Daniel his Chaldie visions and his Ebrevv: both translated after the original: and expounded both, by reduction of heathen most famous stories vnto the exact proprietie of his wordes (which is the surest certaintie what he must meane:) and by ioyning all the Bible, and learned tongues to the frame of his worke

DANIEL HIS CHALDIE VISIONS AND HIS EBREW : BOTH TRANSLATED AFTER THE Original : and expounded both , by reduction of heathen most famous stories vnto the exact proprietie of his wordes ( which is the surest certaintie what he must meane : ) and by ioyning all the Bible , and learned tongues to the frame of his worke .

Let him that readeth ( Daniel ) vnderstand .

Mat. 24.

The wise will vnderstand .

Dan. 12.

AT LONDON Printed by Richard Field , for William Young dwelling neare the great North doore of Paules , where the other workes of the same author are to be sold . 1596.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE LL. OF HER M. MOST HONORABLE PRIVIE COVNSEL .

THE Prophet Nathan ( right H. 2. Sam. 7.14 . ) told Dauid of a sonne that should build a temple vnto God , and sit vpon a throne for euer : touching whom , as Daniel penneth all his booke which I present vnto your Lordships , I request your pacience to iudge by a short summe ▪ what vse my explication may haue in our Church and state . That speech of Nathans was commonly vnderstood of Salomon : but indeede belongeth more vnto his brother 1. Chron. 3.5 Luke . 3.31 . Nathan to whom Dauid gaue the Prophets name ▪ that by it the godly might see from what line he should come , which alwayes sate on the right hand of the father . And that the Elder sonne of Bathsheba , for whom Dauid made the most heauenly Psalme of repentance , Psal. 51. should not want his dignitie , God gaue him praerogatiues verie fit to allure the world vnto higher matters . He built by Gods commaundement a temple of Masons worke : & sate after a sort ( in Gods speech , 1. Chr. 29.23 ) vpon the throne of the Eternall . 1. King . 9.6 . Yet God spake vnto him for the people , and he vnto God before the people , 1. King . 8.47 . wordes touching that his kingdome should not stand . Eccl. 1. And in his whole booke that teacheth how all things vnder the sunne are vanitie , the whole drift is to expound the truth of the promised throne . When his line should end in Ie-Choniah , the Eternall Iah sweareth , that if Choniah were a signet vpon his finger he would plucke him thence and pluckt his name from the kings : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iah & Choniah made the kings name . and preacheth , ô earth , earth , earth , write him childlesse : for none of his seede shall sit vpon Dauids throne . Him Nebuchadnezar kept in prison 37. y , and ouerthrew Salomons kingdome and temple , 2. King . 25.27 with all the implements : that Iudah should looke to the other house of Dauid , for the true throne . Then Ierusalem was to be taught a new , in what sort they should see to peace . For them the booke of Daniel is a Commentary handling principal points of their Chap. 1. & 9. seuentie yeares thraldome : & seuen times that space vnto Christ his ascention , to reigne in the house of Dauid for euer : Chap. 7. who destroyeth vtterly as with a floud Citie and temple : to shew that such outward things of mans worke could not be fit for to be meant in the most glorious promise vnto Dauid . So Ierusalem surprised by the Chaldean , and razed by the Romane , is the limites of his story . For the middle space he handled certaine principall heads , touching Zorobabels people , and the enemies . Zorobabel was the onely of Nathan that bare rule : and that , to build a temple : and to receaue the promise of Christ , as in Ag. 2. Then his familie hath an expresse declaration what throne belongeth vnto them . Chap. 7. For they are termed the Sainctes of the high Trinitie : who shall possesse a kingdome for euer , yea for euer and euer . And Daniel sheweth thrones set vp , & one like the sonne of man comming into the world , and againe , ascending vnto the king euerlasting , and reigning aey ouer all nations . And this much is the summe of their comfort . Touching the kingdome : he nameth the nations that should successiuely take it from them with open iniurie to their Religion . The Chaldeans had begun . * * Alexanders iniurie was in that the Priests for one yeare should name their sonnes Alexanders : & all Iudah should take their dates from his raigne , & he their Emperour would be a God . The Persians conquering them should continue . Next Great Alexander . So interchangeably , the Seleucidae and Lagidae , vnto ten tyrannical kings . But afterwardes they should be weakened : that Daniels people might hold their own kingdome . He nameth the Romanes : but not as enemies here , vnto their Religion : yet toucheth their comming vp : that all might know by what nation Christ should be kild : when by his birth time the fourth kingdome should fall through the Romanes . And they should be the second Babylon to Ierusalem . But seeing they medled not with the Iewes , vntill they called for their helpe : & that , when the Machabees had vsurped long a kingdome against Iacobs will , no lesse enemies to Zorobabels house then the others ( as their familie perished alike vtterly : ) so the seueritie of God was not to prophecie a comfort against the Iewes calamities , called for by their own prophanesse , & as it were , open request . For Caesar and Pompey were called into partaking by striuing Machabees : and before had made league and friendship with Iudah Therefore comforts in such dealings might not be sent from heauen . The plainnesse of Daniel is great : Daniels plainnesse . telling of matters that all the world would note . Strabo knew Nebuchadnezars greatnes : * * In Theoph. Berosus better . * * Euseb. 9. Abydenus toucheth his propheticall traunce : as hearing of that his Proclamation or Epistle sent vnto all the world . Cyrus Conquest of Babel all nations knew : Xerxes fall was more in speech & Alexanders stories better knowen in most people then their owne : his victories , ambition of Godhead , quick death , and ruine of familie . And againe his Captaines partitions of spoyles : their falling to foure chiefe kingdomes : and two of them principall , Syria and Aegypt , comming vnto perpetuall strife among them selues : these heathen obserued : who knew likewise the strange successe of Ptolemie Lagidas : Diod lib. 18. and 19. Pausan . in Attic. the stranger of Seleucus Nicator : their league in friendship : their sonnes falling out : their seeking atonement by that Mariage of Berenice : App. in Syri . their greater warres vpon her death : the ouerrunning of Syria , to win the syrname 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : Polyb. 5. a further reuenge in Philopators victory . Againe the other sides conquests to syrname Antiochus great : Appian . Strabo . his Cleopatras mariage with Ptolemie : his inuading Grece ▪ his fall by Rome his Church robbing : his two sonnes Church robbing : their three extraordinarie deathes : these matters be most famous among the heathen : And Antiochus Epiphanes subtiltie in ouerreaching his brother and two nephewes : his comming vp in Syria : his three inuasions of Aegypt : Tacitus . his endeuour and crueltie to haue extinguished Iudahs Religion : these matters , are the most famous of any in heathen stories . Macrob. 2. When we adde vnto them the iest of Augustus , how it was better to be Herods hog then his sonne : Aegl . Su●tonius . Tacitus . because of his slaughter at our Lordes birth : and Vergils harping at a child comming from heauen , noysed doubtlesse by Iewes : and the expectation of all the East of a king arising then to rule all the world : and Tacitus for Christ , Pilate , and Christians : & lastly the manifold writers of Ierusalems fall the last part : then we shal haue open , all the humane points of Daniels booke . When we ioyne from Diuinitie storie Nathans prophecie for Nathan : Ben Arama vpon Exod. Salomons Eldership in a touch of throne and Temple : the threefold charge to write Iechonias childlesse : Ierem. 22. the counsell of God in the kingdomes fall : the blessed title of Nathans house : the high Sainctes and kings for euer : Dan. 7. the thrones , one for God , and an other for the * * R. Akiba . vpon Dan. 7 : in Sanedrin . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 sonne of Dauid : the setting vp of kingdomes to deale with Dauids throne , to take notice of their Religion : the time of a kingdome eternall prefixed in a most plaine speech long before , and made famous by 120. Dan ▪ 9.24 Dan. 6. Extra . 1. nations paying Iuda a subsidie to returne : and our Lordes mediation from the Gospell : this being done Daniels matters wil be all knowen vnto vs . The tongues which he vseth may somewhat trouble vs : why he should write the greater part of his booke in Chaldie , and the same matter againe in Ebrew : and why his Ebrew hath affected peculiaritie of phrases : yet reasons sensible may soone be rendred . The Chaldie tongue was both knowen to his nation , & should soone be their vsuall , when they had lost their owne in Babylon . Besides the North , East , South Dialectes , Syriaque , Arabique , Aethiopian were neare the Chaldie : so that with a little paynes they might learne it . Now it was fit for Dauids throne ruling all the world , to be penned into the largest language of the world , and then most florishing . So he sheweth : that God setteth vp kingdomes , and putteth down kingdomes : and how a kingdome from heauen standeth for euer . This he teacheth in Chaldie : as also the state of the world to come : neuer shewed so clearely before . He declareth how the faithles tyrants perish for euer : and Iuda raigneth by Christ : as by him also all nations do . When his visions name the oppressours : and his nation the oppressed , then he writeth in Ebrew , and prophetique phrases knowen onely to his learned brethren . The summe of him is this : and his phrase is thus . I thinke my commentations vpon him somewhat profitable to the good of our state . Them I commend to your L L. to be regarded according to the sage honour of her M. gouernement .

Your Lordships to commaund . HVGH BROVGHTON .

To the Christian Reader : of Daniels plainnesse .

WHen this Prophet is cleared , from the opinion of hardnesse , which men do conceiue of him , then with hope of perfecting labour , desire to reade him wil increase . And the holy man must be cleared . For otherwise men would think Daniel a tormenter of soules rather th●n a teacher , if he wrote vnto all nations ( in their greatest perplexities ) matters vnfit for their capacitie . Besides the duty of clearing him , facilitie will be at hand . For the matters which onely make him hard , are soone taught . Stale errours still hinder the negligent in the truth , who runne vpon custome , and will take no paines to examine the right . But thus it doth stand . When the promise of Nathan is considered touching the throne of Dauid to stand for euer , and the case of Salomon● house weighed , how in Iech●nias it fayled vtterly : & then the house of Nathan the next brother cometh in , first Zorchabel , then two families of him , Abiud , for the Kings right , Rhesa , father vnto our Lord , then the hardest part is gone . All must graunt that this hath bene long hid . For scant any of the world marke our Lords right line , from the text . Yet a few words might open it fully . Onely many vnpatient of the truth , cause griefe , and thereupon some more difficulty : otherwise all here requisite might be soone knowne . For the matter is the easiest , standing vpon a plaine storie : and the principles are so few , that a child might write them . They are often handled , that such as care for them may be instructed many wayes . The next matter of darkenesse ariseth touching the nations oppressors and oppressed . The doubt sprang , for that Daniel in his Chaldy visions nameth neither . The solution is easie . In his Ebrew visions he nameth both the one and the other : and they can containe no other matters then the Chaldy . Therefore the nations in all are doubtlesse . And seeing Cha. 8. in a vision vpon Babels fall , Elam first , next Iauan haue all the dealings vnto the ende of wrath : the last dealer must be Iauan . Also the afflicted in the last dealings are termed Daniels people , and the holy people : and they are afflicted for the holy couenant . Where any may see of what times he was to speake . For who knoweth not , that the last afflictions that the holy Iewes had , with loosing their lands reuenues , was vnder Antiochus Epiphanes . Now the nations being knowne , the places wil be known . And for vndoubted certenty the land Tzeby on the holy mountaine is named , The soyle of the afflicted . The middle sea and dead sea haue it betwixt them : and Tzeby is in Ezekiel the attrihute of Iudaea . And the places of the visions are the fittest for these poincts . At Eular and Tigris the plaine sights were shewed . Which should import dealings from Kings of those quarters . All this while nothing bringeth in the Romanes . They are reserued to greater harmes . And such as bring them into Daniel , where they are not blamed , disturbe learning as much as they disturbe the world . But Daniel is not to blame . He giueth no cause why men should so deceiue themselues . And thus these parcels the most in difficulty are made easie . Another is no lesse vniustly blamed : the time which he hath most cleare , & telleth plainly . Yea onely he telleth when the first captiuitie began : & how he was of it . The end is most famous in him . And the phrases for our Lords death time , would make a learned Varro amazed : The seuenty Hebdomades . We haue here greater matters than how he at 84. had written seuenty Habdomades of books . And neuer any could be plainer then he in that . If we will not beleeue him , but heathen forged studies , we should try particulars . So true heathen would beare record vnto Daniel . Now , heathen 2000. yeares haue filled all Libraries full of lyes : with forged Olympiades , forged Chaldeans , forged Atchontes of Athens , and forged Consuls , that the vnstayed and vnlearned now adayes can triumph to see , what store of leasings can be brought against Daniel . But the same wil not see , how all the millions of Iudah , & of Christians vpon the other captiuitie writings , checke the errour . So againe Daniel is cleared . One poinct remaineth , his tongues : where any may see , that in the Chaldy he studied for plainnesse : writing in the most generall tongue , yet neare Arabique , and so as most generall yet . For his Hebrew , the learned may not complaine : for to them it is easie . And all should be senslesse , if in plaine matters , and matters of daunger , he might not haue leaue to hide his minde from the wicked . Further difficulties we haue not in him : after the consideration of Dauids throne and two families , Salomons falling , Nathans standing for euer : of the nations oppressed , long kept close for safetie , in his later speeches named for certaintie : of the oppressors likewise and of their countreys : and last of his times and tongues . The difficulties of which being softened , none can tell what to imagine hard . And to mollifie the readers labour , I will contriue into matter following , introductions to his whole summe and Graces : and ioyne the kings and Pictures for him : pictures afore set in another booke : which coming foorth , greater with greater , lendeth Daniel the former willingly . To him they belong .

The summe and graces of Daniel .

THe holy Prophet Daniel telleth what Kingdomes shall oppresse Dauids house from Iudahs captiuitie vnto the birth of our Lord : Few wordes containe the whole summe of Daniel for all his chiefe heads . and endeuour to controll their Religion . Also of our Lord he sheweth : his continuall protection , and payment of his foes , his coming into the world , his making strong the Couenant for all nations , his precious death , his glorious ascention , and his kingdome ouer all nations . And lastly how he will destroy the Citie and Temple , finishing the policie which he gaue by Moses , that Iewes and Gentiles may be equally Gods people . Those kingdomes which Daniel setteth forth , are first the Chaldeans , What kingdoms in Daniel oppresse the religion of Gods people . who destroyed the Citie , Temple , Kingdome and house of Salomon : and meant in Babel to haue set vp idolatrie . The next is a ioynt power of the Medes and Persians , who ouerthrew them and would haue made their owne kings as Gods , & stayed the building of Gods Temple , and sought to destroy the Iewes nation . The third is compact of all the States of Greeke-land ( who put downe the former ) : In Alexanders power , which King in his pride earnestly laboured to be holden as a God : and caused the Leuites to name their sonnes Alexanders , and all the Iewes to take their dates from his reigne . The fourth and last , is of the same nation for their Kings ( called Seleucidae and Lagidae , by the first of their houses ) dwelling North and South from Iuda situated betwixt them both . By these Iuda was most vexed , and endeuour vsed to haue abrogated the holy Couenant . At our Lords birth these nations were fully spoyled of all gouernement , and * *

Romanes , that medled not with religion .

How euerie kingdome is seuen times spoken of .

another set vp , to whom tribute was payd ouer all the world . In plentifull varietie Daniel setteth them forth . First in a huge image of foure mettals beaten to powder : and he expoundeth the Image so , that by a prophane king he is therefore highly aduaunced . Long after he seeth them in a sort fit for a spirituall man to iudge of : in foure sauage beasts cast into the fire : & ioyneth a most heauenly exposition and comfort of his nation : how from his people , an eternall kingdome shall fill all the earth . Againe , the kingdome of Babel is figured by a Tree , touching in height the heauens , in breadth the corners of the earth : and to that also Daniel affordeth an exposition . Likewise the other kingdomes are semblanced by a Ramme and Goat-bucke , and both in sundrie hornes : and now all the Nations are plainly named , This vision should haue cut off all doubt for Daniels kingdomes . This specially might end all controuersie . who be therein contained . So sixe times euery one State is declared all ouer , the later declarations adding clearenesse to the former . Moreouer , the seuenth Narration most plaine ( as teaching in proper language ) is not wanting : for the coming vp , idolatrie chastisement , and ouerthrow of these kingdomes . A skilfull Reader must fetch from others the dayly dealings , which the wisedome of God knew at needlesse to foretell by Daniel : and therefore he passeth them ouer ; in their due places the Reader shall find them marked in obseruations vpon the Prophet . The comfort of the holy people is most sweete in this Booke . The degrees of his visions . Christ in prophane eyes is a base stone , and heathen Kings goodly mettals : but he beateth them to dust , and becometh a great mountaine . In Daniels e●en they are beasts cast into fire , and the Sonne of man coming in the clouds into the world : afterwards going vnto the Ancient of dayes , he , sitteth on an eternall throne . The times 2300 dayes . Chap. 8. Sundry other heauenly apparations Daniel hath : as when the wonderfull Numberer ( called in Daniel , Palmoni ) calleth an Angel , Gabriel : and biddeth him teach Daniel the verie dayes from the first of the rage against Moses lawes , vnto the last of the Grecians dealing against the Temple . And after that his senses had bene acquainted with so exact an accompt vnto the very day , for a particular hinderance of the truth , he seeth a hand writing , Chap. 5. Chap. 9. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 MENE MENE : and soone the former Angel numbreth most exactly the time vnto our Lords death . And againe , soone after he hath a vision like that of Christ in the * *

Chap. 1.13 . Chap. 12. Three yeres and half , and dayes 1290 and dayes 1335 al these are , the first from the polluting of the holy Temple vnto the recouerie : the other two : vnto seuerall comforts against Antiochus : which the present Age should marke , euen to the exact dayes .

The whole summe of Daniel is 600 yeares : from since the Chaldeans tooke Ierusalem , vntill the Romans toke it .

The tongues of Daniel .

Reuelation , and of three Angels , one silent , another teaching him the summe of his booke in plain speeches : another asking a question of times , and taking an answer , with the very particular dayes of two famous neare matters . These two confirme the wonderfull accompt of Christ his owne set time for redemption . Dan. 9.24 . Farther then which the date of times might not go in the Prophets , beyond the glorifying of the King : but therein it was to rest . By like reuolutions , men might know , that Christ would graunt them the like space to repentance , that they losed not their land : as he gaue in the wildernesse to prepare them that should enter into the land . And so it fell out alike : 40. yeares they spent in the wildernesse , 40 after our Lords death in the land . And so the whole warning that Daniel gaue the Iewes to beware of their Deluge , is iust in space the same that Lamech gaue to the old world at Noahs birth , 600 yeares afore the flood . From Nebuchadnezers first yeare , 70 of captiuitie : thence 7 times that space in expressed wordes , layd downe in Scripture , and 40 afterwards not recorded , nor to haue bene recorded in scripture , but marked of heathen by the euent . This is the compasse of Daniels times : which they that cast not aright , shal be disturbed .

The state of the world when he wrote , and the tongues which he vsed , call vs to farther admiration . His Prophecie was written in the most distressed times of the world , to be such a iewell , that being seene , it might haue redressed the calamities of those dayes . For , when the kingdome of Iudah was to be plagued by the tust God : all the world was plagued also , with more alterations of kingdomes and warres then had bene afore . The Zohar noteth this , truely and wonderfully And then God by Daniel writeth first in the heathens language the Syriaque or Chaldy tong : which East & South best knew . In that he sheweth how the Image of the worldly pompe , & all the wicked are made as dust before the winde : and prophane Empires are as beasts troubling the sea of life : A generall knowledg of Law & Gospel is taught in Daniel by kingdomes , many perishing & one standing . perishing at the last in a fierie lake : from the throne of a Iudge euerlasting , with whom there is no shadow of change . Also he telleth of the kingdome that cannot be corrupted , set vp by one like the Sonne of man coming in the cloudes , and going againe vnto the ancient of dayes , to sit for euer in glory . All this , and other matters of the present Age , Daniel penneth in the language most knowne of any one : that the heathen might be benefited . Notwithstanding the Iewes haue in this worke their prerogatiue . For in the tongue vsed onely of them ; he penneth the selfe same matter : naming plainly what people he afore spake off , and that in sundrie sortes for exact certaintie . And he limiteth the time , The phrase of 70 seuens , being compared with former times , wil shew that God ruled al times of Iudah : in an order easie to consider . when all nations should be brought into the holy couenant , in a more wonderfull sweet speech , for the present matter , and for the frame of all the Bible , then a mans minde could euer haue thought vpon . Yea though one had an hundred mouthes and an hundred tongues , & a voyce of steele , he should not be able to shew the vse of his two tongues , how plentifull commodities they haue , his Chaldy or Syriaque , and his Hebrew . We haue no Chaldy saue two Chapters of Ezra , so ancient as his by 400. yeares . And of such as write thence in Chaldy , translating the Hebrew , Chaldy , Syriaque , Aethiopian , Arabique : all foure vse Daniels Syriaque . Onkelos 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and the author of Targum Ierusalemy vpon the Law , Ionathan Ben Vziel vpon the Prophets , and the vncertaine translaters of the other holy bookes , all their workes make great vse of halfe his , the Chaldy part : and so doth the Syriaque translater of the New testament continually frequent his style . Neither was the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dan. 2.26 . is in no Chaldy , but in the Aethiopian . Heb. 2. and 4. &c. Aethiopian ignorant of him , or negligent to vse his phrases . Also the Arabique Translaters of both Testaments , chalenge as good a part in him as any of the former : And although none , but Linguists , can throughly iudge of this commoditie , yet any man may see what great honour God gaue to the Prophet , that draweth his little Chaldy through so many and so large workes of those diuerse nations . A wonderful recompence to the Chaldeans for vsing Daniel well . Euen as the Chaldeans gaue cups of cold water to Daniel when he requested it , rather than of the Kings wine , God would not haue them loose their reward : but made that language which they taught him , to haue honour through all the world vnto this day . I omit how his Chaldy style teacheth to distinguish old Rabbines in either Talmuds from new , by the tenour of the Grammer , and stirreth iudgement to marke by the style later Rabbines from the elder . Yet I may not choose but warne somewhat of this . Also in our dayes the Chaldy paraphrastes are beholding to him . For whereas they were so confused , that to Grammer of them could be made , the learned Mercerus and others after him , Daniels Chaldy caused the Chaldy paraphrastes new honour in our age : so perpetuall is the holy mans glorie . Elias Leuita moued a question whether the Chaldy could bee brought to Art . That Gordian knot was cut , by breaking all their vncerteinty with Daniels sword by our learned Christians . vowell them after Daniels Chaldy , to their great honour , and all wisemens contentment . Nowe touching his Hebrew style , wherein he penneth the vision of the Ramme and Goate , his owne heauenly prayer , Gabriels speech for the name and office of Christ , containing all skill of knowledge : an heauenly vision of Christ , in holy view , the Hebrew style of all this : and yet more specially for a long oration of the stouter Persian kings fall : of great Alexander , his rising and fall : his houses rooting out : his Captaines , many parting the spoyle , but foure principall : and of them two houses dealers with the Iewes , and their particular dealings vnto Antiochus Epiphanes : his rage from placing of his Idoll three yeares and an halfe , his falles after the placing of that Idoll , one at the day 1290. another at the day 1335. his comfort by an argument from the resurrection in all these troubles : this rare matter hath not onely wisdome , but wit for specialty of style ; that blasphemous Porphyry and all might haue seene more than a mans wit in the Hebrew phrase . Such his matter and languages be . To conclude , we see how in troubles he pictures the camping of the Angels about Christs seruants , what enemies they should haue , and what those should suffer , how and when Christ by him selfe would make reconciliation for sinne , and sit on the throne of glorie : how in the most common tongue , the matter is spoken , so farre as men then could quietly accept it : how peculiarly it was spoken for the peculiar persons , and in a peculiar phrase : where the wicked otherwise would haue raged intollerably . And we may see how Daniel ioyneth both Testaments , ending the Ceremonies , and breaking the partition wall of the old : and laying the foundation and groundworke of the New . Also how God ( perfect in all knowledge ) draweth the Heathen Stories ( from Herodotus vnto Liuie ) to be seruants vnto Diuinitie : Prophecies in the East tongues , for matter recorded in the Westerne , should stirre studie & honor of studie for both . that when all the world had marked all the particulars of the Persians and Greekes , fallen out according as it was foretold , they might assure themselues , that the matters touching their calling into the heauenly Ierusalem , should be likewise in due time accomplished . This much may be holden in some sort the summe of the gracious Daniel his Graces : but the thunder of Gods power ( as Iob speaketh in a like matter ) who but he in his text , or one of Daniels wisedome is able to declare ? Now let vs hasten to his matter : taking by the way the Kings of his narrations : and vsing grauen pictures to the pictures of his pen in due place . But by the way the Reader must be shewed faults of printing .

Faults escaped .

In B 2. reade sooner killed then Euergetes died . And in Prol. Epiphanes , 8. horne , not 9. In Chap. 9.14 the Lord was watchfull . In H 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rom. 3. not 4. In I 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the sentence is , Search and you shall find it . In the Arab. Geogr. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Abel Phada Ismael , I trow is the author . I thought by the notation that γ was the letter , and not # : but the notation in the Arabique , Psal. 3. Lifted vp , is fittest . In pag. vlt. l. 1. who heard , not , was heard . Lin. vlt. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Further faults the gentle reader must search .

THE KINGS BELONGING to the Image in DANIEL .

Chaldeans .

NEbuchadnezar : by notation , Nabo ( Esa. 46.1 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) is Lord of keeping or storing .

Euil-Merodac : a principall is Merodac . Ier. 50.2 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

Bel-She-Azar : Bel is he that storeth . Bel-Tash-Azar Daniels name is of the same notation . And Bel-Azar or Belesis in Diodorus Siculus , book second : where he hath most noble stories , doubtlesse meant of our Daniel , how in warres he preuayled : encouraging nations by prophecies of victorie . Here the three kings beare names of three Babylonian Gods : Nabo , Merodac , Bel : as Abbakuk noteth , that the Chaldean would attribute this his strength vnto his God . Ab. 1.11 . The planets were their chiefe Gods : termed of foretelling as Nabo or of kinghood , as Ched . is mat . 26. in Arabike Mar , Dan. 2. Rac. Gen. 42. in Onkelos . Shed , in Mat. 27. in Arab . Sac , Ier. 25 and Kimchi in ALN . Nego , Venus in Rabbines commonly . The Massorites vpon the fift of Daniel note for both their names thus ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 That is , from the beginning of the booke vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 that night was kild &c. Ch. 5.30 . Beltesh-Azar-Bel-sh-Azar . ω Shin is written before κ Aleph . But after , That night . Chap. 5.30 . Belt-κsh-zar . Bel κsh-zar . κ Aleph is written afore ω Shin . Of this I was specially to warne , because euen the Hebrew printers , whom eye sight should haue guided , haue not obserued the difference , none of all without some negligence : so that but for the Massorites the text had bene corrupted : and my obseruations should be thought to disagree with the originall vpon Chap. 1.5.7.8 . and 10. These three Chaldean kings make the golden head , the Lion , & the 〈◊〉 : as the Persians and sundred Greekes haue their armes ,

Of the Persian kings , whereof they whose names are in Hebrew are extant in scripture . The Greeke names are as heathen write and terme them .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Darius .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Cyrus .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Artaxashta : Artaxasata or Artaxiasata , as Strabo writeth townes , named from the kings name .

or 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ahashueroth .

The fourth : Daniel 11.2 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , also 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Darius Artaxashta , or Artaxasta : thorough Ezra , from Chap. 7. as the Massorites there note .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Darius . These three are passed ouer in Nehemiah .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Artaxerxes . These three are passed ouer in Nehemiah .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ochus . These three are passed ouer in Nehemiah .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Darius . Neh. 12.

The Greekes whole .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Alexander the great , the notable horne in the forehead of the Goate-bucke .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 His posteritie , Hercules and Alexander . These with the principall parters of his kingdome , make the bellie and the sides of brasse : the Leopard with foure heads : and the Goate-buckes notable horne : and the foure that came vp for it .

The Greekes parted . The Southerne all are in Strabo . Geog. 17. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ptolemy Lagides 1. horne , the king of the South . Dan. 11.5 . Ptolemy Philadelphus . 3. horne . v. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Bernice his daughter is married to the king of the North , and killed . Ptolemy Euergetes her brother . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . One that standeth vp from the Impe of her rootes . 5. horne . v. 7. Ptolemy Philopator . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 7. horne . v. 11. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . He in whose times the lawlesse Iewes will be stirring and perish . Ptolemy Epiphanes . He had with his wife Cleopatra Syria in dowrie . v. 18. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . ● horne . The Northerne all are in Appians Syriac . Seleucus 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nicator , 2. horne . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 v. 5. Antiochus Soter , who dealt in no special sort against the Iewes : and therfore is omitted in Gabriels speech . Antiochus Theos . 4. horne . v. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Seleucus Callinicus : soone killed . Antiochus the great v. 10. 6. horne . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hee that marrieth his daughter to the king of the South , he shall also consume Iudaea . Seleucus Philopater : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the taxer : 9. horne . v. 20. Antiochus Epimanes : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the vile : the 10. horne . v. 21.

These kings make the iron of the two legs , and somewhat of the iron and clay : thinking by mariages to make attonement , for Syria and Iudaea , but further falling out . These also such as are noted with Hebrew , make the ten hornes of the fourth beast : and in these dayes the Iewes the high Saintes begin to recouer their kingdome . In particularitie Daniel speaketh no further of them .

The clay weaknes of the Images legs .

Southerne .

Ptolemy Philometor and Ptolemy Physcon .

Ptolemy Lathurus .

Ptolemy Auletes the Piper .

Cleopatra . Strab. 17. All after the third Ptolemy , were corrupt in wantonnesse , and ruled cruelly . But the seuenth and eighth the Piper specially .

Northerne two at once . Demetrius Soter . Demetrius Nicator . Antiochus brother to Demetrius , he killed himselfe . Cleopatra wife to Demetrius killed him : she had maried her brother Antiochus : and had children by Demetrius . Seleucus and Ant. Grypus . Seleucus was kild by his mother Cleopatra . Grypus poisoned his mother . Sele●cus . he droue out Cyzicen , & was killed . by Antiochus . An. Cyzicenus , he droue out Grypus . Antiochus , who maried his mother in lawe Selene . Tigranes droue him out . And Pompey refused to suffer his sonne to raign● . Antiochus Eupator . Alexander . Diodotus , who maried Ptolemies daughter . Tryphon killed by Antiochus .

