Revelation 11

Revelation 11:1

THere was given me] From God, very likely, to shew the work to be his: else John would have said the angel gave it him.

a reed] Many nations used reeds or canes to measure with, because, being hollow, they were lighter, and fitter for that use. The intent here is, to measure out a Church for God under the antichristian persecution. For the reed, see Ezekiel 40:3.

like unto a rod] Such a rod as was used also in measuring, and is to this day with us. Therefore Israel is called, The rod of Gods inheritance, Psalms 74:2. Jeremiah 10:16. Scepters also are called rods in the originall, Psalms 45:6. & Psalms 110:2. So that the Church was to be upheld in those times by the favour of some prince for such used rods or scepters to be carried before them, for honour. So were the Waldenses upheld by the Counts of Tolouze, and others.

the angel stood] In likelihood, as before, chap. 10. 2, 5, 8. that nothing might be done but in his presence.

Rise] This doeth not necessarily import that he was sitting before; but it is an usuall phrase in Scripture, whereby men are called and incited to go instantly about some work wherein they were not formerly employed; Numbers 23:17-18. Deuteronomy 13, 24. Jonah 1:2.

measure the temple of God] An allusion to Ezekiel 40:1, &c. where the temple, with all in it, was to be measured by Gods appointment, to shew, that that building was of God. So must the patern of his Church in the wildernesse, to inform, that God would keep them safe, in despight of men.

and the altar] All that was in the inner court, or court of priests. To shew, that they whom these typified, should remain hallowed and appropriated still to God.

and them that worship therein] In the temple. For the court of the priests joyned unto the temple, and was esteemed as a part of the temple; as Matth. 12. 5, 6. The priests in the temple profane the sabbath, to wit, by killing beasts in the priests court. And it is accounted as it were within the temple, Ezekiel 44:17; Ezekiel 44:19. for there were the sacrifices offered, and into it the people might not come, no more then into the temple it self. This signifieth, that true Christians should then be as few, in comparison of idolatrous ones, as the priests and Levites, that worshipped in the inner court, were, in comparison of the people, that worshipped in the outward. True Christians are compared to priests, chap. 1. 6.

By measuring these, he meaneth, numbering them, to wit, for life; as 2 Samuel 8:2. or salvation. See chap. 7. 4. By all this is signified, that Gods people, while antichrist raged, should have a place in the wildernesse, where they might serve God according to his will, as the Jews offered sacrifices on the altar in the temple, and which should be for safety, as a sanctuary to them, Isaiah 8:14. Ezekiel 11:16. Therefore temple, and altar, and worshippers, and all are measured. So Jerusalem is measured after the captivity, that it may be inhabited again, Zechariah 1:2-4.

God would own no more worship nor worshippers then these. The rest he would refuse, though Christians by profession, vers. 2.

Revelation 11:2

the court which is without the temple] An allusion to that which is called the outward court, Ezekiel 40:17. The great court, and distinct from the court of the priests, 2 Chron. 4. 9.

leave out] Gr. cast out: To wit, as profane, and that which God will make no account of. So we cast things out of doors, that are of no price or use. Or, leave out; that is, count it not any part of the temple, though it be sometime so called. As, Matthew 21:12. the buyers and sellers are said to be in the temple, which were in this outward court of the temple. Or, leave it out, that is, measure is not, as chap. 10. 4. Seal up those things which the seven thunders have written; that is, write them not.

