Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews

§ 24 The first thing proposed, namely that by Sceptre and Law-giver, Rule and Government are intended is evident, not only from the words themselves, which are plain and expressive, but from the Context also; neither was it ever denied by any of the Jews until they found themselves necessitated thereunto by their corrupt interest. Amongst other things, the dying Patriarch foretelling the erection of a Rule and Government amongst his posterity, whereas it might have been expected that of course it should have been fixed in Reuben his first born, according to the line of its descent from the foundation of the world, he deprives him of it, v. 4. Though he was in the ordinary course of nature, [Greek or Hebrew], the excellency of his dignity, and the excellency of his strength, v. 3. Yet saith he, [Greek or Hebrew], thou shalt not excel; not preserve that Excellency in thy posterity; nor have the pre-eminence of Rule, for the reason which he there expresseth. In like manner he passeth by the next in order, Simeon and Levi, taking from them all expectation of that privilege, by foretelling that they should be divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel, v. 7. Coming to Judah there he fixeth the seat of Rule, v. 8. Judah, thou art he whom thy Brethren shall praise, alluding unto his name, [Greek or Hebrew]; thou shalt be exalted unto that Rule amongst them, from the right whereunto the others fell by their transgression. And this rule, saith he, shall consist as all prosperous Dominion doth in two things. First, In the regular obedience of those who de jure are subject unto it, Thy Fathers Children shall bow down before thee; thou shalt have the Authority among, and over the rest of my posterity. Secondly, In the conquest of the enemies and adversaries of the Dominion it self; Thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; as a Lions whelp thou art gone up from the prey; whereunto the words insisted on are subjoined; The Sceptre shall not depart; that is the Sceptre of Rule amongst thy Brethren, and prevalency against thine enemies, however it may be weakened or interrupted, shall not utterly depart or be removed until the Shiloh come. The Context is clear and perspicuous: the Jews only as we shall see cavil at words and syllables; the reason of the Scripture, and the coherence of the Context, they take no notice of.

§ 24 The first thing proposed, namely that by Scepter and Law-giver, Rule and Government are intended is evident, not only from the words themselves, which are plain and expressive, but from the Context also; neither was it ever denyed by any of the Jews untill they found themselves necessitated thereunto by their corrupt interest. Amongst other things, the dying Patriarch foretelling the erection of a Rule and Government amongst his posterity, whereas it might have been expected that of course it should have been fixed in Reuben his first born, according to the line of its descent from the foundation of the world, he deprives him of it, v. 4. Though he was in the ordinary course of nature, , the excellency of his dignity, and the excellency of his strength, v. 3. Yet saith he, , thou shalt not excell; not preserve that Excellency in thy posterity; nor have the pre-eminence of Rule, for the reason which he there expresseth. In like manner he passeth by the next in order, Simeon and Levi, taking from them all expectation of that priviledge, by foretelling that they should be divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel, v. 7. Coming to Judah there he fixeth the seat of Rule, v. 8. Judah, thou art he whom thy Brethren shall praise, alluding unto his name, ; thou shalt be exalted unto that Rule amongst them, from the right whereunto the others fell by their transgression. And this rule, saith he, shall consist as all prosperous Dominion doth in two things. First, In the regular obedience of those who de jure are subject unto it, Thy Fathers Children shall bow down before thee; thou shalt have the Authority among, and over the rest of my posterity. Secondly, In the conquest of the enemies and adversaries of the Dominion it self; Thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; as a Lions whelp thou art gone up from the prey; whereunto the words insisted on are subjoyned; The Scepter shall not depart; that is the Scepter of Rule amongst thy Brethren, and prevalency against thine enemies, however it may be weakened or interrupted, shall not utterly depart or be removed untill the Shilo come. The Context is clear and perspicuous: the Jews only as we shall see cavill at words and syllables; the reason of the Scripture, and the coherence of the Context, they take no notice of.