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Passage 1: 1 Samuel 11-12

(1Sa 11:1) Then Nahash the Ammonite came vp, and besieged Iabesh Gilead: and all the men of Iabesh saide vnto Nahash, Make a couenant with vs, and we will be thy seruants.

(Notes Reference) Then Nahash the Ammonite (a) came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

(a) After that Saul was chosen king: for fear of whom they asked a king, as in (1Sa 12:12).

(1Sa 11:2) And Nahash ye Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a couenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eies, and bring that shame vpon all Israel.

(Notes Reference) And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this [condition] will I make [a covenant] with you, that I may thrust out all your (b) right eyes, and lay it [for] a reproach upon all Israel.

(b) This declares that the closer the tyrants are to their destruction, the more cruel they are.

(1Sa 11:3) To whome the Elders of Iabesh said, Giue vs seuen daies respet, that we may sende messengers vnto all the coastes of Israel: and then if no man deliuer vs, we will come out to thee.

(1Sa 11:4) Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and tolde these tidings in the eares of the people: and all the people lift vp their voices and wept.

(1Sa 11:5) And behold, Saul came following the cattell out of the fielde, and Saul saide, What aileth this people, that they weepe? And they tolde him the tidings of the men of Iabesh.

(1Sa 11:6) Then the Spirit of God came vpon Saul, when he heard those tidings, and he was exceeding angrie,

(Notes Reference) And the Spirit of God (c) came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

(c) God gave him the spirit of strength and courage to go against this tyrant.

(1Sa 11:7) And tooke a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coastes of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoeuer commeth not foorth after Saul, and after Samuel, so shall his oxen be serued. And the feare of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

(Notes Reference) And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent [them] throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after (d) Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

(d) He adds Samuel because Saul was not yet approved by all.

(1Sa 11:8) And when he nombred them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundreth thousande men: and the men of Iudah thirtie thousand.

(1Sa 11:9) Then they saide vnto the messengers that came, So say vnto the men of Iabesh Gilead, To morowe by then the sunne be hote, ye shall haue helpe. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Iabesh, which were glad.

(Notes Reference) And (e) they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by [that time] the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed [it] to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.

(e) Meaning, Saul and Samuel.

(1Sa 11:10) Therefore the men of Iabesh sayde, To morowe we will come out vnto you, and yee shall doe with vs all that pleaseth you.

(Notes Reference) Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto (f) you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you.

(f) That is, to the Ammonites, concealing that they had hope of aid.

(1Sa 11:11) And when the morowe was come, Saul put the people in three bandes, and they came in vpon the hoste in the morning watche, and slewe the Ammonites vntill the heate of the day: and they that remained, were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.

(1Sa 11:12) Then the people said vnto Samuel, Who is he that saide, Shall Saul reigne ouer vs? bring those men that we may slaie them.

(Notes Reference) And the people said unto Samuel, (g) Who [is] he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.

(g) By this victory the Lord won the hearts of the people to Saul.

(1Sa 11:13) But Saul said, There shall no man die this day: for to day the Lord hath saued Israel.

(Notes Reference) And Saul said, There shall not a man be (h) put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

(h) By showing mercy he thought to overcome their malice.

(1Sa 11:14) Then saide Samuel vnto ye people, Come, that we may goe to Gilgal, and renue the kingdome there.

(1Sa 11:15) So all the people went to Gilgal, and made Saul King there before the Lord in Gilgal: and there they offered peace offerings before the Lord: and there Saul and all the men of Israel reioyced exceedingly.

(Notes Reference) And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of (i) peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

(i) In sign of thanksgiving for the victory.

(1Sa 12:1) Samuel then said vnto all Israel, Behold, I haue hearkened vnto your voyce in all that yee sayde vnto mee, and haue appoynted a King ouer you.

(Notes Reference) And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have (a) hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.

(a) I have granted your petition.

(1Sa 12:2) Now therefore behold, your King walketh before you, and I am old and graie headed, and beholde, my sonnes are with you: and I haue walked before you from my childehood vnto this day.

(Notes Reference) And now, behold, the king walketh (b) before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons [are] with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day.

(b) To govern you in peace and war.

(1Sa 12:3) Beholde, here I am: beare recorde of me before the Lord and before his Anointed. Whose oxe haue I taken? or whose asse haue I taken? or whome haue I done wrong to? or whome haue I hurt? or of whose hande haue I receiued any bribe, to blinde mine eyes therewith, and I will restore it you?