Or, he putteth the things signified first, and then the signe. Leave the places where the true religion was professed, to idolaters, while the Church is serving God in the wildernesse, as in the inner court of the temple; and let this be a signe of it, that thou measure it not, as thou didst the temple and inner court. This signifieth; that in those times the visible Church of such as bare the name of Christians, were to be cast out, as excommunicated of God, neither were the servants of God to account them as Gods building, measured by his reed, or as Gods approved Church.

given unto the Gentiles] The papists, which are idolaters, like unto the Gentiles, shall possesse the outward face of the visible Church, for a time. For the outward court, here alluded to, was as it were the face of the temple. And they are called Gentiles, or heathen, by allusion to the Church of the old testament, where all that were not Gods people, or were enemies of them, were so called, Psalms 2:1. & Psalms 79:1. Luke 2:32. Acts 4:25. Galatians 2:12; Galatians 2:15 Ephesians 2:11-12; Ephesians 2:14. 1 Corinthians 10:20.

the holy citie] He alludeth to Hierusalem, called the holy citie, Daniel 9:24. Matthew 27:53. So named, because in it was the temple, the priests, the sacrifices, and all the consecrated things.

shall they tread under foot] See Daniel 9:26. both temple and citie possessed by the enemies. They shall banish religion out of those places, where it was visibly professed before. Or, they shall exercise their false religion there. So treading Gods courts is taken for publike service, Isaiah 1:12. Or, the people of God, that worship God in the desert, shall be persecuted by them, and kept under, Isaiah 14:25. Daniel 7:23. Amos 5:11.

fourty and two moneths] That is, a thousand two hundred and threescore days, v. 3. Chap. 12. 6. allowing thirty days to each moneth. Hereby are meant so many yeers, as prophets use to reckon. So weeks are put for weeks of yeers, or so many yeers as there be days in every one of those weeks, Daniel 9:24-26. Or, a long time.

Revelation 11:3

And] Or, But. So the particle is used, Matthew 11:19. Mark 12:12.

I will give power] Notwithstanding antichrists persecuting of them, I will give power, &c. Or, I will give unto my two witnesses, that they may prophesie, Luke 3:20. Or, I will give it: that is, I will give the temple to my two witnesses, to preach in in the desert, while antichrist and his followers exercise their idolatrous worship in the court, and holy citie, or the places where I was truely worshipped before.

two witnesses] So called, because they bear witnesse to truth and holinesse, against all the errours and unholinesse of antichrist. In the number two, is an allusion to Moses and Aaron in the wildernesse, Elijah and Elisha, when the Israelites worshipped the calves and Baal, Zerubbabel and Jehosha, in Babylon, and after the return of the people. Or, two, because two witnesses were sufficient to confirm a thing, Deuteronomy 17:6. Matthew 18:16. 2 Corinthians 13:1. Ministers are Christs witnesses, Acts 1:8.

they shall prephesie] Instruct the people how to worship God according to his word, and foretell the ruine of antichrist and his adherents, out of Gods word.

a thousand two hundred and threescore days] So long as antichrists reign and persecution lsteth, some shall preach Gods truth. See v. 2. It seemeth to be so many yeers, because it is a broken number; for whole ones, as ten, twenty, an hundred, us to be put indefinitely. The profanation of the idolaters, is counted by moneths, v. 2. which are reckoned by the course of the moon, because their worship is a work of darknesse, and of the night, wherein the moon ruleth, Genesis 1:16. Whereas the prophesying of the two witnesses is reckoned by days; for true religion is compared to light, Acts 26:18. 2 Corinthians 6:14. See the like in the times of the beasts blasphemie, and of the womans being in the wildernesse, chap. 13. 5. and 12. 6. Or, their prophesying is reckoned by days, not by yeers, because it is a work of every day, and of continuall labour.

clothed in sackcloth] Mourning for the idolatry of the papists spreading it self so fast and so far, and for the troubles of the true Church. Sackcloth is worn in sad times, 2 Kings 6:30. Amos 8:9-10.

