The Chaldee understands it of the Shecinah or Divine Presence 10. I make Deut. 5.2 A terrible thing Such as speaks the Majesty and Power of God who is terrible in his doing toward the children of men Ps 66.5 12. Take heed Ch. 23.32 Deut. 7.2 13. Images Heb. Statues 14. Jealous Ch. 20.5 15. Go a whoring Idolatry is a spiritual Whoredom Ps 73.27 He that loves and honours the Creature instead of the Creator is guilty of it Jam. 4.4 And thou eat of his sacrifice And so have Communion with an Idol Num. 25.2 Ps 106.28 Ezek. 18.6.22.9 1 Cor. 10.20 Rev. 2.20 16. Their daughters 1 King 11.2 17. No molten They are specially warned against molten Gods they having transgressed so lately in the molten Calf ch 32.4 18. Vnleavened Ch. 23.15 Month Ch. 13.4 19. All Ch. 22.29 Ezek. 44.30 20. Lamb Or Kid. Empty Ch. 23.15 21. Six Ch. 23.12 Deut. 5.12 Luk. 13.14 22. And Ch. 23.16 Years end Heb. Revolution of the year 23. Thrice Ch. 23.14 17. Deut. 16.16 25. Thou c. Ch. 23.18 26. Kid Ch. 23.19 Deut. 14.21 27. Write thou these words Deut. 4.13 i. e. Do thou write them in a Book apart The ten Commandments onely were written in the two Tables and they were written by God v. 1. Deut. 10.2.4 28. And he Ch. 24.18 Deut. 9.9 And he wrote Not Moses but God See v. 27. Commandments Heb. Words 29. Shone Was glorious says the Greek which rendring agrees well with what we read 2 Cor. 3.7 While he talked with him These words express the cause why the Face of Moses did shine viz. from his converse with God 2 Cor. 3.18 30. Were afraid And by this means it is likely Moses came to the knowledge of it 33. He put Or He had put Viz. during the time that he spake with them A veil 2 Cor. 3.13 14. 34. He took the veil off 2 Cor. 3.16 35. With him That is With God as appears from v. 34. CHAP. XXXV The ARGUMENT The People are commanded to rest on the Sabbath-day Free-will Offerings for the Tabernacle to be received Both Men and Women offer Materials Bezaleel and Aholiab chosen for the Work 1. AND Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together and said unto them These are the words which the LORD hath commanded that ye should do them 2. Six days shall work be done but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day a sabbath of rest to the LORD whosoever doth work therein shall be put to death 3. Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath-day 4. And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel saying This is the thing which the LORD commanded saying 5. Take ye from amongst you an offering unto the LORD Whosoever is of a willing heart let him bring it an offering of the LORD gold and silver and brass 6. And blue and purple and scarlet and fine linen and goats hair 7. And rams skins died red and badgers skins and shittim-wood 8. And oyl for the light and spices for anointing oyl and for the sweet incense 9. And onyx-stones and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breast-plate 10. And every wise-hearted among you shall come and make all that the LORD hath commanded 11. The tabernacle his tent and his covering his taches and his boards his bars his pillars and his sockets 12. The ark and the staves thereof with the mercy-seat and the veil of the covering 13. The table and his staves and all his vessels and the shew-bread 14. The candlestick also for the light and his furniture and his lamps with the oyl for the light 15. And the incense-altar and his staves and the anointing oyl and the sweet incense and the hanging for the door at the entring in of the tabernacle 16. The altar of burnt-offering with his brasen grate his staves and all his vessels the laver and his foot 17. The hangings of the court his pillars and their sockets and the hanging for the door of the court 18. The pins of the tabernacle and the pins of the court and their cords 19. The clothes of service to do service in the holy place the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons to minister in the priest's office 20. And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses 21. And they came every one whose heart stirred him up and every one whom his spirit made willing and they brought the LORD's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation and for all his service and for the holy garments 22. And they came both men and women as many as were willing-hearted and brought bracelets and ear-rings and rings and tablets all jewels of gold and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD 23. And every man with whom was found blue and purple and scarlet and fine linen and goat's hair and red skins of rams and badgers skins brought them 24. Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD's offering and every man with whom was found shittim-wood for any work of the service brought it 25. And all the women that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands and brought that which they had spun both of blue and of purple and of scarlet and of fine linen 26. And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goat's hair 27. And the rulers brought onyx-stones and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breast-plate 28. And spice and oyl for the light and for the anointing oyl and for the sweet incense 29. The children of Israel brought a willing-offering unto the LORD every man and woman whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses 30. And Moses said unto the children of Israel See the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Vri the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah 31. And he hath filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom in understanding and in knowledge and in all manner of workmanship 32. And to devise curious works to work in gold and in silver and in brass 33. And in the cutting of stones to set them and in carving of wood to make any manner of cunning work 34. And he hath put in his heart that he may teach both he and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. 35. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart to work all manner of work of the engraver and of the cunning workman and of the embroiderer in blue and in purple in scarlet and in fine linen and of the weaver even of them that do any work and of those that devise cunning work 2. Six days Ch. 20.9 Levit. 23.3 Deut. 5.12 Luk. 13.14 An holy day Heb. Holiness Put to
shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days 13. And ye shall offer a burnt-offering a sacrifice made by fire of a sweet savour unto the LORD thirteen young bullocks two rams and fourteen lambs of the first year they shall be without blemish 14. And their meat-offering shall be of flour mingled with oyl three tenth-deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks two tenth-deals to each ram of the two rams 15. And a several tenth-deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs 16. And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering beside the continual burnt-offering his meat-offering and his drink-offering 17. And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks two rams fourteen lambs of the first year without spot 18. And their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullocks for the rams and for the lambs shall be according to their number after the manner 19. And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering beside the continual burnt-offering and the meat-offering thereof and their drink offerings 20. And on the third day eleven bullocks two rams fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish 21. And their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullocks for the rams and for the lambs shall be according to their number after the manner 22. And one goat for a sin-offering beside the continual burnt-offering and his meat-offering and his drink-offering 23. And on the fourth day ten bullocks two rams and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish 24. Their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullocks for the rams and for the lambs shall be according to their number after the manner 25. And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering beside the continual burnt-offering his meat-offering and his drink-offering 26. And on the fifth day nine bullocks two rams and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot 27. And their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullocks for the rams and for the lambs shall be according to their number after the manner 28. And one goat for a sin-offering beside the continual burnt-offering and his meat-offering and his drink-offering 29. And on the sixth day eight bullocks two rams and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish 30. And their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullocks for the rams and for the lambs shall be according to their number after the manner 31. And one goat for a sin-offering beside tie continual burnt-offering his meat-offering and his drink-offering 32. And on the seventh day seven bullocks two rams and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish 33. And their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullocks for the rams and for the lambs shall be according to their number after the manner 34. And one goat for a sin-offering beside the continual burnt-offering his meat-offering and his drink-offering 35. On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly ye shall do â—o servile work therein 36. But ye shall offer a burnt-offering a sacrifice made by fire of a sweet savour unto the LORD one bullock one ram seven lambs of the first year without blemish 37. Their meat-offering and their drink-offerings for the bullock for the ram and for the lambs shall be according to their number after the manner 38. And one goat for a sin-offering beside the continual burnt-offering and his meat-offering and his drink-offering 39. These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts besides your vows and your free-will-offerings for your burnt-offerings and for your meat-offerings and for your drink-offerings and for your peace-offerings 40. And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses 1. IN the seventh month viz. From that month in which the Passeover was kept which was constituted the first month of the Ecclesiastical year Exod. 12.2 See the Note on that place It is a day Levit. 23.24 2. One young bullock c. This Offering was to be over and above the additional Offering which belonged to this day as it was the first day of a month when they were obliged to offer two Bullocks ch 28.11 with v. 6. of this Chapter The seeming difference between Levit. 23.18 and Numb 28.27 may hence be fairly reconciled For the two Bullocks one Ram and seven Lambs which were required at the Pentecost or Feast of Weeks Numb 28.27 were to be added to the seven Lambs one Bullock and two Rams which were to be offered with the Bread Levit 23.18 6. Beside See chap. 28.3 and verse 11. 7. Ye shall have Levit. 16.29 and 23.27 11. Beside the sin-offering of atonement Of which see Levit. 16.9 30. 12. A feast That is the Feast of Tabernacles Levit. 23.34 which was kept at the close of their Vintage and Harvest Deut. 16.13 This being a time of Leisure and of Plenty God thought fit to oblige the Israelites to a long attendance and a greater number of Sacrifices than he required at the other Festivals 17. Twelve Here is an abatement of one Bullock for each of the seven days out of that number which they were obliged to offer on that which went before 35. Solemn assembly Levit. 23.36 36. One bullock Though the day were solemn and the great day of the Feast Joh. 7.37 yet were the Sacrifices fewer than of the Seventh Day by six Bullocks and one Ram. And this together with the gradual declining of the Sacrifices appointed in this Feast do fairly mind us of the invalidity of Legal Sacrifices 39. Do Or Offer Beside The Offerings mentioned before were fixed and stated for every Day Week Month or Year at certain times those which follow here were more uncertain upon Emergencies or Voluntary Devotion and Inclination of them who were disposed CHAP. XXX The ARGUMENT Vows and Oaths are to be made good Of the Vow of a Virgin of a Wife and of a Widow or divorced Woman 1. AND Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel saying This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded 2. If a man vow a vow unto the LORD or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond he shall not break his word he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth 3. If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD and bind herself by a bond being in her father's house in her youth 4. And her father hear her vow and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul and her father shall hold his peace at her then all her vows shall stand and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand 5. But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth not any of her vows or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand and the LORD shall forgive her because her father disallowed her 6. And if she had at all an husband when she vowed or uttered ought out of her lips wherewith she bound
pretence though he is content to part with Hebron Obj. IV. It is pretended that Moses cou'd not write those words Deut. 2.12 The Horims also dwelt in Seir before-time but the children of Esau succeeded them when they had destroyed them from before them and dwelt in their stead as Israel did unto the land of his possession which the Lord gave unto them The force of the Objection lies in the latter part of the words as Israel did c. By which it 's pretended is meant that Israel dwelt in Seir and expell'd the Idumaeans but that this hapned not in the time of Moses as appears from v. 5. but long afterwards This being that which David mentions Psal 108.9 and which was in his time effected 1 Chron. 18.13 Praeadamit l. 4. c. 1. I answer That here is no mention of the Israelites possessing the Land of the Idumaeans That is fiction and without any shadow of ground from this Text. And for the true meaning of the place I referr the Reader to the Note on Deut. 2.12 Obj. V. It is pretended that Moses could not write those words Gen. 12.6 And the Canaanite was then in the Land This Objection is made by Mr. Hobbs and by Spinosa The utmost of it amounts but to thus much That these words cou'd not be writ by Moses because it wou'd be impertinent for him to say this which was so well known at that time For the Canaanite continu'd above 400 years in the Land after this and therefore those words were added by some hand after the Destruction of the Canaanites Before I answer this I observe this by the way That this Objection is not of the sort of some others which pretend that Moses cou'd not write some passages because the words they insist on mention some-thing that hapned after his time That cannot be pretended here Here all that can be said is That we cannot think Moses wou'd write these words without a Cause I answer 1. That what Moses says is that the Canaanite was THEN in the Land i. e. He had in those early days of Abram possession of that Land which God intended above 400 years afterward to bestow on the Posterity of Abram In the very next words we read And the Lord appear'd unto Abram and said unto thy seed Will I give THIS Land i. e. This very Land which is now in possession of the Canaanite and for that reason call'd the Land of Canaan chap. 11.31 We have a particular account of the Destruction of the Canaanite and of the precise time when it hapned But that Relation does not tell us how long they had been possessed of it That we learn here The Objectors force a sense upon the words As if these words The Canaanite was then in the Land imported thus much The Canaanite was not as yet dispossess'd of the Land Whereas the Text onely tells us that they were Possessors of it THEN when Abram came first to it and when God promis'd it to his Posterity And then the words have no reference to the Destruction of the Canaanites but to their early Possession onely 2. It is very certain that the word Canaanite sometimes signifies a particular Tribe or Family so call'd and not the general Name of the Inhabitants of that Land Thus the word signifies Gen. 13.7.15.21 Numb 13.29.14.25 And then Moses onely relates that in that tract of Land in which Abram then was this Tribe dwelt 3. It is very unreasonable therefore to object this against Moses his being the Author of these words and that because we do not understand the reason of his bringing in these words in this place Because there might be sufficient Reasons though at this distance we were not able to discern them And at this rate we may reject any ancient Author whatsoever I add that 't is to be considered what Land is meant in these words 'T is said that Abram passed through the Land to the place of Sichem It follows The Canaanite was then in the Land viz. of Sichem But these Canaanites were destroyed and their City spoiled and their Land driven before the Israelites went into Egypt and thâ—â—efore before Moses wrote these words Gen. 34. In Abram's time the Canaanite was in that Land and even then he durst go thither and profess the Worship of the true God but he was not there afterward being destroyed by Jacob's Sons That Land being void they came thither to feed their Flocks Gen. 37.14 The Words are well rendred by a late Writer Et Cananaeus quidem tunc temporis in eo tractu fuit Obj. VI. 'T is farther objected that Moses cou'd not be the Author of some part of Deut. 3. And two places are insisted upon viz. v. 11. For onely Og King of Bashan remain'd of the remnant of Giants Behold his bed-stead was a bed-stead of Iron is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon c. These words 't is said cou'd not be written by Moses but by a later Author for Moses need not to have mention'd the Bed-stead to those Jews his Contemporaries who had seen the Giant himself Besides 't is pretended that this Bed-stead was not found out till the times of David 2 Sam. 12.30 And therefore these words must be written by a later Author than Moses The other place is v. 14. Jair the son of Manasseh took all the Country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi and called them after his own name Bashan-Havoth-Jair unto this day 'T is pretended that these words were added by a later Writer by way of Explication of v. 13. And that Moses wou'd never have said unto this day if he had been the Writer of these words and that therefore the words were written by a much later Writer who gives an account of this matter à longissimâ primâ origine i. e. from the very ancient and first Original To which I answer First As to v. 11. For the mention of the Bed-stead Moses cannot be charged with impertinence He mentions it ad fidem faciendam and he wrote for Posterity and not barely for those who were then living Besides there might also be very many of them who never saw the Giant and to suppose it shou'd have been in Bashan proves nothing at all To affirm that this Bed-stead was not found till David's time and to cite to that purpose 2 Sam. 12.30 is to abuse the Reader for there 's no such thing to be found there Secondly As to v. 14. 'T is a lewd thing to suppose that Verse inserted by another hand and to offer no proof If there be any thing like a proof it must be fetch'd from those words Vnto this day I shall shew that there is nothing in that expression that will inferr a Writer later than Moses The Objection is in it self very unreasonable These Objectors have some pretence when they urge against Moses that he wrote of things after his time But shall he be blam'd