Trogus Pompeius noteth , that thus by the discord of the brethren of consanguinitie , the East became vnder the people of Rome . And so all may see how iron and clay the mixture in mans seed not cleauing together , giueth testimonie to Daniels vision .

Of the times and yeares which these kings raigned .

WHereas these prophane kings are compared with Scripture , we must take heede lest we grant vnto them a longer time of raigne then the holy text hath for the same ages : for so we disanull the authoritie of Gods word . Yet former ages haue bene in that blame a long time . This may be spoken of them in generall : that the whole yeares of no kings out of Gods people , haue or were to haue their whole summe in holy record . Besides , heathen are so vncertaine , that they agree not for the yeares of any one king betwixt Nebucadnezar and Iulius Caesar . Yet when heathen are throughly examined from age to age , by particular testimonies , and by the liues of most famous men , they shall be found to agree very well so : with that which Scripture testimonies & liues require . Though strong errors like hedges of thornes stop the passage of the truth . The truth must be confirmed from them : for better satisfaction of such as braue more in heathen studies then Diuinitie .

Of the Chaldeans time of raigne .

THe Iewes agree vniuersally , that from the first of Nebuchadnezar vnto the death of Belshazar , the time is seuentie yeares . And if Christian Commenters had followed them in that agreement and truth , it had bene better with vs . Whereas the second captiuitie by some , the third by some others , is made the beginning of the seuentie yeares : so a great rent is made in the holy storie .

Of the Persians true times : and erronious * * The negligent auncient giue Cyrus Cambyses , Darius y. spent together & before Babel sel , the same distinct , & after : and to Darius 46. who liued but 43 Codoman giueth Artax . I. 59. fully : & Pl●t . to Art. II. 62. to helpe out the 100 erronious The record of Euripid. 75. in Suid. & of Timoth. being in those his times , in which Philip raigned , this will ende the strife : & heathen other liues infinite : as Aristides daughters , & Dem. Phal . Lais and Demost. acquaintance ; Platoes & Dionys and all commonly then of fame will cut about 40. y. off at a clap . sleights that deceiued .

From Darius Hystaspeos age about 20. at Babels fal he liuing but 43. vnto Xerxes warre 6. yeares after his death , are 30. yeres . Then Artaxerxes raigned , at home Herod . and Ctes .

Artaxerxes in all 42. Clem. 1. Storm . He died in the seuenth of the Peloponnesian warres . Thuc.

Ochus 8. cleare y. 16. with his father , 11. with his son .

Artaxerxes 42. Clem.

* * Alexanders Epistle to Darius in Arrianus , argueth that Ochus raigned but a litle afore Philips death . Yet Olympikes giue him liberally a score of yeares . Ochus three . Darius about fiue .

Summe 130.

Of the Grecians times from Clemens : ( but Epiphanius differeth in twelue yeares excesse , and Maximus Monachus cometh shorter . )

Alexander sixe yeares .

Ptolemie Lagides fortie .

Ptolemie Philadelphus seuen and thirtie .

Ptolemie Euergetes fiue and twentie .

Ptolomie Philopator seuenteene .

Ptolemie Epiphanes foure and twentie .

In this age Iuda recouereth their owne gouernement .

Ptolomie Philometor fiue and thirtie .

Physcon nine and twentie .

Lathurus sixe and thirtie .

Auletes nine and twentie .

Cleopatra two and twentie .

Summe 300.

The Romans vnto our Lords death threescore years , so arise 490.

Thus we may see , how they litle examined the heathen , who could not see that some agreed most exactly with the Scripture . Nowe * * The Arabians in an Arabike commentarie vpon Gen. 10. haue Suidas iust number at our Lordes birth : so belike agreeing here , with Suidas . Suidas hath for all the Greekes times about thirtie yeares lesse then Clemens . They who thinke that true , may pardon the Greekes , thirtie in their fortie of excesse : past from Lysanders vnwalling Athens , or Phyle stirres in the life of them who sawe it : and heard Dinarchus cite their testimony against Demosthenes , after Alexanders death : of which sort Aeschines and Demetrius Phalereus are cited by them selues and others . Such as heard not of Greciaes most monstrous lying , may pay the one with the other . In sound learning and religion , that must stand in summe which best agreeth with scripture for the same times : otherwise Greekes disagree , for ech kings yeres .

The Nobles of Iuda , that touch principally the booke of Daniell .

IN sundrie partes and sundrie maners spake God of Redemption to the fathers , before the dayes of Dauid : and to him he promised that his seed should sit vpon a throne for euer . That speech was fit to allure all men vnto searching of the spirituall kingdome . But the carnall still vnderstood that carnally . The ten tribes despised it , and went to Ohelehem , and Elohehem , to their owne tents and Gods . Salomons house hoped to hold still that outward kingdome , & would not beleeue otherwise , the most of them , till the Chaldean tooke away , and ouerthrew all their state . When the visible kingdome fell , all Iuda was to be resolued what should become of Dauids throne . The whole booke of Daniel is a satisfaction for that perplexitie , & cleare , being considered for that point , how Salomons house being extinct in Iechoniah , the house of Nathan , from Salathiel , Pedaiah , and * * For Zorobabels house , the onely then true and right princes , of all the world , Daniell hath his reuelations , and his 490. yeares are to be compared with their liues in two families . Zorobabel , come to be heires of the kingdome . But as the kingdome of Christ first suffers & hath glorie after : so they and their faithfull shall be conformed . Babel , the Medes with Elam , and Greekes , whole and parted , shall rob them : but they shall possesse a kingdome for euer and euer . And when the seuentie yeares of Babels rage giue a tast of Gods defence and reuenge , they are told of that celestiall speech , how at seuen times that space , the most holy will bring an eternall kingdome opened for all . Thereupon the faithfull of the nation go from Babell vnto Ierusalem , where the Lord should be king , and restore the state , and build the Temple . Ezra and Nehemia declare their storie vnto * * The testimonie of Iosephus that Iaduah and Sanballat saw Gre●● Alexander , wherin both Iewes and Gentils hitherto agree , that , by Ezra and Nehemias personages vtterly confutes all heathen vsed chronicles . Iaduah , who and Sanballat saw great Alexander . The troupes of them are starres for the storie vnder the Persians : to checke heathen that with false regester of times , as poeticall Heliades , or Phaetontiades , will disanull the prophecie of the due season . And specially the kingly families of Zorobabel : whose regester in the two Euangelistes is more worth then all heathen records . Thus it standeth .

Zorobabel . 1. Abiud . 2. Eliakim . 3. Azor. 4. Sadok . 5. Achin . 6. Eliud . 7. Eleazar . 8. Matthan . 9. Iacob . 10. Ioseph .

The succession of these ten heires to the Crowne , must with our Lordes three and thirtie yeares , make vp 490. They were afflicted , to be about 45. yeares eache one before they tooke to build families .

Zorobabel . 1. Rhesa . 2. Iohanna . 3. Iuda . 4. Ioseph . 5. Semei . 6. Matthathie . 7. Maath . 8. Nagge . 9. Hesli . 10. Nahum . 11. Amos. 12. Matthathie . 13. Ioseph . 14. Ianna . 15. Melchi . 16. Leuie . 17. Matthat . 18. Helie . 19. Marie . 20. Iesus .

Daniel .

CHAPTER . 1. The beginning and the ende of the seauentie yeeres captiuitie .

IN the * * Here consider an easie accompt of Gods prouident gouernement , since Moses tymes . In the seuenth yeere the lande was parted . Thence the first of Samuel falleth in the seuenth Iubilie : & thence vnto this yeere , are seauen seauenties . See verse 21. thirde yeere of the reigne of Iehoiakim king of Iudah , Y. W. 3402. came Nebuchadnezar king of Babel vnto Ierusalem , and layde siedge agaynst it .

And the Lorde gaue into his handes Iehoiakim king of Iudah , and part of the vessels of the house of God : and he caried them into the lande of Shinar , the house of his goddes : and he caried the vesselles into the treasurie of his goddes .

And the king spake to Aspenaz lord Chamberlaine , that he should bring certaine of the children of Israel , of the kinges * * Esay tolde of this . Ch. 39.7 . seede , and of the noblest :

Springalles without any blemishe , and goodly in fauour , and skilful in al wisedome , and wel seene in knowledge , and witty of vnderstanding , and of abilitie in them to stande in the kinges Palace : and to teach them the learning & tongue of the Caldeans .

And the king appoynted them a prouision day by day of a portion of the kinges meate , and of the wine of his drinkes : so to noorysh them three yeeres , that at the ende thereof they myght stande before the kinge .

Now among these were certayne of the chyldren of Iudah , Daniel , Hananiah , Mishael , and Azariah :

On whom the Lord Chamberlayne set ( other ) names : and he set on Daniel , * *

They had ben all named : of God , a iudge , mercifull , and strong .

That is , Belkeepeth treasure : but see Cha. 10. how he altereth it .

Belteshazar , and on Hananiah , Shadrach , and on Mishael , Meshach , and on Azariah , Abednego .

But Daniel set in his hart , that he woulde not defile hymselfe with the portion of the kinges meate , nor with the wine which he dranke . Therefore he made request to the chiefe Chamberlayne , that he shoulde not § § A practise of Leuit. 11. defile hym selfe .

Now God had caused the chiefe Chamberlaine to ‡ ‡ The effect of Salamons prayer . 1. king . 8 , 50. fauour and pittie Daniel .

And the chiefe Chamberlaine sayde vnto Daniel : I feare my Lord the king , who hath appoynted your meate , and your drinke . Wherefore should he see your faces worse lykeing then the other springalles , which are of your sort ? then shall you make guylty my head vnto the king .

Then sayd Daniel to * * Or to the Melzar , that is , Stewarde , a name of an office . Melzar , whom the chiefe Chamberlaine had set ouer Daniel , Hananiah , Mishael , and Azariah .

O proue thy seruantes tenne dayes : and let be geuen to vs some Pulse to eate , and water to drinke .

Then let our countenances be looked vpon before thee , and the countenances of the springalles that eate of the portion of the kinges meate : and as thou seest , deale with thy seruantes .

So he gaue eare to them in this matter , and prooued them tenne dayes .

And at the ende of ten dayes , their countenances appeared fayrer , and fatter in flesh , then all the chyldren which did eate the portion of the kings meate .

And Melzar tooke away the portion of their meate , and the wine that they shoulde drinke , and gaue them Pulse .

And to these springalles all foure , to them God gaue knowledge , and skill in all learnyng and wysedome : also Daniel had vnderstanding in all ‡ ‡ Therein his whole booke excelleth , declaryng the commyng vp , idolatry , chastisement , fall : of the Babylonians , Medes-&-Persians , Grekes , whole & parted : and how Christ defendeth the holy Iewes , vntyll the redemption . visions and dreames .

At § § 3407.3471 . the ende of the dayes that the king had commaunded to bring them in , then the chiefe Chamberlaine brought them before Nebuchadnezar .

And the king communed with them : and none of them all was founde like Daniel , Hananiah , Mishael , and Azariah : and they stoode before the king .

And in all matters for wysedome of vnderstanding , that the king inquired of them , he found them tenne tymes better then all the enchaunters , and astrologians , that were in all his realme .

And Daniel continued vnto the * * Then the 70. of Captiuity ended , and the seauen seauenties are told for redemption , out of Satans captiuity : by our Lordes death , erectyng a kingdome ouer al the earth . first yeere of king Cyrus .

CHAP. 2. The state of the Hebrewes , vntill the birth of our Lord , vnder the Caldeans , Medes-Persians , and the Graecians : The kingdome of Christe shall after that fill the whole earth . Daniel is a new Ioseph .

IN the second * * As Ioseph in the seconde after skil in dreames expoundeth Pharaohs , so God disposeth these times alyke , the enchanters alyke , guydeth & aduanceth Ioseph & Daniel alike yeere afterwardes ( in the raigne of Nebuchadnezar ) Nebuchadnezar dreamed dreames : and his spirite was disquieted , and his sleepe brake on him .

Then the king commanded to call the Enchanters , Astrologians , and the Sorcerers , and the Caldeans , for to declare to the king his dreames . So they came and stoode before the king .

And the king sayd vnto them : I haue dreamed a dreame , and my spirite was troubled to knowe the dreame .

Then spake the Caldeans to the king in * * While the visions are generall , and cause the Iewes no danger : so farr Daniel writeth in the Syriaque tongue , general ouer the east , al hence to the 8. chapter . But when the oppressors be named , Medes & Persians , and Greekes , both whole and also parted , about Iuda : into Egypt , and to the North , and the Iewes ar plainly described the people whom god defendeth : then the eyght chapter , and al after , he writeth in Ebrew : & hath a commandement to keepe close the playne exposition in ch. 12.4 Syriaque : O king , lyue for euer . Tell to thy seruauntes the dreame , and we wyll shew the interpretation .

And the king answered , and sayd to the Caldeans : the thing is gone from me , yf ye wyll not make me know my dreame , with the interpretation thereof , ye shal be cut in peeces , and your houses shal be made a dunghill .

But yf you shew the dreame , and the interpretation of it , ye shall receiue of me guyftes , and rewardes , and great honour : therefore , shew me the dreame , and the interpretation thereof .

They answered the seconde tyme , and sayde : let the king tell his seruantes the dreame , and we wyll shew the interpretation thereof .

Then the king answered , and sayd : of a certaintie know I , that ye woulde buy the time : because you see the thing is gone from me .

But yf you wyl not make knowen to me the dreame , there is but one decree ouer you . For ye haue prepared lying , & corrupt wordes to speake before mee , tyll the time be changed . Therefore tell me the dreame , that I may know if ye can shew me the interpretation therof .

Then the Caldeans answered before the king , and sayd : there is no man vpon earth that can shewe the thing that the king speaketh off . Yea there is neyther King , Prince , nor Lord , that asked such thinges at an Enchanter , or Astrologian , or Caldean .

Yea , the thing which the king demaundeth is rare : and there is none other that can shew it vnto the king except the Goddes , whose dwelling is not with flesh .

Herevpon the king was in anger , & great furie , and commanded to destroy all the Sages of Babel .

And a decree came foorth , and the Sages were killed : and they sought Daniel and his felowes , that they might be killed .

Then Daniel stayed the counsell and edict , through Arioch the kinges Prouost martial , which came forth to kill the sages of Babel .

He spake and sayd to Arioch the kinges officer , Why hasteneth the decree from the king ? Then Arioch made knowen the matter vnto Daniel .

So Daniel went , and prayed the king , that he would giue him time , and he would shew the king the interpretation .

Then Daniel went to his house , and made knowen the matter to Hananiah , Mishael , and Azariah , his fellowes :

That they shoulde beseeche the God of heauen for grace in this secret , that Daniel & his felowes should not perish with the rest of the sages of Babel .

Then to Daniel in a vision by nyght was this secret reuealed . Then Daniel blessed the God of heauen .

Daniel spake & sayd , The name of God be praysed for euer and euer . For wisedome and courage are his .

And he changeth the times and seasons : he taketh away kinges , and setteth vp kinges : he giueth wisedome to the wise , and vnderstanding to those that haue vnderstanding .

He discouereth the deepe and the hid thinges : he knoweth what is in the darknes , and lyght dwelleth with him .

I thanke , and prayse thee , O God of my fathers , that thou hast giuen me wysedome and courage , and hast made knowen to me now the thing wherfore we prayed to thee , making knowen vnto vs the kinges matter .

Hereupon Daniel went to Arioch , whom the king had appoynted to destroy the sages of Babel : he came and sayd thus vnto him : Destroy not the sages of Babel , but bring me before the king , and I wyll shew the king the interpretation .

Then Arioch in all haste brought Daniel before the king , and thus sayd vnto him : I haue found a man of the captiues of Iudah , that wyll make knowen to the king the interpretation .

Then answered the king , and sayd vnto Daniel , whose name was Belteshazar : Art thou able to make knowen vnto me the dreame which I haue seene , and the interpretation thereof ?

Daniel answered before the king , and sayd , The secrete which the king hath demaunded , no Sages , Astrologians , Enchanters , entral-lookers , are able to shew vnto the king .

But there is a God in heauen that reuealeth secretes , and maketh knowen to the king Nebuchadnezar what shall be * * Or , in the end of dayes : that is , vnto Christ : as Eb. 1.1 . and so Gen. 49. Esa. 2. Ezek. 38 in the dayes folowing . The dreame , and the visions of thine head vpon thy bed , are thus .

O king , thy thoughtes on thy bed ascended , what should come hereafter , and he that reuealeth secretes , maketh knowen to thee what shall come to passe .

As for me , not for any wisedome that I haue , more then any other liuing , is this secret reuealed vnto me : but that the king may knowe the interpretation , and that thou mightest know the thoughtes of thine hart .

O king , thou behewest , and soe , there was a huge * * In holy Daniels eyes they are foure beastes : which to prophane mens capacity god sheweth as goodly ●owers . Image : this Image was great , and his brightnesse was excellent : it stoode before thee , and was terrible to beholde .

The Kingdomes that ouerruled the holy Ebrewes

Babylon .70 . yeares . Medes & Persianes .150 . Alexander state .6 . Magog & Egypt .294 . the Image reigned .500 . y●

This Image had his * * Babel alone 70. yeeres , not Assur . Head of fine Golde , his § § Medes and Persians , two kingdoms here as one agaynst the Iewes 130. yeeres . Brest and Armes of Siluer , his ‡ ‡ Great Alexander , with the whole power of Greeke states , which made him then king for the Persian warre . Diod. book ▪ 16. syxe yeere . Bellie and his Sides of Brasse ,

His † †

The Legs are in Cha. 11 , the successours of Alexander , in two , the mightiest kingdomes , Egypt and the North the one 294. yeres .

The errour of taking in hyther the Romans is hurtful , to al Daniels booke , and to all christianity , and other stories , & hath no colour of trueth from Daniel .

Legges of Iron , and his Feete part of Iron , and part of Clay .

Thou beheldest tyll a Stone * * The Stone is the power of Christ , weake & base in mens eyes , vnles they looke on the f●●●e throne Dan. 7. was cut without handes , which smote the Image vpon his feete of Iron and Clay , and brake them in peeces .

Then was broken togeyther , the Iron , the Clay , the Brasse , the Siluer , and the Golde , and became like the chaffe of a sommer batne-floore , and the winde caried them away , and no place was founde for them : and the Stone that smote the Image , became a great Mountayne , and filled the whole earth .

This is the dreame : and the interpretation thereof wyll we tell before the king .

O King , thou shalt be a King of Kinges : For the God of heauen giueth thee a kingdome , power , and strength , and glory .

And of all places where the chyldren of men dwell , the beastes of the fielde , the foules of the heauen , giueth he into thy handes , and maketh thee ruler ouer them all : thou art the Head of Golde .

And after thee shall arise another Kingdome , vnder thee , of Siluer : and another a thirde kingdome of Brasse , which shall rule ouer all the earth .

And the fourth kingdome shall be hard , lyke iron . For as much as iron breaketh and beateth to powder all thinges . Euen as iron bruseth all these , shall it breake ¶ ¶ Whom ? euen the Iewes nation : but the wittie prophet hydeth that , which woulde cause them to be more hated of the heathen . and bruse .

Whereas thou sawest the feete and tooes , part of the Potters clay , part of Iron , it shal be a deuided kingdome : and there shal be in it some , of the rigour of Iron , as thou sawest Iron mixed with earthy clay .

As the tooes of the feete were part of iron , part of clay : the kingdome shal be partly * * In comparison of Iuda , and in dealing against them , vnto Antiochus Epiphanes , or somwhat further . hard , and shal be partly brittle .

Also , whereas thou sawest iron mixed with earthy clay , they shall § § In mariages which are handled in cha. 11.6 . & 17. mingle them selues in the seede of man : but they shall not cleaue one to another , euen as iron can not be mixed with clay .

And in the † † When the kingdomes of the Selucides , and the Ptolomies are fallen . dayes of these kinges , shall the God of ‡ ‡ Iohn the Baptist looked to this , and our Lord also , saying , the kingdome of heauen is come : and so did S. Paul . 1. Tim. 1.17 . heauen set vp a kingdome , which shall neuer be corrupted : and the kingdome shall not be giuen to an other people : but it shall breake and finishe all these kingdomes : and it shall stande for euer .

Whereas thou sawest that the Stone was cut out of the Mountaine without handes , and that it brake in pecces the ¶ ¶ witty Daniel telleth first , how the last shal be destroyed , & not how Nebuchadnezars house first should fall . So he dealeth in Chap. 7. verse 11. & 12. Iron , the Brasse , the Clay , & the Siluer , and the Gold , the great God maketh knowne to the king , what shall come to passe hereafter . Thus the dreame is true , & the interpretation therof is sure .

Then the king Nebuchadnezar , fell vpon his face , and worshypped Daniel , and commaunded to offer oblation and sweete odours vnto him .

The king spake vnto Daniel , and sayd , Of trueth your God is the God of Goddes , and the Lorde of kinges , and the reuealer of secretes , seeing thou couldest open this secrete .

So the king made * * This was about two yeres afore the captiuity of Iechonias : an encoragement for the faythful to go willingly to Babylon , their owne nobles being so aduaunced there . Daniel a great man , and gaue vnto him many great gyftes : he made him gouernour ouer the whole prouince of Babel , and high Chauncelour ouer all the sages of Babel .

Then Daniel prayed the king and he set Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego , ouer the charge of the Prouince of Babel : & Daniel was in the gate of the king .

CHAP. 3. The king hauing dreamed of the Image , soone after maketh an Image of golde , wherein th● idolatrie of Babel is confuted by Daniels aduanced felowes , the angell of God accompanying them in the fyer : and the king by decree confirming the honour of their God .

NEbuchadnezar the king * * Y.W. 3408 made an Image of Golde : whose height was sixtie cubites , his breadth sixe cubites . He set it vp in the playne of Dura , in the prouince of Babel .

And Nebuchadnezar the king sent to assemble the * * Chaldy officers must be tearmed of vs after ours , next theirs in vse & notation . Princes , Dukes and Lordes , Iudges , Receauers , Counsellers , Shyrefes , & all the officers of the Prouince , to come to the dedication of the Image which Nebuchadnezar the king set vp .

Then assembled the Princes , Dukes & Lordes , Iudges , Receauers , Counsellers , Shyrefes , and all the officers of the Prouince , vnto the dedication of the Image which Nebuchadnezar the king set vp : and they stoode before the Image which Nebuchadnezar set vp .

And an Heralde cryed aloude : To you it is spoken , O people , nations , and tongues .

At what tyme ye heare the sounde of the Cornet , Trumpet , Harpe , Sackbut , Psaltery , Dulcimer , and all instrumentes of musicke , fall-downe and worshyp the Image of golde , that Nebuchadnezar the king set vp .

And who so euer falleth not downe & worshyppeth , the same houre he shal be cast into the middes of a furnace of burnyng fyre .

Hereupon at the same time , when al the people heard the sound of the Cornet , Trumpet , Harpe , Sackbut , Psalterie , and al instrumentes of musicke , al people , nations , and tongues fell-downe and worshypped the Image of golde which Nebuchadnezar the king set up .

Hereupon at the same tyme came certaine Chaldeans , and made their accusations against the Iewes .

They spake , and sayd to Nebuchadnezar the king , O king lyue for euer .

Thou , O king , hast made a decree , that euery man that hearrth the sounde of the Cornet , Trumpet , Harpe , Sackbut , Psalterie and Dulcimer , and all instrumentes of musicke , shall fall-downe and worshyp the Image of golde .

And who so euer falleth not downe , and worshyppeth , that he should be cast into the middes of the furnace of burning fyre .

Seeing onely the captiued with Daniel are accused , we may know that this was afore Iechonias captiuitie , some yeere or two about Nebucadnezars seauenth yeere . There are certayne Iewes , whom thou hast set ouer the charge of the Prouince of Babel , Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego : these men O king , nothing regarde thy decree : thy gods they serue not , nor worshyp the Image of golde which thou hast set vp .

Then Nebuchadnezar in wrath and choller commaunded to bring Shadrach , Meshach , & Abednego . Then those men were brought before the king .

Nebuchadnezar spake , and sayd vnto them . Is it of purpose Shadrach , Meshach ▪ and Abednego ▪ Will not you serue my goddes ? and , wyll not you worshyp the Image of golde which I haue set vp ?

Now , yf ye be ready , that at what time ye heare the sounde of the Comet , Trumpet , Harpe , Sackbut , Psaltery and Dulcimer , and all instrumentes of musicke , ye fall-downe and worshyp the Image that I haue made * * The vnperfect speach argueth his heate : And yf ye worshyp not , the same houre ye shal be cast into the middes of the furnace of burning fyre . And what God is he that can saue you from my handes ?

Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , answered , and sayd to the king : Nebuchadnezar , we want not an answere for thee concernyng this matter .

Beholde , our God whom we serue , is able to saue vs from the furnace of burnyng fyre : and from thy hand O king , he wyll saue :

But yf not : be it knowen to thee O king , that we wyll not serue thy Gods , nor worshyp the Image of golde which thou hast set vp .

Then Nebuchadnezar was full of choler , and the image of his face was changed agaynst Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego . He spake , and commanded to heate the Furnace one seauen-folde more then it was wont to be heat .

And he commanded certaine valient men of his armie , to binde Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , to cast them into the middes of the furnace of burning fyre .

Then those men were bounde in their coates , their hosen , and their cloakes , & their other garmentes , and cast into the middes of the furnace of burning fyre .

Hereupon , by reason that the kinges commandement vrged haste , and the furnace was heat exceedingly , those men which tooke vp Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , them the flame of the fyre kilde .

And these three men , Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , fell bounde into the middes of the furnace of burning fyre .

Then Nebuchadnezar the king was astonyed , and rose vp in hast : He spake , and sayd to his rulers : Did not we cast three men bounde into the middes of the fyre ? They answered and sayd to the king : True , O king .

He spake & said , Ho , I see foure men loose , walking in the middes of the fyre , and they haue no hurt : and the forme of the fourth is lyke * * The doubtful wordes in the Heathens spech haue been wel taken of the ancient , as they best myght meane . the sonne of God .

Then approched Nebuchadnezar vnto the mouth of the furnace of burnyng fyre . He spake and sayd : Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , the seruantes of the high God , come-foorth , come . Then Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , came foorth from the middes of the fyre .

And the Princes , Dukes , and Lordes , and the Kinges rulers , came togeather , to see these men , because the fyre had no power ouer their bodyes , and no hayre of their head was burnt : neyther were their coates changed , nor any smel of fyre came vpon them .

Nebuchadnezar spake and sayde , Blessed be the God of Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , who hath sent his Angel and saued his seruantes , that trusted in him , and changed the kinges commandement , and yeelded their bodyes , rather then they woulde serue and worshyp any God , saue their owne God .

* * Yet wicked Ioakim would not ceasse to deale amysse in Iudah , vntyl he was buried as an Asse , and had his carcase made as dung , being cast away vnburied . Ier. 22. & . 36. And I make a decree , that euery people , nation , and language , which speaketh amisse of the God of Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , shal be cut in peeces , and their houses shal be made a dung-hill : because there is not any other God , which can deliuer in this sor● .

Then the king aduanced Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego , in the prouince of Babel .

The storie of the Kinges , Ieremie , and Ezekiel , will shew about 28. yeeres actes done betwixt this and the matters of the next Chapter .

CHAP. 4. The Golden bead imputeth his victories , not to the God of heauen , but to himselfe , and his God , vntill he had been madd seauen yeeres : then he proclaymeth Gods power ouer all the worlde .

* *

The common distinction of the chapter here agreed not with the argument , wherfore I left it .

The chastisement of the Idolatrous king .

NEbuchadnezar king ‡ ‡ . Y.W. 3443. vnto all the people , nations , and languages , that dwell in all the earth , peace be multiplyed vnto you .

I thought it good to shew the signes and wonders that the high God hath wrought towardes mee .

His signes how great be they , and his wonders how mighty are they : his kingdome is an euerlastyng kingdome , and his power from generation to generation .

I * * He had not conquered Egypt vntil after 27. of Iechonias , or his owne 34 Ezek 30. Wherefore this vision should be about his 36. Y. And this proclamation about an yeere or two before his death , at 45. Y. reigne , 8. yeeres after the vision . Nebuchadnezar being at rest in mine house , and floryshing in my palace .

§ § . Y.W. 3435. Sawe a dreame , which made me afrayde : and the conceytes vpon my bed , and the visions of myne head troubled me .

Then I made a decree to bring all the Sages of Babel before me , that they myght make knowen vnto me the interpretation of the dreame .

Then came the Enchanters , the Astrologians , the Caldeans , and the entral-lookers : and I colde the dreame before them , but they could not make knowen to me the interpretation thereof .

And at the last came before me Daniel , whose name was Belteshasar ( according to the name of my ‡ ‡ This place argueth that he forsooke not wholy his Idolatry . God ) who hath the spirite of the holy goddes in him : and before him I colde the dreame .

O Belteshasar , Prouost of the Enchanters , of whom I know , that thou hast the spirite of the holy goddes , and no secrete is hard to thee , tell the visions of my dreame that I haue seene : I meane the interpretation thereof .

Thus were the visions of my head vpon my bed : I behelde , and loe : there was a Tree in the middes of the Earth , and his height was great .

The Tree was great and strong , and his height reached to the heauens , and his shewe to the endes of all the earth .

His leaues were fayre , and his fruite much , and in it was meate for all : vnder it were shadowed the beastes of the feelde , and in his branches dwelt the foules of the heauen , and from it was fed all flesh .

I behelde in the visions of my head vpon my bed , and loe , a watcher , and an holy one came downe from heauen :

He cryed aloude , and sayde thus : Cut downe the Tree , and croppe of his branches , shake of his leaues , and scatter his fruite . Let the beastes flee from vnder it , and the foules from his branches .

But leaue the stumpe of his rootes in the earth , and that in a bande of Iron and Brasse in the tender grasse of the feelde , and let it be wet with the deawe of heauen , and let his portion be with the beastes in the grasse of the earth .

Let his hart be changed from mans , & let a beastes hart be geuen to him : and let * * As Salomons Temple , that seuen yeeres work● of many thousandes , was by him destroyed . seauen seasons passe ouer him .

Babel is a tree Dan ▪ 4. as before Assur had bene Ezek. ●1.

Nabucadnez●r driue from his Kingdome : liueing with beastes . 7. yeares restored to his honour . da. 4

This dreame I king Nebuchadnezar haue seene : therefore O Belteshasar , tel the interpretation therof , for as much as all the Sages in my kingdome are not able to shew me the interpretation . But thou art able : for the spirite of the holy Gods is in thee .