Revelation 11:4

These are, &c.] In this verse, is set down their goodnesse extended to their friends, the people of God: in the next, their power to hurt or destroy their enemies, till the time of their prophesying should be done; for then must they be killed by their foes, v. 7.

the two olive-trees] Zechariah 4:3; Zechariah 4:11; Zechariah 4:14. Ministring oil to the candlesticks abundantly: for they are not branches, as in Zechariah, but whole trees. These times of persecution here foretold, would require abundance of all graces in Gods ministers, to hold up the hearts of his fainting people, by plentifull instruction and consolation. And such did God then send, furnished abundantly from heaven, (when means of instruction failed) as olive-trees are with oil.

and the two candlesticks] That is, they were with the two candlesticks or churches. So and in the Hebrew, is taken and translated with, 1 Samuel 14:18. with the children of Israel. There were seven golden candlesticks before, chap. 1. 20. but now, by persecution, they are brought to two; and two ministers must suffice them. They are said to be two, because these persecuted Churches consist of Jews and Gentiles: or else, because they lived both in the eastern and western empire.

standing before] By standing before God, some understand, that they were hidden from men in those times of trouble. Others, that they ministred to God, Deuteronomy 10:18. 1 Kings 17:1. as great officers stand before kings, to minister to them, 1 Kings 10:8. Proverbs 22:29. Jeremiah 22:12. compared with 2 Kings 25:8. Chap. 8. 2.

the God of the earth] Who oweth and ruleth all the earth, Psalms 24:1. & 93. 1, 2, 3. & 95. 3, 4. God is called, The God of heaven and earth, Genesis 24:3. The God of heaven, Daniel 2:18. but here he is called. The God of the earth, to shew, for the comfort of the Church, that howsoever antichrist seemed to sway all on earth, and all the world went wondering after him, chap. 13. 3. yet God keepeth the rule of the earth in his own hands still, and can protect his selected and marked ones, against the rage of antichrist and his adherents.

Revelation 11:5

if any man will hurt them] That is, any way wrong them, or attempt to hinder them in the course of their prophesie.

fire proceedeth out of their mouth] Their revenge is spirituall. They can pray to God, and he will destroy their enemies. An allusion to 2 Kings 1:10. Or, threatnings pronounced by them, shall light upon their enemies, because they despised their testimony, Jeremiah 5:13-14.

in this manner] It is repeated, to shew the certainty of it. Or, it may have relation to the judgements following, v. 6.

Revelation 11:6

to shut heaven] An allusion to 1 Kings 17. 1. Luke 4. 25. James 5. 17, 18. It may be understood of restraining the rain: or spiritually, of shutting men out of heaven, Matthew 16:19. John 20:23.

in the days of their prophesie] See v. 3. Three yeers and six moneths in Elijahs time, answerable to the number of moneths here, v. 2.

to turn them to blood] See Exodus 7:20. Either literally, by their prayers; or mystically to kill souls by their preaching, 2 Corinthians 2:15.

with all plagues] What they threaten, God will send, on the contemners of his word in their mouthes, Jeremiah 1:10. Or, with other plagues, like those of Egypt, or worse, chap. 14. 9, 10.

as often as they will] Whensoever, upon just occasion, they desire it of God, Matth. 18. 18, 19.

Revelation 11:7

And when they shall have] An allusion to our Saviours preaching, death, resurrection. He preached about three yeers and an half, then was put to death, and about three days after, riseth again with an earthquake, and ascendeth into heaven with a cloud. Thus these two witnesses resemble that faithfull and true Witnesse mentioned, chap. 3. 14.

finished their testimony] When the yeers mentioned v. 3. are done: for before that time they could not be slain. See notes on v. 5. So that the witnesses are suffered to be slain, because God had no more work for them to do. If God had given them a longer time to preach, they should have continued, in despight of their enemies. So our Saviour could not be slain till his hour was come, John 8:20. and then he was put to death, Luke 22:53, &c.

the beast that ascendeth, &c.] Chap. 13. 11. & 17. 8. Antichrist, or the pope: who is compared to a beast, because of his inhumanity, cruelty, and thirst after mens blood. And he is said to come out of the bottomlesse pit; that is, out of the sea, as chap. 13. 1. or out of the body of the earth, as chap. 13. 11. or out of hell, as chap. 9. 2. He ascendeth, that is, beginneth now to ascend, in his instruments or forerunners, 2 Thessalonians 2:7. 1 John 2:18.

make war against them] Daniel 7:21. Shall persecute them, and endeavour to destroy them. They were persecuted and tought against by antichrist often before; but this was the last battell before their death, and rising again to begin the ruine of antichrists kingdom.

shall overcome them] Who yet even then overcame him, chap. 12. 11.

and kill them] When he cannot stop their mouthes, he shall kill them, that they may preach no more.

