Read Scripture In A Year: September 9

Passage 1: 2 Kings 15

(2Ki 15:1) In the seuen and twentieth yeere of Ieroboam King of Israel, began Azariah, sonne of Amaziah King of Iudah to reigne.

(2Ki 15:2) Sixteene yeere olde was he, when he was made King, and he reigned two and fiftie yeere in Ierusalem: and his mothers name was Iecholiah of Ierusalem.

(2Ki 15:3) And he did vprightly in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did.

(Notes Reference) And he did [that which was] (a) right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;

(a) As long as he listened to Zachariah the prophet.

(2Ki 15:4) But the hie places were not put away: for the people yet offered, and burned incense in the hie places.

(2Ki 15:5) And the Lord smote the King: and he was a leper vnto the day of his death, and dwelt in an house apart, and Iotham the kings sonne gouerned the house, and iudged the people of the land.

(Notes Reference) And the LORD (b) smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son [was] over the house, (c) judging the people of the land.

(b) His father and grandfather were slain by their subjects and servants, and he because he would usurp the priest's office contrary to God's ordinance was smitten immediately by the hand of God with the leprosy, (2Ch 26:21).

(2Ki 15:6) Concerning the rest of the actes of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the booke of the Chronicles of the Kings of Iudah?

(2Ki 15:7) So Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buryed him with his fathers in the citie of Dauid, and Iotham his sonne reigned in his stead.

(2Ki 15:8) In the eyght and thirtieth yeere of Azariah King of Iudah did Zachariah the sonne of Ieroboam reigne ouer Israel in Samaria sixe moneths,

(Notes Reference) In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six (d) months.

(d) He was the fourth in descent from Jehu, who reigned according to God's promise, but in him God began to execute his wrath against the house of Jehu.

(2Ki 15:9) And did euill in the sight of the Lord, as did his fathers: for he departed not from the sinnes of Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat, which made Israel to sinne.

(2Ki 15:10) And Shallum the sonne of Iabesh cospired against him, and smote him in the sight of the people, and killed him, and reigned in his stead.

(Notes Reference) And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and (e) slew him, and reigned in his stead.

(e) Zachariah was the last in Israel, that had the kingdom by succession, save only Pekahiah the son of Menahem, who reigned only two years.

(2Ki 15:11) Concerning the rest of the actes of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the booke of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

(2Ki 15:12) This was the word of the Lord, which he spake vnto Iehu, saying, Thy sonnes shall sit on the throne of Israel vnto the fourth generation after thee. And it came so to passe.

(2Ki 15:13) Shallum the sonne of Iabesh began to reigne in the nine and thirtieth yeere of Vzziah King of Iudah: and he reigned the space of a moneth in Samaria.

(2Ki 15:14) For Menahem the sonne of Gadi went vp from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the sonne of Iabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

(2Ki 15:15) Cocerning the rest of the acts of Shallum, and the treason which he wrought, beholde, they are written in the booke of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

(2Ki 15:16) Then Menahem destroyed Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coastes thereof from Tirzah, because they opened not to him, and he smote it, and ript vp all their women with childe.

(Notes Reference) Then Menahem smote (f) Tiphsah, and all that [were] therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not [to him], therefore he smote [it; and] all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

(f) Which was a city of Israel that would not receive him as their king.

(2Ki 15:17) The nine and thirtieth yeere of Azariah King of Iudah, beganne Menahem the sonne of Gadi to reigne ouer Israel, and reigned ten yeeres in Samaria.

(2Ki 15:18) And he did euill in the sight of the Lord, and departed not all his dayes from the sinne of Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat, which made Israel to sinne.

(2Ki 15:19) Then Pul the king of Asshur came against the land: and Menahem gaue Pul a thousand talents of siluer, that his hande might bee with him, and establish the kingdome in his hand.

(Notes Reference) [And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the (g) land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand (h) talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.

(g) That is, of Israel.

(h) Instead of seeking help from God, he went about by money to purchase the favour of this king being an infidel and therefore God forsook him, and Pul soon afterward broke his promises, destroyed his country and led his people away captive.

(2Ki 15:20) And Menahem exacted the money in Israel, that all men of substance shoulde giue the King of Asshur fiftie shekels of siluer a piece: so the king of Asshur returned and taried not there in the land.

(2Ki 15:21) Concerning the rest of the actes of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the booke of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel?

