That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.
Ver. 13. That whosoever would not seek the Lord,] i.e., Be subject to the Lord, but seek to other gods.
Should be put to death.] According to the law. Deu 13:9 Say not, This is Old Testament, we find no such thing in gospel. See Zechariah 13:3; Zechariah 12:10; Romans 13:4; 1 Peter 2:13,14; and distinguish not where the Scripture doth not distingnish. See 2Ch 34:33 Ezr 7:26 Daniel 3:29. Heathen magistrates are commended for interesting themselves in matters of religion. Good kings, as here, and 2 Chronicles 34:33, are commended for putting upon their people wholesome laws and strait, binding them to the purity of religion and power of godliness. Neither is this any impeachment to their Christian liberty, - as Anabaptists hold, and the Donatists afore them, asking malapertly, Quid imperatori cum ecclesia? What hath the civil magistrate to do with the Church? - it is rather an ornament to their beauty, &c.