Read Scripture In A Year: November 2

Passage 1: 2 Chronicles 31

(2Ch 31:1) And when all these thinges were finished, all Israel that were found in the cities of Iudah, went out and brake the images, and cut downe the groues, and brake downe the hie places, and the altars thorowout all Iudah and Beniamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, vntil they had made an ende: afterwarde all the children of Israel returned euery man to his possession, into their owne cities.

(Notes Reference) Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and (a) brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the (b) children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

(a) According to the commandment of the Lord, (Deu 7:25; Jos 7:12).

(b) That is, all they who came to the passover.

(2Ch 31:2) And Hezekiah appoynted the courses of the Priests and Leuites by their turnes, euery man according to his office, both Priestes and Leuites, for the burnt offring and peace offrings, to minister and to giue thankes, and to prayse in the gates of the tentes of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the (c) tents of the LORD.

(2Ch 31:3) (And the Kings portion was of his owne substance for the burnt offrings, euen for ye burnt offrings of the morning and of the euening, and the burnt offrings for the Sabbaths, and for the new moones, and for the solemne feastes, as it is written in the Law of the Lord)

(2Ch 31:4) He commanded also the people that dwelt in Ierusalem, to giue a part to the Priestes, and Leuites, that they might be encouraged in the Law of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the (d) portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be (e) encouraged in the law of the LORD.

(d) The tithes and firstfruits for the maintenance of the priests and Levites.

(e) That their minds might not be entangled with provision of worldly things, but that they might wholly and cheerfully serve the Lord.

(2Ch 31:5) And when the commandement was spread, the children of Israel brought abundance of first fruites, of corne, wine, and oyle, and honie, and of all the increase of the fielde, and the tithes of all things brought they abundantly.

(2Ch 31:6) And the children of Israel and Iudah that dwelt in ye cities of Iudah, they also brought the tithes of bullockes and sheepe, and the holy tithes which were consecrate vnto the Lord their God, and laide them on many heapes.

(Notes Reference) And [concerning] the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things (f) which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid [them] by (g) heaps.

(f) Which they had dedicated to the Lord by a vow.

(g) For the relief of the priests, Levites, widows, pupils, fatherless, strangers, and such as were in need.

(2Ch 31:7) In the thirde moneth they beganne to lay the foundation of the heapes, and finished them in the seuenth moneth.

(2Ch 31:8) And when Hezekiah and the princes came, and saw the heapes, they blessed the Lord and his people Israel.

(Notes Reference) And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they (h) blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.

(h) They praised the Lord and prayed for all prosperity to his people.

(2Ch 31:9) And Hezekiah questioned with the Priests and the Leuites concerning the heapes.

(2Ch 31:10) And Azariah the chiefe Priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and sayde, Since the people beganne to bring the offrings into the house of the Lord, we haue eaten and haue bene satisfied, and there is left in abundance: for the Lord hath blessed his people, and this abundance that is left.

(Notes Reference) And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since [the people] began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have (i) had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left [is] this great store.

(i) He shows that this plenteous liberality is expedient for the maintenance of the ministers and that God therefore prospers his people and increases by his blessing that which is given.

(2Ch 31:11) And Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord: and they prepared them,

(2Ch 31:12) And caryed in the first fruites, and the tithes, and the dedicate things faithfully: and ouer them was Conaniah the Leuite, the chiefe, and Shimei his brother the seconde.

(2Ch 31:13) And Iehiel, and Azariah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Ierimoth, and Iozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah were ouerseers by the appointment of Conaniah, and Shimei his brother, and by the commandement of Hezekiah the King, and of Azariah the chiefe of the house of God.

(2Ch 31:14) And Kore the sonne of Imnah the Leuite porter towarde the East, was ouer the things that were willingly offred vnto God, to distribute the oblations of the Lord, and the holy things that were consecrate.

(2Ch 31:15) And at his hande were Eden, and Miniamin, and Ieshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shechaniah, in the cities of the Priestes, to distribute with fidelitie to their brethren by courses, both to the great and small,

(2Ch 31:16) Their daily portion: beside their generation being males from three yeere olde and aboue, euen to all that entred into the house of the Lord to their office in their charge, according to their courses:

(Notes Reference) Beside their genealogy of males, (k) from three years old and upward, [even] unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;

(k) Who had also a portion and allowance in this distribution.