(2Ki 15:22) And Menahem slept with his fathers, and Pekahiah his sonne did reigne in his steade.

(2Ki 15:23) In ye fiftieth yere of Azariah king of Iudah, began Pekahiah the sonne of Menahem to reigne ouer Israel in Samaria, and reigned two yere.

(2Ki 15:24) And he did euill in the sight of the Lord: for he departed not from the sinnes of Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat, which made Israel to sinne.

(2Ki 15:25) And Pekah the sonne of Remaliah, his captaine conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria in the place of the Kings palace with Argob and Arieh, and with him fiftie men of the Gileadites: so he killed him, and reigned in his steade.

(Notes Reference) But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with (i) Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his room.

(i) Which were of the same conspiracy.

(2Ki 15:26) Concerning the rest of the actes of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the booke of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

(2Ki 15:27) In the two and fiftieth yere of Azariah King of Iudah began Pekah the sonne of Remaliah to reigne ouer Israel in Samaria, and reigned twentie yeere.

(2Ki 15:28) And he did euil in the sight of the Lord: for he departed not from the sinnes of Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat, that made Israel to sinne.

(2Ki 15:29) In the dayes of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath Pileser king of Asshur, and tooke Iion, and Abel, Beth-maachah, and Ianoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilah, and all the land of Naphtali, and caryed them away to Asshur.

(Notes Reference) In the days of Pekah king of Israel (k) came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

(k) For God stirred up Pul and Tiglathpileser against Israel for their sins, (1Ch 5:26).

(2Ki 15:30) And Hoshea the sonne of Elah wrought treason against Pekah the sonne of Remaliah, and smote him, and slewe him, and reigned in his stead in the twentieth yeere of Iotham the sonne of Vzziah.

(2Ki 15:31) Concerning the rest of the actes of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the booke of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel.

(2Ki 15:32) In the second yere of Pekah the sonne of Remaliah King of Israel, began Iotham sonne of Vzziah King of Iudah to reigne.

(2Ki 15:33) Fiue and twentie yeere olde was he, when he began to reigne, and he reigned sixteene yeere in Ierusalem: and his mothers name was Ierusha the daughter of Zadok.

(2Ki 15:34) And hee did vprightly in the sight of the Lord: he did according to all that his father Vzziah had done.

(Notes Reference) And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD: he did according (l) to all that his father Uzziah had done.

(l) He shows that his uprightness was not such, but that he had many great faults.

(2Ki 15:35) But the hie places were not put away: for the people yet offered and burnt incense in the hie places: he buylt the hyest gate of the house of the Lord.

(2Ki 15:36) Concerning the rest of the acts of Iotham, and all that hee did, are they not written in the booke of the Chronicles of the kings of Iudah?

(2Ki 15:37) In those dayes the Lord began to send against Iudah Rezin the king of Aram, and Pekah the sonne of Remaliah.

(Notes Reference) In (m) those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and (n) Pekah the son of Remaliah.

(m) After the death of Jotham.

(n) Who in one day slew 120,000 of Judah's fighting men (2Ch 28:6), because they had forsaken the true God.

(2Ki 15:38) And Iotham slept with his fathers, and was buryed with his fathers in the citie of Dauid his father, and Ahaz his sonne reigned in his steade.

Passage 2: Ezekiel 5

(Eze 5:1) And thou sonne of man, take thee a sharpe knife, or take thee a barbours rasor and cause it to passe vpon thine head, and vpon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and deuide the heare.

(Notes Reference) And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause [it] (a) to pass upon thy head and upon thy beard: then take to thee balances to weigh, and divide the [hair].

(a) To shave your head and your beard.

(Eze 5:2) Thou shalt burne with fire the thirde part in the middes of the citie, when the dayes of the siege are fulfilled, and thou shalt take the other thirde part, and smite about it with a knife, and the last thirde part thou shalt scatter in the winde, and I will drawe out a sworde after them.

(Notes Reference) Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the (b) city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a sword: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.

(b) That is, of that city which he had portrayed on the brick, (Eze 4:1). By the fire and pestilence he means the famine, with which one part perished during the siege of Nebuchadnezzar. By the sword, those that were slain when Zedekiah fled and those that were carried away captive and by the scattering into the wind, those that fled into Egypt, and into other parts after the city was taken.