once The Author above-named was under no necessity of parting with this place He was too forward to part with his Divine Author when he was content to drop him upon so slight a ground To which I add the words Exod. 23.11 But the seventh thou shalt let it rest and lie still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that the poor of thy people may eat or and the poor of thy people shall eat and what they leave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the beast of the field shall eat Where again the first word which is a preterperfect hath the sense of a future as much as the following which is really and grammatically so Obj. VIII We read Gen. 22.14 And Abraham call'd the name of that place Jehovah-jireh as it is to this day in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen These are supposed not to be the words of Moses but of a later Writer It is pretended that this place was Mount Moriah in which the Temple was afterwards built and that it was not call'd so before such time as the Temple was built and therefore this cou'd not be written till that time which was long after the Time of Moses It is farther pretended that it is not likely that Moses shou'd write those words In the Mount of the Lord it shall be seen because the Writer of those words affirms that That proverbial Speech was used in his Time To which I answer 1. I am not concern'd whether this were the very place that was afterwards call'd Moriah or not 'T is enough to my purpose that it is not call'd Moriah even in this place Whatever affinity Men may fansie between Jehovah-jireh and Moriah 't is certain they are not one and the same Name Here 's nothing proved and we are not obliged to regard groundless Imaginations and that is all we have here offer'd to us 2. Nor is there any thing in the following words but what is very agreeable to the Time and Age of Moses For why might not this proverbial Speech be in use from the Days of Abraham to the Time of Moses Here is space enough from the Time of Abraham to that of Moses for such a Saying to become a common Saying or proverbial Speech If a later Writer might say As it is said to this day why might not Moses say it as well I confess sincerely I do not see in this Objection any thing that hath the least appearance of weight in it And shou'd have been asham'd to mention it were it not incumbent upon me in this matter to lay the Objections I meet with fairly before the Reader Obj. IX The Author of the Leviathan roundly affirms that Moses cou'd not be the Author of those words Numb 21.14 Wherefore it is said in the book of the Wars of the Lord what be did in the Red-sea and in the Brooks of Arnon But he offers no reason for this Opinion of his and therefore I do not think my self obliged to take any farther notice of him in this matter However I find that Spinosa offers something like a Reason for this Opinion and as near as I can guess here lies the Argument That Moses wrote a Book of the War against Amalek by God's Command he says is evident from Exod. 17.14 But it does not from that place appear in what Book he wrote it But in Numb 21. he adds a Book is cited call'd The Book of the Wars of the Lord and in this Book says he without doubt the War against Amalek and the several Journeys of the Israelites which were written by Moses as we find 't is said Numb 33.2 are related Hence he seems to insinuate that the Pentateuch was not written by Moses but by some other hand who cites the Writings of Moses And that therefore the Pentateuch was on this account rather written of Moses than by Him This is the most that I can make of the Pretence of this obscure Writer and after all I can see very little that needs an Answer The Place I grant is obscure and difficult but that does not prove it was not written by Moses The Place is consider'd in the following Notes to which I referr the Reader However having this Occasion offer'd me that I may not seem to neglect any thing for the farther satisfaction of the Reader I shall endeavour to explain the Matter related in Numb 21. and then shew how vain this Pretence is First As to the Matter related thus it is The Israelites had receiv'd a Command not to distress or disturb the Ammonites or Moabites in their Possessions God declaring that he wou'd not bestow their Land upon them Deut. 2. It is the business of Moses to shew that the Israelites had not broken that Law It is true it might be pretended and was pretended afterwards in the days of Jephthah that they had broken it Because upon the Conquest of Sihon and Og 't is certain that the Israelites had taken possession of those Lands which sometime belong'd to this People whom they were forbid to disturb But 't is to be consider'd that these Lands were at that time in the possession of the Amorites who had dispossessed the Ammonites and Moabites I will not so far make a digression as to shew who were the Possessors of these Lands from the Time of Abraham I shall content my self in shewing the design of Moses in this relation And that was 1. To shew when the Israelites came to the River Arnon they found it to be the Boundary or Border between Moab and the Amorites This he affirms v. 13. and confirms it out of a known Book in those Times call'd The Book of the Wars of the Lord v. 14. 2. To prove that the Country which the Israelites took from Sihon and which did formerly belong to the Moabites was quite lost from the Moabites in the time of a former King before Balak This is affirmed v. 26. And therefore Israel found Sihon in full possession of this Country This he also proves from some known and acknowledged Sayings at that time that serv'd to preserve the memory of the fact Whether it were in some Song or contain'd in some Commentary of Facts that were passed I enquire not v. 27 28 c. The words seem to imply that the victorious Amorites did express their Triumph on the score of their Victory over the Moabites in those terms which the Text lays before us This account of the design of Moses and his way of gaining that design will easily give the Reader to understand that these words must needs be obscure and difficult because we are not acquainted with the perfect History of those Times nor with the Memorials of Facts that then had hapned Secondly I proceed to shew the great Vanity of the foregoing Pretence I might very well premise that the Proofs that Moses wrote not these Books had need be very clear or else we are guilty of great Vanity in admitting them And this is far
from that it being one of the most difficult and obscure Passages of the whole Pentateuch But still here is nothing proved That Moses wrote this Book called The Wars of the Lord appears not And granting it to be true it is nothing to the purpose For why might not Moses cite a Book of his own Writing as well as another and later Author And what if Moses did write the Wars of Amalek must he therefore write that of the Amorites Warring against the Moabites before he was concerned with them also These kind of pretences may amuse some that are not given to Thinking they can never prevail with them that consider duly Obj. X. 'T is pretended that the Pentateuch was not written by Moses but rather of him And that because Moses is generally mentioned by the Writer as a third Person And besides that we find Moses is commended in the Pentateuch Numb 12.6 8. Deut. 34.10 And if we take him for the Writer of those Books we must suppose him also to have commended himself which will hardly be granted in a Man of so great Humility and Wisdom as Moses was I answer 1. As to the Pretence that Moses is not the Author because he speaks of himself as of a third Person then it follows That whoever does in his History or Work mâ—ntion himself as Moses in these Books is supposed to do he cannot be the Author of that Book or Relation This wou'd be to conclude too much And yet if this Proposition be not true tâ—â—â— Objection hath so far as it goes no manner of force in it That he cannot be the Author of a Book that mentions himself as a third Person may be affirm'd indeed easily but can never be proved If this were admitted we must discharge several Authors of the Books of the Holy Scriptures both of the Old and New Testament also and then we must not believe that Julius Caesar wrote the Commentaries that go under his name or Josephus that part of his reputed Works where he speaks of himself as of a Third Person 'T is hardly credible that the Objectors can believe the Consequence of this Objection and I think there is no fear if they should that any indifferent Person shou'd believe with them 2. As to the second Part of the Objection That we cannot suppose that Moses wou'd commend himself nor consequently that he shou'd write the Pentateuch where he is commended I answer That this Objection whatever may be inferr'd from it does not conclude that Moses was not the Author of these Books For 't is not impossible for a Man to write an Encomium of himself But let us consider the Matter more closely 'T is said indeed that the Man Moses was very meek above all the Men which were upon the face of the Earth Numb 12.3 This is said upon occasion of what was said against him by Miriam and Aaron They spake against him very sharply Upon which 't is said And the Lord heard it Moses is not said to take notice of it himself He was not like to give any just offence nor apt to fall into anger when others reproach'd him It follows Now the man Moses was very meek c. I do not see what there is in these words unbecoming Moses Here 's no boasting or pride no shadow or foot-steps of it He had a just occasion to mention that he had neither provoked these angry persons nor did he highly resent the reproaches they followed him with He might say this well enough and ascribe due honour to God who had wrought this Temper in him The best Man in the World may well be allowed to defend his own Innocence and to own the great Things which God hath done for him The Objection will lie against Job against the Psalmist against St. Paul as well as against Moses if a good Man may not lawfully upon any occasion speak well of himself For what follows in v. 6 7 8. where Moses is preferr'd to any other Prophet 't is certain that they are the Words not of Moses but of God himself And well might he write what God himself said upon this occasion especially when it tended so much to justifie his Divine Mission upon the credit whereof the success of all his Ministry intirely depended The Sin of Moses is related Numb 20.12 and the Punishment inflicted on him on that account The relating of this is as strong an Objection against another Person 's writing these Books as what is nam'd above is against Moses For supposing another Person had been the Writer that Writer must be suppos'd not onely to relate what we read Numb 20. but to repeat it frequently also Obj. XI It is pretended that Moses cannot be supposed to be the Author of those words Exod. 6. These are that Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies These are they which spake to Pharaoh King of Egypt to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt These are that Moses and Aaron v. 26 27. 'T is suppos'd that Moses wou'd not write thus of himself I answer 1. That he may well be suppos'd to write as a Third Person as hath been shewed before And then 2. Allowing him to write for the sake of Posterity and not onely for the Persons of that present Age of which there can be no doubt He may well be granted to be the Writer of these words concerning himself and Aaron who were both greatly concerned in the Matters related afterwards Obj. XII The Author of the Book call'd Tractatus Theologico politicus mentions some other Books written by Moses and wou'd thence inferr by a way of reasoning peculiar to himself that Moses was not the Author of the Pentateuch He mentions the Book of the Covenant Exod. 24. This Book he says contains very little viz. Those Precepts onely which are found from Exod. 20.24 to chap. 24. And he allows that Moses wrote the Book of the Law of God Deut. 31.9 which Joshua afterwards enlarged viz. with the Relation of the Covenant which the People enter'd into in his Time Josh 24.25 26. And because we have no Book that contains at once the Covenant of Moses and that of Joshua he concludes that this Book of the Law is lost He grants that Moses wrote a Book of the Law and gave it to the Priests with a Command that it shou'd be at a certain time read unto the People which cou'd not therefore be the Pentateuch that being too great a Volume to be read at one Solemnity He grants also that Moses wrote the Song mentioned Deut. 32. And this Book of the Law containing part of the Deuteronomy and this Song is all that he will allow him to have written and left to Posterity I answer 1. I am willing to grant that the Book of the Covenant might not contain more than three or four Chapters of Laws And let it
be granted that the Book of the Law to be read to the People did not contain the whole Pentateuch Be all this as it will I cannot see how 't will serve the Purpose of this Author For 2. It does not follow from thence that Moses did not write the whole Pentateuch When 't is agreed that he wrote and deliver'd some parts of it does it thence follow he did not write the whole I shou'd have been much asham'd to have troubled the Reader with this passage of the Author above-written because there is nothing worthy of the Reader 's notice no Argument nor appearance of any But I think my self oblig'd fairly to represent what the Objector's say in this matter though they prove nothing Obj. XIII It is farther pretended that Moses cou'd not write those words where Joseph is brought in saying I was stollen away out of the Land of the Hebrews It is pretended that it was not then the Land of the Hebrews and that therefore Moses cou'd not term it so nor any Writer till after his time when the Israelites had invaded and taken possession of the Land To which I answer 1. That the Writer of this passage does onely report the words of Joseph so that the Objection bears as hard against a later Writer as against Moses For who-ever the Writer be 't is not the Writer that calls it the Land of the Hebrews he brings in Joseph calling it so If Joseph did not call it so the Relater or Writer hath not told us Truth and then the Objection bears against any Writer be it Moses or some other person and then in truth it is an Objection against the Book it self as not worthy of belief If Joseph did call it the Land of the Hebrews why might not Moses be the Writer as well as a later Author He was rather better able to report the Matter a-right than a later Writer as he liv'd nearer to that time when the words were spoken 2. That Joseph might at that time very properly call that Country the Land of the Hebrews And that he might do upon these accounts 1. Because it was the Land in which the Hebrews did at that time and had ever since the Time of Abraham done so inhabit Surely it may be call'd the Land of the Hebrews where the Hebrews dwelt and where they have dwelt for some-time past whether they dwelt there by permission or by force of Arms against the Will of the other Inhabitants 2. 'T was also that Land which was promis'd the Hebrews and particularly to Abraham the Father of that People And 3. The Hebrews had some propriety in that Land Abraham by purchase Gen. 23. Jacob by conquest Gen. 24. who afterwards bestow'd his part of the Land to Joseph by his Last Will and Testament ch 48.22 Obj. XIV It is pretended that Moses cou'd not write those words Gen. 35.21 And Israel journeyed and spread his Tent beyond the Tower of Edar This Tower of Edar or Tower of the Flock is by the Objector supposed for I see no offer of proof to be a Tower plac'd in After-times and put upon one of the Gates of the City of Jerusalem called the Sheep-gate and then this must be written not by Moses but by a later Writer who liv'd after that Tower was so call'd To which I answer 1. That here being nothing but the Objector's Supposition this Objection needs no Answer for 't is not reasonable that mere Suppositions shou'd be regarded without any shadow of proof 2. That it is by no means reasonable to suppose this Tower of Edar to be a Tower upon the Sheep-gate in Jerusalem One of the Ancients who is a more competent Judge than any later Objector affirms that the Tower of Edar was the place of the Shepherds near to Bethlehem where the Company of Angels declar'd the Nativity of our Saviour and that it was the place where Joseph fed his Flock and where the Shepherds that watched by night at the time of our Saviour's Birth Luke 2. heard the heavenly Host saying Glory be to God in the highest and on Earth peace good-will towards Men. Hieron quaest in Genes Idem ad Eustochium Epitaph Paul This account is confirm'd by the Context and also by the Targum of Jonathan on Gen. 35.21 who adds to the Text That this is the place from whence the King Messias shall be revealed in the last days And still this account receives a farther Confirmation from Micah 4.8 where we meet with the Tower of Edar in a most illustrious Prophecy of the Messias There are the same words with these of Gen. 35.21 For the Sheep-gate in Jerusalem there is no kind of Affinity between the words in the Hebrew that signifie the Sheep-gate and those which import the Tower of the Flock and that are used both in Genesis and in Micah And 't is therefore most like that this Name of the place continued from the Time of Jacob and therefore this can be no Objection of any moment in this case Obj. XV. It is pretended that Moses cou'd not write those words Gen. 20.7 Now therefore restore the man his wife for he is a Prophet It is pretended that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we render a Prophet was not used in the Time of Moses and that therefore Moses cou'd not write those words but a later Writer And this they attempt to prove from 1 Sam. 9.9 where 't is said Before-time in Israel when a man went to enquire of God thus he spake Come and let us go to the Seer for he that is now called a Prophet was before-time called a Seer To which I answer 1. That if this be any Objection against Moses then may we with as good Reason object this where-ever we find the word we here render Prophet in the Pentateuch We find this word in several places and shall we therefore conclude that Moses wrote none of those places If it has any force here it has the same every-where else And yet Mr. Hobbs allows that Moses did write the Book of Deuteronomy from chap. XI to the end of chap. XXVII and yet in that part of Deuteronomy we find this word which we render Prophet several times E. g. If there arise among you a Prophet c. And thou shalt not hearken to the words of that Prophet Deut. 13.1 3. Again The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet c. I will raise them a Prophet And the Prophet which shall presume c. And when a Prophet speaketh in the Name of the Lord Deut. 18.15 18 20 22. Besides the word is used elsewhere as Exod. 7.1 Numb 12.6 and chap. 11.29 and Deut. 34.10 Will any believe this word was not used in the time of Moses or that if he wrote these places yet he wrote Seer and the word Prophet was added by a later Hand 2. Some of these words are quoted in the New Testament and there the word