(2Ch 31:17) Both to the generation of the Priestes after the house of their fathers, and to the Leuites from twentie yeere olde and aboue, according to their charge in their courses:

(2Ch 31:18) And to the generation of all their children, their wiues, and their sonnes and their daughters throughout all ye Congregation: for by their fidelitie are they partakers of the holy things.

(Notes Reference) And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their (l) set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:

(l) Meaning, that either by the faithful distribution of the officers, everyone had their part in the things that were offered, or else that their wives and children were relieved, because the Levites were faithful in their office, and so depended on them.

(2Ch 31:19) Also to the sonnes of Aaron, the Priestes, which were in the fieldes and suburbes of their cities, in euery citie the men that were appointed by names, shoulde giue portions to all the males of the Priestes, and to all the generation of the Leuites.

(2Ch 31:20) And thus did Hezekiah throughout al Iudah, and did well, and vprightly, and truely before the Lord his God.

(2Ch 31:21) And in all the workes that he began for the seruice of the house of God, both in the Law and in the commandements, to seeke his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Passage 2: Daniel 11

(Dan 11:1) Also I, in ye first yere of Darius of ye Medes, euen I stood to incourage and to strengthen him.

(Notes Reference) Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, [even] I, (a) stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

(a) The angel assures Daniel that God has given him power to perform these things, seeing that he appointed him to assist Darius when he overcame the Chaldeans.

(Dan 11:2) And now wil I shew thee ye trueth, Behold, there shall stand vp yet three Kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be farre richer then they all: and by his strength, and by his riches he shall stirre vp all against the realme of Grecia.

(Notes Reference) And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet (b) three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than [they] all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up (c) all against the realm of Grecia.

(b) Of which Cambyses that now reigned was the first, the second Smerdes, the third Darius the son of Hystaspis, and the fourth Xerxes, who all were enemies to the people of God, and stood against them.

(c) For he raised up all the east countries to fight against the Grecians, and even though he had in his army 900,000 men, yet in four battles he was defeated, and fled away with shame.

(Dan 11:3) But a mightie King shall stand vp, that shall rule with great dominion, and doe according to his pleasure.

(Notes Reference) And a (d) mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

(d) That is, Alexander the Great.

(Dan 11:4) And when he shall stand vp, his kingdome shall be broken, and shall be deuided towarde the foure windes of heauen: and not to his posteritie, nor according to his dominion, which he ruled: for his kingdome shall be pluckt vp, euen to be for others besides those.

(Notes Reference) And when he shall stand up, (e) his kingdom shall be broken, (f) and shall be divided toward the (g) four winds of heaven; and not to his (h) posterity, nor according to (i) his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside (k) those.

(e) For when his estate was most flourishing, he overcame himself with drink, and so fell into a disease: or as some write, was poisoned by Cassander.

(f) For his twelve chief princes first divided his kingdom among themselves.

(g) After this his monarchy was divided into four: for Seleucus had Syria, Antigonus had Asia minor, Cassander had the kingdom of Macedonia, and Ptolemeus had Egypt.

(h) Thus God avenged Alexander's ambition and cruelty, in causing his posterity to be murdered, partly by their father's chief friends, and partly by one another.

(i) None of these four will be able to be compared to the power of Alexander.

(k) That is, his posterity having no part of it.

(Dan 11:5) And ye King of ye South shalbe mightie, and one of his princes, and shall preuaile against him, and beare rule: his dominio shalbe a great dominion.

(Notes Reference) And the (l) king of the south shall be strong, and [one] of (m) his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion [shall be] a great dominion.

(l) That is, Ptolemeus king of Egypt.

(m) That is, Antiochus the son of Seleucus, and one of Alexander's princes will be more mighty: for he would have both Asia and Syria.

(Dan 11:6) And in the ende of yeeres they shalbe ioyned together: for the Kings daughter of ye South shall come to the King of the North to make an agreement, but she shall not reteine the power of the arme, neither shall he continue, nor his arme: but she shall be deliuered to death, and they that brought her, and he that begate her, and he that comforted her in these times.

(Notes Reference) And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's (n) daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the (o) arm; neither shall (p) he stand, nor his (q) arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he (r) that begat her, and he that strengthened her in [these] times.

(n) That is, Bernice the daughter of Ptolemais Philadelphus will be given in marriage to Antiochus Theos, thinking by this affinity that Syria and Egypt would have a continual peace together.

(o) That power and strength will not continue: for soon after her husband's death, Bernice and her young son were slain by her stepson Seleicus Calinieus the son of Laodice, the lawful wife of Antiochus, but put away for this woman's sake.

