An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

Thou hast strengthened the weak hands; that is, those whose hands are weak by reason of manifold trials and tribulations: thou hast spoken words to them, which have been as sinews to their hands, and strength unto their joints. In this sense the Apostle uses both the expressions of the Text, Heb. 12. 6. where having treated about the nature of afflictions, together with the fruit and benefit of them, he concludes thus, wherefore lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees; as if he should say, it is probable that affliction hath made your hands hang down, that sorrow and grief have loosened your spirits and your loins too, therefore now be of good cheer, lift up your hands that hang down, and the feeble knees. Thy Symptom or effect of sorrow is elegantly ¹described, Ezek. 7. 17. where the Prophet having showed that many should mourn as Doves of the Valleys, adds, all hands shall be feeble and all knees shall be weak as water.

Thou hast strengthned the weake hands; that is, those whose hands are weak by reason of manifold trialls and tribulations: thou hast spoken words to them, which have been as sinewes to their hands, annd strength unto their joynts. In this sence the Apostle uses both the expressions of the Text, Heb. 12. 6. where having treated about the nature of afflictions, together with the fruit and benefit of them, he concludes thus, wherefore lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees; as if he should say, it is probable that affliction hath made your hands hang downe, that sorrow and grief have loosned your spirits and your loynes too, therefore now be of good cheer, lift up your hands that hang down, and the feeble knees. Thie Symptome or effect of sorrow is elegantly ¹described, Ezek. 7. 17. where the Prophet having shewed that many should mourne as Doves of the Valleys, adds, all hands shall be feeble and all knees shall be weak as water.

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