John 4

John 4:1

VVHen therefore the Lord knew] When Jesus knew.

John 4:3

He left Judea] To avoid their rage.

John 4:4

must needs go through Samaria] It was his way from Judea to Galilee.

John 4:5

Sychar] Sichem, or Shekem. See Genesis 33:18. & Genesis 48:22. John 24:32. Some think it since called Neapolis, Nables, or Naploza.

that Jacob gave to his sonne Joseph] Genesis 33:19. & Genesis 48:22. Joshua 24:32.

John 4:6

sat thus on the well] Weary as he was.

the sixth houre] About noone.

John 4:9

for the Jewes have no dealings with the Samaritanes] The Samaritanes claimed kindred of the Jews in their prosperitie; but in their afflictions would never acknowledge them, Joseph. Antiq. Jud. l. 11. c. 8. The Jews esteemed them wicked and profane: likewise the Samaritanes thought themselves polluted, if they touched a Jew. See 2 King. 17. 26, &c.

John 4:10

gift of God] Meaning himself sent to convert her; or the opportunitie of salvation hereby offered her.

liing water] The graces of the holy Spirit, which never shall faile. See John 7:39. Jeremiah 2:13. Joe 3:18. Zechariah 13:1.

John 4:11

thou hast nothing to draw with] And the Jews and Samaritanes held it a pollution, to use the vessels of each other.

John 4:14

the water that I shall give him] Of the grace: as vers. 10. and Joh. 7. 38, 39.

shall never thirst] It shall so refresh the weary soule, that all desire of good shall be satisfied, in the presence of God. See Psal. 39. 8, 9. Isaiah 49:10.

John 4:19

I perceive that thou art a prophet] The mentioning of her sinne, smiteth her with a reverence of Christ, as of a Prophet.

John 4:20

this mountain] Mount Garizim neer Shekem, Jud. 9. 7. in which Sanaballath by Alexander of Macedons leave, built them a Temple, Josep. Antiq. Jud. l. 11. c. 8.

Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship] See Deuteronomy 12:5; Deuteronomy 6 :1 Kings 8:29. 2 King. 21 4. 1 Kings 14:21.

John 4:21

nor at Jerusalem] The publike worship of God shall be no more restrained to that place, which was appointed for a time, to exercise their faith in expectation of Christ, in whom alone we can appeare acceptable to God.

John 4:22

Ye worship ye know not what] See 2 King. 17. 29, &c.

for salvation is of the Jewes] He seemeth to allude to Isaiah 2:3. The meaning is, that the doctrine of saving health, is that which the Prophets have taught.

John 4:23

in spirit and in truth] Spirit is here set in opposition to ceremonies, which are called carnall, Hebrews 7:16. which prefigured that which Christ performed.

John 4:24

God is a Spirit] 2 Corinthians 3:17.

must worship him in spirit] This sheweth wherein Gods service principally consisteth, excluding the Jewish antiquated ceremonies, but not that bodily worship which is requisite either for our acknowledging God before men, order in Gods publique worship, or the stirring up our own affections to the private.

John 4:29

all things that ever I did] My great and many sinnes.

John 4:32

I have meat to eat that ye know not of] That which I most desire, or more hunger for then meat, is, that I may do the will of God in saving sinners. Job 23:12.

John 4:35

for they are white already to harvest] Mat. 9 37. The spirituall harvest is now ripe: as Matthew 9. 37. Luke 10:2.

John 4:36

he that reapeth receiveth wages] The doctrine of the Prophets, is compared to sowing and of the Gospel, to gathering ripe fruits; in either the faithfull Minister shall reap his reward.

John 4:38

other men laboured] Meaning the Prophets, and John Baptist.

John 4:43

Now after two dayes] Matthew 13:57.

John 4:46

where he made the water wine] Chap. 2. 1.

a certain noble man] Or, courtier, or ruler. A Courtier: or ruler of Herods.

John 4:49

come down ere my child die] This was the weaknesse of his faith relying so much on the bodily presence of Christ.

John 4:50

And the man beleeved] So that Christ at once cured two: the child of the fever, and the father of unbelief.

went his way] Relying now on Christs power and mercy.

John 4:52

Then enquired he of them the houre] Desiring further confirmation.

seuenth houre the fever left him] At one of the clock in the afternoone.