A35537:734
An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…
An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of the book of Job being the substance of thirty-five lectures / by Joseph Caryl ...
London: printed by M. Simmons, 1664
AN EXPOSITION WITH Practical Observations UPON The Thirty-fifth, Th… › Chapter 36 › Verses 8-10
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.
Again, Taking righteous men to be the Antecedent (as the text plainly carries it) yet there is a difference in opinion, whether we are to understand Elihu speaking of righteous men in that special dignity described at the 7th verse, such as are with Kings on the Throne, or of righteous men in general: I conceive we may understand the text of either. And therefore,
First, When Elihu saith, If they be bound in fetters, he may intend those righteous men who were so highly exalted in the former verse, such a change may come upon them; even they who were with Kings on the Throne, may come to be bound in fetters, and holden in the cords of affliction.
Secondly, He may intend it of righteous men in any other condition; for Elihu having showed how graciously God dealeth in exalting some righteous men, showeth that God is gracious also unto those that are not exalted, even unto those that are greatly afflicted, and brought very low. Briefly, as in the former verse he spake of righteous men lifted up, so here of righteous men cast down: As if he had said, If any of the righteous are at any time so far from being exalted with Kings on the Throne, that they are cast upon the dunghill, and are brought into great straits, yet it is not because God takes no care of them, or because he hath cast them out of his favour; but it is thus with righteous men for many blessed ends and purposes, which God hath upon them, or towards them, to show them their sin, to fit them for instruction, and to bring them off from their iniquity. Thus the words prevent an objection; for Elihu having said, he withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous, but with Kings are they on the Throne, some might say, You can show us very few such sights, you can show us few righteous men with Kings on the Throne, or exalted highly in this world; and we can show you many righteous men in great trouble, in fetters and cords of affliction. Well, saith Elihu, suppose it be so, suppose you find many righteous men in such a low condition,