(Notes Reference) Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: (c) whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

(c) God would have this confession be a pattern for all who have any charge or office.

(1Sa 12:4) Then they sayde, Thou hast done vs no wrong, nor hast hurt vs, neither hast thou taken ought of any mans hand.

(1Sa 12:5) And he saide vnto them, The Lord is witnesse against you, and his Anointed is witnesse this day, that yee haue founde nought in mine handes. And they answered, He is witnesse.

(Notes Reference) And he said unto them, The LORD [is] witness against you, and his (d) anointed [is] witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, [He is] witness.

(d) Your King, who is anointed by the commandment of the Lord.

(1Sa 12:6) Then Samuel sayde vnto the people, It is the Lord that made Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt.

(1Sa 12:7) Nowe therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the Lord according to all the righteousnesse of the Lord, which he shewed to you and to your fathers.

(1Sa 12:8) After that Iaakob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried vnto the Lord, then the Lord sent Moses and Aaron which brought your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place.

(1Sa 12:9) And when they forgate the Lord their God, he solde them into the hand of Sisera captaine of the hoste of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistims, and into the hande of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.

(Notes Reference) And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, (e) captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.

(e) Captain of Jabin's host, king of Hazor.

(1Sa 12:10) And they cried vnto the Lord, and saide, We haue sinned, because we haue forsaken the Lord, and haue serued Baalim and Ashtaroth. Nowe therefore deliuer vs out of the handes of our enemies, and we will serue thee.

(1Sa 12:11) Therefore the Lord sent Ierubbaal and Bedan and Iphtaph, and Samuel, and deliuered you out of the handes of your enemies on euery side, and yee dwelled safe.

(Notes Reference) And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, (f) and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.

(f) That is Samson, (Jdg 13:25).

(1Sa 12:12) Notwithstanding when you sawe, that Nahash the King of the children of Ammon came against you, ye sayde vnto me, No, but a King shall reigne ouer vs: when yet the Lord your God was your King.

(Notes Reference) And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, (g) Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God [was] your king.

(g) Leaving God to seek the help of man, (1Sa 8:5).

(1Sa 12:13) Nowe therefore beholde the King whome yee haue chosen, and whome yee haue desired: loe therefore, the Lord hath set a King ouer you.

(1Sa 12:14) If ye wil feare the Lord and serue him, and heare his voyce, and not disobey the worde of the Lord, both yee, and the King that reigneth ouer you, shall follow the Lord your God.

(Notes Reference) If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue (h) following the LORD your God:

(h) You shall be preserved as they that follow the Lord's will.

(1Sa 12:15) But if yee will not obey the voyce of the Lord, but disobey the Lordes mouth, then shall the hand of the Lord be vpon you, and on your fathers.

(Notes Reference) But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as [it was] against your (i) fathers.

(i) Meaning, the governors.

(1Sa 12:16) Nowe also stande and see this great thing which the Lord will doe before your eyes.

(1Sa 12:17) Is it not nowe wheat haruest? I wil call vnto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and raine, that yee may perceiue and see, howe that your wickednesse is great, which ye haue done in the sight of the Lord in asking you a King.

(Notes Reference) [Is it] not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness [is] (k) great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.

(k) In that you have forsaken him, who has all power in his hand, for a mortal man.

(1Sa 12:18) Then Samuel called vnto the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and raine the same day: and all the people feared the Lord and Samuel exceedingly.

(1Sa 12:19) And all the people said vnto Samuel, Pray for thy seruaunts vnto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we haue sinned in asking vs a King, beside all our other sinnes.

(Notes Reference) And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto (l) all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king.

(l) Not only at other times, but now chiefly.

(1Sa 12:20) And Samuel said vnto the people, Feare not. (ye haue indeede done all this wickednesse, yet depart not from following the Lord, but serue the Lord with all your heart,

(Notes Reference) And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: (m) yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

(m) He shows that there is no sin so great, but it shall be forgiven, if the sinner turn again to God.

(1Sa 12:21) Neither turne yee backe: for that shoulde be after vaine things which cannot profite you, nor deliuer you, for they are but vanitie)

(1Sa 12:22) For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great Names sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.

(Notes Reference) For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you (n) his people.