Revelation 11:8

And their dead bodies] See the cruelty of this ravenning beast, that is not contented with the blood of Gods saints, but must lay their carcases forth in triumph, that all people may see the ensignes of her immanity, and will not afford them so much honour as to be buried. Psal. 79 2, 3.

in the street of the great citie] Within the dominion of the Romane empire. And it is called the great citie, either in regard of the amplitude of power, and large territories; as v. 13. and as the great king, Isaiah 36:4. that is, King of kings, Daniel 2:37. See chap. 17. 18. & 18. 2. Or else in regard of the spatiousnesse of the citie it self, being yet, now part of it is destroyed, fifteen miles compasse within the walls, and fourty two, when this story was written, as some writers report.

spiritually called Sodom] For uncleannesse of all sorts, Genesis 19:5. Ezekiel 16:50. It is not then Sodom literally taken. See chap. 17. 5. Besides the practice of whoredom in the stews, without controll, at Rome, books have been written there in defence of sodomie, and allowed by some popes.

and Egypt] For oppressing Gods people, Exodus 1:13-14. and for idolatry, Exodus 12:12. Jeremiah 12:13. For they made gods of cats, crocodiles, and of divers beasts, Exodus 8:26. Moses pointeth at this, as a cause why they durst sacrifice no cattel in Egypt. And Rome hath worshipped as many saints, as the heathen false gods; and had as many images to worship, as they idols.

where also] Within whose dominions. Or, if it be meant of the citie of Rome, Christ was there crucified in his members, Acts 9:5. So Hebrews 6:6. may be understood of malicious persecuting of Christ in his saints. And he himself also was crucified by the authority of that empire, Matthew 20:19. John 18:31. & 19. 12, &c.

Revelation 11:9

And they of the people, &c.] That is, in all places of the Romane empire, dead carcases of Gods ministers shall be seen. Or, And some of the people; for all could not come to see them: see chap. 5. 9. & 7. 9. shall see their dead bodies. Shall look upon them in scorn and derision, Luke 23. 35. Isaiah 14:16. For these are the nations subject to the beast, chap. 13. 7, 8. and such as are afraid at the resurrection of these witnesses, v. 11. and as trod under foot the holy citie, v. 2.

three days and an half] Three yeers and an half. This must be understood of divers persons slain in this last war, in that space. Or, if it be taken of the same bodies, it must be understood literally, for three naturall days and an half; for they would stink, or be rotted away, before three yeers and an half be ended.

shall not suffer, &c.] They shall let them lie unburied so long, that they may glut their eyes with looking upon them: as if they could never have their fill of such a pleasing spectacle, as is that of the dead witnesses. Yet Gods providence might be seen herein, in suffering them to lie so long unburied, that people might admire the more, seeing others like them arise up to vex them, when they verily perswaded themselves they had been all slain.

Revelation 11:10

they that dwell on the earth] Out of the true Church, in antichrists kingdom, chap. 12. 12. & 13. 8. As on the contrary, they that dwell in the Church, are said to be in heaven, chap. 13. 6. & 18. 20.

shall rejoyce over them] Go daily to see their dead carcases, with joy. Or, when they think of them.

and make merry] Make feasts, in token of their joy; as Nehemiah 8:10; Nehemiah 8:12. Luke 15:23-24. If they did not this literally here, yet were they as joyfull as they that did so.

send gifts] In token of joy, Esther 9:19; Esther 9:22. For men in prosperity love to have others rejoyce with them. So secure were they, now they thought these prophets quite gone, that they not onely rejoyce themselves, both inwardly and outwardly, but do what they can to make all others rejoyce with them at the death of them.

because these two prophets] See v. 3, 6.

tormented them] Or, had tormented them] They did not joy that they were tormented, but that they were rid and avenged of these ministers who troubled their consciences, by preaching against their idolatry, 1 Kings 18. 17. & 21. 20. Acts 16:20. and threatning Gods judgements against them for it; besides that, their witnesse it self was a great torment unto them.

