Children of Israel found great store of Pomegranates whereof division was made amongst them For Rimmon is as much as a grained Apple or a Pomegranate and Parez He hath divided Of Libnah LIbnâ—h is the seventeenth place where the Children of Israel stayed and was so called from the abundance of Frankincense that was found there for Libnah signifies white Frankincense This is an 104 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-west Of Rissa HEre the Children of Israel pitcht their Tents being about an 100 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east it took the name from the fruitfulness and abundance of Flowers and Herbs that grow there and is derived from Rasa which signifies to make moist for there were usually exceeding pleasant and sweet dews Of Chehelah CHehelah was the nineteenth place where the Children of Israel made their abiding in the Desart being 92 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-west Num. 33. and signifies a Congregation or Church being derived from Rahal that is He hath assembled This was a type of the Church where all the Elect and Faithful People of God travel through the Wilderness of this wicked world Of Saphar SAphar is a mountain in the Desart of Arabia Petraea 88 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-west This was the twentieth Remove the name of the place being so called partly of their Tents partly of the roundness of the mountains Of Harada HArada was full of wild Beasts which struck the People into a mighty fear so called as being derived from Charada which signifies Terror or trembling Here the Children of Israel stayed the one and twentieth time it being 80 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-west Of Thahath THIS is a certain Valley 68 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest and is derived from Tachath which signifieth a certain Plain or low place Of Maceheloth THIS was the two and twentieth abiding of the Israelites being 72 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest Here a Congregation of the Tribes of Israel was called for Maccheloth signifieth a Congregation or meeting together Sometimes it is taken for the Church being derived from Rahal i. He assembleth together Of Tharah THIS was a memorable place in the Wilderness where the Israelites had a breathing time for now growing near to the Borders of the Land of Canaan after so many Journeys they began to rest themselves because of the Wars they were shortly to undertake And it is derived of Roah and Tarah which signifieth a breathing-time Here was the 24th Mansion of the Israelites Of Mithca HERE was the twenty fifth Mansion of the Israelites being but 56 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-west in the utmost Borders of the Land of Canaan and no doubt took the name from the delightful and pleasant taste of Grapes For Mitka signifies the same that Mithetk that is to say sweetness and pleasantness Of Cades Barnea CAdes Barnea a City of the Idumaeans being derived of Kadas and Barah that is a holy place is forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South from this place Moses sent Spies into the Land of Canaan who brought of the Fruit of the Land but all of them discouraged the People only Caleb wherefore they murmured and the Lord was angry and would not suffer them to enter into the Land of Promise So turning their Journey they went to Ezeongaber 148 miles so that they travelled in the Desart forty years before they could enter into the Land of Promise Of this you may read Gen. 14 16 20. Num. 13. 27 33 34. Deut. 1. Psal. 29. Ezek. 47. Of Chasmona IN this place the Children of Israel set up their Tents a little before they sent Spies into the Land of Canaan it is not far from Cades Barnea towards the South For the twelve Spies were not sent from the City of Cades Barnea but from their Tents and of this still distribution or sending for one out of every Tribe was chosen it took the name For Casmona signifies a still distribution being derived of Chasca and Manah he stilly distributed Of Moseroth MOseroth was the twenty seventh Mansion of the Children of Israel in the Wilderness and distant from Ierusalem 72 miles towards the South where the Lord caused them to return back for their murmuring towards the South that so they might live just forty years in the Wilderness Num. 14. 33. This place seemeth to take the name thereof from Traditions for there Moses repeated to the Israelites the Law of the Lord and for this cause their Tents were called Moseroth which signifies Traditions and is derived of Masar that is to Preach Of Benei Iaacon THIS was the twenty eighth Mansion of the Israelites so called because there their Tents were fairly set up with pleasant Walks and places about them for Benei Iaacon signifieth a Building or fair Walk being derived of Bana and Akah that is He hath set up an House and was 96 miles from Ierusalem Southward Num. 33. Of Hor Gidgad AT this Mountain the Children of Israel stayed a while because it was a fertile and pleasant place as Moses himself witnesseth It is an hundred and twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the South being derived of Harar a Mountain and Glebam a Plow Plin. l. 20. ep 20. Of Iotbatha THIS was the thirtieth Mansion of the Israelites in the Wilderness being 132 miles from Ierusalem toward the South and took the name from the pleasantness and fertility of the Wilderness being derived of Iatab and Batha a certain good and pleasant waste or wilderness Of Arbona THIS place being very discommodious and no whit profitable the Children of Israel were constrained to remove their Tents with great weeping and lamentation for Arbona being derived from Abar and Naha signifies partly to remove and partly to weep Of Aezion Gaber THIS was a Town of the Idumaeans near the Red Sea 148 miles from Kades-Barnea and 174 miles from Ierusalem towards the South Here the Israelites set up their Tents and here Solomon made his Navy which he sent to Ophir to fetch Gold 1 Kin. 9. This City no doubt took the name of the strength and multitude of Trees whereof these Ships were built for they were very fair Ships and of excellent Workmanship Aezion Gaber signifieth a strong tree being derived of Ez and Gaber that is a Tree of strength Of Zin-Kades THIS was a great Wilderness lying between Aezion-Gaber and Kades-Barnea being 184 miles in length abounding with thorns and high mountains Upon the North-side thereof lay Mount Seir and Kades-Barnea and towards the South the Red Sea It was called Paran and Zin of the abundance of Thorns that grew there for Zin of Zanan signifies a sharp thorn Zinnim full of Thorns and Kadesh Sanctity or Holiness Here Moses and Aaron having struck the Rock twice at length it brought forth Water but for their murmuring and incredulity God would not suffer them to go into the Land of Canaan This lay an 120 miles from Ierusalem toward the South Of the Mountain Hor. HOR
which was as much as both they could bear upon their shoulders Num. 13. From Hebron they returned again to Kades-Barnea twenty miles There all the People murmured against Moses Num. 14. Hereby it is to be seen that the Spies in forty dayes travelled 648 miles in the Land of Câ—naaâ— that is every day 16 miles and a little more After that Ioshuah and Caleb travelled with Mâ—ses and the Children of Israel to Ezeon-Gabir and from thence to the Town of Iahza 464 miles From Iahza they pass'd through two Kingdoms to Mount Libanus eighty miles From Mount Libanus they returned again into the Land of Sittim that lay by the hill Pisgah in the field of the Moabites 80 miles From the Land of Sittim they pass'd through the River of Iordan and came to Gilgal six miles where Ioshuah pitched his Camp Numb 21. Iosh. 4. 5. From Gilgal he went to Iericho two miles there he assailed the Town with the sound of Basons and won it Iosh. 6. From Iericho he went to Ai being four miles and took and burnt the whole Town Iosh. 7. 8. From Ai he returned to Gilgal four miles and there upon the Hill of Ebal he built an Altar unto the Lord and there were the Blessings and Cursings pronounced Iosh. 8. Deut. 27. From Gilgal he went to Gibeon twelve miles There the Sun stood still during the Battel against the three Kings Iosh. 10. From Gibeon he went to Ajâ—lon two miles here the Moon stood still Ios. 10. From Ajâ—lon he went to Aseka four miles there it hailed upon the Enemies that fled before Israel Iosh. 10. From Asâ—ka Ioshua returned again into the Camp at Gilgal twenty miles Iosh. 10. From Gilgal he went to Makeda where he hanged the five Kings Ios. 10. From Makeda he went to Libna two miles and took the Town Iosh. 10. From Libna he went to Lachis eight miles From Lachis he went to Eglon eight miles From Eglon he went to Hebron which is sixteen miles Iosh. 10. From Hebron he went to Debir one mile Iosh. 10. After that Ioshuah with one continued War won all that part of Iudaea which lay towards the South bordering Eastward upon the Dead Sea Southward upon Cades-Barneâ— Westward upon Asdod and Gaza and Northward upon Gibeon and Gilgal This circuit of Land containeth about an hundred fifty and six miles From Gilgal Ioshua went out with his Army about twenty two miles to the River of Merom where he slew the rest of the Kings of the Canaanites in a memorable Battel Iosh. 11. From the River of Merom Ioshua chased his Enemies and followed them to Sidon which was 612 miles Iosh. 11. From Sidon he went again to Hazor 32 miles which Town he burnt Iosh 11. After that Ioshuah at one time won all the Towns in the Holy Land which lay Northward in the Lands of Samaria and Galilea from Gibeon to Mount Libanus and from the River of Iordan to the great Sea called Mare Mediterraneum which Countreys in circuit contain 280 miles After that Ioshuah returned again to his Camp at Gilgal which lay 72 miles from the Town of Hazor where he made a division of the Land amongst the Children of Israel Iosh. 14 15. From Gilgal he went to Shilo twelve miles where he made an end of dividing the Land Iosh. 18. From Shilo he went to Timnah Sera eight miles and there he dwelt for the Children of Israel gave him that Town for his own Inheritance Iosh. 19. From Timnah Sera Ioshua not long before he died came to Sichem forty miles There he assembled all the Tribes of Israel Iosh. 24. From Sichem he returned again to Timnah Sera forty miles where he died and was buried Iosh. 24. So all the Travels of Prince Ioshuah were 2392 miles The Description of the several Towns and Places to which Ioshua travelled Of Rechob THIS was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Aâ—hur an hundred miles from Ierusalem toward the North Nuâ— 13. and signifieth a broad Street being derived from Radhab that is to extend out in length Of Haemah or Chaemah THIS was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Nephtali and was an hundred miles from Ierusalem upon the utmost bounds of the Holy Land at the foot of Antilibanus Num. 11. 34. Iosh. 19. derived from Chamah that is furious or burning with anger Of Gilgal THIS was a Town between Iordan and the City Iericho twelve miles from Ierusalem South-eastward where the Children of Israel having past the River of Iordan first made War upon all the Nations of the Land of Canaan Here they solemnized the first Paschal Lamb. After they came into this Land Manna ceased because they then did eat the Fruits of the Countrey Here Ioshua taking twelve stones out of Iordan pitch'd them up for a memorial Here the Tabernacle of God stayed for a time which was the reason that afterward the Israelites committed Idolatry in this place Iosh. 4. 5. Hos. 2. 4 9. Amos 5. Near to this place Ehud the third Judge of the Children of Israel received gifts of them to carry to Eglon King of the Moabites dwelling at Iericho where he killed him with a knife Here Saul was the second time confirmed King of Israel 2 Sam. 10. and as it seems taketh name of Roundness Ioshuah at this time building his Tent in a circular fashion for Galal signifies a round Wheel or Tent compassed about with Ditches and Bulwarks Of Iericho THIS is a City in the Tribe of Benjamin two miles from Iordan and six from Ierusalem South-eastward Ioshuah overcame this with the sound of Horns or Trumpets Iosh. 26. Heb. 11. Here Christ restored the blind man to sight Mat. 6. converted Zachaeus Luke 19. and was called the City of Palms by reason of the great plenty of Palms that grew there You may read more of this hereafter Of Hai or Ai. HAI is a Town in the Tribe of Benjamin near to Bethel toward the East where Abraham dwelt Gen. 12. Ioshuah won this Town Ios. 7. 8. It was so called of a Prophet that dwelt there and signifieth to be placed upon a heap for Ai signifies a heap lying partly equally partly unequally The Ruines of this Town were scarce to be found in Ierom's time Of Gibeon THIS was a Metropolitan City in thâ— Tribe of Benjamin the Inhabitants whereof became Petitioners to Ioâ—huah for Peace Iâ—s 9. 10 18. 2â— Sam. 21. Afterward it was given to the Priests It is derived of Gibeah or Gibeon which signifies a curled Hill It was scituated on a Mountain four miles from Ierusalem toward the North. Here stood the Tabernacle of the Covenant and the brazen Altar Here Saul was first made King of Israel Here he put the Sons of Abimelâ—ch the Priest to death 1 Sam. 12. Here Iosâ—uah overcame the five Kings of the Ammorites Here the Sun stood still Of this you may read more hereafter Of Ajâ—lon THIS was a City of the Priests in the Tribe of Dan four miles
