Chap. 30. An Expofäsion upon the Rook of J d B. Vert: 24. 223 the doubtful! conftruelionofthe words together, and their fig- nification taken afunder. So that 'tis fomewhat uncertaine which to conclude or pitchupon, as alto whether the whole fenceof the verfe fhould be connet`ted, with that which precedes .or with that which followeth after; yet that which arifeth either sway, orfrom anyof the readings given, as it is a ufefull truth, fo it is that' which may well comply with lobs fcopeand prefent purpofe Howbeit, he will not f$retch out his hard to the grave ; As if he had fayd, Though I know Godwill bringwee to the Grave,orkale appointedfor all living,yet, (orneverthelefs )I know and am ve- ry confident, he will notflretch out bis hand to thegrave. But what meares he, byflretching cut the hand to the grave ? Ianfwer; As The hand of man notes the power of man, fo doth the hand of God his power ; and to flretch out the hand, may have a twofold fignificancy both according to Scripture . language, and commonurge. Fírft To ftretch out the hand,fignifies ro he?pe, fuccour, and deliver. Wee ordinarily delire a man to lend us his hand, when we delre his hetpe, and when we have a mind to helpe another, we ufe to put forth or ftretch out our h and tohim. when meter began toftnke, andcryed, laying, L rd;avome, immediately 7efere ßretcbedforth bis hand, and caught him, ( Myth. 14. 3 I,) The Apoftles (."Ails 4. 3 o.) pray, That the Laird byperching forth hishand to &a/e, and by doing wonders by the name of Jefus . thrift, would ctmfirme them with boldnes in preaching theGo-. fpei. To ftretch out the hand to God, is an imploring offuc_ coiar and falvation from him, (P(al. 88. 9. Pf:l. 143. ó.) And when the Lord would`thew how ready he is to lave and fuccour us, he faith, All the day long Ihaveflwe, shed out my hands unte a difobedient andgaine-fayingpeople, ( Rom. a o. 2r. ) Secondly, To ftretch forth the hand, is to put forth power to-hurt and (mite. Thus in the booke ofExams, (Chap,3.2o.) the Lord threatens, Iwillflretch out my hand , and finite Egypt withall my wonders. And NI when Mofes brought thole won- derful! plagues upon Egypt, he is fayd to ftretch out his hand up- on it. In this tenour the Prophets often expreffe the dreadful! difpenfationsofGod, in the firfi appearances ofthem, as alto in their continuance, (1/4.9.12, r3. ) Notwithlanding all this,
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