(p) Neither Ptolemais nor Antiochus.

(q) Some read "seed", meaning the child begotten by Bernice.

(r) Some read, "she that begat her", and by this understand her nurse, who brought her up: so that all those who were part of this marriage were destroyed.

(Dan 11:7) But out of the bud of her rootes shall one stand vp in his stead, which shall come with an armie, and shall enter into the fortresse of the King of the North, and doe with them as he list, and shall preuaile,

(Notes Reference) But out of a branch of her (s) roots shall [one] stand up in his estate, (t) which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

(s) Meaning that Ptolemais Evergetes after the death of his father Philadelphus would succeed in the kingdom, being of the same stock that Bernice was.

(t) To revenge the sister's death against Antiochus Calinicus King of Syria.

(Dan 11:8) And shall also carie captiues into Egypt their gods with their molten images, and with their precious vessels of siluer and of golde, and he shall continue more yeeres then the King of the North.

(Notes Reference) And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, [and] with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue (u) [more] years than the king of the north.

(u) For this Ptolemais reigned forty-six years.

(Dan 11:9) So the King of ye South shall come into his kingdome, and shall returne into his owne land.

(Dan 11:10) Wherefore his sonnes shall be stirred vp, and shall assemble a mightie great armie: and one shall come, and ouerflowe, and passe through: then shall he returne, and be stirred vp at his fortresse.

(Notes Reference) But his (x) sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and [one] (y) shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he (z) return, and be stirred up, [even] to his fortress.

(x) Meaning Seleucus and Antiochus the great, the sons of Calinicus, will make war against Ptolemais Philopater, the son of Philadelphus.

(y) For his older brother Seleucus died, or was slain while the armies were preparing for war.

(z) That is, Philopater, when he will see Antiochus take great dominions from him in Syria, and also ready to invade Egypt.

(Dan 11:11) And the King of the South shall be angrie, and shall come foorth, and fight with him, euen with the King of the North: for he shall set foorth a great multitude, and the multitude shall be giuen into his hand.

(Notes Reference) And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, [even] with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great (a) multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.

(a) For Antioch had 6,000 horsemen, and 60,000 footmen.

(Dan 11:12) Then the multitude shall be proude, and their heart shall be lifted vp: for hee shall cast downe thousands: but he shall not still preuaile.

(Dan 11:13) For the King of the North shall returne, and shall set foorth a greater multitude then afore, and shall come foorth (after certeine yeeres) with a mightie armie, and great riches.

(Notes Reference) For the king of the north (b) shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.

(b) After the death of Ptolemais Philopater, who left Ptolemais Epiphanes as his heir.

(Dan 11:14) And at the same time there shall many stand vp against the King of the South: also the rebellious children of thy people shall exalt them selues to establish the vision, but they shall fall.

(Notes Reference) And in those times there shall (c) many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy (d) people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

(c) For not only Antaiochus came against him, but also Philip King of Macedonia, and these two brought great power with them.

(d) For under Onies, who falsely alleged that place of (Isa 19:19), certain of the Jews retired with him into Egypt to fulfil this prophecy: also the angel shows that all these troubles which are in the Church, are by the providence and counsel of God.

(Dan 11:15) So the King of the North shall come, and cast vp a mount, and take the strong citie: and the armes of the South shall not resist, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.

(Notes Reference) So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall (e) not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither [shall there be any] strength to withstand.

(e) The Egyptians were not able to resist Stopas, Antiochus' captain.

(Dan 11:16) But he that shall come, shall doe vnto him as he list, and none shall stand against him: and he shall stand in the pleasant land, which by his hand shalbe consumed.

(Notes Reference) But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the (f) glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.

(f) He shows that he will not only afflict the Egyptians, but also the Jews, and will enter into their country, of which he admonished them before, that they may know that all these things came by God's providence.

(Dan 11:17) Againe he shall set his face to enter with the power of his whole kingdome, and his confederates with him: thus shall he doe, and he shall giue him the daughter of women, to destroy her: but she shall not stande on his side, neither bee for him.

(Notes Reference) He shall also (g) set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the (h) daughter of women, corrupting (i) her: but (k) she shall not stand [on his side], neither be for him.

(g) This was the second battle that Antiochus fought against Ptolemais Epiphanes.

(h) That is, a beautiful woman who was Cleopatra, Antiochus' daughter.