Ierusalem Northward Zach. 12. Hadrach the Land of Gladness So the Prophet Zachary calls Syria c. 19. Hanes an Ensign of Grace This was a City of Egypt bordering upon Assyria Esa. 30. Haram the Syrian liberty It was the Metropolitan City of Mesopotamia where Abraham dwelt Gen. 11. distant from Ierusalem 440 miles North-eastward Haveran a Casement It was a City in Syria not far from Damascus 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Hazor Enon the gate of the Fountain It was a City in Syria Hazor-Tichon the middle Porch It was a Town in Syria not far from Haveran Ezek. 47. Hazor the Land of Hay So the Ismaelites called their Countrey Hemath Anger So the Prophets called Antiochia the Metropolitan of Assyria distant from Ierusalem 280 miles Northward Hermon Accurst It was a Mountain beyond Iordan near to Libanus 122 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east There is another Mountain of this name near to Naim and not far from Mount Tabor forty four miles from Ierusalem towards the North of which the Psalmist speaketh Psal. 89. Tabor and Hermon praise thy name The Mountain beyond Iordan is oftentimes called by the name of Mount Gilead Hesbon an Ingenious Cogitation It was a City of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben twenty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East Henah and Ievah were two Idols Esa. 37. Hevilah Sandy So India is called and a certain part of Arabia-Petraea of Hevilah the Son of Chus Gen. 10. These Countries are very dry and sandy Hethlon he hath rolled together It was a City of Syria near to Antiochia Ezek. 47. Holon a Window It was a Town of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben and is also called Helon Num. 2. Ier. 47. Horonaim the Syrian Liberties two Towns of the Moabites Esa. 16. I. JAchza the privity of God A City of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben twenty four miles from Ierusalem Eastward Iaezer the help of God A City of Refuge belonging to the Levites in the Tribe of Gâ—d beyond Iordan forty miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward Iavan Grecia so called of Iavan the Son of Iapheth which was distant from Ierusalem 800 miles Westward Iezreel the Seed of God This is the City where Queen Iesabel was devoured of Dogs It standeth forty eight miles from Ierusalem Northward Irheres or Heliopolis a City of the Sun This was a City of Aegypt 224 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-West K. KEdar Blackness This was a Desart of the Ismaelites called Sur eighty miles from Ierusalem South-Westward Kir Paries a Wall This was Cyrene a great City in Africa which was 816 miles from Ierusalem Westward There was a Town of this name in the Land of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben Esa. 16. Kir-Hazereth or Kir-Hares a Mud-Wall It was a City of the Moabites in Arabia-Petraea otherwise called Petra seventy two miles from Ierusalem towards the South Esa. 16. Kiriathaim a-City This Town was in the Tribe of Reuben 22 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Esa. 16. Kiriah or Kirieth ibidem Kithim a shining Jewel Macedonia is so called of Kithim the Son of Iavan the Son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Ier. 2. Mac. 1. For if you do diligently observe the derivation of Names you shall find that of Kithin comes Maketis and so by continuance of time and change of words Macedonia It lieth 920 miles from Ierusalem North-Westward L. LAchis a continual walking or as some will have it A pleasant Walk This was a City in the Tribe of Iuda twenty miles from Ierusalem Westward Ier. 34. Laisa a Lioness So was Caesarea Philippi sometimes called It was also called Dan scituated near to the Fountains of the River Iordan not far from Mount Libanus 104 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Libna Frankincense It was a Town in the Tribe of Iudah ten miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west Lud that is Lydia a Countrey in Asia Minor so called of Lud the Son of Sem. Luit green Grass It is also a Mountain in the Tribe of Reuben Esa. 6. M. MAgâ—g dwelling under a shed or Tent. The Turks are so called Ezek. 8. Maresa an inheritance In this Town the Prophet Micah was born Mich. 1. It was scituated in the Tribe of Iudah distant from Ierusalem sixteen miles towards the West Medai a Measure The Kingdom of Medea was so called of Medai the Son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Medba warm Water It was a City of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben twenty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the East Esa. 16. Medemena a Dunghil It was a Town in the Tribe of Iudah neer Beerseba and Gaza 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-west Iosh. 15. There was also another Town of the same name in the Tribe of Benjamin not far from Ierusalem Iosh. 10. Ier. 48. Megiddo a wholsome Apple Here Iosiah King of Iudah was slain in War It stood 46 miles from Ierusalem Northward Zach. 12. Mephaath the splendor of Waters It was a City belonging to the Priests in the Tribe of Reuben subject to the Moabites twenty four miles from Ierusalem towards the East Ier. 48. Mesech the tract of sowing So the Muscovites and Russians are called of Mesech the Son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Midian a Measure A Town lying upon the Red Sea 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the South so called of Midian the Son of Abraham by â—eturah Gen. 25. Mispe a Watch. This City stood in the Land of Gilead beyond Iordan forty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east There is another Town of this name also not far distant from Ierusalem in the Tribe of Benjamin Hos. 5. Ier. 40. Moab A Father The Country of the Moabites scituated between the Red Sea and the Mountains Abarim Ezech. 9. Meusal Running swiftly It was the name of a People that took their beginning from Vsal the Son of Ioktan Gen. 19. N. NAbaioth The Country of the Prophets This Country beginneth in the Tribe of Gad beyond Iordan and extendeth to the East part of the Dead Sea and so by the Land of the Moabites to the Red Sea It taketh the Name of Nabaioth the Son of Ishmael for all the Tract of Arabia Petraea from the Red Sea to the Gulph of Persia of him is called the Land of Nabathaea Diodorus Siculus saith as much and further That it extendeth towards the East unto the Indian Sea Gen. 25. Nebo Prophecying It was a City of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben near to Mount Pisga twenty miles from Ierusalem towards the East Ier. 48. Nimrim A Leopard This was also a City in the Tribe of Gad beyond Iordan thirty two miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Isa. 16. No A Hinderance So was Alexandria a City in Aegypt in ancient times called distant from Ierusalem 288 miles towards the West Ezek. 30. Noph A Honey Comb. So the Prophets call Memphis the Metropolis of Aegypt being distant from Ierusalem 244 miles towards the South-east Isa. 18. Ier. 2. Ezek. 30. O. ON Opulency So Ezek. c.
lye at the bottom thereof two inches thick Therefore the Inhabitants near about it are wont to take a great Pot that holdeth a good quantity whereinto putting Water they let it stand till all the filth be sunk to the bottom and so they clear Water to drink Nilus taketh the beginning from a certain Mountain in Maâ—â—itania the Lower not far from the Ocean and issâ—es from a Lake which they call Nidiles and partly from other Lakes and is increased with the Snow Waters falling from the Mountains of the Moon in Africa 3200 miles from Ierusalem towards the South Some think it took the name from Nileus a certain King thereabouts others from the Soil which is yearly brought down in the Stream whereby all Aegypt is made fruitful from whence some think it was called Servious Nilus for that it bringeth down new Mud with 〈◊〉 The Hebrews call it Gihon because it breaketh out of the Earth with great Violence This River comes through the Desarts of Aethiopia and so with great Violence comes into Egypt where it is divided into seven Streams and in times past had seven Gates the names of which were Canopiâ—us or Heracliâ—ticus Bolbitinus Sebiniticus Pharmiticus Mendâ—sius Taniticus and Palusiacus the two outward Gates of which viz. Canoâ—icus and Palusiacus were 160 miles asunder Appianus saith there are two otâ—eâ— Gates called Tineptimiâ—us and Diolcus this ninth Gate is divided at a City and place called Delta taking the Name from the likeness that it hath to the Greek Letter so called So that Nilus is divided into nine Gates by which nine Gates it falls into the Mediterranean Sea There are many that think that Paradise was only in Egypt and that then it had only but four streams and that at the Flood it was confused into nine and they would seem to prove their Opinions out of the 31 Chapter of Ezekiel where he calleth Egypt a Garden of Pleasure But this differeth from the description of Moses for it is not sciâ—â—ate in the East but rather the South from Ierusâ—lem and far distant from the two Eastern Rivers Euphrates and Hiddikel by which the holy Scriptures do principally denote Paradise Wherefore it may be concluded that Egypt was only a part of Paradise not Paradise it self and that this River was one of the Rivers not all the Streams of which River at some times of the year viz. in the Summer Solstice when the Sun is near the Dog-star begins to swell and overflow the Banks by reason of the melting of the Snow which lies upon the Mountains of the Moon and so drown all the places near unto it through the Land of Egypt leaving behind it certain Slime and Mud by which it comes to pass that the Country is very fruitful and serves them instead of Rain at which time of the Year for this happens once every year the People and Inhabitants of the Country retire themselves to their Towns Ciâ—ies and Castles sciâ—uated upon Rocks Mountains and high Grounds from whence it happeneth that they sustain very little discommodity or loss by any such Inuâ—dation They also keep little Boats whereby they pass from one place to another because all their Passages and Foot-paths are then drowned with Waters There are many pretty Observations which the People of Egypt were wont to take notice of in the rising of this Water for they had certain Staves whereby they measured the depth of it if it rose but to twelve Cubits which is six yards in height they then stood in fear of great Famine so also if it was but thirteen for then the Water was not deep enough to make the ground fertile but if it rose to fourteen or fifteen then they were in great hope and did not doubt of a fruitful Year and if to sixteen they then greatly rejoyced at their Prosperity and kept Banquets and Feasts and were assured that the succeeding year would be very plentiful but if it rose above they laid aside all signs of Joy and lived very sparingly and with great Sorrow this great Inundation of Waters fore-shewing Scarcity and Want and Famine and Pestilence and Death And thus Nilus yearly every year is to them instead of Rain for Egypt is without Rain In Autumn at such time as the Sun going out of the last face of Libra entreth into Scorpio the Waters of Nilus by little and little retire themselves into their Banks and the Earth becomes quite uncovered of Water about which time the Country being exceeding hot the Earth is presently made dry in all those places so that in the Month of October they may both till and sow their Land In this River the Crocodile and the Ichneumo breed of the nature of which two you may sufficiently read in Gesner There also breeds the Pelican of which St. Ierom saith there are two kinds one that lives upon the Water another that lives upon the Land these Birds as some affirm kill their young ones upon their Beak and then leave them lying in their Nest for three days at the end of which time the Female grievously wounds her self upon the Breast and pouring her Blood upon her young ones revives them again This Bird may very well be a type and figure of our Blessed Saviour who shedding his precious Blood upon the Cross for our Sins after the third day rose again and that he might restore us to Life that be dead in Sin poureth out his Blood upon us whereby we are made capable of Eternal Life Of the Place where Adam and Eva dwelt after the breaking of the Commandment Gen. 3. ADAM and Eva being driven out of Pradise dwelt at Damascus 160 miles from Ierusalem as Munster and others write the Townsmen of Damascus at this day shew the place where Cain slew his Brother Abel and it is well to be believed that this City receives her Name thereby for Damascus signifies blood-shedding or a place which hath drunk up Blood Of the Place where Cain dwelt CAIN after he had slain his Brother Abel dwelt in the Land of Nod a Land of Fear and Disquiet in the Town of Hanoch and as some think it was the same place where Babylon after Noah's Flood was built being four hundred and eighty miles from Ierusalem Eastward Of the Place where Noah dwelt NOAH signifying quiet and rest dwelt in Armenia six hundred miles from Ierusalem Northward hard by Mount Ararat upon which Mount the Ark after the Flood stayed it self Gen. 8. Ptolomaeus nameth these high Hills in Armenia Gordes which are alwayes covered with Snow and no man may get upon them Sem. SEM who in the Holy Scriptures is called Melchisedech that is a King of Righteousness dwelt in the City of Ierusalem which as then was called Salem that is a City of Peace Nimroth NImroth was the first Prince and Regent upon Earth and built Babylon which is six hundred and eighty miles from Ierusalem Eastward Strabo writeth That in Babylon there was an old
