Read Scripture In A Year: November 26

Passage 1: Esther 1

(Est 1:1) In the dayes of Ahashuerosh (this is Ahashuerosh that reigned, from India euen vnto Ethiopia, ouer an hundreth, and seuen and twentie prouinces)

(Notes Reference) Now it came to pass in the days of (a) Ahasuerus, (this [is] Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, [over] an (b) hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

The Argument - Because of the variety of names, by which they used to call their kings, and the number of years in which the Hebrews and the Greeks vary, various authors write concerning that Ahasuerus but is seems in (Dan 6:1, Dan 9:1) that he was Darius king of the Medes and son of Astyages also called Ahasuerus which was a name of honour and signified great and chief as chief head. In this is declared the great mercies of God toward his church: who never fails them in their greatest dangers, but when all hope of worldly help fades, he stirs up some, by whom he sends comfort and deliverance. In this also is described the ambition, pride and cruelty of the wicked when they come to honour and their sudden fall when they are at their highest and how God preserves and prefers them who are zealous of his glory and have a care and love for their brethren.

(a) Also called Darius, who was now the favourite monarch and had the government of the Medes, Persians and Chaldeans. Some think he was Darius Hystaspis also called Artaxerxes.

(b) (Dan 6:1) makes mention of only 120 leaving out the number that are imperfect as the scripture uses in various places.

(Est 1:2) In those dayes when the King Ahashuerosh sate on his throne, which was in the palace of Shushan,

(Notes Reference) [That] in those days, when the king Ahasuerus (c) sat on the throne of his kingdom, which [was] in Shushan the palace,

(Est 1:3) In the third yeere of his reigne, he made a feast vnto all his princes and his seruants, euen the power of Persia and Media, and to the captaines and gouernours of the prouinces which were before him,

(Est 1:4) That he might shewe the riches and glorie of his kingdome, and the honour of his great maiestie many dayes, euen an hundreth and foure score dayes.

(Est 1:5) And when these dayes were expired, the King made a feast to all the people that were founde in the palace of Shushan, both vnto great and small, seuen dayes, in the court of the garden of the Kings palace,

(Est 1:6) Vnder an hanging of white, greene, and blue clothes, fastened with cordes of fine linen and purple, in siluer rings, and pillars of marble: the beds were of golde, and of siluer vpon a pauement of porphyre, and marble and alabaster, and blue colour.

(Notes Reference) [Where were] white, green, and blue, [hangings], fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the (d) beds [were of] gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

(d) Which they used in those countries instead of tables.

(Est 1:7) And they gaue them drinke in vessels of golde, and changed vessel after vessel, and royall wine in abundance according to the power of the King.

(Notes Reference) And they gave [them] drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the (e) state of the king.

(e) As was befitting for so magnificent a king.

(Est 1:8) And the drinking was by an order, none might compel: for so the King had appoynted vnto all the officers of his house, that they should do according to euery mans pleasure.

(Notes Reference) And the drinking [was] according to the law; none did (f) compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.

(f) No one was forced to drink more than it pleased him.

(Est 1:9) The Queene Vashti made a feast also for the women in the royall house of King Ahashuerosh.

(Est 1:10) Vpon the seuenth daye when the King was merie with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seuen eunuches, (that serued in the presence of King Ahashuerosh)

(Notes Reference) On the (g) seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

(g) Which was the last day of the feast that the king made for the people as in (Est 1:5).

(Est 1:11) To bring Queene Vashti before the King with the crowne royall, that he might shewe the people and the princes her beautie: for shee was fayre to looke vpon.

(Est 1:12) But the Queene Vashti refused to come at the Kings worde, which he had giuen in charge to the eunuches: therefore the King was very angry, and his wrath kindled in him.

(Est 1:13) Then the King said to the wise men, that knew the times (for so was the Kings maner towards all that knew the law and the iudgement:

(Notes Reference) Then the king said to the wise men, (h) which knew the times, (for so [was] the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

(h) Who had experience in things as they had learned by diligent marking in continuance of time.

(Est 1:14) And the next vnto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan the seuen princes of Persia and Media, which sawe the Kings face, and sate the first in the kingdome)

(Notes Reference) And the next unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, [and] Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the (i) king's face, [and] which sat the first in the kingdom;)

(i) Who were his chief counsellors that always had access to him.

(Est 1:15) What shall we do vnto the Queene Vashti according to the law, because she did not according to the worde of the King Ahashuerosh by the commission of the eunuches?

(Est 1:16) Then Memucan answered before the King and the Princes, The Queene Vashti hath not only done euill against the King, but against all the princes, and against all the people that are in all the prouinces of King Ahashuerosh.

(Notes Reference) And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done (k) wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that [are] in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.