Prophet is retain'd and not the word Seer And they are quoted in such terms also as may put this matter out of dispute and satisfie us that Moses wrote the words quoted and that the word Prophet was known in his time Let us hear how St. Peter quotes these words from Deut. 18.18 For Moses truly said unto your Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you He tells us that 't was Moses and not a later Writer that said this he expresseth it not by Seer but by the word Prophet St. Stephen cites the same passage and after the same manner This is that which Moses said unto the children of Israel A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise unto you c. Act. 3.22 and chap. 7.37 Nothing can be plainer nothing more convincing than these words are both that Moses wrote these words and that the word render'd Prophet was used in his time 3. I shall consider the words in the Book of Samuel and shew that they will not serve the purpose to which they are produced The words are these Before-time in Israel when a man went to enquire of God thus he spake Come and let us go to the Seer for he that is now called a Prophet was before-time called a Seer Does this Writer say That the word we render Prophet was not known in the time of Moses He says no such thing Does he say That the word we render Prophet was not known till that Age He says it not All that he affirms is this That before that time the person called a Prophet was called a Seer This we grant readily He was called a Seer before but this does not inferr that he was not called a Prophet also even then when he was called a Seer The most that can be concluded from the place is this That for some-time before he that was called a Prophet then was commonly called a Seer And then there is no more than this to be inferred That how old soever the word Prophet had been yet for some-time before that passage was related it was very common to call him a Seer It seems the word Prophet was at that time when this is related in common use and yet after these words the word Seer is used 1 Sam. 9.11 And so it was in the days of Micah when the word Prophet was in common and ordinary use Micah 3.7 And as the word Seer was used when Prophet was used most commonly so have we good Reason to believe that the word Prophet was also used when Seer was a word in common and ordinary use And 't is apparently evident from what hath been said above that the word was as old as Moses Obj. XVI It is pretended that Moses wou'd not write these words Now an Omer is the tenth part of an Ephah Exod. 16.36 'T is pretended that these words cou'd not be written by Moses when these Measures were in use and well known but by a much later hand after the dispersion of the Israelites among other Nations among whom they had been used to other Measures that the Reader might the better understand the Measure here mentioned To which I answer 1. That it does not appear that the Israelites did ever alter their Measures whilst they continued in the Possession of the Land of Canaan And if they did not there cou'd be no reason assign'd why we shou'd suppose any thing added here by way of Explication by a later hand 2. Nor can we reasonably suppose such an Explication cou'd signifie any thing in this case For how cou'd any Man be the wiser for it For how shou'd an Ephah be better known than an Omer This wou'd be no Explication in After-times when the Measures used of old were once forgotten And why may not an Ephah be as well forgot as an Omer And if it were the Reader cou'd gain nothing at all by such words as these 3. And therefore 't is much more reasonable to believe that these words were here from the beginning when an Ephah was in use commonly and that so it was in the days of Moses Obj. XVII I meet with some other Objections mention'd in a late learned Writer mention'd before which because I cannot discern any great force in them I will here put together and answer viz. Gen. 2.11 12. The name of the first is Pison that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah where there is gold and the gold of that land is good there is Bdellium and the Onyx-stone 'T is pretended that these are the words of one who lived in Chaldaea where 't is suppos'd that Pison was and that Geography was not well enough known to Moses to relate such Particulars Again 'T is pretended that the account we have of Nimrod and his Kingdom chap. 10.8 is more than Moses can be supposed to give and that That account wou'd have been more usefull after the Jews had been better acquainted with Babylon And Lastly The account we have of Niniveh which is suppos'd to have been Founded after the Time of Moses is therefore supposed to be none of his To which I answer 1. As to Pison not to examine the Situation of it which for what appears might not be so distant from Moses as Chaldaea the Objector hath no reason to object hence against Moses because he does not know how far Moses did understand Geography nor hath he any cause to say the places mention'd did not trade and traffick into Egypt where Moses was born Gen. 37.25 2. As to the account of Nimrod and his Kingdom we have no shadow of reason to suspect it For Babylon and some other places mention'd on this occasion were afterwards so famous in story that 't is not to be wonder'd at that Moses shou'd give an account of this person who was so very remarkable in his Time and of these Places that were so famous afterwards Nor cou'd any thing be done more properly than in that very place where Moses gives an account of the Families deriv'd from the Sons of Noah which Peopl'd the several parts of the Earth 3. For the Name of Niniveh which is pretended to be later than the Times of Moses I need say no more than this That this is supposed onely but I never yet to my remembrance saw any kind of proof of it or any thing that looks that way And cou'd I see any thing like a proof I shou'd think my self oblig'd to give an answer to it But I cannot be obliged to follow mere Suppositions and wander after the Fansies and vain Imaginations of Scriblers Obj. XVIII It is pretended by the Author of the Book call'd Prae-adamitae that the Pentateuch cannot be writ by Moses and that because 't is full of Repetitions which therefore so wife a Man as Moses cannot be supposed to be guilty of I answer That this looks like an Objection and deserves to be accounted for And because this Objection bears hardest against the Book
Earth On the other hand not to know Good or Evil is to know nothing Deut. 1.39 And not to speak Good or Evil is the same as to be silent and to speak nothing Gen. 31.29 2 Sam. 13.22 6. Good for food And consequently agreeable to the lust of the flesh Pleasant to the eyes And therefore suiting to the lust of the eyes To be desired to make one wise And therefore agreeable to the pride of life under which three St. John compriseth all that is in the World 1 Joh. 2.16 Did eat Her Sin was great and various being guilty of ambition incredulity ingratitude curiosity inordinate desire open rebellion against God and drawing aside her Husband and involving him in Sin and their posterity in misery also Rom. 5.12 15 16. 1 Cor. 15.22 7. And the eyes of them both c. That is they were now sensible of their nakedness and asham'd which in their innocence they were not chap. 2.25 Their Sin was followed with shame Compare Exod. 32.25 Rom. 6.21 Sewâ—â— i. e. applied or put on as the Hebrew word signifies Job 16.15 Ezek. 13.18 Fig-leaves Or Fig-tree branches aâ— the Hebrew word signifies Prov. 11.28 Nehem. 8.15 8. Voice A Thunder which is called the voice of the Lord Psalm 29. at least those words to Adam Where art thou v. 9. See Job 38.1 In the cool of the day That is toward Evening Cantic 2.17 9. Where art thou These words do not imply that God did not know but are an introduction to what follows and in them the guilty person is summoned to appear before his Judge who here examines him before he pronounceth Sentence upon him and by doing so those who are Judges may learn not to condemn before they have duly heard the accused 11. Who c. q. d. How comest thou to this sense of thy being naked does not this shame proceed from thy disobedience Compare chap. 2.25 12. The Woman c. Adam excuseth himself and blames the Woman whom God had given him as a meet-help when yet he was guilty in disobeying his Creator 13. The Serpent c. The Woman throws the blame upon the Serpent whose guile could not excuse her wilfull transgression 1 Tim. 2.14 14. Serpent What follows hath a reference to the Serpent the instrument and to Satan who made use of that creature As an argument of the detestableness of the sin and a constant memorial of it the abused beast is cursed Compare Exod. 21.28 32.32.20 Levit. 20.15 16. and Gen. 9.5 The Curse upon the Serpent consisted I. In bringing down the Serpent's stature which 't is likely was in great measure erect before this time Vpon thy belly shalt thou go Or upon thy breast c. as some Versions have it II. In the meanness of his provision And dust shalt thou eat Compare Isa 65.25 Micah 7.17 Psal 72.9 III. In that enmity which hereupon ensued between this creature and mankind 15. I will put enmity c. The last particular above-named doth more peculiarly referr to the Devil or Satan who made use of the Serpent as an instrument and is called a Serpent Rev. 12.9.20.2 10. Rom. 16.20 Wisd 2.24 Thy seed i. e. The Apostate Spirits and all those that in wickedness resemble their Father the Devil Joh. 6.70.8.44 Act. 13.10 Her seed That is the Messias or Christ who is peculiarly the seed of the Woman Isa 7.14 Gal. 3.16.4.4 and his members Eph. 6.11 12. Rev. 12.13 It shall bruise thy head That is the seed of the Woman shall destroy thy power 1 Joh. 3.8 Joh. 12.31 Rev. 12.7 8 10. 1 Joh. 5.4 Heb. 2.14 1 Cor. 15.55 56 57. Thou shalt bruise his heel That is thou shalt persecute the Woman's seed like a Serpent coming behind Gen. 49.17 but not be able to destroy Gal. 4.29 16. Vnto the Woman he said c. The Sentence upon Woman-kind consists I. In her sorrow and pain in conceiving and bringing forth Children II. In her more helpless condition by reason of which she would need to have recourse to her Husband and be more subject to him and his corrupt Will for whom she was designed at first for a meet-help Compare 1 Cor. 14.34 1 Tim. 2.11 12 14. 1 Pet. 3.6 17. And unto Adam he said c. For Adam's transgression I. The ground is cursed v. 17 18. And II. Mankind is condemned to labour for bread i. e. for necessary food compare Gen. 18.5 and chap. 28.20 v. 19. 20. Because she was the mother c. Thus much is implied in the Hebrew word Chavah which we render Eve it imports life and with reference to this first Woman speaks her what she was indeed the parent of the rest of her kind 21. Coats of skins viz. To cover their nakedness withall they were probably made of the Skins of beasts killed for Sacrifice Gen. 4.4 And were Monitors of their own Mortality and their fall into the brutish life Psal 49.20 22. As one of us i. e. Wise as a Divine Person this being the thing he fondly aimed at v. 6. and designed These words are ironical Compare 1 King 18.27 Eccles 11.9 And live for ever Or that he may live for ever as the Hebrew Particle which is rendred And sometime signifies as Gen. 30.38 And then the words denote the End why Adam would be induced to Eat 24. Cherubims They were Angels 't is supposed 'T is certain they were God's Ministers to keep the way of the Tree of life that man who had lost his right to it by his fall might not come at it and fondly expect life from thence Flaming sword This might perhaps be some fire kindled by an Angel to hinder the passage to the Tree of life CHAP. IV. The ARGUMENT The Birth of Cain and Abel Their several Employments and Oblations to the Lord. That of Cain not respected He Murthers his Brother Abel for which he is called to account by God and doomed to a Curse The Birth of Enoch A City built after his Name The Posterity of Enoch to Lamech Of Lamech and his two Wives and their Posterity The Birth of Seth and Enos 1. AND Adam knew Eve his wife and she conceived and bare Cain and said I have gotten a man from the LORD 2. And she again bare his brother Abel and Abel was a keeper of sheep but Cain was a tiller of the ground 3. And in process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD 4. And Abel he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof and the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering 5. But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect and Cain was very wroth and his countenance fell 6. And the LORD said unto Cain Why art thou wroth and why is thy countenance fallen 7. If thou doest well shalt thou not be accepted and if thou doest not well sin lieth at the door and unto thee shall
forth a Raven and a Dove to discover how far the Waters were abated The time in which the Earth was dried Noah and his Family go out of the Ark at God's command The living Creatures go out also Noah offers a Sacrifice to God who had preserved him which God accepts and promised that he would no more after this manner curse the Earth and destroy the living Creatures therein 1. AND God remembred Noah and every living thing and all the cattel that was with him in the ark and God made a wind to pass over the earth and the waters asswaged 2. The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped and the rain from heaven was restrained 3. And the waters returned from off the earth continually and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated 4. And the ark rested in the seventh month on the seventeenth day of the month upon the mountains of Ararat 5. And the waters decreased continually untill the tenth month in the tenth month on the first day of the month were the tops of the mountains seen 6. And it came to pass at the end of forty days that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made 7. And he sent forth a raven which went forth to and fro untill the waters were dried up from off the earth 8. Also he sent forth a dove from him to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground 9. But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot and she returned unto him into the ark for the waters were on the face of the whole earth Then he put forth his hand and took her and pulled her in unto him into the ark 10. And he stayed yet other seven days and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark 11. And the dove came in to him in the evening and lo in her mouth was an olive-leaf pluckt off So Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth 12. And he stayed yet other seven days and sent forth the dove which returned not again unto him any more 13. And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year in the first month the first day of the month the waters were dried up from off the earth and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked and behold the face of the ground was dry 14. And in the second month on the seven and twentieth day of the month was the earth dried 15. And God spake unto Noah saying 16. Go forth of the ark thou and thy wife and thy sons and thy sons wives with thee 17. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee of all flesh both of fowl and of cattel and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth that they may breed abundantly in the earth and be fruitfull and multiply upon the earth 18. And Noah went forth and his sons and his wife and his sons wives with him 19. Every Beast every creeping thing and every fowl and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth after their kinds went forth out of the ark 20. And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD and took of every clean beast and of every clean fowl and offered burnt-offerings on the altar 21. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour and the LORD said in his heart I will not again curse the ground any more for mans sake for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth neither will I again smite any more every thing living as I have done 22. While the earth remaineth seed-time and harvest and cold and heat and summer and winter and day and night shall not cease 1. REmembred This is spoken of God after the manner of Men. The meaning is that God shewed his care of Noah We are said to remember that which we take care of God is said to remember when he relieves and shews Mercy Heb. 6.10 Psal 136.23 A wind This was a Wind sent on purpose by God to remove the Waters from the Earth Exod. 14.21 2. The fountains c. As God by the Winds removed the Waters that were already upon the Earth so he had removed all the immediate Causes of the Floud having stopped the Fountains from beneath and the Heavens from above 3. Abated Or diminished They were asswaged before v. 1. But yet not so far taken away but that they did till this time continue above the Earth chap. 7 verse 24. 4. The seventh month on the seventeenth day i. e. The seventh month of the year This was exactly five months from the beginning of the floud of waters Gen. 7.11 Or an hundred and fifty days allowing thirty days to each month And hence it is evident that the forty days mentioned ch 7. v. 12. are part of the hundred and fifty mentioned v. 24. Vpon the mountains Or upon one of the mountains This is an elliptical way of speaking which is very usual in the Writings of the Jews And we have frequent examples in Scripture to this purpose Of Jephthah it is said that he was buried in the Cities of Gilead i. e. In one of the Cities as we render it Judg. 12.7 1 Sam. 18.21 Psal 1.3 Zechar. 9.9 Jon. 1.5 Compare Matt. 27.44 with Luk. 23.39 Joh. 6.45 Ararat i. e. Armenia That the Ark rested there Josephus affirms And it being a mountainous place hither it was that the Sons of Sennacherib fled for refuge Isa 37.38 Jer. 51.27 5. Tenth month i. e. The tenth month of the year First day i. e. Seventy three day after the above-named hundred and fifty Tops of the mountains seen i. e. The heads of the mountains as it is in the Hebrew were visible They were then considerably higher than the Waters 6. Window Or Casement It is not the same word which is used ch 6.16 And most probable it is by comparing the word used here by the Chaldee with Dan. 6.10 to be understood of some Shut or Casement which being easily removed gave a prospect abroad as well as a passage out for the Raven and Dove and for the rest of the Fowls afterwards 7. To and fro i. e. The Raven returned to the Ark for refuge but it does not appear that he was received into the Ark. 8. He sent forth He did this seven days after he had sent forth the Raven as seems to be intimated verse 10. where it is said that he staid yet other seven days 11. Olive-leaf Or rather an Olive-branch as the Hebrew word signifies See ch 3. v. 7. This being an argument that the Waters were sunk down below the tops of the Olive-trees 13. First month i. e. of the new year From off the Earth i. e. The surface of the ground was dry for so it follows the face of the ground was dry For the body of the ground it self is not said to be dry till the twenty-seventh day of the second month v. 14. 20. Altar