Giblin by the Jews In S. Hierom's time it was a great Town Of Moriah UPON this Mount Abraham would have offered his Son Isaac and stood not far from Salem or Mount Sion where Melâ—hisedech dwelt They were so near that Melchisedech upon the Tower of Sion might easily see the Angel that spake with Abraham when he renewed the Covenant with him concerning his Seed and Posterity and is derived from Mor or Mâ—rar which signifies bitter Myrrh because as Gregorius saith the Church is ever subject to Affliction For all they that will serve God and live religiously must suffer Persecution Mat. 16. 2 Tim. 3. and Iarr which signifies to fear How Abraham may be typically apprehended ABraham signifies the Father of a Multitude from Ab pater a Father Ram excelsus Mighty and Hamon multitudinis Of a Multitude Not in regard of the Jews only but all those that in succeeding times shall be ingraffed into the Church and partake of everlasting Life through the Mediation of Christ Jesus the promised Seed Gal. 3. Ephes. 1. Acts 3. and is a Type and Figure of God the Father for that as Abraham was the Father of many yet had but only one Son so although God be the Father of all Nations yet had but one only Son Jesus Christ begotten of his own Essence from before the beginning of the World And as Abraham so loved God that for his sake he would not have spared his only Son so God so loved Abraham and the World that he gave his only begotten Son to die for the Salvation of their Souls The Travels of Lot LOT travelled with Abraham from Vr in Chaldaea to Haran in Mesopotamia which is 336 miles Gen. 12. 2. From Haran they travelled to Sichem in the land of Canaan bâ—ing 400 miles 3. From Sichem they travelled through Morae to the Hill lying between Bethel and Hay which is 24 miles 4. From the Hill between Bethel and Hay they went into Aegypt which is 240 miles Gen. 13. 5. From Aegypt they went into the Land of Canaan to the Hill lying between Bethel and Hay where Abraham had dwelt before which is 240 miles Gen. 13. 6. From the Hill between Bethel and Hay Lot separated himself from Abraham and went to the Town of Sodom Eastward which is 28 miles Gen 13. 7. In the Town of Sodom Lot was taken Prisoner he and all his houshold and led away to the Town of Dan which is 32 miles Gen. 14. 8. And when Abraham had delivered him out of the hands of his Enemies a pursued them he returned with him from Dan to Hobam in Phoenicia lying on the left side of Damascus being 80 miles 9. From Phoenicia Abraham came again with Lot to Sodom which is 160 miles 10. Lastly when the Lord had determined to rain Fire and Brimstome on Sodom Lot according to his Commandment went thence to Zoar a little Town near adjoyning where being drunk with Wine he committed Incest with both his Daughters but after coming to the knowledge of his Offence he was so sore afflicted in his Conscience that with extream Grief he died Luther saith that Abraham took him to Hebron with him to comfort him and that there he died Hebron is 36 miles from Sodom So all the Travels of the Patriarch Lot were 1652 miles The Description of the Towns and Places where he travelled and first of Sodom THE Cities that were destroyed with Fire and Brimstone from Heaven were four in number that is Sodom Gomorrah Adama and Zeboim lying 24 miles from Ierusalem South-eastward where now the Dead Sea runs The fifth was the City Bela called also Zoar which was spared for Lot's sake and distant from Sodom two miles This Lot accounted but a little City but there are that say it was a very spacious and Princely place near to which his Wife for her Disobedience was turned into a Pillar of Salt and not far off he committed Incest with his two Daughters And although Luther be of opinion that that also within a while after was burnt yet this cannot be certainly proved especially because it remaineth even to this day scituated both in the ancient place and called by the ancient Name unless some new City hath been lately built in the same place and is now called after that name which I cannot think to be true Sodamah signifieth a Mystery Gomorrah a Faggot of Thorns Adamah Red Earth Zeboim Fertile and Pleasant Zoar the burning of Bâ—la for in ancient times it was called Baela It is the received Opinion that the Country wherein these five rich and opulent Cities stood was called Pentapolis Of the Lake or Dead Sea called Asphaltides IN the very same place where these Cities were burnt and destroyed there is at this day to be seen a Lake about 36 Miles long and in some places six in others eight and twelve miles over It boileth with Pitch and Brimstone and in some places passeth by the name of the Salt Sea and in others the dead Sea because of the noisome and venomous Air that riseth out of it insomuch as the very Birds that fly over it fall down dead and if a Beast do but drink of it mix'd with Water it makes him incurably sick It is of a wonderful nature for whatsoever heavy thing you fling into it will not sink but swim upon the top be it either Iron Lead Copper or any other weighty matter of which Vespasian the Emperour having notice to make experience of what he had heard made a Journey of purpose to see it and with him took certain condemned men who for their Offences had deserved Death these he manacled and where he thought it to be deepest caused them to be thrown in but they rose up again with such violence as if some Storm or Tempest had sent them up The Water thereof changeth three times a day and shineth against the Sun with divers colours casting out Fire and great Cakes of Pitch much resembling Bulls without heads and of that quantity This Pitch is good for divers things as to calk Ships to lay upon Cables and to use in Medicines wherefore such as come to this Sea and know the nature of it have certain Skifs and Instruments wherewith they draw these Cakes of Pitch to their Ships to which it cleaveth so fast it being naturally tough that being brought to Land they cannot get it off again but by the help of Urine Upon the Banks thereof grow Trees that bear fruit of divers kinds as Apples and such like which are fair and pleasant to the Eye but if you either touch or open them you shall find nothing but Dust. Brittenbacchus saith In this place the Serpent Tyrus whereof they use to make Treacle is found It is a little Serpent about half a Cubit long and a Finger thick being of divers colours and is so venomous that where it biteth there is no remedy unless by cutting off the Member the Head of it is rough and hairy and
there seemeth to lye upon the Tongue of it if it be angry a fiery flame The same Author saith that a little from Zoar between this Lake and the Mountains of Engedi the Pillar whereinto Lot's Wife was turned is yet to be seen shining like Salt The furthest part of this Sea Northward lies 14 miles from Ierusalem toward the East the River Iordan runneth into it The Travels of the two Angels that led Lot out of Sodom THese two Angels having spoken with Abraham in the Valley of Mamre near Hebron forthwith went to Sodom some 40 miles distant from that place where Lot having entertained them into his House by their help was delivered together with his Wife and two Daughters from that miserable Desolation of the Sodomites Of Lot's two Daughters LOT escaping 〈◊〉 is Desolation and seeing a President of God's Judgment fallen upon his Wife for her disobedience fearing that he should not continue safe in Zoar left that and turned aside into the Wilderness and continued there among the Mountains although the Lord had promised him safety in this Town wherefore continuing in a Cave in the Wilderness the eldest of his Daughters losing her Husband in this Destruction supposing that all men had been destroyed counselled her Sister to commit Incest with her Father Lot being now oppressed with Care by reason of the former Calamities gave himself at the Inticement of his Daughters to drink Wine insomuch as with the Excess he became drunk at which time not being himself he begat by his two Daughters two Sons the eldest had a Son whom she called Moab which signifies the begotten of his Father whereby the Impudency of this Woman is laid open to the World in that she was not ashamed of her Sin Of him came the Moabites and dwelt upon the North-side of the Lake Asphaltides some 32 miles from Ierusalem The youngest Daughter had a Son which she called Ben-ammy that is The Son of my People for although she bare him with great shame yet she dwelt among the People of God Of him came the Ammonites that dwelt beyond Mount Giâ—ead threescore miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Of the four Kings that took Lot Prisoner THE first of them was called Amraphel King of Shinear or Babylon the Son of Ninus and Semiramis as some think and is called sometime by the name of Berosus sometime Ninus He kept his Court at Babylon in Chaldaea which is 680 miles from Ierusalem Eastward This Ninus is called Amraphel because of the notable Victories that he won and the number of Countries and Provinces he conquered The second was Arioch or Arrius his Son He was thus called because of his Courage and Cruelty in War for Arioch signifies a mighty roaring Lion Arius Mars This man during the life of his Father was created King of Lassir that is Assyria for so it is called in the Chaldaean Tongue the chief City whereof is Nineveh and lies from Ierusalem North-eastward six hundred eighty four Miles The third was Keder-laomer King of the Elamites in Persia 1200 miles from Ierusalem toward the East This Prince had a great command in that Country Kedar signifies an Ornament or Crown Laomer well deserving The fourth was Thideal King of the Nations He kept his Court in Damascus the Metropolis of Assyria some 160 miles from Ierusalem Northward Thideal signifieth an exalted Lord of Alah that is to be lifted up These four Kings were Confederates and bent their Expedition principally against Aâ—toroâ—h and Kiriâ—thaim which they took and spoiled all the Country round about with Fire and Sword and their Armies being retired from the Spoil met in the Valley of Siddim where now the Dead Sea runneth and there pitched their Tents In this place after a cruel and sharp War they conquered the five Kings of that beautiful and pleasant Soil of Pentapolis for so it was called because of those five Cities that were in it where among others they took Lot Captive with all his Substance Of Astoroth AStoroth seems to be the City of Venus because the Citizens thereof worshipped her for Astoroth is a Goddess of the Sidonians and is compounded of Ash which signifies a company of Stars and Tor placed in order The Sâ—rians call Venus Ashtoroth This Town lay in the Land of Gilead and belonged to the half Tribe of Manasses beyond Iordan 56 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward In this City the four Kings of the East conquered the Gyants of Karnaim that were mighty Princes and Commanders there when they made War against that and Kiriathaim Not far from hence also in the Land of Ham there dwelt certain Gyants called Zusim of Zus and Hamah which signifies to stir up Commotion These were very great strong and stately People and had the Command of all the Countries thereabouts which they held in great fear and were conquered by the four Kings Of Kiriathaim KIriathaim was a City in the Tribe of Reuben beyond Iordan Josh. 13. twenty two miles from Ierusalem towards the East and so called because it was divided into many Parts and Divisions The Heathens corruptly call it Carthage The Hebrews derive it from Kiriath which signifies a City and Emah Terror Here dwelt the Emims a grave and fâ—arful people for so their name signifies Of Hazezon Thamar THIS City took the name from a Palm-tree or a Palm bank Of this kind of Wood the Israelites made their Arrows and therefore derive it from Charar which signifieth to shoot and Thamar a Palm-tree This City standeth upon the Bank of the Dead Sea twenty miles from Ierusalem North-east upon a very fruitful Soil where was found plenty of Palm-trees and precious Balsam and by some called Engedi or the Lambs Well being derived from Ein and Gedi which signifieth Fontem haeduli lactantis that is The Well of a sucking Lamb or Goat Not far from hence stood the Cave where David cut off the outward lap of King Saul's Garment â— Sam. 24. Of the plentiful Valley Siddim THIS Valley stood there where now the Dead Sea runneth and took that name from the fertility of the Soil and seems to have some affinity with the Hebrew word Sâ—del which signifies a Field partly arable partly Pasture and Medow furnished with Trees Herbs and Orchards In this place stood divers Wells of Bitume from whence the Inhabitants fetch'd Caement to build their Houses with but after for their Wickedness which was so great as it appeareth in Gen. 18. that the Cry thereof asâ—â—nded into Heaven the Lord did grievously punish them first with War by which the Inhabitants were destroyed and after that with Fire and Brimstone from Heaven so that as is aforesaid this goodly Valley is nothing but a stinking Lake The Travels of the Aegyptian Maid Hagar AFter Sara had preferred Hagar to that high Grace as to make her equal with her self she growing proud thereof contemned her Mistress and in recompence of that Favour carried her sâ—lf very presumptuously towards her which Sara seeking to
