathers from whom we came: and whose authority and example ought to move us very much.

(Heb 11:3) Through faith we vnderstand that the world was ordeined by the worde of God, so that the things which we see, are not made of things which did appeare.

(Notes Reference) (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are (b) seen were not made of things which do appear.

(3) He shows the property of faith, by setting before us most cautious examples of those who from the beginning of the world excelled in the Church.

(b) So that the world which we see, was not made from any matter that appeared or was before, but from nothing.

(Heb 11:4) By faith Abel offered vnto God a greater sacrifice then Cain, by the which he obtained witnes that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: by the which faith also he being dead, yet speaketh.

(Notes Reference) (4) By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

(4) Abel.

(Heb 11:5) By faith was Enoch translated, that he should not see death: neither was he found: for God had translated him: for before he was translated, he was reported of, that he had pleased God.

(Notes Reference) (5) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not (c) see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

(5) Enoch.

(Heb 11:6) But without faith it is vnpossible to please him: for he that commeth to God, must beleeue that God is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seeke him.

(Notes Reference) But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a (d) rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

(d) This reward is not referred to our merits, but to the free promise, as Paul teaches in Abraham the father of all the faithful, (Rom 4:4).

(Heb 11:7) By faith Noe being warned of God of the things which were as yet not seene, mooued with reuerence, prepared the Arke to the sauing of his housholde, through the which Arke hee condemned the world, and was made heire of the righteousnes, which is by faith.

(Notes Reference) (6) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

(6) Noah.

(Heb 11:8) By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed God, to goe out into a place, which hee should afterward receiue for inheritance, and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

(Notes Reference) (7) By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

(7) Abraham and Sarah.

(Heb 11:9) By faith he abode in the land of promise, as in a strange countrey, as one that dwelt in tents with Isaac and Iacob heires with him of the same promise.

(Heb 11:10) For he looked for a citie hauing a foundation, whose builder and maker is God.

(Notes Reference) For he looked for a city which hath (e) foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

(e) This foundation is contrasted with their tabernacle.

(Heb 11:11) Through faith Sara also receiued strength to conceiue seede, and was deliuered of a childe when she was past age, because she iudged him faithfull which had promised.

(Heb 11:12) And therefore sprang there of one, euen of one which was dead, so many as the starres of the skie in multitude, and as the land of the sea shore which is innumerable.

(Notes Reference) Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as (f) dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

(f) As unlikely to bear children, as if he had been dead.

(Heb 11:13) All these died in faith, and receiued not the promises, but sawe them a farre off, and beleeued them, and receiued them thankefully, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

(Notes Reference) These all died in (g) faith, not having received the (h) promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and (i) embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

(g) In faith, which they had while they lived, and followed, them even to their grave.

(h) This is the figure metonymy, for the things promised.

(i) For the patriarchs were given to profess their religion by building an altar and calling on the name of the Lord when they received the promises.

(Heb 11:14) For they that say such things, declare plainely, that they seeke a countrey.

(Heb 11:15) And if they had bene mindfull of that countrey, from whence they came out, they had leasure to haue returned.

(Heb 11:16) But nowe they desire a better, that is an heauenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a citie.

(Heb 11:17) By faith Abraham offered vp Isaac, when he was tryed, and he that had receiued the promises, offered his onely begotten sonne.

(Notes Reference) By faith Abraham, when he was (k) tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the (l) promises offered up his only begotten [son],

(k) Tried by the Lord.

(l) Although the promises of life were made in that only begotten son Isaac, yet he appointed him to die; and so against hope he believed in hope.

(Heb 11:18) (To whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seede be called.)

(Heb 11:19) For he considered that God was able to raise him vp euen from the dead: from whence he receiued him also after a sort.

(Notes Reference) Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from (m) whence also he received him in (n) a figure.

(m) From which death.

(n) For there was not the true and very death of Isaac, but as it were the death, by means of which he seemed also to have risen again.

(Heb 11:20) By faith Isaac blessed Iacob and Esau, concerning things to come.

(Notes Reference) (8) By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

(8) Isaac.

(Heb 11:21) By faith Iacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sonnes of Ioseph, and leaning on the ende of his staffe, worshipped God.