(Eze 5:3) Thou shalt also take thereof a fewe in nomber, and binde them in thy lappe.

(Notes Reference) Thou shalt also take of them a few in number, and bind them in thy (c) skirts.

(c) Meaning, that a very few would be left, which the Lord would preserve among all these storms, but not without troubles and trial.

(Eze 5:4) Then take of them againe and cast them into the middes of the fire, and burne them in the fire: for thereof shall a fire come foorth into all the house of Israel.

(Notes Reference) Then take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; (d) from which a fire shall come forth into all the house of Israel.

(d) Out of the fire which you kindled will come a fire which will signify the destruction of Israel.

(Eze 5:5) Thus saith the Lord God, This is Ierusalem: I haue set it in the middes of the nations and countreyes, that are rounde about her.

(Eze 5:6) And she hath changed my iudgements into wickednes more then the nations, and my statutes more then the countreis, that are round about her: for they haue refused my iudgemets and my statutes, and they haue not walked in them.

(Notes Reference) And she hath changed my (e) judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that [are] around her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.

(e) My word and law into idolatry and superstitions.

(Eze 5:7) Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Because your multitude is greater then the nations that are rounde about you, and ye haue not walked in my statutes, neither haue ye kept my iudgements: no, ye haue not done according to the iudgements of the nations, that are rounde about you,

(Notes Reference) Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye (f) multiplied more than the nations that [are] around you, [and] have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that [are] around you;

(f) Because your idols are in greater number, and your superstitions more than among the professed idolaters, read (Isa 65:11) or he condemns their ingratitude in respect to his benefits.

(Eze 5:8) Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Beholde, I, euen I come against thee, and will execute iudgement in the middes of thee, euen in the sight of the nations.

(Eze 5:9) And I will doe in thee, that I neuer did before, neither will do any more the like, because of all thine abominations.

(Eze 5:10) For in the middes of thee, the fathers shall eate their sonnes, and the sonnes shall eate their fathers, and I will execute iudgement in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the windes.

(Eze 5:11) Wherefore, as I liue, saith the Lord God, Surely because thou hast defiled my Sanctuarie with all thy filthinesse, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also destroy thee, neither shall mine eye spare thee, neither will I haue any pitie.

(Eze 5:12) The third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they bee consumed in the middes of thee: and another third part shall fall by the sword round about thee: and I will scatter the last third part into all windes, and I will drawe out a sword after them.

(Eze 5:13) Thus shall mine anger bee accomplished, and I will cause my wrath to cease in them, and I will be comforted: and they shall knowe, that I the Lord haue spoke it in my zeale, when I haue accomplished my wrath in them.

(Notes Reference) Thus shall my anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be (g) comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

(g) That is, I will not be pacified till I am avenged, (Isa 1:24).

(Eze 5:14) Moreouer, I will make thee waste, and abhorred among the nations, that are round about thee, and in the sight of all that passe by.

(Eze 5:15) So thou shalt bee a reproche and shame, a chastisement and an astonishment vnto the nations, that are rounde about thee, when I shall execute iudgements in thee, in anger and in wrath, and in sharpe rebukes: I the Lord haue spoken it.

(Eze 5:16) When I shall sende vpon them the euill arrowes of famine, which shalbe for their destruction, and which I will sende to destroy you: and I will encrease the famine vpon you, and wil breake your staffe of bread.

(Notes Reference) When I shall send upon them the evil (h) arrows of famine, which shall be for [their] destruction, [and] which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread:

(h) Which were the grasshoppers, mildew and whatever were opportunities for famine.

(Eze 5:17) So will I send vpon you famine, and euill beastes, and they shall spoyle thee, and pestilence and blood shall passe through thee, and I will bring the sworde vpon thee: I the Lord haue spoken it.

Passage 3: Luke 1

(Luk 1:1) Forasmuch as many haue taken in hand to set foorth the storie of those things, whereof we are fully persuaded,

(Notes Reference) Forasmuch as (1) many have (a) taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

(1) Luke commends the witnesses that saw this present account.

(a) Many took it in hand, but did not perform: Luke wrote his gospel before Matthew and Mark.

(Luk 1:2) As they haue deliuered them vnto vs, which from the beginning saw them their selues, and were ministers of ye word,

(Notes Reference) (b) Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

(b) Luke was not any eye witness, and therefore it was not he to whom the Lord appeared when Cleopas saw him: and he was taught not only by Paul, but by others of the apostles also.

