who c. this is an earnest wish as would God or the like the word and setteth forth the earnestnesse of his passion as Act. 23. 3. Psal. 2. 6. his spirit that is the gifts of his spirit as the Chaldee saith his spirit of prophesie So Paul wisheth that all the Church could prophesie and saith Follow after loue and zealously desire spirituall gifts but rather that ye may prophesie 1 Cor. 14. 1. Verse 30. gathered that is gat himselfe or at the Greeke saith departed the Elders who were authorised of God to be of the high Councell or Synedrion with Moses and his assistants and thus they differed from those inferiour Magistrates which had beene appointed before by Iechroes advice Exod. 18. 21 25. And as then all hard causes were brought unto Moses Exod. 18. 26. so after this such causes were brought to the high court or Synedrion first ordained here This is shewed by the Hebrew Canons in Talmud Bab. Sanbedrin c. 1. and Maimony in Sanbedrin c. 5. thus They set up no King but by the mouth of the Senate of 71. Elders neither make they any lesser Synedrion for every tribe and for every citie but by the Senate of 71. Neither judge they a whole tribe revolted to idolatry nor a false Prophet nor the high Priest in judgement of life and death but by the great Synedrion But money-matters are judged by the Court of three Iudges Likewise they make or judge no elder rebellious Deut. 17. nor any citie drawne 〈◊〉 to idolatrie Deut. 13. neither cause they the suspected woman to drinke the bitter waters Nam 5. but in the great Synedrion Neither doe they adde unto or in Large the Citie or the Courtyard neither goe they forth to permitted warre c. whereof see the notes on Deut. 20. 1. but by the great Synedrion as it is said in Exod. 18. 22. every great matter they shall bring unto thee Verse 31. a wind God made an East wind to passe forth in heaven and brought on a South wind by his strength Psal. 78. 26. brought Quailes such fowles as he had fed them with before in Exod 16. 13. them now God againe brought swiftly and as with violence which the Chaldee translateth made to flie let them fall or spred them abroad so this word is Englished in 1 Sam. 30. 16. two cubits Sol. Iarchi saith they flew so hie as against a mans heart that he was not toyled in getting them either by reaching hie or by stooping low Verse 32. ten homers or ten heaps as the Chaldee translateth for the Hebrew homer sometime signifieth an heape as in Ex. 8. 4. sometime a kind of measure containing ten Ephahs or Bushels Ez. 45. 11. the w ch measure is called also a Cor. Eze. 45. 14. so Targum Ierusalemy interpreteth it here Thus also the Greek translateth it ten Cors for of the Hebrew Cor the Greeke Coros in Luk. 16. 7. Latine Corus are derived And Chazkuni here explaineth it ten homers there are in an homer thirtie Seahs or Pecks so ten homers containe three hundred Seahs loe he that gathered least had every day ten Seahs Of the Seah or Pecke see the notes on Gen. 18. 6. This abundance of fowles was miraculous whereupon it is said God rained flesh upon them as dust and feathered fowles as the sand of the seas Psal. 78. 27. And with these they filled their greedy lust seeding themselves without feare as Iude verse 12. though the Lord had threatned to punish them verse 20. Verse 33. not yet cut off to wit from their mouth that is not taken from them which the Greeke translateth before it that is the flesh failed Thus the phrase is opened in Ioel 1. 5. the new wine is cut off from your mouth that is taken away from you Or by cutting may be meant chewing The Psalmist alleaging this saith They were not estranged from their desire the meat was yet in their mouth when the anger of God came up against them c. Psal. 78. 30 31. And here Chazkuni observeth how they were plagued of God after that he had sufficed all of them with flesh that men should not say hee had not plagued them but because he was not able to suffice them all with flesh a very great plague or veâ—â—ment great smiting Abr. Ezra writeth that it was the pestilence God gave-them their request when they lusted for flesh but sent leannesse into their soule Psal. 106. 14 15. The anger of God came up against them and slew of the fat of them and smote downe the choise young men of Israel Psal. 78. 31. Verse 34. hee called meaning Moses called and by the name of the place left a memoriall of their sinne and punishment for a warning to them after Deut. 9. 22. and to us that we should not lust after evill things as they lusted 1 Cor. 10. 6. Or as the Greeke translateth it the name of the place was called see verse 3. Kibroth hattaavah that is as the Greeke expoundeth it Graves or monuments of lust Where lust may be used for the men that lusted as circumcision in Rom. 2. 26. is for men circumcised Pride for the proud man Ier. 50. 31 32. Psal. 36. 12. and many the like See the notes on Gen. 45. 7. Vers. 35. were in Hazeroth or Chatseroth in Greeke Aseiroth here they were that is abode or continued as Daniel was that is continued Dan. 1. 21. and they were that is continued there Ruth 1. 2. The cause of which abode was a new trouble which Moses sister and brother raised against him Num. 12. CHAP. XII 1 Marie and Aaron speake against Moses about his wife and office 4 The Lord calleth them all before him justifieth Moses magnifieth his office rebuketh the murmurers and departeth in anger 10 Marie is made a Loper Aaron confesseth sinne Moses prayeth God to heale her 14 The Lord commandeth her to be shut out of the campe seven dayes 15 The peoples journey is stayed till she was brought in againe then they goe on into Pharan ANd Marie and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Aethiopian woman whom he had taken for hee had taken an Aethiopian woman And they said Hath Iehovah spoken onely indeed by Moses hath he not spoken also by us And Iehovah heard it Now the man Moses was very meeke above all the men which were upon the face of the earth And Iehovah said suddenly unto Moses and unto Aaron and unto Marie Come out ye three unto the Tent of the Congregation and they three went out And Iehovah came downe in the pillar of the cloud and stood in the doore of the Tent and called Aaron and Marie they two came forth And he said Heare now my words If there shall be a Prophet among you I Iehovah will make my selfe knowne unto him in a vision I will speake unto him in a dreame My servant Moses is not so he is faithfull in all mine house Mouth to mouth
such a garment as was bound to have the Fringe that he might keepe this commandement and in the time of prayer he is to be warned hereof more especially It is a great shame for wise men that they should pray and not be arraied herewith A man must for ever be warned of this commandement of the Fringe for the Scripture maketh it of great weight and all the commandements every one depend upon it Maim in Zizith ch 3. sect 11 12. But they abused this as other divine ordinaÌ„ces to superstitioÌ„ hypocrisie were reproved by our Saviour for making their Phylacteries broad inlarging the borders or Fringes of their garments Mat. 23. 5. And this their vanitie neglecting the spirituall end appeareth in their writings for unto the thrums or threeds of the garment w ch were three inches they fastned threeds doubled in the midst whose length they say might not be lesse than foure inches but more than so they might be though a cubit or two cu 〈…〉 Maim in Zizith ch 1. s. 6. And for the vertue hereof they say Who so diligently keepeth this Law of Fringes is made worthy and shall see the face of the Majestic of God Baal hatturini on Num. 15. and when a man is cloathed with the Fringe and g 〈…〉 out therewith to the doore of his habitation hee is safe and God rejoyceth and the destroying Angell departeth from thence and the man shall be delivered from all hurt and from all destruction c. R. Menachem on Num. 15. Thus easie it is for men to abuse holy things and to pervert the right use and end of them by their owne inventions See the annotations on Exod. 13. 9. And although they 〈◊〉 so great religion in these Fringes yet as they have lost the spirit and life of this commandement so God hath deprived them of the outward riâ—e that they have not at this day by their owne confession the blew or heaven-coloured ribband The blew Teceleth is not found in our hands at this day because we know not to make the die or colouâ— of it for every blew in wooll is not called Teceleth But the Teceleth or Blew spoken of in the Law it is knowne that it is unpossible to make it at this day and therefore we make the white oâ—ely saith Rambam or Maimony in his exposition on Talmud Bab. in Menachoth ch 4. and that ye seeke not or and ye shall not seeke or search as Num. 14. 36. which word Solomon applieth to his heart searching out things by wisdome Eccles. 1. 13. and 7. 25. The Greeke here translateth it turne aside the Chaldee erre or goe astray your heart in Chaldee the imagination of your heart Here God calleth men from their owne wisdome and inventions to his Law onely for every imagination of the thoughts of mans heart is onely evill every day Gen. 6. 5. And he that trusteth in his owne heart is a foole Prov. 28. 26. your eyes in Chaldee the sight of your eyes So the holy Ghost saith Walke in the wayes of thine heart and in the sight of thine eyes but know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into judgement Eccles. 11. 9. And the Apostle mentioneth the lust of the eyes as that which is not of the Father but of the world 1 Iohn 2. 16. The Hebrewes say The heart and the eyes are the spies of the body and brokers to bring it into transgression the eye feeth and the heart lusteth and the bodie acteth the transgression Sol. Iarchi on Num. 15. The Lord condemning the heart which is the most noble of all the inward parts and the eyes which are the most excellent of all the outward teacheth that the whole man is corrupted thorowout and to be reformed by the Law and Spirit of God For except a man be borne of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdome of God Iohn 3. 5. you goe a whoring in Chaldee you orre or goe astray To goe a whoring after other gods is an usuall phrase for idolatrie Exod. 34. 15. Deut. 31. 16. 1 Chrâ— 5. 25. Iudg. 2. 17. the same is implied here as God saith I am broken with their whorish heart which hath departed from me and with their eyes which goe a whoring after their idols Ezek. 6. 9. but it meaneth also all other sinnes which mens uncleane hearts and impure eyes carry them unto with consent and delight see Lev. 20. 5 6. Psal. 106. 39. Iam. 4. 4. The Hebrewes say If any man be drawne after the thoughts of his heart he will be found a waster of the world because of the slendernesse or shortnesse of his understanding As sometimes he will search after idolatrie and sometimes will thinke peculiarly of the Creator whether there be any or none What is above and what beneath what was before and what shall be after And sometimes of prophesie whether it be truth or no and sometimes of the Law whether it be from heaven or no. And hee knoweth â—â—t what to judge of them till he know the truth concerning his Creator but will be found a revolter unto heresies Concerning this thing is that warning in the Law where it is said And ye shall not seeke after your heart and after your eyes after which ye goe a whoring Num. 15. 39. as if he should say there shall not any one of you be drawne after his owne slender understanding or knowledge as to imagine that his cogitation can attaine to the truth so have our wise men said AFTER YOVR HEART this meaneth heresies and AFTER YOVR EYES this is whoredome And this is an occasion for a man to deprive himselfe of the world or life that is to come Maimony treat of Idolatrie ch 2. sect 3. CHAP. XVI 1 Korah Dathan Abiram and On with 250 Princes rise up against Moses and Aaron about the Priesthood and government of the Church 5 Moses referreth the triall of the cause unto God and reproveth Korahs ambition 12 He sendeth for Dathan and Abiram who reproach him and will not come up 15 He prayeth against them 16 and gathereth Korah and his company with their censers before the Tabernacle 20 The Lord threatneth to consume the rebels and commandeth the people to separate from them 31 The earth swalloweth up Dathan Abiram and all Korahs men and a fire from the Lord devoureth the 250 that burned incense 36 The censers are reserved to cover the altar for a signe unto Israel 41 All the congregation murmure against Moses and Aaron as they that bad killed the Lords people 44 The Lord killeth 14700 of them with a plague 46 Aaron by incense stayeth the plague 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ANd Korah the sonne of Izhar the son of Kohath the sonne of Levi he tooke men and Dathan and Abiram the sonnes of Eliab and On the sonne of Peleth sonnes of Reuben And they rose up before Moses and men of the sonnes of Israel two hundred and fiftie
inheritances by the name of Lets as Come up with me into my lot Iudg. 1. 3. And not lands onely but whatsoever befalleth unto men frō the hand of God is called a lot as This is the portion of them that spoile us and the lot of them that rob us Esay 17. 14. and Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter Act. 8. 21. and That they may receive forgivenesse of sins and a lot that is inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith c. Act. 26. 18. The part of the lot that is of the inheritance of the Saints in light Col. 1. 12. So that in the Greek used by the Apostles Cleros a lot and Cleronomia a division by lot is the common name of an inheritance 1 Pet. 5. 3. Ephes. 1. 14. 18. Vers. 56. According to the lot Hebr. At or Vpon the mouth of the lot as the lot whereon the name of the tribe or of the inheritance is written shall speake This lot being of the Lord figured the diversities of gifts in the Church which the Spirit of God divideth to every man severally 〈◊〉 will 1 Cor. 12. 4. 11. as also the dispensation of his graces concerning our heavenly inheritance which the Election onely obtaineth that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of workes but of him that calleth Rom. 11. 7. and 9. 11. Vers. 57. of the Levites who though they had no inheritance in the land vers 62. yet were they to have 48 cities and their suburbs for their habitation Num. 35. which also fell unto them by lot Ios. 21. 4. c. Vers. 58. Korachites or Korhites of Korah the sonne of Izhar the sonne of Kohath the sonne of Levi Num. 16. 1. Korah himselfe died in the rebellion but his sonnes died not Num. 26. 11. therefore they are reckoned here for a familie in the fourth generation from Levi which is one degree further than the other families And whereas in Exod. 6. 16. c. there are reckoned of Gershon two sonnes Libni and Shimei here the familie of the Libnites is mustered but Shimei left out There Kohath hath foure sonnes Amram and Ishar and Hebron and Vzziel here Vzziel is omitted neither is Ishar named but in his sonnes the Korhites Vers. 59. she bare to Levi by she understand Levies wise or Iochebeds mother Sol. Iarchi expoundeth it his wise bare her in Egypt she bare to Amram that is Iochebed Amrams wife who was also his aunt bare to Amram Exo. 6. 20. Marie Hebr. Mirjam she was a prophetesse see Exod. 15. 20. Num. 12. 1. Vers. 60. unto Aaron was borne Here Moses children Gershon and Eliezer are againe omitted see the notes on Num. 3. 38. Vers. 61. and Abihu died and they had no sonnes Num. 3. 4. See the historie in Levit. 10. Vers. 62. 23 thousand who at the former numbring were but 22 thousand Num. 3. 39. So they increased in the wildernesse a thousand males Vers. 65. dying they shall die i. they shall surely die this was threatned for their rebellion refusing to go into the promised land Nū 14. and the fulfilling of Gods judgment is here shewed and Iosoua in Greeke Iesus the son of Naue these two survived because they faithfully followed the Lord Num. 14. 24. 38. See the Annotations there In that all the rest were dead save these two it sheweth that all the 600 thousand men now mustered which should conquer Canaan were a valiant company betweene 20 and 60 yeares of age none being above 60 but Caleb and Iosua and as they were in body so in minde being trained up these 38 yeares in the study of the Law and ordinances of God and beholding his workes having Moses and Aaron for their leaders and Gods good spirit for their instructer Neh. 9. 20. CHAP. XXVII 1 The daughters of Zelophehad sue for an inheritance 5 Moses bringeth their cause before the Lord who granteth their request 8 The Law of inheritances when a man dieth without a son 12 Moses is bidden goe up and see the land and is told of his death for his trespasse 15 He requesteth of the Lord that a man may be set governour in his place 18 The Lord appointeth Iosua to succeed him 22 And Moses by imposition of hands ordaineth him to his office THen came the daughters of Zelophehad the sonne of Hepher the son of Gilead the son of Machir the son of Manasses of the families of Manasses the son of Ioseph and these are the names of his daughters Machlah Noah Hoglah and Milcah and Tirzah And they stood before Moses and before Eleazar the Priest and before the Princes and all the congregation at the doore of the Tent of the Congregation saying Our father died in the wildernesse and he was not among the Congregation of them that gathered themselves together against Iehovah in the congregation of Korah but in his sinne he died and hee had no sonnes Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family because he hath no sonne Give unto us a possession among the brethren of our father And Moses brought their cause before Iehovah And Iehovah said unto Moses saying The daughters of Zelophehad speake right giving thou shalt give them a possession of an inheritance among the brethren of their father and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to passe unto them And thou shalt speake unto the sonnes of Israel saying If a man die and he have no sonne then ye shall cause his inheritance to passe unto his daughter And if hee have no daughter then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren And if he have no brethren then ye shall give his inheritance unto the brethren of his father And if his father have no brethren then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his familie and he shall inherit it it shal be unto the sonnes of Israel for a statute of judgement as Iehovah commanded Moses And Iehovah said unto Moses Go thou up into this mountaine of Abarim and see the land w ch I have given to the sons of Israel And thou shalt see it and thou also shalt be gathered unto thy peoples as Aaron thy brother was gathered For ye rebelled against my mouth in the wildernesse of Zin in the strife of the congregation to sanctifie me at the water before their eyes that is the water of Meribah of Kadesh in the wildernesse of Zin And Moses spake unto Iehovah saying Let Iehovah the God of the spirits of all flesh set a man over the congregation Which may go out before them and which may go in before them and which may lead them out and which may bring them in that the congregation of Iehovah be not as sheep which have no shepherd And Iehovah said unto Moses Take unto thee Iosua the son of Nun a man in whom is the spirit and lay thine hand upon him And cause
of man is called in respect of himselfe an offence or fall because by it he fell from his good estate in respect of God it was disobedience as unto whom hereby he denyed subjection and renounced obedience Roman 5. 18. 19. Neither was it his owne sinne onely but the common sinne of us all his posterity which were then in his loynes for by this one mans disobedience many were made sinners Rom. 5. 19. and in Adam all dye 1 Cor. 15. 22. V. 7. naked both in body and soule which were bereaved of the image of God deprived of his glory subjected to inordinate lusts and thereupon to shame of which nakednes the Scriptures often speak as Ex. 32. 25. Ezek. 16. 22. Rev. 3. 17. 16. 15 Hos. 2. 3. 2 Cor. 5. 3. Sewed that is fastned together by twisting and platting the leaves and twigs for to gird about them fig leaves in Heb. leaf or branch as we english the word in Neh 8. 15. and as the Greek translateth it in Ier. 17. 8. This was to cover not to cure their filthy nakednes therfore in v. 10. they nevertheless do hide theÌ„selves for shame The like naturall hypocrisie is elsewhere coÌ„pared to the Spiders web Esay 59. 5. 6. And the â—igtree which had leaves no fruit was cursed of Christ and withered Mat. 21. 19. aprons named in Hebrew of girding about the loynes So Peter when he was naked girded a garment on him Ioh. 21. 7. And those parts of the body which serve for generation were then and still are most shamefull and studiously covered because sinne is become naturall and derived by generation Psalm 51. 7. Gen 5. 3. Therefore circumcision the signe of regeneration was also on that part of mans body Gen. 17. 11. Vers. 8. the voice of Iehovah this sometime signifieth any noise or sound Ezek. 1. 24. sometime the thunder Exod. 9. 28. 29. sometime Gods distinct voice like thunder as Ioh. 12. 27. 28. 29. walking this by the Greeke is referred to God walking it may also bee meant of the voice which is said to walke or goe on when it increaseth more and more Exod. 19. 19. the wind by the Greeke version this was the eventide So in the evening of the world at the last day the Lord shall descend from heaven with a showt with the voice of the Archangell and with the trumpet of God c. 1 Thes. 4. 16. hid themselves through conscience and feeling of their sinne and misery and for feare of Gods Majesty vers 10. Howbeit there is no darknesse nor shadow of death where the workes of iniquity may hide themselves Iob 34. 22. Amos 9. 3. Psalm 139. 7. 8. 9. Prov. 15. 3. Ier. 23. 24. from the face or the presence that is for feare of the Lords comming Vers. 10. feared or was afraid this feare was a terrour through feeling of Gods wrath for sinne as Israel also felt in themselves when they heard the voice of God at mount Sinai Ex. 20. 18. 19. 20. It was such as had torment with it which who so feareth is not perfect in love 1 Iohn 4. 18. and proceeded from the spirit of bondage Rom. 8. 15. Otherwise there is also a feare which proceedeth from the spirit of adoption and accordeth well with love and comfort 1 Pet. 1. 1. 17. Psalm 2. 11. and 147. 11. Ier. 32. 39. 40. Prov. 19. 23. This feare if Adam had kept he had eschewed evill Prov. 16. 6 am naked he dissembleth the maine cause which was his sinne pure nakednesse was Gods creature and he was naked before without feare or shame Gen. 2 25. Vers. 12. thou gavest Adams confession is mixed with excuses and further evils asking no mercy but charging the woman and God himselfe with the cause of his fall The foolishnesse of man perverteth his way and his heart fretteth against the Lord Prov. 19. 3. Vers. 13. what is this or For what that is Why hast thou done this Vers. 14. unto the serpent unto the beast and the devill which together were the meanes to draw into sinne vers 1. and therefore are joyned as one here 〈…〉 the punishment cursed this is contrary to blessed Deut. 28. 3. 16. and as to blesse is to say well 〈◊〉 my so to curse is to say evill so expounded by the holy Ghost as thou shalt not curse the Ruler Exod. 22. 28. which Paul citeth thus thou shalt not speake evill of the Ruler Act. 23. 5. And as Gods word is one with his deed so his curse is the powring out of evils upon the creatures for sinne unto their perdition Deut. 28. 20. c. So the fig-tree being cursed withered Mark 11. 21. the children cursed were torne of beasts 2 King 2. 24. And that the devill was implyed under this curse the Hebrew Doctors have acknowledged saying of God that hee brought those three and decreed against them the decrees of judgement and did â—ast Sammael the Devill his company out of his holy place out of heaven and cut off the feet of the serpent and cursed him c. Pirke R. Eliezer ch 14. So Peter saith God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them downe to hell c. 2 Pet. 2. 4. And in Rev. 12. 7. 8. 9. speaking of a spirituall combat with the Devill in the Church it is said the Dragon fought and his Angels but they prevailed not neither was their place found any more in heaven and that great Dragon that old serpent called the Devil and Satan was cast out c As the Devill is cursed above all creatures Mat. 25. 41. so the cursed serpent is in Scripture a similitude of the most hurtfull venemous and hatefull beasts as Deut. 8. 15. Ier. 8. 17. Ps. 58. 5. Mat. 23. 33. thy belly or thy brest as the Greeke hath a twofold translation upon thy brest and belly meaning with great paine and difficulty For other creatures also goe on the belly Lev. 11. 42. but as Adams labour and Eves conception had paine and sorrow added to them vers 16. 17 so the serpents gate dust that is vile and uncleane meats noting also hereby basenesse of condition Mic. 7. 17. and hunger and penury which this beast should suffer above others which eate the herbs of the field Gen. 1. 30. This eating of dust is againe remembred in Esay 65. 25 where speech is of our Redemption from Satan by Christ which sheweth that these outward curses implyed further mysteries V. 15. enmity this is opposed to the amity and familiarity which had beene between the woman and the Serpent which God would breake And here beginneth the first promise of grace and life to Evah and mankind now dead in sinne and enemies to God Col. 2. 13. and 1. 21. For the amity of this world is enmity of God Iam. 4. 4. thy seed and her seed that is thy posterity and hers Seed is often used for children by the Serpents seed are meant not onely those venemous beasts which