Then Daniel , whose name was Belteshasar , was astonied for an houre , & his thoughtes troubled hym . The king spake , and sayd . Belteshasar , Let neyther the dreame , nor the interpretation therof trouble thee . Belteshasar answered and sayd : My Lord , the dreame be to them that hate thee , and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies .

The Tree that thou sawest , which grew and got hardnesse , whose height to●ched vnto the heauen , and his shew through all the earth :

Whose leaues were fayre , and his fruite mirch , and in which was meate for all ▪ vnder which the beastes of the helde dwelt , and 〈◊〉 branches of which , the foules of the heauen kept .

Thou art it O King , who art great and strong● for thy greatnes is growen , and wa●heth vnto heauen , and thy power to the 〈◊〉 of the earth .

And whereas the king saw a Watcher , & an Holy one , that came downe from heauen , and sayde : Cut downe the Tree , & destroy it : yet leaue the stumpe of his rootes in the earth , & that , in a bande of Iron and Brasse in the grasse of the fielde , & let it be wet with the death of heauen : and let his portion be with the beastes of the field● tyll Hauen ●easons passe ouer it :

This is the interpretation , O King , and the decree of the most high , which is come vpon my Lorde the king : and they haue brought the vessels of his house before thee : and thou , and thy nobles , thy wyues & thy concubines , haue drunke wine in them , & hast praysed Goddes of Silver and Golde , Brasse , Acon , Wood , and Stone , which see not , nor heare , nor understande . But thou diddest not honour God , in whose hand thy breath standeth : and whose are all thy wayes .

Then the peece of an hand was sent from before him : and this Scripture written .

And this is the Scripture which is written , MENE , That is , He hath numbred , he hath weighed , and they deuide . MENE , TEKEL , V-PARSIN .

This is the interpretation of the matter : MENE , * * We may see many reasons why the Chaldeans coulde not reade this Scripture . They knew not God , to be one , and to rule mens affayres . Besides , they knew not their owne impietie : but sayd in their hart : There is no God . Wherefore they knew not who should be weighed , specially in the Ballance . And touching the Medes and Persians , now their besiegers , they litle thought that they could surprise the strong Babel : and bragged , how they were victualled for 20 ▪ yeeres siege , as Xenophon recordeth . Thus the matter was hard for them . The wisedome of Daniel is rare in his commentaries : in telling first , the storie of the true God , in whom we liue , mooue , and haue our beeing : after , of Nebuchadnezars greatnesse , and iust fall ; of worse dealing in Belshazar : and therevpon how God numbred the yeeres of his kingdome ; and how the twise * * In MENE MENE . telling , imported a numbring with a witnesse , and full ending of it : and whom specially God weighed : and how he maketh the partition by Madaj and Paras , who are the Parsin partners : he departeth somewhat from the wordes to cleare the matter the better . And we are to marke the liuely prouidence touching the families of Scripture . Babel the oldest wicked monument which was buylt , to the great ruine of all the godly Families , by Nimrod the Nephew of cursed Cham , to the great griefe of Sem and Iapheth : wherevpon Adams one tongue was made 70. which Babel ended the Iewes language , the first tongue , that it was common in no Kingdome after that : This kingdome is ouerthrowen by Madaj of Iapheth , and Elam of Sem : that all should here remember Noahs time , and his speach touching Iapheth and Sem. The kinges of which two Patriarkes , are presently called to the fayth , ioyned in Conquest and Empire , and proclayming of Gods trueth ouer all the worlde : and both are taught in the heauenly Oration of Gabriel , the cleare summe of both Testamentes , from Dan. 9 , 24. And touching the syllables of Paras & Peres , as Gods eye regarded the allusion : So Madai a Meater or Measurer , is more euident , and to be as well noted , but lesse needed wanting , being the playner , that we might looke euen vnto Iapheths tongue , how God ruled it in the geuing of a name to his thirde sonne , Madaj . God hath numbred thy kingdome , and finished it .

TEKEL , thou art weighed in the ballance , and art founde wanting .

PERES , thy kingdome is parted , and geuen to Madaj and Paras .

Then commaunded Belshazar , and they cleathed Daniel with Purple , and a chaine of Golde about his necke , and made a proclamation concerning him , that he shoulde beare rule the thirde in the kingdome .

The same nyght was Belshazar king of the Chaldeans † † Xenophon had heard , how Cyrus entred Babel on a nyght , when the Chaldeans kept a great Feast : and brake into the Palace ( when the Courtiers were banqueting ) & kild the King . slayne .

And § § Darius being ●2 : at the fall of Babel , which reigned 70. yeeres , falleth to be borne at the eight yeere of Nebuchadnezar , when he caried the king Iechoniah captiue , and all the Nobles ▪ and ten thousande valiant men : and all Ierusalem , and all sauing the base of the land : and had caried away all the treasure of the house of the Lord , and brake all the vessels of the Temple which king Salomon made . Then Madai , who with Elam must reuenge the cause of Iudah , had a Prince borne . Doubtlesse the wyse Iewes woulde tell the Medes of their expectation : and the King would better affect Iudah . I can not see to what better purpose Daniel should tel the kinges age : then , how God prouided a * remed●● when he strake . Darius ‡ ‡ In that there were Parsin part●●s , not of Madai onely , but also of Elam : we must know that Cyrus king of Paras or Elam ▪ was f●l●● in Empire with Darius . And of that we haue expresse warrant in 2. Chr. 36 , 20. where the Iewes are seruantes to the Chaldeans vntill Paras reigneth . And there Cyrus telleth , that the Eternall , the God of heauen had giuen him all the kingdomes of the earth . Which kingdomes , if he had gotten them by inheritance quietly , had not bin so in speciall sort sayd to be geuen him . And this vniting was knowen to the heathen Greekes , in whom the Persian armies are called Medes . Aesch . con. Ctes . and accordingly the 70. Translaters put for the Hebrew text Paras , the terme Medes in this text 2. Chr. 36 , 20. applying themselues to the prophane Greekes kinde of phrase . But Daniel here nameth Darius onely , because matter touching him onely of the two Kinges foloweth in the next Chapter , that the Reader shoulde not be troubled with any further questions touching Cyrus : Whereas yet Arrianus no●eth that Cyrus was by Law-worshipped as a God : No lesse then , the decree folowing here , geueth that honour to Darius ▪ in Cha. 6. Madai receiued the kingdome , being about threescore and two yeeres olde .

CHAP. 6. The idolatrie of Madaj and Paras , in making their Kinges Goddes , with brutish penaltie vpon the contemners : confuted by Daniel , and iudged by the Lyons , euen vnto a publique imperiall honour by decree for Daniels God . The Chaldy wherein this Chapter is written by Daniel , is mixt with Arabique : which tongue the Persians here seeme to haue much vsed .

AND * * Y.W. 1471. A wonderfull yere : for Babels fal , Lionshumblenes , the Angels oration , two Emperours christian Proclamations , & a generall subsidy ouer 120 , nations for Iudahs returne . Darius thought it good , to set ouer the Kingdome an hundreth and twentie Princes , which should rule the whole Kingdome .

And ouer these , three Stewardes : of whom Daniel was a a Chaldy one : but in ver. 3 it is playne that principall is meant . principall : to whom those Princes should giue accompt , that the King should haue no damage .

b b When the originall is also our language : as 15 tymes y-then or by them , in this chap. in Daniels tonge : it is an ouersight not to marke it . Than this Daniel vsed authoritie touching the Stewardes and Princes : as the spirite was excellent in him : so that the King thought to set him ouer the whole kingdome .

Than the Stewardes and Princes sought to finde occasion against Daniel , concerning the Kingdome . But they coulde not finde any occasion or fault . Because he was faythfull : that nothing amisse and faultie could be found in him .

Than those men sayd : We can not finde against this Daniel any occasion , vnlesse we finde it against him concerning the law of his God .

Than those Stewardes and Princes § § The Chaldy terme of Daniel is also Ebrew : & from psal. 2. in , Wherefore did the heathen RAGE , or keepe a stir . And doubtles Daniels spirite thought of Dauid his fathers terme . assembled with a stirre to the King , and thus they sayd vnto him : King Darius , lyue for euer .

All the Stewardes of the kingdome , Dukes and Princes , Rulers and Lordes , haue taken counsell , to set a Statute imperiall , and to confirme an Act : that who so euer shall seeke a petition of any God or man , for thirtie dayes , saue of thee O King , shal be cast into the Lyons den .

Now , O king , set thou the Act , and write a letter to be vnchangeable : according as the law of Madaj and Paras , is not to be altered .

Hereupon king Darius wrote the Letter , and Act.

And Daniel when he knew that the letter was written , went into his house : and his windowes being open in his chamber , towarde Ierusalem three times a day he kneeled on his knees , and prayed , and gaue thankes before his God , as he did afore-time .

Than those men bestirred them togeather , and found Daniel making petition , and crauing grace before his God .

Than they came , and spake before the King , concerning the Act imperiall : Hast not thou written an Act , that euery man that seeketh to any God or man , for thirtie dayes , saue to thee , O king , shal be cast into the Lyons denne ? The King answered , and sayd : The thing is true : According to the law of Madaj and Paras , which is not to be altered .

Than they spake , and said before the king : Daniel , * * Chap. 5 , 13. of the children of the Captiuitie of Iehude , § § Chap. 2 , 12. nothing regardeth , O king , thy decree , nor the Act which thou hast written . For , three times a day he maketh his petition .

Than the King , when he heard the matter , was much displeased with himselfe , and for Daniel set his hart to saue him : and till the Sunne went downe he labored to deliuer him .

Than those men kept a stirre with the King , and sayd to the King : Know king , that it is the law of Madai and Paras , that no Act or Statute which the King setteth , may be changed .

Than the King gaue-sentence : and they brought Daniel , and cast him into the Lyons denne . The king spake and sayd to Daniel : Thy God whom thou seruest alway , he will saue thee .

And a stone was brought , & sayde vpon the mouth of the denne : and the King sealed it with his Seale , & with the Seale of his Nobles : that the a a That the wyl of none should seeke further meanes to destroy Daniel . wil might not be changed concerning Daniel .

Than the King went vnto his Palace , and b b So Bath , the Arabique here , & in Mat. 21 , 17. is taken . Tenath fasting Dacheu●n musicque Cau●n windowes Bal an hart , be Arabique in Daniels termes , as Aben Ezra noteth . conceaued-all-nyght fasting , and would haue no musicke to come before him : Also his sleepe fled from him .

Than the King arose in the dawning , at day breake , and went in all haste vnto the Lyons denne .

And when he approched vnto the denne , he cryed vnto Daniel with a pitious voyce . The king spake , and sayd vnto Daniel , O Daniel , the seruant of the liuing God : Thy God whom thou seruest alway , hath he been able to saue thee from the Lyons ?

Than Daniel c c With a voyce not distressed as that of the king was . talked with the King : O King liue for euer .

My God sent his Angel , and shut the mouth of the Lyons , that they haue not hurt mee , because before him clearenes was founde in mee : and also before thee , O king , I had done no hurt .

Than the King was exceeding glad for him , and commaunded to take-vp Daniel out of the Lyons denne . And Daniel was taken-vp out of the denne , and no hurt was found on him , because he beleeued in his God .

Also by the Kinges commandement they brought those men which made the accusation against Daniel , and into the denne of the Lyons did they cast them , their children , & their wiues : and or-euer they came at the ground of the denne , the Lyons had the maisterie ouer them , and brake-in peeces all their boones .

Then Darius the King wrote Chap. 4 , 1. to all people , nations , and languages , which dwell in all the earth , Peace be multiplyed vnto you :

I Chap. 4 , 6. make a decree , that in all the dominion of my kingdome , men tremble and feare before the God of Daniel . For he is the lyuing God , and continueth for euer : And his Chap. 2 , 44. kingdome is that which shall neuer be corrupted , and his dominion shal be vnto the ende .

He saueth , and deliuereth , and worketh signes and wonders in heauen and in earth : who hath saued Daniel from the power of the Lyons .

So this Daniel prospered in the reigne of Darius , and in the reigne of Cyrus the Persian .

CHAP. 7. The Kingdomes which were showed for the capacitie of Nebuchadnezar in a goodly Image , are now agayne shewed , aboue 60. yeeres after the other , to the prophet Daniel him selfe , in the formes of foure Beastes . And whereas their worldly destruction , was likened to chaffe caried away by the winde : now their eternal punishment is expressed by fire . And the Stone afore cut from the Mountayne , is here the Sonne of Man , honored with the throne of the eternall Father .

IN the first yeere of * * Daniel transposeth the dome-letter , Aleph in the kinges name , geuing him closely a notation fit for the vision . Bel-she-Azar , is : Bel is he that storeth ryches . But this name is : Bel on fire by the enemy ( God ) as I touched it afore . The Massorites note the diuersitie of the writing vpon Dan. 5 and translaters shold not omit that . Bel-Eshe-zar king of Babel , Daniel saw a dreame , and visions of his head vpon his bed . Then he wrote the dreame : euen the head of the matters he declared .

Daniel spake , and sayd ▪ I saw in my vision by night , and lo , the foure mindes of the heauen did striue vpon the great Sea .

The Jmages metalles , in Daniels sight ar● beastes *

The Golden head is nou● a Lion ▪ the armes ▪ and breast are a bear● setting vp , on Gouernment from ● East to three costes * 〈◊〉

The Grekes are boeth these beastes first the state whole , and son● ▪ after come to foure chiefe ▪ thence they of Magōg and Egypt *

And foure great Beastes came vp from the Sea , * * For Babel destroyed Iudahs kingdome . Paras meant once to haue destroyed the whole nation in one day . Alexander required Iudah to take the date from his conquestes , & to name the Priestes sonnes Alexanders , all borne in one yeere : & meant to haue been a God . The Seleucidae meant to haue altered all Iudahs religion : & to deuoure the whole wealth of the nation . one diuers from an other .

The first was like a 1 1 The golden head , and the great tree : the power of Babel Lyon , & had Eagles winges . I behelde til his winges were pluckt off , by which he mounted aboue the earth , and he was forced to stand on the feete as a man : and a mans hart was geuen him .

And lo , an other Beast , the second , was like a Beare : which erected one 2 2 Chaldy , Shetar : which terme , is a gouernment styl : and neuer ( as I finde ) for aside , Madaj & Paras , 2. armes in one breast , now set vp a ioynt gouernment . gouernement , and had § § Three costes of the worlde , from the east , which afore it helde : West , North , South , as it is tolde chap. 8 , 4. three ‡ ‡ or , costes . ribbes in his mouth betwixt his teeth : and thus they sayd * * Esay . 21. Vp Elam , ascende Madaj . vnto it : Arise , and eate much flesh .

After this I behelde , and loe , there was an other like 3 3 Alexander the great and Graece for the first partition , that was brought vnto foure : Perdicas or Antigonus , Ptolemy , Seleucus , and Lysimachus . a Leoparde : which had foure winges of a birde vpon his backe . And that Beast had foure heades . Also , dominion was geuen vnto it .

After this I behelde in visions by nyght , and loe , the 4 4 The Seleucidae , & Lagidae ; the two legges fourth Beast was exceeding fearefull , terrible and hard : as hauing great iron teeth . It deuoured and brake in peeces , and stamped the residue vnder his feete : and it was vnlike all the beastes which were before it : and it had ten hornes .

As I considered the hornes , loe , the last ‡ ‡ Antiochus Epiphanes . horne came vp , a litle one , amongst them : & three former ‖ ‖ Kinges . hornes were pluckt away before it . And loe , eyes like the eyes of ¶ ¶ Antiochus Epiphanes was not right heire , but as a priuate man : & as a friend to the kinges , whom by much policie he defeated . a man were in that horne : and a mouth speaking presumptuous thinges .

I behelde till * * One for God , the other for ( Ben ) Dauid : as R. Akibah confesseth in the Talmud Sanadrin in Dine Mammonoth . page . 38. b. Thrones were set vp : and the Ancient of dayes sate . His garment was white as Snow , & the heare of his head like the pure Wooll . His throne was flames of fire : the wheeles of it , a burning fire .

A streame of fire issued & came foorth from before him : a thousand thousandes ministre● vnto him : and a million of millions stoode before him . Iudgement was seated , and the bookes were opened .

I behelde then , for the voyce of the presumptuous wordes which the horne spake : I behelde , vntyll the beast was slayne , and his body destroyed , and geuen to be brent in the fire .

‡ ‡ As in the Images ruine he began with the legges first , and not with the head that first perished : ●o here first he speaketh of the last , for the safetie of his owne nation , that the Chaldeans should pike no quarrel for this vision . Now the rest of the Beastes , they had had their dominion taken away : § § The Iewes graunt Christ to be here so termed and yf we had not deceyued them by missing of reconcilyng S. Mathew & S. Luke ▪ by forging a generall fourth Monarchie , and by a false chronicle : refusing the playnnes of Daniel chap. 9 , ●4 . by al lykelyhood they wold long ago haue come to the fayth . as space in lyfe was geuen them , for a time and a season .

I behelde in the vision● by nygh● , and loe , in the cloudes of the heauens * * The incarnation of our Lord , & comming into the world in the yeere 3927. came one like the § § When our Lord continually tearmeth him selfe the Sonne of Man in the foure Euangelistes ▪ he most graciously calleth vs to weigh this text . SONNE OF Man . ; ; Our Lord h●s ascent●ō ▪ at 490 after Daniels yeere of praying for returne : Y.W. 3960. subduct thence three yeeres & an halfe for our Lord his preachyng : by Dan. 9 , 25. and full 29 ▪ yeeres for his age by the Law in N●m. 4.3 . for 30. yeere● of age to do worke in the Tabernacle ▪ as S. Luke noteth his age : and you may see how Daniel knew when our Lord should be borne . After Babels fall yeeres 457. Afterwardes he went to the ancient of dayes : and before him they brought him .

And to him was geuen † † The conclusion of our Lordes prayer , most heauenly calleth into our myndes this speach and ●eacheth of the king , of eternity the vncorruptible : which ioyneth Iewes and Gent●les in one kingdome . power , and glory , and kingdome : that all people , nations , and tongues , should serue him . His power is a power eternall , which can not alter ▪ and his kingdome is that which shall neuer be corrupted .

I Daniel felt my spirite perted within my body , and the visions of my head troubled me .

I approched vnto one of the wayters , & sought from him the ¶ ¶ The proper meanyng . trueth of all this : and he spake vnto me , and made me know the interpretation of the matters .

These a a They are sauage beastes in consideration of theyr dealyng agaynst the familyes of our Lordes ancestours the house of Zorobabel , & the nation that shold haue their kinges from it . great Beastes which are foure , are foure b b He speaketh the terme kinges rather the kingdomes , that the next verse short in the Chaldy , shoulde not be mistaken , and the none should thinke of foure kings to hold a kingdome for euer , yea for euer and euer . He was to speake short : as wyllyng to hyde his mynde from sauage heathen . Kinges , c c Theyr arysing , what it meaneth , it may be gathered by the next verse : arysing ouer the kingdomes of the sainctes , and withholdyng it . arising from the earth .

But the d d The house of Zorobabel , Abiud , Rhesa , and the godly of theyr nation . Sainctes of the e e Highest is in the plurall number : in the Chaldy for the singular , as Aben Exra noteth . We may be sure that it is spoken so , to teach vs of the diuine persons : as Abraham speaketh Gen. 20 , 13. and Dauid 2. Sam. 7 , 22. Here it was fit , in a distinct vision of the sonne , and the father , as thrones are plurall . vers 9. highest shall f f The translation vsed in our Churches is singuler in this poynt : and the Geneua can not stand with colour of diuinity , reason , or with the termes : For euer & euer . take the kingdome , g g The house of Zorobabel , who should haue inherited the kingdome of Iudah : hath in lieu of that , the cheefest glory that can be geuen , to be pronounced saued for euer , before they were many of them borne . Theyr names haue notation fitted hyther , Zoro-Babel , fanne Babel , that the Golden head ( as the rest of the Image ) became lyke cha●fe . Dan. 2 , 35. So these names are : agaynst the Persians . Abi-hud ▪ My father oweth the glory . Eliakim , God is he that setleth : &c. All styll had relation vnto this text : and so we may see what a stately Vlam or Porch the Genealogy maketh , before the temple of the New Testament : and a goodly commentary vpon this place . and holde a kingdome for euer , yea for euer and euer .

Then , I desired the trueth , concerning the fourth beast : which was h h Partly vnlyke , because two kinges , Syria and Egypt , both claymed ryght ouer Iudah , since the dayes of Seleucus Nicator , and Ptolemy Lag● , and made continuall warres for it : but vnlyke also in cruel spoylyng , and hatred of relygion : which Babel , Madaj , & Alexander , more fauoured . vnlyke to them all , exceeding fearefull : whose teeth were of iron , and his nayles of steele : which did eate , and brake to peeces , & stamped the residue vnder his feete .

Also , concerning the i i Of the kings Seleucidae & Lagidae , which greatly troubled the kingdome wher the house of Zorobabel should haue reigned , to the glory & comfort of all the worlde . ten hornes that were in his head : and concerning the last which came vp : before which , three fell . And that was the horne which had those eyes , and the mouth speaking presumptuous thinges , and his looke was stouter then his felowes .

I behelde , and the horne made battayle against the Sainctes : and preuayled ouer them ,

Vntyll the ancient of dayes came , and iudgement was geuen to the a a Iudah . Sainctes of the most high : and the time approched that the sainctes should holde the kingdome .

Thus he sayd : The fourth beast shal be the fourth kingdome in the lande : which shal be vnlyke to all the kingdomes , and shall deuoute the whole lande , and shall treade it downe , and shall breake it in peeces .

And ten hornes from the kingdome , are ten kinges that shall arise : and the c c Antiochus Epiphanes , who defeated his brother Seleucus his brothers sonne , & the sonne of his sister Queene of Egypt . last shall arise in the ende of them , and he shal be vnlike the former , and shall put downe d d Daniel cha. 8 & 11. enlargeth this : of the vilenes of Antiochus Epiphāes , & further of his endeuour to haue abrogated the Iewes religion . three kinges .

And he shall speake wordes against the most High , and consume the Sainctes of the most High , and thinke to alter the e e Sabbathes , Passeouer , Pentecost , Expiation day , the feast of Tabernacles , new Moones , the seuenth yeres rest , & such . tymes and f f All Moses ceremonies . Law : and they shal be geuen into his hand g g A tyme , here is a yere : tymes , two yeere : and halfe a tyme , halfe a yeere . for a time , and times , and halfe a time .

And iudgement shal be seated : & they shal take away his kingdome , h h About 150. yere before our Lords birth are spent in this wastyng , to the vttermost of Syria & Egypt , where warres among them selues & the Machab●es , & most of all ▪ the Romans , consumed them : which long destructions are handled in Ezekiel 38. & 39. to wast & to destroy it , vnto the ende .

And the i i Saluation commeth from the Iewes . kingdome , and the power , and the greatnesse of the kingdomes vnder all the heauens shal be geuen to the people of the sainctes of the most high . k k Vpon this al the new Testament goeth , & Paul to Timothe speaketh , when he checketh the Iewes , not knowyng whereof they spake , & aduanced the Gospel , and prayse of the king eternal , vncorrupt , vnuisible , God only wyse . Also the Reuelation , after the destruction of Ierusalem , is a heauenly commentarie vpon this part . His kingdome is an euerlasting kingdome : and all dominions shall serue and obey him .

Hitherto reacheth the ende of the matter . I Daniel was greatly troubled in my thoughtes , & my brightnes was changed in me : & I kept the matter in my hart .

Here ende the visions of Daniel : which the Prophet penned in the tongue knowen ouer the East and South : wherein the Iewes are not descried playnely to be the people , for whom God plagueth the kingdomes : and the Heathen might be drawen to thinke somewhat better of the God of heauen .

Of the Visions penned in the Iewes proper language .

HEnce , vnto the end of Daniel , the visions are penned in the language spoken onely in Daniels owne nation . Moreouer the speaches be full of artificiall tearmes , knowen onely to the Iewes : and some neuer spoken afore : yet by their composition easie . This was needefull to be done . For the Persians would hate the Iewes , yf the prophecie of their fall by the Greekes , had been published in the tongue knowen ouer the East . Also , the Greekes would haue raged much more ; yf their shame had been written in a common language . And none could abide the Iewes to clayme onely to be the nation onely good : or yet to be capable of heauenly matters , to be so familiarly tolde , as Daniel had taught them . Therefore he was not to giue such pearles to Hogges : but to write them in the holy tongue : which the Heathen studied not .

Close phrases , vsed in chap. 8.

To saue the Iewes from hatred & danger , these close phrases Daniel vseth . For the Sonne of God , The Prince of princes . Vers. 25. And Palmony , The wonderful numberer : a tearme easie by composition , and by the matter , proper to God : but neuer vsed , saue verse 23. And Prince of the armie , called Michael , from chap. 10. and 12. So Aben Ezra calleth him Michael . The Angels name is , An holy one . And a peculiar name : Gabriel , a man of the mightie : meaning God . From these visions , the Hebrewes note in Ierusalemy Ros hasana : that their Fathers brought Angels names with them from Babel . Perek . 1. page . 56. col . 4. The Iewes are called the Armie of heauen , the Starres , the Armie , and Holy people . Their religion , the Trueth : their Temple , the Sanctuarie , and the Holy . Antiochus dealyng against them , the treading of the Sanctuarie and Armie vnder foote . Iudea is called Tzeby , as in Ezekiel chap. 20. an ornament , or Roe , of all landes : and so in Dan. cha. 11 , 16 , & 41 , & 4● . Therfore I holde it best , to haue it a proper name to Iudea . Some equiuocations touching Gods enemies , were to be * * vers. 23. spoken in tearmes doubtfull , to the vn●br●●ed , as when the Angel calleth the King , whom the Machabees storie sheweth to be the worst that euer the earth had borne : a King hard faced , and minding hid thinges : that is in deede , impudent , and practising most vnhumane dealinges against women and chyldren : and prophannesse against God , & all religion , Atheneus further setteth foorth Antiochus Epiphanes . The vnheedy might take the wordes : For fierce of countenance , and vnderstanding darke sentences : For in deede the wordes will abide both . But the wittie Daniel woulde maruell , that any should misse , to giue to an enemie of Gods people , the worst that coulde be , those attributes which best agreed with his whole dealings , spoken in ver. 10 , 11 , 12 , & 14. And thus for this Chapter , and the other , we are to weigh Gods counsell , why they are vnlike the other visions , in Ebrew , spoken closely to the Iewes : and also , why God commaundeth to close some of them , as here verse . 26.

A litle must be spoken of the euening morning 2300. at touching the story . Thus Abraham Aben ezra expoundeth it . I think this the plaine meaning of it : that sixe yeeres and certaine monthes Israel continued in the dayes of Antiochus in great affliction . And so it is written in the Greeke storie . And beholde this number is of meere dayes : and the sense : Two thousand and three hundreth morninges , or dayes . And they make sixe yeeres of the Sunnes yeeres , and three * * And almost the fourth , as Ralbag noteth full monethes . And they are dayes after the Moones yeere neare sixe yeeres and an halfe . Therefore the Angel sayd : And the vision of the euening & the morning is true : he meaneth , that so it is properly . This much Aben ezra confesseth : which confession of his , will ch●cke all the Iewes further errours , for the fourth kingdome . Likewise Ralbag holdeth the rest of the speach to be of Antiochus that tormented the Iewes . This must be againe touched , with the phrase , the last ende of wrath . vers. 19. that the Romans thereby are none of Daniels foure kingdomes .

Here properly are they named that folow the head a● lion Babel

The Ramme i● the Kinges of Madai and paras . The buck is the Kinge of Iauan the horne betwixt his eyes is the first King Alexander . the foure are the foure Christ Kingdomes , one ly●le horne i● Antiochu● Epiphan●● .

CHAP. 8.

Daniel seeth now , not in a dreame in the night ( as in Cha. 2. & Cha. 7. oppressours of the Iewes vnnamed : ) but in a vision , awaked , nations properly termed : arising , and cut off : Madaj and Paras . Iauan or Grece . And what maner a Greeke shall practise the ende of Gods wrath against the Holy Daniels people . This chapter expoundeth the second and the seuenth , and telleth by implication , the certaintie of Babels fall , by the arising of the Persians . Remember that in time , this matter went afore that of the 5. chapter .

IN the a a The Iewes commonly hold , as in the Paln●ud in Megilah , that this was the last Y. of Belshazar : not long before the m●ttars of the fift chapter . thirde yeere of the reigne of king Belshazar , a vision was seene to mee : to mee Daniel , after that which was seene to me b b In the first of Belshazar . cha. 7.1 . afore .

And I saw c c

Not in a dreame on night but awaked , in a vision .

The armes & brest , and the Beare , are here now in the 〈◊〉 vision , that u●ah should be ●●ll●●ll in this matter .

in a vision : and thus it was . In the seeing , I was then in Susan , the palace Royal , which is in the Prouince of Ela● . Now I saw in a vision : and when I saw it , I was at the d d Vbal in Dan. is not in the Bible , but in this vision twyce : Iubal in Ebrew is a Riuer The affinity of Eulai the flood , sheweth that there it should be so taken for a r●uer . Riuer Vlaj ▪

Then I lyfted vp myne eyes , and saw , and beholde a Ramme stoode before the Riuer , and he had e e Madaj & Paras were kingdomes of great fame before they conquered Babel . Madaj of olde the stouter : and Paras kinges Cyrus , Cambyses , Darius Histaspis , had reygned all in seuerall authority some good yeeres before Babel fell , as theyr yeeres by Greekes are reckoned . two hornes : and the two hornes we●● high : but the one was higher then the other , and the highest came vp last .

I saw the Ramme pushyng Westwarde ; and Northwarde , and Southwarde , and no beastes could stande before hym , and none coulde delyuer out of his power : but he did as he lysted , and became great . And as I minded this , behold , a a a Al the Brasse and ●ron . cha. 2 Also the Leoparde , and the fourth beast , ar in this Bucke ; and this is a sweete commentarie vpon them . Goate Bucke came ouer the face of the whole earth , and touched b b So swiftly great Alexander conquered the East in sixe yeeres , as flying rather then going on the earth . not the ground : and this Bucke had a c c As in deede Alexander was the notablest for his strange successe in wars of any king that euer warred . notable horne betweene his eyes .