Thracians 3. Ashkenaz Josephus derives from him a People whom he calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Whatever they were it is probable that from that People who descended from Ashkenaz the Germans were afterwards derived Riphath Whence the Paphlagonians for so the Riphathaeans were called says Josephus Togarmah From whom the Phrygians 4. Elisha Hence the Aeolians says Josephus Tarshish Who gave name to Cilicia which was so called says Josephus There was also the City Tarsus Kittim The Hebrews says Josephus call all Islands and most Maritime places Kittim and that from Cyprus which he would have to be the seat of Javan's posterity here Dodanim 'T is thought that Epirus and part of Peloponnesus belonged to Dodanim 5. Isles of the Gentiles The Hebrew word which we render Isles does not onely signifie places encompassed by the Sea but remote places from whence they came by Sea Isa 40.15.42.4 with Matt. 12.21 Ezek. 27.3 1 Maccab. 14.5 After their families in their nations i. e. The several Families which made up the several Nations had a separate lot and portion in the Nation to which they belonged 6. Cush Hence the Aethiopians as is very commonly believed But yet it is very certain that some other people nearer to Canaan than Aethiopia were derived and denominated from Cush And they lived in Arabia toward the Red Sea It appears that Cush and Midian are joined together and seem to denote the same Country Hab. 3.7 The Wife of Moses is called a Cushite Numb 12. 1. who was a Woman of Midian Exod. 2.16 21. And that Cush denotes a Country near at hand and not Aethiopia which with respect to Canaan lay beyond Egypt will be evident to him who will take the pains diligently to compare the following places Ezek. 29.10 with Ezek. 30.9 and 2 Kings 19.9 and 2 Chron. 21.16 Isa 20.4 5. Isa 18.1 with Zephan 3.10 Mizraim The word denotes the Egyptians Phut From him the Inhabitants of Lybia Canaan From him the Canaanites 7. Seba From him the Sabeans had their Names 9. A mighty hunter before the Lord i. e. An open and great Tyrant and a bold Contemner of God See Jer. 16.16 10. Babel So called from the confusion of Languages ch 11. v. 9. Shinar So called as 't is thought because from thence the people were driven upon the confusion of Languages ch 11. v. 2. 11. Went forth Ashur Or he went into Assyria as it is in the Margent That is Nimrod went thither According to this rendring the Original is Elliptical So it is elsewhere in the like manner 2 Sam. 6.10 with 1 Chron. 13.13 2 Sam. 10.2 with 1 Chron. 19.2 12. The same i. e. Nineveh Jon. 1. Or perhaps Resen before mentioned which is thought to be the same with Larissa And then no wonder that Moses should call it a great City when Xenophon Expedit Cyri l. iij. calls it so in so many words and gives us a particular account of the greatness of its Walls c. 13. Ludim i. e. Lud and his Posterity the Ludims The form of that word as of several others that follow being plural and denoting several Nations probably in Africa 14. Out of whom came Philistim Heb. From thence the Philistims They were not of the Race of Canaan but of Mizraim Nor did they originally possess the Land of Canaan but were removed from Caphtor thither Amos 9.7 Jer. 47.4 15. Sidon Whence the City Sidon had its Name Heth From whom the Hittites of whom and of the following Race of Canaan see the Book of Joshua 21. The Father of all the children of Eber And so consequently the Father of the Hebrews who had their Name from him From him Abram is called an Hebrew Gen. 14.13 And his Posterity Hebrews Gen. 39.14 Exod. 1.15 16. It must notwithstanding be confessed that some have thought Eber in this place not to be a proper Name and that Abraham is called an Hebrew not from Eber as that is a proper Name but as it imports one that comes from beyond the River Euphrates And then what we render the children of Eber imports the Inhabitants beyond the River Euphrates 22. Elam From whom the Elamites or Persians Ashur From whom the Assyrians Arphaxad From whom the Chaldees says Josephus They are called Chasdim in the Hebrew but not from Chesed the Son of Nahor Gen. 22.22 For they were so called before his Birth Gen. 15.7 Lud From whom the Lydians Aram From whom the Aramites or Syrians 23. Vz See Job 1. v. 1. The Seat of the Idumeans Lam. 4.21 24. Eber See verse 21. 25. Peleg The Hebrew word imports division Divided i. e. The Inhabitants of the Earth were dispersed upon the Confusion of Languages ch 11. which gave occasion to his Name he being born at that time says Josephus 26. Joktan These Sons of Joktan Josephus placeth in the Indies from the River Cophen Ophir is one of his Sons and from his Land in India Solomon's Ships fetched Gold c. 2 Chron. 9.10 CHAP. XI The ARGUMENT The inhabitants of the Earth speak all one language They proudly attempt the building of a city and and high Tower Their language is confounded The city called Babel and from thence they are scattered upon the face of all the Earth The great age and death of Shem. Of his posterity to Abram Abram comes from Ur to Haran The age and death of Terah the father of Abram 1. AND the whole earth was of one language and of one speech 2. And it came to pass as they journeyed from the east that they found a plain in the land of Shinar and they dwelt there 3. And they said one to another Go to let us make brick and burn them throughly And they had brick for stone and slime had they for mortar 4. And they said Go to let us build us a city and a tower whose top may reach unto heaven and let us make us a name lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth 5. And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the children of men builded 6. And the LORD said Behold the people is one and they have all one language and this they begin to do and now nothing will be restrained from them which they have imagined to do 7. Go to let us go down and there confound their language that they may not understand one anothers speech 8. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth and they left off to build the city 9. Therefore is the name of it called Babel because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth 10. These are the generations of Shem Shem was an hundred years old and begat Arphaxad two years after the floud 11. And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years and begat sons and daughters 12. And Arphaxad lived
signifies peace Heb. 7.2 And Jerusalem is called Salem Psal 76.2 Bread and Wine Provision for the refreshment of Abram upon his return from his Victory v. 24. See Joseph Antiq. l. 1. c. 11. and Heb. 7.1 Priest And so he is called Heb. 7.1 And an Eminent type he was of Jesus Christ the Son of God Heb. 7.3 And what follows speaks him a Priest and not any thing which goes before 19. He blessed him i.e. Melchizedek blessed Abram Heb. 7.1 And this was indeed the Office of a Priest Numb 6.23 And in this he was a Type of Jesus Christ Act. 3.26 20. Blessed be c. i. e. Praised be c. When God blesseth Man he bestows benefits upon him Deut. 28.1 2. Man blesseth God when he praiseth him for his benefits Matt. 26.26 with Luk. 22.19 Gave him tithes i. e. Abram gave to Melchizedek tithes of the spoils Heb. 7.4 And in that does acknowledge him superior And we may observe farther That Tithes were paid before the Law of Moses 22. Lift up my hand They that did swear were wont to lift up their hand Hence one is put for the other Exod. 6.8 Abram did at least vow if not swear Compare Psal 132.2 23. Lest thou c. Abram would not have the King of Sodom have the glory of making him rich This was a Blessing which he expected from God alone 24. Young men Those mentioned v. 14. CHAP. XV. The ARGUMENT God encourageth Abram in a vision He promiseth him a son and heir and a very numerous posterity Abram's faith God renews his promise of the Land of Canaan This promise is confirmed by a Sign and a Vision 2092. 1912. 1. AFter these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision saying Fear not Abram I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward 2. And Abram said Lord GOD what wilt thou give me seeing I go childless and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus 3. And Abram said Behold to me thou hast given no seed and lo one born in my house is mine heir 4. And behold the word of the LORD came unto him saying This shall not be thine heir but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir 5. And he brought him forth abroad and said Look now toward heaven and tell the stars if thou be able to number them And he said unto him So shall thy seed be 6. And he believed in the LORD and he counted it to him for righteousness 7. And he said unto him I am the LORD that brought thee out of Vr of the Chaldees to give thee this land to inherit it 8. And he said Lord GOD whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it 9. And he said unto him Take me an heifer of three years old and a she goat of three years old and a ram of three years old and a turtle dove and a young pigeon 10. And he took unto him all these and divided them in the midst and laid each piece one against another but the birds divided he not 11. And when the fowls came down upon the carcasses Abram drove them away 12. And when the Sun was going down a deep sleep fell upon Abram and lo an horrour of great darkness fell upon him 13. And he said unto Abram Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them and they shall afflict them four hundred years 14. And also that nation whom they shall serve will I judge and afterward shall they come out with great substance 15. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace thou shalt be buried in a good old age 16. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full 17. A smoaking Furnace and a burning Lamp Or Lamp of fire Heb. Those represent God's presence who is a consuming fire Heb. 12.29 Compare Exod. 3.2 and Exod. 19.9 16 18. That passed By this God did confirm his Covenant with Abram by causing this fire to pass between the pieces Compare Jer. 34.18 It is not said that Abram passed between them nor needed he to do it the Covenant being on God's part onely and not on Abram's v. 18. 18. Vnto thy seed Abram is now taught how to understand God's promise ch 13.15 17. as well as the time when it should be fulfilled v. 13. and the extent of the promised Land also for it follows From the river of Egypt Not from Nilus which need not have been contra-distinguished from the great River following but Sihor Josh 13.3 Jer. 2.18 1 Kings 4.21 Numb 34.5 Euphrates Compare 2 Sam. 8.3 1 Kings 4.21 19. Kenites Here are ten Nations reckoned up elsewhere but seven Deut. 7.1 Acts 13.19 Some of them might be wasted or so far mingled with the rest before the Israelites possessed their Land that they were not mentioned distinctly afterwards Of these Nations see more in the Book of Joshua 2092. 1912. 1. IN a Vision i. e. In a Vision by night v. 5. but not in a Dream v. 9 10 12. Fear not He might be tempted to fear He was a Sojourner in a strange Land separated from Lot who with the confederates was assaulted and but newly rescued from captivity God assures him both of Protection and great Blessings besides I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward 2. Of Damascus He was from Damascus by his Ancestors though he were born in Abram's house v. 3. 3. No seed i. e. No child 4. He that shall come forth c. i. e. He that shall be born of thee or the Son of thine own body and not that is born in thy house onely 5. Tell the Stars This he was not able to do Jer. 33.22 So shall thy seed be i. e. Thy posterity shall be very numerous Rom. 4.18 6. He believed in the Lord i. e. He trusted in God believing that he would make his promises good how unlikely soever they seemed He against hope believed in God Rom. 4.18 19 20 21. And he counted it to him for Righteousness i. e. God accepted this Faith of Abram and thereupon he was by God esteemed a Righteous person Thus was God pleased to accept of Abram before Circumcision was commanded and the Law of Moses was given It was his Faith that God regarded Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him but for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead Rom. 4.23 24. Psal 106.31 7. That brought thee out That remove which is mentioned ch 11.31 was by God's special Will though it be not expressed there Compare Act. 7.2 3. 8. Whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it c. He desires to know more particularly the manner of God's performing this last promise of his inheriting that Land For God having
therefore Eighty five years old 4. Her Mistress For so she was still Servants and their Children were their Masters See v. 2 9. And compare Gen. 30.3 Exod. 21.4 2 Sam. 21.8 5. My wrong be upon thee Thou doest me wrong to that sense the Greek and Vulgar have it and it is thy part therefore to do me right Judge Or will judge Hebr. in case thou doest not right me Compare 1 Sam. 24.12 13. 6. Thy Maid i. e. Thy Servant or Bond-woman It is the same word which is used v. 1. In thine hand i. e. In thy power as that phrase signifies Compare ch 24.10 ch 39.4 6 8. Numb 31.49 7. The Angel of the Lord Or a Messenger from the Lord. This name Angel is sometimes given to a Man sometimes Christ is so called Mal. 3.1 See the Note on Exod. 23.20 This Angel speaks in the Person of God v. 10. and by Hagar is acknowledged as God v. 13. Which seems to some to intimate that it was the Son of God who appeared In the way to Shur In the way leading to Egypt her own Country Exod. 15.22 Gen. 25.17 18. 8. Whence c. By these Questions he gives Hagar occasion to relate her case 9. Submit thy self viz. As becomes a Servant and Criminal 10. I will multiply She is promised a numerous Off-spring though not an Heir The Inheritance was promised before ch 15.3 4. 11. Heard thy affliction The word which we render affliction comes from an Hebrew word which signifies to cry as well as to afflict And in this sense it signifies the cry or prayer which Hagar uttered in her affliction The Chaldee renders it thy prayer And Josephus relates that Hagar prayed to God to pity her Antiq. l. 1. c. 11. 12. A wild man Like a wild Ass or untamed Beast among whom he should dwell with whom he should contest ch 21. v. 20. His hand c. He will be of power and disposition to contend and to provoke others to it Dwell i. e. He shall dwell in Tents as the Hebrew word imports and the Vulgar renders it to that sense The Ishmaelites dwelt in Tents Kedar was the Son of Ishmael ch 25.13 Of the Tents of Kedar we read Cant. 1.5 In the presence of c. i. e. The rest of Abram's posterity shall not be able to rid themselves of so fierce and ill a neighbour ch 25.18 13. And she called c. Or as the Chaldee hath it And she prayed or called upon the Name of the Lord who spake with her saying Thou art a God who seest c. Seeth me i. e. That regardeth me in my misery 14. Kadesh Josh 14.6 7. Bered The Chaldee renders it Hagra 15. Ishmael As was required v. 11. 16. Fourscore and six Thus long did Abram live before the birth of this child and must wait Fourteen years longer before he receive the child of the promise CHAP. XVII The ARGUMENT God appeareth unto Abram as the Almighty God Abram's name is changed into Abraham who is promised to be the father of many nations God enters into Covenant with him and renews to him the promise of the land of Canaan Circumcision is instituted the sign of this Covenant Sarai's name is changed into Sarah and receives the promise of a son Abraham rejoyceth and intercedes for Ishmael God promises great increase to Ishmael but assures him also that he will establish his Covenant with Isaac Abraham circumoiseth Ishmael and the males of his house The age of Abraham and of Ishmael when they were circumcised 1. AND when Abram was ninety years old and nine the LORD appeared to Abram and said unto him I am the Almighty God walk before me and be thou perfect 2. And I will make my covenant between me and thee and will multiply thee exceedingly 3. And Abram fell on his face and God talked with him saying 4. As for me behold my covenant is with thee and thou shalt be a father of many nations 5. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram but thy name shall be Abraham for a father of many nations have I made thee 6. And I will make thee exceeding fruitfull and I will make natiâ—â—â— of thee and kings shall come out of thee 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee 8. And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee the land wherein thou art a stranger all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession and I will be their God 9. And God said unto Abraham Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore thou and thy seed after thee in their generations 10. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee Every man-child among you shall be circumcised 11. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your fore-skin and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you 12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you every man-child in your generations he that is born in the house or bought with money of any stranger which is not of thy seed 13. He that is born in thy house and he that is bought with thy money must needs be circumcised and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant 14. And the uncircumcised man-child whose flesh of his fore-skin is not circumcised that soul shall be cut off from his people he hath broken my covenant 15. And God said unto Abraham As for Sarai thy wife thou shalt not call her name Sarai but Sarah shall her name be 16. And I will bless her and give thee a son also of her yea I will bless her and she shall be a mother of nations kings of people shall be of her 17. Then Abraham fell upon his face and laughed and said in his heart Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old and shall Sarah that is ninety years old bear 18. And Abraham said unto God O that Ishmael might live before thee 19. And God said Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed and thou shalt call his name Isaac and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant and with his seed after him 20. And as for Ishmael I have heard thee behold I have blessed him and will make him fruitfull and will multiply him exceedingly Twelve princes shall he beget and I will make him a great nation 21. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year 22. And he left off talking with him and God went up from Abraham 23. And Abraham took Ishmael his son and all that were born in his house and all that were bought with his money every male among the men of Abraham's house and circumcised the flesh of their fore-skin in
before his dead i. e. From the place where he saâ—e mourning over his dead Isa 47.1 Job 2.13 Of Heth Those who descended from Heth the Son of Canaan ch 10.15 4. A sojourner Heb. 11.13 6. A mighty Prince Or Prince of God Hebr. They esteemed Abraham highly for his regard to God and upon the score of God's blessings upon him See ch 21. v. 22. His great piety was exemplary and God's mercies visible Hence they call him a Prince of God i.e. a person very eximious and venerable Things that are very excellent are said to be of God Compare Psal 36.6 and 80.10 7. Bowed himself In token of thankfulness as well as reverence 9. Machpelah What we render the Cave of Machpelah the Ancients render the double cave the word Machpelah denoting such a sense 'T is probable that this burying-place had a double Cave whence it was so called 10. Gates Hebr. Gate They that go in at the gate are the Citizens or Inhabitants of that place ch 34. v. 24. 13. Money Abraham will buy a burying-place and in so doing he prevented a future Controversie and withall received a pledge in this purchase of the inheritance which God had promised 15. Four hundred Shekels See the Note on ch 20. v. 16. 16. Weighed Payment was then made by weight not by tale Compare ch 43. v. 21. Currant money with the Merchant i. e. Abraham used no guile or deceit in his payment but weighed so much Silver as those who understood those matters could not refuse 18. For a possession He having before this no possession in that Land 19. After this i. e. After he had paid for this burying-place 20. Made sure Being purchased and that before the whole City CHAP. XXIV The ARGUMENT Abraham takes an Oath of his servant not to take a wife to his son of the daughters of Canaan He takes his journey into the Country whence Abraham came to get a wife for Isaac He prays to God for Success and is heard Rebekah meets him who with her father's Consent goes with Abraham's servant and becomes the wife of Isaac 2148. 1856. 1. AND Abraham was old and well stricken in age and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things 2. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house that ruled over all that he had Put I pray thee thy hand under my thigh 3. And I will make thee swear by the LORD the God of heaven and the God of the earth that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites amongst whom I dwell 4. But thou shalt go unto my country and to my kindred and take a wife unto my son Isaac 5. And the servant said unto him Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest 6. And Abraham said unto him Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again 7. The LORD God of heaven which took me from my father's house and from the land of my kindred and which spake unto me and that sware unto me saying Vnto thy seed will I give this land he shall send his angel before thee and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence 8. And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee then thou shalt be clear from this my oath only bring not my son thither again 9. And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and sware to him concerning that matter 10. And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master and departed for all the goods of his master were in his hand and he arose and went to Mesopotamia unto the city of Nahor 11. And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening even the time that women go out to draw water 12. And he said O LORD God of my master Abraham I pray thee send me good speed this day and shew kindness unto my master Abraham 13. Behold I stand here by the well of water and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water 14. And let it come to pass that the damsel to whom I shall say Let down thy pitcher I pray thee that I may drink and she shall say Drink and I will give thy camels drink also let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servent Isaac and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master 15. And it came to pass before he had done speaking that behold Rebekah came out who was born to Bethuel son of Milcah the wife of Nahor Abraham's brother with her pitcher upon her shoulder 16. And the damsel was very fair to look upon a virgin neither had any man known her and she went down to the well and filled her pitcher and came up 17. And the servant ran to meet her and said Let me I pray thee drink a little water of thy pitcher 18. And she said Drink my lord and she hasted and let down her pitcher upon her hand and gave him drink 19. And when she had done giving him drink she said I will draw water for thy camels also untill they have done drinking 20. And she hasted and emptied her pitcher into the trough and ran again unto the well to draw water and drew for all his camels 21. And the man wondering at her held his peace to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not 22. And it came to pass as the camels had done drinking that the man took a golden ear ring of half a shekel weight and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold 23. And said Whose daughter art thou tell me I pray thee is there room in thy fathers house for us to lodge in 24. And she said unto him I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah which she bare unto Nahor 25. She said moreover unto him We have both straw and provender enough and room to lodge in 26. And the man bowed down his head and worshipped the LORD 27. And he said Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth I being in the way the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren 28 And the damsel ran and told them of her mother's house these things 29. And Rebekah had a brother and his name was Laban and Laban ran out unto the man unto the well 30. And it came to pass when he saw the ear-ring and bracelets upon his sisters hands and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister saying Thus spake the man unto me that he came unto the man and behold he stood by the camels at the well 31. And he said Come in thou blessed of the LORD wherefore standest thou without for I
