Joe 2:16, 1Cor 7:5-6 | JFB | STEP | 16. sanctify the congregation —namely, by expiatory rites and purification with water [CALVIN ], ( ). MAURER translates, "appoint a solemn assembly," which would be a tautological repetition of . elders . . . children —No age was to be excepted ( ). bridegroom —ordinarily exempted from public duties ( ; compare ). closet —or, nuptial bed, from a Hebrew root "to cover," referring to the canopy over it.

Joel 2:16

16. sanctify the congregation—namely, by expiatory rites and purification with water [CALVIN], (Ex 19:10, 22). MAURER translates, "appoint a solemn assembly," which would be a tautological repetition of Joe 2:15.

elders . . . children—No age was to be excepted (2Ch 20:13).

bridegroom—ordinarily exempted from public duties (De 24:5; compare 1Co 7:5, 29).

closet—or, nuptial bed, from a Hebrew root "to cover," referring to the canopy over it.

1 Corinthians 7:5-6

5. Defraud . . . not—namely, of the conjugal duty "due" (1Co 7:3; compare the Septuagint, Ex 21:10).

except it be—"unless perchance" [ALFORD].

give yourselves to—literally, "be at leisure for"; be free from interruptions for; namely, on some special "season," as the Greek for "time" means (compare Ex 19:15; Joe 2:16; Zec 7:3).

fasting and prayer—The oldest manuscripts omit "fasting and"; an interpolation, evidently, of ascetics.

come together—The oldest manuscripts read, "be together," namely, in the regular state of the married.

Satan—who often thrusts in his temptations to unholy thoughts amidst the holiest exercises.

for your incontinency—because of your inability to "contain" (1Co 7:9) your natural propensities, which Satan would take advantage of.

6. by permission . . . not of commandment—not by God's permission to me to say it: but, "by way of permission to you, not as a commandment." "This" refers to the directions, 1Co 7:2-5.