which Jacob travelled Of Bethel BEthel was a Town in the Tribe of Benjamin eight miles from Jerusalem towards the North and signifies The house of God In times past it was called Luz but Jacob seeing in that place the Vision of the Ladder with the Angels ascending and deâ—cending upon it and because there the Lord renewed the Covenant with him concerning his Seed and the coming of Christ he therefore called it Bethel Afterward Jeroboam having unlawfully usurp'd the Kingdom of Rehoboham caused a Calf to be set up there for which cause it was then called Bethaven which signifieth the house of Sin and abominable Offence Vatablus is of opinion that there are two Bethels one in the Tribe of Benjamin the other in the Tribe of Ephraim both not far from Hay but if this should be granted then these two Towns should stand within two miles one of the other which seemeth very absurd therefore I dare boldly affirm that there was but one Bethel which stood upon the borders of Benjamin and Ephraim both Tribes bordering upon the South-side of the Town of Luz Josh. 16. and 18. This Town of Bethel was at first in the Suburbs of Luz until the Division of the Tribes for then both these Tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin ending in that place so much increased this Town that they became both one City and so were called Bethel Ie. 28. and 25. Iosh. 7. and 18. From hence there is a two-fold Mystery to be apprehended the first of Jacob whose sleeping in this place upon a Stone caused this City or Town to be built and to retain the name of Bethel that is The house of God So whosoever seeks to have eternal Life must rest upon that corner stone Christ Jesus the Son of the everliving God and by faith be incorporated into the Church which is the House of God of which Christ the anointed of the Lord is both King and Priest for ever Secondly as Jacob resting upon this corner Stone saw the Angels ascending and descending from Heaven unto Earth so by this Incorporation into the body of the Church of which Christ is the Head by Faith and Baptism our Souls are made capable to ascend into that heavenly Tabernacle which he hath prepared for all those that believe according to that in John 14. I am the way the truth and the life no Man cometh unto the Father but by me only And whosoever is assured of this Ladder that reacheth from Heaven unto Earth may well say with Iacob Surely the Lord Jesus Christ is in this place here is nothing but the House of God and here is the Gate of Heaven as Christ himself testifieth in the tenth of Iohn I am the door and whosoever entreth not by me c. So that Christ is the Head of his Church the Ladder that ascendeth into Heaven and the door whereby we may enter into eternal Life Of Gilead THIS Land of Gilead was a Country that lay between Iordan and the Mountain of Gilead or rather between the Sea of Galilee and the 〈◊〉 â—ilead sixty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east for the 〈…〉 beginning at Mount Gilead extended thence unto 〈…〉 and separated the Countrey of Israel beyond Iordan from 〈…〉 of the Ammonites But that part which lieth between the Sâ—a 〈…〉 Ammon is properly called Gilead for when Iacob and Labâ—n 〈…〉 either with other in the Mount Gilead they gathered a 〈…〉 Stones and making a Banquet eat together upon it Gen. 13. and 〈◊〉 thence that Mountain and all the Countrey thereabouts took the 〈◊〉 For Laban in the Syrian Tongue is called JEGAR SAHADUTA 〈◊〉 â—eâ—p of covenant But Iacob in the Hebrew Language called that 〈◊〉 together with all the Countrey thereabouts Galâ—ed or Galaad the heap â—f teâ—timony for Gal signifieth a heap or grave and Galal he rolled or he thrust into a round heap From whence the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to roul and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a circle is derived Also Edah signifies testimony with the Hebrews being derived from Id which signifies testatus eâ— that is he beareth witness and from hence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amongst the Grecians is derived which signifieth a witness This Land of Gilead was very fertile and pleasant being adorned with many Castles and strong Cities and in this Countrey the Prophet Eliah was taken up into Heaven in a fiery Chariot 1 Reg. 17. 2 Reg. 2. The Grecians call this Decapolin from ten Cities that are strongly built in that Countrey Marc. 7. Of Machanaim MAchanaim was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Gâ—d near to the floud of Iordâ—n and Iaboch forty four miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east and scituate in the Land of Gilead beyond Iordan being so called of the Patriarch Iacob because there he saw the Tents and Army of Angels which he understood to be his assistants against his Brother Esau whom he feared Gen. 31. For Chana signifieth Castrametatus est that is the Tents are measured out from whence Machanaim is the proper name of a place being derived from two Tents of Angels which appeared to Iacob that they might defend him in his Journey For the Angels of God compass them about that fear him Psalm 33. and therefore Iacob with great Joy brake out and said The Tents of God are here and called it Machanaim This was assigned to the Levites Iosh. 21. and here David was received when he fled from his Son Absalom 2 Sam. 17. Here Iacob wrestled with the Angel Gen. 32. Of Pnuel or Penuel THIS Town was upon the East-side of Iordan close by the mouth of the River Iaboch in the Tribe of Gad forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and is derived from Panah and El which signifies He beheld the Almighty God face to face and for that cause he called it Penuel or Pnuel which is the face of God Gen. 32. The Tower of this Town was destroyed in Gideons time Iudg. 8. Of Succoth THIS is a Town beyond Iordan not far from Penuel in the Tribe of Gad 40 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east Here Iacob set up his Tabernacles and continued for a while from whence it borrows the name For Sachach signifies a covering and from thence it is called Succha and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Greeks which signifies a shield covering defence or tabernacle Of this Town there is mention in Iosh. 13. 2 Chr. 4. Gideon caused the Inhabitants of this Town of Succoth to be torn to pieces with thorns Iudg. 8. Of Salem SAlem is a Town of the Sichamites lying towards the East side of the River Iordan and in the midst of the Tribe of Manasses forty miles from Ierusalem towards the North not far from Sichem where Dinah Iacob's Daughter was ravished Gen. 33. and 34. In Aenon near to this place Iohn Baptist baptized and signifies a City of Peace and Integrity Of Bethlem Euphrata THIS Town was distant from Ierusalem towards the
South six miles it was scituated in a pleasant and fruitful Countrey and from thence took the Name for Bethlachem is called The house of Bread Euphrata signifies fruitful being derived from Parah that is to fructifie and Baith signifieth a house from the affinity that it hath to Banah that is to build so that Baithlachem doth denote unto us the house of bread and other fruits and meats that are fit to be eaten Here was Christ the Son of God born that Bread of Life of which whosoever eateth shall live eternally Ioh. 6. And here David was the second time anointed King 1 Sam. 16. Of this Town you may read more Luke 2. Of Rachels Grave ABout a mile from Bethlem towards the North Rachel the Wife of Iacob was buried over whom he set a stately Sepulchre made of 〈◊〉 Marble stones or Pyramides these Stones are seen to this day 〈…〉 right hand of the way as you go from Bethlem to Ierusale◠〈…〉 thence all the Land thereabouts is called the Land of Rachel â—or 〈◊〉 Herod killed the innocent Children all the Inhabitants thereabouts 〈◊〉 and would not be comforted Matth. 2. Ierem. 31. Of the Town of Aeder THis was a Watch Tower of the Bethlemites about a mile from Bethlem towards the South and was so called from the flocks of Sheep that resorted thither for Migdal signifies a Tower and Aeder a flock or Herd for thereabouts were very fertile Pastures Here the Angels told the Shepherds of the Nativity of Christ lying at Bethlem in a Manger and in the place of that Tower there was a Church built which in Ieroms time was called Angelus ad Pastores because the Angels there appeared to the Shepherds Here Iacob dwelt for a time and in this place Reuben lay with Billah his Wife Gen. 36. Of Gosen and Ony. GOsen was a very delectable and fruitful Countrey in the Land of Egypt the Metropolitan whereof was Ony two hundred miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west In this City Iacob dwelt The typical signification of the Patriarch Jacob. JAcob signifies a Supplanter and was a Type of Christ who is that Supplanter of Sathan and by his death hath broken his head in pieces Again he is the type of a Christian man for as he wrestling with the Angel obtained a Blessing so every good man continually striving with Perseverance in Prayer shall at length obtain an everlasting blessing for for this cause was Iacob called Israel that is the Prince of God in that he prevailed with God so all those that belive in Christ are called Princes of the Kingdom of Heaven because by his Mediation they have prevailed with God and are made partakers of Eternal Life Iacob had two Wives Leah and Rachel Lea signifies wearied and was a type of the old Mosaical Church for that was oppressed and wearied with the Laws of Moses and brought forth Priests Levites Kings and Warlike Princes by which the People of the Jews became oppressed and wearied by extream Labours and at length were miserably extinguished for as it is in the fifteenth of the Acts of the Apostles The Law of Moses was an intollerable and troublesom Burthen But Rachel signifies a Sheep and is a Type and Sign of the Church of God in the New Testament as Christ himself speaketh in the tenth of John My sheep hear my voice and follow me and I will give them eternal Life Sheep are naturally patient and peaceable so all such as are of Christs Church seek after Patience and Peace Leah was nothing so fair but much more fruitful Rachel was nothing so fruitful but a great deal fairer Leah was the Mother of Benjamin which signifies Sorrow Rachel of Ioseph who was a Type of Christ. Of the Travels of Esau. ESAV travelled from Mount Sier in Mesopotamia to the Town of Pnuel or Penuel eighty miles to meet his Brother Iacob where the singular civility and humility of Iacob towards him is worthy observation For he first sent to meet him then he did him obedience to the ground seven several times and so saluted him saying Lo these are the Children which God of his Grace hath given thy Servant From whence it may be gathered That it becometh every man if it be possible to win his Enemy to Peace and Concord rather by Humanity and Humility than by force for Esau seeing this kind of Reverence though before he had a full determination to do him violence yet now he comes to meet him embraces him takes him about the neck begins to weep and kisses him yea such was their love that they both wept with joy Gen. 33. After Esau returning went home to Sier back again eighty miles these things hapned in the year of the World 2206 when both Brethren were about 89 years of Age and in the year before Christ 1762. Of Mount Sier MOUNT Sier where Esau and his Posterity dwelt is forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South and was so called of Sier the King or Lord thereof of whom came the Horrites who being driven thence by the fourteen Sons of Esau into Arabia the Stony where they continued Gen. 36. It was called Edom of Esau and then Idumaea Gen. 25. and the Inhabitants thereof Edomites or Idumaeans The typical meaning of Esau. ESAV signifies a Factor and was so called from Redness The Enemies of the Church colouring themselves red with the blood of the Godly For as Rebecca had in her Womb two Sons that is Esau and Iacob one elected the other reprobated so in the Church there are found two sorts of People good and evil some are wicked and impious contemners of Gods word and persecuters of the Church as after the posterity of Esau was But there are others that are the faithful Children of God that hope through the mediation of our blessed Saviour to be made heirs of everlasting happiness and be crowned with him in his Kingdom with the Crown of Glory So that here the saying of our Saviour may be verified the first shall be last â—â—d the last shall be first for Esau was the eldest yet lost his Birth-right and Iacob was the youngest yet got the Blessing Of the Travels of the Patriarch Juda. JVDA travelled from Sichem where Jacob dwelt and went to the Town of Odulla some forty and four miles where he was married to the daughter of one Chananei whose name was Schuah which signifies a happy Saviour by her he had two Children in that place Viz. Ger and Onan From thence he went to Timnah to shear his Sheep six miles and as he turned aside out of the way he committed incest with his daughter-in-law Thamar when she was about 26 years of Age. Afterwards he went twice with his Brethren into Egypt to buy Corn at Zoan where Joseph at that time was for the Famine was very great round about So that reckoning his Journey twice two and again it amounted to 822 miles for Zoan was 208 miles from Hebron where Jacob and his Sons
