A10933:2159
A commentary upon the whole book of Judges Preached first and delivered in sundry…A commentary vpon the vvhole booke of Iudges Preached first and deliuered in sundrie…
A commentary upon the whole book of Judges Preached first and delivered in sundry lectures; since collected, and diligently perused, and now published. For the benefit generally of all such as desire to grow in faith and repentance, and especially of them, who would more clearly understand and make use of the worthy examples of the saints, recorded in divine history. Penned by Richard Rogers preacher of Gods word at Wethersfield in Essex.A commentary vpon the vvhole booke of Iudges Preached first and deliuered in sundrie lectures; since collected, and diligently perused, and now published. For the benefit generally of all such as desire to grow in faith and repentance, and especially of them, who would more cleerely vnderstand and make vse of the worthie examples of the saints, recorded in diuine history. Penned by Richard Rogers preacher of Gods word at Wethersfield in Essex.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Thomas Man, 1615
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
This verse showeth, that all the indignities and injuries that the Philistines 1had offered Samson, with the grief that God brought upon him, were not thought to be enough of them to make them satisfaction, but when their hearts were merry with feasting, they must needs have him brought into a solemn place before them, to laugh at him, being so disguised, and laden with miseries as he was, and to be scorned by them, that so they might satisfy themselves with sport and pastime thereby, even as they desired. And they were above three thousand of them (according to the receipt of the room) and they of the chiefest that did thus meet there. And to this end it is said here, that Samson was fetched out of the prison house, and set before them.
This verse sheweth, that al the indignities and iniuries that the Philistims 1had offered Samson, with the griefe that God brought vpon him, were not thought to be enough of them to make them satisfaction, but when their hearts were merrie with feasting, they must needs haue him brought into a solemne place before them, to laugh at him, being so disguised, and loden with miseries as he was, and to be scorned by them, that so they might satisfie themselues with sport and pastime thereby, euen as they desired. And they were aboue three thousand of them (according to the receit of the roome) and they of the chiefest that did thus meete there. And to this end it is said here, that Samson was fetcht out of the prison house, and set before them.
- 1Vers. 25.
Here we see the unnatural cruelty of the Philistines, who could not be satisfied with all wrongs offered to Samson, but they must make him a laughing stock, and load him with taunts and reproaches also. Which though it be a vice so foul, as by the light of nature some Heathens abhorred it, I mean to show immanity to the miserable; yet it is of that sort of vices as might easily prevail with such as put out this light by brutish passion, and impiety. As appears by the monstrous cruelty of the Romans, who used to behold with great pleasure, the single combats of malefactors condemned, and their Sword-players shedding each others blood. Therefore it is the less to be marvelled at in the Heathens: but by occasion of it, let us