(i) For he did not regard the life of his daughter in respect of the kingdom of Egypt.

(k) She will not agree to his wicked counsel, but will love her husband, as her duty requires, and not seek his destruction.

(Dan 11:18) After this shall he turne his face vnto the yles, and shall take many, but a prince shall cause his shame to light vpon him, beside that he shall cause his owne shame to turne vpon himselfe.

(Notes Reference) After this shall he turn his face unto the (l) isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf (m) shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause [it] to turn upon (n) him.

(l) That is, towards Asia, Greece, and those isles which are in the Mediterranean Sea: for the Jews called all countries which were divided by the sea "isles".

(m) For whereas Antiochus was accustomed to condemn the Romans, and put their ambassadors to shame in all places, Attilius the consul, or Lucius Scipio put him to flight, and caused his shame to turn on his own head.

(n) By his wicked life, and obedience to foolish counsel.

(Dan 11:19) For he shall turne his face toward the fortes of his owne land: but he shall be ouerthrowen and fall, and be no more founde.

(Notes Reference) Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of (o) his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be (p) found.

(o) For fear of the Romans he will flee to his strongholds.

(p) For when as under the pretence of poverty he would have robbed the temple of Jupiter Dodomeus, the countrymen slew him.

(Dan 11:20) Then shall stand vp in his place in the glorie of the kingdome, one that shall raise taxes: but after fewe dayes he shall be destroyed, neither in wrath, nor in battell.

(Notes Reference) (q) Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes [in] the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in (r) anger, nor in battle.

(q) That is, Seleuchus will succeed his father Antiochus.

(r) Not by foreign enemies, or battle, but by treason.

(Dan 11:21) And in his place shall stand vp a vile person, to whom they shall not giue the honour of the kingdome: but he shall come in peaceably, and obteine the kingdome by flatteries.

(Notes Reference) And in his estate shall stand up a (s) vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

(s) Who was Antiochus Epiphanes, who as is thought was the occasion of Seleucus his brother's death, and was of a vile, cruel, and flattering nature, and defrauded his brother's son of the kingdom, and usurped the kingdom without the consent of the people.

(Dan 11:22) And the armes shall be ouerthrowen with a flood before him, and shall be broken: and also the prince of the couenant.

(Notes Reference) And with the (t) arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the (u) covenant.

(t) He shows that great foreign powers will come to help the young son of Seleucus against his uncle Antiochus, and yet will be overthrown.

(u) Meaning Ptolemais Philopater's son, who was this child's cousin, and is here called the prince of the covenant, because he was the chief, and all others followed his conduct.

(Dan 11:23) And after the league made with him, he shall worke deceitfully: for he shall come vp, and ouercome with a small people.

(Notes Reference) And after (x) the league [made] with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a (y) small people.

(x) For after the battle, Philometor and his uncle Antiochus made a league.

(y) For he came upon him by surprise, and when he did not suspect his uncle Antiochus at all.

(Dan 11:24) He shall enter into the quiet and plentifull prouince, and he shall doe that which his fathers haue not done, nor his fathers fathers: he shall deuide among them the pray and the spoyle, and the substance, yea, and he shall forecast his deuises against the strong holdes, euen for a time.

(Notes Reference) He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do [that] which his fathers (z) have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: [yea], and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a (a) time.

(z) Meaning, in Egypt.

(a) He will content himself with the small strongholds for a time, but will always labour by craft to attain to the chiefest.

(Dan 11:25) Also he shall stirre vp his power and his courage against the King of the South with a great armie, and the King of the South shall be stirred vp to battell with a very great and mightie armie: but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast and practise against him.

(Notes Reference) And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not (b) stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.

(b) He will be overcome with treason.

(Dan 11:26) Yea, they that feede of the portion of his meate, shall destroy him: and his armie shall ouerflowe: and many shall fall, and be slaine.

(Notes Reference) Yea, they that feed of the portion of (c) his meat shall destroy him, and his army (d) shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.

(d) Declaring that his soldiers will break out and venture their life to stay and to be slain for the safeguard of their prince.

(Dan 11:27) And both these Kings hearts shall be to do mischiefe, and they shall talke of deceite at one table: but it shall not auaile: for yet the ende shall be at the time appointed.

(Notes Reference) And both these kings' hearts [shall be] to do (e) mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for (f) yet the end [shall be] at the time appointed.

(e) The uncle and the nephew will make truce, and banquet together, yet in their hearts they will imagine mischief against one another.

