Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews

3. Some of them apply this Prophecy to Jeremiah, concerning whom Abarbinel affirms and that truly, that no one Line or Verse in the whole can with any colourable pretence be applied unto him; which also I have in particular manifested on another occasion. Himself applies it two ways: (1.) To Josia; (2.) To the whole body of the people; contradicting himself in the Exposition of every particular instance, and the truth in the whole. But it is the whole people in their last desolation that they chiefly desire to wrest this Prophecy unto. But this is (1.) Contrary to the Testimony of their Targum, and Talmud, all their ancient Masters, and some of the wisest of their latter Doctors. (2.) To their own principles, profession and belief; for whereas they acknowledge that their present misery is continued on them for their sins, and that if they could but repent and live to God, their Messiah would undoubtedly come; this place speaks of the perfect Innocency and Righteousness of him that suffers, no way on his own account deserving so to do, which if they once ascribe unto themselves, their Messiah being not yet come, they must for ever bid adieu to all their expectations of him. (3.) Contrary to the express words of the Text, plainly describing one individual Person. (4.) Contrary to the Context, distinguishing the people of the Jews, from him that was to suffer by them, among them, and for them, v. 3, 4, 5, 6. (5.) Contrary to every particular assertion and passage in the whole Prophecy, no one of them being applicable unto the body of the people. And all these things are so manifest unto every one who shall but read the place with attention, and without prejudice; that they stand not in need of any farther confirmation: Hence Johannes Isaac confesseth, that the consideration of this place, was the means of his conversion.

3. Some of them apply this Prophecy to Jeremiah, concerning whom Abarbinel affirms and that truly, that no one Line or Verse in the whole can with any colourable pretence be applyed unto him; which also I have in particular manifested on another occasion. Himself applies it two wayes: (1.) To Josia; (2.) To the whole body of the people; contradicting himself in the Exposition of every particular instance, and the truth in the whole. But it is the whole people in their last desolation that they chiefly desire to wrest this Prophecy unto. But this is (1.) Contrary to the Testimony of their Targum, and Talmud, all their antient Masters, and some of the wisest of their latter Doctors. (2.) To their own principles, profession and belief; for whereas they acknowledge that their present misery is continued on them for their sins, and that if they could but repent and live to God, their Messiah would undoubtedly come; this place speaks of the perfect Innocency and Righteousness of him that suffers, no way on his own account deserving so to do, which if they once ascribe unto themselves, their Messiah being not yet come, they must for ever bid adiew to all their expectations of him. (3.) Contrary to the express words of the Text, plainly describing one individual Person. (4.) Contrary to the Context, distinguishing the people of the Jews, from him that was to suffer by them, among them, and for them, v. 3, 4, 5, 6. (5.) Contrary to every particular assertion and passage in the whole Prophecy, no one of them being applicable unto the body of the people. And all these things are so manifest unto every one who shall but read the place with attention, and without prejudice; that they stand not in need of any farther confirmation: Hence Johannes Isaac confesseth, that the consideration of this place, was the means of his conversion.