(n) Of his free mercy, and not of your merits, and therefore he will not forsake you.

(1Sa 12:23) Moreouer God forbid, that I should sinne against the Lord, and cease praying for you, but I will shewe you the good and right way.

(1Sa 12:24) Therefore feare you the Lord, and serue him in the trueth with all your hearts, and consider howe great things he hath done for you.

(Notes Reference) Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your (o) heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.

(o) Unfeignedly, and without hypocrisy.

(1Sa 12:25) But if ye doe wickedly, ye shall perish, both yee, and your King.

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Passage 2: Isaiah 55

(Isa 55:1) Ho, euery one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and ye that haue no siluer, come, bye and eate: come, I say, bye wine and milke without siluer and without money.

(Notes Reference) Ho, every one that (a) thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath (b) no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy (c) wine and milk without money and without price.

(a) Christ by proposing his graces and gifts to his Church, exempts the hypocrites who are full with their imagined works, and the Epicureans who are full with their worldly lusts, and so do not thirst after these waters.

(b) Signifying that God's benefits cannot be bought for money.

(c) By waters, wine, milk and bread, he means all things necessary to the spiritual life, as these are necessary to this corporal life.

(Isa 55:2) Wherefore doe ye lay out siluer and not for bread? and your labour without being satisfied? hearken diligently vnto me, and eate that which is good, and let your soule delite in fatnes.

(Notes Reference) Why do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? (d) and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently to me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in (e) fatness.

(d) He reproves their ingratitude, who refuse those things that God offers willingly, and in the mean time spare neither cost nor labour to obtain those which are not profitable.

(e) You will be fed abundantly.

(Isa 55:3) Encline your eares, and come vnto me: heare, and your soule shall liue, and I will make an euerlasting couenant with you, euen the sure mercies of Dauid.

(Notes Reference) Incline your ear, and come to me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the (f) sure mercies of David.

(f) The same covenant which through my mercy I ratified and confirmed to David, that it would be eternal, (2Sa 7:13; Act 13:34).

(Isa 55:4) Beholde, I gaue him for a witnes to the people, for a prince and a master vnto the people.

(Notes Reference) Behold, I have given (g) him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

(g) Meaning Christ, of whom David was a figure.

(Isa 55:5) Beholde, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and a nation that knew not thee, shall runne vnto thee, because of the Lord thy God, and the holy one of Israel: for hee hath glorified thee.

(Notes Reference) Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, (h) and nations [that] knew not thee shall run to thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

(h) That is, the Gentiles, who before you did not receive to be your people.

(Isa 55:6) Seeke ye the Lord while he may be found: call ye vpon him while he is neere.

(Notes Reference) Seek ye the LORD while he may be (i) found, call ye upon him while he is near:

(i) When he offers himself by the preaching of his word.

(Isa 55:7) Let the wicked forsake his wayes, and the vnrighteous his owne imaginations, and returne vnto the Lord, and he wil haue mercy vpon him: and to our God, for hee is very ready to forgiue.

(Notes Reference) Let the wicked (k) forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

(k) By this he shows that repentance must be joined with faith, and how we cannot call on God correctly, unless the fruits of our faith appear.

(Isa 55:8) For my thoughtes are not your thoughts, neither are your wayes my wayes, sayth the Lord.

(Notes Reference) For my (l) thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

(l) Although you are not soon reconciled one to another and judge me by yourselves, yet I am easy to be reconciled, yea, I offer my mercies to you.

(Isa 55:9) For as ye heauens are higher then the earth, so are my wayes higher then your wayes, and my thoughtes aboue your thoughts.

(Isa 55:10) Surely as the raine commeth downe and the snow from heauen, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth and maketh it to bring forth and bud, that it may giue seede to the sower, and bread vnto him that eateth,

(Isa 55:11) So shall my worde be, that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not returne vnto me voyde, but it shall accomplish that which I will, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

(Notes Reference) So shall my (m) word be that proceedeth from my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] for which I sent it.

(m) If these small things have their effect, as daily experience shows much more will my promise which I have made and confirmed, bring to pass the things which I have spoken for your deliverance.

(Isa 55:12) Therefore ye shall go out with ioy, and be led forth with peace: the mountaines and the hilles shall breake foorth before you into ioye, and all the trees of the fielde shall clap their handes.