And he came vnto the Ramme that had the two hornes , whom I saw standyng by the Riuer , and ranne vnto him in the d d This place is a sweete abridgment of all great Alexanders conquestes . heate of his strength .

And I saw him come euen vnto the Ramme , and he dealt e e At Granicon water , in his first fought field he did wel . fiercely with him : and he f f At Issicon , the second battel he did better . smote the Ram. & g g Thirdly , at Gaugamela , he killed of Darius men about 600000. and gate the Empire . brake his two hornes . And there was no strength in the Ramme to stande agaynst him : but he cast him downe to the ground , and stamped on him . And none coulde delyuer the Ramme from his power .

And the Goate Bucke became exceeding great : and when he was at the strongest , that great horne was broken : and foure , the most notable grew for it , towarde the foure windes of the heauens .

And from one of them came foorth a litle small horne ▪ but became great exceedingly , towardes the South , and towardes the East , and towardes the h h So in Eze. 20 6 ▪ the land flowyng with mylke and hony geuen to Israel , is the Tzeby of all landes : the ornament , pleasure , and noblenes , or as it were the Roe : so much Tzeby signifieth in Dan. 11. Daniel in this phrase , putteth Iudah in minde of that oration which God maketh in Ezekiel . Tzeby .

And it became great against the armie of heauen : and it fell vnto the ground some of the armie , and of the starres , and stamped vpon them ,

And he would be great agaynst the Prince of the armie , and by him was taken away the continuall Sacrifice : and the place of his Sanctuarie was cast downe .

And an armie was set against the continuall Sacrifice for sinne , and it cast downe trueth vnto the ground , and preuayled and prospered .

And I heard an holy one speake , and an holy one sayde to PALMONI that was speaking : How long shall endure the vision of the continuall Sacrifice ? and of sinne , causing desolation , to set the * * Temple . Holy , and Armie , to be stamped vpon ?

And HE said vnto me : vnto the a a This phrase is taken from Gen. 1 , 5. The euenyng & the mornyng was made one day . euening-mornyng two thousand and three hundreth : Then shal the Holy be clensed .

Now when I Daniel had seene the vision , and sought for the meaning , beholde , there stoode before me like the similitude of a man .

And I heard the voyce of a man at the middle of Vla● , which called and sayd , b b The only bare Angel in scripture , which hath a proper name : geuen here in distinction from Daniel , to one being like the similitud of a man : his name was told : A man of God . Gabriel , make him there to vnderstand the vision .

So he came where I stoode . And when he came , I was frighted , and fell vpon my face . And he sayd vnto me : Vnderstande , O sonne of c c Ezekiel and Daniel onely , being in visions of angels , are so spoken to : Sonne of man : as Aben ezra , and Abr ▪ Shallum note . Man , that , for the time of the ende the vision is .

Now as he was speaking vnto me , I fell in a slumber vpon my face to the grounde . But he touched me , and made me stande vp , where I stoode .

And he sayd : Beholde , I will shew thee what shal be in the d d This place most strongly ouerthroweth their errour , which feigne the Romane Monarchy to be ment by the legges of the Image chap. 2. or by the fourth beast , chap. 7. seeyng that the Greekes are the dealers in the ende of wrath , spoken of Daniels people . And it had bin a strange thyng , that this last vision , repeating the former , should leaue out the Romans , yf they had bin spoken of before . Seeyng it were good to haue had that told● : and God neuer omitted the good of the Church . last ende of wrath .

The Ramme which thou sawest , hauing two hornes , are the kinges of Madaj and Paras .

the e e Genesis . 25 , 25. hearie Bucke is the king of f f Grecia . This place proueth , that of Iauan the Greekes come . Iauan . And the great horne betweene his eyes , is the first g g Great Alexander . king .

And that being broken , the foure that stoode vp for it , are h h Of many kingdomes arysing from Alexander , foure in the ende beare the sway : and in tyme , two : whereof the chap. 11. wyl speake . foure kingdomes , that shall stande vp a a The Angel speaking to witty Daniel a worde beside forme of Grammer Iagnamednah , drawing the masculine gen . into a foeminines place , Iod put for Tan , in one letter , sheweth as much as Daniel saw by the attribute Notable , in the foure hornes vers ▪ 8. These witty speaches in the seruants of the holy spirite , require diligence & care to marke them . stoutely from the nation . But not in the strength of the other .

And in the ende of their b b That is , full power ouer the Iewes : otherwyse they reigned as long agayne , in theyr owne country . kingdome , when sinners shall come to the full : there shall stande vp a King c c Impudent Antiochus Epiphanes spoken in the Machabbes , and of heathen very much for impudencie agaynst all diuinity , humanity , and common w●t , is here described . Of Polyb us he was called Epimanes : that is , Madde . hard faced , and mindyng d d Eb. Chidd●th , is properly hyd thyngs , as in Psal. 78 , 2. And whereas to vnderstand hard sentences , that is a matter of a wyse spirit : it can not be that the Angel would so thynke of Epimanes , as to make hym vnderstande darke sentences , who knew least of any that way ▪ Hyd myschiefes he minded , not hyd parables . hid thinges .

And his strength shal be strong and not by his owne strength . And wonderfully shall he destroy , and prosper , and preuayle , and shall destroy the strong and the holy people .

For through craft he shall cause deceite to prosper in his handes : And in his hart he shal be great , and in peace he shal destroy many , and he wil stande vp against the Prince of princes : But he shal be broken-downe without e e By sicknes , and by the hand of God . hand .

And the vision of the euenyng and of the mornyng which was tolde is f f Proper and needyng no further explication . true . Now shut thou vp the vision : for it shal be after g g Aboutes 300. yeares are from the death of Balshazar , vnto the death of Antiochus Epiphanes . many dayes .

And I Daniel was striken & sicke certayne dayes : and I arose , and did the kinges busines : and I was astonied at the vision : But none could h h As I had a commaundement to shut vp the matter , so I refrayned my countenance from , open expressing of my griefe . marke it .

CHAP. 9. At the ende of the 70. yeeres captiuitie , Daniel praying for returne , is tolde that the deliuerie to Ierusalem is presently graunted him : and the eternall , by our Lordes death is shewed : that it shal be at seuen times seuentie Y. from the houre of his prayer . So long Ierusalem shall haue the prerogatiue to be the holy Citie . But then the Heathen shal be equal in the couenant , and al Moses ceremonies must cease . For enforcement to beholde that , Christ will destroy the Citie and Holy place , in the age folowyng . His prayer is penned with speciall regarde , euen of the very Ebrew syllables to the prophets , from whom the matter of his speach is taken . Those places must be marked .

IN the a a After he had been taken out of the Lions denne , & caused Gods truth to be aduanced generally , he prayeth for Ierusalem . first yeere of Darius the sonne of Achashuerosh , of the seede of * * Gen. 10. 1 Chro. 1. Madaj , in which he was made king ouer the realme of the Chaldeans .

In the first yeere of his reigne , I Daniel marked by bookes , the number of the yeeres , whereof the word of the Lord had been vnto Ieremie , for accomplyshing in the b b Daniel hath the very Ebrew terme of Ieremie Chorboth : And by Ieremy he must be expounded . Thus stand Ieremies words . cha. 2● . And this lande shall be-come Chorbah ( that is , a wildernesse ) an astonishment : and these nations shall serue the king of Babel seauentie yeeres . In a knowen matter his shortnes of speach was fittest . Properly the vtter ruines of Ierusalem was not but 52. yeeres . The Geonym ( the Ebrew Doctors so tearmed ) sayd , that Daniel was deceiued . His strictnes of phrase might haue told them , that he had Ieremy before his eyes , & could not be deceiued , though he had not bin that Daniel the wyse . But tearmeth all Ierusalems state in the captiuity , by a terme properly true only in the greater part , sending the reader to Ieremy for the full meanyng . Also , God in Moses . Leu. 26 , 34. vseth the same synecdoche and short speach : whom the holy man delighted to folow . ruines of Ierusalem seuentie yeeres .

And I turned my face vnto the Lord , the God , and sought by prayer and supplication , and fasting , and sackcloth and ashes .

And I prayed vnto the Lord my God , saying , ‡ ‡ E●od . 32 , 31. Oh Lord , § § Deut. 10 , 16. the mightie God , the great and fearefull , who * * Deut. 7 , 9. keepeth the couenant and the mercie , toward them which loue him , and towarde them which keepe his commandementes .

a a He keepeth euen the very letters of Salomons prayer . 1. king . ● , 47. We haue sinned , we haue transgressed , we haue done wickedly , we haue rebelled , and we haue turned backe from thy commandementes , and from thy iudgementes .

And we haue not * * Leuit. 26. obeyed thy seruantes the Prophets , which spake in thy name , to our Kinges , to our Princes , and to our Fathers , and to all the people of the land .

Thou hast , O Lord , the righteousnesse : and we open shame , euen this day : euery one of Iudah , and the dwellers of Ierusalem : and all Israel , the neare and the farre off , through al the countries whither thou hast ‡ ‡ Leui. 26 , 32. Deut. 30. dryuen them , for their b b He hath the very phrase of Leuit. 16 , 4. offence wherein they haue offended thee .

O Lord , we haue open shame , our Kinges , our Princes , and our Fathers : as we haue sinned against thee .

The Lord our God hath the tender mercies , and forgiuenesse : albeit we haue rebelled against him :

And haue not obeyed the voyce of the Eternall our God , to walke in his lawes which he hath layde before vs , by the ministerie of his Seruantes the Prophetes .

Yea , all Israel haue transgressed thy law , and turned backe , that they woulde not heare thy voyce . Wherefore there is poured vpon vs the * * Deut. 29 , 28. Leuit. 26. curse , and the oth , that is written in the law of Moses , the seruant of God : Because we haue sinned agaynst him .

And he hath confirmed his wordes , which he spake against vs , Deut. 28. and against our iudges that iudged vs . For vnder the whole heauen hath not bene done the like as hath bene a a This may be the abridgement of Ieremies Lamentations . done vpon Ierusalem .

As it is written in the Law of Moses : all this euil is come vpon vs . Yet haue not we besought the eternall our God : that we might turne from our iniquities , and vnderstand thy truth .

Therefore the Lord our God was b b In Ieremy , Chap. 2. an allusion is vsed : for in the Ebrew 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 shakad : signifying both speedy and watchful caring : and the almond tree , that buddeth most speedely of any : in which sence , the almond tree flourishing , is vsed in Ecclesiastes 12. for gray haires soone arising in our shortage . Daniels terme here in the Ebrew , honoreth and remembranceth that text . watchfull concerning the euill , and brought it vpon vs . For the Lord our God is righteous in all the works which he hath done : seeing we obeyed not his voyce .

And now O Lord our God , c c Leuit. 26. If they confesse their sinnes , and the sins of their fathers , I will remember the couenant with the former , how I brought them out of the land of Egypt . that hast brought forth thy people out of the land of Egypt , by a mighty hand , and hast gotten thy selfe a name as this day , we haue done wickedly .

O Lord , according to all thy righteousnesse , let now thine anger and thy wrath be turned away , from thy d d Esay . 52.1 . citie Ierusalem , thine holy mountaine . For , because of our sinnes , and for the iniquities of our fathers , Ierusalem & thy people are a reproch to all that are about vs .

And now , heare , O my God , the prayer of thy seruant , and his supplication , and make thy face to e e Num. 6. vers . 25. The blessing of the high sacrificer is in the same speech . shine vpon thy sanctuarie , that lyeth desolate , for the Lordes sake .

f f Daniels Ebrew hath the very letters of Ezekias prayer , Esa. 37.17 . Encline O my God , thine eare , and heare , open thine eyes and see , our desolations , and the citie whereupon thy name is called : for we present not our supplications before thee , for our righteousnesse , but for thy great tender mercies .

Esay . 38.2 . O Lord heare : ô Lord forgiue ô Lord giue eare , & do , defer not for thine own sake , ô my God . For thy a a The cursed Iewes at this day , repeat on their expiation feast , this prayer often , in Cether Malcuth : a booke of their common prayers : But stop their eares against the Angelles wordes from God , touching Christ , the true worker of this expiation 490. years exactly from the time of this prayer : as appeareth vers. 24 where our tottering for the meaning of it , hath furthered the Iewes destruction , and more hardened their hearts . name is called vpon thy citie , & vpon thy people .

And as I was yet speaking and praying and confessing my sinne , and the sinne of my people Israel , and presenting my supplications before the Eternall my God for the holie mountaine of my God .

Euen as I was yet speaking , the man b b When this Angell telleth Zachary , of his name Gabriel , and is sent vnto Mary , he calleth them to thinke vpon this text : that by conference of Moses Num. 4. and Daniel here , they might better consider the time of the promise . And , to haue that cause hodlen in peculiar dignitie , by the message of this Gabriel , no other Angel , being a created spirite , hath a proper name . Michael is Christ with the best learned Christians , & no lesse then Iehouah & the Angel Iehouah , in the words of Zoar , & many other Ebrew DD. Gabriel whom I had seene afore in a vision , came vnto me flying with vehemencie vntill he touched me , at the c c Oblation had with it , prayer : and euening prayer time was at their ninth houre , our three of the clock : as appeareth by Act. 3.1 . At the same houre , the Lord made himselfe that oblation which here the Angell telleth : euen most exactly when it should be performed . time of the euening oblation .

And he gaue vnderstanding , and talked with me & said : Daniel , I am come forth to giue thee d d His oration containeth an abridgement of the new Testament , and a light of the old : and Daniel knew all afore , but the time , which bringeth a greater clearenesse vnto all . Therefore the time considered with the matter , is that which he calleth here the skill of vnderstanding : and it must be counted a great errour , to hold that a small matter , and specially the disanulling of Gods trueth , by heathen forged and most vayne and iarring antiquities , to make from Babels fall to Tiberius 18. wherein our Lord died . 590. against the expresse 490. which the Angel counteth to be wisedome which he speaketh off : yet old Greekes did so . skill of vnderstanding .

At the beginning of thy prayers came forth the word : which I am come to tell , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 because thou art e e Chamudoth is the most amiable terme of any which can be giuen . As the attribute is , so is the matter here , Chamudoth full of grace . greatly beloued . Therefore f f By this commaundement doubled for vehementer charge , he condemneth the world , that regardeth not to be instructed in this doctrine , sent from heauen by an Angel vnto Daniel , and penned for all nations vse . Wherefore we must giue better heede vnto the speach , least we flowe and fall . For if the word spoken by Angels fall out sure , and euery trespasse receaued iust recompence , how shall we escape , neglecting so great a charge of looking vnto our owne saluation , where the vision is so cleare that no doubt can be moued by any plaine heart , that will rest in Gods auctoritie : nor yet from heathen studies , by such as throughly search the auncient of them : and the onely fit to beare auctoritie . conceiue the word : and perceiue the cleare vision .

The cleare vision for the certaine time of redemption , wherein the Iewes through all the Gospell agreed : and also all the East , as Iosephus recordeth : and Tacitus and Suetonius , do both touch it .

Seuentie seuens ( of yeares ) a a A verbe singular to a substant ▪ plural teacheth in Ebrew an exact account then meant : as Auenarius noteth vpon this phrase . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . is pared out for thy people , and for thy holy citie : to consume wickednesse , and to abolish sinnes , and to make reconciliation for iniquitie , and to bring righteousnesse euer-lasting , and to seale vision and prophet , and to shew-Messias the Holy of Holiest .

Of the 70. seuens .

SEuentie seuens make 490. in ordinary speach . But that Daniel might conceaue how at the beginning of his prayer vpon considering of Ieremy for that 70. yeares of captiuitie ended , God tooke notice of his meditation , the Angel toucheth that seuentie : shewing how exactly seuen times that space is declared afore hand : for the Iewes prerogatiue , continuance of Ceremonies and meditation , how reconciliation of sinne is truly made : That euery Sabbath in the meane while they might learne to enter into the rest of Christ .

How the 70. seuens end the holy Chronicle .

FIue , as it were , chaines of time are in Scripture : all drawen through so many seuerall matters . The first is continued through the Ages of the Fathers vnto the death of Terah : who falling into Idolatrie , gaue occasion to end that honour , of making the Fathers to draw the worldes age in theirs . After the death of Terah , Abraham hath the promise of Christ , and is called vnto Chanaan . For that promise : one tenour of certaintie is linked vnto the Lambe , Temple and Salomons death , after his Idolatrie : and held on , while Abrahams tribes held the faith of Christ . Thence a new state , measure of it , as a third chaine , commeth in . Iudah holdeth a kingdome , vnto Sedekiahs captiuitie : and Ieroboam draweth Israel to sinne : which time is termed Israels sinne : by God to Ezekiel , chap. 4. when he sheweth vnto him the fall of Ierusalem : with which fall , also famous 40. yeares of Iudahs warning must end . Which 40. are complete from Ieremies prophecying in the 13. of Iosias , at the beginning of the 19. of Nebuchadnezer when the citie was brent . And that continuance of Iudahs kingdome is in one summe giuen by God . 390. y. Ezek. 4. The particulars wherof are cast by the kings of Iudah & Israel , iust into that summe , by sundry learned . And Abraham Ben Dauid in Cabala sheweth that the Iewes vniuersally , but that they hid their minde , held the time so . The fourth chaine containeth the continuance of Nebuchadnezars 70. yeares . Whereof 18. are past afore the kingdome of Iudah falleth . And this chaine was made afore hand , and when it came to the last linke , the hand writeth vpon the wall that God MENE MENE , had numbred , had numbred : and Daniel had a chaine of gold for expounding of it . As Ouid giueth the Sun foure horses which draw him : Pyroeis , Eous , Aethon , Phlegon : So more fitly may these foure drawers of the Sunne be termed : The first a fierie Pyrocis : The next where Abraham commeth from the East is Eous : The third when the temple is burnt , is Aethon truely . And the fourth in heat against Babel is verily from the fierie throne aparching Phlegon . The fift passeth all admiration : that which here the Angel giueth , to draw all the world vnto Christ .

How the Chaine of Iubilees attendeth vpon this .

IF this chaine be made by him that made also that of Iubilees , which must begin when Iesus conquereth and parteth the land : ( that is in his eight yeare : ) it will , by fifties end with this summe : and if it do so , there is a double strength . Now it doth so most exactly . For yeares are by this chaine beginning at Iosuahs eight 1400. Iubilees 28. at our Lords death . Wherefore that golden chaine which Homer giueth vnto his Iupiter : by which all the Gods drawing could neuer plucke him downe , but he could hang them , land and sea in the middest of the ayer : fastning it in the top of the heauens : that is nothing in Imagination to the strength of this : at which though Iewes and Gentiles , plucke now adayes neuer so feloniously , or boysterously , they shall not preuaile : But when this findeth particular triall euen by heathen approbation , as mens liues , it draweth them to be set in balances and founde higher then vanitie : as I shewed for Ebrew liues in the Preface .

Of Daniels People .

AS Daniel prayed for Gods People , so he had this kingly honour , that they are termed his People : euen such of the nature . As Aben , Ezra rightly doth take it for to seale Messias .

An exposition of the former Law phrases : by the common termes of men .

b b Our Lord Mat. 24. giueth the same commaundement for this oration . Let him that readeth Daniel vnderstand . The contempt of which commaundement hath bene the ruine of the world . Cyrus in Ezra maketh proclamation of suffring and helping Israel to returne to dwell at Ierusalem . In that graunt the building of the Citie for houses and distinction of streetes , must needs be vnderstood . at .49 . y. troubles it is by clearer graunt , walled : in a tyth of this time : by Nehemiah hauing speciall regard vnto this parcell of Prophecie . Know then marke . From the outgoing of the * * Ezra . 1.1 . word to restore and to build Ierusalem , vnto c c Here onely in Ebrew and twise here Messias commeth a meere proper name : hence made famous Iohn . 1.41 . and 4 25. Also hence the time of his comming was granted by all sides . Now the 62. seuens are parcelled alone onely , that the last may be handled alone , for our Lords storie : in speach of which he handleth first the principall matter : our Lords death : nothing to him being iust , but for vs , and nothing to hold him in the graue , who can raise vp him selfe ; So he expounds reconciliation for sinne with bringing in of eternall iustice . Also he expoundeth how thereupon the Cities prerogatiue shall cease : from being an holy Citie . That he doth with most vehement termes : Knowing how the Iewes ioyed in their Citie : marke the wordes . Messias the gouernour seuens be , Iohn . 1.41.4.25 . seuen : afterwards , seuens sixtie and two . In the other , it shal be restored and builded street & wall and * * See Ezra & Nehem. troublous shall these times be .

In that after seuens sixtie & two * * Mat. 16.21 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 * Messias shal be d d Hence doth S. Paule say : I taught nothing but that which Moses and the Prophetes taught : that Christ was to suffer and being the first from the dead , should shew light vnto the People ( Iewes ) and to the nations . And afore , Iesus our Sauiour , after his Disciples knewe assuredly that he was the Christ the sonne of God , the Rocke . Deut. 32.7 . thence he teacheth how he must be killed and rise againe : but they did hardly conceiue it . Now they who doubt in what part of the seuen our Lord should die : are too diligent . For that was taught first of all : before any partition : euen at 490. from his speech . kild , and * * Mat. 17.1 . nothing to himselfe . Thereupon the Citie * * Act. 6. to come 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 * plainly meaneth so . and holy place shall he destroy : euen the gouernours owne people , in the next * * Mat. 24.34 . generation : and their end shal be with a flood : and at the end of the warre shal be a finall iudgement of vtter desolations .

But he shall make strong the Testament , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Many , not Iewes but all As Rom. 5.15 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , all , & Mat. 26 , 28. to the Many the last seauen . Yea halfe that seauen shall bring to an end sacrifice and offering . Afterward by an armie of lothsome infidels he shall make desolation , euen till vtter wast and finall iudgement be powred vpon the desolate . e e The heathens calling , into the rest of Christ , sealed in Baptisme , bread & wine : the burying of Moses , the lothsomnesse of Rome , that killed our Lord , and Iudahs iust fall for infidelitie conclude all : handled here seuerally as they belonged not but collaterally , vnto the former speech of v. 24 .

A reduction of the Gospell vnto the oration of Gabriel .

THe oration of Gabriel containeth an abridgement of the new Testament : and all the Gospell may be easily reduced vnto it . The booke of S. Matthew will be sufficient for example : when we touch by the way some speciall poinctes of the other Euangelists . And first of all , the beginning from Abraham and holding on to Ioseph by the kings right , that toucheth how Christ is * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gouernour , is here twise the attribute of Messias : and erroniously applyed in the later place vnto the Romane Emperour , by the Iewes & by vs , thorough vnheedinesse in one Hebraisme . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 King , prince and gouernour of Iudah . And there the speech of Emmanuel declareth how he is the most holy : and the name Iesus for sauing his people from their sinnes , that plainely sheweth who maketh reconciliation for sinne . Now the coming of the wisemen , called in Persique , Magi , vnto Ierusalem , that had his plaine ground hence . For by the holy citie , none but Ierusalem was meant : and vnder the Persians this doctrine was first embraced and made famous : of a king to arise at Ierusalem : at 490. y. which matter so cleare , was easily kept in memory 457. that when 33. afore the end a Comet did in the aire argue in the East a cleare fauour of a noble light , they knew that a king was meant : and could thinke of none , but of the famous one , whose kingdome was foretold that it should be at Ierusalem by the 490. yeares , and begin at 30. later then their present time . Likewise when 30. y. after , Iohn cometh baptizing , and telling that the kingdome of heauen was come , the nation was nothing astonished : but knew the phrase vsed in Daniel , Chap. 2. for the state which should be in Iudah , next after the manifest abolishing of the image there : * * The age of 30. yeares is made so famous : by rare men & by the Law that al might looke for somewhat in Christ aunswerable vnto that . which began when our Lord was born in Bethleem , and the Angels proclaimed his birth , ( and the tribute of the Romanes ouer the world , argued all the images ruine , by the exaction of a generall tribute ouer all nations ) and was to be proclaimed openly in the state when the king was 30. yeares old : as Dauid was raigning in Ebron : the Leuites by the Law Num. 4. entring into the worke of the tabernacle , a token of this worke : and fittest at that age as Ioseph at 30. ruled Aegypt : and three of each other fathers , from Selah , he , the next saue one , Peleg , the next to him saue one Serug were fathers at 30. where God would neuer haue disposed thrise equalitie of yeares in fathers , but for a monument 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and tresadmirable .

Now the Baptizing argueth most of all a common consent of the nation , that an admission into a new kingdome , of troupes together was then looked for . The Babylonian Talmud recordeth in Iebamoth pag. 76. and Rambam ( the expounder of it in plaine Ebrew ) in Asure Biah . perek 13. that in the dayes of Dauid and Salomon , * * Baptizing was vsed in Iudah for proselytes . Autorised hence for the rest of Christ ; from Moses toyle of Ceremonies . when many thousands of heathen became Proselytes : they were admitted onely by Baptisme without Circumcision : as the Iewes in Aegypt washed their garments vpon their calling thence : and the leapers their bodies : and likewise the sacrificers washed their bodies , at their function . So now when the testament was to be made for the Many , that is , for all nations , Baptisme was not strange , neither is Iohn an astonishment for that : but demaunded whether he be Elias or Christ , or that speciall Prophet named in Deuteronomie : where the agreement in time gaue occasion of all the demands . Moreouer * * In that our Lord repeateth in chap. 7 19. the very syllables of Iohns words , 3.10 . he therin approueth his authoritie . The like do the Prophets often . when our Lord preacheth openly , he confirmeth Iohns speech : saying , repent , for the kingdome of heauen is come : & speaketh as Daniel of the kingdome that neuer shall be corrupted , Chap. 2. which kingdome is here expounded . Likewise when the Lord maketh that famous Sermon vpon the mount , all his speech tendeth to shew the nature of the kingdome of heauen : how it is not pompous , but for the poore in spirite , for the mourning , for the meeke , for hungrie and thirstie of iustice : and to be short , for the godly persecuted . And the rest of his Sermon remoueth Pharisaicall hinderances of accesse into such a kingdome .