have prepared the house and room for the camels 32. And the man came into the house and he ungirded his camels and gave straw and provender for the camels and water to wash his feet and the mens feet that were with him 33. And there was set meat before him to eat but he said I will not eat untill I have told mine errand And he said Speak on 34. And he said I am Abraham's servant 35. And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly and he is become great and he hath given him flocks and herds and silver and gold and men-servants and maid-servants and camels and asses 36. And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old and unto him hath he given all that he hath 37. And my master made me swear saying Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell 38. But thou shalt go unto my fathers house and to my kindred and take a wife unto my son 39. And I said unto my master Peradventure the woman will not follow me 40. And he said unto me the LORD before whom I walk will send his angel with thee and prosper thy way and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred and of my father's house 41. Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath when thou comest to my kindred and if they give not thee one thou shalt be clear from my oath 42. And I came this day unto the well and said O LORD God of my master Abraham if now thou do prosper my way which I go 43. Behold I stand by the well of water and it shall come to pass that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water and I say to her Give me I pray thee a little water of thy pitcher to drink 44. And she say to me Both drink thou and I will also draw for thy camels let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son 45. And before I had done speaking in mine heart Behold Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder and she went down unto the well and drew water and I said unto her Let me drink I pray thee 46. And she made haste and let down her pitcher from her shoulder and said Drink and I will give thy camels drink also so I drank and she made the camels drink also 47. And I asked her and said Whose daughter art thou And she said The daughter of Bethuel Nahor's son whom Milcah bare unto him and I put the ear-ring upon her face and the bracelets upon her hands 48. And I bowed down my head and worshipped the LORD and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son 49. And now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master tell me and if not tell me that I may turn to the right hand or to the left 50. Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said The thing proceedeth from the LORD we cannot speak unto thee bad or good 51. Behold Rebekah is before thee take her and go and let her be thy master's son's wife as the LORD hath spoken 52. And it came to pass that when Abraham's servant heard their words he worshipped the LORD bowing himself to the earth 53. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver and jewels of gold and raiment and gave them to Rebekah he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things 54. And they did eat and drink he and the men that were with him and tarried all night and they rose up in the morning and he said Send me away unto my master 55. And her brother and her mother said Let the damsel abide with us a few days at the least ten after that she shall go 56. And he said unto them Hinder me not seeing the LORD hath prospered my way send me away that I may go to my master 57. And they said We will call the damsel and enquire at her mouth 58. And they called Rebekah and said unto her Wilt thou go with this man And she said I will go 59. And they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse and Abraham's servant and his men 60. And they blessed Rebekah and said unto her Thou art our sister be thou the mother of thousands of millions and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them 61. And Rebekah arose and her damsels and they rode upon the camels and followed the man and the servant took Rebekah and went his way 62. And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahai-roi for he dwelt in the south country 63. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the even-tide and he lift up his eyes and saw and behold the camels were coming 64. And Rebekah lift up her eyes and when she saw Isaac she lighted off the camel 65. For she had said unto the servant What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us and the servant had said It is my master therefore she took a veil and covered her self 66. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done 67. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent and took Rebekah and she became his wife and he loved her and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death 1. OLD 2148. 1856. He was now One hundred and forty years old This appears by comparing ch 21.5 with ch 25.20 2. Servant 'T is probable that this was Eliezer the Steward of his House ch 15.2 My thigh This was a rite in taking an Oath used also ch 47.29 Besides Abraham having received the blessing and promise of good things commands his servant to put his hand there where he had received the sign of his faith For believing the Divine promises he received the Seal of Circumcision and commanded him there to put his hand that being mindfull of the promise and the circumcision he might not defile his Master's noble race with a foreign Marriage Says Theodoret Quaest 74. in Genes 3. By the Lord c. By whom alone it was lawfull to swear Deut. 6.13 He being both of infinite knowledge and power Canaanites Who were a wicked people and devoted to destruction Compare ch 9.25 with Deut. 7.3 4. and to marry the promised seed to any of that race would be inconsistent with the Divine predictions 5. Thou camest Abraham came thence but not Isaac 6. That thou bring not my son thither again Or lest thou return my son thither as it is in the Hebrew which words are to be understood with relation to Abraham's coming thence As ch 15.16 7. His Angel To guide and defend thee Angels are ministring Spirits Heb. 1.14 Gen. 48 1â— Exod. 14.19 and 23.20 8. Clear i. e. Thou shalt not be obliged by this Oath 10. For all the goods c. Or and
some white in it and all the brown among the sheep and gave them into the hands of his sons 36. And he set three days journey betwixt himself and Jacob and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks 37. And Jacob took him rods of green poplar and of the hasel and chesnut-tree and pilled white strakes in them and made the white appear which was in the rods 38. And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering-troughs when the flocks came to drink that they should conceive when they came to drink 39. And the flocks conceived before the rods and brought forth cattel ring-straked speckled and spotted 40. And Jacob did separate the lambs and set the faces of the flocks toward the ring straked and all the brown in the flock of Laban and he put his own flocks by themselves and put them not unto Laban's cattel 41. And it came to pass whensover the stronger cattel did conceive that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattel in the gutters that they might conceive among the rods 42. But when the cattel were feeble he put them not in so the feebler were Laban's and the stronger Jacob's 43. And the man increased exceedingly and had much cattel and maid-servants and men-servants and camels and asses 1. RAchelsaw We have here the occasion of Rachel's disorder And she was faulty I. In envying her Sister Compare Numb 11.29 II. In addressing to Jacob saying Give me Children whereas she ought to have prayed to God ch 25.21 III. In her Impatience under her Barrenness Give me children or else I die i. e. Such is my Grief and Discontent Prov. 14.30 2. In God's stead For Children are an Heritage of the Lord Ps 137.3 and Ps 113.9 The Key of the Womb being one of those which God keeps as the Jews say well in his own Hands and does not leave in the Hand of his Angels or Ministers 3. Bear upon my Knees i. e. Bear Children which I may bring up as my own Compare ch 50.23 and ch 16.2 and the Note on v. 4. of that Chapter 8. Wrestled The Chaldee intimates her Prayer as meant here which she was taught to betake her self to v. 2 22. 9. Left bearing Though it be not certain how long a time she ceased to bear yet it is probable that it was a considerable time longer than she was wont to stay it being twice mentioned viz. here and ch 29.35 11. Troup See the Notes on Gen. 49.19 13. Daughters i. e. The Women will proclaim me happy in a numerous Off-spring Compare Prov. 31.29 14. Mandrakes i. e. The Apples or Fruit of Mandrakes which were desirable for Food and probably of a pleasant smell Cantic 7.13 See Joseph Antiq. l. 1. c. 19. 15. Therefore c. Though Rachel had no power to make this Agreement yet Jacob thought fit to make it good v. 16. 17. God hearkened unto Leah Therefore Leah may well be supposed to have prayed to God as she is by the Vulgar and Chaldee said to have done 18. Because c. This speaks her surmise 23. Reproach So was Barrenness esteemed Compare Isai 4.1 Luke 1.25 Fruitfulness was a Blessing before and under the Law Gen. 1.28 with Deut. 7.14 And a special part of the Blessing promised to Abraham and his Seed Gen. 12.3 with ch 15.5 and ch 18.18 25. When c. i. e. After fourteen years Service ch 31.41 and when Jacob was Ninety years old See the Note on ch 27.1 30. Since my coming Heb. at my foot i. e. By means or because of me as several Versions have it Compare v. 27. This is thought to be the importance of the Hebrew Maimon More Nev. p. 1. c. 28. Mine own House also This care Nature teacheth Men to take 1 Tim. 3.8 And Jacob's Age and numerous Family might well excite him to this care 31. Not give i. e. Not pay down out of thy present Estate 33. Answer for me Or bear witness on my behalf v. Exod. 20.16 Or my Innocence shall appear When it shall come for my hire Or When thou shalt come against my hire That is q. d. My Innocence will appear to thy Face when thou shalt after this contend with me about my Wages For now such Agreement is made that each of their shares is marked out 35. He removed i. e. Laban did as appears by comparing the next Verse 36. The rest viz. Those that were not ring-straked c. 38. He set the rods before the flocks This Jacob did at that time when the Cattel were wont to conceive 'T is very well known in this case that what is with young does easily stamp the likeness of that which is seen and strongly apprehended upon the thing which is brought forth Though Jacob used this Art yet his Success was owing to the Divine Providence and this course 't is probable was warranted by the Divine Command See ch 31.9 10 11 12. which onely could justifie this practice of his 40. And set the faces c. Here is a second Instance of Jacob's Policy He did set the faces of the Cattel in the flock of Laban toward the ring-straked and all the brown as the words may be rendred that so when Laban's Flocks looked on the speckled they might bring forth speckled also And then a third Policy was That he would not put his own among Laban's Cattel that they might not by seeing them bring forth such as they were 42. Feebler Or later as several Versions render iâ— Stronger Or more early and forward which were generally the best and strongest CHAP. XXXI The ARGUMENT Jacob displeased at Laban's carriage towards him having communicated his purpose to his Wives departeth secretly towards his own Country Rachel takes with her her Father's Images Laban pursues Jacob being warned of God not to hurt him Laban over-takes him and expostulates with him about his secret departure and the injury done him in taking away his Images which Rachel concealed Jacob's plea. They make a Covenant at Galeed 2265. 1739. 1. AND he heard the words of Laban's sons saying Jacob hath taken away all that was our fathers and of that which was our fathers hath he gotten all this glory 2. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban and behold it was not toward him as before 3. And the LORD said unto Jacob Return unto the land of thy fathers and to thy kindred and I will be with thee 4. And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock 5. And said unto them I see your father's countenance that it is not toward me as before but the God of my father hath beeâ— with me 6. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father 7. And your father hath deceived me and changed my wages ten times but God suffered him not to hurt me 8. If he said thus The speckled shall be thy wages then all the cattel bare speckled and
do he sheweth unto Pharaoh 29. Behold there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt 30. And there shall arise after them seven years of famine and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt and the famine shall consume the land 31. And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following for it shall be very grievous 32. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice it is because the thing is established by God and God will shortly bring it to pass 33. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise and set him over the land of Egypt 34. Let Pharaoh do this and let him appoint officers over the land and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years 35. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh and let them keep food in the cities 36. And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt that the land perish not through the famine 37. And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants 38. And Pharaoh said unto his servants Can we find such a one as this is a man in whom the Spirit of God is 39. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this there is none so discreet and wise as thou art 40. Thou shalt be over my house and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled only in the throne will I be greater then thou 41. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph See I have set thee over all the land of Egypt 42. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand and put it upon Joseph's hand and arayed him in vestures of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck 43. And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had and they cried before him Bow the knee and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt 44. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph I am Pharaoh and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt 45. And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-Paaneah and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On and Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt 46. And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went throughout all the land of Egypt 47. And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfulls 48. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt and laid up the food in the cities the food of the field which was round about every city laid he up in the same 49. And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea very much untill he left numbering for it was without number 50. And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him 51. And Joseph called the name of the first-born Manasseh for God said he hath made me forget all my toil and all my father's house 52. And the name of the second called he Ephraim for God hath caused me to be fruitfull in the land of my affliction 53. And the seven years of plenteousness that was in the land of Egypt were ended 54. And the seven years of dearth began to come according as Joseph had said and the dearth was in all lands but in all the land of Egypt there was bread 55. And when all the land of Egypt was famished the people cried to Pharaoh for bread and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians Go unto Joseph what he saith to you do 56. And the famine was over all the face of the earth and Joseph opened all the store-houses and sold unto the Egyptians and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt 57. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn because that the famine was so sore in all lands 1. PHaraoh A Name that was common to the Kings of Egypt See v. 44. River Nilus or some branch of it whose Waters rendred Egypt fruitfull 2. Kine The increase whereof together with that of Corn v. 5. serve greatly toward the sustenance of life 3. Vpon the brink of the river Not feeding in a Medow as the fat Kine did v. 2. but on the dry Banks of that River the over-flowing of which rendred the Land fruitfull Deut. 11.10 11. 8. The Magicians i. e. Interpreters says the Greek Version They were a sort of Men professing a skill in interpreting Dreams Dan. 2.10 and that used inchantments Exod. 8.18 9. My faults i. e. My offences against thee He might also remember now his ingratitude to Joseph ch 40.14 23. 13. Him he hanged i. e. He did foretell what afterward came to pass that he should be hanged 14. Out of the dungeon Where he was possibly ministring to the Prisoners who were committed to his charge 16. It is not in me God c. See chap. 40.8 24. None that could Which confirms the truth of what Joseph had said before v. 16. and ch 40.8 30. Shall be forgotten i. e. It shall be as if it had not been at all by reason of the Famine which was to succeed The Land i. e. The People of the Land says the Chaldee 32. Established i. e. Fully confirmed The Greek render it true which Greek word signifies that which is not onely true but sufficiently confirmed and attested Joh. 5.31 and ch 8.13 14. 34. Let Pharaoh do this c. Or Let Pharaoh constitute and appoint What we render do signifies to make or appoint as doth also the Greek word which answers to it See Mark 3.14 and Acts 2.36 Of the Land i. e. Of the growth and increase of the Land 35. Vnder the hand of Pharaoh Under the hand of Pharaoh or of those whom Pharaoh should appoint 36. Store Not to be touched till the Famine came 38. In whom the Spirit of God is This Pharaoh concludes from the interpretation which Joseph had given of his Dream Dan. 5.11 as also from Joseph's words v. 16. The Chaldee hath it the Spirit of Prophecy 40. Over my house He made him Lord of his house and ruler of all his substance Psal 105.21 Shall all my people be ruled i. e. They shall be obedient as the Vulgar and Greek Versions have it He had power to bind his Princes at his pleasure Psal 105.22 Act. 7.10 42. His ring As a mark of his favour to Joseph and perhaps of the authority which he gave him Esth 3.10 and 8.2 43. In the second Chariot As an argument that he was next in honour to the King himself 2 Chron.