saith the Destroyer let him goe a husband c. here the Chaldee paraphraseth thus had it not beene for the blood of this circumcision my husband must needes have beene killed And it is like that upon this occasion and trouble Zipporah with her children was sent backe againe from hence to her fathers house as appeareth by Exod. 18. 2. 3. Vers. 27. of God that is mount Horeb where the glory of the Lord had beene revealed saith the Chaldee paraphrast See Exod. 3. 1. And now God shewed that mercy to Aaron which after hee rehearsed to Ely one of his posterity 1 Sam. 2. 27. 28. Did not I plainely appeare unto the house of thy father when they were in Egypt c. Vers. 30. Aaron spake as God ordained verse 16. hee that is Moses did as was appointed verse 17. and the signes were those three forementioned vers 3. c. Vers. 31. heard that is hearkened gladly to this joyfull tidings as God foretold Exod. 3. 18. therefore the Greeke translateth it and they rejoyced that the Lord had visited And the Holy Ghost sheweth such force to be in the Hebrew word for when one Prophet saith Ezekias heard or hearkened 2 King 20. 13. another saith Ezekias was glad Esa. 39. 2. visited to wit in mercy the Chaldee saith remembred See Gen. 21. 1. Luk. 1. 68. seene to wit with commiseration as Ex. 3. 7. bended downe the head this was a gesture of humiliation with the face toward the ground as is expressed in 2 Chronicles 20. 18. Exodus 34. 8. bowed themselves or worshipped fell downe prostrate This was another humble gesture used in reverence and thanksgiving as Gen. 24. 26. Exod. 12. 27. 1 Chron. 29. 20. 2 Chron. 29. 30. Nehem. 8. 6. There were also two other gestures of honour kneeling 2 Chron. 6. 13. and bending or bowing of the body 2 Chron. 29. 29. and these three are all mentioned in Psal. 95. 6. They differed one from another the bending of the head was the least and it was the bowing downe of the face onely The bending of the body was when the whole body was bent downeward the face towards the knees Kneeling was upon the knees a gesture commonly knowne Bowing of themselves or worship was with falling downe upon their face on the ground their hands and feet displaied Wherefore that which one Evangelist calleth worshipping Matth. 8. 2. another calleth falling on the face Luk. 5. 12. So the Hebrew cannons also distinguish them saying The bending of the body spoken of in any place is towards the knees the bowing of all the joynts of the backe-bone so that he maketh his body as a bow the bending of the head is with the face or countenance downeward the bowing of ones selfe or worshipping is the displaying of hands and feet till hee bee prostrate with his face on the earth Maimony in Misn. treat of Prayer c. 5. S. 12. 13. Here the Israelites shewed by these gestures their reverence to Gods word and thankfulnesse the Hebrew Doctors as in the Zohar upon this place say that the bending of the head with the face toward the ground was for to escape judgment and the bowing of themselves or worshipping was for to obtaine mercy and that the bending of the head was before the worshipping according to the mysterie of the Sin-offring before the Burnt-offring The order of which sacrifices may be seene in Exod. 29. 14. 18. Lev. 8. 14. 18. and 14. 19. 20. and 15. 15. and 61. 11. 15. 24. CHAP. V. 1 Moses and Aaron doing their message to Pharaoh are resisted and rebuked 5 The Israelites taske increased 14 Their officers beaten 15 Their complaints checked 19 They crie out upon Moses and Aaron 22 Moses complaineth unto God AND afterward Moses and Aaron went in and said unto Pharaoh Thus saith Iehovah the God of Israel Send away my people that they may keepe a feast onto me in the wildernesse And Pharaoh said Who is Iehovah that I should obey his voice to send away Israel I know not Iehovah neither will I send away Israel And they said The God of the Hebrewes hath met with us let us goe wee pray thee three daies journey into the wildernesse and sacrifice unto Iehovah our God left hee fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword And the king of Egypt laid unto them Wherefore doe ye Moses and Aaron cause the people to cease from their workes Get ye to your burthens And Pharaoh said Behold the people of the land now are many and ye make them to rest from their burdens And Pharaoh commanded in that day the taske-masters of the people their officers saying Yee shall not any more give straw to the people to make brickes as heretofore let them goe gather straw for themselves And the tale of the brickes which they did make heretofore you shall lay upon them you shall not diminish ought thereof for they be idle therefore they cry out saying Let us goe and sacrifice to our God Let the work be made heavy upon the men and let them labour therein and let them not regard vaine lying words And the taske-masters of the people went out their officers and said unto the people saying Thus saith Pharaoh I will not give you straw Goe ye take your straw where you can find it yet not ought of your worke shall bee diminished And the people was scattered abroad thorow all the land of Egypt to gather stubble in stead of straw And the taske-masters hasted them saying Fulfill your workes every daies taske in his day as when there was straw And the officers of the sonnes of Israel which Pharaohs taske-masters had set over them were beaten saying Wherefore have yee not fulfilled your appointed taske to make bricke both yesterday and to day as heretofore And the officers of the sonnes of Israel came and cried out unto Pharaoh saying Wherefore doest thou thus to thy servants There is no straw given unto thy servants and they say to us make brickes and behold thy servants are beaten and it is the sinne of thy people And he said ye are idle ye are idle therefore yee say let us goe and sacrifice to Iehovah Now therfore goe worke for straw shall not be given you yet shall ye deliver the tale of brickes And the officers of the sonnes of Israel did see them in evill saying Ye shall not minish ought from your brickes every daies taske in his day And they lighted upon Moses and Aaron standing to meet with them as they came forth from Pharaoh And they said unto them Iehovah looke upon you and judge because you have made our savour to stinke in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of his servants to give a sword into their hand to slay us And Moses returned unto Iehovah and said Lord wherefore hast thou done evill to this people wherefore is it that thou hast sent me For since I came to Pharaoh to speake in thy name
the spiritually Egyptians by whose sinne the third part of the sea became blood and of other waters became wormewood Revel 8. 8. 11. there be the like plagues from the phials or cups of Gods Angels as are here by the rod of Gods messengers their sea rivers and fountaines becomming blood they having shed the blood of Saints and Prophets and God giving them blood to drinke for they are worthy Revel 16. 3. 6. Of this plague the Psalmist also speaketh Psal. 78. 44. and 105. 29. Contrariwise God blesseth his people by turning for them the rockes to rivers and fountaines of waters Psal. 78. 15. 16. and 114. 8. and giving them the water of life to drinke Ioh. 4. 10. 14. Rev. 22. 1. 17. Vers. 21. died so in Antichrists sea every living soule dyeth Revel 16. 3. as by their impietie they had caused the third part of such to dye before Revel 8. 9. Contrariwise in the holy land corrupt waters are healed the creatures in them live and fish are multiplied Ezek. 47. 8. 9. stunke whereas the waters of Egypt served them for drinke Ierm 2. 18. there being no raine in the Countrey Deut. 11. 10. 11. God turning them to stinking blood and killing the fish the plague was the more grievous For fishes were their common food Numb 11. 5. the flesh of many beasts they through superstition would not eate of Exodus 8. 26. so that which the Prophet after threatneth was now upon them The fishers mourned and all they that cast angle into the brookes lamented and they that spread nets upon waters languished Esay 19. 8. Vers. 22. did so as before in verse 11. They could by inchantments increase their owne plagues but not ease themselves see Exodus 8. 7. 8. But where had they water to turne into blood either they found some by digging about the river verse 24. or they had some fetched from another place as Gosen see the notes on v. 18. wexed strongs the Greeke saith was hardened see verse 13. Vers. 23. set not that is regarded not nor cared for this wondrous plague so the setting of the heart signifieth carefull regard Exod. 9. 21. Prov. 22. 17. 2 Sam. 18. 3. CHAP. VIII 1 God threatneth Pharaoh if hee send not Israel away to plague his Realme with frogges 5 Aaron stretcheth out his hand and the second plague frogs come out of the waters over all the land 7 The Magicians doe the like 8 Pharaoh sueth to Moses 12 And Moses by praier removeth the frogs away 15 Pharaohs heart is hardned 16 The third plague dust is turned into lice on man and beast 18 The magicians could not doe so yet Pharaoh is hardned 20 God threatneth the fourth plague swarmes of flies upon the Egyptians 22 exempting Israel in Goshen 24 The land is corrupted with the swarmes 25 Pharaoh inclineth to let the people goe 30 Moses by praier removeth the swarmes away 32 Pharaoh is bardned againe AND Iehovah said unto Moses Goe in unto Pharaoh and say unto him thus saith Iehovah send away my people that they may serve me And if thou refuse to send them away behold I smite all thy border with frogs And the river shall abundantly bring forth frogs and they shall come up and enter into thy house and into thy bedchamber and upon thy bed and into the house of thy servants and upon thy people and into thy ovens and into thy troughs of dough And the frogs shall come up upon thee and upon thy people and upon all thy servants And Iehovah sayd unto Moses Say unto Aaron stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streames over the rivers and over the ponds cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt And the Magicians did so with their inchantments and caused frogges to come up upon the land of Egypt And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron and said Intreat ye Iehovah that he may take the frogs from me and from my people and I will send away the people that they may sacrifice unto Iehovah And Moses said unto Pharaoh Glorie over me when I shall intreat for thee and for thy servants and for thy people to cut off the frogs from thee and from thy houses onely in the river they shall remaine And he said to morrow and he said be it according to thy word that thou maist know that there is none like Iehovah our God And the frogs shall depart from thee and from thy houses and from thy servants and from thy people onely in the river they shall remaine And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh and Moses cryed unto Iehovah because of the frogs which he had put upon Pharaoh And Iehovah did according to the word of Moses and the frogs dyed out of the houses out of the villages and out of the fields And they gathered them together upon heapes and the land stanke And Pharaoh saw that there was a breathing and he made his heart heavy and hearkened not unto them euen as Iehovah had spoken And Iehovah sayd unto Moses Say unto Aaron stretch out thy rod and smite the dust of the land and it shall be turned to lice in all the land of Egypt And they did so and Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod and smote the dust of the land and there were lice on man and on beast all the dust of the land was lice in all the land of Egypt And the Magicians did so with their inchantments to bring forth lice but they could not and there were lice on man and on beast And the Magicians sayd unto Pharaoh This is the finger of God and Pharaohs heart waxed strong and he hearkned not unto them even as Iehovah had spoken And Iehovah said unto Moses Rise up earely in the morning stand before Pharaoh lo◠〈◊〉 commeth forth to the waters and say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him thus saith Iehovah Send away my people that they may serve mee Else if thou wilt not send away my people behold I will send a mixed swarme upon thee and upon thy servants and upon thy people and into thy houses and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of the mixed swarme and also the ground where on they art And I will marvellously sever in that day the land of Go 〈…〉 upon which my people standethy that there shall 〈◊〉 mixed 〈◊〉 there to th◠〈◊〉 maist 〈…〉 that I am Iehovah in the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 And I will put a 〈◊〉 de 〈…〉 people and 〈◊〉 by people 〈…〉 all 〈…〉 be And Iehova◠did 〈…〉 there came a heavie 〈…〉 I the house of Pharaoh and the house of 〈…〉 into all the land of Egypt 〈◊〉 land was corrupted by reason 〈…〉 Pharaoh 〈…〉 and sayd 〈…〉 the land And Moses said 〈…〉 to doe 〈…〉 shall 〈…〉 shall 〈…〉 of the Egypt 〈…〉 〈…〉 not 〈◊〉 us We will goe three dayes
either sitting or lying but this night lying onely Then the table is brought againe before him and hee faith This Passeover which wee eat is in respect that the Lord passed over the houses of our fathers in Egypt Then holdeth hee up the bitter herbs in his hand and saith These bitter herbs which wee eat are in respect that the Egyptians made the lives of our fathers bitter in Egypt Then hee holdeth up the unlevened bread in his hand and saith This unlevened bread which wee eat is in respect that the dough of our fathers had not time to bee levened when the Lord appeared unto them and redeemed them out of the hand of the enemie and they baked unlevened cakes of the dough which they brought out of Egypt Exodus 12. 39. Then hee saith Therefore are wee bound to confesse to praise to laud to celebrate to glorifie to honour to extoll to magnifie and to ascribe victory unto him that did unto our fathers and unto us all these signes and brought us forth from servitude to freedome from sorrow to joy from darknesse to great light and wee say before him Halelujah Halelujah Praise O yee servants of the LORD c. unto the fâ—â—â—trocke to a fountaine of waters that is the hundred and thirteenth and to the end of the hundred and fourteenth Psalme Then they blesse the Lord which redeemed them and their fathers out of Egypt and hath brought them unto that night to eat unlevened bread therein and bitter herbs And hee blesseth GOD who createth the fruit of the vine and drinketh the second cup. After this hee blesseth for the washing of hands and washeth his hands the second time and taketh two cakes parteth one of them c. and blesseth GOD that bringeth bread out of the earth Because it is said the bread of affliction or of povertie Deuteronomie 16. 3. as it is the manner of the poore to have broken meat so heere is a broken part Afterwards hee wrappeth up of the unlevened bread and of the bitter herbs together and dippeth them in the â—auce and blesseth GOD which commanded to eat unlevened bread and bitter herbs and they eat Then hee blesseth GOD which commanded the eating of the sacrifice and hee eateth the flesh of the feast offring and againe blesseth GOD which commanded the eating of the Passeover and then hee 〈◊〉 of the body of the Passeover After this they â—it long at Supper and eat every one so much as he will and drinke as much as they will drinke Afterward he eateth of the flesh of the Passeover though it bee but so much as an olive and tasteth nothing at all after it that it may be the end of his supper and that the taste of the flesh of the Passeover may remaine in his mouth After this he lifteth up his hands and blesseth for the third cup of wine and drinketh it Then filleth hee the fourth cup and accomplisheth for it the Praise or Hymne and sayeth for it the blessing of the Song which is All thy workes praise thee O Lord c. Psalme 145. 10. and blesseth God that created the fruit of the vine and tasteth nothing at all after it all the night except water And hee may fill the fift cup saying for it the great Hymne the hundred thirty sixe Psalm Confesse ye to the Lord for hee is good for his mercie endureth for ever unto the end of that Psalme But he is not bound they say to that cup as to the foure former cups These things are shewed by Maimony in his treatise of Leven and unlevened bread chapter 8. where also hee noteth some differences at this time when having no Temple they can have no sacrifice neither kill the paschall Lambe but onely use the unlevened bread bitter herbs and wine in their private houses After in his Copie of the Haggadah or Narration of the Passeover hee sheweth what words they used at the breaking and delivering of the unlevened bread This is the bread of affliction which our fathers did eat in the land of Egypt whosoever is hungry let him come and eat whosoever hath neede let him come and keepe the Passeover c. These observations of the Iewes whiles their common-wealth stood and to this day may give light to some particulars in the Passeover that Christ kept as why they lay downe one leaning on anothers bosome Ioh. 13. 23. a signe of rest and security and stood not as at the first Passeover neither â—ate on high as wee use Why Christ rose from supper and washed and sate downe againe Iohn 13. 4. 5. 12. Why hee blessed or gave thankes for the bread apart and for the cup or wine apart Marke 14. 22. 23. and why it is said hee tooke the cup after supper Luke 22. 20. also concerning the Hymne which they sung at the end Matthew 26. 30. and why Paul calleth it the shewing forth of the Lords death 1 Corinthians 11. 26. as the Iewes usually called their Passeover Haggadah that is a Shewing or Declaration But specially we may observe how the bread which was of old a remembrance of their deliverance out of Egypt was sanctified by the Sonne of God to bee a remembrance of his death and of our redemption thereby from Sathan 1 Corinthians 11. 24. 25. 26. for which we have much more cause to praise honour and magnifie the Lord than the Hebrewes had for their temporary salvation Verse 9. raw That raw whereof the Law warneth us is flesh whereon the fire hath begunne to worke and it is roasted a little but not fit for man to eat as yet saith Maimony in Korban Pesach chapter 8. S. 6. It might figure a full and due preparation by the preaching of the Gospell and shewing forth of Christs death with an examination of our selues that wee eat not unworthily and so eat judgement to our selves 1 Corinthians 11. 26. 28. 29. sodden at all or any way sod Hebr. sodden sod in water The Iewes explaine it so generally neither to be sodden in water nor in any other liquor or juyce of fruits Neither roasted and afterward sodden nor perboyled and afterward roasted c. Yet they say it was lawfull to baste it with wine or oyle or any liquor except water also lawfull to dip the flesh when it was roasted in liquors or juyce of fruits Maimony in Korban Pesach chapter 8. S. 7. 8. At the Passeover which Christ did eat the Euangelists mention his dipping of a sop and giving it to Iudas Iohn 13. 26. In seething the water is mixed with the flesh the forbidding whereof seemeth to teach the simplicitie that should be in Christ that wee know nothing but Christ and him crucified 2 Corinthians 11. 3. 1 Corinthians 2. 2. with fire a figure both of Gods Spirit compared to fire Matthew 3. 11. through which Christ offred himselfe to God Heb. 9. 14. and of the fire of Gods wrath which Christ was to suffer whiles he was made a curse for us by
before is noted doe understand not onely of the streets but not out of the roome nor society where it is to bee eaten a bone to foreshew that not a bone of Christ our Passeover should be broken as was fulfilled Ioh. 19. 33. 36. which signified his victory and deliverance out of affliction and death from which he rose the third day as Psal. 34. 20. 21. the Lord keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken And in hope of resurrection Ioseph gave charge of his bones and they were caried into Canaan Heb. 11. 22. Exo. 13. 19. The bones of the Passe over were burnt with the flesh that remained v. 10. as is testified by the Hebrew Doctors who also say that though it were a little kid whose bones were tender yet might they not eate them for that were the breaking of the bones Maimony in Korban Pesach ch 10. S. 2. 9. Vers. 47. doe it that is prepare offer and eate the pasche as is ordained For neglect and not doing it men were to be cut off Numb 9. 13. Vers. 48. a strangers The Greeke translateth when any proselyte come unto you and so the Chaldee saith when a stranger shall become a proselyte or joyne himselfe with you So this differeth from that which was before in v. 22. and also in ver 45. and is meant of a third sort of strangers that were converts in Greeke called proselytes such as were joyned to the Iewes Church Act. 13. 43. and 2. 10. Matth. 23. 15. Such they were wont to call strangers within the covenant and just strangers to distinguish them from strangers within the gates that did but dwell among them mentioned in Deut. 14. 21. and here in v. 45. doe the Passe-over that is keepe or celebrate it This phrase is used in Matt. 26. 18. Heb. 11. 28. and then so not onely himselfe but his male children must be circumcised ere hee might bee admitted to the Passeover for he was yet in his sinne whiles his children were through his default uncircumcised see Gen. 17. 12. 13. 14. Exod. 4. 24. 26. And thus the Iewes have interpreted this place that as the circumcision of himselfe if it be omitted debarreth him from doing the Passeover so doth the circumcision of his sons and of his servants c. and if hee kill it before hee doe circumcise them it is unlawfull Maimony in Korban Pesach chap. 5. S. 5. uncircumcised the Chaldee turneth it profane person So God saith No stranger uncircumcised in heart nor uncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my Sanctuary Ezek. 44. 9. And the Hebrew Doctors say Whiles the power of uncleannesse and the superfluous foreskin is upon him hee is unfit to be united with the divine Maiesty c. R. Menachem on Exod. 12. Vers. 49. that sojourneth the Greeke here as in ver 48. translateth the proselyte that is come among you So the obedient heathens might by faith in Christ have part in all the holy things with Israel alwaies for in Christ all are one Galat. 3. 28. Act. 15. 9. And unto strangers is promised inheritance with the tribes of Israel in the holy land Ezek 47. 22. 23. The Iew Doctors of old have thus written concerning this Moses our master gave the inheritance of the Law and commandements to Israel onely as it is written Deut. 33. 4. the inheritance of the congregation of Iakob and unto any of the other nations that willingly joyned himselfe a proselyte as it is written Numb 15. 15. as yeeare so shall the stranger be before the Lord. But whosoever is not willing they force him not to receive the law and the commandements But they force all that come into the world to receive the commandements given to the sonnes of Noe whereof see on Gen. 9. 4. and who so receiveth not them is killed and be that receiveth them is called the stranger that sojourneth c. Maimony in Misneh treat of Kings ch 8. S. 10. Likewise in their commentary upon Exodus called Elle shemoth rabbah upon Exod. 12. they say This is that which is written in Esay 56. 3. And let not the sonne of the stranger that hath joyned himselfe to the Lord speake saying The Lord hath utterly separated mee for Iob saith The stranger shal not lodge in the street Iob 31. 32. And why Because the holy blessed God exeludeth no creature but receiveth all For his gates are open every houre and whosoever would be received in he entreth and is received For this it was said by Iob the stranger shall not lodge in the street And againe he saith in the person of God I will open my doores to the traveller Iob. 31. 32. Rabbi Barachias said In whose person speaketh Iob this Doubtlesse because it shall be that the strangers shall be Priests ministring to the holyblessed God as it is written and the stranger shall be joyned them Esay 14. 1. and this joyning is not meant but of the Priests as it is written joyne mee unto one of the Priests offices 1 Sam. 2. 36. For it shall come to passe that proselytes shall eate of the Shew-bread c. CHAP. XIII 1 God commandeth to sanctifie all the Firstborne unto him 3 to remember the day of their going out of Egypt 5 to keepe the feast of Vnlevened bread in Canaan 8 to shew their sonnes the cause thereof 12 to set apart for the Lord the firstlings of beasts 16 Phylacteries for a signe of Gods former mercies 17 The way by which God led Israel in the wildernesse 19 The carying of Iosephs bones with them 20 Israel campeth in Etham 21 God guideth them by a pillar of a cloud and pillar of fire AND Iehovah spake unto Moses saying Sanctifie unto me every first-borne that which openeth every wombe among the sonnes of Israel of man and of beast it is mine And Moses said unto the people Remember this day in which ye came out from Egypt from the house of servants for by strength of hand Iehovah brought you out from hence no levened bread shall bee eaten This day you come out in the moneth of Abib And it shall be when Iehovah shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanite and the Chethite and the Amorite and the Evite and the Iebusite w ch he sware unto thy fathers to give thee a land flowing with milke and honey that thou shalt serve this service in this moneth Seven daies thou shalt eat unlevened cakes in the seventh day shall be a feast to Iehovah Vnlevened cakes shall bee eaten seven daies and no levened bread shall bee seene with thee and no old leven shall bee seene with thee in all thy border And thou shalt shew thy sonne in that day saying because of that which Iehovah did unto mee when I came out from Egypt And it shall bee to thee for a signe upon thy hand for a memoriall betweene thine eyes that Iehovahs Law may be in thy mouth for with a strong hand hath Iehovah brought
is the man that doth this and the sonne of man that layeth hold on it that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it Maimony treat of the Sabbath chap. 30. Sect. 15. Vers. 14. that soule the Chaldee translateth that man shall be destroied This cutting off the Iewes understand to be untimely death by the hand of God when a man so violateth Gods Law as there are no witnesses whereby men should punish him See Gen. 17. 14. And of the Sabbath thus they write that for doing worke therein if a man doe it willingly and presumptuously he is guilty of cutting-off to perish by the hand of God and if there bee witnesses that see him he is to be stoned to death as was performed in Num. 15. 35. 36. and if he doe it of ignorance or errour he is bound to bring the sin offring appointed for the same according to the Law in Numb â—5 27. 30. Maimony in treat of the Sabbath chap. 1. Among the heathen Romanes their Flamins or Priests might see no work done on their holy daies but by a cryer gave men warning to the contrary and who so obeyed not was 〈…〉 ulcted and gave a beast for a sacrifice Albeit they might doe things whereof dammage would follow if they were omitted as to pull an oxe out of a ditch to underset an house ready to fall c. Macrob Saturn booke 1. chap. 16. Vers. 15. of Sabbathisme that is of cessation and rest See Exod. 16. 23. The Greeke translateth it a rest holy to the Lord. Vers. 16. to observe Hebrew to doe see the notes on Exod. 34. 22. Vers. 17. me the Chaldee translateth Betweene my Word and the sonnes of Israel that Word is Christ by whom the Sabbath is truely sanctified to his Church Hebrewes 4. From this Scripture the Hebrewes gather that onely Israel was charged with the sabbath day and not the nations of the world Talmud in Betsah chap. Iom tob So from Exod. 16. 29. Yet thus also they say It is unlawfull to speake to an Infidel to doe any worke for us on the Sabbath day although he be not charged to keepe the Sabbath and although he be spoken to before the Sabbath Maimony treat of the Sabbath chap. 6. Sect. 1. Howbeit this opinion of theirs seemeth not agreeable to Gods will for the Sabbath was to be kept before the Law was given at mount Sinai Exod. 16. 23. even from the Creation Gen. 2. 2. 3. therefore it was given to all the world was refreshed the Greeke and Chaldee doe translate hee ceased and rested This is spoken of God after the manner of men who are refreshed by rest from their workes Of such manner speeches see what is noted on Genesis 6. 6. Vers. 18. of stone that so the record of them might remaine for ever Iob 19. 24. These Tables were the worke of God even as the writing was the writing of God Exod. 32. 16. and these being broken in peeces Exod. 32. 19 two other tables of stone like them were hewed out by Moses but written againe by the Lord Exod. 34. 1. 4. After this Christ by the Spirit of God writeth his Law not in Tables of stone but in fleshly Tables of the hearâ— 2 Cor. 3. 3. and these fleshly tables are also the work of God as he saith I will take the stonie heart out of their bodies and I will give them an heart of flesh Ezek. 11. 19. The Minde and the Heart are the spirituall tables Heb. 8. 10. in the one such things are written as men should know and beleeve in the other such as should be done or omitted The first Tables which God made signified the stonic hearts which all men have by nature now corrupted in which notwithstanding God hath left his Law written so that they doe by nature the things of the Law and shew the worke of the Law written in their hearts Rom. 2. 14. 15. though still they continue hard and stonie and their sinfull nature is not changed The second tables of stone signified the heart of the Iewes hewed and polished by Moses and his legall ministerie in whose heart God also wrote his Law wherein they rested and made their boast of God and knew his will and had the information of knowledge and of the truth in the Law Rom. 1. 17. 18. 20. Howbeit their heart continued stonie and unchanged so that they which taught others taught not themselves neither could they stedfastly looke on Moses face nor see the end of that which iâ— abolished but their mindes were blinded and even to this day a veile is laid upon their heart Rom. 2. 21. 2 Cor. 3. 7. 13. 14. 15. The third which are tables of flesh is the worke of Christ by his Spirit giving us new hearts and writing his Lawes in them 2 Cor. 3. 3. Ezek. 36. 26. Heb. 8. 10. These things both of the weakenesse of Moses ministerie and of the grace of Christ the ancient Hebrew Doctors acknowledged as in their glosse upon Song 1. 1. Let him kisse me c. there mentioning that request of the people in Exod. 20. 19. Speake thou with us c. they say Moses taught them the Law and whatsoever they learned they forgat againe Then they came unto Moses and said O that God would shew him-selfe againe and kisse us with the kisses of his mouth that his doctrine might be fastened in our hearts Moses said unto them This cannot be done now but it shall be in the dayes of Christ as it is written Ier. 31. 33. I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts Midrash Cant. 1. 1. finger which signifieth Gods Spirit as I with the finger of God cast our divels Luk. 11. 20. which is expounded the Spirit of God in Matth. 12. 28. That which was written was according unto all the words which the Lord spake with Israel in the mount out of the midst of fire Exod. 20. Deut. 9. 10. CHAP. XXXII 1 The people in the absence of Moses cause Aaron to make a Calfe 6 They sacrifice thereunto 7 God certifieth Moses of their sinne 10 and his purpose to consume them therefore 11 Moses intreateth for the people 14 The Lord repenteth concerning the evill against them 15 Moses commeth down with the Tables 19 and upon sight of their sinne hee breaketh them 20 He destroyeth the Calfe 22 Aarons excuse for himselfe 25 Moses causeth the Idolaters to be slaine 28 The Levites are the executioners 31 Moses prayeth that either the sinne of Israel be forgiven or himselfe to be blotted out of the Booke of God 34 God spareth the people for the present but after plagueth them AND the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mountaine and the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron and said unto him Rise-up make gods for us which may goe before us because this Moses the man which brought us up out of the land of Egypt we know not what is become of