(Notes Reference) For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the (n) mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

(n) Read (Isa 44:23, Isa 49:13)

(Isa 55:13) For thornes there shall grow firre trees: for nettles shall growe the myrrhe tree, and it shalbe to the Lord for a name, and for an euerlasting signe that shall not be taken away.

(Notes Reference) Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD (o) for a name, for an everlasting (p) sign [that] shall not be cut off.

(o) To set forth his glory.

(p) Of God's deliverance, and that he will never forsake his Church.

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Passage 3: Revelation 19-20

(Rev 19:1) And after these things I heard a great voyce of a great multitude in heauen, saying, Hallelu-iah, saluation, and glorie, and honour, and power be to the Lord our God.

(Notes Reference) And (1) after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, (a) (2) Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

(1) This chapter has in summary two parts, one transitory or of passage to the things that follow, to the tenth verse, (Rev 19:2-10), another historical of the victory of Christ over both the beasts, to the end of the chapter (Rev 19:11-21), which I said was the second history of this argument, (Rev 17:1). The transition has two places, one of praising God for the overthrow done to Babylon in (Rev 19:4): and another likewise of praise and prophecy, for the coming of Christ to his kingdom, and his most royal marriage with his Church, thence to the tenth verse (Rev 19:5-10). The former praise has three parts, distinguished after the ancient manner of those that sing: an invitation in (Rev 19:1-2), a response or answer in (Rev 19:3), and a close or joining together in harmony in (Rev 19:4), all which I thought good of purpose to distinguish in this place, lest any man should with Porphyrius, or other like dogs, object to John, or the heavenly Church, a childish and idle repetition of speech.

(a) Praise the Lord. (2) The proposition of praise with exhortation in this verse, and the cause of it in (Rev 19:2).

(Rev 19:2) For true and righteous are his iudgements: for he hath condemned that great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath auenged the blood of his seruants shed by her hand.

(Rev 19:3) And againe they saide, Hallelu-iah: and that her smoke rose vp for euermore.

(Notes Reference) And again they said, (3) Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

(3) The song of the Antiphony or response, containing an amplification of the praise of God, from the continuous and certain testimony of his divine judgment as was done at Sodom and Gomorrah, (Gen. 19:1-38).

(Rev 19:4) And the foure and twentie Elders, and the foure beastes fell downe, and worshipped God that sate on the throne, saying, Amen, Hallelu-iah.

(Rev 19:5) Then a voyce came out of the throne, saying, Prayse our God, all ye his seruants, and ye that feare him, both small and great.

(Notes Reference) (4) And a voice came out of the (5) throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

(4) The second place of praise, as I said See Rev 19:1 which first is commanded by God in this verse: and then is in most ample manner pronounced by the creatures, both because they see that kingdom of Christ to come, which they desire, (Rev 19:6) and also because they see the Church is called forth to be brought home to the house of her husband by holy marriage, to the fellowship of his kingdom, (Rev 19:7-8). Therefore John is commanded to write in a book the acclamation together with a divine testimony, (Rev 19:9). (5) Out of the temple from God as in (Rev 11:19).

(Rev 19:6) And I heard like a voyce of a great multitude, and as the voyce of many waters, and as the voyce of strong thundrings, saying, Hallelu-iah: for the Lord that God that almightie God hath reigned.

(Notes Reference) And I heard (6) as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

(6) Outside the temple in heaven.

(Rev 19:7) Let vs be glad and reioyce, and giue glory to him: for the marriage of that Lambe is come, and his wife hath made her selfe ready.

(Notes Reference) Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath (7) made herself ready.

(7) Namely, to that holy marriage, both herself in person in this verse, and also provided by her spouse with marriage gifts princely and divine, is adorned and prepared in the next verse.

(Rev 19:8) And to her was granted, that she should be arayed with pure fine linnen and shining, for the fine linnen is the righteousnesse of Saintes.

(Notes Reference) And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in (8) fine linen, clean and white: for the fine (9) linen is the (b) righteousness of saints.

(8) As an ensign of kingly and priestly dignity, which Christ bestows on us in (Rev 1:6). (9) This is a gift given by the husband for marriage sake, and a most choice ornament which Christ gave to us, as to his spouse.

(b) Good works which are lively testimonies of faith.

(Rev 19:9) Then he said vnto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called vnto the Lambes supper. And he said vnto me, These wordes of God are true.