Hither belong the miracles most clearely , to shew that God spake by his sonne Psal. 2. the * * The Syriaque 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Heb. 1.3 . from Esa. 4. & the 70 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Ionathan expounding all that of Christ with Ieremie and Zacharies both for the same , these by one terme open all the couenant . Brightnesse of glorie , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Esa. 4. which washeth the vncleannesse of the daughters of Sion , bringing in eternall iustice . The raising vp of dead by his owne authoritie , the making wine of water presently , the multiplying of corne and fish : these were works proper vnto the Sonne of God . And these , fit for the striker and the healer . The cleansing of leprosies , the strengthening of palsique nerues and lunatique braines , the cooling of burning agues : the raising vp of the bowed ▪ the sight-gift vnto the blind , the freshing of the withered hands , the gift of legs to the lame , eares to the deaffe , tongue to the dumbe , eloquence vnto the stammering , and healing of all sicknesses : these doings expound Esay , and shew who taketh away all our infirmities , and bringeth in iustice eternall So the casting out of deuils might make any Iannes or Iambres confesse the finger of God : and the kingdome of heauen to be come in the due time : the deuils expresly confessed the holy one of God , & the Sonne of God : as the deuillish Aben Ezra doth vpon v. Where only Christ is named plainly Messias , there the Iewes denie the terme to be a Nowne proper : and yet to the verse afore they ioyne Messiah : as meant there . Such a spirit of giddinesse is in them . Christians of iudgement should more ioye in the twise spoken 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 his name here by the Angel , them in anie worldly delight . This well-handled might turne Turke and Iewe. For on this they stagger in this , whether Messias was to be killed , and was the son of God after the spirit of sanctification . 24. acknowledge Christ the most holy : though where twise he is named Messias and onely there , and in the exposition , he there would place earthly sinfull persons . But the Pharisies were openly pronounced of our Lord to be of their father the deuill : that stood not in the truth , but became a murtherer from the beginning . The Psalmist might see a walker on the sea . The breaches of the waues were mightie : but his voyce rebuked the seas : As the sea was his and he made it : so it bare him vp like the dry land : yea the sea reioyced and the store of it , when a fish payed tribute : and shewed that Christ knew what fish had swallowed a stater : and how the same would come quicke to Peters angle : when also fish at his commaundement came so into the nets , that they ouer-laded two botes : and did come also great ones 153. into the net , and brake it not : there Dauid must be remembred how the fish of the seas , that passe through the passage of the paths of the seas , shew vnto what man all things were made subiect . Here Iob might see a walker vpon the mountaines of sea : and glorie larger then the sea : and here the fish would tell him this much . Also the earth could not stand still , but must acknowledge who setled it . Here Ezekiel might haue seene after an earthquake , the fountaine of all resurrection : & Amos would tell , that when the Sonne darkened the Sunne at noone day , Israel should take heede of vtter darknesse : where Malachie would teach , that there the Sunne of iustice arose with health in the skirts of his garments . Moreouer Elias would tell , that the mind which rent the stones , if they saw not God in it , would after send a fire vpon Citie and Sanctuarie , when the Lord should not be in it . Vpon these miracles the Centurion sayd ▪ Truely he is the Sonne of God , and so the most holy . The fasting a● Moses and Elias : and shining before Moses and Elias talking of his Exodus passing at Ierusalem , there Law & Prophet say : here in Daniel is told the wisedome , and here is the place of vnderstanding . The resurrection maketh the Iewes 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 by their owne terme in Ierusalemy , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in S. Paul . When they make Isaak to beare his owne crosse , to be after a sort recouered from death , to be thereby as it were the ground of all their prayers . They speake many things of open trial by the third day : & make this the glory of all . Thus in Midras Bereshith they do speake . Vpon the third day Abraham did lift vp his eyes . It is written he will quicken vs after two dayes : the third day he will raise vs vp : and we shall liue afore him . In the third day of the Patriarkes it is written : and Ioseph spake vnto them the third day : in the third day of the spies it is written ; & hide your selues there three dayes . Ios. 2. In the third day of the Law it is written ; and it fell out on the third day : so in the third day for Ionah : as it is written ; and Ionah was in the whales bellie three dayes and three nights . And in the third day of the ascending from captiuitie it is written : and we were there three daies , & in the third day shal be the resurrection ( as it is written : ) he will make vs aliue after two daies Hosea 6. and in the third day it is spoken in Ester : In the third day Ester did put on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ( properly ) kingdome : the kingdom of her fathers house . By what iustice ? Thus do the Rabbines speake : Now all these looked vnto the resurrection : wherin the Church and her assemblie of the righteous put on the kingdome : now also the ascention sheweth iustice brought in , confirmed by the wind , fires tongues , & speaking of these matters to all nations vnder the heauen : a● all the miracles of the Gospell belong directly hither . All further speeches of doctrine keepe them within this compasse which followe after the sermon vpon the mountain : or yet went afore it . The chiefe heads shal be touched : for our Lords speeches in the Gospel , & his doings or suffrings , which all tend to the strengthening of this testament for the many . And seeing this must be in effect the same that Moses law was : the chief of it , the difficulties taught in ceremonies , and poin●ts peruerted by the Pharisees , were to be handled by our Lord , and the knowne matters to be recorded by his Apostles : as where S. Luke recordeth his line to Adam , that chaine draweth all the storie vnto it : and all the times be starres for the same . Such things were to be penned . But our Lords speeches * * How they belong to the speech here of making strong the couenant . touch vs . Many orations are of his Godhead in S. Iohn . They are a commentary vpon the first entrance of Genesis : as Iohn beginneth with a commentarie for it and him . How God resteth on the Sabbath and yet worketh , the Sonne doth teach : and the ioyning from God , of Adam and Eue , this is brought as a ground of expounding Deut. 24. Adams fall from the beginning , with Satans murther is taught expresly : that none of vs should stagger in that : and how , as Pharisies , all naturall be Satans children . Abel is termed the iust : & his death applyed vnto Ierusalems destruction here told . The carelesse at the flood are remembred : and the calling of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 from East and West directly belongeth hither . Abraham for that is cited , as with whom they shall feast in heauen : so in forsaking all for Christ , and for seeing his passion in Isaak , for immortalitie , in that God was , after his death the God of Abraham , Isaac and Iacob . The name of Israel , and Angels ascending and descending , are mentioned principally . Moses cometh wholly as a Martyr and witnesse of Christ . Matth. 17. His miracles be glaunced at , by the finger of God : where * * 2. Tim. 3.8 . Menachoth . 9. fol 85. Aegyptians in Numenius . lib. 3. Euseb. pr● p. 9. Iannes and Iambres damne the Pharisies . The 12. in the Apostles number , and the 70. in the Disciples , shew that our Lord honoured and made glorious the Law , as Esay told of him . The Law for euery commandement is expounded by him , as by one that could season speech : the two tables : by two generall commandements : to heare that Iehouah , our God , Iehouah is one , who must be loued with all the minde , soule and strength : And the neighbour , as a man would wish to be loued * * Against Ierusalemy . Nedar ▪ Per. 9. that doth teach to strik one that striketh . of another . Messiah is taught with faith for the first commandement : for the second , spirituall idolatrie maketh the Iewes Satans sonnes : their swearing , as by * * Their Talmud stil hath the phrase . their heads in priuate speeches is corrected as a light naming of God : the superstitious befooling of the Sabbaths rest is often controlled : honour to parents is applyed against Pope-like greedie begging for the Church . Murther is drawen ( against the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the rabbines later then Ezra . Kadmonim or old Rabbines the cited , and rested vpon , the bare words ; vnto vniust anger or taunts . Likewise adulterie vnto the sole desire . Witnesses are taught to testifie without sinne : and the ambition of desiring thy neighbours , is drawen also vnto giuing all away , that Christ may be followed . The Iudicials in sundry heads are drawen to a greater charitie , then the ciuill officer can force : and all by this law : Thou shalt be perfect with Iehouah thy God . And there the ground of all learning is handled : the applying of all actions vnto the nature of God , manifested in his creation : in shining and rayning vpon good and bad . All Leuiticus was expounded to the Samaritan● : in that the ceremonies of it should haue their end : and the Iubilie for setting all free , is explaned from Esay . The lifting vp of the serpent is opened vnto Nicodemus : & from Deuteronomie the hanging vpon the tree past not vnhandled : where Christ being lifted vp will draw all vnto him . Moreouer the commaundement , Giue glorie vnto the Eternall , the ROCKE , that is conueyed vnto the chiefest speech of all the newe Testament , and scope here : where Christ is acknowledged the ROCKE . A matter where Iew & Pope make shipwracke of al. The Iewes * * In Ierusalemy Thaan . where the bloud commeth vp to the horse bridles . Perek . 4. fol. 69. col. 1. confesse , that the ROCKE gaue them vp to the Romanes . And Rome will haue the Rock to be vnder them . As though for killing of Christ they had deserued that honor : and cannot see , that God vnchangeable must needes plague them for euer for that , aboue all all nations vnder the cope of heauen . And where as in that same song of Moses , Our Lordes holy wordes , though few , & his works open all the Law . the Iewes are reiected : that is spoken often by our Lord . So he affoordeth vnto vs the marrow of all the Law . His going to Aegypt , suffering , and fortie dayes viewing the land , is ouer-set in workes : to Israel , Lambe , Isaacke , and twelue spies , and his shining like the sunne , with his ascension to Enoch , his assumption & yeres according to the sonnes course . As the Prophets are commentaries vpon the Law : so it belonging vnto the suffrings here told , they must all likewise , belong .

The synagogues godly discipline , was the same which the Lord speaketh off : and the Apostles practised : as any may yet see , in the Talmud . Though Pharisaical parts marre all , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 And in his expositions , in his phrases , and in his actions he goeth through them all . Besides the expresse Prophets , the Ebrewes particular decrees , and learned speeches were to be confirmed . Such as plaine reason of all knew to be good . Our Lord reuerenced the diuine schoole of Sanedrin at twelue : sitting amongst them , hearing them and posing them : the reuerence of all gestures , which their decrees haue for the synagogue , & reading of the Law , was shewed by him selfe . Iust excommunication allowed : and their law of excommunicating them who misuse authoritie practized euen vpon the Scribes and Pharisies and all Ierusalem . And all their doctrine of traditions now in the Talmud vtterly damned . Yet what they had from the ancient , worthy praise he alloweth , all that termes , phrases , and prouerbiall sentences : The world to come , the dead , tasting death , resurrection of the dead , Their Gemara . Berachoth . 9. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , forgiuenesse in this world , Paradise , Gehenna , and Gehenna large 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . in Mid. Til. eating and drinking the obiect of faith , eating and drinking in the world to ●ome , carying of the crosse of Christ . These are taken from E●r●e Doctors common vse , yet abiding in record , yea and to singular vse , jod and pricke : and in the Greeke prouerbiall speech Α and Ω after the Ebrews , from Aleph vnto Tha● . In Ben Arama . So he taunteth the Talmuds 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Raka : the swearing by the head : the Corban : their Abothenu & Rab. Such he blamed . And thus , he that was in the forme of God , and held it no robberie to be equall with God , yet tooke the forme of a seruant : and the speeches of the base . Yea and to looke backe to some of his workes and wordes , we shall see more how he condescended vnto vs . From the water of Iewes Purification he made his wine : From Baptisme vsed of them without commaundement , and of small authoritie : he autorizeth a seale of entring into the rest of Christ : vsing the Iewes weaknesse as an allurement thither . From bread * * In Rambam , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , at the Passeouer , washing , a speciall sort of sitting 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 bidding celebrate , remembring Messias dayes , and Egypts thraldom , dipping their soppes , thankes or blessing with a loafe , and a cup of wine , & thereupon a Psalm song : all these our Lord went through . and wine vsed with the Lambe , being without all commaundement of Moses , but resting vpon the common reason giuen by the Creator , he autorizeth a seale of his owne selfe , of his very flesh and bloud , that we should still eate and drinke it , and feede vpon the Lambe of God which taketh away the sinnes of the world , vntill we grow into the perfect man , into the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ . And as the housholder at the Lambes suppers end , blessed God , first taking bread : and againe taking the wine : so , that we should not turne his seale into superstition he followeth that plainnesse . Shewing the summe the same : a Lambe for Lambe : and bread with wine of higher authoritie , and likewise after , as they vsed , he song the Psal 113. fit for the matter . From the Iewes synagogue , where they medled not with ceremonies no more then we now , ( they with Circumcision as we with Baptisme ) from their sincere orders , grounded vpon the plaine light of reason , ( against which nothing but ambition can once open the mouth ) he setled an order for euer for his Church : whereof his Apostles shew the practise : and he caused their enemies euen the Pharisies , to record all the Apostles maner to haue bene from Ezra . And gaue speciall charge to his Apostles , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rambam & Ierusalemy in 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 agree much with the Apostles . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and not to be titled 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , by which terme Demosthenes distinguisheth Athens from policies of Kings , titled 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . This should haue bene marked by the Bishop of that Citie through whose policie Christ was crucified : who will be titled Soter and Euergetes , yea and Theos , more to be skopht of all Iewes and Turkes , then the Seleucidae and Lagidae were of Plutarch in Aristide , and such others . Our Lord forbad not his disciples to desire to be first : but requireth that their superioritie should be in seruice . And their practise taught the world , how rightly they vnderstood his charge . Our Lord and his Apostles laboured to teach all men , renowming and making glorious all the Law . The Pope and his , to disgrace and to corrupt all : to winne a superioritie , to continue in blindnesse , and to be openly guiltie of whole ignorance touching the kingdome of heauen . But I must returne vnto the Lordes speeches , for reduction of all the holy Ebrewes learning vnto the Gospell . One thing here he was not to stand vpon : the Massorites or Ebrew Grammarians diligence for the Ebrew text . But in two wordes he confirmeth all their paines : borowing termes from them : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Twentie times doth the spirit handle the alphabet order : once in Psal. 25. But for one Greeke copy where the names of the letters are found , that would not soone bee seene , by reason of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in other letters . 37.111.112 . eight times in 119. once in 145. in Salomon once , sixe times most distinctly for the confusion of Iudah , in Ieremies Lamentations . Yet all this while no one letter is named . Belike when Iuda came from Babel , and kept their tong by scholes , not by dayly speech , they first vsed those names . And before that , Greekes had them : as Sigma or San , old in Herod . And Homers books are named after the letters . To confirme the Ebrewes the Lord nameth one of two kinds . One with a name , Ebrew and Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . In Homer . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . And 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Likewise in the elder Talmud the Ierusalemy jod is handled most famously , and so fit for this matter , as any thing lightly can be found . Three matters of jod are handled : the two first somewhat hard to expresse : one an accusation of Salomon , exprest in Ebrew by jod : another of more difficulty : the third shall come after the Ierusalemy . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

This speech the Ierusalemy hath for jod : Ierusalemy in Cohen Gadol . fol. 20 b. how it is not a small matter that jod is taken away from Saraj to make Sarah : which the Greeke hauing not in their tongue , could not so augment , but were fame to vse the augmentation in r , to make Sarra : which poinct the holy Ghost followeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rom. 4 19.9.9 . Heb. 11.11 . 1. Pet. 3.6 . still in the Greeke new Testament , calling therein still to mind , jod reiected . But when jod taken from Saraj , being the last letter of a womans name , cometh first to make Iesus , in the sonne of Nun , jod appeareth The Ebrews hold it a law to be straitly obserued , as from Gods maiesty , that Saraj and Abram should be no further their names . The Prophets & Apostles keepe it . not contemned , that well might it be a prouerbiall speech : One jod in the Law will not be found idle . And so we see how he before whom all the earth is like the dust of a ballance , yet descendeth vnto our speeches for the least letter of all the Ebrew , and vnto the name of it , to the countenancing of the Grammer studie , as a most learned profession : that the Ebrew and Greeke should not be despised without open contempt of Christ his authoritie . Now the name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a prick is rare . Plutarch hath the terme . None beside of heathen that I remember . S. Mathew and S. Luke both haue it . Though punctum hath no quantitie , yet the terme here is of great quantitie and dignity . The Iewes note fifteene wordes in the Law with Psalmes and Prophets , The Massoreth in Nu. 3.39 . doeth shew which be they . pricked ouer the heads , for speciall deepe consideration : and so written from the first copies : and Ramban prefacing to Moses , declareth how all the Ebrewes honour the warning of waightie matter in them . They call them 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . For Aethiop . letters I take Greeke . But that terme is not vsed in the Ebrewish of S. Mat. nor in the Syriaque , or Arabique . Neither be any of all their terms ancient . The Aethiop . is neare the Greek . So that we are to search whether prickes as the fifteene strange : or other prickes which are vowels or accentes be meant . The 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 prickes onely of marking , and likewise accents are no part of the word . Therefore , I trow , vowel prickes must needs be meant . Which poinct conteyneth the most exquisite depth of the Ebrew tongue . And so far doth our L. condescend to our studies : as to omit neither Ebrew nor Greek : but taketh a touch that authorizeth all the rest . Now as I made this long digression , of our Lords confirming the couenant , with descending vnto Rabbine studies , I thinke it not amisse to ioyne Rabbines hither : not for one jod : but for all the twenty and two letters how often they are vsed . Thus the case standeth . Rabbi Sadaias learning from the Massorites how often euery letter came in Ebrew : searched for Scriptures which had the like number : most from Numeri and Ezra : and from such sentences made Tetrasticon or foure verses for memory from those matters : not vnto any further wit for sense . Now he beginneth his verses with Aleph : where he speaketh of Alephs number : with Beth for the like : and so for euery letter : & taketh wordes whose first letters arithmetique being taken for so many thousands in the first verse : and in * * Onely the finall formes which you see put alone in the margent , argue that the same in the text must be meant for hundreds as they meane . ordinarie arithmetique in the second : matcheth the number of the letter . So in 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

Aleph in the first telleth , that of Aleph he intreateth . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 being 42 in arithmeticke , and the first letters of their wordes make here 42000. the other three first letters 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 make 377 in ordinarie Ebrew arithmeticke . So Aleph is vsed times 42 377. By this the student may helpe himselfe . Onely this warning may withall go , that sometime his textes , which I write in rubrique , could not affoord an exact agreement : but come very neare . Now the sonnet of the Rabbine shall speake .

The certaintie of the Ebrew . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Here the reader must helpe the print : where the text of the right colume should chaunge place with the left . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

Thus we haue a miraculous record for the Scriptures certainty . In explication somewhat more may be added . Great capital letters are in certain distances : as Gimel in Hith Gallach : distant 2600 from the great Vau in Leuit. 11. These and such are knowne to few . Now whereas 848 margine termes are vsed : according to which they reade and not according to the text : some ( as Dauid Kimchi ) thought that done , as to helpe a corruption of the text in Captiuitie . Elias defendeth most learnedly the Massorites text against all colour of arguments brought against it from Talmuds or other . And this much for the Ebrew writ , in this end , as it were , of Daniel . But now I will go on vnto his last vision , expounding the 8. Chapter . The 9 Chapter is the last for time : and so plaine for Christ , that no further exposition could be . The contempt of which note hath caused lewes to perish still , and hindred all nations .

CHAP. 10. Daniel hath one vision describing Christ the most holy : and an other of an Angel : who sheweth vnto him in generall , the affayres of the Iewes distresse vnder the Persians : And how the Persians are ruled by this Angel , vntil the king of Iauan , Alexander the great commeth .

IN the a a When the worke of the Temple was hindered . Ezra 4 , 14. thirde yeere of Cyrus king of Paras , a speach was reuealed vnto Daniel , whose name was called b b That is : He brast out a fyre vpon the enemy : euen the Chaldean . By displacing a dumme letter , he maketh his name to meane so . See what it was . Cha. 1 , 7. Belteshazar . And the speach was c c Ebr. Trueth expounding signes . Eb. Zaba : army by Aben ezra , meanyng the wars told here . Time it is by Ralbag . Both fall out fitly : therefore I thought good to ioyne both . proper : and the army-like ordered time , great . And he vnderstoode the d d Conteyned in cha. 11 , & 12. speach , and had vnderstanding in the e e Of this that he saw vpon Tigris . vision .

In those dayes , I Daniel f f Because Iudahs enemies had preuailed , to the hindrance of the Temples buylding . was in heauinesse three seauens of g g He putteth a distinction , for the seauens of yeeres , tolde chap. 9 , 24. And for them the translation must be a lyke : though , Weekes be the ordinary fit tearme here . dayes .

Pleasant bread ate I none : and flesh or wine came none within my mouth : and oyntment vsed I none , till three seauens of dayes were fulfilled .

And in the foure and twenteth day of the first moneth , I was by the side of the great riuer : that is , h h Called Tigris of Greekes : in notation , Sharp-swift . The Persians chiefe glory was in those quarters : and likwyse the Sel●ucianes Throne . And Seleucus Nicator buylt vpon Tigris Seleucia ; the most famous towne of all , which he buylt . Hiddekel .

And I lift vp mine eyes , and looked : and beholde , there was a man cloathed in Linnen , whose loynes were girded with fine golde of Vphaz .

His body was like the Turkis , and his face like the sight of lightnyng , and his eyes like Lampes of fire , and his armes and his feete like the colour of polyshed Brasse : and the voyce of his wordes , like the voyce of a multitude .

Now I Daniel onely saw the vision , and the men which were with me saw not the vision ▪ But a great quaking fell vpon them , and they fled away to hide them selues .

So I was left alone , & saw this great vision : But no strength was left in me . For my vigour was turned in me into corruption , & I reteyned no strength .

Yet I heard the voyce of his wordes . And when I heard the voyce of his wordes , I fell in a slumber on my face : and my face was towardes the ground .

a a The person that next speaketh , termed a resemblance in fight as a man , is thought to be Gabriel , named chapt. 8 , 16. at whose cōmying to hym Daniel was frighted , & fel in a slumber on his face to the ground : and was touched by him , & set vppon his feete . who also chap. 9 , 25. telleth of Christ : as here agayne , Now beholde , an hand touched me , and set me vpon my knees , and vpon the palmes of myne handes .

And he sayd vnto me , O Daniel , thou gracious man , vnderstande my wordes , which I speake vnto thee : and stande vpright . For now am I sent to thee . And when he had spoken this speach to me , I stoode trembling .

Then he sayd vnto me : Feare not Daniel . For from the first day that thou diddest set thine hart to vnderstande , and to chasten thy selfe before thy God , thy wordes were heard , and I am come for thy wordes .

But the prince of the kingdome of Paras stoode against me . And beholde , b b That is , Archangel . Iude. 9. which terme is hence taken : here Angels are the first princes in comparison with rulers on the earth : and the captayne of their host is the first of this company . Michael the first of the chiefe Princes came to helpe me : and I remayned there by the king of Paras .

Now I am come to shew thee what shall befall thy people in the time hereafter . For yet the vision is for those dayes .

And when he had spoken these wordes vnto me , I set my face towardes the grounde , and I became dum .

And beholde , that resemblance in sight as a man touched my lyppes . Then I opened my mouth , and spake , and sayd vnto him that stoode before me : O my Lord , by the vision my a a Or , my sorrowes turned : but the matter telleth whether is principally fit , though both go togeather . ioyntes are loosed in me , and I retayne no strength .

And how can this seruant of my Lord , talke with this my Lord : thus am I : since euen now no strength standeth in me , nor breath is left in me ?

Than againe he in sight as a man , touched me , and made me strong :

And sayd , feare not gracious man : peace be to thee , be strong , againe , I say be strong . And when he had spoken vnto me , I was strengthened , and sayd : Let my Lord speake , for thou hast strengthened me .

Than sayd he : Knowest thou b b Euen to shew what shal befal thy people , as it was tolde vers. 14. wherefore I am come vnto thee ? And now I will returne to c c A 120 yeeres after this vision , great Alexander set on Asia . Now whereas Cyrus perished in the Scythian warres , soone after the hinderance of the Temple : and Cambysessone after by a wound in the thigh ▪ geuen by himself against his wyll : and Darius Hystaspis lyued but 43. Y. ( in Ctesias ) aged about 20. Y. at Tomyris and Cyrus warre , and for Esters sake , had somewhat a longer reigne , that Darius her sonne ( by the Iewes ) myght be of some good yeres to helpe Iudah , when he reigned in Xerxes absence , & styl after : and Xerxes great army perished , to the astonishment of all the world : we must in all those affayres , looke vnto the Angels speach : and consider the gouernment of God , by the army of heauen for Iudah , tearmed the Army of heauen . And likewyse for the kings that reigned after Darius , that buylt Ierusalem : that they had somewhat better successe : yf we enter into the sanctuary of this vision , we may see what the counsell of God was touching them : and vse heathen stories , for a commentary vpon this place . fight with the Prince of Paras : and when I am c c A 120 yeeres after this vision , great Alexander set on Asia . Now whereas Cyrus perished in the Scythian warres , soone after the hinderance of the Temple : and Cambysessone after by a wound in the thigh ▪ geuen by himself against his wyll : and Darius Hystaspis lyued but 43. Y. ( in Ctesias ) aged about 20. Y. at Tomyris and Cyrus warre , and for Esters sake , had somewhat a longer reigne , that Darius her sonne ( by the Iewes ) myght be of some good yeres to helpe Iudah , when he reigned in Xerxes absence , & styl after : and Xerxes great army perished , to the astonishment of all the world : we must in all those affayres , looke vnto the Angels speach : and consider the gouernment of God , by the army of heauen for Iudah , tearmed the Army of heauen . And likewyse for the kings that reigned after Darius , that buylt Ierusalem : that they had somewhat better successe : yf we enter into the sanctuary of this vision , we may see what the counsell of God was touching them : and vse heathen stories , for a commentary vpon this place . gone away , the Prince of Iauan commeth .

But I will shew thee what is written in the Scripture of trueth . And there is none that strengtheneth him selfe with me in these thinges , but Michael d d This attribute sheweth who Michael must needes be holden : not a created angel : but the only Archangel , & the captayne of the host of the Lord , the sonne of God , who thought it no robbery to be equal with God . And so much the name signifieth . Only Christ standeth for his church : which al the world seeketh to oppresse . your Prince .

CHAP. 11. Gabriel geueth now an exposition of the matters figured by the Image : great , goodly , and tirrible : by the beastes that came out of the Sea : and by the other that battered at the riuer Vlai , in more particuler sort , then the former three expositions of those three visions shewed the matter : so that this is the seauenth time , that the same nations are spoken off : thrise figured , and as often expounded afore . This speach teacheth of their particular dealinges , in such playnnes , as the Heathen afterwardes penned their doinges . He reckoneth how many kinges of Persia shal be soone cut off , or ouerthrowen , for hindering the worke of the Temple . Thence , he passeth ouer to great Alexander , and geueth an abridgement of all his stories : his arising , his fall , and his houses : of his foure principall successours , of the many others lesser then they , of two the mightiest : whose families should all their time , both , clayme the kingdome of Iudah : And he geueth an historie aforehand of ten Kinges , the ten hornes of the fourth Beast : shewing in them the rigour of the iron legges , and iron teeth : how not only they deuoured Iudah in their taxes , and other yeerely reuenues , but trode it more downe , by their continuall camping in it , from both their chiefe kingdomes . And in Antiochus Epiphanes , the last instrument of wrath against the Holy couenant ; he continueth a long speach , as he was chiefly to be looked vnto : of his treacherous comming vp in Syria , by poysoning his brother : of his preparing against Egypt ( where by the way Iudah felt the beginning of the 2300. dayes oppression : ) of his great successe in his first voyage into Egypt : of the seconde , with bad successe : and his vehementer rage against the Temple , by his returne through Iudea : which rage helde three yeeres and an halfe : of a thirde voyage , wherein he spoyled Egypt exceedingly , and returned through Iudea to Elymais : and of his death by the hand of God . All these thinges are handled of him so particularly , that all the wyse of those dayes might be confirmed to stande to the trueth , seeing aforehand what should be their euent : and all of all ages marke in whom the last visions of Daniel ended , that the prophecies might draw men vnto Christ : and not beyonde him , as the Iewes now adayes woulde peruert his sayinges , and turne them in most senselesse wyse against Christianitie , and to their owne eternall ruine . For all this , Heathen stories are for vs sure witnesses , of the Angels meaning .

A repetition of Babels fall .

AND in the first yeere of Darius the Madaj , a a So that by the Angel the golden head was broken to powder : by the petition of the watcher , the axe was layde to the roote of the tree , & the Lion pluckt , and Balshazar slaine : that the Stons power might be knowen , and the highest myght be seene to sit vpon the fiery throne , with bookes open : and the hand wryting might be perceiued to come from God : and Michael to stand vp . We are lykewyse to regard Christ a gouerner , through al these kinges , that shal reigne before the buyldyng vp of the Temple . So this angelique oration , may be vnto vs as a booke of the warres of God : euen to call prophane writers to the vse of holy stories , and profe of the Gospel , which after these so many particulers , was in the set time to be shewed . I stoode a strength and a fortresse vnto him .

¶ Of 4. Persian kinges , plagued for the Temple .

And now I will tell thee the b b That is , propriety of the visions of the Image & Beastes : which we may not expound , but according to the Angels commentary : which standeth in matters so famous , that men out of the Church , wyl bring vs stories most exactly agreeyng with the Angels wordes : that our enemies may be good iudges trueth . Yet c c After Darius named afore , Cyrus , Artaxasta , or Artaxerxes called of the Grekes Cambyses : and Achashuerosh , that maryed Ester , called Darius , sonne of Hystaspis . To these three , the Persians gaue these attributes : Cyrus was a father , Cambyses a maister , Darius a whorder vp . Herodot in Thalia three kinges stande vp to Paras : and the d d Xerxes , that receyued from Darius great store , besides the yeerely reuenues . Aeschylus the Greeke poet , in Persis a tragedy , made vpon Xerxes flight , bringeth in Atossa ( that is ) Adassa , talking of this great wealth & how God brought the Persian pride into a net , to spoyle all their riches . So famous God would haue euery part of the Angels oration : that the stages in Graecia myght heare , how for some angring of God , that huge campe and that cloude of men , as Themistocles speaketh , in Heredot ▪ was s●attered , beside al hope of men . fourth shal be farre richer then they all : and through his strength by his riches , he shall a a

Daniel knew without any further telling , what would be the successe , for hinderyng the Temples buyldyng from the firy throne Chap. 7. and from the flamyng eyes Chap. 10. euen that they shold feele the discomfiture of all their strength for that : and haue their former kinges soone cut off . How soone they were cut off , Herodotus and Ctesias will conclude that to vs . For Herodotus maketh Darius Hystaspis to be aged about 20. yeeres , when Cyrus prepared warres against Tamyris , and to die , 6. yeeres before Xerxes entring into Graecia : and by Ctesias he lyued but 43. yeeres . So about 30. yeeres after Cyrus voyage , this story of the Persians fell out : and like the waters of sharpe swift Tigris , the other kinges dayes fled away .

What times of the Persians Gabriel passeth ouer .

Soone after Xerxes voyage , Darius a young king at home , furthereth the Temples worke , and acknowledgeth the hand of God to haue payde Kings and people for their hinderance . Seeing his 20. toucheth the 49. for buyldyng Ierusalem : as it was shewed els where , his second falleth at 32. from the returne . That Iewes and Gentiles may be founde to agree for one purpose by seuerall occasions . The Temple and religion had no further hinderance by the Persians : Wherefore the Angel passeth ouer all their tymes vnto Alexander , yeeres neare 100. Ester , Ezra , Nehemiah , Aggai , and Zachari , shew the further dealinges of those yeeres .

stirre vp all agaynst the kingdome of Iauan .

❧ Of Alexander , and his family .

Afterwardes a mightie b b The belly of brasse , the body of the Leopard : and the notable horne , Alexander the great : with all speede he conquered Asia , and would needes be made a God : vpon the successe , that he did what he listed . Of Iudea he required , that their dates should be taken from his reigne : and all the Sacrificers sonnes borne that yeere , should be called Alexanders . Into Graecia he sent to be helden a God of them . And Callisthenes the Philosopher , that disswaded him from seeking that honour , was caried about in a cage , in a most opprobrious sort . That made him to be cut off quickly , & his family to be rooted out , as the Angel foretelleth . king shall stande vp , and beare a great dominion , and do as he lyst .

And when he standeth vp , his c c Arideus his brother , Philips sonne , was made king in Macedonia : Olympias , Alexanders mother killed him : Cassander killed her , and poysoned Alexanders two sonnes , Hercules and Alexander , Paus . in Boeot . So Alexanders family was rooted out . He that wil see further streames of fyre , issuing from Gods throne , vpon all these families , how Cassander and his house fell , and how all the rest , shall finde this most plentifully marked in Greekes , euen to euery one of his Macedonian Captaynes , how all their families perysh , sauyng two : as God ordeyned afflicters of Iudah . Diodorus Siculus recordeth much of this , in his bookes 18.19.20 . Appian , Pausanias , and Polybius parcels . Thus it was . After Alexanders death , his principal Captaynes agreed , that Alexanders brother Arridaeus , should be King , vntyll his sonnes came to be elder : And Perdiccas should be Regent : and Seleucus in his office , Maister of the Horse : an office next the hyghest . And by counsayle , the Prouinces were thus appoynted : Ptolemy , should haue Egypt : Laomedon , Syria : Phylotas , Lycia : Pithon , Media : Eumenes , Paphlagonia : Antigonus , Pamphylia , Lycia , and great Phrygia : Cassander , Caria , Meleager , Lydia : Leonnatus , Phrygia vpon Hellespontus : Lysimachus , Thrace : Antipater , Macedonia : other prouinces should continue with such as Alexander had placed in them . Hereupon , riuers of fire flamed from the Throne . Dan 7. and the spoylers spoyle them selues . Perdiccas quickly killeth Meleager . Ptolemy setled in Eg●pt , killed the former incumbent Cleomenes , a friende to Perdiccas . Perdiccas commeth agaynst hym with all his power : is soone killed , beyonde all mans expectation . Antipater is then Regent : and the partition altered , and Antigonus made Byshop ( Episcopos ) of Asia : and Seleucus Duke of Babylon . After this , Ptolemy also remoueth Laomedon from Syria ( and Iudea ) and holdeth it . Philotas kilde Pithon : he , and Eumenes are kylde by Antigonus . Antipater dyed by olde age : thereupon styrres in Macedonia roote out Alexanders house , when Olympias kilde Arrideus and Cassander , sonne to Antipater , kilde both Alexanders chyldren . Antigonus he grew myghty , and dryueth Seleucus to flight , from Babylon to Egypt : and becommeth so great , that in Persia he was holden voyde of all controuersie , the Lord of Asia : he had robbed Seleucus of Babylon , and wan Syria from Ptolemy , and subdued vnto hym selfe all from Media to Hellespontus . But Ptolemy recouered much of Syria agayne . He & Cassander rulyng Macedonia in his fathers roome , and Ptolemy and Seleucus , make now the foure heades of the Leopard , and the foure notable HORNES . Lysimachus onely of the small Dukes was least : he also ioyneth agaynst Antigonus . Antigonus the principal of the foure , prepareth agaynst them , and dryueth Ptolemies Garrisons from Syria , and Phoenice or Iudea . Ptolemy sendeth Seleucus to Babylon : who recouereth his owne Countrey : and Antigonus ouercame Ptolemy by sea at Cyprus : where Demetrius his sonne is named a King , by the souldiers . Thereupon the rest also , are , of their souldiers , crowned . At the last , Antigonus is kylde , and his Countries parted among the foure Conquerours . Seleucus obteyned Syria , from Euphratres vnto the sea , and hygh Phrygia : And soone all thence to the ryuer Indus . Here Iudea becommeth litigious , in that Ptolemy had it , lost it , wan it , and lost it agayne : and at ●he last it falleth by a kinde of agreement , for the most part to Seleucus . Lysimachus after this was killed by Seleucus ▪ App. in Syr. And Cassanders chyldren were all kylde . Paus . So , exactly and properly , two houses onely remayne of all Macedonians , that were souldiers with Alexander to be myghty in the worlde : the one in Babylon and the North partes , the other in Egypt . Further matters of these two houses , we may pursue vpon occasion offered from the textes folowyng . kingdome shal be broken , & shal be deuided toward the foure windes of the heauen : and not to his posteritie , nor according to his dominion which he bare : For his kingdome shal be pluckt vp , and be for others beside those .