was in the Tabernacle and the Arke with the mercy-seat Ex. 40. 34. 35. Num. 7. 89. but because he came not they would have a worship of their owne such in likelihood as they had used or seene in Egypt for now in their hearts they turned backe againe into Egypt as is written in Act. 7. 39. 40. And yet fortie daies were not expired neither were the terrible signes of Gods presence taken away for the mountaine still burnt with fire Deut. 9. 15. The Hebrewes say They required not the Calfe that it should bee unto them for a God c. but onely that it might teach them the way as an other Moses R. Menachem on Exod. 32. fol. 117. Vers. 3. eare-rings the Iewels which God had given them of the spoiles of Egypt Ex. 1◠35. 36. they now abuse to make an Idoll of to dishonour God with So after God complaineth of Israel that the eare-rings and Iewels where with he had decked them they tooke and made images and committed whoredome that is Idolatry with them Ezek. 16. 11. 12. 17. And the words and doctrines in the Scriptures being likened to chaines and ornaments Prov. 1. 8. 9. the like sinne to Israels is committed when men pervert the holy Scriptures unto heresies to their owne perdition 1 Pet. 3. 16. V. 4. fashioned it or formed it meaning the Calfe or it is put for them the Iewels every one and so the Greek saith he formed them graving toole or pen as the originall word elsewhere signifieth Esa. 8. 1. which may bee understood that first Aaron drew with pen or pencil the form of a calfe after did cast the mould thereof or that he cut polished the calfe herewith when he had molten and made it So Idolaters doe even to this day draw out and polish with their pennes idoll worship and heresie and he made or when he had made it molten Calfe Hebrew calfe of melting or of molten worke meaning the image of a calfe as before the image of God is called God v. 1. As the Heathens changed the glory of the incorruptible God into images made like to corruptible men birds beasts c. Rom. 1. 23. so Israel now changed their Glory into the forme of an oxe that eateth grasse and forgat God their Saviour Psal. 106. 19. 20. 21. These be thy Gods that is This is thy God as the holy Ghost expoundeth it in Nehem. 9. 18. They made them a molten calfe and said this is thy God meaning an image of the true God which had brought them out of Egypt who is also called in Scripture after the like phrase plurally though he be but one as in Gen. 20. 13. and 35. 7. Ios. 24. 19. As the image of a calfe was before called a calfe so the Scripture useth figuratively to call signes and figures by the names of those things they signified as Ex. 12. 11. and 17. 15. Gen. 37. 7. Matth. 26. 26. 28. 1 Cor. 10. 4. Thus Ieroboam spake also of his golden calves 1 King 12. 28. And the intent of Israel in making the calfe and the intent of Ieroboam were one R. Menachem on Exod. 32. V. 5. to Iehovah or of Iehovah as the Gr. is of the Lord unto whom a feast should have beene kept Ex. 10. 9. and to him they intended this their service although indeed they sacrificed unto the Idol and rejoyced in the workes of their owne hands v. 8. Act. 7. 41. and in Gods account offred unto Divels after whom they went a whoring Levit. 17. 7. So Iehu would be thought zealous for Iehovah when yet he worshipped Ieroboams golden calves which also were Divels 2. King 10. 16. 29. 2 Chron. 11. 15. Vers. 6. brought-neer to the altar that is offred as the Gr. translateth to play so the Apostle translateth it also in Gr. 1 Cor. 10. 7. sometime the word is used for laughing and rejoycing Gen. 21. 6. here it is meant of their singing dancing c. about their Gods of gold v. 18. 19. So that which one Prophet calleth playing the word here used 1 Chro. 15. 29. another calleth dancing 2 Sam. 6. 16. The Hebr. as R. Menachem on this place expound it whordome according to that in Gen. 39. 14. He hath brought in to us an Hebrew man to mocke us or to play with us which being understood of spirituall whoredome that is Idolatrie is according to truth And from this their practice we are warned not to be Idolaters like them 1 Cor. 10. 7. V. 7. Goe the Gr. addeth the word quickly as Moses also doth in Deut. 9. 12. Arise get thee down quickly corrupted this implieth both their Idolatrie the judgment which they brought upon themselves therfore as in Gen. 6. 11. 12. 13. whereupon he calleth them Moses his people as not being worthy to be named Gods children Deut. 32. 5. but under the wrath and curse of Moses law The Greeke interpreteth it have transgressed the law Vers. 9. stiffenecked or hard necked as elsewhere the Lord saith Thou art hard and thy neck is an yron sinew Esay 48. 4. It is a similitude taken from unruly heifers that will not submit their neck to the yoke Hos. 4. 16. Ier. 5. 5. and 27. 8. and so meaneth stubborn disobedient cariage of which God often reproveth them by this name Ex. 33. 3. 5. and 34. 9. Deut. 9. 6. 13. and 10. 16. and 31. 27. Ier. 7. 26. and 19. 15. Neh. 9. 17. 29. Act. 7. 51. Vers. 10. Let me alone that is intreat me not to spare them or hinder me not by thy prayer from punishing them So the Chaldee translate Leave off thy prayer before me consume and put out their name from under heaven Deut. 9. 14. of thee Hebrew make thee to a great nation In Deut. 9. 14. it is said a mighty nation and greater then they So againe in Num. 14. 12. V. 11. the face this the Gr. and Chaldee translate he prayed before the Lord but Gods face is somtime used for his anger as in Gen. 32. 20. Lev. 20. 6. Ps. 21. 10. 34. 17. so it meaneth a supplicating against the anger which was now waxing hot For they had beene abolished had not Moses stood before God in the breach to turne away his wrath from destroying them Psal. 106. 23. Wherefore c. This is not a question as if there were no cause for the Lord to be angrie but is a manner of earnest intreaty that he would not in wrath destroy thē So the Prophets often used to pray in this sort as in Psal. 10. 1. and 44. 25. Esa. 64. 12. And when Christ said Wherefore make yee this adoe and weepe Mar. 5. 39. another Euangelist explaineth it Weepe not Luk. 8. 52. and Art thou come to torment us Mat. 8. 29. is expounded I pray thee torment me not Luke 8. 28. Ver. 12. for evill or in evill in malice that is maliciously the Greeke translateth with maliciousnesse repent The Greek translateth be mercifull
affection toward repentant and beleeving sinners 1 in pittying their misery 2 shewing favour and grace unto them though unworthy 3 long suffring their infirmities 4 of much mercy and bounty in doing them good 5 of much truth in fulfilling his promises unto them 6 and extending the like mercy to their children even to the thousand generation 7 and forgiving their sinnes of all sorts wherin the blessednesse of man consisteth Psalm 32. 1. 2. Rom. 4. 6. 7. 8. long suffring or long 〈◊〉 he be angry Hebrew long of anger or of nostrith mercy or bounteousnesse kindnesse which David six and twenty times in one Psalme confesseth to endure for ever Psal. 136. Compare also Neh. 9. 17. Ion. 4. 2. Psal. 103. 7. 8. 9. c. Vers. 7. for thousands that is as Thargâ—â— Ierusalemy explaineth it for a thousand generations See Exod. 20. 6. The Greek translateth and doing many unto thousands not clearing cleare that is 〈◊〉 will in no wise cleare or acquit hold innocent to wit the guilty person as the Greeke version addeth or as the Chaldee saith them that convert not Also the Ierusalemy Thargum expoundeth it hee will not clear sinners in the day of the great Iudgement The like defect is in Num. 14. 18. Nahum 1. 3. and in other like speeches as Lev. 19. 18. which sometime the Scripture it selfe supplyeth as is noted on Gen. 4. 20. and 24. 33. And these two last attributes are in respect of Gods dealing with the wicked unto whom he imputeth no righteousnesse for their good but inflicteth punishment upon them and theirs unto perdition Yet this his justice upon the wicked is a part of his goodnesse towards his people as it is said The just shall rejoyce when he seeth the vengeance he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked Psalm 58. 11. visiting that is punishing see Exod. 20. 5. sonnes to wit of the wicked or rebellious as the Chaldee here addeth And Thargum Ierusalemy saith remembring the sinnes of wicked fathers upon the rebellious sonnes unto the third generation and unto the fourth generation Vers. 8. bowed himselfe or worshipped fell prostrate Thargum Ierusalemy expoundeth it he confessed and lauded God See the notes on Exod. 4. 31. Vers. 9. now goe or I pray thee goe to wit with the signes of his presence in the cloudy fiery pillar The Chaldee saith Let the Majesty of the Lord goe By the Majesty or Divine-presence of the Lord which the Hebrewes call Sheâ—inah wee may well understand Christ for the Hebrews usually distinguish this from God the Father and say there is no comming before the blessed and most high King without Shecinah R. Menachem on Levit. 10. Our Saviour more plainly saith No man commeth unto the Father but by me Ioh. 14. 6. Of him the ancient Iewes seeme to speake under this name Shecinah though at this day they despise their salvation See before on Exod. 33. 14. 15. and 34. 6. and 14. 19. for it is or though it be a stiffe necked people yet pardon thou c. For in the time of favourable-acceptation it was well with them by Shecinah the Divine-majesty that tooks pitty upon them saith R. Menachem take us for inheritance or inherit possesse thou us which the Greeke translateth we shall be thine This is the blessednesse of a people that God chuseth them to bee his inheritance as Psalm 33. 12. Zach. 2. 12. and God doth inherit or possesse those whom hee subdueth unto his obedience and ruleth over them Psal. 82. 2. Levit. 25. 46. Vers. 10. he said the Greeke explaineth it the Lord said unto Moses strike that is make to wit with thee as the Greeke explaineth it marvels in Greeke glorious things and so the Euangelist useth the word Luke 13. 17. the people rejoyced for all the glorious things that were done by Iesus where the Syriak hath marvelous things So in Iob 5. 9. Exod. 33. 16. This promise seemeth to concerne the marvelous workes which God after did before all Israel in the dayes of Iosua as when the Sunne and moone stood still in the midst of heaven c. Ios. 10. 12. 13. of which it is there said Is not this written in the booke of Iasher which the Chaldee there expoundeth the booke of the Law as being a thing whereof Moses here wrote created the Greeke saith done and creating is the making or doing of a new marvelous and glorious thing as Gen. 1. 1. Numb 16. 30. a fearfull thing or he is fearfull meaning God but the Gr. expounds it they are marvelous things with thee that is as the Greeke translateth to thee meaning all Israel as the words following manifest or with thee meaning Moses that is by thy hand as Paul saith not I but the grace of God with me 1 Cor. 15. 10. Vers. 11. Observe thou or keepe for thy selfe for thine owne good Amorite that is Amorites c. as the Chaldee translateth See Gen. 10. 16. Exod. 23. 23. 28. Verse 12. snare or cause of thy ruine See Exod. 23. 33. Vers. 13. pillars or standing images statues see Exod. 23. 24. groves which they used to consecrate to their gods offring sacrifice under greene trees Deut. 12. 2. 2 King 16. 4. So among other heathens trees and groves were the Temples of their gods saith Pliny hist. booke 12. chap. 1. And in the Romane Lawes of the 12 Tables in the 2 law of Religion it was commanded to have groves in the fields For this cause Israel is here bidden to cut them downe and in Deut. 12. 3. to burne them and were also forbidden to plant any grove or any tree neere unto the altar of the Lord Deut. 6. 21. Vers. 14. other god to the idols of the peoples as the Chaldee expoundeth it Vers. 15. goe a-whoring that is commit idolaâ—â—y which is spirituall whoredome Ier. 3. 9. and so the Chaldee explaineth it here to erre after their errors that is their idols he that is the inhabitant aforesaid put for all and every of the inhabitants therefore the Greeke translateth they call and so after Compare Num 25. 1. 2. Prov. 9. 13. 15. Vers. 17. molten gods or gods of metall Hebrew of melting So Levit. 19. 4. Exod. 20. 23. Vers. 18. as I or which I commanded but the Hebrew asher is put for caasher as in Exodus 23. 15. and so the Greeke translateth it here Abib in Greeke the moneth of new fruits See Exod. 13. 4. Vers. 19. is mine or shall be mine that is sanctified unto me see Exodus 13. 2. 12. that which openeth or the first borne as the Greeke and Chaldee here translateth it See Exod. 13. 12. 13. and 22. 29. 30. Vers. 20. with a lambe a living lambe of the sheepe or goats and no other beast as is noted on Exod. 13. 13. and the lambe was to be given to the Priest Num. 18. 8. 15. The Hebrewes say It might be redeemed with a lambe whether male or female unblemished or blemished small or
their service Num. 4. 3. And also because there 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inheritance given them among the sonnes of Israel Num. 26. 62. but the Lord was their inheritance Deut. 10. 8 9. Now to be numbred apart and not with others signified some speciall favour towards such and care over them as Num. 23. 9. Aaron Aaron the elder brother of Moses and 〈◊〉 Levites therefore their names are mentioned here V. 3. he filled that is consecrated or perfected 〈◊〉 the Greeke translateth See the annotations on Exâ—â— 29. 9. and Levit. 8. V. 4. dyed by a fire from the Lord Levit. 10. 1 2. This is mentioned againe in Num. 26. 61. 1 Chron. 24. 1 2. had no sonnes the Hebrewes as Chazkuni upon this place say if they had had sonnes those sonnes had beene before Eleazar and Ithamar for whosoever is fore-most in inheritance is foremost for honour or dignitie in the sight of Aaron or before the face that is whiles Aaron lived as before the face of Tharah Gen. 11. 38. is while Tharah lived before the Moone and Sunne Psal. 72. 5. 17. is whiles they continue to give light The Greeke translateth With Aaron Elsewhere it is said by the hand of Aaron 1 Chron. 24. 19. Of these two there were so many Priests in Davids dayes that he distributed them into 24. courses sixteene of Eleazar and eight of Ithamar 1 Chron. 24. 3. 4. The Hebrew Doctors say Moses divided the Priests into eight wards or courses foure of Eleazar and foure of Ithamar and so they were untill the Prophet Samuels dayes Then Samuel and David the King parted them into 24. courses And over every course or ward there was one chiefe Provost And they went up to Ierusalem to serve by course every weeke And every sabbath day they changed one course went out and the next after them came in c. Maimony tom 3. treat of the Instruments of the Sanctuarie chapt 4. sect 3. Compare 1 Chron. 9. 22. 25. 2 King 11. 5. 7. V. 6. present it or cause it to stand speaking of the tribe In Greeke present them V. 7. his charge Hebr. his custody or obseruation that is that which he commandeth them to obserue See this phrase in Lev. 18. 30. 〈…〉 of all the congregation the Greeke explaineth it of the sonnes of Israel as in v. 8. So 〈◊〉 2 Chron. 35. 3. serve the Lord your God and his people Israel It meaneth also such things as they were charged to keepe but the Levites now were taken in their stead 〈…〉 to serve the service in Greeke to worke or doe the workes of the Tabernacle which in Num. 8. 11. is said to serve the service of the Lord. After in the 8. verse the Greeke translateth according to all the workes of the Tabernacle The Hebrewes write thus The sâ—ed of Levi are all of them separated for the service of the Sanctuarie And it is commanded that the Levites be prepared and readie for the service of the Sanctuarie whether they be willing or not willing as in Num. 18. 23. And the Levite he shall serve the service of the Tent of the congregation And the sonne of Levi which will take upon him all the Levites commandements saving one thing they receive him not in till he take all upon him Maimony treat of the Instruments of the Sanct. chap. 3. sect 1. V. 9. are given are given that is as the Greeke here and Moses himselfe in Num. 18. 6. explaineth it are a gift given oâ— they are wholly given So the Ministers of the Gospell are called gifts Ephes. 4. 8. 11. 〈…〉 unto him for his helpe in the charge and worke of the Sanctuarie they ministring unto him and he and his sonnes ministring before the Tabernacle Num. 18. 2. 6. V. 11. shalt appoint or constitute set in office as Bishops or Overseers The Greeke explaineth it thou shalt constitute over the Tabernacle of Testimonie their Priests office for every thing of the Altar and within the veile Num. 18. 7. the stranger that is whosoeuer is not of Aarons seed as is explained in Num. 16. 40. for no man taketh the honour unto himselfe but he that is called of God as was Aaron Hebr. 5. 4. So Chazkuni here expoundeth stranger to be Israelite or Levite that commeth neere to minister And Maimony in Biath hamikdash chap. 9. sect 1. saith Who is the stranger Whosoever is not of the seed of Aaron the males And after God himselfe forbiddeth the Levites to come night he vessels of the Sanctuarie and the Altar on paine of death Numb 18. 3. put to death by the magistrate or by the hand of God as was Korah for presuming to doe the Priests office Numb 16. V. 12. every first-borne which before the Levites were taken in their stead did minister to the Lord as is noted on Exod. 24. 5. And upon what occasion God tooke the Levites instead of the first-borne is to be seene in Exod. 32. 26. 29. Deut. 33. 9. shall be mine to minister before me as the Chaldee expoundeth it V. 13. I smote in Chaldee I killed see Exod. 12. 29 30. The Lord having slaine all the first-borne of Egypt and spared the Israelites did therefore challenge for his owne and sanctifie to him-selfe all Israels first-borne Exod. 13. 2. but tooke the Levites and their cattle in stead of Israels first-borne men and cattle Num. 3. 45. and gave them as a gift to Aaron to minister unto him Who being in his Priesthood a type of Christ all these rites are in him fulfilled For unto Christ God gave children Hebr. 2. 13. and they are a congregation of first-borne written in heaven Hebr. 12. 23. being of Gods owne will begotten by the word of truth that they should be a kinde of first-fruits of his creatures Iam. 1. 18. to whom he also giveth the first-fruits of his Spirit Rom. 8. 23. These wait on and follow the Lambe Christ being bought from among men and first-fruits unto God and to the Lambe Rev. 14. 4. These were brought for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations and of them the Lord hath taken for Priests and for Levites Esai 66. 20 21. and Christ hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father that we may serve him day and night in his Temple Rev. 1. 6. and 7. 15. V. 15. Muster or Number Hebr. Visit. This was done by Moses and Aaron v. 39. and by the Princes of the congregation Num. 4. 34. though here the commandement is directed unto Moses onely house in Greeke houses old Heb. sonne of a moneth Tho cause why the Levites were numbred from this age was for that they came in place of the first-borne of Israel whose redemption is appointed from a moneth old Num. 18. 15 16. And they were counted after the houses of their fathers not of their mothers for if a woman of Levi were maried to a man of Iudah or any other tribe her sonne was not a Levite The Hebrew canons say
them foure wagons according unto their service for to ease the cariage Num. 7. 5. 8. Vers. 38. foremost or as the Greeke translateth it Eastward see Num. 2. 3. Moses and Aaron The Hebrewes as Baal hatturim vpon this place doe observe that here is a pause or distinction betweene Moses and Aaron to teach that Moses pitched in one place by himselfe and Aaron and his sonnes in another place by themselves Thus Moses a Levite of Kohath was King in Ieshurun Deut. 33. 5. and Aaron his brother Priest as for Moses two sonnes Gershon and Eliezer Exod. 18. 3 4. here is no mention of them neither in Num. 26. neither had they any prerogative but were among the other Kohathites and named of the tribe of Levi that is common Levites 1 Chron. 24. 14. the charge or the custodie the watch of the Sanctuarie the Levites being assistants under them Num. 18. 2 3. Of the watch which was wont to be kept in the Sanctuary see the annotations on Num. 15. 8. the stranger that is any saving Aaron and his sonnes see verse 10. Vers. 39. and Aaron in the Hebrew there are many extraordinary pricks over the name of Aaron for speciall cause R. Sol. Iarchi saith they were to signifie that Aaron himselfe was not among the number of the Levites none of the 22000. here mentioned Observe Aarons dignitie Hee was the elder brother unto Moses the King Exod. 7. 7. Hee was by mariage brother to Naasson Prince of Iudah for hee had to wife Elisabeth his sister Exod. 6. 23. Hee was joyned with Moses in the government of Israel Psal. 77. 20. He had the prerogative to sacrifice for the whole Church 1 Chron. 23. 13. But Christ our King and Priest after the order of Melchisedek farre excelleth him Hâ—b 7. and 8. chap. two and twentie thousand This summe accordeth not with the former particulars for there were of Gershon 7500. of Kohath 8600. of Merari 6200. which make in all 22. thousand and three hundred But Aaron and the Priests as also the first-borne of the Levites were the Lords after a peculiar manner Exod. 13. 2. and therefore deducted from the rest which were all taken in stead of the first-borne of Israel So there were so many thousand Levites as there are Hebrew letters because they were aboue others to apply the studie of Gods Law Deut. 33. 10. which because they did not according to their dutie God so disposed that Iehozadak the Priest in the 22. generation after Aaron was caried captive with the people into Babylon 1 Chron. 6. 3. 15. And here againe Gods providence appeareth that the Levites increase should be by just thousands and the Priests and first-borne of Levi by hundreds without any broken number such as was among the first-borne of Israel vers 43. See the notes on Num. 1. 25. Againe whereas the least of all the other tribes of Israel from twenty yeeres old and upward had 32000. and 200. Num. 1. v. 34 35. and the greatest 54000. and 600. v. 27. here the Levites which were counted from a moneth old and upward were but 22000. so the Lords portion was the least Yea of these 22. thousand there were found but eight thousand five hundred and fourescore that were fit for to doe service in the Sanctuary Num. 4. 47 48. so small was the number of those that served God in his ministerie in comparison with the campes of Israel Vers. 40. Muster or Number moneth old Hebr. sonne of a moneth Vers. 41. for me or unto me as the Chaldee expounds it thou shalt bring neere the Levites before me every first-borne or all the first-borne which being appointed unto the Lords service the Lord taketh the Levites to serve him in their stead This was for the first-borne males of man and beast which the Israelites now had all the first-borne that came after this were to be redeemed or given to the Priest Num. 18. 15. See the notes on verse 12. and 13. Vers. 43. and seventie and three God 's speciall providence appeareth againe in this number of the first-borne that it should be so neere unto the number of the Levites taken in their stead whom God destinated from the womb unto his service and made the summes of them so neere A like worke of God is observed by Moses in Deut. 32. 8. how he had appointed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sonnes of Israel And whereas six hundred thousand men and moe Num. 1. 46. had but 22. thousand and 273. first-borne males in all their families it appeareth that the farre greater number of Israels first-borne were females who by reason of their sex were not fit to serve God in his sanctuary Which figured the small number of Gods elect among the many that are called Mat. 22. 14. Rom. 9. 6 7 8. For the elect are such as doe serve God day and night in his Temple Revel 7. 15. and are Priests unto God Rev. 5. 10. Vers. 45. shall be mine which the Chaldee explaineth shall minister before me Vers. 46. those that are to be redeemed Hebr. And the redeemed or as the Greeke translateth it And the redemptions or ransomes So after in vers 48 49 51. Here the overplus of the first-borne of man is reckoned and the summe of their ransome vers 50. but the overplus of cattle is not reckoned Vers. 47. five shekels a peece Heb. five five shekels which the Greeke translateth five shekels by the head These five shekels the price set here and in Num. 18. 16. was the value set in Lev. 27. 6. from a moneth old to five yeeres old and it was the least of all the valuations so that God burdened the Israelites with the ransomes as little as might be twentie geraâ—s or twentie pence the gerah was a peece of silver that weighed sixteene barley graines so the shekel weighed 320. graines see the notes on Exod. 30. 13. Vers. 48. the money Hebr. the silver so in vers 49 50 51. of the redeemed understand the money of those that are redeemed or as the Greeke translateth the redemptions of those that are moe Vers. 50. Of the first-borne in Hebrew Bâ—chor the First-borne is singular as spoken of one but translated in Greeke plurally as implying all And this seemeth to be taken not of particular persons as of them that were last numbred or any other for so the burden should have lien vnequally upon a few but of the church in generall Or to cut off contention it was done by lot as R. Solomon Iarchi saith he brought 22000. scrolles or papers according to the number of the Levites vers 39. and on every of them was written A son of Levi and 273. papers according to the number of the First-borne Israelites moe than the Levites vers 46. and on every of them was written Five shekels they mingled them and put them in a basket then said he unto them come draw your papers according to your lot Vers. 51.