(Notes Reference) (10) And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

(10) Namely the angel, as it appears by the next verse.

(Rev 19:10) And I fell before his feete, to worship him: but he said vnto me, See thou doe it not: I am thy fellowe seruant, and one of thy brethren, which haue the testimonie of Iesus. Worship God: for the testimonie of Iesus is the Spirit of prophecie.

(Notes Reference) (11) And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the (c)testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of (d) Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

(11) The particular history of this verse is brought in by occasion, and as it were besides the purpose that John might make a public example of his own infirmity and of the modest sanctimony of the angel, who both renounced for himself the divine honours, and recalled all the servants of God, to the worship of him alone: as also (Rev 22:8).

(c) Who are commanded to bear witness of Jesus.

(d) For Jesus is the mark that all the prophecies shoot at.

(Rev 19:11) And I sawe heauen open, and behold, a white horse, and he that sate vpon him, was called, Faithfull and true, and he iudgeth and fighteth righteously.

(Notes Reference) (12) And I saw (13) heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

(12) The second part of this chapter (as I said in) See Rev 19:1 is of the victory gained by Christ against both the beasts: in which first Christ is described as one ready to fight, to the sixteenth verse (Rev 19:12-16), then the battle is shown to begin, there to the eighteenth verse (Rev 19:17-18), lastly is set forth the victory, to the end the chapter (Rev 19:19-21). In this place the most excellent properties of Christ as our heavenly judge and avenger shine forth, according to his person, company, effects and names.

(13) Properties belonging to his person, that he is heavenly, judge, faithful, true, just, in this verse, knowing all things, ruling over all, to be known by no one, (Rev 19:12), the triumpher and in essence, the Word of God, in (Rev 19:13).

(Rev 19:12) And his eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crownes: and he had a name written, that no man knewe but himselfe.

(Rev 19:13) And he was clothed with a garment dipt in blood, and his name is called THE WORD OF GOD.

(Rev 19:14) And the hostes which werein heauen, followed him vpon white horses, clothed with fine linnen white and pure.

(Notes Reference) (14) And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

(14) The company or retinue of Christ, holy, innumerable, heavenly, judicial, royal and pure.

(Rev 19:15) And out of his mouth went out a sharpe sworde, that with it he should smite the heathen: for he shall rule them with a rod of yron: for he it is that treadeth the wine presse of the fiercenesse and wrath of almightie God.

(Notes Reference) (15) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

(15) The effects of Christ prepared to fight, that with his mouth he strikes the Gentiles, rules and destroys.

(Rev 19:16) And he hath vpon his garment, and vpon his thigh a name written, THE KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

(Notes Reference) (16) And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

(16) The name agreeing to Christ according to the former qualities, expressed after the manner of the Hebrews.

(Rev 19:17) And I sawe an Angel stand in the sunne, who cryed with a loude voyce, saying to all the foules that did flie by the middes of heauen, Come, and gather your selues together vnto the supper of ye great God,

(Notes Reference) (17) And I saw an angel standing in the (18) sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the (19) midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

(17) The second part, as I said in See Rev 19:11. A reproachful calling forth of his enemies into battle: in which not themselves (for why should they be called forth by the king of the world, or provoked being his subjects? for that is not comely) but in their hearing, the birds of the air are called to eat their carcasses.

(18) That is, openly, and in sight of all, as in (Num 25:4; 2Sa 12:11).

(19) That is, through this inferior heaven, and which is nearer to us: a Hebrew phrase.

(Rev 19:18) That ye may eate the flesh of Kings, and the flesh of hie Captaines, and the flesh of mightie men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all freemen, and bondmen, and of small and great.

(Rev 19:19) And I sawe the beast, and the Kings of the earth, and their hostes gathered together to make battell against him that sate on the horse, and against his armie.

(Notes Reference) (20) And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

(20) The third part (as was said in) (Rev 19:11) by the victory obtained by Christ. Two things pertain to this: his fighting with the beast and his forces, in this verse: and the event most magnificent, described after the manner of men, in the verses following. All these things are plain.

(Rev 19:20) But ye beast was taken, and with him that false prophet that wrought miracles before him, whereby he deceiued them that receiued ye beastes marke, and them that worshipped his image. These both were aliue cast into a lake of fire, burning with brimstone.