to the inn that we opened our sacks and behold every man's money was in the mouth of his sack our money in full weight and we have brought it again in our hand 22. And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks 23. And he said Peace be to you fear not your God and the God of your father hath given you you treasure in your sacks I had your money And he brought Simeon out unto them 24. And the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave them water and they washed their feet and he gave their asses provender 25. And they made ready their present against Joseph came at noon for they heard that they should eat bread there 26. And when Joseph came home they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house and bowed themselves to him to the earth 27. And he asked them of their welfare and said Is your father well the old man of whom ye spake is he yet alive 28. And they answered Thy servant our father is in good health he is yet alive and they bowed down their heads and made obeysance 29. And he lift up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin his mother's son and said Is this your younger brother of whom ye spake unto me and he said God be gracious unto thee my son 30. And Joseph made hast for his bowels did yern upon his brother and he sought where to weep and he entered into his chamber and wept there 31. And he washed his face and went out and refrained himself and said Set on bread 32. And they set on for him by himself and for them by themselves and for the Egyptians which did eat with him by themselves because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians 33. And they sat before him the first-born according to his birth-right and the youngest according to his youth and the men marvelled one at another 34. And he took and sent messes unto them from before him but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs and they drank and were merry with him 1. SOre Grievous or heavy as the Hebrew word signifies 2. A little food At least so much as will serve the present necessity 3. Solemnly protest Or protesting protested as in the Hebrew See the Notes on ch 42.15 See my face i. e. Come into my presence nor be admitted to buy any Corn. See 2 Sam. 14.24 32. Acts 20.25 38. 5. We will not go down It will be to no purpose We cannot go down ch 44.26 8. The Lad He was the youngest of Jacob's Sons and might therefore be called the Young man by those of Jacob's family He was at this time the Father of several Children ch 46.21 And the Hebrew word we render Lad does not imply him to be a stripling but a young man onely 2 Sam. 18.5 12. Gen. 22.5 11. A present To gain Joseph's favour This course Jacob had successfully tried before ch 32.20 See Prov. 18.16 ch 21.14 12. Double money i. e. Other money v. 22. besides the summ which they found in their Sacks Over-sight An error or mistake as the Hebrew word signifies 14. God Almighty Who ought to be our refuge and who is able to turn the hearts of Men Prov. 21.1 If I be bereaved of my children I am bereaved q. d. Having taken this course I intirely commit the success to God and referr my self to him Be it now as it will If I am bereaved I am bereaved See the like expression Esth 4.16 If I perish I perish 16. At noon At the usual time of eating See the Chaldee 18. That he may seek occasion against us Or Roll himself upon us Hebr. They who had not shewed Mercy are very prone to believe they shall receive none 21. Every man's money As appeared after one had opened his Sack and found his money and told his Brethren of it ch 42.27 28. 23. Your God c. This Servant of Joseph was taught the knowledge of the true God and would have these Men acknowledge God's Providence in what had befallen them I had your money He does acknowledge the receipt of it and so far he sets them at ease 24. Washed their feet See the Note on ch 18.4 26. Bowed down c. Thus is Joseph's Dream farther fulfilled ch 37.7 28. Thy servant our father Thus did Jacob by his Sons pay Homage to Joseph See ch 37.9 32. For him by himself As became him who was the second man in the Kingdom Because the Egyptians might not c. The Hebrews were Keepers of Sheep which was an Employment which was not pleasing to the more soft Egyptians ch 46.34 Besides the Hebrews in their Worship of God by Sacrifices did those things which the Egyptian Superstition would not allow Exod. 8.26 Hence the Chaldee here says That the Hebrews eat what the Egyptians did worship The Hebrews in their Eating as well as Sacrificing and in their Laws afterwards did offend the Egyptians and run Counter to their Superstition See Herodot Euterp n. 46. 34. Sent messes i. e. Joseph sent them from his own Table 1 Sam. 1.4 5. Five times c. A token of Joseph's particular kindness and possibly intended as a trial of the Temper of his Brethren whether they were free from Envy or not However certain it is that Joseph's placing his Brethren v. 33. and his kindness to Benjamin mentioned here did give credit to his words when he afterwards discovered himself to be their Brother CHAP. XLIV The ARGUMENT Joseph's Brethren are sent away they are brought back again and charged with having stollen a Cup. Judah's humble Supplication in behalf of Benjamin 1. AND he commanded the steward of his house saying Fill the men's sacks with food as much as they can carry and put every man's money in his sack's mouth 2. And put my cup the silver cup in the sack's mouth of the youngest and his corn-money and he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken 3. Assoon as the morning was light the men were sent away they and their Asses 4. And when they were gone out of the city and not yet far off Joseph said unto his steward Vp follow after the men and when thou doest overtake them say unto them Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good 5. Is not this it in which my lord drinketh and whereby indeed he divineth ye have done evil in so doing 6. And he overtook them and he spake unto them these same words 7. And they said unto him Wherefore saith my lord these words God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing 8. Behold the money which we found in our sack's mouthes we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold 9. With whom soever of thy servants
it be found both let him die and we also will be my lord's bondmen 10. And he said Now also let it be according unto your words he with whom it is found shall be my servant and ye shall be blameless 11. Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground and opened every man his sack 12. And he searched and began at the eldest and left at the youngest and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack 13 Then they rent their clothes and laded every man his ass and returned to the city 14. And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house for he was yet there and they fell before him on the ground 15. And Joseph said unto them What deed is this that ye have done wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine 16. And Judah said What shall we say unto my lord what shall we speak or how shall we clear our selves God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants behold we are my lord's servants both we and he also with whom the cup is found 17. And he said God forbid that I should do so but the man in whose hand the cup is found he shall be my servant and as for you get you up in peace unto your father 18. Then Judah came near unto him and said O my lord let thy servant I pray thee speak a word in my lord's ears and let not thine anger burn against thy servant for thou art even as Pharaoh 19. My lord asked his servants saying Have you a father or a brother 20. And we said unto my lord We have a father an old man and a child of his old age a little one and his brother is dead and he alone is left of his mother and his father loveth him 21. And thou saidst unto thy servants Bring him down unto me that I may set mine eyes upon him 22. And we said unto my lord The lad cannot leave his father for if he should leave his father his father would die 23. And thou saidst unto thy servants Except your youngest brother come down with you you shall see my face no more 24. And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father we told him the words of my lord 25. And our father said Go again and buy us a little food 26. And we said We cannot go down if our youngest brother be with us then will we go down for we may not see the man's face except our youngest brother be with us 27. And thy servant my father said unto us Ye know that my wife bare me two sons 28. And the one went out from me and I said Surely he is torn in pieces and I saw him not since 29. And if ye take this also from me and mischief befall him ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave 30. Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father and the lad be not with us seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life 31. It shall come to pass when he seeth that the lad is not with us that he will die and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave 32. For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father saying If I bring him not unto thee then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever 33. Now therefore I pray thee let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord and let the lad go up with his brethren 34. For how shall I go up to my father and the lad be not with me lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father 2. Put my Cup Joseph having before honoured Benjamin ch 43.34 he now tries the Temper of his Brethren whether moved with Envy they would give him up or help him in his danger 5. And whereby indeed he divineth Or Maketh tryal as it is in the Margent It does not appear that Joseph used any Magical and Superstitious Divination all that can be inferr'd from the place is That his Servant uses this pretence and might possibly think his Master used the Arts of the Magicians of Egypt See the Note on v. 15. 8. Behold the money c. A most excellent defence It was not likely that they who made Restitution of what they might have concealed would take away what belonged not to them The Greek render the whole Verse thus If we have restored unto thee from the land of Canaan the money which we found in our sacks how should we steal out of thy master's house silver or gold 9. We also So very confident are they of their Innocence 10. Blameless i. e. Innocent or Faultless as the Hebrew word imports but then consequently upon it they are assured of Impunity and so much the word imports in this place They shall be treated as Innocent Persons Thus Innocence in the Scripture style is put for Impunity as Sin is for the Punishment thereof See Exod. 20.7 and 37.7 Gen. 49.9 1 King 1.21 13. Rent their clothes As a token of their sorrow See ch 37.29 15. Divine Or Make trial as in the Margent The Hebrew word sometimes signifies no more than diligently to observe and make trial Gen. 30.27 1 King 20.33 Joseph was a man of great Wisdom and known to be so among the Egyptians and therefore not easily cheated and imposed upon and his Brethren might well think he would have a watchfull Eye over them whom he had before charged as Spies 16. God hath found out the iniquity Though as to this they were innocent yet they ought to own the Justice of God in chastising their other sins by this way 18. Came near He came up to him and because he was so great a Man in Egypt he excuseth his Presumption 21. That I may set mine eyes upon him Or Take care of him as the Greek hath it Thus much this Phrase imports Jer. 39.12 and 40.4 30. Seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life i. e. The loss of his life will inferr the loss of his Father's 1 Sam. 18.1 The detaining him will kill his Father This is Judah's Argument here and v. 31. 33. Instead of the lad He had become Surety for him v. 32. and now he offers to become a Bondman in his stead to save his Father he not being able to behold his Father's Misery in case of Benjamin's being left behind v. 34. CHAP. XLV The ARGUMENT Joseph makes himself known to his Brethren They are thereupon terrified He supports them with the consideration of God's wise Providence He sends for his Father into Egypt not without the consent of Pharaoh and his Approbation The Sons of Jacob return to their Father with large provisions for his Journey and tell him the news that Joseph was alive and Governour of Egypt Jacob's rejoicing at it 1. THEN Joseph could not refrain himself before all
hearken to the voice of the first sign that they will believe the voice of the latter sign 9. And it shall come to pass if they will not believe also these two signs neither hearken unto thy voice that thou shalt take of the water of the river and pour it upon the dry-land and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry-land 10. And Moses said unto the LORD O my Lord I am not eloquent neither heretofore nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant but I am slow of speech and of a slow tongue 11. And the LORD said unto him Who hath made man's mouth or who maketh the dumb or deaf or the seeing or the blind have not I the LORD 12. Now therefore go and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say 13. And he said O my Lord send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send 14. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses and he said Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother I know that he can speak well And also behold he cometh forth to meet thee and when he seeth thee he will be glad in his heart 15. And thou shalt speak unto him and put words in his mouth and I will be with thy mouth and with his mouth and will teach you what ye shall do 16. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people and he shall be even he shall be to thee in stead of a mouth and thou shalt be to him in stead of God 17. And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand wherewith thou shalt do signs 18. And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said unto him Let me go I pray thee and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt and see whether they be yet alive And Jethro said to Moses Go in peace 19. And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian Go return into Egypt for all the men are dead which sought thy life 20. And Moses took his wife and his sons and set them upon an ass and he returned to the land of Egypt And Moses took the rod of God in his hand 21. And the LORD said unto Moses When thou goest to return into Egypt see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in thine hand but I will harden his heart that he shall not let the people go 22. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh Thus saith the LORD Israel is my son even my first-born 23. And I say unto thee Let my son go that he may serve me and if thou refuse to let him go behold I will slay thy son even thy first-born 24. And it came to pass by the way in the inn that the LORD met him and sought to kill him 25. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the fore-skin of her son and cast it at his feet and said Surely a bloudy husband art thou to me 26. So he let him go then she said A bloudy husband thou art because of the circumcision 27. And the LORD said to Aaron Go into the wilderness to meet Moses And he went and met him in the mount of God and kissed him 28. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him and all the signs which he had commanded him 29. And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel 30. And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people 31. And the people believed and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel and that he had looked upon their affliction then they bowed their heads and worshipped 1. THey will not believe Moses might well suppose that the Israelites would not presently and without a sign give him credit See v. 9. and compare it with ch 3.18 2. What is that in thine hand These words make way for that which follows 4. It became a rod in his hand As this sign was designed to gain the Israelites belief v. 5. so it was very instructive also to them The turning of a rod or staff into a Serpent did fitly represent their past and their present Condition under Pharaoh And the turning the Serpent into a Rod or Staff was a fair Symbol of that deliverance from their present Bondage which was promised to them Besides Moses is confirmed and encouraged in his Office which he would have declined as he fled from the Serpent by his taking the Serpent by the Tail and turning it into a Staff 5. That they may be believe c. These words acquaint us with the great End of this Sign See John 20.31 6. As snow This was afterward reputed a sign of a most dangerous sort of Leprosie see Numb 12.10 12. and therefore a fit Symbol of the calamitous condition of the Israelites at this time 7. As his other flesh And this might fairly put them in mind that their present condition was not without hope 8. That they will believe Or that they may believe For these words do not so much fore-tell the Event see v. 9. as they do the design and purpose of these Signs 9. Shall become Heb. Shall be and shall be i. e. It shall certainly be so 10. Eloquent Heb. A man of words i. e. He was not of a ready speech or utterance Heretofore Heb. Since yesterday nor since the third day An usual form of speech among the Hebrews this is by which they describe the time past Nor since thou hast spoken c. i. e. This want of utterance hath not been removed since thou hast given me Commission to go into Egypt 12. With thy mouth See Matth. 10.19 Mark 13.11 Luke 12.11 13. Wilt send Or shouldest send Many have thought that Moses means the Messias whom God would send Send by the hand of him who is fit to be sent says the Chaldee 16. Thou shalt be to him instead of God Vid. Ch. 7. 1. Thou shalt command him and make my Will known to him 20. Sons His two Sons Gershom and Eliezer An ass The Greek renders it in the Plural the Enallage of Number is very usual with the Sacred Writers The rod of God i. e. The Rod or Staff which God commanded him to take v. 17. and with which he was to work Signs 21. I will harden c. i. e. I will after he hath hardened his own heart leave him to his stubbornness and impenitence See ch 9.34 22. First-born i. e. Beloved and favoured more than the other Nations as the first-born 24. The LORD met him The Angel of the Lord say the Greek and Chaldee Sought to kill him i. e. Inflicted probably some disease upon him 25. Sharp stone Or knife which according to the Custom then was made of a sharpened stone vid. Josh 5.2 Cast it Heb. Made it touch His feet i. e. The