Revelation 11:11

after three days and an half] Or, after those three days and on half: to wit, of their bodies lying unburied, mentioned, v. 9.

spirit of life from God] A living soul, or breath of life, put into them by God, Genesis 2:7. Ezekiel 37:10. God inspired others with the same spirituall graces that he had given them, and stirred them up to preach against popery, as they had done before. See chap. 20. 4.

entred into them] That which should come to passe after, was shewed to John in a vision as if it were now done.

they stood upon their feet] God raised ministers as powerfull as they. So John Baptist is called Elias, Matthew 11:14.

which saw them] The persecutours were troubled, when God raised ministers to preach against their idolatry. They thought they had made sure work, and that they should never more have been troubled with prophets: and now they are afraid that these will trouble them more then ever the former did.

Revelation 11:12

a great voice] A stout proclamation of some Christian prince, calling them to the setling of visible Churches; or of the emperour himself, giving an open toleration of their religion.

they ascended up to heaven in a cloud] Chap. 14. 14. They were setled strangely, and by divine authority, in the visible Church, with liberty, honour, and support, to the admiration of their adversaries. Their sackcloth is now taken from them: they may prophesie chearfully, without sorrow and danger. Others understand it of coming openly into the visible Church with a cloud or multitude of witnesses (as Hebrews 12:1.) rejoycing and congratulating with them, and encouraging them, and helping, like a cloud, to advance them. Others take it to be meant of a gentle way of reformation, by the word, not a violent one, by the sword, as it were by a whirlwinde. Others, for their imperfect knowledge, at the first, of those things which concerned Gods publike worship.

their enemies] The antichristian faction, who put them to death.

beheld them] As it was a great honour to these witnesses, that their enemies should see them thus advanced; so it was a great terrour to their foes: for as they could not hinder their preferment, so now they had no hope to slay them any more, although they preached publikely against their idolatry: for they were as safe now, by Gods protection, in his Church, as if they were in heaven it self, Psalms 112:10.

Revelation 11:13

the same hour was there a great earthquake] Hereby is not meant the twenty fourth part of a naturall day, but about that time, as chap. 14. 7. & 17. 12. Assoon as the ministers of Christ began to preach, and were separated from the papists, and setled in some places, great commotions arose in many cities. For, as the naturall earthquake, such as is spoken of, Amos 1:1. Matthew 28:2. shaketh the earth, by the force of the winde gotten into it: so mysticall earthquakes make cities and kingdoms quake with wars and troubles, when the Gospel beginneth to be preached in them: and therefore such stirs are set out by earthquakes, chap 6. 12. & 16. 18.

the tenth part of the citie fell] In their means; for the pope had tenths out of many kingdoms, in imitation of the Jewish priests, and of the Romane emperours, who had it before. Also Germany fell from him, in a great part, which, joyned with those that fell off from him in other countreys, might make up a tenth part of the Romish popish territory, compared to a citie divided into ten parts, seven thousand dwelling in each part; and one part was now swallowed up by an earthquake.

of men seven thousand] Gr. names of men: that is, men, chap. 3. 4. Acts 1:15. Or, men of note, called, in Hebrew, men of name; that is, of renown, Genesis 6:4. for it is likely that more ordinary men died in these stirs. Unlesse it be put for a great number, as round whole sums often are, and this may be, 1 Kings 19:18. Romans 11:4. This sum is used in this book thirty seven times, as some commentatours write. Sure it is, many that were of the popish religion, have perished in the wars, since reformation begun. Or, many societies. Or, he addeth names, to shew, that so many were taken notice of. More might perish then. Which sheweth, that God doeth not destroy his foes at all adventure, but designeth them by name, whom he intendeth to slay. See notes on chap. 3. 4.

gave glory to the God of heaven] By confessing, that they who perished were justly punished for their sins, Joshua 7:19. Or, by confessing his Name, and turning protestants as many have done. Or, by praising God that they escaped, John 9:24. This they did, being terrified by the earthquake or stirs.