¶ Of the two legges , ioyned to the belly and sides . cha. 2. the two kingdomes which remayned of Alexanders Princes : which make the fourth beast with ten hornes .

And the a a Ptolemy Lagides the fyrst HORNE . king of the b b Egypt , named vers. 8. & 42. & 43. where Edom , Moab , and Ammon , ioyned togeather , helpe very much to keepe the speach certayne , of what men it was to be vnderstoode . The countries of Ptolemy Lagides are reckoned by the Poet Theocritus thus : Eidyl . 17. Egypt , Pheoenice , the Arabias , Syria , Lybia , Ethiopia , Pamphylia , Cylicia , Lycia , Caria , the Cyclades : the knowledge of this wyl helpe vs for some speaches folowyng in this prophet : and for Ezekiels 38. chapter . South shal be c c Daniel should regard his strength principally , how it toucheth Iudah . And so it fell out . For Ptolemy soone after he helde Egypt , inuaded Iudea : and tooke Ierusalem on a Sabbath , pretending frendshyp , and not hostilitie . Agatharchides Chius , and Ioseph . Antiquit. 12. strong : and an d d Seleucus Nicator , or , Conquerer : the seconde HORNE . other of e e Alexanders , not Ptolemyes : though some take it so , the whole tenour of the speach wyll haue it meant of a seuerall kingdome , and not of Pto. Philadelphus . The Angel speaking to Daniel , knew that he would helpe hym selfe by the matter , in all doubtfull tearmes . And as I touched it afore , he was to speake somewhat darkely , for tht Iewes safety . his Princes , who shal be f f Euen touching Iudea . For though Ptolemy wan it from Laomedon , and often recouered it from Antigonus , yet in the last conquest ouer Antigonus , it was agreed vpon , that Seleucus should hold Syria : as his house pleadeth in Polyb. book . 5. stronger then he , and beare dominion . His dominion shal be the g g Seleucus had kingdomes vnderneath hym 72. and was the greatest of all Alexanders successours . He was so strong , that when vpon a tyme a Bull going to be sacrificed of Alexander , brake loose , he alone set vpon hym , and killed hym with his handes , and no other weapon . Whereupon , he bare in his armes Hornes . App. in Syriac . This heathens obseruation is not vnfit to draw men further to consider : how from his house hornes aryse , in an other respect . He buylt cities through his whole kingdome : Sixteene Antiochias , after his fathers name , and fiue Laodiceas , after his mothers name : nyne after his owne , Seleucias : foure after his wyues , three Apameas , and one Stratonicea . Now the most famous of them were the Seleuciae : the one vpon the Sea ( the myddle Sea ) and Seleucia vpon Tig●is , and Laodiciea in Phoenice ( or the land of Is●ael ) and Antiochia vnder mount Libanus , and Apamea of Syria . Other cities he tearmed by Grecian or Macedonian cities : or by his owne workes , or king Alexanders . Wherefore you shall finde in Syria , and further many of Greeke , many Macedonian cities names : Berroea , Edessa , Perinthos , Maronea , Callipolis , Achaia , Pell● , Oropus , Amphipolis , Arethusa , Astacos , Tegea , Chalcis , Larissa , Herea , Apolonia : and in ●●rthia , S●●●ra , Calliope , Charis , Hecatompolis , Achaia . In the Indian● Alexandreschata . Some are named by victories of Seleucus himselfe : Nicephorion in Mesopotamia ▪ and Nicopolis in that Armenia which is next to Cappadocia . This heathen catalogue of Townes built by one man , is a condemnation of the Rabbine● , that wil not take notice , what king and kingdome must be meant by the Angel , in this place ▪ Aben Ezra confesseth , that the king Gog is here meant : and it is their common graunt ( a● Kimchi sheweth in many of the Psalmes ) that when the house of Gog is ouerthrowen , the Messias reigneth . Then let vs examine Ezekiel with Daniel . Ezekiel chap. 38. nameth Gog , Magog , Meshec , Tubal , Gomer , Togarma : & the North quarters . Paras , Cush and Put , shall ioyne with them . The Greekes there rightly speake , for Mosoch ( as they reade it ) Tubal and Thorgam● ▪ that the Nations about Pontus , Cappadocians , Galathians , Iberes and Armenians , are meant . For in those quarters , those sonnes of Iaphet left monumentes in the names of Nations , Mountaines , or Riuers : which argue who left them , with lesse change in consonantes and vowelles , then Strabo often complaineth that he findeth in Greeke writers for Nations names . So that the confession of Aben Ezra , and the arguments of many our learned , that Seleucidae are meant by Gog in Ezekiel , may well be considered here , touching the king of the North. And specially Gods goodnesse : how by the state of the time , all the world might know , when Christ was to come into the world : and be acquainted with one tongue wherein the Apostles might write . Ezekiel telleth that when Gog , the Seleucidae were ouerthrowen , the Lord would be glorified ouer all the earth . Now seeing the Seleucidae were Greekes , and continued their strength by Greekes officers and armies : as also the Ptolomies : by this meanes the Greeke tongue spread long before ouer the west , bare sway also ouer the East & South . And when Romans , whose owne proper language was Latin , had ouerrun all those dominions and spake in all their gouernment a strange language in Seleueus townes : all might know that Christ was to be borne soone after . And to this day the Iewes hold , that vpon Gogs fall , Christes comming ought to be : as Kimchi named by me aboue very often , and Rambam in More Nebuchim . Christians who make Ezekiel in Gog speake of things to fall out after the comming of Christ , vnto the end of the world , haue been a great furtherance of many Iewes eternall destruction : and entang●●ng also much of this Chapter and their owne ruine . greatest dominion .

Of the mixture of Iron and Clay , how the two parted Kingdome , the two legges ; Dan. 2. ioyned in mans seede , and Mariages , cleaueth together as Iron and Clay : a daughter of the South king being giuen to the Northren .

And at the ende of a a About 70. after Alexanders death . certaine yeares , b b The Lagidae and the Seleucidae . they shal be ioyned together : and the kings c c Bernice D. to Pt. Philadelphus . daughter of the South , shall come to the king of the d d Antiochus Theos , or the God : who had already a wife called Laodice , by whom he was poysoned : Berenice , by her sonnes kilde with her child and all her traine : & Philadelphus soone after this mariage , dyed . North to make agreement . But she shall not retaine the strength of the arme : Neither shall he stand and his arme . And she shall be giuen ouer , and they that brought her , and he that begat her , and e e The states of Asia , Iust. 27. her strengthener , in those dayes .

But an f f Ptol. Euergetes . impe from her roots shall stand vp in his * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a word not vsed afore . place and he shall come against the army : & shall come into the force of the g g Seleucus Callinicus . king of the North , and deale against them , and win .

And their Goddes , with their h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vnuowelled is either Idols , or else high states That maketh Translaters differ . And the allusion is pleasant : how the Angell comforteth Iuda , in that the Idolatrous are as the Idolles with God : And extremely taunteth the superstition , of Magog or Hierapolis . states , with their precious vessels of siluer and gold , shall he cary into captiuitie into i i The name of Egypt in a storie of Alexanders successours , must needes cut off all controuersie , touching the king of the North , and Magog : that none but Seleucidae can be the men . So that the verie name Egypt being vsed here , in the storie which all Heathen would presently acknowledge to set forth Ptolemie surnamed Euergetes , that is , Gracious Lord , for spoyling Syria , and againe in the end of the Chapter . vers. 42. and 43. and in an history no lesse then a Prophecie of Antiochus Epiphanes king of Syria , spoyling Egypt : this one terme might haue kept both Iewes and Gentiles , from bringing the Romans or Turkes to be meant here , in these stories , opening properly the Image , and the Beast . But as we bring the prophane Empire into those sayings which are spoken of Antiochus Epiphanes : So the Iewes Raloag and Aben Ezra saw no reason why the continuers of the Empire , Constantine ▪ and other Christians : and the Turke might not be brought in : If once men graunt that these matters fall out in the last dayes : and not as reason required drawe vnto Christ his first comming . And because it is euident , that Christ was not to come , vntill these matters fell out : vpon a false suppositon borrowed from vs , they continue a leprosie of the worlde . A sufficient preseruatiue against which , the Angell left one word , euen Egypt : vsing it once , twise , thrise . So one word spoken in due forme , is like Apples of gold , and wittie workes of siluer . Prou. 25.10 . Egypt . And he shall stand , yeares , aboue the king of the North.

How Heathen that neuer knew Daniel recorde the euent of this matter .

THe Heathen for this story , as in my former of Greeks , must be my warrant . Thus it dependeth vpon the friendship which was betwixt Ptolemie Lagides and Seleucus Nicator : who * * Diodorus booke 17.18.19.20 . ioyned helpe continually , to make them selues strong . Magas , sonne to Ptolemie Lagides , brother by mother also vnto Pt. Philadelphus maried the daughter of Antiochus Soter , sonne to Seleucus . He , vndertaking warres against his brother Philadelphus , caused his father in law to breake the league , which Seleucus and Lagides their two fathers made . Therupon Philadelphus sendeth forces into Antiochus countries , Which falleth out after the death of Soter , and not long before the death of Philadelphus . to busie him at home . This much Pausanias recordeth in Atticis . This breach wearying both sides , might wel force them to seeke a new attonement , which here the Angell telleth : and Appiane the prophane writer , doth recorde for good diuinitie vse , in these wordes in Syriac . After Seleucus , the first successour was Antiochus , surnamed Soter , that is , a Sauiour : because he droue the * * Brennus from Britanie and Fraunce then did warre into the East . French out of Asia : He married his stepmother Stratonice , like to dye for loue of her : the Phisitian Erasistratus told the father . Which matter is most famous in many Heathen writers : and among them infamous . And 2. Cor. 5. the H. Gh. seemeth to call his storie into minde . Next , vnto him was Antiochus begotten by that mariage , called of the Milesians Theos , the God , because he did put downe their Tyrant Timark . This God was poysoned by his wife : two he had , Laodice , and Berenice , the DD. of Ptolemie Philadelphus . Laodice kild him , and after him Berenice , and an infant of Berenices . In reuenge of that , Ptolemie her brother , being then king , killeth Laodice , marcheth vnto Syria , and vnto Babylon : and now first the Parthians rebell , vpon the stirres in the kingdome of the Seleucidae . Deut. 32. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thou all might see who is the true God , when the very enemies are sufficient iudges . Foretel euents without helpe , none but God can . Here an Angell from God foretelleth matter most fit for the Iron & Clay shewed to Nebuchadnezar 68. yeares ago : and ●n heathen is an indefferent recorder of the euent . And we see then who be the persons which the Angell speaketh off , what daughter , of a father king of Egypt , is maried , and to what king of Syria , what successe it had : and who being an impe from her rootes reuengeth her death , and inuadeth the others kingdome : The not marking of this point hath postered all libraries with books giuing strength vnto Iewes and Turkes , to make Christians thought senslesse , and condemning their owne selues : in far the greatest part of our own writings . The learned of late see it . The vnlearned should not striue . To the legs of the Image these matters belong . how they seeke by mariages to make agreement : which cleaueth together no better , then Iron and Clay , but that the marier and marie● , dye for it : and the killers with the killed , pay for their doings . These be most noble examples : to shew the iustice of the Iudge sitting vpon a fierie Throne . He that maried his fathers wife : ( which verie mariage is most famous and infamous among the Heathen ) first is troubled with warres for his owne daughter : that his incestuous sonne is driuen for peace , to mary vnto the disturbance of all his kingdome : and admitting a title of God , dyeth not a men , but by poysoning from his owne wife . Of Seleucus Callinicus Iustine writeth ▪ and bestoweth his ●7 . B●oke to be a verie fit Commentarie for the storie of this Prophecie , and for the iustice of Gods iudgement . There Seleucus , through Laodices pricking forward , beginneth his reigne with the death of his stepmother Bernice , and her child Ptolemy her brother warreth : the Cities in Asia reu●●● . Seleucus fleate wra●● : he scant saued his naked bodie● 〈◊〉 brother Antiochus banked for his kingdome , tell robbers kild him : Eumenes was much from him : Ptolemy , and the French spoyled him : He dyed by a fall off an house : so paying for his murther ▪ This the Heathen noteth .

So the king of the South shall come into the kingdome : and a a If by sedition at home he had not bene called home : he had easily won all the kingdome of Syria Iust. 27 returne into his owne land .

Of Antiochus surnamed the Great .6 . horne .

But his b b Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus the Great . Of them Appian Alexandreus wrot thus . After Theos , Seleucus the sonne of Theus and Laodice reigneth in Syria , syrnamed Callinicus . After Seleucus , two sons of Seleucus : ( either according to his age ) Seleucus and Antiochus . Seleucus being weake and poore , & vnable to rule his armie , was poysoned by his friends , and reigned onely two yeares . Antiochus was syrnamed Megas , or the great : and reigned 37. yeares . These be the two kings which here be meant . And an heathen indifferent , euen Appian sheweth vnto vs why the Angel ●hould name them in the plural number : & soone turne ●o the singular . Polybius recordeth to the same effect : Booke 4. in these words . Antiochus was the yonger sonne of Seleucus Callinicus . He vpon his fathers death , when the kingdome came to his brother , at the first led a priuate life , in the higher part of the kingdome . Soone after , when his brother passed ouer the Mount Taurus with his forces , and was killed by guile , he obteined the kingdome : being then not past fifteene . Also for the time Polybius writeth thus . About one time Ptolemy left this life by sicknesse , & Ptolemy called Philopator succeeded in the kingdom . At the same time Seleucus fitz Seleucus Callinicus or Pogon departed this life , & Antiochus his brother succeeded in the kingdome of Assyria . This was by his account about 100. yeares after Alexanders death . These be thou are good co● enters for this , too as for all the rest . sonnes shall warre , and gather a multitude of great forces : And the one shall c c Antiochus continued voyages and ouerflowed with prosperou● successe . Now he was restored ▪ a● the Angel telleth Polybius vnwares expoundeth Daniel ▪ Booke .5 . He sheweth how Diodotus Lieutenant to Philopator in Coelesyria , ( wherein Iudea is ) euill recompenced for good seruice , agreed with Antiochus to yeeld vnto him the Cities in Coelesyria . He willingly accepted that hope : and the matter was put in speedy execution . By the way he wan Seleucus his ance●tour● strongest hold , situated betwixt Cilicia and Phoenice , vpon the sea that is betwixt Cyprus and Phoenice , which Euergetes wanne from his father , and Philopator held . Presently Diodotus sent him word , that he held Ptolemais himselfe for him , and Tyrus by one Panaetolus . One Nicolaus from Philopator besieged Diodotus : but Antiochus campe raised the siege , & wan both Townes well furnished for warres . Then lesser townes yeelded without resistance . When Ptolemy openly betrayed , neither could , nor sought to help . So Antiochus recouered the most places of Syria and Phoenice . continue voyages , and ouerflow and ouer-run , & shal be restored , and shall warre at the others fortresse .

Of the great Armies of Antiochus and Ptolemy Philopator .

Polybius recordeth , how Antiochus was put in hazard for all his kingdome beyond Taurus , by Molon & Alexander two brethren , who despising his young yeares , meant to haue hold all . Christians must marke , that God wil haue his word true besides mans hope . His elder brother Sel. Cerannus was soone dispatched . But that Gods word may be cleare : the other finding his owne mightiest seruants rebels : God , beside his hope , doth bring them to horrible killing of themselues , & hath his enemies ( as Theodotus aboue named ) mightiest traytors for him : he represseth ( being a child ) his home enemies : and also beside hope , preuaileth by his forraine : so farre as God had foretold . But when so much is accomplished , then as farre againe beyond mans expectation , God peyseth the ballaunce to the other side . Ptolemy Philopator fled to Memphis his chief strength . Agathocles and Sosibius , his chiefe gouernors and counsellers , had no better hope of safetie , then to seeke delay by sending Ambassadors for peace : and stirred the Rhodians , Byzantians , Cyzicens , and Actolos to do the same . Whence when they came to both kings , they found oportunity for Ptolemy to prepare all things needfull for warres . Captaines of Greekes of best fame , and of all sor●●● are obtained . Souldiers from other bandes called vnto this seruice , are dayly practised for all cheualrie : and the Ambassadors from Antiochus vnto Ptolemy are ●n Memphis most gently entertained : but see not what preparation he maketh in Alexandria . Antiochus hauing obtained the most part of Syria and Phoenice , had no great care to practise his Armie : but thought , that he should without warre haue the rest to yeeld : and that Ptolemy durst neuer now hazard his whole estate . In this hope he thought to match Ptolemies Ambassadours , who came to him vnto Seleucia , as much by pretence of iustice , as by strength .

Here we may see how the counsell of God is brought about in mans confusion : that Iudaea should be stil vexed , betwixt two kingdomes mightie North and South : & the legs of Daniels Image beare a proportion from him which proportioned all the earth .

This particular naming of places neare Iudaea may serue to many good purposes , beside the present argument of shewing what special care the gracious goodnes of God had , for to make these matters cleare which might allure all the world vnto Christ .

Antiochus sayd , that his surprizing of Seleucia was no iniurie vnto Ptolemie : because those quarters were won from Antigonus Monophthalmus by Ptolemies helpe for Seleucus , not for him selfe : and that then also Coele Syria by agreement was graunted vnto Seleucus , that Ptolemy warred for Seleucus , and not for him selfe : and that this was the common graunt of all the Kings . When Cassander , Lysimachus , Seleucus ouercame Antigonus , they sware that Coele Syria should belong to Seleucus . The Ambassadour , from Ptolemy spake for their side , of great Leage-breach , of Theodotus treason , of Antiochus inuasion of Ptolemy Lagides possessions : saying , that Lagides helpt Seleucus vpon this condition , that Seleucus should haue Asia , and he should hold Coele Syria and Phoenice to himselfe : but after long debuting nothing was concluded : and thereupon Antiochus prepared to winne the rest of Syria . But Gaza is fortified by Ptolemy . Sundrie townes Polybius reckeneth that he conquered : Through he commeth to Berytos , recouering Botrys and Theou Prosopon . He burnt Trieris and Calamus by the way . Of Sidon he missed : but wanne Philoteria set vpon Iordan . Thence he commeth to Atabyrion , ( Tabor ) on a Mountaine fifteene furlongs high , and surpriseth it . There Hippolochus a Thessalian falleth vnto him from Philopator , to his great encouragement , hauing foure hundred horse . Pella , Camous , Gephron , Abila , Galatis , became also his . And Gadara , one of the strongest holds there . In Arabia , Tarabata Massana was won by him with much paines : & thereupon Rabat Aman , where , companies that shrunke vnto him , he sent to keepe the quarters of Samaria . All this Polybius recordeth , that we may looke vnto the Angels words , how he should prosper , so farre as the Angel sayd : Make voyages , and ouerflowe , and recouer his fathers losses : and come euen vnto the fortresse of Egygt , to fight with the King of the South , at his owne Fortresse at Raphia : Of which towne Strabo speaketh thus ; Beyonde Gaza standeth * * In th' Arab . Geogr. it is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : where 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : that is , standing high after the Arab. is the fittest notation . Raphia , where the field was fought betweene Ptolemy the fourth , and Antiochus the great . Then Rinocolura , Syrbonis , and other parts of Egypt . So famous God would haue the Angels terme here of Fortresse to be .

Of Ptolemy Philopator , and his Armie gotten to be great , against Antiochus the great : after which victorie he is a seauenth Horne to Iudah .

And the king of the South shall * * The Angel vseth Daniels terme , Cha. 8.7 . spoken no elsewhere , shewing his notice , reuerence , and loue to Daniel . deale fiercely , and d d Polybius liuing with Scipio the noble warrier in this age recordeth this warre , in more particulars , then Penelope saw the description of the Troian : where was Simois , where Priamus palace , where Achilles , where Vlysses tents : and all other affaires . He describeth Raphia where they fought : how it is the next Citie to Egypt after Rinocolura : and neare Gaza . He reckeneth the chieftaines , of what nation they were : what companies , and what nations they had vnder them : of what number , as Ptolemies footemen 70000. Horse 5000. Elephants 73. Antiochus footmen 62000. Horse 6000. Elephants 102. Also he telleth all the fighting : where at the last , beyond all hope , Philopater hath a great victorie , and such an hand ouer Antiochus , that if he could haue pursued with courage , he might haue spoyled him of his kingdome . The 12. v. may well containe the pride of Philopater against God , and destruction of the Iewes : handled Mach. 3. And as well may be applied vnto the greatnesse of his victorie , and licentiousnesse thereupon : which Iustine booke 30. doth note to haue bene the beginning of the decay of his court . Also Polybius noteth , that Cleomenes king of Spar● , being with him a prisoner , seeing his behauiour , vpon aduantage slue him . come forth and fight with the other , with the king of the North : and shall set forth a great multitude , and the other multitude shall be giuen into his hand .

And that multitude shal be ouerthrowne : and his hart will be hautie : and hauing cast downe tennes of thousands , yet he shal not be of force .

For the king of the North shall againe e e All these matters may best be handled together : proceeding in one tenor of victories . We may see here most liuely howe Iudaea is wasted by the fourth beast , which hath teeth of iron & steely weapons : & how it treadeth vnder foote that which it doth not eat . Ioseph . Ant. 12.3 . toucheth the most of all this . How Antiochus wanne Iudea : how after Philopaters death , Antiochus Epiphanes sent Scopas into Syria , who recouered many townes , and by warres ouercame Iudea : how Antiochus not long after ouercame Scopas , & destroyed a great part of his armie : how the Iewes yeelded vnto him willingly : and holpe him to besiege Ptolemies garrisons which held the castle . For all this , Polybius booke 16. is cited of Iosephus , that the heathen stil may be iudges of Daniel . Also he recordeth the placing of his daughter Cleopatra to Ptolemy Epiphanes : yeelding vnto him Coele Syria , Samaria , Iudea & Phoenice , in the name of a dowrie . Moreouer he recordeth what fauour he shewed vnto the Iewes for their willingnesse of subiection , and affording victuals vnto his armie : how he restored Ierusalem , left almost voyd of men ( so it was wasted by his armies afore , and warres of contrarie victors ) and how he graunted many immunities for the Citizens and the Priests . All this from the verie Decree of Antiochus . Moreouer he touched Lydia & Phrygia reigned by Antiochus : and how from Mesopotamia and Babylonia he remoued thither 2000. families of Iewes : as the most trustie of all his subiectes , & fittest to represse all stirres there that the Lagidae made vpon losse of those countreys . And for proofe of his narration he bringeth an whole Epistle of Antiochus written to his Generall Zeuxis . That record testifieth how manie Iewes resisted the king of the North. Now touching them which were caried away by Philopaters allurements , to be lawlesse , and to forsake religion , Antiochus Decree graunting all Iudah their owne lawes , containeth also in effect the rooting out of the other : and plaine reason would tell that Iudah would stirre him vnto that . Their allurements from religion is touched . Machab. 3. how the king of Egypt entised Iewes vnto Atheisme . Appian also in his Syriaques toucheth much of this : how Antiochus wanne from Ptolemy , Syria and Cilicia : and came with an exceeding great armie : how he pretended the giuing of his daughter in mariage to Ptolemy : and yet thought to haue inuaded Egypt : and missing of that hope gaue to Ptolemy his daughter , and Syria in dowrie . This much the heathen knew . The Angell telleth euen his heart and counsell : that by his daughter he thought to haue dispatched Ptolemy Philometor : and noteth his dulnesse : how when he meant to dispatch the other , his action tended rather to destroy her . But that she tooke another safer course . Also for the Isles , that is Greekes countreys , and the beginning of falling out with the Romanes Appian doth record that . He nameth Hellesponteos , Aeoleas , Ionas , Phocaea , Euboia , Delos , Samos , conquered by him : and also his going ouer vnto Thrace . And how Smyrnaei with Lampsaceni and other● resisting him , sent Ambassadours vnto the Romane Proconsul : who debated the matter with Antiochus , why he should come from Media to Hellespontus with so great an armie : and why he tooke Syria and Cilicia from Ptolemie : how after many other Ambassages , nothing toward peace falling out , & Antiochus raigning ouer many and mightie nations set vpon the sea coasts , and Romanes being killed and captiued in Delos , the Romane warres brake out ▪ and Lucius Scipio the Consul●s ordained General : The 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 or state here named : To whom the famous warrior Scipio Africanus the first is ioyned an assistant . Now Annibal 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , his aduersarie , the Carthaginian was with Antiochus : yet that Gods counsel might stand , he could not rule Antiochus with his best counsels , to haue inuaded Italie and haue wasted it : as Annibal had done . But in Graecia he fought , and vpon small losses he fled : voyd of all counsell , leauing strong holds full of treasure , armour , and victuals whole for the enemie ; still complaining that God was against him : and dealing as one from whom : God had taken away all iudgement . He sought after this peace with great offers : but liked not of refusall , and fought againe , and was put to extreme shame , as the Angel here doth terme it . These were the conditions . That he should relinquish all Europe , and all Asia , vnto the Mount , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , called so 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , by the greatnes , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Which name sheweth the East tongues much alike : through the East it reached . He might not come further West : besides he should yeeld vp all his Elephants : and so many ships as he should be commaunded : should giue twenty hostages such as the Generall should prescribe , and for the charges of the warres forthwith 500. Euboica Talents , and in 12. yeares twelue hundreth , by equall yearely portions , and restore all captiues . These conditions of shame he was faine to take . And among the pledges Antiochus his sonne was one : who , being of as bad disposition as an Antichrist , starteth hereafter from Rome to be ouer the people of God : that we should lesse maruell , when the like should arise there againe . Appian recordeth these matters for Greekes : Liuie , more at large for the countreys of Latine studies : and Iustine for children : that if we had applyed these stories of Cleopatras mariage in Egypt , and Berenices into Syria , Assyria , or Babylonia , we might see the legges of Daniels Image expounded : and when we marked such sedition springing hence that ouerthrew both kingdomes , and the chiefest here handled and all written euen of heathen , we might see how sure Daniels words are : who saw , that as iron could not be mixed with clay , so these affinities of one Macedonian kindred should neuer hold sure atonement . set foorth a greater multitude then the former . And at the end of times ( that is , yeares ) he shall come often with a mightie armie and great riches .

Wherfore in those times many shal stand against the king of the South . But the lawlesse children of thy people will be caried away , at the stablishing of the vision , and shall come to nothing .

And the king of the North shall come and cast vp mounts , and shal surprise any the strongest towne : & the armes of the South shall not be able to withstand him : nor his chosen people , nor any kind of strength be to withstand .

But he that cometh against him shall do what he list , and none shall stand before him . And he shall stand in the land Tzeby : and it shall he wasted by his * * Heb. hand . forces .

And he shall set his face to come with the might of all his kingdome , pretending matter of agreement : which he shall bring about . For he shall giue him a daughter of women , euen as to destroy her . But she will not stand : I meane , she will not be for him .

And he shall turne his face vnto the † † So in Gen. 10. the countreys of Graecia all about Hellespont , are termed : as Daniel knew & heathen should not know . Isles , and take many . But a state shal make his shame rest on him selfe : without his owne shame he shall pay him againe .

The death of Antiochus the great .

And he shall turne his face vnto the fortes of his owne land : but he f f Iustin . b. 32. sheweth that Antiochus being prest by the Romanes with an heauie tribute , either for couetousnesse or for necessitie , as he went to spoyle a temple Dindymei Iouis , he was killed . Strabo an ancienter , speaketh more likely : that going about to rob a temple of Bel in Elam , the nation did set vpon him and killed him . The Angel telleth that his ruine should be in his own land . Now the Angels speech : He shal be no more found : that , toucheth the maner of his death : as he was killed by a tumult Barbarian in sacriledge : and left voyd of all glorie . Thus the sixt horne was broken : as the seuenth Ptolemie Philopator by Cleomenes . Polyb. 5. shal be ouerthrowne and fall , and be no more found .

Of Seleuc. Philopator , the 9. Horne .

Then shall stand vp in his * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . lieu or steed , the Angels terme , new , but plaine in forme . place , a sender foorth of an extortioner : in the honour of the kingdom . But he shal be broken within few dayes : yet not in open anger nor in battell .

Of Antiochus Epiphanes the 10. horne , in whom the iron of the Syriaque legge doth end , and on whom the rest of Daniel goeth : how he is a litle horne , a plucker away of three before him : of his * * Seleueus Philopater loued his fathers steps of Church-robbing . Iason of Cyren abridged by him which wrote the second of the Machabees , sheweth how Seleucus would haue robbed the Temple of Ierusalem . Although that booke is full of Rabbique trickes , and hath some openly Talmudicall , as making Nehemias to be all one with Zorobabel , the builder of Altar and Temple , as the Babylonian Talmud doth in Sanedrin , & hath many childish flourishes , yet as we vse heathen euen fables for substance of a narration , though couered with light stuffe : we may cite that author for so much : hearing from God by heathen what Seleucus would be . His poysoning is here described : a breaking , not by face to face , not by warres . So close guile , as poysoning must be the third kind . Appian in Syriaques sheweth all : thus , When Antiochus the Great was dead , Seleucus his sonne succeeded . And he did set free his brother Antiochus from the Romanes hostage , yeelding his sonne Demetrius in lieu of him . Now when Antiochus returned from hostage , and was about Athens , Seleucus dyeth by the trecherie of one Heliodorus that was about him . That Heliodorus vsurped the reigne : but Eumenes and Attalus remoue him : and settle Antiochus in it , winning that mans fauour : being now vpon offences in suspition of the Romanes . And so Antiochus the sonne of Antiochus the great obteined the reigne of Syria . He had his syrname Epiphanes , because the kingdome being catched at by others , he cometh to be seene their king . Mark how the Angel touched all these matters and moe . brother ( by Heliodorus sleight , though he after would haue raigned , ) of his brothers sonne , and of his sister Cleopatras sonne : and how he had eyes like a priuate man : and a mouth speaking presumptuous things .

