A Body of Practical Divinity

Quest. Why is the House put before the Wife? In Deuteronomy the Wife is put first, Deut. 5.21. Neither shalt thou desire thy Neighbours Wife, neither shalt thou covet thy Neighbours House. Here the House is put first.

Resp. In Deuteronomy the Wife is set down first in respect of her Value. She (if a good Wife) is of far greater Value and Estimate than the House. Prov. 31.10. Her Price is far above Rubies. She is the Furniture of the House, and this Furniture is more worth than the House. When Alexander had overcome King Darius in Battle, Darius seemed not to be much dismayed. But when he heard his Wife was taken Prisoner, now his Eyes like Spouts did gush forth Water, as valuing his Wife dearer than his Life. But yet in this place in Exodus, the House is put before the Wife: The Reason is, Because the House is first in Order. The House is erected before the Wife can live in it. The Nest is built before the Bird is in it. The Wife is first esteemed, but the House must be first provided.

Resp. In Deuteronomy the Wife is set down first in respect of her Value. She (if a good Wife) is of far greater Value and Estimate than the House. Prov. 31.10. Her Price is far above Rubies. She is the Furniture of the House, and this Furniture is more worth than the House. When Alexander had overcome King Darius in Battel, Darius seemed not to be much dismayed. But when he heard his Wife was taken Prisoner, now his Eyes like Spouts did gush forth Water, as valuing his Wife dearer than his Life. But yet in this place in Exodus, the House is put before the Wife: The Reason is, Because the House is first in Order. The House is erected before the Wife can live in it. The Nest is built before the Bird is in it. The Wife is first esteemed, but the House must be first provided.