Revelation 11:14

The second wo is past] Of those three wo’s which the angel foretold, chap. 8. 13. the first and second are gone with the fifth and sixth trumpets, chap. 9. 12. (see notes there) and in this verse. The third followeth, which beginneth when the seventh trumpet beginneth to blowe. This, with the verses following, sheweth us whereabouts we are in the story, namely, about the time of the publike profession of the true religion again in the empire by authority, after popery began to fall. So that it seemeth safest to go backward. The peace of religion was established in Germany, in the yeer one thousand five hundred fifty and nine, at Ausburge, in a diet, under Ferdinand the emperour, who succeeded Charles the fifth. Now the ministers are placed in heaven, that is, in the Church, by imperial authority.

True it is, that religion was publikely allowed, before this time, in Denmark and Sweden, about the yeer one thousand five hundred thirty and eight, as writers of that story record. But because the revelation taketh principall notice of the empire, it seemeth fittest, that the end of the treading down the beloved citie, and the beginning of the ministers liberty, should be there intended.

So that the measuring of the temple, or appointing a Church to continue, and endure persecution by papists, is likely to begin in the yeer two hundred ninety and nine: as also the footsteps of persecution by the high-grown Romane bishops, who began dissentions in the Church, before they grew to their full height. Or else the meaning of those words, v. 2. the holy citie shall they tread under foot fourty and two moneths, is, their treading of it under foot shall end then, though it did not last all that time; as Israel is said to be afflicted in Egypt four hundred yeers, Genesis 15:13. Acts 7:6. though, to reconcile those places with Galatians 3. 17. many interpreters conceive that time to begin from the promise made to Abraham, Genesis 12:3. or 22. 18. long after which time, they came into Egypt. Neither did they suffer any ill measure there at first, all the time Joseph lived; but their troubles ended at the time prescribed by God. And so did the publike treading of religion under foot in the empire end at that decree, one thousand five hundred fifty and nine, as also the prophesying of the witnesses in sackcloth, v. 3. a little before. Then followeth their death, v. 7. which is like to be in those Germane wars a while before the peace, wherein, as many ministers were banished and put out of all, by civil authority, which is a civil death; so, no doubt, many were cruelly slain: and were insulted over, as if their dead bodies had been exposed to publike view, and feasts made for joy that they were dead, v. 8, 9, 10.

Or, those witnesses seem to be a succession of true preachers, as before, so especially among the Waldenses. The cruelty shewed on them of Merindoll and Cabriers, very few yeers before the liberty of religion granted in the empire, may be the killing of the last of these ministers; and the leaving their bodies unburied followed.

The free exercise of religion granted as before, seemeth to be their calling up; and the first setling of it, their ascending into heaven, v. 11, 12. The earthquake may signifie the stirs in Germany about that time; and the things following it, the men and means falling from the pope, and papists slain in the war, and others turning protestants, v. 13. So the second and sixth trumpet is done, in this verse.

the third wo cometh quickly] It beginneth, soon after, to be executed, chap. 22. 7. to wit, under the seventh trumpet, and holdeth on in the vials.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded] As was foretold, chap. 10. 7. though for a time intermitted.

great voices in heaven] Great praise given to God by his people, for this sudden alteration. See chap. 19. 1, 4.

the kingdoms of our Lord] Antichrist is weakned, and Christ hath begun to take the kingdom out of his hand, and shall have a visible Church like an empire, in all the known world, and that to the end. There was no such song in the sixth seal, when Constantine put down heathen idolatry, because then the Church was to be polluted and persecuted again, for a long time after, by the Romane antichrist.