(Luk 1:3) It seemed good also to me (most noble Theophilus) assoone as I had searched out perfectly all things from the beginning, to write vnto thee thereof from point to point,

(Notes Reference) It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things (c) from the very first, to write unto thee in order, (d) most excellent Theophilus,

(d) It is "most mighty", and therefore Theophilus was a very honourable man, and in a place of great dignity.

(Luk 1:4) That thou mightest acknowledge the certaintie of those things, whereof thou hast bene instructed.

(Notes Reference) That thou mightest (e) know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

(e) Have fuller knowledge of those things which you know only partially.

(Luk 1:5) In the time of Herod King of Iudea, there was a certaine Priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabet.

(Notes Reference) There (2) was (f) in the days of (g) Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the (h) course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth.

(2) John, who was another Elias and appointed to be the herald of Christ, coming from the family of Aaron, and of two famous and blameless parents, has shown in his conception (which was against the course of nature) a double miracle, to the end that men should be more readily prepared for the hearing of his preaching, according to the forewarning of the prophets.

(f) This is a Hebrew idiom which shows us how short and frail a thing the power of princes is.

(g) Herod the great.

(h) For the posterity of Aaron was divided into courses.

(Luk 1:6) Both were iust before God, and walked in all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord, without reproofe.

(Notes Reference) And they were both (i) righteous before God, (k) walking in all the (l) commandments and ordinances of the Lord (m) blameless.

(i) The true mark of righteousness is demonstrated when one is liked and accepted in the judgment of God.

(k) Lived, as the Hebrews say, for our life is as a way in which we must walk until we come to the mark.

(l) In all the moral and ceremonial law.

(m) Whom no man could justly reprove: now so it is that the fruits of justification are set forth here, and not the cause, which is faith only, and nothing else.

(Luk 1:7) And they had no childe, because that Elisabet was barren: and both were well stricken in age.

(Luk 1:8) And it came to passe, as he executed the Priestes office before God, as his course came in order,

(Luk 1:9) According to the custome of the Priests office, his lot was to burne incense, when he went into the Temple of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the (n) temple of the Lord.

(n) The temple was one, and the court another, for Zacharias went out of the court (or outward room) where all the people were (and therefore they are said to be without) and into the temple.

(Luk 1:10) And the whole multitude of the people were without in prayer, while the incense was burning.

(Luk 1:11) Then appeared vnto him an Angel of the Lord standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

(Luk 1:12) And when Zacharias sawe him, he was troubled, and feare fell vpon him.

(Luk 1:13) But the Angel saide vnto him, Feare not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard, and thy wise Elisabet shall beare thee a sonne, and thou shalt call his name Iohn.

(Luk 1:14) And thou shalt haue ioy and gladnes, and many shall reioyce at his birth.

(Luk 1:15) For he shalbe great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drinke wine, nor strong drinke: and he shalbe filled with the holy Ghost, euen from his mothers wombe.

(Notes Reference) For he shall be great in the (o) sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor (p) strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

(o) So the Hebrews say when a rare kind of excellency is signified: so it is said of Nimrod in (Gen 10:9), "He was a mighty hunter before the LORD".

(p) Any drink that might make someone drunk.

(Luk 1:16) And many of the children of Israel shall he turne to their Lord God.

(Notes Reference) And many of the children of Israel shall he (q) turn to the Lord their God.

(q) Shall be a means to bring many to repentance, and they will turn themselves to the Lord, from whom they fell.

(Luk 1:17) For he shall goe before him in the spirite and power of Elias, to turne the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisedome of the iust men, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And he shall go (r) before him (s) in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the (t) hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the (u) wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

(r) As they used to go before kings, and when you see them, you know the king is not far off.

(s) This is spoken by the figure of speech metonymy, taking the spirit for the gift of the spirit; as you would say, the cause of that which comes from the cause.

(t) By the figure of speech synecdoche he shows that he will take away all types of enmities which used to breed great troubles and turmoils among men.

(u) Wisdom and goodness are two of the main causes which make men revere and honour their fathers.

(Luk 1:18) Then Zacharias said vnto ye Angel, Whereby shall I knowe this? for I am an olde man, and my wife is of a great age.

(Luk 1:19) And the Angell answered, and sayde vnto him, I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speake vnto thee, and to shew thee these good tidings.

