A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Here the Apostle cometh to reckon up their sins, and he doth it by examples, which are suited so, that they may imply both the sin and the punishment: Three are produced in this Verse; That of Cain, to note their malice and cruelty: That of Balaam, to note their covetousness and seduction: That of Corah, to note their faction and sedition, against Magistracy and Ministry, as Corah and his accomplices rose up against Moses and Aaron.

HEre the Apostle commeth to reckon up their sins, and he doth it by examples, which are suited so, that they may imply both the sin and the punishment: Three are produced in this Verse; That of Cain, to note their malice and cruelty: That of Balaam, to note their covetensness and seduction: That of Corah, to note their faction and sedition, against Magistracy and Ministry, as Corah and his accomplices rose up against Moses and Aaron.

[Woe unto them] 'tis Prophetically spoken, not execrat•rily as a threatening, or denunciation, not as a curse. [For they have gone in the way of Cain] Cains example is produced, because he was the first and chief of them that departed from the true Church and pure service of God, Gen. 4. 16. Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt, &c. Tertullian saith he was the Devils Patriarch, the first root of the carnal seed, or of the seed of the Serpent, in whom persecution began: Now Cains way was a way of murder, he slew his Brother, because he was more righteous and godly then himself, 1 Joh. 3. 12. and so they go in his way, that have an envy and hatred against their holy brethren; which many times proceedeth so far as violence, persecution and murder: This instance is fitly applied to these Seducers; for (if the Targum of Jerusalem say true) besides the particular grudge, which Cain▪ had against Abel, about the acceptance of his Sacrifice: There was a dispute which happened between them in the field, concerning the providence of Gods last judgment, and world to come