will I speake with him and in vision and not in darke speeches and the similitude of Iehovah shall hee behold and wherefore were yee not afraid to speake against my servant against Moses And the anger of Iehovah was kindled against them and he went away And the cloud departed from off the Tent and behold Marie became leprous as snow and Aaron looked upon Marie and behold she was leprous And Aaron said unto Moses Alas my lord I beseech thee lay not the sinne upon us wherein we have done foolishly and wherein we have sinned I beseech thee let her not be as one dead of whom when hee commeth out of his Mothers wombe halfe his flesh is even consumed And Moses cried out unto Iehovah saying O God I beseech thee heale her now And Iehovah said unto Moses And if her father had spitting spitted in her face should she not be ashamed seven dayes let her be shut seven dayes out from the campe and after let her be gathered in And Marie was shut out from the campe seven dayes and the people journeyed not till Marie was gathered in againe And afterward the people journeyed from Hazeroth and encamped in the Wildernesse of Pharan Annotations MArie in Hebrew Mirjam in Greeke Mariam she was a Prophetesse sister of Moses and Aaron Ex. 15. 20 she it was that began the quarrell as in the originall it appeareth Marie she spake therefore she not Aaron was plagued with leprosie v. 10. As Satan prevailed first with Eve then by her with Adam Gen. 1. 3. so here first with Marie and then by her with Aaron the high Priest And as the former sin of lust for flesh began among the baser sort Num. 11. 4. so this sin of ambition and vain glory began among the chiefest of the Church for these three Moses Aaron and Mary were the chief guides whom God sent before his people Mic. 6. 4. because or upon occasion for the sake Aethiopian Hebr. Cushite which the Greeke translateth Aethiopian This seemeth to be no other than Zipporah the Midianiresse who Moses had married Ex. 2. 16 21. because the Midianites dwelt in Cush his land they were called Cushites or Aethiopians and it may be also because they were tawny coloured like them For otherwise Cush was the son of Cham Gen. 10. 6. whereas Midian was the son of Abraham the son of Sem Gen. 25. 1 2. The Chaldee in stead of Cushith saith Faire which may be spoken by the contrary Iosephus Philo and some others take this wife not to be Sipporah but another Aethiopians taken to wit to wife that is married so in 1 Chron. 2. 19 21. 2 Chron. 11. 20. Nah. 6. 18. and 10 30. By this it seemeth the marrying of that woman who was not of the stocke of Israel and who hindred him from circumcising his son Exod. 4. 24 25 26. was the occasion of their murmuring Howbeit the Hebrew Doctors make his not companying with his wife to be the occasion for that he being a Prophet daily conversant with the Lord and frequenting his Tabernacle abstained from her lest he should have legall pollution which would have kept him from the Sanctuary Levit. 15. 16 31. Compare also Exod 19. 15. Thus the Chaldee expoundeth it for hee had put away or abstained from the faire wife which he had taken And Sol. Iarchi thus for he had taken a Cushite woman and had now put her away Verse 2. by Moses or in Moses as speaking of inward revelation by the Spirit The Targum called Ionathans paraphraseth thus Hath the Lord spoken onely indeed with Moses who is separated from copulation of the bed meaning with his wife also by us or in us as David said The spirit of Iehovah spake in me 2 Sam. 23. 2. Here Sol. Iarchi addeth for explanation hath he not spoken also by us and yet we have not separated our selves from the way of the earth meaning from mutuall societie such as is between man and wife a phrase taken from Gen. 19. 31. But it may be understood as before is noted that they would not have Moses esteemed the onely Prophet who had so stained himselfe by marriage with a strange woman Their drift was by disgracing Moses for his infirmitie to grace and advance themselves against which it is said Let us not be desirous of vaine-glory provoking one another envying one another Gal. 5. 26. heard it that is took notice of this their speech to reprove and punish it So of Reubens sin it is said Israel heard it Gen. 35. 22. Or God is said to heare it as a witnesse of that which it may be they murmured in secret as in Psal. 59 8. swords are in their lips for who say they doth heare and in Psal. 55. 20. God will heare and afflict them See also Psal. 94. 7 8 9. Vers. 3. meeke the originall word hath affinitie with affliction and lowlinesse for by affliction this vertue is furthered Lam. 3. 27 28 29 30. and is seated in the heart and spirit as the Apostle mentioneth a meeke and quiet spirit 1 Pet. 3. 4. As Moses so Christ is set forth for an example of meekenesse Mat. 21. 5. and 11. 29. It is a vertue which keepeth a meane in anger and avenging of our selves when we are offended wronged and contemned above all the men or more than any man This commendation the Spirit of God giveth of Moses though by Moses owne pen as the Apostle also writeth in his own behalfe 2 Cor. 11. 5 6 10 22 c. and 12. 11 12. although Moses is noted to have been very angry sundry times Exod. 11. 8. and 16. 20. and 32. 19. Levit. 10. 16 Num. 16. 15. and 31. 14. and 20. 10 11. compared with Psal. 106. 32 33. Vers. 4. said suddenly so shewing the greatnesse of his displeasure against them which suffered no delay Psal. 64. 7. Prov. 6. 15. Esai 30 13. and preventing any that mought thinke Moses complained to God and sought revenge Thus God who will be a swift witnesse against evill doers Mal. 3. 5. suddenly rose to plead the cause of his meekest servant Compare Psal. 50. 19 20 21. yee tâ—ree both parties are judicially summoned to appeare before the Lord in the Tent of his habitation as he riseth up to judgement to save all the meeke of the earth Psal. 76. 9 So in Num. 16. 16. Verse 5. came downe in Chaldee revealed him-selfe see Gen. 11. 5. of the cloud as the throne oâ— his glory out of which he used to appeare speake unto them Psal. 99. 7. Num. 16. 42. Vnto these apparitions those visions of Iohn hath reference Rev. 10. 1 2 3. and 14 14 c. Vers. 6. a Prophet among you or of you Hebr. your Prophet which the Chaldee expoundeth 〈◊〉 there shall be Prophets to or among you What this word Prophet meaneth see in the notes on Gen. 20. 7. Exod. 7. 1. I Iehovah so the Chaldee also explaineth it or it may be
fourteene thousand and seuen hundred beside them that died about the matter of Korah And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the doore of the Tent of the congregation and the plague was stayed Annotations 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here beginneth the 38 Lecture of the Law which the Hebrewes call Korah because his rebellion is the principall thing here treated of see Gen. 6. 9. VErse 1. Korah or Korach in Greeke Kore Iude ver 11. Izhar in Greeke Isaar Kohath in Greeke Kaath he tooke to wit men with him so Korah is noted as the principall in the rebellion which the Apostle therefore calleth the gaine-saying of Kore Iude verse 11. and in Num. 27. 3. onely Korahs company is mentioned where speech is of this mutinie The Greeke translateth he spake to signifie that he tooke others by perswading them to his faction The Chaldee understands it of taking that is withdrawing of himselfe saying And Korah separated himselfe Thus Sol. Iarchi also expoundeth it he tooke him-selfe aside to be apart from the congregation and Dathan and Abiram this may be understood that they also tooke men and separated themselves or rather that Kore tooke these men unto him and so to reade it he tooke Dathan and Abiram or he tooke both Dathan and Abiram for the word and in Hebrew may sometime be omitted in our English speech as is shewed on Gen. 8. 6. or be interpreted both as explaining the former words see the annotations on Gen. 36. 24. And thus Chazkuni expoundeth it And Korah tooke it meaneth the taking of men and whom tooke he Dathan and Abiram c. AND before DATHAN is redundant here as often elsewhere Abiram in Greeke Abâ—iron Eliab in Greeke Eliam hee was son to Phallu the sonne of Reuben Num. 26. 7 8 9. Gen. 46. 9. On in Greeke Ann and Aunan Peleth in Greeke Phaleth sonnes of Reuben Dathan Abiram and On were all sonnes that is of the posteritie of Reuben who was the first-borne of Israel but lost his honour by his sinne 1 Chron. 5. 1. which his sonnes by unlawfull meanes seeke to recover And these Reubenites camped next unto Korah and the Kohathites on the Southside of the Tabernacie as is shewed in Num. 2. and so being neighbours in situation associated themselves in evill which Sol. Iarchi observing saith thereupon Woe be to the wicked and woe unto his neighbour Korah being a Levite of the Kohathites which was the chiefe familie of the Levites as is noted on Num. 3. 28. he tooke offence as Iarchi on this place saith and envied at the preferment of Elizaphan the sonne of Vzziel whom Moses had made Prince over the sonnes of Kohath Num. 3. 30. when he was of the youngest brother Vzziell and Korah himselfe was of Izhar elder than he see Num. 3. 27. 30. But by the sequell here it appeareth that the lift up himselfe not onely against Elizaphan but against Moses and Aaron and sought the Priesthood also verse 10. Verse 2. and men that is Korah and men as appeareth by verse 5. 16 17. where these are called Korahs congregation the called of the assembly Senators called to the assemblie and as the Greeke translateth it councell of the governours in Chap. 1. 16. such are named the called of the congregation and in Chap. 26. 9. Dathan and Abiram are named the called of the congregation who strove against Moses c. so these were States-men famous and renowned whereby the conspiracie was the stronger men of name that is of renowne this title is given to the Giants before the Flood Gen. 6. 4. Whereupon Baal hatturim here noteth Men of name for wisedome and for wealth and they condemned themselves as did the generation of the Flood which were of old men of name Verse 3. Ye take too much upon you or Let it suffice you as this phrase is translated in Deut. 3. 26. Hebr. much to you or enough for you which Sol. Iarchi expoundeth thus yee have taken to your selves greatnesse much more than enough So after in verse 7. holy and therefore may approach unto God and offer their sacrifices This they meant as Moses answer sheweth in verse 5. and 10. So the presumption of their owne holinesse brought them to ambition and affectation of the Priesthood an honour which no man should take to himselfe but he that is called of God as was Aaron Hebr. 5. 4. Iehovah is in Chaldee the divine presence or Majestie of the LORD dwelleth among them Verse 4. fell on his face as affected with their words humbling himselfe and in likelihood praying unto God as in verse 22. Chazkuni saith He was abashed and cast downe his face on the ground unto prayer and there it was said unto him of God what he should say unto Korah Like gesture he used at their former murmuring Num. 14. 5. and after in Num. 20. 6. Verse 5. Even in the morning or the morning shall come and Iehovah will make knowne c. Iudgement is deferred till the morrow morning so they had that time to consider of their fact and the morning is usually the time of judgement both by men as In the mornings I will suppresse all the wicked of the land Psal. 101. 8. Iudge judgement in the morning Ier. 21. 12. and by God himselfe as Morning by morning doth he bring his judgement to light Zeph. 3. 5. and my rebuke is in the mornings Psal. 73. 14. So in the morning judgement came upon Sodome Gen. 19. 23 24. and the plagues or Egypt Exod. 7. 15. and 8. 20. and 9. 13. and 10. 1â— and the pestilence on Israel 2 Sam. 24. 15. and so shall evill come upon sinners and they shall not know the morning thereof Esai 47. 11. Boker the morning is derived of Baker he inquired or looked out whereupon the Greeke Interpreters reading without vowels translated it The Lord hath looked out and knowne those that are his but the Chaldee saith in the morning theÌ„ the LORD wil make known c. make knowne him or make knowne those that are his so the Greeke translateth knoweth or hath knowne those that are his which very words Paul from this history applieth to Gods knowledge care and love of his Elect whom he sanctifieth and keepeth from falling away as did certaine heretiks in those dayes 2 Tim. 2. 17 18 19 20. This therefore is a speech of faith whereby Moses testifieth his confidence in God who had separated Aaron unto the Priesthood and himselfe unto the government in Israel and would maintaine their cause and calling against all opposers And because these two offices figured the grace given by Christ unto his Elect whom he hath made Kings and Priests even a kingly Priesthood and an holy Nation Revel 1. 6. and 5. 10. 1 Pet. 2. 9. therefore the Apostle in 2 Tim. 2. fitly citeth these words for the comfort of the Saints faithfull ministers of Christ against revolters even as an other Apostle applieth also against such the way of Kain the
errour of Balaam and the contradiction or rebellion of Kore wherein they perish Iude verse 11. The Chaldee translateth it and will make knowne him that is fit for him and who is holâ— or and the holy one that is him whom hee hath sanctified and separated unto the Priests office So David speaking of this rebellion calleth Aaron the holy one or Saint of Iehovah Psal. 106. 16. and he wore on the golden plate this ingraving Holinesâ—e to Iehovah Exod. 28. 36. for he figured our high Priest Christ who was holy harmlesse undefiled separate from sinners made higher than the heavens Heb. 7. 26. and who glorified not himselfe to be made an high Priest but had the honor given him of his Father Heb. 5. 5 6. and Korahs rebellion against Aaron was a type of mens rebellion against Christ as the Apostles have taught us The Greeke translateth as before plurally saying and the holy ones he hath brought neere unto himselfe cause to come neere or bring neere to wit to minister unto him as the Chaldee interpreteth it And this honor of Priesthood given now unto all Saints who are to offer up spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. is commended by David when he saith Blessed is he whom thou choosest and causest to come neere unto thee that he may dwell in thy courts Ps. 65. 5. Which bringing neere or accesse we all have through Christ by one spirit unto the Father with confidence by the faith of him Ephes. 2. 18. and 3. 12. This latter part of the verse is by the Greeke interpreted thus And these whom hee hath not chosen to himselfe he hath not brought neere unto himselfe Verse 6. censers or fire vessels as the Greeke translateth it fire pans whereof see Exod. 27. 3. called sometime incense-vessels because incense was burnt in them 2 Chron. 26. 19. Ezek. 8. 11. which name the Apostle followeth in the Greeke Hebr. 9. 4. Verse 7. put ye fire Hebr. give ye fire and put incense doth choose or shall choose that is declare by manifest signe that hee chooseth and liketh he shall be holy that is shall be declared to be holy and so to be a Priest unto God Because the burning of incense in the censer was the meanes of atonement and expiation before God as after is shewed by Aarons iâ—ct in verse 46 47 48. and was the peculiar worke of the Priest Levit. 16. 12 13. 2 Chron. 26. 18. wherein they that transgressed were in danger of death as the example of Nadab and Abihu sheweth Lev. 10. and it figured in speciall manner the prayers and mediation of Christ for his Church Psal. 141. 2. Rev. 8. 3. 1 Iohn 2. 1. therefore the triall of the Priesthood is put upon this worke rather than on any other sacrifice and the holinesse whereof Korath boasted verse 3. should either be approved or reproved of God For no man hath right to the honour of Priesthood unlesse it be given him of God Hebr. 5. 4 5. nor can without divine authoritie that is without the commandement and promise of God please him or appease his wrath towards himselfe or others Therefore it is a great prerogative and comfort unto all Saints that they are by Christ made Priests unto God and through him may boldly offer up their prayers and praises unto the Father Revel 1. 6. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Hebr. 13. 15. 1 Iohn 5. 14 16. yee take too much upon you or Let it suffice you that you have thus farre provoked the Lord and now leave off Thus Moses returneth the blame upon themselves which they had unjustly laid upon him in verse 3. So Elias doth upon Achab 1 Kings 18. 17 18. Verse 9. Is it a small thing or Seemeth it too little for you meaning on the contrary that it was a great thing and that they should therewith have beene contented for the Tribe of Levi were in the place of all the first-borne of Israel Num. 3. 41. So here he reproveth their unthankfulnesse to God separated you from the congregation as Israel was separated from all other peoples to be the Lords peculiar Lev. 20. 26. 1 Kings 8. 53. so were the Levites separated from the sonnes of Israel to be the Lords Num. 8. 14. And hereupon the Scripture speaketh of the Levites as distinct from the Israelites 1 Chron. 9. 2. Psal. 135. 19 20. So the Mâ—nisters of Christ are said to be separated unto the Gospell of God Rom. 1. 1. Gal. 1. 15. Acts 13. 2. the service of the Tabernacle the workes belonging to the service of God therein being assistants to the Priests see Num. 8. 11 15 16. and 18. 21. 23. to stand before the congregation standâ—ng is a signe of service and used for it as the Scripture in one place saith which stood before the King Ierem. 52. 112. and in another a servant of the King 2 King 25. 8. Whereupon the standing of the Levites is used for their service in Nehem. 12. 44. and as they were to stand before the Lord to minister unto him Deut. 10. 8. so here it is said to stand before the congregation to minister unto them thus they were servants of God and of his Church as Iosiah said unto them Serve now the Lord your God and his people Israel 2 Chron. 35. 3. See also â—zek 44. 11. Verse 10. the Priesthood in Chaldee the high-Priesthood in Greeke to doe the Priests Office That was in degree above the Levites who were to minister unto the Priests but not to come nigh the Altar as did the Priests Num. 18. 2. 3. For the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the Tabernacle of the house of God but Aaron and his sonnes offered on the Altar of Burnt-offering and on the Altar of incense and were for all the worke of the most holy place and to make atonement for Israel 1 Chron. 6. 48 49. And Aaron was separated to wit from the other Levites that he should sanctifie the most holy things hee and his sonnes for ever to burne incense before the Lord to minister unto him and to blesse in his Name for ever 1 Chron. 23. 13. To usurpe affect or seeked this office of Priest-hood without the calling of God was a great sinne against divine order and authoritie severely punished here in Korah and his company in King Vzziah 2 Chron. 26. 19. 21. and others Verse 11. against Iehovah because it was against his ordinance and minister it is said to be against the Lord himselfe So when the people refused Samuels government God said They have not rejected thee but they have rejected me that I should not reigne over them 1 Sam. 87. and Christ said to his ministers He that heareth you heareth me and hee that despiseth you despiseth me and hee that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me Luke 10. 16. Iohn 13.