(f) Signifying that it depends not on the counsel of men to bring things to pass, but on the providence of God, who rules the kings by a secret bridle, so that they cannot do what they themselves wish.

(Dan 11:28) Then shall he returne into his land with great substance: for his heart shall be against the holy couenant: so shall he doe and returne to his owne land.

(Notes Reference) Then shall he return into his land with great (g) riches; and his heart [shall be] against the holy covenant; and he shall do [exploits], and return to his own land.

(g) Which he will take from the Jews in spoiling Jerusalem and the temple, and this is told them before to exhort them to be patient, knowing that all things are done by God's providence.

(Dan 11:29) At the time appointed he shall returne, and come toward the South: but the last shall not be as the first.

(Dan 11:30) For the shippes of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shalbe sorie and returne, and freat against the holy couenant: so shall he doe, he shall euen returne and haue intelligence with them that forsake the holy couenant.

(Notes Reference) For the ships (h) of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, (i) and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

(h) That is, the Roman power will come against him: for P. Popilius the ambassador appointed him to depart in the Romans' name, which he obeyed, although with grief, and to avenge his rage he came against the people of God the second time.

(i) With the Jews who will forsake the covenant of the Lord: for first he was called against the Jews by Jason the high priest, and this second time by Menelaus.

(Dan 11:31) And armes shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the Sanctuarie of strength, and shall take away the dayly sacrifice, and they shall set vp the abominable desolation.

(Notes Reference) And arms (k) shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary (l) of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

(k) A great faction of the wicked Jews will join with Antiochus.

(l) So called because the power of God was not at all diminished, even though this tyrant set up in the temple the image of Jupiter Olympius, and so began to corrupt the pure service of God.

(Dan 11:32) And such as wickedly breake ye couenant, shall he cause to sinne by flatterie: but the people that do know their God, shall preuaile and prosper.

(Notes Reference) And such as do wickedly (m) against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits].

(m) Meaning those who had the name of Jews, but indeed were not Jews at all, for they sold their souls, and betrayed their brethren for gain.

(Dan 11:33) And they that vnderstand among the people, shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by sword, and by flame, by captiuitie and by spoile many dayes.

(Notes Reference) And they that understand among the (n) people shall instruct many: (o) yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days.

(n) Those that remain constant among the people will teach others by their example, and edify many in the true religion.

(o) By which he exhorts the godly to constancy, even though they should perish a thousand times, and even though their miseries endure ever so long.

(Dan 11:34) Nowe when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a litle helpe: but many shall cleaue vnto them fainedly.

(Notes Reference) Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a (p) little help: but many shall cleave to them (q) with flatteries.

(p) As God will not leave his Church destitute, yet he will not deliver it all at once, but help in such a way that they may still seem to fight under the cross, as he did in the time of the Maccabees, of which he here prophesies.

(q) That is, there will even be among this small number many hypocrites.

(Dan 11:35) And some of the of vnderstanding shall fall to trie them, and to purge, and to make them white, till the time be out: for there is a time appointed.

(Notes Reference) And [some] of them (r) of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed.

(r) That is, of those that fear God and will lose their life for the defence of true religion. Signifying also that the Church must continually be tried and purged, and ought to look for one persecution after another: for God has appointed the time, and therefore we must obey.

(Dan 11:36) And the King shall doe what him list: he shall exalt himselfe, and magnifie himselfe against all, that is God, and shall speake marueilous things against ye God of gods, and shall prosper, till ye wrath be accomplished: for ye determination is made.

(Notes Reference) And the (s) king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation (t) be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

(s) Because the angels purpose is to show the whole course of the persecutions of the Jews until the coming of Christ, he now speaks of the monarchy of the Romans, which he notes by the name of a king, who were without religion and condemned the true God.

(t) So long the tyrants will prevail as God has appointed to punish his people: but he shows that it is but for a time.

(Dan 11:37) Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desires of women, nor care for any God: for he shall magnifie himselfe aboue all.

(Notes Reference) Neither shall he regard the (u) God of his fathers, nor the desire (x) of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

(u) The Romans will observe no certain form of religion as other nations, but will change their gods at their pleasures, indeed, they will condemn them and prefer themselves to their gods.

(x) Signifying that they would be without all humanity: for the love of women is taken for singular or great love, as (2Sa 1:26).