do this thing in the land 6. And the LORD did that thing on the morrow and all the cattel of Egypt died but of the cattel of the children of Israel died not one 7. And Pharaoh sent and behold there was not one of the cattel of the Israelites dead And the heart of Pharaoh was hardned and he did not let the people go 8. And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron Take to you handfulls of ashes of the furnace and let Moses sprinkle it towards the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh 9. And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt and shall be a boyl breaking forth with blains upon man and upon beast throughout all the land of Egypt 10. And they took ashes of the furnace and stood before Pharaoh and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven and it became a boyl breaking forth with blains upon man and upon beast 11. And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boyl for the boyl was upon the magicians and upon all the Egyptians 12. And the LORD hardned the heart of Pharaoh and he hearkned not unto them as the LORD had spoken unto Moses 13. And the LORD said unto Moses Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say unto him Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews Let my people go that they may serve me 14. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart and upon thy servants and upon thy people that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth 15. For now I will stretch out my hand that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence and thou shalt be cut off from the earth 16. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up for to shew in thee my power and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth 17. As yet exaltest thou thy self against my people that thou wilt not let them go 18. Behold to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even untill now 19. Send therefore now and gather thy cattel and all that thou hast in the field for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field and shall 〈◊〉 it be brought home the hail shall come down upon them and they shall die 20. He that feared the word of the LORD amongst the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattel flee into the houses 21. And he that regardeth not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattel in the field 22. And the LORD said unto Moses Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt upon man and upon beast and upon every herb of the field throughout the land of Egypt 23. And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven and the LORD sent thunder and hail and the fire ran along upon the ground and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt 24. So there was hail and fire mingled with the hail very grievous such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation 25. And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field both man and beast and the hail smote every herb of the field and brake every tree of the field 26. Onely in the land of Goshen where the children of Israel were was there no hail 27. And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron and said unto them I have sinned this times the LORD is righteous and I and my people are wicked 28. Intreat the LORD for it is enough that there be no more mighty thundrings and hail and I will let you go and ye shall stay no longer 29. And Moses said unto him Assoon as I am gone out of the city I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD and the thunder shall cease neither shall there be any more hail that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD's 30. But as for thee and thy servants I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God 31. And the flax and the barley was smitten for the barley was in the ear and the flax was bolled 32. But the wheat and the rie were not smitten for they were not grown up 33. And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD and the thunders and hail ceased and the rain was not poured upon the earth 34. And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased he sinned yet more and hardned his heart he and his servants 35. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardned neither would he let the children of Israel go as the LORD had spoken by Moses 3. A very grievous murrain i. e. A great and general Mortality as appears from v. 6. What we render Murrain signifies the Pestilence when it is referred unto Men and is very frequently by the Greek rendered by a word which signifies Death 4 5. And the LORD c. This great Plague was accompanied with some circumstances which did render it more fit to work upon Pharaoh Viz. I. That the Israelites did not suffer by it which was an argument of God's particular care and providence v. 4. And II. That God set a time when it should happen which was an argument that it was God's work v. 5. 6. All the cattel i. e. All that was in the Field v. 3. 7. And Pharaoh sent c. And by this means he was assured of the truth of what is said v. 4. and therefore left without excuse for his Infidelity 10. And Moses sprinkled It is very probable that Aaron did so likewise it being said of them both that they took ashes A boyl See Rev. 16.2 11. Could not stand before Moses These Magicians at the first withstood Moses but now are not able to stand before him their folly being now manifest 2 Tim. 3.8 9. 12. And the LORD hardned This God is not said to have done till now after five Plagues were past and Pharaoh had hardened his own heart God left him to the wickedness of his own heart when he had sundry times hardened himself before As the LORD Ch. 4.21 14. All my plagues i. e. All that I have determined to inflict Thine heart Which shall be wounded with grief and fear 16. For this cause Rom. 9.17 Have I raised thee up Heb. Made thee stand i. e. I have preserved thee and kept thee alive notwithstanding the foregoing Plagues which have been inflicted He may be said to be raised up who is preserved alive when he was in danger of dying Jam. 5.15 Thou hast been kept or preserved so the Greek render it 18. Since the foundation thereof i. e. Since it became a nation v. 24. 19. Thy cattel Which escaped the
flesh in that night rost with fire and unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it 9. Eat not of it raw nor sodden at all with water but rost with fire his head with his legs and with the purtenance thereof 10. And ye shall let nothing of it remain untill the morning and that which remaineth of it untill the morning ye shall burn with fire 11. And thus shall ye eat it with your loins girded your shooes on your feet and your staff in your hand and ye shall eat it in haste it is the LORD's passover 12. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt both man and beast and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment I am the LORD 13. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you are and when I see the blood I will pass over you and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you when I smite the land of Egypt 14. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial and you shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever 15. Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day untill the seventh day that soul shall be cut off from Israel 16. And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you no manner of work shall be done in them save that which every man must eat that onely may be done of you 17. And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread for in this self-same day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever 18. In the first month on the fourteenth day of the month at even ye shall eat unleavened bread untill the one and twentieth day of the month at even 19. Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses for whosoever eateth that which is leavened even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel whether he be a stranger or born in the land 20. Ye shall eat nothing leavened in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread 21. Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said unto them Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families and kill the passover 22. And ye shall take a bunch of hysop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin and strike the lintel and the two side-posts with the blood that is in the basin and none of you shall go out at the door of his house untill the morning 23. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel and on the two side-posts the LORD will pass over the door and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you 24. And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever 25. And it shall come to pass when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you according as he hath promised that ye shall keep this service 26. And it shall come to pass when your children shall say unto you What mean you by this service 27. That ye shall say It is the sacrifice of the LORD 's Passover who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when he smote the Egyptians and delivered our houses And the people bowed the head and worshipped 28. And the children of Israel went away and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron so did they 29. And it came to pass that at midnight the LORD smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt from the first-born of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the first-born of the captive that was in the dungeon and all the first-born of cattel 30. And Pharaoh rose up in the night he and all his servants and all the Egyptians and there was a great cry in Egypt for there was not an house where there was not one dead 31. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night and said Rise up and get you forth from among my people both you and the children of Israel and go serve the LORD as ye have said 32. Also take your flocks and your herds as ye have said and be gone and bless me also 33. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people that they might send them out of the land in haste for they said We be all dead men 34. And the people took their dough before it was leavened their kneading-troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders 35. And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver and jewels of gold and raiment 36. And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians so that they lent unto them such things as they required and they spoiled the Egyptians 37. And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth about six hundred thousand on foot that were men besides children 38. And a mixed multitude went up also with them and flocks and herds even very much cattel 39. And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt for it was not leavened because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not tarry neither had they prepared for themselves any victual 40. Now the sojourning of the children of Israel 2513. 1491. who dwelt in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years 41. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years even the self-same day it came to pass that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt 42. It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations 43. And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron This is the ordinance of the passover there shall no stranger eat thereof 44. But every man's servant that is bought for money when thou hast circumcised him then shall he eat thereof 45. A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof 46. In one house shall it be eaten thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house neither shall ye break a bone thereof 47. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it 48. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee and will keep the passover to the LORD let all his males be circumcised and then let him come near and keep it and
said unto Moses Stretch out thine hand over the sea that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians upon their chariots and upon their horse-men 27. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared and the Egyptians fled against it and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea 28. And the waters returned and covered the chariots and the horse-men and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them there remained not so much as one of them 29. But the children of Israel walked upon dry-land in the midst of the sea and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand and on their left 30. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea-shore 31. And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians and the people feared the LORD and believed the LORD and his servant Moses 2. Pihahiroth Numb 33.7 This is the mouth or passage of Hiroth Vid. Numb 33.8 And it should seem from Josephus that Hiroth was a mountainous and steep place For he tells us that the Egyptians shut up the Hebrews that they could not escape between steep Mountains on the one hand and the Sea on the other Vid. Joseph Ant. l. 2. c. 6. Abravanel will have Pihahiroth to referr to a Village from whence the Red sea falls into a Chanâ—â—â— called Hiroth Be it as it will the Hebrews are in a strait Between Migdol and the Sea Migdol signifies a strong Fort. And this speaks the strait in which the Hebrews were having the Sea on one side and a strong Fort to receive their Enemies on the other Baal-zephon This seems to be the place of an Idol called Baal and Abravenel tells us it stood on the North-side of Migdol And then it might for that cause be called Zephon that word signifying the North. 3. Intangled They are perplexed 4. Honoured By the just destruction of the Egyptians Vid. Levit. 10.3 8. With an high hand Openly and boldly and in good order not like Fugitives ch 13.18 9. Egyptians Vid. Josh 24.6 1 Mac. 4.9 12. Is not this Ch. 6.9 13. And Moses said c. There is a Tradition among the Jews that the people in this great strait were divided into four several Sects and Opinions The first were for running into the Sea The second for returning into Egypt The third for fighting the Egyptians The fourth for lifting up their Voice and by their Shrieks and Out-cries confounding their Enemies And that Moses speaks to the People with respect to their divided Opinions To the first in these words Fear ye not stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord. To the second he said For the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day ye shall see them again no more for ever To the third The Lord shall fight for you To the fourth And ye shall hold your peace Vid. Targ. Jon. Hierosol in loc For the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day Or For whereas you have seen the Egyptians to day i. e. They should not see the Egyptians as they had seen them namely alive v. 30. See the Greek 15. Wherefore cryest thou unto me God reproves not his Prayer but directs him to the work he was to do He having heard his Prayer See the Chaldee 19. The Angel of the LORD See the Notes on ch 13.21 20. And it was c. It being but one and the same See ch 13.22 21. Divided Josh 4.23 Psal 114.3 22. The children Psal 78.13 1 Cor. 10.1 Heb. 11.29 25. That they drave them heavily Or And made them to go heavily 27. Overthrew Heb. Shook off God sent upon them Showers Thunder Lightning and Thunder-bolts says Josephus Vid. ch 15.10 Psal 77.17 18. 28. One Psal 106.11 31. Work Heb. Hand And his servant Moses They believed Moses as a Servant of God CHAP. XV. The ARGUMENT The Song of Moses Miriam and other Women express their joy with Timbrels and Dances The Israelites come to the Wilderness of Shur and want Water They murmur The Waters of Marah made sweet The Israelites come to Elim 1. THen sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD and spake saying I will sing unto the LORD for he hath triumphed gloriously the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea 2. The LORD is my strength and song and he is become my salvation he is my God and I will prepare him an habitation my father's God and I will exalt him 3. The LORD is a man of war the LORD is his name 4. Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea 5. The depths have covered them they sank into the bottom as a stone 6. Thy right hand O LORD is become glorious in power thy right hand O LORD hath dashed in pieces the enemy 7. And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee thou sentest forth thy wrath which consumed them as stubble 8. And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together the flouds stood upright as an heap and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea 9. The enemy said I will pursue I will overtake I will divide the spoil my lust shall be satisfied upon them I will draw my sword my hand shall destroy them 10. Thou didst blow with thy wind the sea covered them they sank as lead in the mighty waters 11. Who is like unto thee O LORD amongst the gods who is like thee glorious in holiness fearfull in praises doing wonders 12. Thou stretchedst out thy right hand the earth swallowed them 13. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation 14. The people shall hear and be afraid sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina 15. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed the mighty men of Moab trembling shall take hold upon them all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away 16. Fear and dread shall fall upon them by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone till thy people pass over O LORD till the people pass over which thou hast purchased 17. Thou shalt bring them in and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance in the place O LORD which thou hast made for thee to dwell in in the sanctuary O LORD which thy hands have established 18. The LORD shall reign for ever and ever 19. For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea 20. And Miriam the prophetess the sister of