from Ierusalem towards the South-east and taketh the name from an Hind for Aâ—ala signifieth an Hind a Beast very strong and swift Here the Moon stood still Here Ionathan tasted Hony contrary to his Fathers command for which he was judged to dye 1 Sam. 14. Of Azeka AZeka was a City of the Ammorites in the Tribe of Iuda eight miles from Ierusalem toward the West near to Odullam where David killed Goâ—â—ah and as it seems takes the name from Munition or a place compassed about with an hedge being derived from Itsek he hedged about This was a fair City in St. Ierom's time Of the Valley of Achor THIS Valley is distant from Ierusalem twelve miles and not far from Iericho and Gilgal towards the North taking name as it seemeth of Achon that Thief mentioned in Ioshuah who was stoned there from whence it is called Achor which signifies Trouble because of the terrible words that Ioshua spake unto him there You may read of this Hos. 2. Esay 25. Iosh. 11. 15. Of Makedah BEtween Eleutheroâ—olin and Bethlehem this Town stood being in the Tribe of Iudah some eight miles from Ierusalem towards the West and taketh the name of a Flower that hangs down the head being derived of â—adad which signifieth to hang down Here Ioshua hanged the five Kings of the Ammorites which he had formerly conquered Ios. 10. Of Libna LIbna is a City belonging to the Levites in the Tribe of Iudah and is scituated between Eglon and Makeda ten miles from Ierusalem toward the North-west where the fourteenth King that Ioâ—hua conquered kept his Court and taketh the name from the abundance of Frankincense that is found there For Libâ—nah signifieth white Frankincense Zenacharib besieged this City Some say it taketh the name from the Hebrew Labâ— which signifieth white Bricks because there is found much matter whereof such kind of Bricks are made Of Lacâ—is LAchis is a City in the Tribe of Iudah and lieth between Eleutheropolin and Hebron twenty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west and two miles from Rechila toward the North Iosh. 15. 2 Chr. 11. and taketh the name from Walking being derived from Ialach which signifieth He hath walked Ioshuah took the King of this City and put him to death and Zenacharib King of the Assyrians besieged it but to little purpose Of Eglon. EGlon was a City in the Tribe of Iudah twelve miles from Ierusâ—lem Southward Ioshuah took the King of this City and hanged him It taketh the name from Aecâ—el signifying a Calf Of Debir DEbir was a City of the Levites twenty two miles from Ierusalem towards the South and almost half a mile from Hebron towards the North-west Athniel the Brother of Caleb won this Town wherefore he gave him his Daughter Archsa to Wife Formerly it was called Kiriath-Sepher i. a City of Scribes and Students for it was consecrated to Learning From hence it was called Debir which signifies an Oracle or an holy Altar because the Lord there by his Priests that were assigned for that purpose did foretell and prophecy of things to come being derived from Debar that is He hath spoken Of Asdod or Azotes THIS was a City of the Philistims scituated upon the shore of the Meâ—iterranean Sea in the Tribe of Dan and twenty two miles from Ierusalem towards the West This Town was conquered by Ioshua Iosh. 11. 1 Reg. 5. It was also taken by Psamnitiâ—us King of Egypt in Mâ—nasses time as Herodotus saith it is now a little Town and is called Azotus In times past it was a fair City and took name from the fire of Love being derived of Esh which signifies a fire and Dod beloved Of Gaza GAza was a fair City of the Philistims upon the shore of the Red Sea some 24 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west and signifieth a strong Town being derived from Gazez to confirm Samâ—son being inclosed within this Town took away the Gates and Bars thereof and laâ—d them at the foot of Mount Hebron Iudg. 16. Of the River Merom THIS was a Lake not far from Dothan some four miles from Tiberias Westward and forty four miles from Ierusalem towards the North and is so called from the deepness of it being derived of Rom which signifies it was high and Marab bitter whence Merom a high bitter Water Here Ioshuah over-threw the Kings of the Canaanites Josh. 11. Of Sidon SIdon takes the Name of Zod which signifies He hath hunted and was a famous Mart Town in Phoenicea being a place scituated at the foot of that high Hill Antelibanus near to the shore of the Mediâ—erranean sixteen miles from Ierusalem North-ward Of Libanus THIS is a Mountain of an extraordinary height some 104 miles from Ierusalem North-ward looking into Syria and Phoenicia From thence the River Iordan taketh the beginning being so called of two Springs or Wells that is Ior and Dan rising from the bottom of this Hill It seems to take the Name from the abundance of flowers and variety of sweet Smells or Dews that are there and also of Frankincense or Gum Olibanum found upon it it is a very fruitful Place full of Springs and wholsome Herbs so that no Serpent will abide in it it is divided into two parts the one lieth near Sidon West-ward called Antelibanus the other towards Damascus upon the East and is only called Libanus It is so high that it serves for a Sea mark and so much the more remarkable for that as some say Snow lieth continually upon the top of it so that a far off it seemeth white Of the River Jordan JOrdan is a pleasant sweet River watering the Holy Land whereof you may read before It is named Iordan at Caesarea Philippi a little from the foot of Antelibanus 104 miles from Ierusalem North-ward it passeth through the Lake Samachoniten and divideth it into two equal Parts from thence running thorow a great part of Galilee it falls into the Sea Tyberiâ—s and there as it were divideth it into two parts it watereth that part of Iudaea called Samaria and about Easter which is the beginning of that Harvest it floweth over the Banks and fructifies many Countries lying near it at length it falleth into the Lake Asphaltiâ—es and there endeth about fourteen miles from Ierusalem Eastward So that from the first beginning of this River to the end of it is ninety two miles It is called Palah by the Hebrews which signifieth swift and hidden because it riseth from a certain Well or Pit called Phiala which is always full of Water but from whence it springeth is unknown Ioshua about Easter passed upon dry ground through this River even then when it was fullest of Water Ios. 3. So did Eliah and Elisha 2 Reg. Here Naaman the Leper wash'd himself 2 Reg. 5. Here Christ was baptised by S. Iohn Baptist Mat. 3. Luke 3. Of Hazor THIS was a Town in the upper Galilee belonging to the Tribe of Nepthali it was the chief Hold and City of the King of the
Years From Apheck the Philistines carried it to Asdod or Azotus and set it in the Temple of their God Dagon but the Idol fell down in the Night and was broken to pieces before the Ark of the Lord 1 Sam. 4. which was 160 miles From thence to the City Gath which was four miles From Gath to the Sea-town Gaza twelve miles From Gaza to Ekron thirty two miles From Ekron they placing it upon a new Cart drawn with two new milch Kine it was brought back again to Bethsemes which was twelve miles From thence it was carried to Kirjath-jearim and placed in the house of Abinadab where it was kept until David's time who fetched it thence to Ierusalem with great Joy about the Year of the World 2900 and before Christ 1068 which was two miles So all the while the Ark was from Shilo it was carried hither and thither some 276 miles Of the Towns and Places to which the Ark of the Lord was carried Of Apheck THis was a City of Samaria alotted to the half Tribe of Manasses some half a mile from Israel toward the South and forty four miles from Ierusalem Northward It signifieth an impetuous or violent Act being derived of Aphak which is as much as He worketh violently or offereth Violence In this City Benhadad King of the Syrians going from one place to another to hide himself was at length constrained to fly to Ahab King of Israel to save his Life and crave his Aid 1 Reg. 20. Of Asdod Ascalon and Gaza you may read before Of Gath. THIS was a Haven Town scituated upon the Banks of the Mediterranean Sea distant from Ierusalem thirty four miles toward the West It seemeth to take the name of the Abundance of Vines that grow thereabouts for Gath signifieth a Press or such an Instrument wherewith Grapes are pressed This was Goliah's Country Here Achis to whom David fled governed 1 Sam. 21 27. and it is very like that all the Kings of this City were called Achis as sometime the Emperours of Rome were called Caesars There were other Kings of the Philistines that were also called by this Name Of Ekron THIS also was a City of the Philistines not far from the Mediterranean Sea and near to Asdod some sixteen miles from Ierusalem Westward At this day it is but a small Town and called by the Name of Accaron having some Affinity with the ancient Name Ekron The Inhabitants of this Town worshipped Baal-zebub for their God It taketh the Name from Extirpation or such a Town as Penitus distruit hath rooted out even the Foundation being derived of Akar which signifieth to extirpate Of Bethsemes THIS was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Iuda Ios. 15. 21. four miles from Ierusalem Westward and signifies the House of the Sun Of this you may read more before The Travels of the Prophet Samuel SAmuel's Mother brought him from Arimathea to Shilo being twelve miles where he was to serve the Lord God all his Life From Shilo Samuel went to Mizpa in the Land of Gilead forty eight miles Here Samuel called a Congregation and made a solemn Sacrifice unto the Lord of a sucking Lamb and the Lord at the same time thundred from Heaven and dispersed the Army of the Philistines so that they fled 1 Sam. 7. From Mizpa he went to Arimathea 56 miles there he dwelt and built an Altar unto the Lord 1 Sam. 7. From thence he went yearly to Bethel sixteen miles 1 Sam. 7. From Bethel he went to Gilgal tvvo miles 1 Sam. 7. From Gilgal he went to Mizpa in the Land of Gilead thirty six miles 1 Sam. 7. From Mizpah he went again to Arimathea 56 miles Thither came unto him the Elders of the Children of Israel desiring him to chuse them a King 1 Sam. 8. Therefore he went out of the Town of Arimathea about sixteen miles to Ramath which lieth in the Land of Ziph not far from Bethlehem Euphrata and there Samuel anointed Saul the Son of Kish to be their King 1 Sam. 10. From Ramath he went to Gilgal sixteen miles There he offered and shewed Saul what he should do 1 Sam. 10. From Gilgal he went to Mizpah in the Land of Gilead thirty six miles there Saul by casting of Lots was chosen King 1 Sam. 10. From Mizpah he returned to Arimathea fifty six miles 1 Sam. 10. From Arimathea he went to Bezeck 44 miles where Adoni-Bezeck was taken whose Fingers and Toes the Children of Israel cut off There Samuel and Saul caused an Army of Men to issue out against the Children of Ammon 1 Sam. 11. From Beseck Samuel and Saul passed over Iordan to Iabes in Gilead sixteen miles and there overthrew Nahaz King of the Ammonites and all his Host which done Samuel said unto the Souldiers Let us now go unto Gilgal and there renew the Kingdom From Iabes in Gilead he went to Gilgal thirty six miles There Saul was placed in his throne Royal 1 Sam. 11. From Gilgal Samuel went to Arimathea which is twenty miles From Arimathea he went again to Gilgal twenty miles and there he sharply rebuked King Saul because he had offered a Sacrifice contrary to his command 1 Sam 13. From Gilgal he went to Gibeon twelve miles 1 Sam. 13. From Gibeon he went to Arimathea twelve miles From Arimathea he went to Gilgal twenty miles there he rebuked King Saul because he did not wholly destroy the Amalekites and Samuel himself hewed the Body of Agag King of the Amalekites in pieces 1 Sam. 16. From Gilgal he went to Arimathea twenty miles From Arimathea he went to Bethlehem sixteen miles and there he anointed David King 1 Sam. 16. Then he returned again to Arimathea sixteen miles where he died and was buried 1 Sam. 28. So all the Travels of the Prophet Samuel were 364 miles Of Arimathea Mizpah Ramath and the rest of the Towns mentioned in his Travels you may read before The typical signification of Samuel SAmuel is derived of Shemuel that is desired of God and was a Type of God the Father For as Samuel anointed David so God anointed his beloved Son with the Oil of Gladness and of the Spirit Psal. 45. Esa. 61. The Travels of King Saul SAVL went from the Town of Gibeon to Mount Ephraim four miles to seek his Father's Asses in An. Mund. 2870 and before Christ 1908. From Mount Ephraim he passed through the Land of Salisa to the Borders of the Town of Salem 12 miles From Salem he went to the Land of Gemini in the Tribe of Benjamin sixteen miles From the Land of Gemini he went to Rama four miles there by Samuel he was anointed King 1 Sam. 10. This Town lay not far from Bethlehem and close by it lay Rachels Grave There certain men met with Saul in the Borders of Benjamin at Zelach and shewed him that his Fathers Asses were found which was about a mile from Ierusalem From thence Saul went about two miles to Zilzah there three men met