(Notes Reference) And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, (x) that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

(x) That appears, for so the Hebrews use this saying "to stand" to mean that they are ready to do his commandment.

(Luk 1:20) And beholde, thou shalt be domme, and not be able to speake, vntill the day that these things be done, because thou beleeuedst not my words, which shalbe fulfilled in their season.

(Luk 1:21) Now the people waited for Zacharias, and marueiled that he taried so long in the Temple.

(Luk 1:22) And when hee came out, hee coulde not speake vnto them: then they perceiued that hee had seene a vision in the Temple: For he made signes vnto them, and remained domme.

(Luk 1:23) And it came to passe, when the daies of his office were fulfilled, that he departed to his owne house.

(Luk 1:24) And after those daies, his wife Elisabet conceiued, and hid her selfe fiue moneths, saying,

(Luk 1:25) Thus hath the Lord dealt with me, in the daies wherein he looked on me, to take from me my rebuke among men.

(Luk 1:26) And in the sixth moneth, the Angell Gabriel was sent from God vnto a citie of Galile, named Nazareth,

(Notes Reference) (3) And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

(3) The angel, serving the Lord who would be born, is sent to the virgin Mary, in whom the son of the most high promised to David is conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Luk 1:27) To a virgin affianced to a man whose name was Ioseph, of the house of Dauid, and the virgins name was Marie.

(Notes Reference) To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the (y) house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary.

(y) The same can be said of Mary, otherwise Christ would not have been of the stock of David, nor his son.

(Luk 1:28) And the Angel went in vnto her, and said, Haile thou that art freely beloued: the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

(Notes Reference) And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] (z) highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: (a) blessed [art] thou among women.

(z) It might be literally rendered, "full of favour and grace", and he shows immediately after, laying out plainly unto us, what that favour is in that he says, "The Lord is with thee".

(a) Of God.

(Luk 1:29) And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and thought what maner of salutation that should be.

(Notes Reference) And when she saw [him], she was (b) troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

(b) Moved at the strangeness of the matter.

(Luk 1:30) Then the Angel saide vnto her, Feare not, Marie: for thou hast found fauour with God.

(Notes Reference) And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast (c) found favour with God.

(Luk 1:31) For loe, thou shalt conceiue in thy wobe, and beare a sonne, and shalt call his name Iesus.

(Luk 1:32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Sonne of the most High, and the Lord God shall giue vnto him the throne of his father Dauid.

(Notes Reference) He shall be great, and shall be (d) called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

(d) He will be declared to be so, for he was the Son of God from everlasting, but was made manifest in the flesh in his time.

(Luk 1:33) And hee shall reigne ouer the house of Iacob for euer, and of his kingdome shall bee none ende.

(Luk 1:34) Then sayde Marie vnto the Angel, How shall this be, seeing I knowe not man?

(Notes Reference) Then said Mary unto the angel, (e) How shall this be, seeing (f) I know not a man?

(e) The greatness of the matter causes the virgin to ask this question, not that she distrusted by any means at all, for she asks only of the manner of the conceiving, so that it is plain she believed all the rest.

(f) So speak the Hebrews, signifying by this modest kind of speech the company of man and wife together, and this is the meaning of it: how will this be, for as I will be Christ's mother I am very sure I will not know any man: for the godly virgin had learned by the prophets that the Messiah would be born of a virgin.

(Luk 1:35) And the Angel answered, and said vnto her, The holy Ghost shall come vpon thee, and the power of the most High shall ouershadowe thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall bee borne of thee, shall be called the Sonne of God.

(Notes Reference) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost (g) shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that (h) holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be (i) called the Son of God.

(g) That is, the Holy Spirit will cause thee to conceive by his mighty power.

(h) That thing which is pure and void of all spot of uncleanliness: for he that was to take away sin must of necessity be void of sin.

(i) Declared and shown to the world to be the Son of God.

(Luk 1:36) And behold, thy cousin Elisabet, she hath also conceiued a sonne in her olde age: and this is her sixt moneth, which was called barren.

(Notes Reference) And, behold, thy (k) cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the (l) sixth month with her, who was called barren.

(k) Though Elisabeth was of the tribe of Levi, yet it was possible for her to be Mary's cousin: for whereas it was forbidden by the Law for maidens to be married to men of other tribes, there was an exception among the Levites, who could take for themselves wives out of any tribe: for the Levites had no portion allotted to them when the land was divided among the people.

