Judges 17

Judges 17:1

THere was] The History, and all the rest unto the end of this book, are here inserted out of the order of times, for they are of things which happened presently after Joshua’s death.

Judges 17:2

Thou cursedst] Discover the guilty, Levit. 5. 1. or, which curses, thou utteredst through anger against the thiefe: Blessed be thou] shee saith so, not only to shew, that she was pleased with her sons act, but also to recall her former impecation.

Judges 17:3

For my son] In the behalfe of thee, and of thy actions, to draw on the blessings of God, and in honour of thy house. Or dedicating them to Gods service, which I was desirous to establish in thy house, and to which I had allotted thy sonne, my Nephew. I will] accomplishing my designe, the money shall returne to thee, and to thine use.

Judges 17:4

Two hundred] It is likely that the remainder was also imployed to this service.

Judges 17:5

An Ephod] A Priestly garment. See upon Iudg. 8. 24 Teraphim] The Italian hath it, Idolls] see upon Genesis 31:19.

Judges 17:6

No King] No supream and continuall ordinary magistrate, over the whole body of the people; for the Iudges were extraordinary, raised at Gods pleasure, and oftentimes having power but upon one part of the people, Iudg. 9. 22. and without absolute authority, Iudg. 2. 17.

Judges 17:7

Judab] Distinguished by this addition, from the other Bethlehom of Zabuln, Io. 19. 15.

Judges 17:10

A suit] The Italian, Thy ordinary cloathing] Namely two Garments.

Judges 17:11

As one] For good usage, good will, and partaking of his goods.

Judges 17:13

Seeing I have] As if in all this establishment of divine worship, there had been nothing wanting, but onely a lawfull Minister, as the Levites were; whereas there was a defect in all; in the insttution without command, approbation, and promise of God in the place, means, and idolatrous ceremonies.