(Notes Reference) And the beast (21) was taken, and with him (22) the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

(21) Namely, that beast with seven heads; (Rev 13:1; Rev 17:3).

(22) That is, that beast with two heads; (Rev 13:11; Rev 16:14).

(Rev 19:21) And the remnant were slayne with the sword of him that sitteth vpon the horse, which commeth out of his mouth, and all the foules were filled full with their flesh.

(Rev 20:1) And I saw an Angel come downe from heauen, hauing the keye of the bottomles pit, and a great chaine in his hand.

(Notes Reference) And (1) I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key (2) of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

(1) Now follows the third part of the prophetic history, which is of the victory by which Christ overcame the dragon, as I noted in (Rev 7:1). This part must necessarily be joined with the end of the twelfth chapter and be applied to the correct understanding of it. This chapter has two parts, one of the dragon overcome, to (Rev 20:2-10): the other of the resurrection and last judgment to (Rev 20:11-15). The story of the dragon is twofold: First of the first victory, after which he was bound by Christ, to the sixth verse (Rev 20:1-6). The second is of the last victory, by which he has thrown down into everlasting punishment, there to the fifteenth verse (Rev 20:7-15). This first history happened in the first time of the Christian Church, when the dragon thrown down from heaven by Christ, went about to molest the new birth of the Church in the earth, (Rev 12:17, Rev 18:1). For which cause I gave warning, that this story of the dragon must be joined to that passage. (2) That is, of hell, where God threw the angels who had sinned, and bound them in chains of darkness to be kept till damnation, (2Pe 2:4)

(Rev 20:2) And he tooke the dragon that olde serpent, which is the deuill and Satan, and he bounde him a thousand yeeres:

(Notes Reference) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him (3) a thousand years,

(3) The first of which (continuing this history with the end of the second chapter) in the 36 years from the passion of Christ, when the Church of the Jews being overthrown, Satan attempted to invade the Christian church gathered from the Gentiles, and to destroy part of her seed, (Rev 12:17). The thousandth year falls precisely on the times of that wicked Hildebrand, who was called Gregory the seventh, a most damnable necromancer and sorcerer, whom Satan used as an instrument when he was loosed out of bonds, from then on to annoy the saints of God with most cruel persecutions, and the whole world with dissentions, and most bloody wars: as Benno the Cardinal reports at large. This is the first victory gained over the dragon in the earth.

(Rev 20:3) And cast him into the bottomles pit, and he shut him vp, and sealed the doore vpon him, that he should deceiue the people no more, till the thousand yeeres were fulfilled: for after that he must be loosed for a litle season.

(Notes Reference) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations (4) no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed (5) a little season.

(4) Namely, with that public and violent deceit which he attempted before in chapter 12 and which after a thousand years (alas for woe!) he most mightily achieved in the Christian world. (5) Which being once expired, the second battle and victory shall be; (Rev 20:7-8).

(Rev 20:4) And I sawe seates: and they sate vpon them, and iudgement was giuen vnto them, and I saw the soules of them that were beheaded for the witnes of Iesus, and for the word of God, and which did not worship the beast, neither his image, neither had taken his marke vpon their foreheads, or on their handes: and they liued, and reigned with Christ a thousand yeere.

(Notes Reference) (6) And I saw (a) thrones, and they sat upon them, and (7) judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were (8) beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which (9) had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

(6) A description of the common state of the Church of Christ in earth in that space of a thousand years, during which the devil was in bonds; in which first the authority, life, and common honour of the godly, is declared, (Rev 20:4). Secondly, newness of life is preached to others by the gospel after that time; (Rev 20:5). Finally, he concludes with promises, (Rev 20:6).

(a) For judgment was committed to them, as to members joined to the head: not that Christ's office was given over to them. (7) This was a type of the authority of the good and faithful servants of God in the Church, taken from the manner of men. (8) Of the martyrs, who suffered in those first times. (9) Of the martyrs who suffered after both the beasts were now risen up, chapter 15. For there, these things are expounded.

(Rev 20:5) But the rest of the dead men shall not liue againe, vntill the thousand yeres be finished: this is the first resurrection.

(Notes Reference) (10) But the rest of the dead (11) lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.

(10) Whoever shall lie dead in sin, and not know the truth of God.

(11) They shall not be renewed with newness of the life by the enlightening of the gospel of the glory of Christ. For this is the first resurrection, by which souls of the dead do rise from their death. In the second resurrection their bodies shall rise again.