(l) This is now the sixth month from the time when she conceived.

(Luk 1:37) For with God shall nothing be vnpossible.

(Luk 1:38) Then Marie said, Behold the seruant of the Lord: be it vnto me according to thy woorde. So the Angel departed from her.

(Luk 1:39) And Marie arose in those daies, and went into ye hil countrey with hast to a citie of Iuda,

(Notes Reference) (4) And Mary arose in those days, and went into the (m) hill country with haste, into a (n) city of Juda;

(4) Elisabeth being many months pregnant with John, and Mary being pregnant with Christ, do rejoice for each other by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

(m) Which is on the south side of Jerusalem.

(n) That is to say, Hebron: which was in times past called Kirjatharba: which was one of the towns that were given to the Levites in the tribe of Judah, and is said to be in the mountains of Judah; (Jos 14:15; Jos 21:11).

(Luk 1:40) And entred into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabet.

(Luk 1:41) And it came to passe, as Elisabet heard the salutation of Marie, the babe sprang in her bellie, and Elisabet was filled with the holy Ghost.

(Notes Reference) And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe (o) leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

(o) This was no ordinary or usual type of moving.

(Luk 1:42) And she cried with a loud voice, and saide, Blessed art thou among women, because the fruit of thy wombe is blessed.

(Notes Reference) And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and (p) blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb.

(p) Christ is blessed with respect to his humanity.

(Luk 1:43) And whence commeth this to mee, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

(Luk 1:44) For loe, assoone as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine eares, the babe sprang in my bellie for ioye,

(Luk 1:45) And blessed is shee that beleeued: for those things shall be perfourmed, which were tolde her from the Lord.

(Luk 1:46) Then Marie sayde, My soule magnifieth the Lord,

(Notes Reference) (5) And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

(5) Christ, the redeemer of the afflicted and revenger of the proud, promised long ago to the fathers, is now finally exhibited indeed.

(Luk 1:47) And my spirite reioyceth in God my Sauiour.

(Luk 1:48) For hee hath looked on the poore degree of his seruaunt: for beholde, from henceforth shall all ages call me blessed,

(Notes Reference) For he hath (q) regarded the (r) low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

(q) Has freely and graciously loved.

(r) Literally, "My baseness", that is, my base estate: so that the virgin did not boast of her deserts, but the grace of God.

(Luk 1:49) Because hee that is mightie, hath done for me great things, and holy is his Name.

(Luk 1:50) And his mercie is from generation to generation on them that feare him.

(Notes Reference) And his mercy [is] on them (s) that fear him from generation to generation.

(s) To those that live godly and religiously, as the Hebrews say.

(Luk 1:51) Hee hath shewed strength with his arme: hee hath scattered the proude in the imagination of their hearts.

(Notes Reference) He hath shewed strength with his (t) arm; he hath (u) scattered the proud in the (x) imagination of their hearts.

(t) Here many more words than necessary are used, which the Hebrews use very much: and "arm" here is taken for strength.

(u) Even as the wind does to the chaff.

(x) He has scattered them, and the imagination of their hearts; or, by and through the imagination of their own hearts; so that their wicked counsel turned to their own destruction.

(Luk 1:52) Hee hath put downe the mighty from their seates, and exalted them of lowe degree.

(Notes Reference) He hath (y) put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of (z) low degree.

(y) The mighty and rich men.

(z) Those of no account, who are vile in men's eyes, who are indeed the poor in spirit, that is, those who claim nothing of themselves in the sight of God.

(Luk 1:53) Hee hath filled the hungrie with good things, and sent away the rich emptie.

(Notes Reference) He hath filled the (a) hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

(a) Those that are brought to extreme poverty.

(Luk 1:54) Hee hath vpholden Israel his seruaunt to be mindefull of his mercie

(Notes Reference) (b) He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy;

(b) He has helped Israel up with his arm, who had been completely cast down.

(Luk 1:55) (As hee hath spoken to our fathers, to wit, to Abraham, and his seede) for euer.

(Notes Reference) As he (c) spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

(Luk 1:56) And Marie abode with her about three moneths: after, shee returned to her owne house.

(Luk 1:57) Nowe Elisabets time was fulfilled, that shee should be deliuered, and shee brought foorth a sonne.