(k) By her disobedience she has given an example to all women to do the same to their husbands.

(Est 1:17) For the acte of the Queene shall come abroade vnto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their owne eyes, and shall say, The King Ahashuerosh comanded Vashti the Queene to be brought in before him, but she came not.

(Notes Reference) For [this] (l) deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

(l) That is, her disobedience.

(Est 1:18) So shall the princesses of Persia and Media this day say vnto all the Kings Princes, when they heare of the acte of the Queene: thus shall there be much despitefulnesse and wrath.

(Notes Reference) [Likewise] shall the (m) ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus [shall there arise] too much contempt and wrath.

(m) Meaning, that they would take the first opportunity to do the same and the rest of the women would also do the same.

(Est 1:19) If it please the King, let a royal decree proceede from him, and let it be written among the statutes of Persia, and Media, (and let it not be transgressed) that Vashti come no more before King Ahashuerosh: and let the King giue her royal estate vnto her companion that is better then she.

(Notes Reference) If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come (n) no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

(n) Let her be divorced and another made queen.

(Est 1:20) And when the decree of the King which shalbe made, shalbe published throughout all his kingdome (though it be great) all the women shall giue their husbands honour, both great and small.

(Notes Reference) And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is (o) great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.

(o) For he had under him a hundred and twenty-seven countries.

(Est 1:21) And this saying pleased the King and the princes, and the King did according to the worde of Memucan.

(Est 1:22) For he sent letters into all the prouinces of the King, into euery prouince according to the writing thereof, and to euery people after their language, that euery man should beare rule in his owne house, and that he should publish it in the language of that same people.

(Notes Reference) For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should (p) bear rule in his own house, and that [it] should be published according to the language of every people.

(p) That is, that the wife should be subject to the husband and at his commandment.

Passage 2: Amos 6

(Amo 6:1) Woe to them that are at ease in Zion and trust in the moutaine of Samaria, which were famous at the beginning of the nations: and the house of Israel came to them.

(Notes Reference) Woe to (a) them [that are] at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, (b) [which are] named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!

(a) The Prophet threatens the wealthy, who did not regard God's plagues, nor threatenings by his Prophets.

(b) These two cities were famous from their first inhabitants the Canaanites: and seeing that before they did not avail those that were born here, why should you think that they should save you who were brought in to dwell in other men's possessions?

(Amo 6:2) Goe you vnto Calneh, and see: and from thence goe you to Hamath the great: then goe downe to Gath of the Philistims: be they better then these kingdomes? or the border of their land greater then your border,

(Notes Reference) Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: [be (c) they] better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border?

(c) If God has destroyed these excellent cities in three different kingdoms, that is Babylon, Syria, and that of the Philistines, and has narrowed their wide borders more than yours yet are, do you think that you are better, or that you will escape?

(Amo 6:3) Ye that put farre away the euill day, and approch to the seate of iniquitie?

(Notes Reference) Ye that put far away the (d) evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

(d) You that continue still in your wickedness, and think that God's plagues are not at hand, but give yourselves to all idleness, lustfulness, and disorder.

(Amo 6:4) They lie vpon beddes of yuorie, and stretch themselues vpon their beddes, and eate the lambes of the flocke, and the calues out of the stall.

(Amo 6:5) They sing to the sounde of the viole: they inuent to themselues instruments of musike like Dauid.

(Notes Reference) That chant to the sound of the viol, [and] invent to themselves instruments of musick, like (e) David;

(e) As he caused different types of instruments to be made to serve God's glory, so these did strive to invent as many to serve their unrestrained affections and lusts.

(Amo 6:6) They drinke wine in bowles, and anoynt themselues with the chiefe ointments, but no man is sory for the affliction of Ioseph.

(Notes Reference) That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not (f) grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

(f) They did not pity their brethren, of which many were now slain and carried away captive.

(Amo 6:7) Therefore nowe shall they go captiue with the first that go captiue, and the sorow of them that stretched themselues, is at hand.

(Notes Reference) Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the (g) banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.

(g) Some read "the sorrow of them that stretched themselves is at hand".

(Amo 6:8) The Lord God hath sworne by himselfe, saith the Lord God of hostes, I abhorre the excellencie of Iaakob, and hate his palaces: therefore wil I deliuer vp the citie with all that is therein.

(Notes Reference) (h) The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor (i) the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

(h) Read (Jer 51:14).

(i) That is, the riches and pomp.

(Amo 6:9) And if there remaine ten men in one house, they shall die.

(Amo 6:10) And his vncle shall take him vp and burne him to cary out the bones out of the house, and shall say vnto him, that is by ye sides of the house, Is there yet any with thee? And he shall say, None. Then shall he say, Holde thy tongue: for we may not remember the Name of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And a man's uncle (k) shall take him up, and he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that [is] by the (l) sides of the house, [Is there] yet [any] with thee? and he shall say, No. Then shall he say, (m) Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD.