fire were in their hand and they divided themselves into two companies one company went Eastward and another Westward and they searched and went thorow all the court-yard till both companies came to the place where they madâ— the Priests Meat-offering spoken of in Levit. 6. 20. 21. When both sides came thither they said Peace all is peace and they set those that made the Meat-offering to make the same After this order did they every night save the nights of the Sabbath for then they had not fire torches in their hand but searched with the lamps that were lighted there on the evening of the Sabbath Maimony Tom. 3. in Beth habchirah ch 8. no servent wrath any more for transgressing as in former time when servent wrath went out from the Lord Num. 16. 46. See also Num. 8. 19. Vers. 6. I have taken in stead of all the first-born of Israel who otherwise should have ministred unto me see Num 3. 12. and the annotations there a gift for Iehovah or unto Iehovah as the Greeke saith to the Lord the Chaldee before the LORD See Num. 3. 9. 12. and 8. 13 16 19. where they were offered unto the Lord and given unto him and by him given unto Aaron Vers. 7. within the veile not onely the second veile as it is called in Heb. 9. 3. but the first veile within which the Priests went alwayes accomplishing the services Heb. 9. 6. as to burne incense Luk. 1. 9. to trim the lamps Exod. 27. 20 21. to set on the Shew-bread every Sabbath Lev. 24. 8. 9. and the like I have given Hebr. I will givâ— which form of speech noteth a continuance of the gift a service of gift a service freely given you which Sol. Iarchi and Chazkuni explaine thus I have given it unto you by gift that none should say ye are come into it of your selves the stranger any Israelite Levite or whosoever is not of Aarons seed see the notes on Num. 3. 10. Vers. 8. I have given after the office of the Priests and Levites prescribed God here provideth for their maintenance and livelihood which they should have from the people for their service The equitie whereof remaineth perpetuall as the Apostle observeth saying Doe ye not know that they which minister about holy things eat of the things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospell should live of the Gospell 1 Cor. 9. 13 14. the charge Hebr. the keeping or observation of mine heave-offerings which the Greeke translateth the keeping of my first-fruits in Chaldee the keeping of my separated things They are said to be a charge or keeping because they were carefully to be taken and used holily as gifts from the Lord. Sol. Iarchi explaineth it which thou must keepe in cleannesse or puritie Therefore they are called holy things and were to be eaten some of them in the holy place and by cleane persons onely a sin v. 9 10 11 c. And in the Hebrew Canons it is said It is unlawfull to defile the heave-offering or first-fruits of the land of Israel like as other holy things or to bring it into the estate of uncleannesse but it is to be eaten being cleane and to be burnt if it be uncleane Maimony tom 3. in Trumoth 6. 12. s. 1. of all the holy things or with all the holy things as Chazkuni here explaineth it see the notes on Num. 5. 9. The Greeke translateth of all things sanctified unto me by the sons of Israel for the anointing that is for the office sake whereunto thou art anointed that as thou art consecrated with the holy oile to attend upon mine holy things Lev. 21. 10 12. so thou shalt have mine holy things to keep and live upon Thus anointing is also used in Lev. 7. 35. This is the anointing of Aaron and the anointing of his sons For this cause the nation of the Iewes was cursed with a curse as having robbed God because they kepâ— backe their tithes and offerings which they should have brought into the store-house that there might have beene meat in the house of God for his ministers Mal. 3. 8 9 10. Vers. 9. of the holy of holies Heb. of the holinesse of holinesses that is of the most holy things which the Greeke translateth of the hallowed or sanctified holy things Some oblations in the Sanctuarie are called holy and by the Hebrew Doctors light holy things some holy of holies that is most holy things of which difference see the annotations on Lev. 6. 17. With these he here beginneth which the Priests onely were to eat and that within the Sanctuarie vers 10. then hee proceedeth to the light holy things which the Priests and their families were to eat within the campe and in ages following within the wals of Ierusalem last of all he speaketh of other gifts which were common and might be eaten by any and in any place verse 14. c. from the fire in Chaldee left or remaining from the fire meaning the fire of the Altar where some part of the most holy things were burned to the Lord. every oblation This may be understood â—s the generall and the Meat-offering Sin-offering c. as the particulars thereof or if it be meant of things different it may be referred to those oblations appointed for the Congregation in Levit. 23. 17 20. Thus Iarchi here explaineth it the Peace-offerings of the congregation And there were no Peace-offerings of the Congregation but onely those mentioned in Levit. 23. as is noted on Lev. 4. 14. and 23. 19. But Chazkuni understandeth it of the two loaves in Levit. 23. 17. and of the Shew-bread saying What oblation is this Wee find afterward the Sin-offering to be expressed and after that the Trespasse-offering which were holy of holies If we understand it of the Burnt offering that was not eaten if of the Peace-offerings they were not holy of holies Behold he speaketh not but of the two loaves Levit. 23. and of the Shew-bread Now both these were most holy and for the Priests onely to eat as is shewed on Lev. 23. 20. and 24. 9. Meat-offering the remainder wherof was most holy for the Priests onely to eat in the holy place by the Law in Lev. 6. 16 17. Sin-offering which the Priests were to eat also in the holy place as in Lev. 6. 26. Trespasse-offering which likewise was most holy and for the Priests onely to eat as the Law sheweth in Lev. 7. 16. which they shall render or shall returne shall restore unto me This may be referred to the sacrifice forementioned and by reason of this word reâ—â—â— or restore and for that the Greeke translateth iâ— whatsoever things they shall render to mee it may in speciall be understood of that ram of atonem 〈…〉 which was given for a Trespasse-offering when 〈◊〉 man restored unto the Lord the thing which hee had robbed according
and the Israelites give them their portion there And if the Priests come not then he separateth it and leaveth it in the cornestâ—â—re And if there be wilde beasts or cattell that wiâ—â— devoure it there and there be none to keepe it from them our wise-men have ordained that they should then bring it to the citie and be payed of the Priest for the bringing of it For if he separate it and leave it for the beasts be profaneth the name of God Maimony in Trumoth ch 12. sect 17 For the practise of these ordinances see Nehem. 10. 35 39. how the people brought their first-fruits and tithes to the nouse of God which they shall give The Law saith not how much they should give but leaveth it to the peoples liberality Howbeit in Ezek. 45. 13. it is written This is the Heave-offring which ye shall heave up the sixth part of an Ephah of an Homer of wheat c. that was the sixtieth part for an Homer contained ten Ephahs Ezek. 45 11. whereupon the wise-men of Israel ordained that none should give for his first-fruits lesse than the sixtieth part The great Heave-offring hath no set measure by the Law for it is said in Deut. 18. 4. The first fruits of thy corne c. But a man may not separate save according to the measure which our wise-men have set c. And what measure is that A good eye that is a liberall person one of forty and a meane eye one of fifty an evill eye that is a niggard one of sixty And he may not give lesse than one of sixty Maimony in Trumoth ch 3. s. 1 2. The like measure they set for the other First-fruits brought into the Sanctuary Maim in Biccurim or First-fruits ch 2. s. 17. See the notes on Exod. 22. 29. According hereunto is that saying of Ben Syrach give the Lord his honour with a good eye and diminish not the first-fruits of thine hands Ecclus. 35 8. unto Iehovah They were given unto the Lord in that they were given by his appointment to his Priests for their anointing ve s. 8. and service in his Sanctuary therefore they were holy For this cause the Priests were not to receive them after any base or servile manner but as gifts due to the Lord and to them from him and as the Hebrew Canons shew the Israelites were to give them their portion with honour And it was unlawfull for the Priests or Levites to snatch away the heave-offrings or the tithes yea if they did but aske their portion with their mouth it was unlawfull but they were to receive them with honour For at the Lords table they did eat and at his able they did drinke these gifts were the Lords and he did vouchsafe them unto them as it is written I have given unto thee the charge of mine heave-offrings Num. 18. 8. Maimony in Trumoth ch 12. sect 18 c. given unto thee namely for the Priest to eat drink and anoint himselfe with them according to the ordinary use of the creatures The great Heave-offring is given for meat and for drinke and for anointing for anointing is as drinking as it is said And let it enter as water into his inward part and as oile into his bones Psal. 109. 18. And drinking is comprehended under eating that he is to eat that which is wont to be eaten and drinke that which is wont to be drunke and anoint with that which they use to anoint with not with wine or vineger But they anoint with oile that is cleane and burne in lampes that which is uncleane Maim in Trumoth ch 11. sect 1. Who they were that might eat and who might not eat of these Heave-offrings iâ— shewed in Levit. 22. 3 c. Vers. 13. The First-fruits These were another gift which the people brought into the Sanctuary made consession over them to the Lord and then gave them to his Priest whereof see Deut. 26. 〈◊〉 c. These were paid before all other duties before the great Heave-offring fore-mentioned or the tithes after spoken of in vers 21. The Hebrews say When men separate the Heave-offring and the Tithe they are to separate them in order as he separateth the First-fruits spoken of in Deut. 26. first of all and after them the great Heave-offring and after that the first tithe which was given to the Levites vers 21. and after that the second tithe or tithe of the poore whereof fee Deut. 14. 22 23 28 29. Maim in Trumoth ch 3. sect 23. shal eat it in Greek shall eat them Of the cleane person in the Priests house see vers 11. The eating of these first-fruits was to be onely in Ierusalem the holy Citie and whosoever eateth of that gift wherein holinesse is blesseth God who sanctified them with the sanctification of Aaron and commanded them to eat so or sâ— Maim in Biccurim ch 1. sect 2. Vers. 14. devoted thing in Hebr. Cherem of this the Hebrewes say some things were devoted absolutely and such are spoken of here and given to the Priests some things were devoted in speciall unto God or to his Sanctuary and they oâ— the price of them went to the Sanctuary See the Annotations on Lev. ch 27. vers 28. c. shall be thine The use of these is not restrained to the Sanctuary or holy Citie or to the Priests alone but by the Hebrewes these were the Priests due in every place and were common things Maimony in Biccurim ch 1. sect 7. Vers. 15. that openeth the wombe Hebr. every opening of the wombe which the Greeke translateth every thing that openeth every wombe or matrice Hereby the first-borne onely is meant as the Law sheweth in Exo. 13. 2. and such as were males Deut. 15. 19. Exo. 34. 19. redeeming thou shalt redeeme that is thou shalt surely or in any case redeeme the father was to give the Priest to take the redemption money It figured the redemption of Gods people called the Church of the first-borne which are written in Heaven Hebr. 12. 23. who are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold c. but with the precious bloud of Christ 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. So being bought from among men they are the First-fruits unto God and to the Lambe Rev. 14. 4. of the uncleane beast this is translated in Greeke of uncleane beasts as implying all sorts elsewhere the Law mentioneth the Asse it may be for an instance Exod. 13. 13. and 34. 20. But the Hebrews say The uncleane beaâ— spoken of here is the Asse only Maim in Biccurim chap. 12. sect 3. thou shalt redeeme the Asse was to be redeemed with a Lambe or else the owner was to breake the necke of the Asse see the notes on Exod. 13. 13. and 34. 20. The Hebrewes say These two commandements of redeeming it with a Lambe or of breaking the necke of it were of force in every place and at every time and the commandement of redeeming it was before the commandement of
God Exod. 4. 20. and 17. 9. might be kept also in the Sanctuary and after in verse 11. it is said Moses smote the rocke with his rod. speake ye unto the Rocke He saith not smite the rocke yet in verse 11. Moses smote the rocke and in vers 10. he spake to the people but it is not said that he spake to the rocke as here he was commanded Some others thinke that Gods intendment in bidding him Take the rod was to smite the Rocke with it and that he sinned not in smiting it but in unbeleefe for which he is blamed in vers 12. it shall give forth his water or the waters of it this promise of God was that whereon the faith of Moses and Aaron should have rested thou shalt bring forth God was he that brought forth and gave water to the people as is often mentioned to his glory He clave the Rockes in the wildernesse and gave drinke as out of the great deepes and brought forth streames out of the Rocke c. Psal. 78. 15 16. So in Psal. 105. 41. and 114. 8. Deut. 8. 15. Nehem. 9. 15 20. But that worke is here ascribed to Moses ministerially for that the waters should come out at his speaking So in other workes of grace the Ministers of the Word are called Saviours Obad. vers 21 for in the faithfull performance of their office they both save themselves and those that heare them 1 Tim. 4 16. Vers. 9. from before Jehovah that is out of the Tabernacle for so the phrase importeth as in Num. 17. 7. Exod. 16. 33 34. Vers. 10. Heare now ye rebels As here he speaketh to the people who was bidden speake to the Rocke vers 8. so the manner of his speech sheweth great passion of minde more than at other times and the Scripture noteth that now the people had bitterly provoked his spirit so that he spake unadvisedly uttering his anger with his lips Psal. 106. 33. shall we bring forth water a speech of doubting and unbeleefe both in Moses and Aaron as in vers 12. God blameth them because they beleeved not in him So before when Moses said Shall the flockes and the herds be slaine for them c. he was blamed with this answer Is the Lords hand waxed short Numb 11. 22 23. Moses was sore moved against this latter generation of Israelites who had seene so many miracles and their fathers perished for rebellion and yet they were not bettered hee might feare lest for their sinning like their fathers the Lord would leave them as he after speaketh in Numb 32. 14 15. Vers. 11. lifted up his hand another signe of indignation being joyned with smiting twice the doubling of his stroke shewed also the heat of his anger Sol. Iarchi on this place conjectureth that 〈◊〉 smote it twice because at first it brought forth bâ—â— drops of water because God had not bidden him smite it but speake unto it much water or many waters He clave the rockes in the wilderrasse and gave drinke as out of the great deeps Psal. 78. 15. The unbeleefe of man maketh not the faith of God without effect Rom. 3. 3. Moses and Aaron beleeved not God to sanctifie him vers 12. yet he faithfully kept his promise and sanctified himselfe vers 13. the Congregation dranke Thus the Lord know his people in the wildernesse in the land of droughts Hos. 13. 5. And they thirsted not when be led them thorow the desarts he caused the waters to flow out of the rockes for them he clave the rockes 〈…〉 so and the waters gushed out Esai 48. 21. The 〈◊〉 out of the Rocke besides the refreshing which it gave unto their bodies was also a spirituall 〈◊〉 from that spirituall Rock Christ 1 Cor. 10. 4. who being smitten for our transgressions Esai 53. with the rod of the Law which worketh wrath Rom. 4. 15. from him proceedeth the living water wherewith the Israel of God may quench their thirst for ever John 4. 10 14. For who so beleeveth in him out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water even the waters of the holy Ghost Ioh. 7. 38 39. To these waters every one that thirsteth is called to come freely Esai 55. 1. Rev. 22. 17. their cattell that water which was both a naturall and spirituall refreshing to the people is given also to the beasts for their naturall thirst because the signes and seales of Gods grace are such in respect of the use of them to those unto whom they are sanctified of God for that purpose So the waters of Iordan were sanctified for Baptisme unto repentant and beleeving sinners Matth. 3. 6. which out of that use were common waters And now not only the Israelites cattell but the wilde beasts also of the wildernesse had benefit by this mercy of God to his people whereunto the Lord hath reference when he saith by his Prophet The beast of the field shall honour me the dragons and the owles because I give waters in the wildernesse rivers in the desart to give drinke to my people my chosen Esai 43. 20. Vers. 12. ye beleeved not in me the Chaldee expoundeth it ye beleeved not in my word Thus unbeleefe was here the chiefe sinne and cause of other sinnes as before in the people Numb 14. so here in Moses and Aaron who were 〈◊〉 partners in the transgression And this their sinne is called a rebellion against the mouth of the Lord Numb 27. 14. and a transgression Deut. 32. 51. which word as R. Menachem here noteth implieth salfhood as in Lev. 6. 2. it is joyned with false deniall and the Apostle saith Hee that beleeveth not God hath made him a lier 1 Ioh. 5. 10. to sanctifie me inwardly in the heart by faith outwardly by obedience to doe that which I commanded and by both to ascribe unto mee the glory of my truth and power So when it is said Sanctifie the Lord of hosts Esai 8. 13. the Apostle expoundeth it Sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts 1 Pet. 3. 15. in the eyes the Greeke translateth it before the sons of Israel This seemeth to be the reason of Gods severity at this time against Moses and Aaron more than before when Moses bewrayed also his unbeleefe in Num. 11. 21 22 23. because he now publiquely dishonoured God before all the people which did aggravate the sin whereas the former time he did it not in their eyes but in private before the Lord. therefore Chazkuni observeth that this word implieth an oath Neither indeed could Moses repentance or prayer get this sentence to be reversed for when the Lord hath sworne he will not repent Psal. 110. 4. 〈◊〉 ye shall not bring This chastisement was grievous unto Moses so that he besought the Lord that he might goe over and see the good land but the Lord was wroth with him for the peoples sakes and would not heare him Deut. 3. 23 26. And as God here spake so it came to passe for Aaron died in