to Mount Olivet for refuge being brought to a streight so Christ upon Mount Olivet his Heart being prest with an intolerable Agony fled to his Father by Prayer for comfort in that extremity Tenthly as all the Friends and Familiars of David forsook him at such time as Absalom rebelled against him and followed him with Persecutions Mocks and Taunts so Christ at such time as Iudas betrayed him into the hands of the Iews was forsaken of all his Followers and many of those which a little before he had done good unto mocked and derided him as he was upon the Cross. Lastly as David was restored notwithstanding the former miseries and troubles to his ancient Glory and Eminency so Christ after he had suffered the due punishment for Sin Death and before that extream Misery yet at length conquered both and by his Divine Power restored himself to his former estate Eternal Glory The Travels of Abner one of Sauls Captains HE went with King Saul from Gibeah to the Wilderness of Ziph which was twenty two miles Here he was rebuked by David for his negligence From thence he returned to Gibeah twenty two miles 1 Sam 31. From thence he travelled to the Hill Gilboa where Saul killed himself forty miles From thence he went to Machanaim where he made Ishbosheth Sauls Son King who kept his Court there seven Years sixteen miles 2 Sam. 2. From thence he went to Gibeon where he slew Asahel Ioabs Brother in Battel which was forty four miles 2 Sam. 2. From thence he went over Iordan to Bythron twenty eight miles From thence he went back to Machanaim sixteen miles 2 Sam. 2. â—astly he went thence to Hebron to David and made a Covenant with him where he was treacherously Slain by Ioab and was sixty eight miles So all the Travels of Abner were 256 miles Of Bithron BIthron or Betharan was a Town beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Gad some 28 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward lying between Dibon and Iordan It taketh the name from a House of singing being derived of Baith which signifies a House and Ron He sung joyfully The Travels of Joab David's Captain was the Son of David's Sister for he had two Zerviah and Abigal Zerviah had Ioab Abishai and Asael Abigal had only Amasa all which were great men in King David's time Now when Ioab heard that Abner had brought down his Army to Gibeon he went from Hebron thither which was 24 miles and there his Brother Asahel was slain 2 Sam. 2. From thence he went to Bethlehem 16 miles where he buried his Brother 2 Sam. 2. From thence he returned to Hebron 20 miles Here under the Gates of the City he traiterously killed Abner 2 Sam. 3. From thence he went with David to Ierusalem where he won Sion and drave thence the blind and the lame being 82 miles From thence he went with his Army against the Ammonites and Syrians whom he conquered in a cruel Fight 60 miles 1 Sam. 20. From thence he returned back to Ierusalem 60 miles From thence he went with David into Idumaea 160 miles from Ierusalem Southward there he won the Town of Midian and conquered the Idumaeans or Edomites 2 Sam. 8. From thence he returned to Ierusalem with his Army being 160 miles From thence he went and besieged Rabba the Metropolitan City of the Ammonites being sixty four miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Here Vriah was slain 2 Sam. 11. From thence he returned to Ierusalem with King David 64 miles From thence he went into the Kingdom of Gesur which lieth beyond Iordan upon Mount Libanus by the Town of Caesarea Philippi some eighty miles from Ierusalem North-eastward This Country was called Trachonites From this Land Ioab brought Absalom again to Ierusalem 2 Sam. 14. From thence he returned back again with Absalom to Ierusalem eighty eight miles From thence he went with David when he fled from his Son Absalom to Machanaim being forty four miles Not far from hence he slew Absalom 2 Sam. 18. From thence he came again with King David to Ierusalem 44 miles 2 Sam. 10. From thence he went to Gibeah where he killed Amasa which was four miles From thence he went to the Town of Abel-Bethmaacha in the Tribe of Naphtali being about 88 miles This Town he straightly besieged From thence he went again to Ierusalem 88 miles Afterward he went as David commanded him to number the People at Aroer a Town beyond Iordan which was 24 miles 2 Sam. 24. From thence he went to Iaezer which is sixteen miles From thence going through the Land of Gilead and passing by the Territories of the lovver Country of Hadsi he came to the Town of Dan near to the place vvhere the Fountains of Iordan are which is accounted 116 miles From thence he went to that famous Mart Town Sidon which was 24 miles From that great Tovvn Sidon he went to the Walls of Tyre to which place great multitudes of Ships resorted which was 16 miles From thence he went toward the South till he came to the City Beersaba which was the utmost Bounds of the Holy Land South-vvestvvard and vvas reckoned 132 miles From thence he returned back to Ierusalem where he delivered to David the number of those that were chosen Souldiers 2 Sam. 24. but the Lord struck the Country and City of Ierusalem with a great Plague because he did contrary to his Command 2 Sam. 24. So all the Travels of Ioab were 1348 miles The Description of the places to which he travelled MAny of those Cities mentioned in the Travels of Ioab are already described and set forth therefore I account it needless in this place again to repeat them but only such Towns as yet have not been mentioned Of Gesur GEsur was a Country near to Caesarea Philippi in the Land of Basan beyond Iordan near Libanus in the Tetrarchy Trachonitides 88 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward With the King of this Country Absalom remained in Banishment for three years space after he had slain his Brother Ammon and with us may be termed the Valley of Oxen 2 Sam. 13. Of Hadsi THE lower Country of Hadsi stood near to the City Corazin in the half Tribe of Manasses fifty two miles from Ierusalem toward the North-east and signifies a new Land being derived of Chadasch that is New Of the Fountain Rogel THIS was near Ierusalem Eastward to which place Ionathan and Ahimaaz David's Intelligencers brought him News of Absalom's Counsels and Intentions 2. Sam. 17. It seemeth that Travellers usually washed their Feet in it from whence it was called the Well of Feet being derived from Raegael signifying a Foot Near to this place was the Stone Zochaeleth where Adonijah at such time as he affected the Kingdom contrary to his Fathers liking called an Assembly and made a great Feast 1 Reg. 1. The Travels of Baena and Rechab THese two went out of the Tribe of Beniamin over Iordon to Machanaim 40 miles There they murthered their Master King Ishbosheth in his Chamber
sometime Bishop of Tyre saith which was a Town in the Tribe of Issachar not far from Bethulia some fifty two miles from Ierusalem toward the North near to which place Holofernes afterward pitched his Tents extending thence to the Field of Esdrelon and the Town Chelmon from whence it seemeth this Town taketh the Name He prophesied in Israel eight hundred years before Christ his name â—ignifieth a Saviour being derived of Hoschiag the third Conjugation of Iaschag that is He hath saved Mat. 2. Of the Prophet Joel JOEL signifies God's own as St. Ierom expoundeth it He prophesied eight hundred Years before Christ both in Israel and in Iudah He was born in a Village which was called Baâ—homeron not far from Sichem in the Tribe of Manasses as Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre saith Of the Prophet Amos. THIS Man's Father dwelt at Tekoa a poor man one that kept Kine and used to gather wild Figs as appeareth in the first and seventh Chapters of Amos. In this Town Amos was born and followed the Profession of his Father but the Lord called him to be a Prophet and then he went to Bethel which was twelve miles distant Here he reprehended Ieroboam King of Israel for Idolatry and worshipping the Golden Calf after he was accused by Amasia the Chief Priest of the Idols in Bethel and bound in Chains and at length Vria the Son of this Amasia struck him upon his Head with a Spear whereby he was mortally wounded From Bethel being sick he was carried back to Tecoa which was twelve miles where a little after he died as St. Ierom witnesseth in whose time his Monument was to be seen Amos signifies A Burthen as indeed he was to the wicked Israelites he so sharply reprehended them in his Sermons of the Law He lived eight hundred years before Christ. So his Travels were 24 miles Of the Prophet Obediah OBediah signifies God's obedient Servant of Abad he hath served or been obedient He lived six hundred years before Christ about the time of the Captivity of Babylon St. Ierom saith that in his time there were to be seen in the City of Samaria the Monuments of three Prophets that is of Elisha Obediah and Iohn Baptist. But some think that Obediah the Prophet lay not buried in Samaria but rather it was the Sepulchre of that Obediah which lived in the time of Ahab that hid a hundred of the Lord's Prophets fifty in one Cave and fifty in another between which there were three hundred years difference The Travels of the Prophet Jonah THIS Prophet Ionas was born in Gath Hepher which was a Town in the Tribe of Zabulon from whence to Samaria is accounted thirty two miles here he prophecied to Ieroboam second of that name Kâ—ng of Israel that he should recover Hemath and Damascus and so to the Plain of the Red Sea 2 Reg. 14. From â—amaria to Ioppa or Iapho a Port Town upon the Sea Shore to which Ionas went when he fled from the Lord was thirty eight miles but the Lord stirred up a great Wind when Ionas was upon the Sea that the Mariners cast him out and he was devoured of a Whale Ionas 1. That Whale which had devoured Ionas with a continual course and great violence in three days and three nights swam to the Euxine Sea and there cast him up upon the Shore which was 600 miles Ios. Antiq. lib. 9. From the shore of the Euxine Sea Ionas went to Nineveh which are eight hundred miles Here Ionas preached Repentance to the Ninevites Ion. 3. 4. So all the Travels of Ionas were 1470 miles Of Gath Hepher IN this Town the Prophet Ionas was born it was scituated in the Tribe of Zabulon sixty miles from Ierusalem Northward and four miles from Nazareth towards the South It seems to take the name from abundance of Grapes for Gath Ghepher signifieth a Wine-press Of Japho JAPHO or Ioppa was a City or Haven-Town scituated upon the Sea where all such Ships landed as went into Iudaea At this day the Turks and Saracens call it Iafa lying upon the Mediterranean Sea in the Tribe of Dan Ios. 19. in a certain Mountain twenty miles from Ierusalem North-Westward Pliny li. 5. saith this City was built before the Flood and in St. Ierom's time there was to be seen the Stone to which Andromeda was bound when she should have been devoured by a Monster of the Sea The Poets Seign this Woman to be the Daughter of Cepheus and delivered by Perseus King of the Persians whom after she married It is called Iapho because of the beautiful Scituation Some say it was so called of Iapheth the Son of Noah who first caused it to be built Of Tharsis FRom Ioppa as is said the Prophet Ionas descended into a Ship that he might fly upon the Sea The Latine and Greek Texts read it Tharsin whence it hapned that many have thought that Ionas fled from Tharâ—is a City in Ciliâ—â—a in which Country St. Paul was born But Luther in his Exposition of the Prophecy of Ionas doth utterly disallow of this as false for the Hebrew Text reads it not to Tharsin but in Tharsin that is into the Sea For the Hebrew Tongue hath two words or Syllables which signifie the Sea which are Iam and Tharsis Iam signifieth not only a great Sea but the meeting together of Waters or a Lake So in Luke 5. the Sea of Galilee in which Christ and his Disciples sailed is called a Lake yet Ioh. cap. 5. and the rest of the Evangelists call it a Sea So also Moses Gen. 1. calleth the meeting together of the Waters Iam which may signifie a Sea and a Lake But Tharsis or Tharschich denoteth a great Sea and no Lake or an high and troublesome Sea as the Mediteranean Sea is In this Paul travelled and there standeth many Islands as Rhodes Cyprus Cicilia and others all which are at this day subject to the Turks Venetians or Spaniards It extendeth it self from Ioppa and Cilicia to the Streights between Spain and Mauritania Into this Sea Ionas was cast when the Whale devoured him In like manner the Red Sea and all others that are Ocean Seas are called Tharsis as appeareth in the 72 Psalm where it said The Kings of Tharsis and of the Isles shall bring Presents Here the Kings whose Empires extend themselves along the Sea Coast are understood But the City Tharsis the Country of the Apostle Paul is not a Kingdom neither ever had a King much less many Kings So Solomon sent his Ships by Tharsin that is by Sea towards the South-East into the Red Sea and Eastern Ocean that they might bring Gold precious Stones and sweet Gums from Arabia But the Ships could not sail by the Red Sea unto the Town of Tharsis unless they would have sailed over the Land which is impossible because Tharsis lieth into the Land from the Red Sea as all Cosmographers agree So also the Psalmist saith Thou breakest with thy strong Winds the Ships