(Rev 20:6) Blessed and holy is hee, that hath part in the first resurrection: for on such the second death hath no power: but they shalbe the Priests of God and of Christ, and shall reigne with him a thousand yeere.

(Notes Reference) Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the (12) second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, (13) and shall reign with him a thousand years.

(12) That by this both body and soul, that is, the whole man is condemned and delivered to eternal death; (Rev 2:11).

(13) A return to the intended history, by resuming the words which are in the end of the fourth verse (Rev 20:4).

(Rev 20:7) And when the thousand yeres are expired, Satan shalbe loosed out of his prison,

(Notes Reference) (14) And when the (15) thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

(14) The second history, of the latter victory of Christ, as was said in (Rev 20:1). In which are summarily described the work, overthrow, and eternal punishment of Satan.

(15) Of which I spoke. See Rev 20:2 Then there will be given to him liberty to rage against the Church, and to molest the saints for the sins of men: to whom the faithful shall have associated themselves more then was fitting, tasting with them of their impurity of doctrine and life.

(Rev 20:8) And shall go out to deceiue the people, which are in the foure quarters of the earth: euen Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battell, whose number is, as the sand of the sea.

(Notes Reference) (16) And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

(16) The work or act of Satan (which is the first part, as I distinguished in the verse before) to deceive the whole world, even to the uttermost nations of it: to arm them against the people of God, in this verse and to besiege and oppress the Church, with his whole strength, in the verse following.

(Rev 20:9) And they went vp into the plaine of the earth, and they compassed the tents of the Saints about, and the beloued citie: but fire came downe from God out of heauen, and deuoured them.

(Notes Reference) And they went up on the (b) breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and (17) fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

(b) As if he said, in so much that the whole face of the earth, however great it is, was filled.

(17) The wrath of God, consuming the adversaries, and overthrowing all their enterprises; (Heb 10:27). This is the second part mentioned See Rev 20:7, in the overthrow of Satan.

(Rev 20:10) And the deuill that deceiued them, was cast into a lake of fire and brimstone, where that beast and that false prophet are, and shall be tormented euen day and night for euermore.

(Notes Reference) (18) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

(18) The third part, eternal destruction against those that are overcome: as I noted in the same place.

(Rev 20:11) And I saw a great white throne, and one that sate on it, from whose face fled away both the earth and heauen, and their place was no more found.

(Notes Reference) (19) And I saw a great (20) white throne, and him that sat on it, (21) from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

(19) The second part of this chapter, in which the judge is described in this verse, and the last judgment in the verse following.

(20) That is, a tribunal seat most princelike and glorious: for so does the Greek word signify.

(21) That is, Christ, before whom when he comes to judgment, heaven and earth shall perish for the greatness of his majesty; (2Pe 3:7, 2Pe 3:10).

(Rev 20:12) And I saw the dead, both great and small stand before God: and the bookes were opened, and another booke was opened, which is the booke of life, and the dead were iudged of those thinges, which were written in the bookes, according to their woorkes.

(Notes Reference) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before (22) God; and the (23) books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] (24) of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

(22) That is, Christ the judge; (2Co 5:10).

(23) As it were, his books of reckoning or accounts, that is, the testimony of our conscience, and of our works, which by no means can be avoided.

(24) The book of the eternal decree of God, in which God the Father has elected in Christ according to the good pleasure of his will, those that shall be heirs of life. This also is spoken according to the manner of men.

(Rev 20:13) And the sea gaue vp her dead, which were in her, and death and hell deliuered vp the dead, which were in them: and they were iudged euery man according to their woorkes.

(Notes Reference) (25) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

(25) This is a reply or an answer to an objection: for some man will say, "But they are dead, whom the sea, death and the grave has consumed, how shall they appear before the judge?" John answers, by resurrection from death, where all things (however repugnant) shall minister and serve at the commandment of God, as in (Dan 12:1-2).

(Rev 20:14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire: this is the second death.

(Notes Reference) (26) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

(26) The last enemy which is death shall be abolished by Christ (that he may no more make any attempt against us) (1Co 15:16) and death shall feed on the reprobate in hell for evermore, according to the righteous judgment of God, in the next verse (Rev 20:15).

(Rev 20:15) And whosoeuer was not found written in the booke of life, was cast into the lake of fire.