(Dan 11:38) But in his place shall he honour the god Mauzzim, and the god whom his fathers knewe not, shall he honour with golde and with siluer, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

(Notes Reference) But in his estate shall he honour the (y) God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with (z) gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

(y) That is, the god of power and riches: they will esteem their own power above all their gods and worship it.

(z) Under pretence of worshipping the gods, they will enrich their city with the most precious jewels of all the world, because by this all men would hold them in admiration for their power and riches.

(Dan 11:39) Thus shall he do in the holdes of Mauzzim with a strange god whom he shall acknowledge: he shall increase his glory, and shall cause them to rule ouer many and shall deuide ye land for gaine.

(Notes Reference) Thus shall he do in (a) the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

(a) Even though in their hearts they had no religion, yet they did acknowledge the gods, and worshipped them in their temples, lest they should have been despised as atheists. But this was to increase their fame and riches, and when they gained any country, they made others the rulers of it in such a way that the profit always came to the Romans.

(Dan 11:40) And at ye end of time shall the King of the South push at him, and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlewind with charets, and with horsemen, and with many ships, and he shall enter into ye countreis, and shall ouerflow and passe through.

(Notes Reference) And at the time of the end shall the king of the (b) south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

(b) That is, both the Egyptians and the Syrians will at length fight against the Romans, but they will be overcome.

(Dan 11:41) He shall enter also into the pleasant land, and many countreis shalbe ouerthrowen: but these shall escape out of his hand, euen Edom and Moab, and the chiefe of the children of Ammon.

(Notes Reference) He shall enter also into the (c) glorious land, and many [countries] shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

(c) The angel forewarns the Jews that when they should see the Romans invade them, and that the wicked would escape their hands, that then they should think that all this was done by God's providence, seeing that he warned them of it so long before, and therefore he would still preserve them.

(Dan 11:42) He shall stretch foorth his hands also vpon the countreis, and ye land of Egypt shall not escape.

(Dan 11:43) But he shall haue power ouer the treasures of golde and of siluer, and ouer all the precious things of Egypt, and of the Lybians, and of the blacke Mores where he shall passe.

(Dan 11:44) But the tidings out of the East and the North shall trouble him: therefore he shall goe foorth with great wrath to destroy and roote out many.

(Notes Reference) But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall (d) trouble him: therefore he shall go forth (e) with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

(d) Hearing that Crassus was slain, and Antonius defeated.

(e) For Augustus overcame the Parthians, and recovered that which Antonius had lost.

(Dan 11:45) And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace betweene the seas in the glorious and holy mountaine, yet he shall come to his end, and none shall helpe him.

(Notes Reference) And he shall plant the tabernacles (f) of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

(f) The Romans after this reigned quietly throughout all countries, and from sea to sea, and in Judea: but at length because of their cruelty God will destroy them.

Passage 3: Acts 11-12

(Act 11:1) Nowe the Apostles and the brethren that were in Iudea, heard, that the Gentiles had also receiued the worde of God.

(Notes Reference) And (1) the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

(1) Peter, being reprehended without reason by the unskilful and ignorant, does not object and say that he should not be judged by any, but openly gives an account of his actions.

(Act 11:2) And when Peter was come vp to Hierusalem, they of the circumcision contended against him,

(Act 11:3) Saying, Thou wentest in to men vncircumcised, and hast eaten with them.

(Act 11:4) Then Peter beganne, and expounded the thing in order to them, saying,

(Act 11:5) I was in the citie of Ioppa, praying, and in a trance I sawe this vision, A certaine vessell comming downe as it had bene a great sheete, let downe from heauen by the foure corners, and it came to me.

(Act 11:6) Towarde the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and sawe foure footed beastes of the earth, and wilde beastes, and creeping things, and foules of the heauen.

(Act 11:7) Also I heard a voyce, saying vnto me, Arise, Peter: slay and eate.

(Act 11:8) And I said, God forbid, Lord: for nothing polluted or vncleane hath at any time entred into my mouth.

(Act 11:9) But the voyce answered me the seconde time from heauen, The things that God hath purified, pollute thou not.

(Act 11:10) And this was done three times, and all were taken vp againe into heauen.

(Act 11:11) Then behold, immediatly there were three men already come vnto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea vnto me.

(Act 11:12) And the Spirit saide vnto me, that I should go with them, without doubting: moreouer these sixe brethren came with me, and we entred into the mans house.

(Act 11:13) And he shewed vs, howe he had seene an Angel in his house, which stoode and said to him, Send men to Ioppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter.