of Tharsis that is of the Sea beside many such like speeches From whence St. Ierom concludes that Tharsis may better signifie the Sea than the City Tharsis Of the Euxine Sea THE Euxine Ocean is that great and troublesome Sea which beginning not far from Constantinople runneth from Bosphorus and Thrace towards the East and North containing to the Longitude eight hundred miles but to the Latitude two hundred and eighty Towards the South it toucheth upon Asia the less towards the East upon Calcos towards the West upon Thracia and Valachia but towards the North it is â—oyned to the Pool of Maeotides This Sea in times past was called Pontus Axenus that is the inhospitable Countrey because as Strabo lib. 1. of his Cosmography saith The Inhabitants near about the Sea-shore did usually sacrifice those Strangers they got or else cast their Bodies unto Dogs to be devoured making drinking-cups of their Skulls But after when the Ionians had built certain Towns upon the Sea-coast and had restrained the Incursions of certain Scythian Thieves which usually preyed upon Merchants that resorted thither at the command of Pontus their King who had obtained a large and spatious Kingdom in that Country they called it Pontus Euxinus which is as much as to say the hospitable Country Ovid testifieth almost the same concerning the original of the name of this Sea after this manner Frigida me cohibent Euxini littora Ponti Dictus ab antiquis Axinus ille fuit The chilly shoars of th' Euxine Sea constrains me to abide In antient time call'd Axinus as it along did glide Of Ninus or Nineveh NINVS or Nineveh was a City of Assyria where the Emperours of that Country used to keep their Courts It was first built by Ninus that great Emperour of the first Monarchy 300 years after the flood and 2000 before Christ about the time when the Patriarch Abraham was born It continued in great glory for the space of almost 1500 years and was distant from Ierusalem toward the North-east 684 miles upon the East side joyning to the River Tygris on the North to the Caspian Sea It takes the name from the Beauty of it being derived of Navah which signifieth A comely place spatious and pleasant There are many that are of opinion that in many things it exceeded Babylon as for the sumptuousness of the Buildings the strength of the Walls and the extent The Walls were so thick that three Chariots might have met upon them without any danger and beautified with an hundred and fifty Towers Ionas being sent of God to this City was three days going through it that is as Luther expounds it through every Street of it in which time he converted a hundred and twenty thousand to repentance Arbaces who was called Arphaxad was then Emperour This Arbaces Iustine lib. 2. calleth Arbactus he was a Captain of the Medes who perceiving the effeminate disposition of Sardanapalus the then Emperour taking advantage of the times and this man's weakness conspired with some of his Companions to usurp upon his Government and that he might make them hate and loath his looseness brought them into a Room where they might see him sitting amongst his Harlots tired in Womans apparel and carding Wool This sight greatly displeasing them and before being encouraged by Arbactus they seized upon the City and besieged Sardanapalus in his Palace But to prevent the misery of a shameful death after he had gathered all his Riches together he set fire on his Palace where he his companions and Treasure perished this fire continued fifteen days and happened 823 years before Christ about which time Arbactus succeeded Sardanapalus began to reign and continued his Government twenty eight years But the Medes held not the Assyrian Empire long for Phul Belochus who at this time reigned in Babylon and his Successor Tiglath Philasser are called Kings of Assyria between whom there happened many great Wars 2 Kings 15. 26. From whence may be gathered that after the death of Arbactus these Emperours dwelt in Nineveh and succeeded in the Empire Thus was this City greatly defaced with continual evils the Lord before-hand giving them many admonitions and gentle Corrections if it had been in them to have conceived it to win them to repentance but they continued still in their Sins therefore according to their former Prophecies Cyaxares King of the Medes besieging this Town took it and destroyed it even unto the Ground as Eusebius saith This desolation happened thirteen years before the destruction of Ierusalem in the eleventh year of Sadyattis King of the Lydians who was Grandfather to Croesus Anno Mundi 3349 before Christ 619. After this Destruction it lay a long time desolate but at length some part of it was restored though with much trouble and then when it was at the best estate constrained to suffer many changes and at length utterly destroyed by Tamerlane the Great the second time Anno Mundi 3390. After this the Inhabitants of that Country upon the East side of the River Tygris began the third time to build it But whether this third restoring of this City was at the command of some Prince that had the Government of the Country thereabouts or because of the scituation or for private profit it is not set down nevertheless it is again repaired standing upon the Borders of Armenia beautified with goodly Buildings with fair and spacious Streets compassed about as other Cities of the East are with Walls and Ditches sufficiently strengthened to oppose the Enemy But in respect of the former Nineveh it seems a small Village It hath a Bridge built of Ships lying upon the East side of it over the River Tygris and upon that side of the River there stand many fair Gardens or Orchards and the Land there also is very fertile and pleasant But upon the West of Tygris the Soyl is nothing so fruittile At this day it is called by the name of Mossel so that although it stands in the same place yet doth it not retain the same name To this Town there is a great resort of Merchants who bring up their Commodities from the Rier Tygris hither and from hence convey them to Bagdeth and many other parts of the World The Inhabitants thereof are for the most part Nestorians of whom you may read before in the Description of the Sects remaining in Ierusalem at this day They are had in great account and estimation among the Turks because it is imagined that one of this Sect helpt Mahomet to compose the Alcoran This Nestorius lived Anno Dom. 429. and taught at Constantinople but after he was condemned at Ephesus for an Heretick he was constrained to steal from Constantinople and to flie to Thebes in Aegypt where God laid a grievous punishment upon him for his Tongue began to rot his head and to consume with Vermin of which he died miserably The spiritual signification of the Prophet Jonas JOnas signifieth a Dove and typically representeth
sought his Fathers Asses his Servant had about him the fourth part of a common Sicle of Silver that is 3 d. ob q. cap. 9. v. 8. The Brigandine of the Great Gyant Coliah weighed 5000 Sicles of Brass which at sixteen Ounces in the Pound comes to seventy eight Pounds and two Ounces and the head of his Spear weighed sixty Sicles that is after the same weight nine pound a quarter and half of Iron cap. 17. v. 5. II Samuel AND David won the Town of Rabba and took the Kings Crown from his head and set it upon his own head which weighed a Talent of Gold and was according to our common Interpreters in these times a common Talent of the Iews i. 46 l. 14 Ounces worth 2250 l. English cap. 12. v. 30. But other Writers considering that if it had been so heavy the King could not have worn it therefore they think it to be a Talent according to the Syrian weight which is not above a quarter of an Hebrew Talent and was of our weight eleven Pound four Ounces that is 551 l. And the reason of their opinion was because Rabbah and the whole Country of the Children of Ammon lay in the Land of Syria and therefore it must necessarily follow that their Weight was Syrian Weight the King of Rabbah never wearing this Crown but when he made some Solemn Feast or Triumph There are others that value it according to the worth of the Crown not of the Weight and for that it was made of fine Gold set with pretious Stones and other Jewels therefore it weighed a Talent that is it was worth a Talent according to that of Zach. ca. 1. So they weighed fro my Wages as much as I am valued i. e. thirty Silverlings Thus have I set before you three Interpretations follow which you like And Ioab spake unto the man that brought him word that Absalon was hanging upon an Oak-tree saying If thou had'st smote him to the ground I would have given thee ten Sicles of Silver or ten Silverlings which was 12 s. 6 d. The man answered him and said If you had laid 1000 Silverlings that is 62 l. 10 s. in my hand yet I would not have laid my hand upon the Kings Son cap. 18. v. 11. When the Angel of God stretched forth his hand over Ierusalem and strook the People with the Pestilence at the commandment of Gad the Prophet David went to Araunah the Iebusite and bought his threshing-floor for fifty Sicles of Silver of lthe common Weight Some say that every Tribe gave fifty Sicles being 3 l. 2 s. 6 d. a Tribe and in the whole amounted to 37 l. 10s cap. 25. v. 25. I. Kings THE Queen of Saba gave unto King Solomon 120 Centiners or Talents of Gold being 265000 Pounds English this was pure Arabia Gold and therefore according to the worth of Gold in these days much more than is set down cap. 5. v. 28. King Solomon had brought into his Kingdom in one year 666 Talents or Centiners of fine Arabian Gold which at 4500 Pound the Talent is 2997000 l. viz. two millions nine hundred ninety seven thousand Pounds English But the Silver that Solomon had was not to be numbred cap. 10 v. 14. And King Solomon caused 200 Targets to be made of the finest Gold each Target weighing 200 Sicles of Gold that is 600 Hungarian Ducats and was worth 225 l. a Target which in the whole amounteth to 4500 l. English cap. 10. v. 16. There came and went up out of Aegypt a Chariot worth 600 Sicles of Silver which is 37 l. 10 s. and a Horse worth 150 l. that is 9 l. 7 s. 6 d. cap. 10. v. 29. II. Kings NAaman General of the King of Syria's Host when he travelled to Samaria to be healed of his Leprosie took with him ten Talents of Silver that were of the common Weight each Talent worth 187 l. 10 s. being in the whole 1875 l. But if you account it after the Syrians Talent as some would have it which is but the fourth part of the Hebrew then it came to 46 l. 17 s. 6 d. the Talent and in the whole to 468 l. 15 s. He also brought 1000 Drachma's of Gold being so many Hungarian Ducates being worth 375 l. English cap. 5. v. 5. Being healed of his Leprosie he gave to Gehazie two Talents of Silver in two Bags which if they were according to the Weight of the Iews amounted to 375 l. and was as much a man could carry But if according to they Syrian Weight then it came but to 95 l. which he might well carry and not be discovered cap. 5. v. 5. Benhadad King of Syria of streightly besieged Samaria that an Asses head was sold at eighty pieces of Silver or Silverlings which is five Pound and a quarter of a cabe of Doves Dung at five pieces or Silverlings that is 5 s. 4 d. But after the Lord strook the Syrians so that they fled from their Siege and the Citizens opened their Gates and rifled their Tents by vvhich means there vvas such Plenty that tvvo Measures of Barley were sold for a Sicle that is fifteen pence and tvvo Measures of fine Flower at fifteen pence When Phul King of Assyria invaded Menahem King of Israel he vvasâ— constrained to give him a thousand Talents of Silver that is 187500 l. that his help might be with him to establish a Kingdom in his hand and depart for the payment of which Money all the men of Substance in Israel were constrained to pay fifty Sicles of Silver a piece that is 3 l. 2 s. 6 d. a man I. Chronicles IT was said that David left Solomon towards the building the Temple 10000 Talents of Gold that is 450000000 l four hundred and fifty millions of Pounds cap. 22. v. 14. Also he left him for the finishing of the same work 1000000 Talents of Silver which amount unto 375000000 l. viz. three hundred seventy five millions of pounds Also David dedicated to the Temple of his own Goods 3000 Talents of Gold that is 135000 l. And of Silver 7000 Talents that is 2625000 l. viz. 2 millions six hundred twenty five thousand Pound English The offering which David gave towards the building of the Temple was 5000 Talents and 10000 Adarcons or Hungarian Ducats of Gold that is 22507500 l. viz. twenty two millions five hundred seven thousand five hundred Pounds So all that was given by David towards the building of the Temple was 8 hundred 47 thousand millions 3 hundred 82 thousand 5 hundred Pounds II. Chronicles SOlomon made 300 Shields of fine Gold every Shield weighing 300 pieces of Gold that is 112 l. 10 s. so in the whole they came to 33650 l. Esdras SOME of the chief of the Iews when they returned from the Captivity of Babylon unto Ierusalem gave to the building of the Temple 61000 Drachma's or Hungarian Ducats of Gold cap. 2. Ver. 69. that is 21525 l. also five thousand pound of Silver which