(k) The destruction will be so great, that almost none will be left to bury the dead: and therefore they will burn them at home, to carry out the burnt ashes with more ease.

(l) That is, to some neighbour that dwells near by.

(m) They will be so astonished at this destruction, that they will not boast any more of the name of God, and that they are his people: but they will be silent when they hear God's name, and abhor it, as those that are desperate, or reprobate.

(Amo 6:11) For behold, the Lord commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the litle house with clefts.

(Amo 6:12) Shal horses runne vpon the rocke? or wil one plowe there with oxen? for yee haue turned iudgement into gall, and the fruite of righteousnes into wormewood.

(Notes Reference) Shall horses (n) run upon the rock? will [one] plow [there] with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into (o) hemlock:

(n) He compares them to barren rocks, upon which it is in vain to bestow labour: showing that God's benefits can have no place among them.

(o) Read (Amo 5:7).

(Amo 6:13) Ye reioyce in a thing of nought: yee say, Haue not wee gotten vs hornes by our owne strength?

(Notes Reference) Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought, which say, Have we not taken to us (p) horns by our own strength?

(p) That is, power and glory.

(Amo 6:14) But behold, I wil raise vp against you a nation, O house of Israel, sayeth the Lord God of hostes: and they shall afflict you, from the entring in of Hamath vnto the riuer of the wildernes.

(Notes Reference) But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of (q) Hemath unto the river of the wilderness.

(q) From one corner of the country to another.

Passage 3: 2 Timothy 3-4

(2Ti 3:1) This knowe also, that in the last dayes shall come perilous times.

(Notes Reference) This (1) know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

(1) The seventh admonition: we may not hope for a Church in this world without corruption: but there will be rather great abundance of most wicked men even in the very bosom of the Church, who will nonetheless make a show and countenance of great holiness, and charity.

(2Ti 3:2) For men shalbe louers of their owne selues, couetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to parents, vnthankefull, vnholy,

(Notes Reference) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, (a) unholy,

(a) Who make no account, either of right or honesty.

(2Ti 3:3) Without naturall affection, truce breakers, false accusers, intemperate, fierce, no louers at all of them which are good,

(2Ti 3:4) Traitours, headie, high minded, louers of pleasures more then louers of God,

(2Ti 3:5) Hauing a shewe of godlinesse, but haue denied the power thereof: turne away therefore from such.

(Notes Reference) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: (2) from such turn away.

(2) We must not tarry with those men who resist the truth not from simple ignorance, but from a perverse mind, (which thing appears by their fruits which he graphically displays here); rather, we must turn away from them.

(2Ti 3:6) For of this sort are they which creepe into houses, and leade captiue simple women laden with sinnes, and led with diuers lustes,

(2Ti 3:7) Which women are euer learning, and are neuer able to come to the acknowledging of the trueth.

(2Ti 3:8) And as Iannes and Iambres withstoode Moses, so doe these also resist the trueth, men of corrupt mindes, reprobate concerning the faith.

(2Ti 3:9) But they shall preuaile no longer: for their madnesse shalbe euident vnto all men, as theirs also was.

(Notes Reference) (3) But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was.

(3) He adds a comfort: the Lord will at length take off all their masks.

(2Ti 3:10) But thou hast fully knowen my doctrine, maner of liuing, purpose, faith, long suffering, loue, patience,

(Notes Reference) (4) But thou hast (b) fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

(4) So that we are not deceived by such hypocrites, we must set before us the virtues of the holy servants of God, and we must not be afraid of persecution which they suffered willingly, and which always follows true godliness. But we must especially hold fast the doctrine of the apostles, the sum of which is this, that we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus.

(b) You thoroughly know not only what I taught and did, but also how I thought and was inclined.

(2Ti 3:11) Persecutions, and afflictions which came vnto me at Antiochia, at Iconium, and at Lystri, which persecutions I suffered: but from them all the Lord deliuered me.

(Notes Reference) Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at (c) Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.

(2Ti 3:12) Yea, and all that will liue godly in Christ Iesus, shall suffer persecution.

(2Ti 3:13) But the euill men and deceiuers, shall waxe worse and worse, deceiuing, and being deceiued.

(Notes Reference) But evil men and seducers shall wax (d) worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

(d) Their wickedness will daily increase.

(2Ti 3:14) But continue thou in the thinges which thou hast learned, and which are committed vnto thee, knowing of who thou hast learned them:

(2Ti 3:15) And that thou hast knowen the holy Scriptures of a childe, which are able to make thee wise vnto saluation, through the faith which is in Christ Iesus.