but Sihon gathered together all his people and went out against Israel into the wildernesse and he came to Iahaz and fought against Israel And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword and possessed his land from Arnon unto Iabbok even unto the sons of Ammon for the border of the sons of Ammon was strong And Israel tooke all these cities and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorite in Heshbon and in all the daughters thereof For Heshbon was the citie of Sihon the King of the Amorites and he had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land out of his hand even unto Arnon Wherefore they that speake in proverbs say Come into H 〈…〉 bon let the city of Sihon be built and prepared For a fire is gone out from Heshbon a flame from the citie of Sihon it hath consumed Ar of Moab the Lords of the high places of Arnon Woe to thee Moab thou art perished ô people of Chemosh he hath given his sons tâ—at escaped and his daughters into captivity unto Sihon the king of the Amorites And their lamp is perished from Heshbon even unto Dibon and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah which reacheth unto Medeba And Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorite And Moses sent to spie out Iazer and they tooke the daughters thereof and drove out the Amorite that was there And they turned and went up the way of Bashan and Og the king of Bashan went out against them he and all his people to the battell at Edrei And Iehovah said unto Moses Feare him not for into thy hand have I given him and all his people and his land and thou shalt doe unto him as thou diddest unto Sihon king of the Amorites which dwelt in Heshbon And they smote him and his sonnes and all his people untill there was none left him remaining and they possessed his land Annotations KIng of Arad Arad seemeth to be the name of the citie where the King reigned as in Ios. 12. 14. and so the Chaldee here explaineth it in the South the South part in the land of Canaan Numb 33. 40. the way of the spies or the way of Atharim as the Greeke version retaineth the Hebrew name as proper and it might be a way so called and well knowne in that time But the Chaldee translateth it the way of the spies meaning that they came towards Canaan after they had beene turned backe towards the red sea Num. 14. 25. and had beene at Ezion-gaber Num. 33. 35. they returned towards Canaan again along by Edoms coast to come unto the land which the spies had searched Num. 13. a captivity that is some captives or prisoners So captivity is used for captives or people taken in warre in Num. 31. 12. Iudg. 5. 12. 2 Chron. 28. 5. and often as poverty for a company of poore people 2 King 24. 14. and spoile for spoiled people Amos 5. 9. thankesgivings for a company of thanksgivers Neh. 12. 31. and many the like The Canaanites having heard of the overthrow which was given Israel â—8 yeares before Numb 14. 45. and of the hand of God against them so long in the wildernesse were hardned and emboldened to encounter them now when they heard againe of their comming and Satan endevoured hereby to discourage Israel that as their fathers through unbeleefe being afraid entered not into the promised land Deut. 1. 27 32 35. so the children also might be deprived And God for a chastisement of their sins and for the triall of their faith suffereth the enemie at first to prevaile that his people might know that they should not conquer the land by their owne strength or for their owne worthinesse Psal. 44. 3 4. Deut. 9. 4. Vers. 2. vowed a vow calling upon God for helpe and religiously promising to devote unto him their enemies and all their substance See the Annotations on Gen. 28. 20. If giving thou wilt give that is if thou wilt indeed give and it implieth a prayer which often is uttered after this manner as Iabez called on the God of Israel saying If blessing thou wilt blesse me c. 1 Chron. 4. 10. utterly destroy or devote in Greeke anathematize things devoted after this manner the persons were to die their goods confiscate to the Lord Levit 27. 28 29. So when Iericho was devoted the people and beasts were killed the citie burnt the goods carried into the Lords treasury Ios. 6. 17 19 21 24. Vers. 3. hearkned to the voice that is as the Chaldee explaineth it received the prayer of Israel gave up the Canaanite to wit into their hand as the Greeke here repeateth from vers 2. they utterly destroyed Hebr. he utterly destroyed or devoted speaking of Israel as of one body But how could they being so farre off in the wildernesse destroy their cities lying within Canaan Numb 33. 40. into which they came not till after Moses death It seemeth the accomplishment of this vow was performed long after when they were come into the land For the King of Arad is reckoned for one of those that Iosua conquered Ios. 12. 14. See also Judg. 1. 16 17. They now conquered the Canaanites armie that came out against them and devoted the spoiles which they tooke and when their cities came into their possession they utterly destroyed and devoted them and so payed their vow which now they promised he called or they called meaning Israel unlesse it be applied in speciall to Moses The Greeke translateth they called Hormah or Chormah in Greeke Anathema that is Devotement or utter destruction By this name they both set up a memoriall of Gods mercy who gave their enemies into their hand and of their dutie to keepe the vow which they had promised Vers. 4. to compasse the land because Edom had denied them passage thorow it Numb 20. 18 21. by reason whereof their travell was increased soule of the people was shortned or was straitned that is was grieved or discouraged This word when it is applied to the hand signifieth inability as in Numb 11. 23. Esay 37. 27. 2 King 19. 26. unto the soule as in this place it meaneth griefe vexation or discomfort so in Iudg. 16. 16. Samsons soule was shortned that is vexed unto death and in Judg. 10. 16. the Lords soule was shortened that is grieved for the misery of Israel and sometime it is with a kinde of loathing as in Zach. 11. 8. my soule was shortned for them that is loathed them A like phrase is of the shortnesse of the spirit which also signifieth anguish trouble and vexation as in Exod. 6. 6. Iob 21. 4. and want of power as in Asic 2. 7. The Greeke here translateth the people was feeble minded or of small soule or courage because of the way or in the way but In often noteth the cause of a thing as the Lords soule was grieved in that is for or because of the misery of Israel Iudg. 10. 16. or
water was given them for a gift and so the Chaldee interpreteth it from the wildernesse it was given unto them and Targum Ionathan from the wildernesse it was given them for a gift Vers. 19. to Nahaliel by interpretation the valley or bourne of God the Greeke calleth it Naadiel Chazkuni saith this is that which in Numb 33. 48. is called the plaines of Moab to Bamoth by interpretation High-places that is called Beth Iesimoth saith Chazkuni in Numb 33. 49. Vers. 20. in the field that is in the countrey of Moab This valley as Chazkuni saith is called in Numb 33. 49. Abel Shittim in the plaines of Moab the head of Pisgah by head may be understood the top of the mount Pisgah or the beginning of the same the Greeke translateth it from the top Chazkuni expoundeth it thus That Samab or High place which is in the field of Moab is the head of Pisgah or of the Hill that looketh toward Iesbimon which is a great wildernesse and it looketh that is the Hill Pisgah looketh and so the Greeke version referreth it thereto And Sol. Iarchi saith That Pisagh looketh toward the place named Ieshimon which signifieth a wildernesse because it is desolate Ieshimon in Greeke the Wildernesse and so the word is used for a wildernesse in Deut. 32. 10. Psal. 68. 8. and 78. 40. and otherwhere All these places are by the Chaldee paraphrast referred to the Well aforesaid thus And from the place where it was given unto them it descended with them to the valleyes and from the valleyes it ascended with them to the High places and from the High places to the valley that is in the field of Moab c. So Targum Ionathan to the like effect and others Vers. 21. Israel sent Messengers in Greeke Moses sent Messengers which seemeth to be taken from D 〈…〉 2. 26. where Moses saith I sent messengers F 〈…〉 ie is very frequent when things are done by a multitude where one is chiefe that the action is ascribed either to the multitude or to him that is 〈◊〉 indifferently as They made peace with 〈◊〉 and served him 1 Chron. 19. 19. or They 〈◊〉 peace with Israel and served them as another Prophet recordeth it 2 Sam. 10. 19. So Ie 〈…〉 he brought forth the Kings sonne and he put the 〈◊〉 upon him 2 King 11. 12. or They brought forth the Kings sonne and they put upon him the crowne 2 Chron. 23. 11. and they offered burnt-offerings 1 Chron. 16. 1. or David offered burnt-offerings 2 Sam. 6. 17. and many the like The occasion of this message now sent by Israel was the commandement of God who willed them to goe 〈◊〉 against Sihon and to possesse his land Deut. 2. 24 25. Sâ—hon or Sichon in Greeke Seon King of the Amorites his chiefe citie was Hesbon Deut. 2. 26. saying the Greeke version addeth from Deut. 2. 26. with peaceable words saying Vers. 22. Let me passe in Greeke Let us passe which phrases are often used indifferently when they are spoken of a multitude and so the Scripture serreth this downe both wayes Let me passe as here and in Deut. 2. 27. and Let us passe Iudg. 11. 19. thorow thy land that so I may come into the land of Canaan unto my place Iudg. 11. 19. Deut. 2. 29. we will not turne in Deut. 2. 27. I will not turne speaking of the multitude as of one man into field or into vineyard to the right hand or to the left Deut. 2. 27. See Num. 20. 17. of the well in Greeke of thy well meaning of any of his wells for nought but they would buy their water of him for money Deut. 2. 28. the Kings way the high way common for all which in Deut. 2. 27. is set downe thus by the way by the way See also Num. 20. 17. Vers. 23. would not grant Hebr. granted or gave not that is would not give or suffer as where it is said David removed not the Arke 1 Chro. 13. 13. another Prophet openeth it thus David would not 〈◊〉 the Arke 2 Sum. 6. 10. And so Moses explaines this in Deut. 2. 30. But Sihon king of Hesbon 〈◊〉 let us passe thorow him The cause why he would â—ot was feare distrust as it is written But Si 〈…〉 〈◊〉 not Israel to passe thorow his coast Iudg. 11. 〈◊〉 â—ut chiefly it was of the Lord who purposed to destroy the Amorites as Moses saith For fehovah thy God hardned his spirit and made his heart strong that he might give him into thine hand Deut. 〈◊〉 Iahaz or Iahats in Greeke Fassa in La 〈…〉 Iasa the name of a city mentioned also in Deut. 2. 12. Iudg. 11. 20. Esay 15. 4. Ier. 48. 21 34. Vers. 24. Israel smote him for Iehovah the God of Isâ—ael delivered Sihon and all his people into Israels had Iudg. 11. 21. Deut. 2. 33. Therefore the glory of this victory is ascribed unto God in Ps. 135. 10 11. and 136. 17 18 19. And in Amos 2. 9. God saith I destroyed the Amorite before theÌ„ whose height was like the height of the Cedars and he was strong as the O 〈…〉 yet I destroyed his fruit from above his roots from beneath was strong by reason that it was â—enced with Iabbok which was a river by mountines and cities on them Deut. 2. 37. therefore the Ammonites held their territories beyond Iabbok so that Sihon tooke them not from them and as for Israel they might not warre â—gainst the Ammonites Deut. 2. 19. Vers. 25. tooke all these cities utterly destroying men women and children of every citie but the cattell and spoile of the cities they tooke also Deut. 2. 34 35. the daughters that is as the Chaldee explaineth it the townes or villages thereof for the chiefe-cities are counted as mothers the villages about them as daughters thorowout the Scriptures Ezek. 16. 44 45 46 48 53. Therefore as here it is said Hesbon and her daughters so elsewhere wee reade Hesbon and all her cities Ios. 13. 17. And that which is called a citie and a mother in Israel 2 Sam. 20. 19. is in the Greeke interpreted a citie and a mother citie Metropolis in Israel These daughters Moses calleth unwalled cities Deut. 3. 5. Vers. 27. that speake in proverbs or that speake parables in Greeke Aenigmatists they that speake riddles such in Israel were the prophets that used to speake by parables as Ezek. 17. 2. and 20. 49. But it is also used for prouerbs and by-words to the reproach of persons that are brought downe from high estate to misery as Deut. 28. 37. 2 Chron. 7. 20. Ierem. 24. 9. Habak 2. 6. and so it is meant in this place The Hebrewes Tanchuma and Sol. Iarchi expound these that spake in proverbs to be Balaam and Beor his father as wee reade that Balaam tooke up his parable against Amalek and others when he prophesied their destruction Numb 24. 20. 23. Iarchi saith that Sihon was not able to subdue them and
25. 18. and 73. 5. The Chaldee taketh it in the first sense for them that do 〈◊〉 and this is most fit but the Greeke translateth it paine his God is with him this the Chaldee expoundeth the word of the LORD their God is for their helpe Hereby is signified the cause and author of their former blessednesse to be God himselfe in the midst of them as Moses said Let the Lord now goe amongst us for it is a stiffe-necked 〈◊〉 and pardon thou our iniquitie and our sin c. Exod. 34. 9. And his presence with them was a signe of their estate in grace otherwise they could have had no communion with him 1 Ioh. 1. 6 7. as himselfe said whiles they were in their sinnes I will not goe up in the midst of thee for thou art a stiffe-necked people lest I consume thee in the way Exod. 33. 3. and by his being with them they were secured both from Balaams curse and from all feare of evill Psal. 23. 4. and 91. 15. the shout of a King or the alarme the sounding shout of a king that is of God He hath reference to the silver trumpets which Israel used in their warres by the ordinance of God who also promised that they should be remembred before the Lord their God and saved from their enemies Num. 10. 9. Whereupon Abijah said Behold God is with us for a captaine and his Priests with sounding trumpets to crie alarme against you ô sons of Israel fight yee not against the LORD the God of your fathers for yee shall not prâ—sper 2 Chron. 13. 12. So by the shout or alarme of this King among his people they now were saved from the evils that Balak and Balaam conspired against them Herewith also may be compared the sounding of trumpets and shout at the singe of Iericho Ios. 6. 16. 20. and in the battell of Gâ—deon Iudg. 7. 20. And thus Iesus Christ the King and defender of the Church causeth continuall joy and triumph in the hearts of his people justifying sanctifying and preserving them in peace with God who alwayes causeth them to triumph in Christ 2 Cor. 2. 14. and giveth them salvation from the hands of their enemies Wherein they rejoyce and say Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth Rom. 8. 33 34. among them Hebr. in him that is in Iakob which phrase may also signifie the faith that his people have in God their King The Chaldee expoundeth it The presence or habitation of their King is among them Vers. 22. God brought them or God the bringer of them This answereth Balaks complaint there is a people come out of Aegypt Numb 22. 5. Balaam telleth him they came not of themselves as he imputed unto them for evill but they were brought up of God So againe in Numb 24. 8. he hath or to him is It may be understood first of God and then of Israel unto whom God giveth strength Psal. 68. 36. the strengths of an Vnicorne or as the Greeke translateth it the glory of an Vnicorne The Vnicorne is a beast commended in the Scripture for the excellencie of his horne whereupon the Prophet saith My horne shall be exalted as the Unicornes Psal. 92. 11. and for his strength as it is said Wilt thou trust him because his strength is great Iob 39. 11. Therfore the prowesse of a people against their enemies is set forth by this similitude as Moses saith of Ioseph His hornes the hornes of an Vnicorne with them he shal push the peoples together Deut. 33. 17. And in this sense Balaam speaketh here of Israel as in his third blessing he explaineth it He hath as the strengths of an Vnicorne hee shall eat up the nations his enemies and shall breake their bones c. Numb 24. 8. And Christ being delivered from the power of his enemies faith Thou hast answered me from the hornes of Vnicornes Psal. 22. 22. And God himselfe sheweth the nature of this beast to be such as he will not be tamed or made serviceable to man nor bide by the crib nor plough or harrow or bring home the seed into the barne Iob 39. 9 10 12. The originall word of strengths here used which the Greeke translateth glory the Chaldee strength is properly such lustinesse courage and prowesse as whereby one endureth labour without wearinesse or fainting Hereby then is signified that as God himselfe is Almighty so of his grace he communicateth to his people such strength as whereby they shall vanquish their enemies but shall be vanquished of none for being strong in faith and the word of God abiding in them they overcome the world and the wicked one Satan 1 â—oh 5. 4. and 2. 14. sin shall not have dominion over them Rom. 6. 14. neither are they the servants of men 1 Cor. 7. 23. they renew their strength they runne and are not weary they walke and faint not Esay 40. 31. Vers. 23. Surely there is or as the Greeke and Chaldee interpret it For there is so making this that followeth a reason of the former comparison And whereas humane Writers report a speciall vertue to be in the Vnicornes horne against poison some apply that to the poison of inchantment and divination next spoken of which could not prevaile against Israel because of the vertue of Gods grace given to his people no inchantment or no observing of fortunes a sinfull art when by observing the events of things they gathered signes of good or evill lucke to themselves or others see the Annotations on Lev. 19. 26. and Deut. 18. 10. against Iakob or in Iakob but in is often used for against as in Numb 12. 1. In this sense he teacheth that no devillish arts could hurt Gods people for the gates of hell shall not prevaile against the Church of Christ Matth. 16. 18. Although therefore Balak had led him from place to place to trie if one were more luckie for him than another that Israel might be cursed and Balaam had now twice gone to meet with inchantments that hee might have cursed them Num. 24. 1. yet all was in vaine for God would not suffer it But the Chaldee giveth the latter sense as if no such inchantments were pleasing unto or in use among this people being forbidden them of God Levit. 19. Deut. 18. divination that is presaging or soretelling of things to come see the notes on Deut. 18. 10. according to this time or even at this time it shall be said that is not hereafter only but even now it shall be said by me who am to prophesie of this people what great things God hath wrought and will worke for them It may also be referred unto time to come as Chazkuni expoundeth it The next yeare after they are gone over Iordan about this time it shall be said concerning Iakob and Israel how many great workes the holy blessed God hath wrought for them See the like phrase
another as Ierub Baal who was Gedeon Iudg. 8. 35. and 9. 1. is called Ierub-Besheth 2 Sam. 11. 21. Esh-Baal 1 Chro. 8. 33. is called Ish-Bosheth 2 Sam. 2. 10. and Merib Baal 1 Chron. 8. 34. is Mephi-Bosheth 2 Sam. 9. 10. Hereupon it is said Ye set up Altars to that Shame even Altars to burne incense unto Baal Ier. â—1 13. Peor hath the signification of opening the m 〈…〉 th and was the name of this Idoll as some thinke of filthinesse and fornication committed together 〈◊〉 idolatry as this history sheweth and to be that which in other language was called Priapus But as Nebo the god of Babylon hath his name of Prophesying so Peor might likewise be so called of opening the mouth in speech and prophesie as the Scripture mentioneth the prophets of Baal 1 King 18. 22. and of the Prophets that prophesied by Baal Ier. 2. 8. and 23. 13. the anger of Iehovah They provoked him to indignation by their actions and the plague brake in upon them Psal. 106. 29. Thus Balaam by his counsell brought them into sin and so under wrath and curse through their owne default which he could not obtaine of God otherwise against them by any meanes Vers. 4. the heads that is as the Greeke translateth the captaines of the people such as were chiefe in the transgression hang them up the Greeke translateth it Make them a publike example the Chaldee Iudge kill him that is worthy to be killed but Targum Ionathan expoundeth it crucifie them The Law after saith he that is hanged is the curse of God that is accursed of God Deut. 21. 23. so the sinners brought the curse upon themselves before Iehovah or for or unto Iehovah to his honour in doing vengeance on his enemies Both these phrases are used as one in 2 Sam. 21. we will hang them up unto Iehovah v. 6. and they hanged them before â—ehovah vers 9. that the fierce anger or as the Greeke translateth and the fierce anger or heat of the anger of the Lord shall be turned away Signifying that the rooting out of sinners turneth away Gods anger from a people for to doe justice and judgement is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice Prov. 21. 3. Vers. 5. his men the men under his government as they were distributed in Exod. 18. 25. Although the Midianites were the beginners of this mischiefe yet God first punisheth and purgeth his Church and after he giveth order to destroy the Midianites vers 17. Num. 31. 2. for judgement must begin at the house of God 1 Pet. 4. 17. Ezek 9. 6. Compare herewith the judgement inflicted for the golden Calfe Exod. 32. 27 c Vers. 6. brought neere this word signifieth a bringing to commit fornication as in Gen. 20. 4. Abimelech had not come neare unto her See the Notes on Levit. 18. 6. they were weeping these circumstances shew the sinne to be done with an high hand in contempt of Moses of the congregation of God himselfe and his iudgements for which the people now wept and so of all religion and with a purpose to stirre up the people unto open rebellion Vers. 8. into the tent The originall word used here for a tent is not the ordinary name but such as signifieth a cave or hollow place and is thought to meane such a tent as was made for fornication and so it more sheweth the height of his impierie that erected such a place of wickednesse her belly in Chaldee her bowels in Greeke her wo 〈…〉 e or matrice the plague was stayed or was restrained this plague which the Chaldee calleth death seemeth to be a pestilence which God sent among the people as the like speech elsewhere sheweth Numb 16. 50. 1 Chron. 21. 22. as also in that David saith the plague brake in upon them Psal. 106. 29. Howbeit the word is sometime used for slaughter by the sword as in 1 Sam. 4. 17. Vers. 9. 24 thousand all the men that had followed Baal-Peor the Lord destroyed them from among his people Deut. 4. 3. The Apostle speaking hereof saith Neither let us commit fornication 〈◊〉 some of them committed and fell in one day three and twenty thousand 1 Cor. 10. 8. It seemeth that one thousand were slaine by the Iudges vers 5. and â—3 thousand by the hand of God of which latter number the Apostle speaketh or one thousand of the chiefe were hanged and the rest slaine by the sword 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here the Hebrewes begin the 41 Section or Lecture of the Law which they call Phinehas Vers. 11. hath turned away in Greeke hath caused my wrath to cease The fact of Phinehas who was but a Priests sonne no ordinary Magistrate and who proceeded not with the malefactors judicially but carried with zeale of God thrust them thorow suddenly might seeme blame-worthy in the eyes of men and might procure him much ill will considering the persons whom he killed the man being a Prince in Israel and the woman a Princes daughter of Midian therefore God here justifieth and rewardeth his work done by the motion of his Spirit hee was zealous with my zeale or he was jealous with my jealousie for Gods cause not his owne The Apostle hath a like speech I am jealous over you with jealousie of God that is with godly jealousie Zeale or jealousie both which are signified by one word in the Hebrew meaneth both a fervent indignation against the sinners and a fervent love unto the Lord shewed in his former act as Targum Ionathan addeth for explanation and hee killed the guilty among them in my zeale or in my jealousie it is the word before used and applied here to God as in Exod. 20. 5. and often Vers. 12. I give in Chaldee I decree of peace understand my covenant the covenant of peace so God saith of Levi my covenant was with him the covenant of life and peace and I gave them unto him for the feare where with he feared me c. Mal. 2. 5. So in this place Targum Ionathan paraphraseth Behold I decree unto him my covenant of peace I wil make him the messenger of my covenant and he shall live for ever to preach the Gospell of redemption in the end of dayes By which words Phinehas in his covenant was a figure of Christ who is called the messenger of the covenant Mal. 3. 1. and hath an everlasting priesthood after the power of an endlesse life Heb. 7. 16 17. and hath both wrought and preached redemption in these latter dayes Heb. 1. 1 2 3. Vers. 13. of an everlasting priesthood meaning untill Christs comming to whom the Priesthood of Aaron was to give place Heb. 7. 11. c. Phinehas himselfe lived to a great old age as appeareth by Iudg. 20. 28. his sonnes successively were high Priests till the captivitie of Babylon 1 Chron. 6. 4. 15. and at the returne out of captivitie Ezra the great Priest and Scribe was of his line Ezra 7. 1.
