Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews

Though the words of the Promise are thus clear in themselves, we may yet see § 21 what further light is contributed unto our interpretation from the Circumstances before observed; as First, the way of bringing in this Glory is there expressed by the Prophet, from the mouth of the Lord; I will shake the Heavens, and the Earth, the Sea, and the dry Land, and I will shake all Nations. All the Jewish Expositors agree, that these words are to be interpreted [Greek or Hebrew]; that is, Metaphorically and figuratively. Yet it cannot be denied, that a great concussion and shaking of the World, and all the Nations of it, is intended in them; otherwise nothing is signified by them. And this must be with reference unto that house, and the Worship thereof, and that in a tendency unto its glory. Now I desire to know what work among the Nations in the whole World it is, that was wrought with respect unto the Temple which is here intended. The Nations indeed under Antiochus, and almost ruined it; under Crassus, and robbed it; under Pompey, and profaned it; under Titus and destroyed it. But what tended all this to its glory? But refer these words unto the coming of the Messiah, and all things contained in them were clearly fulfilled. Take the words literally and they suit the event. At his Birth, a New Star appeared in the Heavens; Angels celebrated his Nativity; Wise men came from the East, to enquire after him; Herod and all Jerusalem, was shaken at the tidings of him; and upon his undertaking of his work, he wrought Miracles in Heaven, and Earth, Sea, and dry Land, upon the whole Creation of God. Take them Metaphorically, as they are rather to be understood, for the mighty change which God would work in his Worship, and the stirring up of the Nations of the world to receive him, and his Doctrine, and the event is yet more evident. All Nations under Heaven were quickly shaken and moved by his coming. Some were stirred up to enquire after him; some to oppose him; until the world, as to the greatest and the most noble parts of it, was made subject unto him. Evident it is, that since the creation of all things, never was there such an Alteration and Concussion in the world, as that wherewith the Messiah and his Doctrine was brought into it; and which is therefore so expressed by the Prophet.

Though the words of the Promise are thus clear in themselves, we may yet see § 21 what further light is contributed unto our interpretation from the Circumstances before observed; as First, the way of bringing in this Glory is there expressed by the Prophet, from the mouth of the Lord; I will shake the Heavens, and the Earth, the Sea, and the dry Land, and I will shake all Nations. All the Jewish Expositors agree, that these words are to be interpreted ; that is, Metaphorically and figuratively. Yet it cannot be denyed, that a great concussion and shaking of the World, and all the Nations of it, is intended in them; otherwise nothing is signified by them. And this must be with reference unto that house, and the Worship thereof, and that in a tendency unto its glory. Now I desire to know what work among the Nations in the whole World it is, that was wrought with respect unto the Temple which is here intended. The Nations indeed under Antiochus, and almost ruined it; under Crassus, and robbed it; under Pompey, and prophaned it; under Titus and destroyed it. But what tended all this to its glory? But refer these words unto the coming of the Messiah, and all things contained in them were clearly fulilled. Take the words litterally and they suit the event. At his Birth, a New Star appeared in the Heavens; Angels celebrated his Nativity; Wise men came from the East, to enquire after him; Herod and all Jerusalem, was shaken at the tidings of him; and upon his undertaking of his work, he wrought Miracles in Heaven, and Earth, Sea, and dry Land, upon the whole Creation of God. Take them Metaphorically, as they are rather to be understood, for the mighty change which God would work in his Worship, and the stirring up of the Nations of the world to receive him, and his Doctrine, and the event is yet more evident. All Nations under Heaven were quickly shaken and moved by his coming. Some were stirred up to enquire after him; some to oppose him; untill the world, as to the greatest and the most noble parts of it, was made subject unto him. Evident it is, that since the creation of all things, never was there such an Alteration and Concussion in the world, as that wherewith the Messiah and his Doctrine was brought into it; and which is therefore so expressed by the Prophet.