(Notes Reference) (6) Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

(6) John's birth is accompanied by new miracles.

(Luk 1:58) And her neighbours, and cousins heard tell howe the Lord had shewed his great mercie vpon her, and they reioyced with her.

(Luk 1:59) And it was so that on the eight day they came to circumcise the babe, and called him Zacharias after the name of his father.

(Luk 1:60) But his mother answered, and saide, Not so, but he shalbe called Iohn.

(Luk 1:61) And they saide vnto her, There is none of thy kindred, that is named with this name.

(Luk 1:62) Then they made signes to his father, howe he would haue him called.

(Luk 1:63) So hee asked for writing tables, and wrote, saying, His name is Iohn, and they marueiled all.

(Luk 1:64) And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue, and he spake and praised God.

(Luk 1:65) Then feare came on all them that dwelt neere vnto them, and all these woordes were noised abroade throughout all the hill countrey of Iudea.

(Notes Reference) And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all (d) these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

(d) All this which was said and done.

(Luk 1:66) And al they that heard them, laid them vp in their hearts, saying, What maner childe shall this be! and the hand of the Lord was with him.

(Notes Reference) And all they that heard [them] (e) laid [them] up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the (f) hand of the Lord was with him.

(e) Thought upon them diligently and earnestly, and as it were, printed them in their hearts.

(f) That is, the present favour of God, and a singular type of virtue appeared in him.

(Luk 1:67) Then his father Zacharias was filled with the holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

(Notes Reference) (7) And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

(7) John, having just been born, by the authority of the Holy Spirit is appointed to his office.

(Luk 1:68) Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he hath visited and redeemed his people,

(Notes Reference) Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath (g) visited and (h) redeemed his people,

(g) That he has shown himself mindful of his people, to the extent that he came down from heaven himself to visit us in person, and to redeem us.

(h) Has paid the ransom, that is to say, the price of our redemption.

(Luk 1:69) And hath raised vp the horne of saluation vnto vs, in the house of his seruant Dauid,

(Notes Reference) And hath raised up an (i) horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

(i) This word "horn", in the Hebrew language, signifies strength, and it is a metaphor taken from beasts that fight with their horns: And by raising up the might of Israel is meant that the kingdom of Israel was defended, and the enemies of it laid on the ground, even then when the strength of Israel seemed to be utterly gone.

(Luk 1:70) As he spake by ye mouth of his holy Prophets, which were since the world began, saying,

(Luk 1:71) That he would sende vs deliuerance from our enemies, and from the hands of all that hate vs,

(Luk 1:72) That he might shewe mercie towards our fathers, and remember his holy couenant,

(Notes Reference) To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers, and (k) to remember his holy covenant;

(k) Declare indeed that he was mindful.

(Luk 1:73) And the othe which he sware to our father Abraham.

(Luk 1:74) Which was, that he would graunt vnto vs, that we being deliuered out of the handes of our enemies, should serue him without feare,

(Luk 1:75) All the daies of our life, in holinesse and righteousnesse before him.

(Notes Reference) In holiness and righteousness (l) before him, all the days of our life.

(l) To God's good liking.

(Luk 1:76) And thou, babe, shalt be called the Prophet of the most High: for thou shalt goe before the face of the Lord, to prepare his waies,

(Notes Reference) And thou, (m) child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

(m) Though you be at this present time ever so little.

(Luk 1:77) And to giue knowledge of saluation vnto his people, by the remission of their sinnes,

(Notes Reference) To (n) give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the (o) remission of their sins,

(n) Open the way.

(o) Forgiveness of sins is the means by which God saves us; (Rom 4:7).

(Luk 1:78) Through ye tender mercy of our God, wherby the day spring from an hie hath visited vs,

(Notes Reference) Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the (p) dayspring from on high hath visited us,

(p) Or "bud", or "branch"; he alludes to (Jer 23:5) (Zec 3:8; Zec 6:12); and he is called a bud from on high, that is, sent from God unto us, and not as other buds which bud out of the earth.

(Luk 1:79) To giue light to them that sit in darknes, and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feete into the way of peace.

(Notes Reference) To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the (q) way of peace.

(q) Into the way which leads us to true happiness.

(Luk 1:80) And the childe grewe, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the wildernesse, til the day came that he should shewe him selfe vnto Israel.