his owne matters is yet observed to have beene often angry for the Lords cause as is noted on Num. 12. 3. And he was wroth with the officers because upon them lay the charge to direct and governe the people in the wayes of God Compare Acts 20. 28. 〈◊〉 Pet. 5. 2 3. Rev. 2. 1 5. c. the battell of the warre the battell-ray or host of the warre the first word signifieth warfare as it is orderly set in array the second meaneth the warre fight or combat with the enemie Vers. 16. the word of Balaam the doctrine of Balaam as Rev. 2. 14. or as the Chaldee expoundeth it the counsell of Balaam having reference to that counsell intimated Num. 24. 14. a cause to commit or an occasion to commit Heb. to give atrespasse by fornication and idolatrie Num. 25. 1 2 3. The Greeke translateth to revolt and to despise the word of the Lord. the matter Heb. the word in Greeke because of Phogor see Num. 25. 3. 18. Vers. 17. knowne man by lying with a male the latter explaineth the former which sometime is used alone in the same meaning as in Gen. 4. 1. Luke 1. 34. After it is said knowne the lying with a male the like phrases are in Iudg. 21. 11 12. Vers. 19. seven dayes for so long did the pollution by the dead continue Num. 19. 11. any soule that is any person purifie with the water of separation vers 23. the law whereof was given in Num. 19. your captivitie that is your captives or prisoners as in vers 12. The Iewes hold that the heathens are not polluted by the dead or with other like legall uncleannesse as is noted on Num. 19. 14. But in this case when heathens are captived by Israelites and so become their lawfull possession they are uncleane and to be purified by proportion from the law in Gen. 17. 12 13. Wherupon Iarchi here saith Your selves and your captivity not that heathens doe receive uncleannesse and need to be sprinkled but as you the children of the covenant so your captives also which come into the covenant and are uncleane have need to be sprinkled and in the seventh day according to the law in Num. 19. 19. the signification whereof is shewed there Vers. 20. every garment or every cloth the word implieth not onely garments for mans body but cloathes for other use as in Num. 4. 6 7 8. instrument or vessell of skin whatsoever is made of the skin of any beast so after every instrument or vessell of wood worke of goats haire that is thing made of goats haire the word haire may here be understood as in Exod. 25. 4. some adde of goats skins it may also meane any other part as Sol. Iarchi here saith it implieth any instrument of the hornes and of the hoofes and of the bones Vers. 21. which went that is which had gone Hebr. which came wherefore it may also bee Englished which came from the battell so the Greeke here translateth it and so the Hebrew word which usually signifieth to is by the holy Ghost in Greeke translated from or out of as in Rom. 11. 26. from Esay 59. 20. See the like noted on Gen. 36. 6. the ordinance or the statute of the law which the Greeke calleth Dicaioma that is the just ordinance or righteous statute of the law The same word Paul useth in Rom. 2. 26. if the uncircumcision that is the uncircumcised Gentile keepe the ordinances or righteous statutes of the Law and in Rom. 8. 4. that the ordinance the righteous statute of the Law might be fulfilled in us So in Hebr. 9. 1. ordinances of divine service Here Eleazar the Priest declareth to the people the Law which God had commanded Moses as it was generally the dutie of Priests and Levites to teach Iakob Gods judgements and Israel his Law Deut. 33. 8. 10. Hag. 2. 11 12. Mal. 2. 7. Moreover the heiffer with whose ashes the purifying water was prepared was expresly given to Eleazar Num. 19. 3. c. Vers. 23. that goeth thorow the fire that is will or may abide the fire and not be consumed therewith Or that commeth in the fire and it shall be or that it may be cleane water of separation in Greeke water of purification the water mentioned in Num. 19. 9. which was to bee sprinkled upon the vessels with hyssop Num. 19. 18. after they had passed thorow the fire goeth not thorow the fire that will not abide the fire or commeth not in the fire This latter some of the Hebrew Expositors as Iarchi and Targum Ionathan doe follow and understand by things that come in the fire such vessels and instruments as are used at the fire kettles spits and the like and by things that come not in the fire they understand cups platters and such like But the former seemeth best thorow the water to bee washed therewith and not sprinkled onely with that water of separation Num. 19. By this passing thorow fire and water the vessels had a legall purification from their ceremoniall uncleannesse to signifie that the creatures are sanctified unto our use by the word of God and prayer 1 Tim. 4. 4 5. And sometime by vessels the Scripture signifieth men and by their passing thorow fire and water their cleansing from corruption by afflictions and through the grace and spirit of Christ as I will gather you into the middest of Ierusalem as they gather silver and brasse and iron and lead and tinne into the middest of the furnace to blow the fire upon it to melt it so will I gather you in mine anger c. Ezek. 22. 19 â—2 And in a great house there are not onely vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and of earth and some to honour and some to dishonour If a man therefore purge himselfe from these he shall be a vessell unto honour sanctified and meet for the masters use c. 2 Tim. 2. 20 21. Againe Thou hast tried us as silver is txied c. wee went thorow fire and thorow water Psal. 66. 10 12. See also Zach. 13. 9. Mal. 3. 3. Vers. 26. the summe Hebr. the head that is the summe or count as the Greeke and Chaldee expound it see Num. 1. 2. So after in vers 49. Vers. 27. into two parts or into halfes Hebr. divide or halfe the bootie The warre and victory being the Lords hee divideth the prey at his pleasure halfe to the 12 thousand souldiers and halfe to the congregation who went not out to warre So David made it an ordinance in Israel As his part is that goeth downe to the battell so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuffe they shall part alike 1. Sam. 30. 24 25. And to the warriers of the two tribes and the halfe that fought against the Canaanites Iosua said Divide the spoile of your enemies with your brethren Ios. 22. 8. Vers. 28. And levie or And heave up which the Greeke and Chaldee translate And separate a
promise was fulfilled which Abraham beleeved Gen. 15. 5 6. They were six hundred thousand men besides women and children Exod. 12. 37. Numb 1. see also Deut. 10. 22. Vers. 11. Adde that is increase Moses envied not their multitude but wished them still more as David also did Psal. 115. 14. And the increase of the Church is a speciall blessing fulfilled in Christ as Esay 49. 20 21. and 54. 1 2 3. Vers. 12. Your cumbrance or wearisome molestation trouble as Esay 1. 14. this sheweth the Magistrates office to bee weighty and laborious And by your cumbrance understand the cumbrance that commeth unto me by you For when a people is increased the care and trouble of their Governours is increased also 1 King 3 8 9. 2 Cor. 11. 28. Vers. 13. Give yee of your owne looking out and choise So Ministers were lookt out and presented by the people Act. 1. 15 23. and 6. 3 5 6. In Ex. 18. 25. it is said Moses chose men of abilitie c. Here the people gave them and after in v. 15. Againe Moses gave that is made them heads for when things are done by many under the government of one principall they are said to be done by them or by him See the Annotations on Num. 21. 21. understanding or prudent the Greeke translateth skilfull or indued with knowledge which word the Apostle useth Iam. 3. 13. knowne or expert as the word signifieth in Esay 53. 3. This latter the Greeke favoureth here and in v. 15. Compare Exod. 18. 21. where the qualities of Rulers are set downe Hends that is Captaines Governours or Leaders as the Greeke here translateth and in v. 15. and c. 5. v. 23. and often otherwhere Vers. 15. and gave them that is set them made them or constituted them as the Greeke and Chaldee versions explaine it So hee hath given thee over them for king 2 Chron. 9. 8. is expounded hee hath set or constituted thee King 1 King 10. 9. Officers in Hebrew Shotrim they were such as executed the Magistrates lawes as the Hebrews thinke see the notes on Deut. 16. 18. among or to your Tribes The Greeke translateth it to your Iudges which seemeth to bee a mistaking Shophte for Shibte although even in the Hebrew text wee may see one of these put for another as Iudges in 1 Chron. 17. 6. which in 2 Sam. 7. 7. is Tribes Verse 16. Heare betweene your brethren to wit the causes and controversies betweene them Hebr. To heare which phrase is often used in commandements as is noted on Exod. 13. 3. and it may be a defective speech for hearing heare yee that is heare diligently judge justice that is just and righteous judgment which is opposed unto judging according to the appearance Ioh. 7. 24. his stranger that is the stranger that is with him or contendeth with him as hee that eateth my bread Psal. 41. 10. that is which eateth bread with me Ioh. 13. 18. Verse 17. respect persons or acknowledge faces either by honouring the person of the mightie or by countenancing a poore man in his cause Levit. 19. 15. Exod. 23. 3. Salomon noteth this as one of the things belonging to the wise that it is not good to acknowledge faces or respect persons in judgment Prov. 24. 23. alike the small c. that is the small as well as the great and the great as well as the small Hebr. like small like great It implyeth both persons and causes of man or of any man that is Gods or of God and belonging to him appointed by his Law So in 2 Chron. 19. 6. Yee judge not for man but for the LORD And a like phrase is in another case The battell is not yours but Gods 2 Chron. 20. 15. the cause or the word the matter See Exod. 18. 22. Verse 18. all the things Hebr. all the words Thus Moses faithfully taught the Iudges and people all their duties and they had a perfect law So Christ who was faithfull to him that appointed him as Moses was Heb. 3. 2. made knowne to his Disciples all things that he had heard of his father Ioh. 15. 15. which they should teach also his people to observe Mat. 28. 20. Verse 19. journied or departed Here Moses sheweth the obedience which they began to shew unto God in leaving the mount of God the place which might seeme sanctified and where men might have said Lord it is good for us to bee here as Mat. 17. 4. great for it bordered upon many countries Madian Edom Moab c. and fearefull for the many troubles and terrours in it Num. 11. 1. c. it was a land of desarts and of pits a land of drought and of the shadow of death a land that no man passed thorow and where no man dwelt Ier. 2. 6. wherein were fiery serpents and scorpions Deut. 8. 15. It was the wildernesse of Pharan Num. 10. 12. and 13. 1. where Ismael dwelt when his mother Agar and hee had lost themselves in wandring after that they were cast out of Abrahams house Gen. 21. 21. It figured the estate and dominion of the law thorow which Gods people passe with many wants sinnes terrours and stings of conscience c. Compare Psal. 63. 2. and 32. 4. and 107. 4 5. and the healing of all these spirituall defects by the Gospell Esa. 40. 3 4. Mark 16. 18. of the mount that is which leadeth to the mount of the Amorites a people high as Cedars strong as Okes Amos 2. 9 10. Kadesh Barnea called sometime Kadesh onely it was in the wildernesse of Pharan Num. 13. 26. Verse 21. discouraged or cast downe broken which word when it is applied to the minde signifieth discouragement through feare Here Moses shewed them the right that they had in the promises of God the ability which they had in him to obtaine them and his commandement to take their inheritance set before them Verse 23. was good that is pleased or liked me well because it was approved or at least permitted of the Lord Num. 13. 2 3. For prudent policie so it bee not mixed with unbeleefe doth well beseeme us in the execution of Gods commandements So Iosua sendeth spies and useth other stratagems Ios. 2. c. one man of a tribe or for a tribe of every tribe one See Num. 13. 2 4. c. where their names are set downe and the charge given them Verse 24. Eshcol that is the Cluster of grapes whereof the place had the name Num. 13. 25. Verse 25. the fruit as grapes pomegranates figs Num. 13. 23. a good land flowing with milke 〈…〉 ney Num. 13. 27. Verse 26. rebelled in Greeke disobeyed properly it signifieth turned or changed as in Ezek. 5. 6. which figuratively is used for rebellion or disobedience whereby Gods word is as it were changed and disanulled the mouth that is the word as the Greeke translateth So Exod. 17. 1. Gen. 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and after here in vers 43. Of their
rebellion see Num. 14. 2 3 c. Verse 27. In the hatred or for the hatred of Ie 〈…〉 wherwith he hateth us that is for that the Lord hateth us as in the Greeke version See 〈…〉 phrase in Gen. 19. 16. and 29. 20. Hos. 3. 〈…〉 evill saying Moses would not have to come 〈◊〉 of the mouth of their enemies Deut. 9. 28. and it sheweth the height of their sinne which impâ—â—ed that to hatred wherein God manifested his 〈◊〉 Deut. 4. 37. and 7. 8. Vers. 28. to melt that is discouraged or as the Chaldee translateth it broken The Greeke saith Have turned away our heart David amplifieth this 〈…〉 litude in Psal. 22. 15. My heart is as wax it 〈…〉 ten c. So Ios. 2. 11. and 7. 5. and 14. 8. Esâ—â— 19. 1. These brethren were ten of the twelve Spies sent to view the Land Num. 13. 28. c. 〈…〉 kims in Greeke and Chaldee Giants see Nâ—â— 13. 28. 33. where it is singular Anak Vers. 30. He the Chaldee paraphraseth his 〈◊〉 will fight for you Verse 31. bare thee this word meaneth not bearing of the body onely but bearing of their infirmities and suffering the evils and troubles in the education of them as a father doth in his children which the Greeke explaineth by etrophophsrese a word that Paul useth in Act. 13. 18. where the Syriak expoundeth it nourished or as some copies have it etropophorese hee suffered their manners Verse 32. yet in this thing or for this word notwithstanding this exhortation and encouragement you beleeved not in Iehovah Chald. in the word of the LORD This unbeleefe Paul noteth to be the cause why they entred not into the Lords rest Heb. 3. 1 2. 18. 19. Verse 33. Who went namely by his Arke Fire and Cloud the signes of his presence Numb 10. 33. 34. or who goeth to wit still before you Verse 35. If there shall that is surely there shall not as Paul openeth the phrase Heb. 3. 11. 18. Though Moses intreated for the people Num. 14. 13. 19. and the Lord pardoned them that they were not then destroyed Num. 14. 20. yet hee sware and so it was irrevocable and without repentance Psal. 110. 4. that they should not come into the promised land See the notes on Num. 14. see that is come into and enjoy as to see good is to enjoy the same Psal. 106. 5. Verse 36. Caleb one of the twelve Spies who was faithfull see Num. 13. 6. 30. and 14. 6. c. fully followed Hebr. fulfilled after Iehovah which the Greeke translateth followed the things pertaining to the Lord. This he did being guided by another spirit Num. 14. 24. Verse 37. with me with Aaron also for they both were in one transgression and punishment Num. 20. 10 12 24. for your sakes for the people provoked his spirit whereupon hee uttered his sinne with his lips Psal. 106. 32 33. his sinne proceeded also from unbeleefe see Num. 20. 12. Thus God shewed severity towards all after many provocations and by it the people were taught that not Moses Law but Iesus Gospel should bring them into their heavenly rest Vers. 38. Ioshuah or Iehoshuah in Greeke Iesus he was another of the Spies see Num. 13. 8. 16. and 14. 6. 38. standeth that is ministreth or is thy servant as the phrase meaneth Gen. 18. 8. and so hee is named Moses minister Ios. 1. 1. strengthen by word and signe which was imposition of hands whereby Moses put off his honour upon Iesus and hee was filled with the Spirit Num. 27. 18. 20. 23. Deut. 34. 9. Verse 39. for a prey to be spoiled and devoured of the enemy of this their speech see Num. 14. 3. they shall goe in after forty yeares wandring in the wildernesse and bearing their fathers whoredomes see Num. 14. 31. 33. So God sheweth grace to weaklings and babes in Christ 1 Cor. 1. 28. Mat. 11. 25. Verse 40. way of that is which leadeth towards the red sea where Israel had beene baptized Exod. 14. and whither they were now led againe to learn repentance and a new life See Num. 14. 25. Vers. 41. sinned The people mourned greatly when they heard that evill tidings from the Lord confessed their sinne and offered amendment Num. 14. 39 40. but their repentance was not according to God for presently they rushed into another extremity neither could they reverse the decree passed against them his weapons of war or the weapons of his warre which is an Hebrew phrase very common translated in Greeke his weapons of War so in Dan. 9. 24. citie of thy holinesse that is thy holy citie and the house of my praier Esay 56. 7. that is my house of praier and many the like pressed forward assayed of your owne accord or thronged as the Greeke translateth gathered together the Chaldee yee began The Hebrew word is used here onely in Num. 14. 44. there is said they loftily presumed or lifted up themselves answerable to their presumption here following Vers. 42. I am not the Chaldee expoundeth it my majestie or presence dwelleth not among you see Num. 14. 42. smitten in Greeke broken or crushed The Lord threatned their fall by the sword of the Amalekites and Canaanites Num. 14. 43. Verse 43. were presumptuous or were proud arrogant compare Num. 14. 44. The people having by their evil heart and unfaithful departed from the living God would returne to him by the workes of their own hands w ch was a presumptuous sin and shewed their repentance not to be sincere but that the flesh repined and strugled against the chastisements of God not willing to beare the punishment of their iniquitie See the notes on Num. 14. Verse 44. Amorite with the Amalekites See Numb 14. 45. Bees doe or Bees vse to doe which when they are angred get them together and flie on the faces of their provokers see Psal. 118. 12. Our sinnes are enemies like Bees many compact in the hive of the heart being troubled and provoked they become more eager and fierce sting and pursue us They cannot be subdued but by faith in Christ as they that were stung of Serpents were healed by him Num. 21. for by the workes of the Law no sinne can be expelled Rom. 7. 7 8. c. Hormah the Greeke saith from Seir unto Herma see Num. 14. 45. Verse 45. returned the Greeke saith yee sate downe and wept heard not Chaldee accepted not your praier This figured how Israel following the Law of justice could not attaine unto it because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the works of the Law Rom. 9. 31 32. Verse 46. Kadesh a large wildernesse where Israel abode long as appeareth by Num. 13. 27. and 20. 1. 14 21. Iudg. 11. 17. Deut. 2. 14. CHAP. II. 1. The storie is continued that the Israelites were not suffered to meddle with the Edomites 9. nor with the Moabites 19. nor with the Ammonites 24. but with Sihon the Amorite who refusing peace and
to preserve us alive as it is this day And justice shall it be unto us when we observe to doe all this commandement before Iehovah our God as hee hath commanded us Annotations COmmandement put generally for Commandements as the Greeke translateth it see Deut. 5. 〈◊〉 Here Moses entreth upon the explanation of the first commandement of the ten before rehearâ—â—â— in chap. 5. to doe that yee may doe them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 continually For practise and obedience is that which the Law requireth for blessednesse Iam. 〈◊〉 â—5 And that w ch one prophet calleth Doing the words of the covenant 2 Chron. 34. 31. another callâ—th Stablishing or Confirming 2 King 23. 3. and Confirming is expounded by the holy Ghost 〈◊〉 Gal. 3. 10. from Deut. 27. 26. 〈◊〉 to wit the river Iordan that so they might come into Canaan This was by the condâ—â—t of Iosua Ios. 1. 1 2 c. and it figured the 〈◊〉 of the Church under Christ by whom these commandements are fulfilled in us that beleeve 〈◊〉 20. 40. 44. Rom. 8. 1 2 3 c. In the 〈◊〉 time the possession of Canaan and good thinâ—s therein was a gracious inducement of that People unto voluntarie obedience and keeping of Godâ—â—aw which notwithstanding they perform not Psal. 105. 44. 45. Nehem. 9. 24 25 26 35. Vers. 〈◊〉 feare this is the beginning of wisdome Psal. 111. 10. and by it we depart from evill Prov. 16. 6. and it comprehendeth generally Gods worship and true religion Esay 29. 13. Matt. 15. 8 9. therefore it is mentioned in the first place prolonged under which eternall life is also implied for Gods commandements when they are kept doe adde unto men length of dayes and yeeres of life and peace Prov. 3. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 10 11 c. Vers. 3. and honey signifying heavenly graces as is observed on Exod. 3. 8. Vers. 4. Heare The last letter of this first word Heare and of the last word One are extraordinarily great in the Hebrew and so noted in the margent to cause heed and attention And here beginneth the first and great commandement as our Saviour calleth it Mark 12. 29 30. Matt. 22. 38. And this place of Scripture unto the end of the ninth verse was one of the foure paragraphs which the Iewes were wont to write upon their Phylacteries as is noted on Exod. 13. 9. and fastned to their doore-posts and read in their houses twice a day as the Hebrewes say Twice every day doe men reade the lecture HEARE O ISRAEL c. at evening and at morning as it is written in Deut. 6. 7. when thou liest downe and when thou risest up at the time when men are wont to lie downe which is at night and at the time when men are wont to rise up which is at day And what is it that he readeth Three sections to wit Heare O Israel c. Deut. 6. 4 And it shall be if you shall hearken c. Deut. 11. 13. And Moses said unto the people c. Exod. 13. 3. And they read first the section Heare O Israel because in it there is the propertie of God and the love of him and the doctrine of him which is the great foundation whereupon all doe depend Maim in Misn. b. 2. in Keriath Shemangh ch 1. sect 1 2. is one so in Mark 12. 29. the LORD our God the LORD is one where the word is which the Hebrew wanteth is supplied in the Greeke and explained by a learned Scribe saying Well Master thou hast said the truth for there is one God and there is none other but he Mark 12. 32. So Paul saith There is no other God but one 1 Cor. 8. 4. Here it is probable that Moses closely taught the unitie of the God-head and trinitie of persons Iehovah the Father our God the Sonne and Iehovah the Holy Ghost thus many doe understand these words But the Apostle cleerely openeth the mysterie saying There are three that beare record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one 1 Ioh. 5. 7. And here is the ground of saith Vers. 5. love The end of the commandement is love out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of faith unfained 1 Tim. 1. 5. See the notes on Exod. 20. 6. Ieâ—â—vah thy God these implie the causes of our love of the Lord the one for his owne nature and being Iebovah the other for the covenant of his grace whereby he is our God These two are often joyned together by Moses and all the Prophets heart unto the heart the Scripture attributeth wisdome and understanding 1 King 3. 9. 11. 12. Prov. 2. 2. 10 and beleefe in God differing from confession with the mouth Rom. 10. 10. and it is opposed unto hypocrisie Matth. 15. 8. soule the seat of the will and affections Deut. 21. 14. and 24. 15 and 12. 20 21. might in Hebrew Meod which signifieth might or vehemencie all that we can The Chaldee translateth it riches the Greeke power dunamis but the holy Ghost useth a more significant Greeke word ischus might or ability Mark 12. 32. where also another word is added for explanation dianoia which is the efficacie both of the mind and will and the Scribe useth a fit word Sunesis understanding Mark 12. 33. By which variety of words God would teach us to love him unfainedly with all whatsoever is in vs and in our power for wee ought to honour him with our substance also Prov. 3. 9. This praise is of King Iosias above all kings that he turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soule and with all his might according to all the law of Moses 2 King 23. 25. Moreover from this word with all thy might the Hebâ—ewsteach that a man is bound to blesse God with cheerefulnesse of soule for evill or affliction even as he blesseth for good or prosperity with gladnesse Maimony in Beracoth chap. 10. sect 3. And hereof we have a good example in Iob Iob 1. 21. Vers. 6. these Words the Oracles of God are also to be loved as the outward meanes whereby wee are bronght to the love and obedience of God Psal. 119. 97 98. in thy heart as the fleshly tables wherein Gods law is to be written Prov. 3. 3. and 7. 3. 2 Cor. 3. 3. The Greeke addeth in thy heart and in thy soule Vers. 7. What them that is often earnestly and diligently teach them that they may pierce the hearts of thy children to understand and affect them So the Greek and Chaldee explaine it to fore-instruct and teach thy children or thy sonnes under this name the Hebrews understand not the naturall sonnes onely but schollers also or disciples because disciples are called sonnes as it is written in 2 King 2. 3. and the sonnes of the Prophets came forth c. Maimony in Thalmud Torah chap. 1 sect 2. Children are to bee trained up or catechized in the way they should goe and brought
Lord 1 Sam. 8. 5 6 7. and 12. 12 17 19. Then God gave them a king in his anger and took him away in his wrath Hos. 13. 11. Vers. 15. Setting thou shalt set that is thou shalt in any wise set thus bindeth hee them to doe this during according to the rules here given both for the good of their Common-wealth and Church and for a figure of Christ to whom the kingdome of Israel did belong Esay 32. 1. Zach. 9. 9. Luk. 1. 〈◊〉 32 33. thy God shall chuse either by the manistery of his Prophets as by Samuel hee anointed Saul 1 Sam. 10. 1. and David 1 Sam. 16. 1. by Ahijah he chose Ieroboam 1 King 11. 29 31 35. or by other meanes as by Vrim and Thum 〈◊〉 by Lot or the like thy brethren in this Christ was figured as also in his other functions of 〈…〉 phesie and Priesthood for so it is written Ie 〈◊〉 thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the middest of thee of thy brethren Deut. 18. 15. And in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that be might bee a mercifull and faithfull high Priest c. Heb. 2. 17. Vers. 16. not multiply horses not get him many horses lest hee should put confidence in worldly strength whereof horses were the principall as appeareth by Psal. 20. 8. Deut. 20. 1. Prov. 21. 31. to Egypt in which land were many horses which they accounted the strength of their countrey 2 Chron. 1. 16. and 9. 28. whereupon it is said Woe to them that goe downe to Egypt for helpe and stay on horses c. Esay 31. 1. not adde to returne that is not againe returne either for the cause aforesaid or for to dwell there because of their great idolatries and other sinnes whereby Gods people might be corrupted So Ieremy from the Lord disswaded the Iewes from going into Egypt Ier. 42. 10 14 16 17 c. The Hebrewes say It is lawfull to dwell in all the world save in the land of Egypt but it is lawfull to returne to the land of Egypt for mer chandise c. Maim treat of Kings ch 5. s. 7 8. Vers. 17. multiply wives take many wives the Hebrews and some Christians understand this prohibition of exceeding many as Solomon had seven hundred 1 King 11. 3. and not that moe wives than one are here forbidden But howsoever God bare with the Kings Patriarkes and other men that had moe wives than one and that this custome prevailed yet from the beginning it was not so when he made but two to be one flesh Gen. 2. 24. Mat. 19. 5. Mal. 2. 14 15. that his heart turne not away or neither shall his heart turne away to wit from the Lord unto the pleasures of life or unto other gods by meanes of many wives as of Solomon it is said His wives turned away his heart after other gods and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God 1 King 11. 4. Although his mother taught him better saying Give not thy strength unto women nor thy waies to that which destroyeth Kings Prov. 31. 1 3. greatly multiply or vehemently exceedingly multiply silver and gold which is another meane whereby the heart may be withdrawne from God for when men be rich and full they are in danger to denie and say Who is the Lord Prov. 30. 8 9. and they cannot serve God and Mammon Matt. 6. 24. the care of this world and the doceitfulnesse of riches choke the word of God Matt. 13. 22. and they that will bee rich fall into tentation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtfull lusts which drowne men in destruction and perdition 1 Tim. 6. 9. Vers. 18. when he sitteth upon the throne that is when he is King see the notes on Exod. 11. 5. the copie of this Law the Greeke translateth it this Deuteronomie The Hebrewes have recorded thus When the King sitteth upon the throne of his kingdome hee is to write him the booke of the Law for himselfe over and beside the booke which is left him of his fathers c. If his fathers have lest him none or if that be lost he is to write him two bookes of the Law the one he is to reserve in his house for so he is commanded as every one of Israel the other is not to depart from before him If he goe out to war it goeth with him if he fit in iudgment it is to be with him c. Maimony treat of Kings c. 3. s. 1. before the Priests the originall booke of the Law was kept in the Sanctuary as appeareth by Deut. 31. 26. 2 King 22. 8. out of that was the Kings copie to be written that it might be perfect Vers. 19. it shall be with him in all places whither hee went hee caried this copie of the Law with him as before is noted So God said unto Iosua This booke of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth but thou shalt meditate therein day and night c. Ios. 1. 8. Thus David did as appeareth by Psal. 119. 16 24 97 98 99 c. learne to feare under this name feare notonely the inward reverence but the outward worship and service of God is also implied even all true Religion as that which is written their feare towards â—â—ee is taught by the precept of men Esay 29. 13. is expounded by our Saviour In vainè they worship mee teaching doctrines the precepts of men Matt. 15. 9. Vers. 20. not lifted up above his brethren because the honour of the King was great and all were to obey him in the Lord Ios. 1. 16 17 18. Eccles. 8. 2 3 4. Rom. 13. 1. therefore hee is warned to shunne pride and loftinesse of heart whereupon David said Lord my heart is not haughty nor mine eies lofty c. Psal. 131. 1 2. The contrary was found in Nebuchadnezzar to whom the most high God gave a kingdome and majestie and glory and honour â—â—but when his heart was lifted up and his minde hardened in pride he was deposed from his kingly throne and they tooke his glory from him Dan. 5. 18 20. The Hebrewes say As the Scripture giveth great honour to the King and every one is bound to honour him so it commandeth him that his heart be humble within him and wounded as it is said in Psal. 109. 22. My heart is wounded within mee And he may not carry himselfe with pride of heart in Israel more than is meet Deut. 17. 20. but must be gratious and pittifull both to little and great and goe out and come in for their pleasure for their good and have regard of the honour of the smallest And when he speaketh unto all the congregation in generall words hee should speake gently as it is said by David in 1 Chron. 28. 2. Heare mee my brethren and my people It is also said in 1 King 12. 7. If thou wilt be a servant unto this people
