An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

By that which cometh between, or by that which meets it, that is,¹ as we supply it, by the thick and da•k Cloud which meets and intercepts the bright beams of the Sun. The root of the word signifies to meet with force (not only occurrere but irruere) ⟨p. 419⟩to rush upon, to invade, to assault, or to charge, as an enemy is charged in battle; and it signifies, by a Metaphor, to intercede, to make prayer or supplication for another, which is as i• were a coming between man and man. An Intercessor cometh between two parties, the party offending, and the party offended, he interposeth himself to make up the breach, or to take up the difference, that if possible a reconciliation may be made. The Latin word which we translate Latinely to intercede, is of the same significancy; and this Hebrew word is often so rendered (Jer. 7.16.) Pray not for this people, nor make intercession to me; that is, thou shalt not come between me and this people to stop or stay me, that I break not out into wrath, or from pouring out my wrath upon them. In other Scriptures it is used to note an act of intercession between man and man (Gen. 23.8.) as also an act of address by prayer and entreaty, whether towards God or man, (Job 21.15. Ruth 1.16.) And because the word properly notes meeting another with a kind of violence, it intimates with what a holy violence, with what strength, earnestness, and fervency of spirit, we ought to meet God, either in prayer for our selves, or when we come as intercessors, and stand before him in the behalf of others, whether Persons, Nations, or Churches.

By that which come•h between, or by that which meets it, that is,¹ as we supply it, by the thick and dak Cloud which meets and intercepts the bright beames of the Sun. The root of the word signifies to meet with force (not only occurrere but irruere)