A69234:253
Lectures upon the four first chapters of the prophecy of Hosea Wherein the text…Lectures vpon the foure first chapters of the prophecie of Hosea Wherein the text…
Lectures upon the four first chapters of the prophecy of Hosea Wherein the text is expounded and cleared, and such profitable instructions observed, and applied, as naturally arise out of this holy Scripture, and are fit for these times. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods word.Lectures vpon the foure first chapters of the prophecie of Hosea Wherein the text is exponded and cleered, and such profitable instructions obserued, and applied, as naturally arise out of this holie Scripture, and are fit for these times. By Iohn Dovvname Bacheler in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods word.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston and T. East for William Welby, 1608
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.
Whereas then he saith, that he will not save them by bow, nor by sword, &c. his meaning is, that he would not save them by their own power and strength, or by any humane and worldly means, but that their deliverance should wholly come from, and by himself: the which accordingly was effected; first, in the reign of Hezekiah, when as being invaded with the mighty host of Sennacherib, he caused his Angel to slay 185000. of their enemies, and so without their own bow, sword, or battle delivered them. And after that they were led captive into Babylon, he gave them grace in the eyes of Cyrus and Darius; and when otherwise they were altogether unable by force to relieve themselves, he caused their enemies in pity and compassion to free them out of captivity, and to restore them again into their own country.
Whereas then he saith, that hee will not saue them by bow, nor by sword, &c. his meaning is, that hee would not saue them by their owne power and strength, or by any humane and worldly meanes, but that their deliuerāce should whollie come from, and by himselfe: the which accordingly was effected; first, in the reigne of Ezekias, when as being inuaded with the mightie host of Senacharib, hee caused his Angell to slay 185000. of their enemies, and so without their owne bow, sword, or battell deliuered them. And after that they were led captiue into Babylon, he gaue thē grace in the eies of Cyrus and Darius; and when otherwise they were altogether vnable by force to relieue themselues, he caused their enemies in pitie and compassion to free them out of captiuitie, and to restore them againe into their owne countrie.
Now the reason why the Lord excludeth all their own strength and means, was, first to beat down the pride and insolencie of the Israelites, who thought it impossible that the house of Judah, in regard of their weakness, poverty, and small number should be delivered out of their hands, especially, having combined themselves with the Syrians, to work their overthrow; and secondly, to strengthen the Jews in the assurance of their deliverance, notwithstanding ⟨p. 82⟩they saw no possible means in regard of humane power; which was exceeding needful, considering that through our naturally corruptions, we are ready to doubt of our deliverance, when as we are abandoned of outward helps.