(Notes Reference) (9) By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, [leaning] upon the top of his staff.

(9) Jacob.

(Heb 11:22) By faith Ioseph when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel, and gaue commandement of his bones.

(Notes Reference) (10) By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

(10) Joseph.

(Heb 11:23) By faith Moses when he was borne, was hid three moneths of his parents, because they sawe he was a proper childe, neither feared they the kings commandement.

(Notes Reference) (11) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw [he was] a proper child; and they were not (o) afraid of the king's commandment.

(11) Moses.

(Heb 11:24) By faith Moses when he was come to age, refused to be called the sonne of Pharaohs daughter,

(Heb 11:25) And chose rather to suffer aduersitie with the people of God, then to enioy the pleasures of sinnes for a season,

(Notes Reference) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the (p) pleasures of sin for a season;

(p) Such pleasures as he could not enjoy, unless he provoked God's wrath against him.

(Heb 11:26) Esteeming the rebuke of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect vnto the recompence of the reward.

(Heb 11:27) By faith he forsooke Egypt, and feared not the fiercenes of the king: for he endured, as he that sawe him which is inuisible.

(Heb 11:28) Through faith he ordeined the Passeouer and the effusion of blood, least he that destroyed the first borne, should touche them.

(Heb 11:29) By faith they passed through the red sea as by drie land, which when the Egyptians had assayed to doe, they were swallowed vp.

(Notes Reference) (12) By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

(12) The Red Sea.

(Heb 11:30) By faith the walles of Iericho fell downe after they were copassed about seue dayes.

(Notes Reference) (13) By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

(13) Jericho.

(Heb 11:31) By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them which obeyed not, when she had receiued the spies peaceably.

(Notes Reference) (14) By faith the (q) harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the (r) spies with peace.

(14) Rahab.

(q) A notable example of God's goodness.

(r) Courteously and friendly, so that not only did she not hurt them, but also kept them safe.

(Heb 11:32) And what shall I more say? for the time would be too short for me to tell of Gedeon, of Barac, and of Sampson, and of Iephte, also of Dauid, and Samuel, and of the Prophets:

(Notes Reference) (15) And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets:

(15) Gideon, Barak and other judges and prophets.

(Heb 11:33) Which through faith subdued kingdomes, wrought righteousnesse, obteined the promises, stopped the mouthes of lions,

(Notes Reference) Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained (s) promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

(s) The fruit of the promises.

(Heb 11:34) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sworde, of weake were made strong, waxed valiant in battell, turned to flight the armies of the aliants.

(Heb 11:35) The women receiued their dead raised to life: other also were racked, and woulde not be deliuered, that they might receiue a better resurrection.

(Notes Reference) (t) Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were (u) tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

(t) He seems to mean the story of that woman of Sarepta, whose son Elijah raised again from the dead, and the Shunammite, whose son Elisha restored to his mother.

(u) He means that perfection which Antiochus wrought.

(Heb 11:36) And others haue bene tryed by mockings and scourgings, yea, moreouer by bondes and prisonment.

(Heb 11:37) They were stoned, they were hewen asunder, they were tempted, they were slaine with the sworde, they wandred vp and downe in sheepes skinnes, and in goates skinnes, being destitute, afflicted, and tormented:

(Notes Reference) They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in (x) sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

(x) In vile and rough clothing, so were the saints brought to extreme poverty, and constrained to live like beasts in the wilderness.

(Heb 11:38) Whom the world was not worthie of: they wandered in wildernesses and mountaines, and dennes, and caues of the earth.

(Heb 11:39) And these all through faith obteined good report, and receiued not the promise,

(Notes Reference) (16) And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received (y) not the promise:

(16) An amplification taken from the circumstance of the time: their faith is so much the more to be marvelled at, by how much the promises of things to come were more dark, yet at length were indeed exhibited to us, so that their faith and ours is as one, as is also their consecration and ours.

(y) But saw Christ afar off.

(Heb 11:40) God prouiding a better thing for vs, that they without vs should not be made perfite.

(Notes Reference) God having provided some better thing for us, that they (z) without us should not be made perfect.

(z) For their salvation depended on Christ, who was exhibited in our days.