In his place there shall g g Here sixe yeares storie is comprised : how Antiochus was vile as an hostage & prisoner , but viler for his manners ▪ called therefore Epimanes , witlesse , of Polybius in Athenaeus : in whom his maners are noted to be strange : part of them shall be here layd downe . He would ( saith Polybius ) sometimes steale out of the Court from his seruants , into any part of the citie , and be a second or a third in any companie : often found in golddsmithes shops , and a companion with the common sort , and the basest strangers that came to towne : & when he should perceiue any youths minding a drinking together , he would steale vpon them , with his pot and Musique : that the most part would for the strangenesse leaue the company . Also oftentimes casting off his royall robes , he would walke in a gowne in the courtes , crauing an office , and taking one by the hand , embracing another , he would desire them to giue him a voyce : sometimes that he might be Steward of the market : sometimes Shiriffe : and obtaining his office he would sit in an iuorie chaire , after the Romanes maner , and heare the market bargains with great sadnesse : wherby the better sort could not tell what to thinke of him : some thought him verie simple : some others starke mad . Likewise in his gifts he was no wiser . He would giue some , dise , some , dates , some gold : & meeting some whom he neuer saw afore , he would bestow vpon them vnhoped rewards : in sacrifices and honouring the God , he passed all that haue reigned . The Olympeion of Athens , and the huge image at Delos altar shew that . He vsed to wash him in the common bathes , full of the basest sortes : and had tankards of the dearest ointments caried in for him . Where when a certaine man sayd : Happy are you Kings , which vse such sweete sentes : he sayd nothing then , but on the morow , as the other was bathing him selfe , he came vpon him , and caused a verie great pot of the dearest ointment stacte , to be powred on his head , that all standing by tombled in ointment : & some falling downe for the slipperinesse caused laughter , as did the King him selfe . What infinite thousandes of poundes he bestowed on a Triumph , hauing heard of Paulus Aemylius the Romane Generall , it would be too long to tell . That fell out when he had spoyled Aegypt , in his last voyage . And this of Polybius will serue , to shew his spoiling nature here touched . How he came by his kingdom , and was able to ouerflow . Appian aboue shewed that , euen by two wealthie kings helpes . His pretence of right was the society made with his brother : who ( I thinke ) is here named the Prince of the couenant , or agreement . To meane it of Ptolemy Philometor who reigned first sixe yeares after him , it may be thought somewhat harder . The spoiling and robbing of his owne countrey , may well be vnderstood to be for Attalus and Eumenes armies that made him king against the states will : who denied him the honor of the kingdomes . He began to reigne in . 137 of the Greeks . 1. Mach. Which account must be taken from Alexanders death and not begin 14 yeares later : where men imagine , that because then Alexanders family was vtterly rooted out , & the Captaines were called first kings , they fixed their date . For if Claudius Ptolemie say true , that from the first of Nabonassar 424. Alexander dyed , & the seuenth of Philometor is thence 574. The first of Philometor being at 142. after Alexanders death , his seuenth should be at Antiochus his first , and so he could not be set vpon by Antiochus . This sheweth what vncertaintie heathen haue in their supposed exquisite particulars . And herein Codoman deserueth prayses for amending the common errour from Greekes : as we expounde them . Likewise the Romanes recordes for Paulus Aemilius go hard , whose triumph falleth after Antiochus death by the former recknings . My partener Beroaldus herein twise followed the common errour , which by the way I was to amend . stand vp a vile person : to whom they shall not giue the honour of the kingdome : but he shall come quietly , and get the kingdome by subtleties .

And by armes ouerthrowing they shal be ouerthrowne before him , and shal be broken , as also the * * Seleueus Philopater loued his fathers steps of Church-robbing . Iason of Cyren abridged by him which wrote the second of the Machabees , sheweth how Seleucus would haue robbed the Temple of Ierusalem . Although that booke is full of Rabbique trickes , and hath some openly Talmudicall , as making Nehemias to be all one with Zorobabel , the builder of Altar and Temple , as the Babylonian Talmud doth in Sanedrin , & hath many childish flourishes , yet as we vse heathen euen fables for substance of a narration , though couered with light stuffe : we may cite that author for so much : hearing from God by heathen what Seleucus would be . His poysoning is here described : a breaking , not by face to face , not by warres . So close guile , as poysoning must be the third kind . Appian in Syriaques sheweth all : thus , When Antiochus the Great was dead , Seleucus his sonne succeeded . And he did set free his brother Antiochus from the Romanes hostage , yeelding his sonne Demetrius in lieu of him . Now when Antiochus returned from hostage , and was about Athens , Seleucus dyeth by the trecherie of one Heliodorus that was about him . That Heliodorus vsurped the reigne : but Eumenes and Attalus remoue him : and settle Antiochus in it , winning that mans fauour : being now vpon offences in suspition of the Romanes . And so Antiochus the sonne of Antiochus the great obteined the reigne of Syria . He had his syrname Epiphanes , because the kingdome being catched at by others , he cometh to be seene their king . Mark how the Angel touched all these matters and moe . Prince of the couenant .

Through the ioyning together with whom , he shall worke deceiptfully : and shall come vp and ouercome with a small people .

Vnto a quiet state , and vnto the fatnesse of the countrey shall he come : and he shal do that which his fathers haue not done : nor his fathers fathers : he shall spoile and rob : and scatter riches among them : also he shall forecast deuises against the strong holds : and this for a good while .

The dealings of Antiochus Epiphanes touching Ptolemie Philometor and Iudah : whence the troubles of Iuda . 1. Mach. begin .

Also he h h With Antiochus dealings against Aegypt his doings against Iudaea fall out . it he was to take still in his way . His inuasion of Aegypt is handled in Liuie booke . 45. How he pretended to helpe there one brother against the other , ( two Ptolemies they were : ) and wan all Aegypt but Alexandria , and left it to th' elder brother : But he had a great garrison still at Pelusium . That made the elder brother suspect him : and thanke him but onely for a fashion for all his helpe : here it is told . The brethren agreed : Antiochus returned with a fleet by sea , and campe by land into Aegypt , and requireth Cyprus to be graunted him , with Pelusium and the soyle about it . Ptolemie craueth the Romanes ayde : who then had their fleet neare , Popilius is sent with letters from the Romane state commanding Antiochus to depart from Aegypt : the king taking the letters said he would consult vpon an answer : Then Popilius draweth a circle about him with his staffe , and biddeth him consult within that . He was fayne to yeeld , though it greeued him to the hart . Ptolemie thanketh the Romanes as hauing his kingdome by their fauour : and Antiochus likewese sendeth to Rome word that they shall in all things commaunde him . So we see how these legges draw now to be clay like : and how the little horne hath broken once three hornes , his brother , his sonne Demetrius and his sisters sonne king of Aegypt , whereby the mariages make iron to be clay . shall stirre-vp his strength and his hart against the king of the South , with a great armie : and the king of the South shall combat in warre with an armie very great and strong : But he shall not stand , because they will cast deuises for him .

And they that eate * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 vsed Daniel 1. only and here . the portion of his meate shall breake him : and the other army shall ouerflow , and many slaine shall fall .

And both the kings harts shal be set on mischief : & at one table leasing will they speake : But it shall not prosper : for the end is yet to come at a set time .

And he shall returne into his land with great riches : And shall set his hart against the holy couenant : and practise , and preuaile , and returne into his owne land .

And at a set time he shall come againe into the South : but it shall not be as the former , and as a later voyage .

For shippes of Chittim shall come against him : wherefore he shall fret , yet returne , and fume against the holy couenant : and practise , and returne and haue intelligence with them that forsake the holy couenant .

And armes shall stand on his part , which shall pollute the Sanctuary of strength , and shall take away the continuall sacrifice , & they shal set vp their lothsome faithlesse worker of desolation .

The dealing of Antiochus against Iudaea .

I Thinke it good to touch briefly all Antiochus dealings against Iudaea here together : which are conteind vers. 28. and from vers. 30. vnto vers. 40. wholly . Thus it standeth : at his going to Aegypt he delt with the Iewes that forsake Gods Law : and there begin the dayes 2300. in the 142. since Alexanders death . In 143. he returneth and dealeth in open crueltie : then he had further intelligence with them tha forsake thet holy couenant . This is plentifully handled in 1. M●ch . 1. vers. 23. how he polluted and robbed the temple . After two full yeares . 145. of the Greekes . Iason a mischieuous dealer against the holy couenant with 1000. men did set vpon Ierusalem , and made great slaughter , sparing none . Now Antiochus returning , from Aegypt , and knowing this , thought that the nation would rebell , and minded to weaken them more . 2. Mach. 5.11 . He surprised the holie Citie , hauing Menelaus his leader : who most wickedly forsooke the holie couenant : he destroyed 80000. in three dayes some slaine : some sold : and he charged that no age nor sex should be spared : and such as fled vnto the hous-toppes should be kild cruelly . So young and old , men and women , boyes , gyrles and infants were slaine . This the Angell foretold , that they should fall , by sword , fire , captiuitie , spoiles , & he should not regard the tendernesse of woman . Now touching Antiochus dealings ouer Religions , which the Angell termeth , against euery God , and which phrase S. Paul translateth : against all that is called God or worship , and how he exalteth himselfe against the God of Gods : Polybius toucheth the former , and the bookes of Machabees the later . Thus Polybius in Athenaeus writeth : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . In sacrifices and honours about Gods he surmounted all that euer reigned : Olympieum in Athens : and the huge Images at Delos altar , argue that . The prophane Polybius might thinke of his Religions vehemencie for the vrging , which was for the Iewes , vnto it : which must be countenanced with great charges . And concerning his exalting of him selfe against God for all the Law , dayes 2300. for the temple , Ierusalem , and Gods people with torments and death three yeares and an halfe , the Machabees shew that : whither , once for all I referre the reader . There it will appeare how he did set his hart against the holie couenant : how he had intelligence with the forsakers of the holy couenant , Iason , Menelaus and such which were come to the fulnesse of sinne : how he by great promises allured to mischief the couenant , and much preuailed : how he advaunced in honour heathen whom he fauoured to rule the many in Iuda , and parted the land into a gaine , how armes from his polluted the Sanctuarie with banquetting , harlots and Idolatrous sacrifices ; and inhibited all Moses Religion : and required practise of his heathen , and punished the refusers , many dayes by sword , flame , captiuitie , spoile : how the Machabees were holpen with little helpe : how the teachers by all good example , and giuers of true knowledge in holie couenant were ouerthrowne : As Eleazar their old Scribe , with his most graue oration : and the seuen brethren , who handled this Angels oration most diuinely : all these matters may thence be fetched . And specially how he neuer was moued with the tendernesse of women , but tormented them , against all nations humanitie , for their lawes : that is often and much recorded . But touching his owne concubines , Tarsenses and Malleotae rebell , ( by Theodoret ) for that their towns were giuen to queanes allowance . Now for the God of all might , how in his place he honoreth , yea a God he honoreth whom his fathers knew not , Iupiter Olympius , and causeth the forces of the God of all might to haue a strange God , and maintained by Apollonius the authour of abominations , the most lothsome infidels as the lothsome beastes in Leuiticus and souldiers working desolation : these points all together may be fetched better from the Machabees then here mixed . The Angell was here to take speciall heed that his phrases should be darke for heathen , and cleare for them that knew the Ebrew Prophets style . In opening of them a , speech somwhat long must come in after their translation .

And the wicked dealers against the couenant he shall make prophane by guile : but the people that know their God shall * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 lay hold and practise .

And the teachers among the people shall giue instruction to many : who shall be ouerthrowen by sword and by flame , by captiuitie and by spoyle many dayes .

And when they are ouerthrowen , they shal be holpen with a little helpe : But many shall ioyne vnto them fainedly .

And some of the teachers shal be ouerthrowen , to be tryed , and to be purged , and to be whited , vnto the times end . For the set time is * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mat. 24 6.5 . Is a most oratorious exposition of the phrase . yet to come .

And the king shall do what he list : and exalt him selfe , and magnifie himselfe aboue all ( † † 2. Thess. 2 4. Translateth this better then mans wit would . that is called ) God : and against the God of Gods shall he speake * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 2. Pet. 2. swelling things , and prosper vntill the anger be finished : for a seuere iudgement is to be executed .

And vnto the Gods of his fathers will he haue no regard : likewise vnto the tendernesse of women , or vnto any God he will haue no regard , but will magnifie himselfe aboue all .

As for the God * * The Angel to Daniel or Iere. in 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 is plain , which terme is for God : & not an Idol . Iere. 16.19 . He of purpose vseth all hard terms ? What could be hard vnto a learned Hebrew and who would let enemies know his minde . almightie : in his place he will honour ; yea a God whom his fathers knew not will he honour , with gold & with siluer , and with precious stones and with iewelles .

So he shall deale that the forces of the almightie shall haue a straunge God . Whom he fauoreth he shall greatly aduaunce and make them rulers ouer many : and shall part the land to be a sale .

Antiochus his third voyage into Egypt : against Ptolemie Philometor .

And at the end of time the king of the South shal * * as chap. 8. ● . push at him : & the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind with charet , & horses and shippes many : and shall come through countreys , and flow and passe ouer .

Also he shall come into the Ezek. 20. Tzeby land : and many landes shal be ouerthrowen . But these shal be safe from his hand : Edom and Moab and the chiefe of the sonnes of Ammon .

Also he shall stretch forth his hand ouer countreys : specially the land of Aegypt shall not escape .

But he shall haue power ouer the hid treasure of gold and siluer , and ouer all the iewels of Aegypt : and Lubin and Cushim shal be with his passages .

How Antiochus bestowed the spoiles of Aegypt and of other countreys , as Polybius in Atheneus recordeth , as a witnesse vnto the holy Angell .

I Thinke good to lay downe here Polybius wordes touching Antiochus , who came vp poorely , and saw his father distressed and his brother likewise , when both were forced to Church-robbing . The summe is this , that he bestowed infinite cost vpon a triumph to imitate Paulus Aemilius : hauing gotten the wealth by spoiling young Philometor , and breaking league with him : by the contributions of his friendes : and by robbing most Churches . Wherein he would manifestly be aboue euery God . The learned will best like the authours owne wordes : neither can our tongue so well expresse them . Thus Athenae●s bringeth Polybius wordes .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

This record I hold much worth , seeing it agreeth so fitly with the robbing of Aegypt : and also might well be the cause of his necessitie ( proceeding from prodigalitie ) to spoyle the temple of Persepolis mentioned . 2. Mach. 9. * * The Romanes can not be holden any of Daniels foure kingdomes . An old opinion that the Romanes are one of the foure kingdomes in Daniel , made men draw them as enemies to Gods people into this oration . They are in the commers with shippes from * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Moses phrase Num. 24. vsed here , made Daniel know by like reuolutions : that the Romanes here arising shold afflict : as these four kingdomes : and hold on vnto the end : and he knew that they should be the killers of Christ . Chittun indeede : & therein Daniel remembring Balaam , knew that hence the Romanes might should encrease : to afflict Assur and Eber , whose chiefe Christ was , and that they should hold-on vnto the end : and specially be the lothsome infidels which should destroy Ierusalem . But the Romanes dealt not against the holie Iewes lawes of Religion , which matter here was to be handled : nor medled with the Iewes till the nation by sedition called for them : and Gods seueritie was not to giue them comfort touching ill called for , by their owne loosenesse , but against such as by force continued the with-holding of their kingdome : And no word here will agree with the Romanes : vnlesse we dare make Scripture a nose of waxe . The Iewes indeede since the dayes of Methargem Ierusalemy would haue the Romanes meant , one of Daniels foure kingdomes : and yet them selues the onely nation blessed . Eusebius and other Christians would draw the Romanes in , but would also haue heathen Christians to be afflicted here ; So the Angell is made to speake in the cloudes , and all gracious Daniel sealed vp , as vnexplicable : and the stories drawen beyond Christ , afore they reach neare vnto him , and Iewes hardened , and Christianitie weakened , and all Libraries pestered with errours of infinite confusion . And vnlesse we be content to rouoke our erroneous notes for the Romanes in Daniel . chap. 2.7 . and here , 11. and likewise for Ezek. 38. and a little vpon Zacharie 6. for the foure Monarchies , we shall do our selues great iniurie : and breake the law which forbiddeth to lay a stumbling blocke afore the blind : and , I feare , be counted of small conscience in Religion . He that would willingly continue an errour to disturbance of the Bible , is no better affected then those foure beastes that goe into the riuer of burning fire . Herein Printers should specially shew conscience , that their actions continue not errour for gaine , after blame iust and profitable .

Of Antiochus Parthian war and breaking without hand , chap. 8. and casting into the fier , chap. 7.

But * * The blasphemer of Christians Cornelius Tacitus , commending this Antiochus , saith , that if he had not bene hindered by the Parthian warres , he had drawen the Iewes from their ( as the blasphemer spake ) barbarous superstition . As the testimonie of Sathan is cited in the Gospell , so may his be hither , for this . Florus in Liuies abridgement LIX doth touch the warre of Anthiochus king of Syria and Phraates the Parthian . But Tacitus commeth neare the wordes : To destroy and sacke many . Who the many be , the next verse doth shew : they that dwell betweene seas at holy mount Tzeby . Now Tzeby vsed vers. 16. and chap. 8.9 ▪ in Daniels owne phrase , from Ezek. 20. was a plaine designation of Iudaea . Moreouer the Babylonian terme of a court Aphadno should argue a Babylonian king . The terme hard to Greekes , and plainest to Iewes , and fittest for the matter , to teach and saue them from harme , that here beareth a sweet grace in it . Moreouer the phrase planting of the tentes of his court is most fit for Antiochus : who chasing at Iudas Machabaeus prosperities , stayed halfe his army and his sonne with Lysias ruler of all from Euphrates vnto Aegypt : to haue destroyed Ierusalem , and the Iewes memorie vtterly . Now the comming to his end is plaine , that of one man , not of a Romane Aristocratie all must be vnderstood : and the breaking without hand , touched in chap. 8. is in effect the same here : where all mans helpe is remoued , and sicknesse from Gods hand is closly meant . 1. Mach. 3. and 6. the 2. Mach. chap. 9 , cleare this . And now we are come vnto the end of wrath . The Angell touched Babels fall : the Persians punishment in Xerxes campe , the speedie comming vp of Alexander , his pride , death and rooting out of his house : his foure chief : their reduction vnto a couple , their place in North and South : their falling out and seeking agreement by mariages : and what ten afflicted Iudah vehemently : and setteth forth the last so fully that none can doubt who the man should be : and for all this heathen are good recorders . So Daniels difficulties are opened by him selfe : and for Antiochus Epiphanes he writeth rather a story then a prophecie . Obseruations more , touching the afflictions , for comfort be added , with explications , but no new Princes matters . tydings shall trouble him from the East , and from the North : and he shall go forth with great heate to destroy and sacke many .

And he shall plante the tents of his a a Eb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Babylonian terme , often vsed in the Babylonian Talmud . The Greeke kept it 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . court betweene seas at holy mount Tzeby : and he shall come to his end , and none shall helpe him .

CHAP. 12. A further explication of the afflictions vnder Antiochus Epiphanes : and notes vpon the whole oration .

ANd at that The name is in Iud. 9. and Apoo. 12.7 . time shall stand vp * * When Antiochus going to warre against Parthia leaueth Lysias behind him , to haue rooted out the Iewes : then 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Michael , that is , he who is in the forme of God and holdeth it no robbery to be equall with God , euen the Angell of the couenant , shall stand in the Iewes defence . Michael the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy * * The terme of Daniels people in this place must needes meane the Iewes : and here their troubles for Religion , not the heathen Christians affliction must be vnderstood . people : * * Now it is euident that the holy Iewes nation were neuer tormented for true Religion through their whole state , but vnder Antiochus Epiphanes . Therefore it is cleare , that the Angell spake here of those dayes . And this one speech might haue kept Daniel in his true meaning , that we should not draw men beyond Christ , for these troubles stories , before we draw them to him . and there shal be a time of trouble ; such as hath not bene , since there began a nation , vnto that time and at that time thy * *

The pronouncing of Iewes saluation in troubles and suffering persecution , maketh the cause yet plainer , and euery argument here should be reckoned of high price , specially the end of afflictions , that they bring vs vnto saluation : through which afflictions , all must goe , who will liue godly in Christ , as they are chosen of eternitie vnto this state . This terme of booke , from Moses and booke of life , Philip. 4 ▪ 3. Apoc. 3 5.13.8.20.15 . all these are chained with references of the later vnto the former : and that of Moses is expounded in the verse folowing , with open , cleare and proper naming of the resurrection : in Moses properly neuer named , but taught by strong consequences : as in telling that the earth was cursed , vnable to afford blessednesse here : in shewing Enochs yeares and taking away ( into paradise , ) as the Arabique translation of Ebrew 11. hath for the Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Also in Abraham , Isaack , Iacob and Sarah , who being pilgrimes and straungers in Chanaan , without all purpose of returning to Mesopotamia , professed that they looked for a Citie whereof God was the builder .

When the Eternall Angell Iehouah , the God of Abraham , Isaak and Iacob conteineth in describing of him selfe the gift of life to those Patriarches , by reason that he is the God of the liuing and not of the dead , the doctrine of life Eternall is sure : but so taught that prophane Epicures cannot reach so far as to reply once against it . Likewise where God saith Deut. 32. I kill and quicken , the order of the speech conteineth the resurrection : and the best meaning that can be grounded by Religion and proprietie vpon Gods words , that is the right meaning . The Ebrewes vpon Leuiticus 26. render a great reason why Moses neuer nameth life Eternal , nor death Eternal plainly : but the generall terme LIFE signifieth the one : and so by death meaneth the other : and for keeping the law , promiseth , corne , wine , peace , victories , many children : and conteineth not life eternal but vnder a couering , thus : My tabernacle shal be amongest you : and I will be your God : Likewise why for breaking the law he propoundeth but outward punishments , and with addition : Of his Face being against them : weightie matter doe they bring of Moses counsell . When the law was giuen scant any were in the world who beleeued that God was ▪ & made the world , and ruled it . Where if open speeches of Eternal state after this world had bene told : their vnbeliefe therein would haue kept them from all searching touching the present world his gouernement , and of God his being and vnitie . Therefore by open things he prouoketh them vnto the vnuisible closly . The Prophets did the like , alluring by outward blessings vnto the Eternal , and by outward sorowes , as weeping , gnashing of teeth , fire and brimstone Topheth and such , betokening Eternall miserie . But for the time when the holy Iewes were to lose land and life , then plainly the resurrection is named , euen here . In Chapter the seuenth : A kingdome for euer : yea for euer and euer , is named : but so in phrase that some translaters turned that vnto the wicked . One Printer did amend the fault , which stood by mistaking a little particle Van : But the next edition wallowed in the former mire . That sheweth our weakenesse touching speeches of Eternall life : when we know not whether the phrases touch the blessed or the cursed . The speech here expoundeth the former : And the holy Ghost in the Epistle to the Ebrewes handleth this place most properly , as one spoken for the comfort of the Iewes that liued in Antiochus persecutions ▪ Ebrewes . 11.35 . They were racked , refusing to be set free : that they might obteine the better resurrection . Who cannot see that the phrase of better resurrection calleth vs vnto this place ?

Moreouer the Gospell , hath a speciall relation vnto this place . Iohn . 5.21 . The feast 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 was kept ( the dedication told . 1. Mach. 4.59 . ) at Ierusalem : & it was winter : and Iesus walked in the Temple , in the porch of Salomon : and the Iewes compassed him about , & said : how long doest thou keepe our soules in doubt , if thou be Christ , tell vs plainly . Iesus said vnto them : my sheepe here my voyce : and I giue them life euerlasting , and none can take them from my hand . My Father , who gaue them me , is aboue all : and no man can take them from my Fathers hand : I and the father am one . Here we see the notation of Mi-cha-el , one with the Father . Now the giuing of life Eternall vnto them whom the father gaue him , that is , which are found written in the booke : and keeping them that none can take them out of his hand , these shew who is Michael that standeth vp for his people : And the attribute of great Prince , as afore the first of the chiefe Princes , that is , translated by the Sainctes Paul and Iude , Archangel . And as the voyce of the trumpet is Gods voyce ( Psal. 47.6 . ) where the Lord ascendeth with the voyce of a trumpet , ( so he did at the law giuing ) and Christ saith Iohn . 5. the dead shall here the voyce of the sonne of God : all which are in the graue shall here his voyce , and they shall go such as haue done good into the resurrection of life , and such as haue done euill into the resurrection of iudgement : In like maner S. Paule speaking of the resurrection , taketh his phrases partly hence , and partly from the Psalme and Gospell : 1. Thess. 4.16 . The Lord will come downe from heauen 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ( that is ) with the voyce of Archangel , with the trumpet of God : and the dead shal arise . Mentioning the resurrection which here in Daniel is most clearely taught , he could not do better then touch some phrase hence : as translating : The GREAT PRINCE , by ARCHANGEL . The Iewes , who cite Daniel in their Zohar , Talmuds and Commentaries but seldome , yet cite this of the resurrection very much : as in Ros he sana , Perck . 1. fol. 14. B. and Sanedrin . Perek . 21. fol. 92. It were an ambitious labour to quote how often all their other noblest do the same . For this cause S. Paule speaking of the resurrection , doth by a speciall phrase call them vnto this text of the resurrection , according vnto their owne maner : and sheweth that the Archangel is God , and Lord of the trumpet . But our Lord doth presse them more with it , shewing himselfe to be the sonne of God ▪ Iohn . 5. And vsing continuall speeches that expound this of Michael , and touch the resurrection , here named .

people shal be saued , all that shal be found written in the booke .

The better resurrection and the worse : Eb. 11. to life , and to Iudgement , Iohn . 5.

For the many of them † † Iohn . 11. that sleepe in the * * Gene. 1. earth of † † Gene. 3. dust , shall * * Esa. 26. awake : some to life euerlasting , and some to all shame , to † † Es. 66. vlt. The Scripture of like phrases teach vs to make the force of euerie word here vsed . lothsomnesse euerlasting . With the naming of life Eternall , he toucheth the glorie of it : which here is layd before the eyes in shining termes : a tast whereof Daniel felt in the glorie of the Angel Gabriel that came to him now , chap. 10. Whose brightnesse he could not abide : and the description of Christ was more glorious . Now all that be faithfull are told here , that they shal be like Angels . Our Lord translateth this sentence thus : Then the iust shall shine as the sun , in the kingdome of their father . Here the Angels was to name in troubles , for the more stay of the people : The wise counsellers : and keepers of the people in the holy couenant : As Mattathias , & Iudas that had M. C.B.I. in his standart , the first letters of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Who is like vnto thee ô Eternal , among the Gods ? Such was Eleazar the old man , and valiant Martyr : such were the seuen brethren and the mother that suffered together : and the holie Ghost doth record their saluation in their hope of the better resurrection , & that they saw the promise afore hand : as they might vnto the verie houre . But we may not thinke that any other faithfull be lesse in glory . A poore trades man who in small knowledge ouercommeth Satan , fighteth as valiant a combat as Daniel , who hath openly the armie of heauen to assist him . Now all the iust are of vnderstanding in Gods couenant , learned and wise : and shew occasion vnto others of the like : though some are more employed herein and sooner called , and beare longer the burden : who haue the timelier ioy . In iustice giuen be Christ equall to all , we are saued : & thereby euery one faithfull shall shine as the sunne . This Conclusion is heauenly against the persecutions of Antiochus : and Daniel might know hence that when our Lord , who is acy in the forme of God , came in the flesh , he would shew a tast of his glorie , as he shewed to Peter , Iames , and Iohn vpon the mountaine , which as he commanded the Disciples not to tell , vntill his resurrection , so Daniel hides it from prophane enemies , who would turne all into floures , or fables : and as hogges rent the holy people , for casting pearles vnto them . Therefore an holy charge foloweth . And the wise shall shine like the brightnesse of the firmament : & they that turne the many to righteousnesse , like the starres for euer and euer .

Of keeping close these Prophecies .

The like commandement was giuen . chap. 8.26 . Where Elam and Mada● , and Iauan were named . Here though they be not named , they are so plainly described , that any learned heathen would tell rightly what kingdomes must be meant . Now that the Prophet should not sorow for closing such profitable matter , he is comforted : that when these matters out : many will search further to abound in knowledge : as the Iewes in the Machabees are testified to haue done . And Romanes too deale with these matters , as Vergil , Aeg. 4. Polybius , Dion Cassius , Tacitus and many others , and Porphyrie in Eusebius commendeth the Iewes skill in Prophecie , which doubtlesse this booke gaue them : to tell euents for these dayes . And thou Daniel , shut vp the words , and seale the booke , till the ende of the time . Many will search through , and this knowledge shall encrease .

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and hiding of the minde , which Daniel vsed .