(2Ti 3:16) For the whole Scripture is giuen by inspiration of God, and is profitable to teache, to conuince, to correct, and to instruct in righteousnesse,

(Notes Reference) (5) All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(5) The eighth admonition which is most precious: a pastor must be wise by the word of God alone: in which we have perfectly delivered to us, whatever pertains to discerning, knowing and establishing true opinions, and to prove which opinions are false: and furthermore, to correct evil manners, and to establish good.

(2Ti 3:17) That the man of God may be absolute, being made perfect vnto all good workes.

(Notes Reference) That the (e) man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

(e) The Prophets and expounders of God's will are properly and distinctly called, men of God.

(2Ti 4:1) I charge thee therefore before God, and before the Lord Iesus Christ, which shall iudge the quicke and dead at that his appearing, and in his kingdome,

(Notes Reference) I (1) charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

(1) The principal and chief of all admonitions, being therefore proposed with a most earnest charge, is this: that the word of God is explained and set forth with a certain holy urgent exhorting, as necessity requires: but in such a way that a good and true ground of the doctrine is laid, and the vehemency is tempered with all holy meekness.

(2Ti 4:2) Preach the worde: be instant, in season and out of season: improue, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

(2Ti 4:3) For the time will come, when they will not suffer wholesome doctrine: but hauing their eares itching, shall after their owne lustes get them an heape of teachers,

(Notes Reference) (2) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

(2) Faithful pastors in times past took all occasions they could, because men were very prompt and ready to return to their fables.

(2Ti 4:4) And shall turne their eares from the trueth, and shalbe giuen vnto fables.

(Notes Reference) And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto (a) fables.

(a) To false and unprofitable doctrines which the world is now so bewitched with, that it would rather have the open light of the truth completely put out, than it would come out of darkness.

(2Ti 4:5) But watch thou in all thinges: suffer aduersitie: doe the worke of an Euangelist: cause thy ministerie to be throughly liked of.

(Notes Reference) (3) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, (b) make full proof of thy ministry.

(3) The wickedness and falling away of the world ought to cause faithful ministers to be so much the more careful.

(b) Prove and show by good and substantial proof, that you are the true minister of God.

(2Ti 4:6) For I am nowe readie to be offered, and the time of my departing is at hand.

(Notes Reference) (4) For I am now ready to be (c) offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

(4) He foretells his death to be at hand, and sets before them an excellent example, both of invincible constancy, and sure hope.

(2Ti 4:7) I haue fought a good fight, and haue finished my course: I haue kept the faith.

(2Ti 4:8) For hence foorth is laide vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse, which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giue me at that day: and not to me onely, but vnto all them also that loue that his appearing.

(2Ti 4:9) Make speede to come vnto me at once:

(Notes Reference) (5) Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

(5) The last part of the epistle, setting forth grievous complaints against certain ones, and examples of singular godliness in every place, and of a mind never wearied.

(2Ti 4:10) For Demas hath forsaken me, and hath embraced this present world, and is departed vnto Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galatia, Titus vnto Dalmatia.

(Notes Reference) For Demas hath forsaken me, having (d) loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

(d) Contented himself with this world.

(2Ti 4:11) Onely Luke is with me. Take Marke and bring him with thee: for he is profitable vnto me to minister.

(2Ti 4:12) And Tychicus haue I sent to Ephesus.

(2Ti 4:13) The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou commest, bring with thee, and the bookes, but specially the parchments.

(2Ti 4:14) Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much euill: the Lord rewarde him according to his workes.

(2Ti 4:15) Of whome be thou ware also: for he withstoode our preaching sore.

(2Ti 4:16) At my first answering no man assisted me, but all forsooke me: I pray God, that it may not be laide to their charge.

(2Ti 4:17) Notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully beleeued, and that al the Gentiles should heare: and I was deliuered out of the mouth of the lion.

(Notes Reference) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the (e) lion.

(e) Of Nero.

(2Ti 4:18) And the Lord will deliuer me from euery euil worke, and will preserue me vnto his heauenly kingdome: to whome be praise for euer and euer, Amen.

(Notes Reference) And the Lord shall deliver me from every (f) evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his (g) heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(f) Preserve me pure from committing anything unworthy of my apostleship.

(g) To make me partaker of his kingdom.

(2Ti 4:19) Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the householde of Onesiphorus.

(2Ti 4:20) Erastus abode at Corinthus: Trophimus I left at Miletum sicke.

(2Ti 4:21) Make speede to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

(2Ti 4:22) The Lord Iesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you, Amen. [ The second Epistle written from Rome vnto Timotheus, the first Bishop elected of the Church of Ephesus, when Paul was presented the second time before the Emperour Nero.]