Revelation 11:16

And the four and twenty elders] See chap. 4. 10. Publike thanks is now given in the Church. See chap. 19. 1, 4.

fell upon their faces] They thought it not reverence enough to rise off their seats, but fell flat on their faces, worshipping God, and congratulating the setting up of religion publikely, so as it never shall be driven into corners again, as it was twice before, by Gentiles and papists.

Revelation 11:17

Almighty] See chap. 1. 8. They praise him, because he had shewed his infinite power in freeing his Church.

which art, &c.] This setteth out Gods eternity. See notes on chap. 1. 4, 8. & 4. 8.

taken to thee thy great power] Shewed thy great power, in weakning antichrist. Or, hast shewed that thou art King of the world; which many doubted of before, because of antichrists great power over thy Church.

Revelation 11:18

the nations] Or, Gentiles; as v. 2. The popish idolatours. They shewed their anger in persecuring, before, which brought Gods wrath upon them; or in fighting now, or in fretting then, when they were overcome, Psal. 2. 1, 2. Acts 4. 25, 26.

thy wrath] The time to execute thy wrath on such as repented not in time of thy forbearance.

the time of the dead, &c.] The time to punish bloody persecutours for killing thy saints, chap. 4. 10.

judged] Or, avenged, Psalms 26:1. Luke 18:3.

give reward to thy servants, &c.] Chap. 1. 1. Give prosperity to thy ministers and people, which have suffered hard things. The ministers are put first, as leaders, who, as they are principals in the victory, so must they have the first part in the spoils.

and shouldest destroy them, &c.] Shouldest destroy many bloody persecutours; for the destruction of Rome it self followeth, chap. 18. and of antichrist; chap. 19. yet now began the destruction of popish persecutours; and many have perished in the wars, since the time of reformation.

destroy] Or, corrupt.

the earth] The men of the earth, Genesis 6:11.

Revelation 11:19

the temple of God] The Church now appearing again openly, is compared to the temple of Hierusalem, wherein the ark was. It was shut up before, as that of Hierusalem under Ahaz, 2 Chron. 28. 24. and this, when it was measured, v. 1. and the court given to the Gentiles, v. 2. Now it is set open, as that was by Hezekiah, 2 Chron. 39. 3. not to receive a few saints, as before, in times of persecution, but whole multitudes of believers. This noteth the free exercise of religion which was established.

the ark of his testament] Not the temple alone, but the ark also, which was shut up from the eyes of men, in the old testament, 1 Kings 6:19. and seen seldom, and by the high-priest alone, was now opened: that is, the mysteries of religion, formerly hidden, were now revealed. So that lay-men know as much now, as some few ecclesiasticall persons of great note knew before, of the hidden mysteries of salvation. And therefore the elders praise God for this, which represent the people, chap. 4. 10. and not the beasts, or living wights, which signifie the ministers, chap. 4. 6. not that the ministers had not more knowledge then the people; but because the people, that were kept from all such knowledge before, now know more then many priests knew before. The papists had possessed the court. The people of God had a small temple in the wildernesse. Some of the clergie-men God raised up, now and then, to teach the people.

The hidden things of God, like the holy place, were seen of a few chosen instruments. Now the people of God have a temple open to worship God in, and a full fight of Gods holy mysteries, hidden from them before.

lightnings, &c.] See chap. 4. 5. Earthquake and hail set out Gods terrible judgements irresistible, Isaiah 26:9. & Isaiah 28:2. & Isaiah 30:30. Hail is called a plague, chap. 16. 21. And it may allude either to the hailstones that destroyed the trees in Egypt, Exodus 9:25. or those that destroyed the Amorites in Canaan, Joshua 10:11. It may foretell the finall destruction of antichrist and his adherents, in a strange manner; which, though not presently, yet must come to passe under this trumpet: and his fall is now begun: and as he was long in rising, so may he be in falling. Or, it may signifie the destruction of many persecutours by the sword, since the reforming of religion. Or, the impoverishing and fretting of the abbey-lubbers, for the losse of their means, and the happie progresse of the Gospel.