ANd here I thinke it not amisse , to shew Daniels owne practise in style of sealing vp his sense , euen where he writeth in the common language the Chalde tongue , folowing the order of his Chapters . And first of all , Daniel onely mentioneth the first captiuitie . though he onely handle the first captiuitie : yet he would not date it from the first of Nebuchadnezar : as lothing to haue a prophane king ouer Gods people to beare a date of their thraldome : & taking vnto himselfe , being of Iudahs kings that honour , of measuring the captiuitie . So vers. 1. and last of chap. 1. he must be vnderstood , as setting the limites of the 70. yeares . In chap. 2.1 . he wonderfully telleth the date from his owne standing afore the king : closly comparing himself with Ioseph for the like time , and Nebuchadnezar with Pharaoh . In expounding the Image , when he began with telling how the feete perish , and commeth last vnto the head that perished first , this pleased Nebuchadnezar , as though he should not soone fall . None , without marking an allusion in the Chaldy , can euer know why Daniel shold breake the natiue order of speech : for clay , iron , brasse , siluer , gold . In the same speach when he ioyneth iron , brasse 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chaspa and Caspa , clay and siluer : he sheweth his care to please the cruell tyrant , and his own readynesse of wit in the allusion : besides the depth of the natures , that siluer termed Caspa of desire , is but Chaspa , mere dust . And through the whole matter , his silence touching Iuda , and leauing the oppressed by the iron , as though all nations had felt the iron of the legges , this holpe his people : and the ignorance of his closenesse made 1500. yeares errour in vs . The third and fourth and fift Chapters , neither needed nor suffred hiding : therein he fully setteth forth the Babylonian shame , and Gods glorie . So in the sixt he dealt with the Persians . The seuenth bears his wit in * * Fiue points of great importance haue bene mistaken in expounding Daniels 7. chap. The name Belash-zar : euen of Ebrew Printers : the Sainctes of the high : who they be , who there hold the kingdome : the speech of the three former beastes : who the fourth beast means and specially all the speeches which in truth are of Antiochus Epiphanes . Belesh-zar , shewing that Bel becommeth a fire of sorow from the fierie throne . Likewise in speaking first of the last beastes ruine : and returning to speake of the former : and vsing termes of equiuocation , as we yet mistake them : that the Chaldeans could picke no quarell . For thus the wordes might seeme to meane : vers. 12. Concerning the others beastes , they had taken away their dominion : yet their liues were prolonged for a certaine time and season . What the argument calleth for , and how the wordes will abide another sense , all may see . Like vers. 18. Vau signifying And , or which , the taking one for the other , would keepe Daniels people from blame : and they might see an exposition in the Chapter . Therein also his terming of the Iewes the Sainctes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 them the holy Trinitie , that conteined no danger : yet great wisedome . While the kings of Iudah liued : Iakim , Iackin , Zedekias prophane as heathen , God would shew kingdomes ouer them in no worse sort , then they would wish to appeare , as in the Image : and then he gaue his own people no name : a bad he might not , a good vnder those kings he could not : But when Salomons house was extinct , and our Lordes ancestours right commeth in , then it was fit that a name should be giuen them of the highest approbation . And all this while he durst aduenture to write in the commonest language of East and South : to helpe many , and danger none . But chap. 8. where Babels fall is gathered by Elam arising : and Elam fell by Iauans arising , & the nations be named , & Iudah surely described to any Iew : and he is commaunded to close it vp : then he not onely dissembled his griefe for his people , that should fall from being starres : but writeth in Ebrew , and vseth termes that amaze the vnbeedy vnto this day : Palmonie , & Tzeby , amazed the wicked Iewes continually . In the ninth he is wonderfull : where , while he penneth his own words , he plainly teacheth by his stile how ready he was in Moses and the Prophetes . When he penneth the Angels : he maketh a cloude white towards Israel , blacke towards Aegypt . Thence a true Israel may looke to our Lordes death forward : and turne vnto Moses euen by Sabbates iourneys : and thence may see heathen confusion of stories . In the tenth he hid his minde : not telling wherefore he fasted : because in Persia , he might not blame the kings hinderance of the Temple : when his griefe is relieued by shewing how foure kings & Xerxes campe shall soone fade he knew that Tigris swift waters were a fit resemsemblance of the speede , and knew that they should be punished for the Temple . By keeping close his minde , he saued his from danger . * * Arraxasta that granted leaue to go forward with the temples worke doth acknowledge closly why Xerxes campe was ouerthrowen . And any that considered the Iewes state might know his counsell . Now touching Iudah vnder the Seleucide , and Lagidae , and the describing of the legges of iron , there he hideth his minde most wittily . Daniel might well thinke that some heathen would learne Ebrew : and Ebrewes reuolt vnto heathen , and tell his secrets , vnto the kings spoken off . To preuent that he so filleth his speech with phrases of difficultie , that none but the humble will seeke to vnderstand him . So the pronounes for Seleucus Nicator and his whole description , will wearie any slouthfull : vers. 5. and so phrases of Berenices case , specially 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the verbe . Likewise in Pt. Here in Daniel is the hardest text to translate of any that I know . Euergetes , vers. 9. the transposing of termes deceaued the sleepy . And ofter the terme Many signifying the Iewes nations many , would entangle many an enemy . Now in Antiochus Epiphanes matters , he vseth many closures . The holy couenant , for the Religion of Moses : the Sanctuary of Mauz , for , of God : and Mauzim , all strength that is almighty , in , vers. 38. and 39. the fortes of Mauzim for the temple of Ierusalem , and sundry particles of difficultie , but vnto a practised Ebrew in vers. 38. and 39. Also Chaldie termes as 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Aphadno , his court , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 treasures , with strange Eb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 for agreement , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 for , in his steed , these would wearie the prophane : and all that count not the kingdome of heauen worthy searching for , Names of Christ : Palmony . chap. 8. Messias . chap. 9. Michael . chap. 10. & 12. Also 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 chap. 3. euen by Midras Rab. Stone cut without hands . chap. 2. and one clothed in white linnen &c. chap. 20. and 12. and Prince of the armie . chap. 8. Michael there by Aben Ezra . as an hid treasure . Also Michael the great Prince , named great by an Angel , in the company of two other Angels , this would disturbe the vnstayed : who knew not vnto what former person , as Palmony and Messias , this was to be referred . The notation would teach such as knew the holy Trinitie , who the person was no lesse then we are warranted from Apo. 12. and from S. Iude. In the Apocalypse , where Michael and his Angels fight , Christ and his seruantes come in the exposition . In S. Iude the burier of Moseh is Michael , who in Deut. is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Eternal . Also the authour of this speech , the Lord rebuke thee Satan , is in Zacharie the Eternal , and the Angel of the Eternal : By this we may well know who Michael must be . And all of stayed iudgement will soone acknowledge , that it cannot stand with the playnnesse which is in Christ , that the Angel should call Daniel vnto any speculation of Archangel , but of the sonne of God : nor to teach him to wade in things which he could not see , to hold any created Angel our great Prince . Angels are in Esay of one degree called by the Argument in handling , The Scripture neuer reacheth of any superioritie in created Angels : but as aboue earthly Princes . Seraphim : Burners ( of the Citie and Temple ) in Ezekiel Cerubim by Mosehs terme : in whom one sise and measure sheweth how all are equally ministring spirites , to be sent on seruice for such as are to inherite Saluation . As Palmony in the eight Chapter is expounded the most holy Christ in the ninth : and none was there aboue Gabriel but he , so none here may be . And when our Lord , Iohn . 5. disputeth of the resurrection , as a worke for the sonne of God , therein calling vs hither , he expoundeth closly , who Michael must be . These points keepe Daniel mysticall vnto all that be not of the Church . As all his book must needs be hid from them that weigh not , what point of Religion touching Dauids throne was now to be opened . But they who know that all Iudah seeing Salomons house at end , would require from God a further explication of Dauids sonne and throne Eternal , spoken by Nathan . 2. Sam. 7. and consider that Daniel is a Commentarie vpon that point : that the crowne shal be ouerturned , ouerturned , ouerturned : ( as in Ezekiel , ) vntil he commeth to whom it belongeth : they who know that , will soone know what Daniel must meane : euen that all his booke is but an explication of that doubt : how Salomons house being extinct , our Lords godly house continueth the right : and how all nations stand vp against it : first vnder Chams brode , of Babel , next vnder Sems Elam : all this in the East : and long vnder Iaphets Westward , that Greeke might be made common for Noahs Prophecie and allusion vnto Iaphets name : Bar Kapra in Ierusalemy : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The Rabbins saw by Noahs allusion : that the new Testament was to be written in Greeke . of perswading in his language to dwel in Sems tentes . This being considered , the whole frame of the holy storie will tell how much of the building might belong to Daniel or any Prophet , for to make vp . And this was not he to tell in his booke : but to giue closly an answere , vnto the close demaund of all his owne nation . Little would the heathen haue beleeued him , that the house of Zorobabel were the high Sainctes : that Zorobabel should be as a signet in due time , that mountaines should be playne afore Zorobabel : and that Zorobabel had a name teaching by and for whom the Golden Babylonian head should be fanned . These points would heathen no more regard , then Herod regarded Ioseph , the carpenter : and the Machabees , Iacob , Matthan Eleazar . So we see that Salathiel and Pedaiah in Babylon , were of no account : and Zorobabel in Iudah of small authoritie : and Abiud , Eliakim , Azor , Sadok , Eliud , not so much as named in any place , beside the holy register . The notation of their names compared with Psalme . 89. would teach what their hope was : and that Psalme bringeth Aethan as chiding with God for straunge dealing in the promise of the kingdome : so that a certaine Spanish Iew cited by Aben Ezra being at his wittes end , would not reade the Psalme . If Iuda to this day could not conceaue a right the nature of their kingdome : The Iewes to this day looke for a pompous kingdome , silly caytifes . much lesse would the heathen haue rested in plainnesse , ioyfull onely for the world to come : when they beleeued not that the world was made : nor that the highest ruled the kingdomes of men . Christ him selfe speaketh in vers. 10. The wicked will not vnderstand : but the wise will vnderstand . To them it is giuen to know the mysteries of the kingdome of heauen : and to them which are without , all things are in Parables . For that cause , both a charge is giuen here to shut vp the wordes and to seale the booke : and in phrases Daniel doth the same , and in all his Methode . And as in due time many ranne to search , whereby knowledge likewise encreased ▪ So we should search now that our knowledge might encrease .

An Angel demaundes how long the wonders of Antiochus dealings shall preuaile : and hath an answere from chap. 7.25 . that it shall continue three yeares and an halfe . And thereupon the Greekes hand set vpon the holy people shal be brused .

b b The greatnes of these matters here is set forth , by the Angels attendance & desire to looke into them : likewise the certaintie by the number of witnesses , two , yea three in all , as among men the law holdeth that proofe sufficient . That certaintie must needes import plainnesse in the matter . The place at Tigris was fittest to betoken dealings in time at those quarters : As at Eulai the Riuer Daniel saw Paras and Madai rise and fall . Vpon Tigris Seleucus built Seleucia . There abouts also this Antiochus after his Church robbing was foyled . Moreouer the notation is very fit . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 sharpe , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 swift : As these dealings vpon Gods enemies should be sharpe and swift . Strabo noteth that the Riuers name is an arrow in the Medes tongue : and so it is by Curtius in the Persian . And both nations seeme to haue the same language either wholly or neare . The name and fame of the Riuer is ancient . In Adams Paradise it was one of the foure : that , with it , as the first of Ebrew stories began : so the last in the Ebrew Prophetes should end . God tendereth in all points mans weakenesse : to contriue much into a little roome , to be easier learned & remembred . There Babel did set vp a Tyrannie , at the towres building : and Nemrod of the yongest house began rebellious dealings . There Elam sonne of Sem wanne the superioritie from Senear and Nemrod : thence they and two more come against Abraham , and fall . And as Aegypt in Pharaoh after Babel troubled the Church , so in these dealings they do : that by admonition of place all might be better wayed . Full many be the like reuolutions for places and times in the Ebrew stories : which obseruation will helpe much . The Angels demaund is like Iohn Baptistes of Christ , for his Disciples surenesse , not for his owne doubt . The matter was shewed to Daniel Chapter 7. There commeth vp in the fourth beast one little horne , which brake three hornes , & had eyes like a humane man , but a mouth speaking great matters , vntill thrones of iudgement were set vp , and for the great words which the horne spake , the beast was k●ld , and the body cast into the fier . There that horne made warre with the iholy : vntill the auncient of dayes came , and Iudgement was giuen to the Sainctes of the holy Trinitie , and the Sainctes held their kingdome . There the Angel expoundeth it of one king that should abase three : which Antioch . did : first to Seleucus , next to Demetrius , thirdly to Ptol. Philometor . The same should speake wordes against the highest , and consume the Sainctes of the high Trinitie , and thinke to alter times and law : and touching that point , they should be giuen into his hand , for a time , and two times , and halfe a time . Now the terme time put for a yeare , was seene chap 4. in Neb. & the Angel could not be ignorant of that : But whereas all Antiochus dealings against Moses were . 2300. dayes afore the 25 of Casleu , to distinguish the whole rage from the remouing of the sacrifice , that was to be noted . And those dealings are termed wonders . Seing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 continuall sacrifice was 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as Christes death was : the counsell of Christ in giuing that into a Tyrants controlment , and the Sabbath which had bene since Adams time , and his holy seruants to be tormented ; this was indeede a great wonder . The reason was rendred , chap. 11.35 . and here vers. 10. Christ telleth it in the same termes that the Angel vsed : onely he altereth their order , as I will shew when I come vnto the verse . The answere foloweth . Then I Daniel looked : and behold , two others stood , one on this side the brinke of the riuer , and one on the other side the brinke of the riuer .

And he said vnto the man clothed in linnen , which was vpon the waters of the riuer , at what time shal be the end of these wonders ?

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a speech of difficultie : to the vnebrewed , but plaine by the matter . And I heard the man * * The attire here , & the whole persons description chap. 10.5.10.5 . sheweth a sacrificer holy , and higher then the heauens . Moreouer the gesture of standing vpon the waters importeth that of the Psalme : how as God calmeth the waters , so he calmeth the waues of nations . And this vision answereth vnto Iobs speach : that God walketh vpon the high waues of the seas . The metaphors and visions of the Scripture haue a cleare resemblance of that which is taught for mens affaires . Besides , the gesture and oth calleth into minde , Deut. 32. a comfort euen for these times . I kill and make aliue , I strike and I make whole : and none can take away from my hand . When I lift mine hand vnto heauen , and say , as I liue for euer , if I whet the blade of my sword , and my hand lay hold on iudgement , I will requite vengeance vnto my aduersaries , & pay my foes . I wil make drunke my arrowes with bloud : and my sword shall eate flesh : from bloud of slaine and captiue : from the head of vengeance vpon the enemy . Reioyce ô heathen with his people . For he will reuenge the bloud of his seruants : and pay vengeance vnto his aduersaries : and be reconciled vnto his people . The wordes of Moses begin their execution in this place , and hold on vnto the full calling of the heathen . So the gesture of lifting vp the hand and swearing calleth all this vnto Daniels minde . The summe of the matter here conteineth two things : the rage of Gods enemies , and the punishment . The rage is for three yeares and an halfe . So the terme , Time , by synecdoche in Dan. 4. as I told was taken : and Greekes commonly at this day : call an yeare a Time , and three yeares three 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 times . This time was noted by Iosephus in Bell. Iud. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . That is , Antiochus syrnamed Epiphanes surprised Ierusalem by force , and held it three yeares , and six monethes , & is cast out of the countrey by the sonnes of Chashmonai , that is : the Machabees . He presently hindred the continual offring , when his Idolatrous garrisons being abominations through Idolatry , and desolaters by trade , held the holy temple . Iosephus also here handleth the brusing of the hand set vpon the holy people , vnder the casting of Antiochus out of all the countrey . The Rabbines commonly note the same : euen in the Babylonian Talmud , & Rambam writeth a common place 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Iohn . 10. vpon the recouerie of the temple . There also the driuing out of Antiochus is handled . The Iewes testimonie should be strong against them selues & good for our surenesse , for fame of matter here told . Thus Rambam writeth in his first Tome in Megilah & Chanucha Perek 3. Tremellius nameth his worke Talmud . In the time of the second temple Iauan gaue decrees ouer Israel : and abrogated their Policie : and suffred them not to studie the law and commaundementes : and layd hold vpon their substance and their daughters : and they went into the temple : and made breaches , and polluted the cleane . And Israel was in great distresse through them , which oppressed greatly , vntill the God of our fathers pitied them , and saued them out of the others hand , and deliuered them , and the Chashmonaim ( The Machabees ) the high Priests kild them , and saued Israel from their hand : & set vp a king of the Prists more then 200. yeares afore the second desolation . And when Israel preuailed against their enemies , and destroyed them , it was the 25. of Chasleu , and they entred into the temple , &c. and for this cause the wise men of that generation ordeined that eight dayes beginning from the 25. of Chasleu should be celebrated with gladnesse and songes : and they kindled candels , in the euening at their houses doores euery night of the eight . And these dayes are called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Dedication , and they admit no mourning nor fasting : as the dayes of Purim . Thus the goodnesse of God forced them to keepe a famous memorie of their deliuerance from their persecution . Vpon which storie , they should looke into the Prophecie : which none can denie to be for a vehement persecution : and common reason would tell them that the first which fell out in the vehemency here told , must needes be meant by this . The consideration of this storie with the Prophecie , would haue taught them of the person , the teller of the time : the high sacrificer : who would himselfe suffer in like sort , three yeares & an halfe , all gaine saying of sinners : teaching that which these visions declared . They held their owne kingdome about 150. yeares in reasonable quietnesse : but they to whom Christ gaue victories , disdisdained the office of white linen and continuall sacrifice , and would be heathen-like kings , and brought in Saducisme . Yet our Lord called them much vnto consideration of this text . For , his disputations that he raised vp the dead at the later day , his present miracles of the raising Talitha , his being at the Dedication feast : his speech there that he was the sonne of God : his phrase of Lazarus sleeping , taken hence from vers. 2. his speech with Martha that he is the resurrection : his perswasion , that she acknowledged him to be the sonne of God , which was to come into the world : that is by Daniels phrase the Prince of the people , which honour no created Michael might vsurpe : and as I touched , his suffring vnder the Pharisies a time , two times and halfe a time : from the 15. of Tiberius beginning , vnto halfe his eighteenth , all these dealings still called , vnto these matters . And this matter being twise told should haue bene easie vnto them , specially hauing so many antecedents : that nine hornes rushed afore Antiochus Epiphanes , & he was a long dealer not onely against Syria , but also against Iudaea , before this time of placing his garrison in Ierusalem commeth to be in recorde . And seeing thrise here times neare halfe a seuen should fall out in straunge euentes , they should looke diligently vnto our Lordes halfe seuen . clothed in linen which was vpon the waters of the riuer , when he held vp his right hand , and his left hand vnto heauen , and sware by him that liueth for euer , that it shal be for a time , times , & an halfe : & at the finishing of brusing the hand , that is , vpon the holy people all these things shal be finished .

Daniels demaundes concerning the time when the Iewes should begin to recouer their state from the Greekes : with speeches of Christ touching the darknesse of all the oration , and counsel for the afflictions of the godly .

And I heard , but † † Daniel hauing heard of affliction for three yeares and an halfe , in generall termes , hauing no note from what speciall marke the time should begin , was to confesse that he vnderstood not . He knew in chap. 8. that by dayes 2309. from Antiochus first checking of Moses law , the temple should be recouered . But knew not whence this account here should begin . Moreouer by reason that the brusing of the hand plaguing the holy Ebrewes was here ioyned , and he might well thinke that it should not fall out presently with the recouerie of the temple , he was to require a further explication . The Lord doth answere , and first acquainteth him further with the whole matter : shewing that as the Angel bad him close vp and seale the words , that pearles should not be cast before hogs , nor holie things before dogges : so these matters were to be spoken in such sort that vntil the age of their execution , the particulars should not be euident . The triall of the faithfull required that : whose practise in martyrdome had not bin so great , if the season of their deliuerance had bene clearely told . For they would haue for a time withdrawen them selues . Here the repeating of vers. 35. from chap. 11. of the Angels speech , though there the order went : tried , purified , whited , this sheweth one and the same persecution to be meant . And seeing we expound that of Antiochus times and not of the Romanes , this also being spoken , a confirmation of that must be equally of Antiochus : wherein I maruell how antiquitie could euer misse . The remouing of the continuall sacrifice , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 must be taken for the first remouing that could fall . The terme Tamyd , or daily sacrifice must stand in his propre sense . For a trope may not be vsed , but where the hearer may easily discerne it from proprietie : otherwise the speaker may be charged of vntruth . Also the holy people and Daniels people should argue that the Iewes were meant here : and so they hold vniuersally : & by reason that we cary these stories beyond Christ they do the like . As Aben Ezra maketh the litle horne to be the Turke : and locketh for speciall affliction three yeares and an halfe vnder him . So men make the word of God flexible . And we should haue taken heede of the warning here : None of the wicked will vnderstand : But men of skill will vnderstand . Now seeing the very prophane heathen speake that of Antiochus Epiphanes , which agreeth exactly with the ende of the last , the 11. chap. and these points are but a commoration vpon them , and no new states matters : the prophane would tell vs that we entangle our selfe wilfully : & wilfully disturbe all the Bible , mistaking whole nations for the Images legs : peruerting the markes of mariages in it : mistaking the fourth beast , what kingdomes it conteineth , disgracing the speech of the Buck , openly shewing therein the end of wrath , disgracing extremely all this last oration , drawing likewise Ezekiel for Gog and Magog out of place : confounding Daniel with the reuelation : and confounding the tenour of narrations for nations through all the Bible . Moses layd downe what nation should be the holy people vntill Christ came : and how all the other families should striue against that . The Prophets were to be but commenters vpon him , to lead vnto Christ & not beyond him : and they might terme no one nation holy but Israel : and were to shew how all the auncient nations of Babels dispersion would be busie with Israel . While we confound this distinction , we confound with it all narrations of Scripture . The wise will vnderstand it , to be so . Now as he that seeketh doth find , and he that asketh receaueth , & he that knocketh obteineth opening , alwayes , so to Daniel this now falleth out : By mentioning one 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 or marke and adding two neare matters , touching brusing of the hand set vpon the holy people , he is fully contented and satisfied in these wordes . vnderstood not : then said I , ô my Lord when shal be the end of these things ?

And he said , go thy way Daniel . For the words are closed vp and sealed till the end of the time .

Many shal be purified , whited and tryed : But the the wicked will do wickedly : and none of the wicked will vnderstand : but the wise will vnderstand .

And from the time of taking away the continuall sacrifice , and of setting vp the † † Infidel garrisons destroying the temple : as in Rambam aboue was shewed . lothsome of desolation , dayes shal be a thousand two hundreth and ninetie .

Happie is he that is patient , and commeth vnto dayes a thousand three hundreth thirty and fiue . † † Daniel knew the end of those wonders mentioned by the Angel , when it should be : from chap. 8. euen with the clensing of the temple : But knew not the speciall note of their beginning . In answering concerning two points for the brusing Seleuci●n the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 or mark of the other is taken : a marke of sacrifice . Men count the dates of kings reigne stately : But God holdeth other matters of greater account : as the promise vnto Abraham , Gene. 12.430 . afore the law : the persecution and Ieroboams idolatrie 390. afore the Temples flames : Daniels prayer . 490. afore the passion , and chap. 8. a marke backward , the Temples clensing after . 2300. dayes dealing against Religion in some sort . So here , the taking away of the continuall sacrifice is made a date for a day of payment , for a double payment from God . Antiochus was inforced to confirme Religion restored by Iudas in the 148. yeare of Seleucid●̄n , which in the 145. he hindered . Three yeares , seuen moneths & some 13. dayes might be in this while . Another confort is added , for the patient in these persecutions : euen the death of the persecutour . As the martyrs told him that God would pay him . The closse blessing of the patient imported what kind of comfort was meant in that summe : fortie fiue dayes after the other : the death of Antiochus should fall out in 149. Seleucid●n . 1. Mach. 6.16 . Though mans obseruation reacheth not commonly vnto dayes : yet when for the yeares they speake well , by Gods authoritie added , we may gather the iust dayes . And these were the points which were fit for to be reuealed in particulars , the restoring of the sacrifice , & the tyrants death . Now further matters how the clay of the legges should be broken , how the fourth beast should do when his hornes hence are broken : and the Buckes vnhorned fading body , euen how Demetrius and Antiochus sonne fall out : Antiochus race should end : Demetrius house should be deuided : they should match with Aegypt , and perish like dogges : these matters might be marked by humane skill : and they touched not matter worthy particular prophecie : nor the Iewes great care . And Daniel knew in what yeare from his talke he would come into the world : by which time an euident token should be ouer all the world , that the house of-Seleucid●̄n or Gog perished , by the Latin nation and tongue , reigning in those quarters : and he knew the very nation that should reigne , euen the next ofspring of Cittim vnto the Macedonians , the Cetij , which was the first name of Italians , in Sudas , in Latine . And therefore the maner of brusing the Greekes , and particular dealings were to be sealed vp , as needing no long warning . And so the Lord concludeth that Daniel should looke for no mo reuelations all his life time : but rest in these , & continue contented with his rare lot , if any thing was sealed touching the Persian kings payment : thirtie yeares hence Ezra should see it : & for the temples hinderers , Agge and Zacharie should reueale it . Now the visions of Zacharie for our Lordes comming , and Ierusalems fall , they touched not this argument of sorow & fasting of Daniel : & some points were to be reserued vnto the Temples ornaments .

And thou , go to the end , and rest , and stand in thy lot vnto the end of the dayes .

The Conclusion .

Thus Daniel had a sufficient Cathechisme for all the world : bringing the heauens downe vnto the earth , that the earth might be exalted vnto heauen , Daniel would teach heathen to season their humane stories with diuinitie . Strabo knew that Nebuchadnezar was an Hercules & reached vnto Spaine , and brought a Colonie vnto Pontus : But Daniel was to tell him who gaue the Lion such wings : Diodorus thought the Chaldeans great Philosophers : but Daniel telleth what deceiuers they were : & recordeth their own kings censure : and how yong Ebrewes were found ten times better then they : how corruption & leasing was their practise : how when the king had forgotten his dreame , they promise an exposition , when he forgot it not , but told them , they could say nothing : how a matter written from heauen on the wall chap. 5. passed their skill . Hence Diodorus might haue bene wised . Likewise Abydenus who recordeth Nauocodrosors traunce , might by Daniel haue seene it clearer . And so Herodotus might haue gotten more hearers in Olympia , if to Cyrus surprising of Babel he could haue ioyned Daniels 5. chap. The same text would haue made Xenophons Muses more Attique , shewing how in banquetting the Chaldean king was kild . Athenaeus with his Berosus and Ctesias for the same feast might see God serue with sauce . So for Cyrus death Herodotus might haue learned the cause : with learning Daniels fasting . And the writers of Susan , the Citie of Darius Hystaspis , made the glory of Persia , might see in Daniels visions chap. 8. Susans honours confirme his booke . Aeschylus & Herodotus might haue penned the one his Tragoedy , the other his story , more plentifully then they did of Gods stroke in Xerxes fall , if they had looked into Daniel : much they marked , but might more . Diodorus again with Arrianus , for Alexander might haue seene all told in Daniel . And Diodorus might haue marked , from what curse Alexanders Captaines made such a slaughter among them selues . Here he might haue seene , why he should say that Ptolemy Lagides came vp by helpe from heauen : & why Seleucus became soone greatest : and haue brought true Prophecies , for that Pausanias might behold to what vse he noted the affinitie and league betwixt Lagidas and Seleucidas : and how Philadelphus name 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 made famous the mariage beginning betwixt the two legges . Appian and Iustin might haue made , not Polybius & Trogus , but Daniel their author : & Polybius in the pleading for Syria , might haue beheld Iudah cast as a bone betwixt two dogs . Here Liuy had for him , by whom it fell out , that Antiochus came into the West with a camp of nations scant heard of in Italy , Medes , Cadusians , & such many names strange in West eares : by whom Antiochus wanted counsell , that he was soone brought to losse of almost all : his death in Strabo & Iustin , should haue bin referred to Gods counsell in Daniel , & Iason of Syren that noted Church robbing in Seleucus , should haue noted the text in Daniel . And in Antiochus Epiphanes his comming vp into Syria , his 3. voyages into Aegypt : his crossing of Ebrewes lawes , his death , his vile nature , Polybius , Liuie Athenaeus , Florus , Appian , all might know these dealings foretold . Also Tully that termed Iudahs Religion a Barbarous superstition , and the people a nation borne to bondage , might guesse by Daniel that the iudge on the fierie throne , the stander vp for Daniels people , would haue his tongue pricked for those speeches . And the same orator might haue guessed by skill in Daniel , why the Romanes feared to helpe Aegypt the clay legs by their faigned Sybilles , was heard by some Iewes counsell , who would tell that when the legges were broken from God , all assisters of them should be as resisters of God . So Brennus of our nation with his great campe , was plagued as a resister while the legges were iron , and Antiochus that droue his company out of Asia , was syrnamed Soteria Sauiour . And therein Pausanias might haue seene the counsell of God . Again where Vergil bringeth in Augustus triumph , ouer Cleopatra and Antonie , euen vltima Bactra , from East hence , Extremos hominum Morino● , he might haue seene how God called nations from the rising of the sunne vnto the going downe to behold the breaking of Daniels image : & to thinke of a child comming from heauen : as Vergil peruersly heard . By Daniel , not Venus , Neptune , Minerua nor Actius Apollo should haue bene the giuer of victorie , but the God of heauen . Daniel must needes be holden a stately authour , that hath all these so much belonging to him , and the goodliest part of all Vergils wit , that , in Augustus triumph licking the dust of the toes of Daniels image . Yea & former Romane affaires of Pompey and Iulius Caesar : the one kild in Aegypt , for helping the king the Piper out of the dust : the other for Cleopatra : those duly looked vnto , would iustifie the firie throne of Daniel . Yea all the stories of the Romanes comming vp , being here yet , not as enemies to Gods holy couenant , but men rewarded for plaguing the legges , all commenteth vpon Daniel . Besides Augustus iest in Macrobius , how it was better to be Herodes hog then his sonne : that iustifieth the storie of persecution at our Lordes comming from the cloudes to make a tabernacle among vs . Ouer and besides all this , the speech of wicked Tacitus against Christ crucified vnder Pontius Pilate , and of Christian Religion , these haue a good vse for Daniel , and all the declaration of the Iewes calamities in the last destruction of Ierusalem , or euer since : written by prophane heathen , all serue Daniel alike . And the matters are so plaine that if men would but grope , they might haue found Christ in Daniel : where the pompous of this world be fanned as chaf : the wicked , as beastes burne in fire vnquenched , and the humble may finde iustice Eternal , to shine like the sunne in the kingdome of the Father .

Psal. 119.96 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

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Notes for div A15998-e10330 * Darius Madaj a searcher out , and a requiter . Ezra the learned Scribe cha. 10 , 16. vseth the worde Darios , beside all ordinarie forme of grammer , for to search : iust in the letters of Darius : in searching out impietie : alluding vnto the kings name & office : & Psal. 10 , 15.

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