(Act 11:14) He shall speake wordes vnto thee, whereby both thou and all thine house shalbe saued.

(Act 11:15) And as I began to speake, the holy Ghost fell on them, euen as vpon vs at the beginning.

(Act 11:16) Then I remembred the word of the Lord, howe he said, Iohn baptized with water, but ye shalbe baptized with the holy Ghost.

(Act 11:17) For as much then as God gaue them a like gift, as he did vnto vs, when we beleeued in the Lord Iesus Christ, who was I, that I coulde let God?

(Act 11:18) When they heard these things, they helde their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles graunted repentance vnto life.

(Notes Reference) (2) When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

(2) Those who ask a question of the truth which they do not know, ought to be quietly heard, and must also quietly yield to the declaration of the truth.

(Act 11:19) And they which were scattered abroade because of the affliction that arose about Steuen, went throughout till they came vnto Phenice and Cyprus, and Antiochia, preaching the worde to no man, but vnto the Iewes onely.

(Notes Reference) (3) Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and (a) Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

(3) The scattering abroad of Jerusalem is the cause of the gathering together of many other churches.

(a) He speaks of Antioch which was in Syria and bordered upon Cilicia.

(Act 11:20) Now some of them were men of Cyprus and of Cyrene, which when they were come into Antiochia, spake vnto the Grecians, and preached the Lord Iesus.

(Notes Reference) (4) And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

(4) The church of Antioch, the new Jerusalem of the Gentiles, was extraordinarily called.

(Act 11:21) And the hand of the Lord was with them, so that a great number beleeued and turned vnto the Lord.

(Act 11:22) Then tydings of those things came vnto the eares of the Church, which was in Hierusalem, and they sent foorth Barnabas, that he should goe vnto Antiochia.

(Notes Reference) (5) Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

(5) The apostles do not rashly condemn an extraordinary calling, but instead they judge it by the effects.

(Act 11:23) Who when he was come and had seene the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted all, that with purpose of heart they would continue in the Lord.

(Act 11:24) For he was a good man, and full of the holy Ghost, and faith, and much people ioyned them selues vnto the Lord.

(Act 11:25) Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus to seeke Saul:

(Notes Reference) (6) Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

(6) There was no contention amongst the apostles, either with regard to usurping, or with regard to holding places of degree.

(Act 11:26) And when he had founde him, he brought him vnto Antiochia: and it came to passe that a whole yere they were conuersant with ye Church, and taught much people, in so much that the disciples were first called Christians in Antiochia.

(Act 11:27) In those dayes also came Prophets from Hierusalem vnto Antiochia.

(Notes Reference) (7) And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

(7) God punishes his Church when he punishes the wicked, in his scourges and plagues which he sends upon the earth, in such a way that he nonetheless conveniently provides for it.

(Act 11:28) And there stoode vp one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be great famine throughout all the world, which also came to passe vnder Claudius Cesar.

(Act 11:29) Then the disciples, euery man according to his ability, purposed to sende succour vnto the brethren which dwelt in Iudea.

(Notes Reference) (8) Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send (b) relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

(8) All congregations or churches make one body.

(b) That is, that the deacons might help the poor with it: for it was appropriate and helpful to have all these things done orderly and decently, and therefore it is said that they sent these things to the elders, that is, to the governors of the Church.

(Act 11:30) Which thing they also did, and sent it to the Elders, by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

(Act 12:1) Nowe about that time, Herod the King stretched forth his hands to vexe certaine of the Church,

(Notes Reference) Now (1) about that time (a) Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church.

(1) God gives his Church peace only for a short time.

(a) This name Herod was common to all those that come from the stock of Herod Ascalonites, whose surname was Magnus: but he that is spoken of here was nephew to Herod the great, son to Aristobulus, and father to the Agrippa who is spoken of afterwards.

(Act 12:2) And he killed Iames the brother of Iohn with the sword.

(Notes Reference) And he (b) killed James the brother of John with the sword.

(b) Violently, his cause not being heard at all.

(Act 12:3) And when he sawe that it pleased the Iewes, he proceeded further, to take Peter also (then were the dayes of vnleauened bread.)

(Notes Reference) (2) And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

(2) It is an old habit of tyrants to attain the favour of the wicked, with the blood of the godly.

(Act 12:4) And when he had caught him, he put him in prison, and deliuered him to foure quaternions of souldiers to be kept, intending after the Passeouer to bring him foorth to the people.

