Genesis 9

Genesis 9:2

THE feare] God after the Deluge re-estating man in his dominion over other creatures, sheweth by these words, that their subjection is no more through a sweet naturall instinct in them, as towards their naturall master, as it was before sinne. Genesis 1:28. but for feare, as of an enemy, yet strengthned by Gods decree.

Genesis 9:3

Every moving thing] You may eate indifferently of the flesh of all beasts, which thing was not set downe before the deluge; as it was concerning the fruits of the earth; which was then given way too. Now as for herbes it is understood only of those which are fitting for the food of man: so it is likewise to be understood in beasts.

Genesis 9:4

The life thereof] The Italian hath the soule thereof] The soule of beasts hath no subsistence, but is a meero vitall faculty, which proceeds from the bloud purged, and is maintained in it, and lyeth wholly therein. In man the soule hath its essence; which subsisteth of it selfe, yet it is united with the body, and vivifieth it, by meanes of the spirits which proceed from the bloud, and are contained within it. Now God forbiddeth the eating of the bloud of the beast, to shew humanity. And chiefely to represent by the bloud of the beasts, which was to be spilt upon the ground, a figure of Christs bloud which should be spilt for the redemption of our soules.

Genesis 9:5

And surely] If I have care to have humanity used towards beasts, I will take much more care of mens lives, who beare mine Image Of your] that is, the life of men which shall bee unjustly taken from them. Now because the old world perished through violence. Gen. 6. 11. 13. God in this new re-establishment, provideth for the prevention of murthers, by this first fundamentall Law Of every]in which there can be no sinne, nor the vengeance of justice cannot be put in execution against them, but are punished onely for examples sake, and mans instruction Every mans] without regard or distinction of persons: though amongst men your small murtherers are punished, and the great ones honoured.

Genesis 9:6

Shall be shed] This, by way of justice should be done amongst all nations. Yet if men will not do it, I will reserve the vengeance of violent deaths, and such like sad accidents, unto my selfe By man] or amongst men the image of God]therefore ought mans life to be in more esteem than a beasts, and cannot have violence done unto it, without offence to God himself: and this Image being in all, in respect of that, they are all equall, and none hath absolute power over another, unlesse it be in executing of justice; exercised by men in the behalfe of God.

Genesis 9:7

Bring forth] Or goe and come, as Genesis 8:17.

Genesis 9:9

I establish] I give you an authenticall promise, and through it I doe in a manner bind my selfe to you.

Genesis 9:10

From all] As well the present, as them that are to come.

Genesis 9:11

Of a Flood] Namely a generall one, for there have been and are oftentimes particular ones.

Genesis 9:13

I doe set] The Rain-bow is a naturall impression in the Cloud, and was before the Floud, but here it receiveth a new use of remembrance, and confirmation by Gods ordinance, who may use what signe hee pleaseth for a seale of his grace and promise, although there bee no correspondence between the naturall operation of it, and the thing which is signified.

Genesis 9:14

Shall be seen] for that purpose it is sufficient, if it be seen but at some times.

Genesis 9:16

I will] A humane kinde of speaking: which is as much as to say, I will as surely keep my promise, as if I did see the bond, by which I was bound to doe it continually before mine eyes.

Genesis 9:20

A Vineyard] whose plants were preserved by miracle, and Noah began to dresse and trimme them anew. See Genesis 8:11.

Genesis 9:22

Told] In an impious and scornfull kind of mock.

Genesis 9:25

Canaan] God governed Noah’s spirit and tongue, that he thus cast out this curse against Cam, in the person of that child of his, whose whole progeny hee had excluded from his grace: willing to have it destroyed at the appoynted time: Namely Canaans generation. For the rest of Cam’s posterity have tasted of Gods grace under the Gospell Of Servants] That is, the most base and abject: Now by this kind of slavery, is figuratively meant the condition of the children of the world, who are deprived of the spirit of adoption, and debarred of that liberty of glory which Gods children have: to be subject to the slavery of sin, the devill, and death, and to the curse of God eternally. See Gen. 25. 23. and 27. 29. 37. Galatians 4:25.

Genesis 9:26

Blessed] From Sm descended Abraham, in whose posterity Gods people were preserved. Now in stead of blessing of Sem, as hee had cursed am, he blesseth and prayseth God, to signifie that all the good, and advantage he should have, should proceed from this onely head, that God should be his God His]Namely Sem’s posterities, who are here comprehended under the name of their father.

Genesis 9:27

Enlarge] Grant him a numerous issue and posterity, and a spacious Countrey, and especially after they shall turne Heathens: May it then be Gods will to enlarge them out of the prison of ignorance, and wickednesse by the preaching of the Gospell. Others have it; perswade, or draw unto him; that is, by bringing of that posterity to the obedience of faith Shall dwell] finally under Christs Kingdome, let it be incorporated into the body of the Church, which till then shall be restrained within the Jewish nation, which descended from Sem. This prophesie was fulfilled when the European Gentiles were called, which descended from Japliet.