on it There is painted on the Pillars and Walls almost all the Stories of the Old Testament till the Birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ with such excellent cunning and so lively that it is to be admired In the Quire of this Church there is found two Altars one close by the Chappel of St. Katherine at the East end thereof not far distant from which they shew the place where our Saviour was circumcised and in the middle of the Quire there standeth another Altar where they say the Wise men left their Dromedaries and prepared their Gifts to present unto our Saviour when they worshipped him Upon the South side of this Quire towards the East they descend by ten stone steps into the Chappel of the Nativity of Christ richly beautified and curiously wrought paved with polished Marble This Chappel is not very great but wonderful fair and sumptuous When the Holy Land was over-run by the Gentiles this as many other places were in that Country was all polluted with Filth and Dirt that they had much ado to make it clean a great while after Upon the place where they said our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary brought forth our Saviour into the World there is placed a Table of white Marble after the manner of an Altar about some four Foot from this they shew the place where the Manger stood a part of it yet remaining cut out of a Rock not of Marble but of other stone as many other Mangers are in that Country Close by that there is an Altar where they say the Wise men presented their Gifts to our Saviour Christ and worshipped him At the entrance into the Church there standeth a goodly Building which in times past seemed to have been some Arch-Bishops See but now is called St. Maries Church Upon the North side they descended by certain steps into the Chappel of St. Ierom who lay a long time buried there till his Bones were removed thence to St. Maries in Rome About a mile from Bethlehem Southward stood the Tower of Eder being a Watch-Tower of the Bethlehemites and so called because there resorted thither many flocks of sheep for Aederâ—ignifieth â—ignifieth a Herd Round about this Tower were fair and fruitful Pastures to which many Shepherds resorted to feed their Flocks to some of which Shepherds the Angels told the glad tidings of the Birth of our Saviour and that he was laid in a Manger at Bethlehem For which cause in after times there was a Church built just in the place where the Tower stood and in Saint Ierom's time called by the name of Angelos ad Pastores the same Luther affirmeth that it is yet standing Iacob sometime dwelt in that Place and buried his wife Rachel thereabouts The Monument that he set upon her grave remaineth to this day which was twelve Stones pitch'd an end standing about a quarter of a mile from this place upon the right Hand as they go to Ierusalem of which Grave all the Country thereabouts is called by the name of Rachel Of the Way between Judea and Egypt BEtween Egypt and Iudea lieth Arabia Petraea a Land for the most part barren and unfruitful full of Sands Rocks and Mountains destitute of Water and subject to many dangers being in the Summer Solstice scorched with extremity of heat the Sun being then perpendicular over them according to Munster in the day time and in the night troubled with extream Winds which blowing the Sand with great violence it casteth it upon great heaps and Mountains by which dust both Beasts and sometime men are suffocated and slain Moreover there dwelt in this Desart a rude and dangerous People called Saracens who take their beginning from Ishmael and are therefore also called Ishmaelites being given to cruelty and malitiousness They get their living for the most part by Theft and Violence and as Ishmael was an excellent Archer so they also are very cunning in shooting and hunting using to this day their ancient evil custom of robbing and spoiling all that pass that way insomuch as Merchants are constrained to go in great companies lest they should be indangered by them and by reason of the Winds and Sands are constrained to guide their Journey by the Compass as men do that sail upon the Sea Through this Wilderness did Ioseph and Mary pass when they went with the Child Jesus out of Iudaea into Egypt where they were in danger of Thieves subject to be smothered by the Sands constrained to travel over high Rocks and Mountains and to rest in Fear because of Lyons Bears and other Beasts which greatly abound in that Place Besides divers other discommodities were incident unto them as want of Meat Drink and other necessaries there being little Water to be found there insomuch as had not the Lord by an express command charged him in a dream to go down into Egypt Ioseph durst hardly have ventured upon so difficult and dangerous a Journey But the Lord so mercifully provided for him that he both went and returned safe Thus may we see to what dangers these good People were exposed and what miseries they sustained from the beginning because of their Son Christ Jesus Of Hermopolis HErmopolis was called the Town of Mercury distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the South-West it was one of the chief Cities in Egypt as Appianus writeth Nicephorus and Zozemenus affirm lib. 5. cap. 22. that Ioseph and Mary came and lived in this Town where they continued all the days of Herod that cruel King But Ziglerius saith that they lived in the Land of Gosen where the Patriarch Iacob and his Posterity lived which agreeth well with the words of S. Matthew cap. 2. and Hosea 11. Out of Egypt have I called my Son This Land of Gosen lay 200 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-West The Inhabitants of Alcair in Egypt take upon them to shew the place where Ioseph and Mary dwelt when they went down into that Country but how true it is I cannot tell because there is no Author for it Of Canah in Galilee THis was a City in Galilee distant from Ierusalem sixty eight miles towards the North of which you may read more in the Travels of our Saviour Christ. Of Capernaum THis Town stood upon the Sea of Galilee sixty eight miles from Ierusalem toward the North of which you may read more after The Travâ—ls of the Wise Men of the East which came to Bethlehem to see Jesus THE Magi were certain wise men of Persia so called from Meditation being derived of Hagah that is he hath meditated and taken in the third Conjugation it signifies to find or search out a thing they being such as gave themselves to the knowledge of hard things and to find out the Secrets and mysteries of Nature But according to Varinus they were not only Philosophers but Priests also And Plaâ—o upon Alcibiades saith Magia est Deorum observantia sive â—ultus divinus that is Magick prescribed the due
is a Mountain of the Idumaeans eighty eight miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east and is derived of Harar which signifieth a great Mountain here Aaron died The King of the Canaanites which dwelt toward the South in a Town called Arad upon the Borders of Iudaea and Arabia Petraea hearing that Aaron was dead invaded the Iews with a great Army discomfited them and took some of them Captives But after the Israelites to revenge this injury took and destroyed divers Cities which belonged to the Canaanites and put the Citizens to the Sword This Countrey is called Chormah which signifieth a curse or desolation Of Zalmona THIS was a place in the Desart of Zin-Kades where the Israelites pitch't their Tents being 80 miles from Ierusalem to the South-east and took the name from shades or little sheds under which the Israelites dwelt for Zalmona seems a compound of Zel and Mun which signifies a shady place and seems to have affinity with Manah to distribute here and there Of Phunon THIS was a City of the Idumaeans scituated in the Wilderness of Arabia Petraea 64 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and takes the name from a fair and flourishing City For Panan in Hebrew signifies an high Pinacle from whence one might see all Parts of the World Here Moses set up the brasen Serpent Of Oboth THIS was the thirty seventh Mansion of the Israelites in the Wilderness and was fifty six miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and signifies a Serpent called Python Here the Arabians received an answer from the Devil by way of Conjuration Of Igim THIS was the thirty eighth Mansion of the Israelites so called because of the multitude which were assembled near to a Mountain called Abariâ— 52 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east for Igim signifies a Congregation Of Dibâ—n Gad. THIS was the thirty ninth Station of the Israelites in the Desart being fifty two miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east neer to the Floud Zared bordering upon the Idumaeans and Moabites running from thence into the Red Sea and as it seems taketh name from descending into a strong place Of Almon Diblathaim THis place stands beyond the Red Sea some forty miles from Ierusalem towards the East and taketh name from a Frail of dried Figs for Alam signifieth he hath hidden and Debeleth A Frail of dried Figs. Here was the fortieth Mansion of the Israelites and lay close by the River Arnon Num. 21. and 23. Of the Mountaines Abarim THese Mountaines lay 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the East and taketh the name from Passing along for Abâ—r is as much as to say he went along Between these Mountains and the Lake Asphaltites near to the Eastern River of the Dead Sea the Moabites inhabited Of Jahza THis was a City of the Levites the Sons of Merar in the Tribe of Benjamin 24 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Ies. 21. Here Moses overcame the King of the Ammonites and put them to death Num. 21. Of Chezbon THis was the Metropolis of Sehon King of the Ammorites who held the Country beyond Iordan and because he would not suffer the Children of Israel to pass through his Dominions therefore Moses made War upon him put him to death and gave all his Countrey to the Tribes of Reuben and Gad. This was a Fair Town and after fell to the Levites Num. 21. 33. Deut. 1 2 c. and took its name from Cheschebon which signifies an Artificial understanding for Chaschaf is as much as excogitavit that is he hath found out and Cheschaef is an Artificial and ingenious Work Of Jaezir Jaezir was a City of the Priests in the Tribe of Gad 36 miles from Ierusalem towards the East and in Ieroms time was a small Village and sâ—gnifies the Lord is my help being derived of Iah that is the Lord God and Ezâ—er the helper Of Edrie THIS is a City in the Countrey of Gilead beyond Iordan and the Galilean Sea thirty two miles from Ierusalem South-eastward near the Lake of Gaderin where Og the King of Bâ—san was overcome by Moses and after fell to the Tribe of Mâ—nâ—sses Num. 21. Iosh. 13. Deut. 13. S. Ierom saith that in his time this Town was called Adar Og signifieth a Cook or one that baketh Bread upon coals Aâ—driae signifies an heap of bright Clouds being derived of Adar and Hi that is a clear heap Of Astoroth THIS was a Metropolitan City of Basan four miles distant from Edrei and 56 from Ierusalem toward the South-east It stood beyond Iordan and belonged to the half Tribe of Manasses of which you may read before in the Travels of Lot Of Pisgah THIS was an high Mountain in the Plain of the Moâ—bites against Iericho 240 miles from Ierusalem East-ward It took the name from the Cities Pisgâ—h and Nebo and therefore is called sometimes Pisgah sometimes Nebo Here Moses died Nebo signifies a City of the Prophets Pisgah the top of a Hill The Travels of the Prophet Balaam THERE are many which think that this Prophet Balaam was of the Posterity of Nahor the Brother of Abraham and an Inhabitant oâ— Charan in Mesoâ—otamia Gen. 11. Ioseâ—hus saith he dwelt near to Euphrates and St. Ierom in a City called Phatura of which there is mention Num. 22. and signifies an obscure Prophet or Oracle which interpreteth For Pathar with the Hebrews is the same that He hath interpreted is with us Wherefore this Prophet travelled from Pithora or Phatura in Mesoâ—otamia to Abel or the Plain of Vines where his Ass spake Num. 22. which is 400 miles From thence he went to the Land of the Moabites 40 miles where in the Mount of Peor he blessed the Children of Israel So all the Travels of this Prophet were 440 miles Of the Plain of the Vines THere is often mention of this place in the Scripture and for the fertility of the Countrey and plenty of sweet Wines there was a beautiful City built called Abel of the Vines some 56 miles from Ierusalem South-Eastward and was placed just in the way as they went from Mesopotamia into the Countrey of the Moabites Whereby it appeareth that near to this place the Ass spake to Balaam Numb 22. In Ierom's time there was found a little Village so called where there was great plenty of Vines Here Ieptha overcame the Ammorites and made a great slaughter Iudg. 11. The Travels of that Noble Captain Joshuah JOSHVAH and Caleb travelled with Moses from Raemsis out of Aegyâ—t through the Red Sea and came to Kades-Barnea 268 miles From Kades-Barnea they were sent forth with other Spies to the Land of Canaan Num. 13. and went out of the wilderness of Zin and Paran and came to the Town of Rechob in Galilee 140 miles From thence they went to the Town of Hamath in Syria which was after called Antiochia 188 miles From Hamath or Antiochia they returned again to Hebron 304 miles where upon the side of the River Escol they cut off a Bunch of Grapes with the stalk