creating and advancing him as in v. 6. lightly esteemed or vilely and foolishly despised Hebr. jenabbel of Nabal foolish as he called them in v. 6. The Chaldee expounds it hee provoked to anger the Rocke the mighty God Christ as vers 4. So the Greeke translateth he departed from God his Saviour Vers. 16. provoked him to jealousie or made him jealous that is exceeding angry for jealousie is the rage of a man therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance Prov. 6. 34. strange gods the Chaldee explaineth it the service of Idols or idolatry So in Psal. 78. 58. they provoked him to jealousie with their graven images And in 1 King 14. 22 23. the Iewes provoked him to jealousie with their sinnes c. for they also built them high places and images c. And this is the second part of their sinne to turne to idols and devils abominations that is abominable idols or false gods and other sinnes as Levit. 18. 26 27. Deut. 7. 25. 2 King 23. 13. Vers. 17. to devils that waste and destroy man-kinde as their name Shedim here signifieth see Levit. 17. 7. and these are in this respect opposed to God who maketh and saveth his people v. 15. So Ieroboams calves are called Devâ—ls 2 Chron. 11. 15. and all the Gentiles idols are Devils 1 Cor. 10. 20. and Antichrists Revel 9. 20. And unto devils the Israelites sacrificed their sons their daughters when they sacrificed them unto the Idols of Canaan Psal. 106. 37 38. whom they knew not had no knowledge or experience of any good from them or gods which knew not them that is had done them no good as on the contrary the true God saith I did know thee in the wildernesse Hos. 13. 5. where the Chaldee explaineth I supplied their necessities came lately up Hebr. came from neere that is from neere time which when it is spoken of a thing past meaneth lately when of a thing to come it meaneth shortly as in Ezek. 7. 8. were not afraid with horrour lest they should be hurt by them So the originall word properly signifieth and therein differeth from that feare or reverence which we owe to the true God Hee meaneth that they were such Gods as could neither doe good nor evill as is said in Ier. 10. 5. Bee not afraid of them for they cannot doe evill neither also is it in them to doe good Vers. 18. the Rocke that is as the Greeke saith the God and the Chaldee the strong Feare that is the strong God see v. 4. begat thee with the word of truth that thou shouldst be a kinde of first-fruits of his creatures as Iam. 1. 18. The Chaldee expoundeth it created thee which may also bee applied to creating in Christ Iesus unto good workes as Ephes. 2. 10. unmindfull in Greeke hast forsaken this the word following hast forgotten sheweth their long continuance in their sin wherof God complaineth by the Prophet My people have forgotten me daies without number Ier. 2. 32. And is not only forgetfulnesse in minde but in affection and action as when they made a Calfe in the wildernesse they forgat God their Saviour Ps. 106. 19. 21. So God when he will punish them threatneth I will utterly forget you and forsake you Ier. 23. 39. Hereupon he saith Remember these O Iakob and Israel for thou art my servant I have formed thee thou art my servant O Israel shew not thy selfe forgetfull of mee Esay 44. 21. that formed thee or that brought thee forth in Greeke that nourished thee in Chaldee that made thee God is here likened to a father that begat and a mother that bare or brought forth both which do set forth his love and the worke of his grace Vers. 19. saw the Chaldee saith it was revealed before the Lord. God the Iudge first taketh notice of the sinne as in Gen. 18. 20 21. contemptuously abhorred or loathed despised as loathsome which the Greeke expresseth by two words he was jealous or fervent and he was provoked the Chaldee his anger was strong This word which is commonly used for mens contemptuous provoking or despighting of God is here and in Lam. 2. 6. applied to God his despising and loathing of sinne and sinners the provoking or the angering the indignation or griefe caused by his sons and daughters that is by them which had beene his children by his gracious calling of them and would seeme so to be still but their spot was not such as his childrens v. 5. Vers. 20. will hide my face the Chaldee expounds it will take away my divine presence It meaneth also the withdrawing of his favour therefore his children often praied against this Psal. 27. 9. and 102. 2 3. Exod. 33. 15 16. And when God threatneth judgment to his people he saith I will shew them the backe and not the face in the day of their calamity Ier. 18. 17. And here their punishment is answerable to their sinne as they first withdrew their love and obedience from God so he withdrew his presence and grace from them that though they sought him they should not finde him Prov. 1. 28. The contrary is promised to the faithfull They shall see his face Rev. 22. 4. will see and let others see as the Greeke saith I will shew what shall be to them at the last Now the last end of sinners if they convert not is their destruction Psal. 73. 17 18. Prov. 14. 12 13. and 23. 32. very froward Hebr. a generation of frowardnesses or of perversities that is a most froward and perverse people This word Paul useth of heretickes Tit. 3. 11. no faith no firmnesse truth or stability for faith hath the name of stedfastnesse see the notes on Exod. 17. 12. Vers. 21. not god or no god a prophesie of the rejection of the Iewes with the cause thereof They left the Lord their God and tooke another so they made him jealous and angry the Lord also will leave them and take another people so they shall bee provoked their vanities that is as the Greeke translateth their idols or as the Chaldee expounds it their service of idols So Idols are called vanities Ier. 8. 19. and 14. 22. 2 King 17. 15. because they are nothing 1 Cor. 8. 4. not a people or no people that is by the Gentiles which now are not my people whom I will call to my faith and obedience by the Gospell whereby the Iewes shall have occasion of jealousie and anger So Paul expoundeth this in Rom. 10. 19 c. And in 1 Pet. 2. 10. which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God And in Hos. 1. 10. In the place where it was said unto them Yee are not my people there it shall bee said unto them Yee are the sonnes of the living God Thus God threatneth to take his Kingdome from the Iewes and give it to the Gentiles a foolish nation and therefore vile and despised so this is a reward of
raise up themselves with thy right hand Keepe thou me as the blacke of the apple of the eye in the shadow of thy wings hide thou me From faces of the wicked that waste me my enemies in soule that inviron round against mee With their fat they have closed up with their mouth they speake in pride In our steps now they compasse us their eyes they set bending downe into the earth His likenesse is as a renting Lion that is greedy to teare and as a lurking Lion sitting in secret places Rise up Iehovah prevent thou his face make him bow downe deliver my soule from the wicked one with thy sword From mortall men with thine hand Iehovah from mortall men of the transitory world who have their part in this life and their belly thou fillest with thine hid treasure satisfied are the sons and they lay up their overplus for their babes I in justice shall view thy face shall be satisfied when I awake with thine image Annotations IVstice that is my justice as the Greeke explaineth it my just cause and complaint The Chaldee saith accept Lord my prayer in justice shrill crie or showting that is loud complaint See Psalm 5. 12. without lips or not with lips of deceit that is which prayer is unfained not uttered with guile Vers. 2. come forth or proceed that is let my judgement be clearly pronounced and executed Therfore in Hos. 6. 5. he addeth the similitude of the light or Sunne righteousnesses or equities this is all righteous causes and persons or my most righteous cause Vers. 3. hast tried or examined me to wit as metall in the fire So Psal. 66. 10. hast not found or shalt not at all finde to wit any drosse or deceit or as the Chaldee addeth corruption The Greeke translateth iniquitie was not found in me shall not transgresse or transgresseth not that is I purposed not to transgresse with my mouth by murmuring against thy fiery triall of me or that which I purposed my mouth transgresseth not but my thoughts and words agree The Chaldee thus I have thought evill it hath not passed my mouth Vers. 4. For the workes or concerning the workes of men Adam is here used for all earthly men have observed or taken heed of to wit lest they should hart me or that I should not walke in them as the next verse sheweth otherwise sometime to observe waies is to walke in them Psalm 18. 22. the breaker thorow that is the robber or theefe as this word is expounded in Greeke Mat. 21. 13. from Ier. 7. 11. one that breaketh bounds or limits houses hedges lawes c. So Ezek. 18. 10. Vers. 5. Sustaine Hold up or containe this is spoken prayer wise to God as the next verse manifesteth The Greeke turneth it Make perfect It may also be read Sustaining or To sustaine and so have reference to the former verse I observed the robbers paths not to walke in them but to sustain or sustaining holding fast my steps in thy paths The Hebrew Tamoch may be Englished Sustaine thou as Zachor is remember thou Exod. 20. 8. Shamor observe thou Deut. 5. 12. Haloc is Goe thou 2 Sam. 24. 12. for which in 1 Chron. 21. 10. is written Lec Goe thou my steps or my steppings forward my right-forth steps So Psal. 37. 31. and 40. 3. beaten paths or round paths properly the word signifieth paths beaten with wagon wheeles here used generally for strait direct and beaten waies So Psal. 23. 3. and 65. 12. and 140. 6. Vers. 7. marvellously separate or make marvellous that is in wondrous and excellent sort shew mee thy mercies which are common unto all let them now peculiarly be bestowed on mee See Psal. 4. 4. The Greeke saith Make marvellous When Christ commeth hee will be made marvellous in them that beleeve 2 Thess. 1. 10. hope for safety or trust to wit in thee as the Greeke explaineth it or in thy right hand as is after expressed God is Saviour of all men specially of them that beleeve 1 Tim. 4. 10. with thy right hand this seemeth to have reference to the first O Saviour or thou which savest with thy right hand as Psal. 138. 7. and 60. 7. It may also be referred to the second them that hope in thy right hand or to the last them that raise up themselves against thy right hand And thus the Greeke turneth it But the Chaldee otherwise Avenge them on those which rise up against them with thy right hand Vers. 8. the blacke that is the sight in the middest of the eye wherein appeareth the resemblance of a little man and thereupon seemeth to be called in Hebrew Ishon of Ish which is a man And as that part is blackish so this word is also used for other blacke things as the blacknesse of the night Prov. 7. 9. and blacknesse of darknesse Prov. 20. 20. of the apple so we call that which the Hebrew here calleth bath and in Zach. 2. 8. babath that is the little image appearing in the eye as before is noted The word bath also signifieth a daughter whereto the Greeke coree doth agree By this is meant the tender care of God for his people and David here useth both words for more vehemencie whereas else-where one of them only is used Ishoâ— the black in Deut. 32. 10. Prov. 7. 2. babath and bath the apple in Zach. 2. 8. Lam. 2. 18. hide thou me Heb. thou shalt hide or keepe me secret It is the property of the Hebrew tongue often to set downe a prayer in this forme especially in the end of a sentence as noting some assurance to have the request fulfilled So in Psal. 54. 3. and 59. 2. and 64. 2. Iob 6. 23. and 21. 3. and 40. 5. See also the note on Psal. 10. 17. Vers. 9. from faces or because of the wicked See Psal. 3. 1. enemies in soule or for the soule meaning deadly enemies that seeke the soule or life See Psal. 35 4. The Chaldee expoundeth it in the will or desire of their soule Vers. 10. They have closed up to wit their face or body much like that speech in Iob 15. 27. hee hath covered his face with his fatnesse or their fat they close up meaning that they pamper and harden themselves in pride that is proudly or haughtily Vers. 11. In our steps or in our going that is wheresoever we goe they trace our footing they composse me and us the Hebrew hath both these readings meaning David with his company they set to wit upon us bending downe to wit themselves that they be not espied as Psal. 10. 10. or to bend downe to wit us to overshrow us or to set downe their nets and snares Vers. 12. His likenesse that is the likenesse or â—iew of every one of them or he may meane some one principall as Saul Vers. 13. prevent his face that is first come to helpe me and suddenly and unlookt for come upon him and disappoint him with thy sword
war thou against them that war against me Lay hold on the shield and buckler and stand up for my helpe And draw out the speare and sword to meet with my persecutors say to my soule I am thy salvation Let them be abashed and ashamed that seek my soule let them be turned backward and confounded that thinke mine evill Let them be as chaffe before the wind and the Angell of Iehovah driving them Let their way be darknesse and slippernesses and the Angell of Iehovah pursuing them For without cause they have hid for me the corruption of their net without cause they have digged for my soule Let tumultuous ruine come on him he not aware and let his net which he hath hidden catch him with tumultuous ruine let him fall thereinto And my soule shall be glad in Iehovah shall joy in his salvation All my bones shall say Iohovah who is like thee that riddest free the poore afflicted from the stronger than himselfe and the poore afflicted and needy from the spoiler of him Witnesses of cruell wrong did rise up things that I knew not they did aske of me They repaied me evill for good the bereaving of my soule And I when they were sicke my cloathing was sackcloth I afflicted my soule with fasting and my prayer returned upon my bosome I walked as if he had been a fellow-friend as if he had been a brother to me I bowed downe sad as hee that bewaileth his mother But in my halting they rejoyced and were gathered together the smiters were gathered together against me and I knew it not they rent and were not silent With hypocrites scoffers for a cake of bread gnashing their teeth against me Lord how long wilt thou see returne my soule from their tumultuous ruines my alonely soule from the Lions I will confesse thee in the great Church I will praise thee among a mighty people Let not them that are my enemies with falsity rejoyce at me them that are my haters without cause winke with the eye For they speake not peace and against the quiet ones of the earth they imagine words of deceits And they have enlarged their mouth against me they have said aha aha our eye hath seene Iehovah thou hast seene cease not as deafe O Lord be not farre off from me Stirre up and awake to my judgement my God and my Lord to my plea. Iudge me according to thy justice Iehovah my God and let them not rejoyce at me Let them not say in their heart aha our soule let them not say we have swallowed him up Let them be abashed and confounded together that rejoyce at mine evill let them be cloathed with bashfulnesse and shame that magnifie against me Let them shout joyfully and rejoyce that delight my justice and let them say continually magnified be Iehovah that delighteth the peace of his servant And my tongue shall meditate thy justice all the day thy praise Annotations PLead This properly is to contend or debate a matter with many words as the next word war or fight is with deeds But Gods pleading o 〈…〉 imes is in action as he pleaded Davids cause against Nabal when he slew him 1 Sam. 25. 39. And as here David prayeth so God elsewhere promiseth to plead with those that plead with his people Isa. 49. 25. warre which in the originall tongue hath the name of cutting biting or devouring for warres devoure and consume many So the sword is said to have a mouth that is an edge Iob 1. 15. Heb. 11. 34. and to eat that is to kill and consume 2 Sam. 11. 25. Vers. 3. drawout or as the Hebrew phrase is empty that is unshead the like is of the sword Exod. 15. 9. Levit. 26. 33. sword or close weapon as the name signifieth This interpretation seemeth best because of the Hebrew pause which joyneth this word with the former speare thus also these two weapons of offence are answerable to the former two of defence the shield and buckler and of this Hebrew name Segor the Greeke Sagaris and perhaps the Latine Securis seemeth to be borowed for a sword or axe And in Iob 28. 15. this word is used for a close treasure or stored gold as here for a close weapon Otherwise wee may reade according to the Greeke and other versions close thou or stop to wit the way or passage Vers. 4. that seeke my soule that is my life to take it away for so this phrase commonly meaneth as Psal. 38. 13. and 54. 5. and 70. 3. Exod. 4. 19. Mat. 2. 20. and sometime is so explained as Psal. 63. 10. 1 King 19. 10. they seeke my soule to take it away Yet somtime this phrase intendeth seeking the soule for ones good as Psal. 142. 5. turned backward a token of feare shame and discomfiture as Psal. 129. 5. and 40. 15. and 70. 3. and 9. 4. Isa. 42. 17. Ier. 46. 5. Vers. 6. Darknesse c. that is most darke and slippery meaning fearfull dangerous troublesome c. Nahum 1. 8. Psal. 88. 7. and 107. 9. Prov. 4. 19. So elsewhere it is said their way shall be unto them us slippernesses in the darknesse they shall be driven and fall therein Ier. 23. 12. Vers. 7. the corruption c. that is their corrupting pernicious net or their insnaring corruption or understanding the word in we may reade they hid their not for me in a pit or in a corrupting ditch as Psal. 7. 16. have digged to wit a pit to fallin so Iob 6. 27. Or have diligently searched and laid wait So digging is used for seeking Iob 3. 21. and 39. 32. Vers. 8. tumultuous ruine calamitie wasting or desolation that is with noise and sonnd as of waters Isa. 17. 12 13. So Psal. 63. 10. Prov. 1. 27. Vers. 10. my bones that is my strong and solid members as the Chaldee translateth it members delivered out of danger meaning that with all his strength he would praise God So the bones are said to rejoyce Psal. 51. 10. the loines to blesse Iob 31. 20. the spoiler or robber that by open violence taketh away Compare Iob 5. 15. Vers. 11. of cruellwrong that is cruell violent or as the Greeke saith unjust witnesses So Exod. 23. 1. Deut. 19. 16. Vers. 12. the bereaving of that is to deprive bereave or rob me of my soule or life or to bereave my soule of comfort The word properly signifieth the bereaving or losse of children Vers. 13. sâ—ckâ—loth used to bee worne in signe of sorrow Psal. 69. 12. Gen. 37. 34. Mat. 11. 21. Rev. 11. 3. Here 〈◊〉 are to understand the word was on gave as is expressed Psal. 69. 12. even as the word afflicted here expressed is there understood Psal. 69. 11. with fasting another signe and cause of sorrow wherefore mourning fasting are used for the same Matt. 9. 15. with Mark 2. 19. returned up on 〈◊〉 bosome or into my bosome The meaning may be I prayed â—ften for them secretly and with hearty laving
onely are to be seene the Sun hath looked downe Hereby afflictions and persecutions are meant as that in the Parable When the Sunne was up they were scorched is expounded when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word they are offended Matth. 13. 6. 21. So â—he signifieth that this her black hue was not her proper colour who is faire in Christ her beloved Song 1. 8. 15. but by accident God from heaven thus chastising her sinnes and exercising her faith and patience Lam. 1. 6. 13. 14. c. the sonnes of my mother that is either the children of the Church false brethren false Prophets and deceivers or inordinate lusts and sinnes which dwelt in her and were conceived with her in the wombe for with both these is the Spouse of Christ afflicted Of the first David complaineth I am become a stranger unto my brethren and an aliant unto my mothers sonnes Psalm 69. 9. And the Apostle saith Of your owne selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them Acts 20. 30. Such are called by the name of Israel and are come forth out of the waters of Iudah which swear by the name of the Lord and make mention of the God of Israel but not in truth nor in righteousnesse for they call themselves of the holy City c. Esay 48. 1. 2. Such might bee called the children of her mother though not of her father false brethren among whom the Saints are often in perill Gal. 2. 4. 2 Cor. 11. 26. who pretending faith and godlinesse doe dangerously oppose the same as the true Church Prophets Christ himselfe and his Disciples have found in all ages Of the second the Apostles tell us of lusts that war in our members Iames 4. 1. of fleshly lusts which warre against the soule 1 Per. 2. 11. and these may be called our mothers children because in sinne and in iniquity we have beene conceived and brought forth Psalme 51. 7. which sinne reviveth in us when the commandement of God commeth deceiveth us and slayeth us and under it wee are sold so that the good which we would that doe we not but the evill which we would not that doe we Rom. 7. 9. 11. 14. 19. angry with me or incensed against me or inflamed in me to weet with wrath to resist fight and war in mee and against me as the Greeke version saith fought in me or against me So this phrase is used in Esay 41. 11 All they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed c. and in Esay 45. 24. all that are incensed against the Lord shall bee ashamed which being spoken there of outward enemies may also be applyed to our inward lusts as in Iam. 4. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 11. they made me or set put assigned mee the keeper of the vineyards where the Sun hath burnt me as in Matth. 20. 1. 12. they that laboured in the vineyard doe complain how they have borne the burden and heat of the day So in the captivity of Babylon the poore of the land of Israel were left to be Vine dressers and Husbandmen 2 King 25. 12. And spiritually it is said unto the Church the sons of the alient shall be your plowmen and your vine dressers Esay 61. 5. and the Kingdome of God committed into the hands of the Iewes is likened to a Uineyard let out unto Husbandmen Matt. 21. 33. 43. and in Song 8. 11. Solomon let out the vineyard unto keepers But here the vineyards opposed to her owne vineyard seeme to meane false Churches and in them the corruption of religion whereunto her mothers sonnes sought to draw her setting her to observe the ordinances and traditions of men or otherwise to undergoe their cruelty and wrath Thus the Pharisees made the word of God of none effect through their tradition which they had delivered Marke 7. 13. and bound heavy burdens and grievous to be borne and laid them on mens shoulders Matth. 23. 4. and so did false teachers in the Christian Churches Acts 15. 1. 10. Gal. 6. 12. 13. Coloss. 2. 20. 23. my vineyard which is mine or which appertaineth to me the keeping whereof is committed to me of God This phrase is againe used is Son 8. 12. my vineyard which is mine is before me Spiritually the Vineyard is the Church as in Esay 5. 7. the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel and the men of Iudah his pleasant plant the keeping of or labouring in this vineyard is the performing of the charge and duty which God hath laid upon every one therein that so they may yeeld unto him the fruits of his owne graces Mat. 21. 33. 34. Esay 5. 2. 7. I have not kept either through her owne infirmity or negligence or others tyranny or both For as the Apostle complaineth that he did not what he would but what he hated and found not how to performe that which is good Rom. 7. 15. 18. so of the sloathfull man Solomon sheweth how he went by the vineyard of the man void of understanding and loe it was all growne over with thornes nettles had covered the face thereof c. Prov. 24. 30. 31. And by outward violence and persecution the Church may be scattred abroad Acts 8. 1. and when Iudah was captived the solemn feasts and sabbaths were forgotten in Zion c. Lam. 2. 6. c. And oftentimes for the sinnes of his people God sendeth persecution and afflictions upon them Esay 5. 2. 5. 6. Lam. 1. 14. 18. 22. The Chaldee Paraphrast expoundeth this verse thus The Congregation of Israel sayd before the peoples Despise me not because I am blacker then you because I have done worke like yours and have worshipped the Sunne and Moon for false Prophets they have been the cause that the fierce wrath of the Lord hath come downe upon me and they learned me to serve your idols and to walke in your statutes but the Lord of the world who is my God him have I not served nor walked in his statutes neither have I kept his precepts and his Law Vers. 7. Tell me or Shew declare unto me A third request which the Church maketh unto Christ for instruction in the administration of his Kingdome here on earth that as hee had formerly made her partaker of his heavenly calling so he would direct her further unto the place where and manner how he feedeth his flocke in his publike Assembly the Church whereunto the Lord addeth daily such as shall be saved Acts 2. 47. that there she may be under his government enjoy his ordinances increase in knowledge faith and all other graces may be strengthned against tentations and afflictions So men are commanded Seeke the Lord and his strength seeke his face continually Psalme 105. 4. And Vnto the place which the Lord your God shall chuse out of all your tribes to put his name there even unto his habitation shall ye seeke and thither thou shalt come c. Deut.