(Notes Reference) (3) And when he had apprehended him, he put [him] in prison, and delivered [him] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

(3) The tyrants and wicked make a gallows for themselves even then when they do most according to their own will and fantasy.

(Act 12:5) So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer was made of ye Church vnto God for him.

(Notes Reference) (4) Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

(4) The prayers of the godly overturn the counsel of tyrants, obtain angels from God, break the prison, unloose the chains, put Satan to flight, and preserve the Church.

(Act 12:6) And when Herod woulde haue brought him out vnto the people, the same night slept Peter betweene two souldiers, bound with two chaines, and the keepers before the doore, kept the prison.

(Act 12:7) And behold the Angel of the Lord came vpon them, and a light shined in the house, and he smote Peter on the side, and raysed him vp, saying, Arise quickely. And his chaines fell off from his handes.

(Notes Reference) And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the (c) prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.

(Act 12:8) And the Angel saide vnto him, Girde thy selfe, and binde on thy sandales. And so he did. Then he said vnto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

(Act 12:9) So Peter came out and followed him, and knewe not that it was true, which was done by the Angel, but thought he had seene a vision.

(Act 12:10) Nowe when they were past the first and the second watch, they came vnto the yron gate, that leadeth vnto the citie, which opened to them by it owne accord, and they went out, and passed through one streete, and by and by the Angel departed from him.

(Act 12:11) And when Peter was come to himselfe, he said, Nowe I know for a trueth, that the Lord hath sent his Angel, and hath deliuered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the wayting for of the people of the Iewes.

(Act 12:12) And as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Marie, the mother of Iohn, whose surname was Marke, where many were gathered together, and prayed.

(Notes Reference) (5) And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

(5) Holy meetings in the nights of both men and women (when they cannot take place in the day time) are allowable by the example of the apostles.

(Act 12:13) And when Peter knocked at the entrie doore, a maide came foorth to hearken, named Rhode,

(Notes Reference) (6) And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel (d) came to hearken, named Rhoda.

(6) We obtain more from God than we dare well hope for.

(d) Out of the place where they were assembled, but not out of the house.

(Act 12:14) But when she knew Peters voyce, she opened not the entrie doore for gladnesse, but ranne in, and tolde howe Peter stood before the entrie.

(Act 12:15) But they said vnto her, Thou art mad. Yet she affirmed it constantly, that it was so. Then said they, It is his Angel.

(Act 12:16) But Peter continued knocking, and when they had opened it, and sawe him, they were astonied.

(Act 12:17) And he beckened vnto them with the hand, to hold their peace, and told them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he saide, Goe shewe these things vnto Iames and to the brethren: and he departed and went into an other place.

(Notes Reference) (7) But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

(7) We may sometimes give place to the rage of the wicked, but yet only in such a way that our diligence which ought to be used in God's business does not slacken in the least.

(Act 12:18) Nowe assoone as it was day, there was no small trouble among the souldiers, what was become of Peter.

(Notes Reference) (8) Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

(8) Evil counsel in the end results in the hurt of those who devised it.

(Act 12:19) And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded them to be led to be punished. And he went downe from Iudea to Cesarea, and there abode.

(Act 12:20) Then Herod was angrie with them of Tyrus and Sidon, but they came all with one accord vnto him, and perswaded Blastus the Kings Chamberlaine, and they desired peace, because their countrey was nourished by the Kings land.

(Notes Reference) (9) And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's [country].

(9) A miserable and shameful example of what happens to the enemies of the Church.

(Act 12:21) And vpon a day appointed, Herod arayed himselfe in royall apparell, and sate on the iudgement seate, and made an oration vnto them.

(Act 12:22) And the people gaue a shoute, saying, The voyce of God, and not of man.

(Notes Reference) (10) And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man.

(10) The flattery of people makes fools glad.

(Act 12:23) But immediatly the Angel of the Lord smote him, because he gaue not glorie vnto God, so that he was eaten of wormes, and gaue vp the ghost.

(Notes Reference) (11) And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he (e) gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

(11) God resists the proud.

(e) Josephus records that this king did not repress the flatterer's tongues, and therefore at his death he complained and cried out about their empty praise.

(Act 12:24) And the worde of God grewe, and multiplied.

(Notes Reference) (12) But the (s) word of God grew and multiplied.

(12) Tyrants build up the Church by destroying it.

(s) Those that heard the word of God.

(Act 12:25) So Barnabas and Saul returned from Hierusalem, when they had fulfilled their office, and tooke with them Iohn, whose surname was Marke.