and set them Bounds which he accordingly does God descends upon the Mount and sends Moses down to restrain the Priests and People from coming too near 1. IN the third month when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai 2. For they were departed from Rephidim and were come to the desart of Sinai and had pitched in the wilderness and there Israel camped before the mount 3. And Moses went up unto God and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain saying Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob and tell the children of Israel 4. Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians and how I bare you on eagles wings and brought you unto my self 5. Now therefore if ye will obey my voice indeed and keep my covenant then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people for all the earth is mine 6. And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests and an holy nation These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel 7. And Moses came and called for the elders of the people and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him 8. And all the people answered together and said All that the LORD hath spoken we will do And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD 9. And the LORD said unto Moses Lo I come unto thee in a thick cloud that the people may hear when I speak with thee and believe thee for ever And Moses told the words of the peole unto the LORD 10. And the LORD said unto Moses Go unto the people and sanctifie them to day and to morrow and let them wash their clothes 11. And be ready against the third day for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai 12. And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about saying Take heed to your selves that ye go not up into the mount or touch the border of it whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death 13. There shall not an hand touch it but he shall surely be stoned or shot through whether it be beast or man it shall not live when the trumpet soundeth long they shall come up to the mount 14. And Moses went down from the mount unto the people and sanctified the people and they washed their clothes 15. And he said unto the people Be ready against the third day come not at your wives 16. And it came to pass on the third day in the morning that there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud upon the mount and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud so that all the people that was in the camp trembled 17. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God and they stood at the nether part of the mount 18. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace and the whole mount quaked greatly 19. And when the voice of the trumpet founded long and waxed louder and louder Moses spake and God answered him by a voice 20. And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai on the top of the mount and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount and Moses went up 21. And the LORD said unto Moses Go down charge the people lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze and many of them perish 22. And let the priests also which come near unto the LORD sanctifie themselves lest the LORD break forth upon them 23. And Moses said unto the LORD The people cannot come up to mount Sinai for thou chargedst us saying Set bounds about the mount and sanctifie it 24. And the LORD said unto him Away get thee down and thou shalt come up thou and Aaron with thee but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD lest he break forth upon them 25. So Moses went down unto the people and spake unto them 1. THE same day It hath been thought that by the same day is meant the third day of the month as this was the third month of the year But that word which we translate month signifies sometimes no more but the New-moon or first day of the month Num. 29.6 1 Sam. 20.24 27. And in that sense the same day signifies the first day of the month According to this account it was fifty days from the Israelites eating the Passover in Egypt to the giving of the Law which was done on the third day v. 11. For on the fourteenth day of the first month was that Passover eaten From that time reckoning inclusively the first and last day was to the third of this third month just fifty days 3. Moses Act. 7.38 Went up unto God i. e. He went up to the Mount where the Glory of God appeared 4. Ye have seen Deut. 29.2 On Eagles wings Deut. 32.11 12. This speaks the great care of God and the sure defence which the Israelites had thereby received Vid. Revel 12.14 Vnto my self i. e. To the place where I appear to you and am ready to give you my Laws 5. Now Deut. 5.2 All the Earth Deut. 10.14 Psal 24.1 The greater was the favour of God to the Israelites when he made choice of them for his peculiar People 6. A Kingdom of Priests 1 Pet. 2.9 Rev. 1.6 Not a profane State but such as shall worship God according to his Will and be thereupon exalted by him to great Dignity Ye shall be Kings and Priests See the Chaldee and Rev. 5.10 8. All Ch. 24.3 7. Deut. 5.27 and 26.17 9. I come unto thee i. e. I will appear unto thee after a glorious manner Told Or He had told See v. 8. 10. Sanctifie them i. e. Set them a-part and let them abstain from all evil and from every impurity And as a token of their being sanctified inwardly they were obliged also to wash their clothes 11. The third day Vid. Notes on v. 1. On this day the Law was given called a fiery Law Deut. 33.3 And this day was the day of Pentecost being fifty days after the Passover on which day the fiery Tongues were bestowed Act. 2. Will come down Or will reveal himself by a glorious Appearance 12. Set bounds Such bounds and limits as they might not pass lest for their curiosity and profaneness they die vid. 1 Sam. 6.19 Whosoever Heb. 12.20 13. Trumpet Or Cornet Soundeth long Or when it hath sounded long The Greek understand it of that time when the Trumpet ceased They shall come up to the mount The People shall come nearer at least to the foot of the Mount and Moses and Aaron and his Sons and the Elders of Israel shall go up into the Mount vid. ch 24.9 15. Wives 1 Sam. 21.4 Joel
2.16 Zach. 7.3 1 Cor. 7.5 16. Thunders c. These were so many tokens of the great and terrible Majesty of God who therefore ought to be feared and obeyed 18. Mount Sinai Deut. 4.11 Descended Vid. v. 11. In fire Hence the Law might be called a fiery Law Deut. 33.3 19. Moses spake So terrible was the sight that Moses said I exceedingly fear and quake Heb. 12.21 21. Charge Heb. contest Break through Namely by going beyond the bounds which were set See v. 12. 22. Priests Aaron and his Sons were not yet set a-part to the Priesthood as is generally supposed Yet see the Note on ch 18.12 And therefore by Priests here we may understand those who ministred in Holy things before Aaron and his Sons were consecrated And these are supposed to be the first-born ch 13.2 who are called young men ch 24.5 And what is rendred young men elsewhere signifies Ministers or those who serve 2 Kings 19.6 That come near to the LORD Who come near to minister unto the Lord. The Priest by vertue of his Office is placed between God and the People for whom he prays and offers Sacrifice unto God 23. Cannot come up i. e. They are sufficiently warned already of the danger of passing the bounds 24. Thou and Aaron Ch. 24.1 CHAP. XX. The ARGUMENT The Ten Commandments The People are in great fear Moses comforts them Idolatry is forbidden Rules concerning the Altar on which they should sacrifice 1. AND God spake all these words saying 2. I am the LORD thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage 3. Thou shalt have no other gods before me 4. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth 5. Thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me 6. And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments 7. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain 8. Remember the sabbath-day to keep it holy 9. Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work 10. But the seventh is the sabbath of the LORD thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates 11. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath-day and hallowed it 12. Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee 13. Thou shalt not kill 14. Thou shalt not commit adultery 15. Thou shalt not steal 16. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour 17. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbours 18. And all the people saw the thundrings and the lightnings and the noise of the trumpet and the mountain smoaking and when the people saw it they removed and stood a-far off 19. And they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us lest we die 20. And Moses said unto the people Fear not for God is come to prove you and that his fear may be before your faces that ye sin not 21. And the people stood a-far off and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was 22. And the LORD said unto Moses Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven 23. Ye shall not make with me gods of silver neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold 24. An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt-offerings and thy peace-offerings thy sheep and thine oxen In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee and I will bless thee 25. And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone thou shalt not build it of hewn stone for if thou lift up thy tool upon it thou hast polluted it 26. Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon 1. ALL these words i. e. All these Precepts which follow These are called the ten Words or Commandments ch 34.28 The Hebrew which we render Words is observed to signifie Precepts See Deut. 18.19 2. I am the LORD c. Deut. 5.6 Psal 81.10 This Verse contains the Preface to the following laws and therein very powerfull arguments to gain their attention and obedience Viz. I. From the Excellency of the Person who Commands The Lord. II. His Relation to them whom he commands Thy God III. His Mercy bestowed on them Which have brought thee c. Bondage Heb. Servants 3. Thou shalt have Or There shall not be unto thee Before me Or besides me As the Chaldee and Greek render it This third Verse contains the first Commandment and teacheth that there is one God and he alone is to be worshipped saith Josephus Antiq. Judaic l. 3. c. 4. 4. Thou shalt not c. Levit. 26.1 Psal 97.7 There being Ten of these Commandments ch 34.28 This must be the second as Josephus rightly affirms See this farther proved in the Notes on v. 17. 5. A jealous God Idolatry is frequently expressed by Whoredom Deut. 31.16 Jer. 3.9 And God is said to be an husband to his People Jer. 2.2 Hos 2.19 And in proportion and conformity hereunto God's displeasure against Idolatry is expressed by Jealousy which is says Solomon the rage of a man Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance c. Prov. 6.34 This is here added to deterr Men from Idolatry And is a powerfull Argument to keep Men from the appearance and suspicion of this Sin Children That are rebellious says the Chaldee Third and fourth So long the Idolaters may be supposed to live and be punished in their Children Of them that hate me That is of Idolaters who are especially the haters of God Vid. Mor. Nevochim p. 1. c. 36. 6. And keep c. The keeping God's Commandments being the best argument that we love him 7. Thou shalt not c. Levit. 19.12 Deut. 5.11 Matt. 5.33 Thou shalt not swear falsely nor lightly and commonly but greatly reverence the Holy Name of God Not hold him guiltless i. e. He will severely punish More is understood than is expressed vid. 1 Cor. 10.5 8. To keep it holy i. e. To separate
names of other Gods 14. Three times Deut. 16.16 15. Thou shalt c. Ch. 13.3 and 34.18 And none c. Deut. 16.16 Ecclus 35.4 Empty i. e. Without some Gift or Oblation Deut. 15.13 14. 16. Feast of harvest When they offered two Loaves of First-fruits Lev. 23.17 called The Feast of Weeks Exod 34.22 because it was seven weeks from the foregoing Feast Levit. 23.15 This was the Feast of Pentecost Act. 2.1 At this time the Law was given See Notes on ch 19.1 The feast of in gathering Called also The feast of Tabernacles Lev. 23.34 Deut. 16.13 17. Three times Viz. at the times last mentioned Before the LORD i. e. at the place where God appointed and where the Tabernacle and after that the Temple was 18. Of my sacrifice i. e. Of the Passover as the Chaldee hath it and as appears evidently from ch 34.25 With leavened bread i. e. Having leavened Bread in thy possession My sacrifice Or Feast Remain viz. Unburnt 19. The first-fruits Ch. 34.26 Thou shalt not seeth a kid c. Deut. 14.21 This the Jews understand as forbidding the eating of Flesh and Milk together And besides the shew of Cruelty in doing so Deut. 22.6 7. and Philo Jud. de Charitate it is supposed this was forbid the Israelites because it was a Rite used by Idolaters See Mor. Nevoch p. 3. c. 48. 20. Behold Ch. 33.2 An Angel i. e. Christ called so Mal. 3.1 He was tempted in the Wilderness 1 Cor. 10.9 Heb. 3.9 Maimon confesses that these words are explained by those Deut. 18.18 which words do manifestly belong to the Messias See the Notes on Deut. 18.15 More Nevoch p. 2. c. 34. 21. Not pardon your transgressions i. e. Your contumacious sins Vid. Josh 24.19 My name is in him Joh. 10.38 The Name of God signifies his Essence Exod. 3.13 And sometimes his Word says Maimon More Nevoch p. 1. c. 64. and is applicable to the Messiah in both these Senses 22. An adversary unto thine adversaries Or I will afflict them that afflict thee 23. For c. Ch. 33.2 Bring thee Josh 24.11 24. But thou shalt Deut. 7.25 26. There shall nothing Deut. 7.14 27. Backs Heb. Neck 28. I will send hornets Josh 2â—â— These words may well be understood literally See Exod 8.21 31. Sea of the Philistines i. e. The Mediterranean upon which their Country lay Desart Of Shur Exod. 15.22 Gen. 16.7 River i. e. Euphrates as the Greek have it 32. Thou shalt Ch. 34.15 Deut. 7.2 33. It will surely c. Deut. 7.16 Josh 23.13 Judg. 2.3 CHAP. XXIV The ARGUMENT Moses is called up into the Mountain The People promise Obedience Moses builds an Altar and twelve Pillars The young Men offer Sacrifices He enters the People into Covenant with God God manifests himself Moses continues in the Mount forty Days and forty Nights 1. AND he said unto Moses Come up unto the LORD thou and Aaron Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel and worship ye afar off 2. And Moses alone shall come near the LORD but they shall not come nigh neither shall the people go up with him 3. And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments and all the people answered with one voice and said All the words which the LORD hath said will we do 4. And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD and rose up early in the morning and builded an altar under the hill and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel 5. And he sent young men of the children of Israel which offered burnt-offerings and sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen unto the LORD 6. And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basons and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar 7. And he took the book of the covenant and read in the audience of the people and they said All that the LORD hath said will we do and be obedient 8. And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people and said Behold the blood of the covenant which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words 9. Then went up Moses and Aaron Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel 10. And they saw the God of Israel and there was under his feet as it were a paved-work of a saphire-stone and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness 11. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand also they saw God and did eat and drink 12. And the LORD said unto Moses Come up to me into the mount and be there and I will give thee tables of stone and a law and commandments which I have written that thou mayest teach them 13. And Moses rose up and his minister Joshua And Moses went up into the mount of God 14. And he said unto the elders Tarry ye here for us until we come again unto you and behold Aaron and Hur are with you if any man have any matters to do let him come unto them 15. And Moses went up into the mount and a cloud covered the mount 16. And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai and the cloud covered it six days and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud 17. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like deuouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel 18. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud and got him up into the mount and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights 1. COme up i. e. After thou hast propounded my Laws to the People and sprinkled the Blood c. to v. 9. God's Seventy of the elders Who will be good Witnesses of glorious appearance This number was afterward ordained by God and taken into the Government Num. 11.16 17. 2. Near the LORD i. e. Into the midst of the Cloud v. 18. The top of the Mount where was a glorious appearance and sign of God's more special presence v. 16 17. But they shall not come nigh i. e. Aaron Nadab and Abihu and the seventy Elders though they went up into the Mount shall not pass into the midst of the Cloud nor go up to the top or the Mount as Moses did Neither shall the people go up The Elders were allowed to go up some part of the Mount v. 1. Moses might onely come near the People are to stay at the bottom of the Mount 3. All the words of the LORD and all the judgments i. e. The Ten Commandments ch 20. which are called The words which God spake Exod. 20.1 And again the ten Words ch 38.28 and the Judicial Laws contained in the three foregoing Chapters which are called Judgments ch 21.1 All the words Ch. 19.8 verse 7. Deut. 5.27 4. An altar On God's part who is the principal party in this Covenant Twelve pillars On the People's behalf 5. Young men
out of Egypt Deut. 5.15 And it was a standing sign of that People's relation to God as their Maker and Deliverer Ezek. 20.20 That doth sanctifie you Or That doth set you apart to my Service and as a sign and token thereof the Sabbath was ordained for the service of God and rest from Worldly Occasions 14. Ye shall keep c. Ch. 20.8 Deut. 5.12 Ezek. 20.12 Be put to death The case was thus says Maimon among the Jews He that proudly and wittingly did work on the Sabbath was liable to be cut off i. e. To perish by the hand of God If he did it ignorantly he was obliged to bring his Sin-offering but if he were convicted by Witnesses he was to be stoned Num. 15.27.30 and 35. 15. Holy Heb. Holiness 17. In six days Gen. 1.13 and 2.2 18. Two tables Deut. 9.10 With the finger of God This is spoken after the manner of Men and is to be understood accordingly These Tables and the Writing on them were noâ— the work of a Man but were the work of God Vid. ch 31.16 Vid. More Nevochim p. 1. c. 66. CHAP. XXXII The ARGUMENT In the absence of Moses the Israelites prevail with Aaron to make a Calf They commit Idolatry God's great displeasure thereupon Moses intercedes with God on their behalf The Tables of Stone are broken Moses destroys the Calf and expostulates with Aaron The Sons of Levi slay many of the Israelites by the direction of Moses Moses minds the People of the greatness of their Sin He pleads with God on their behalf 1. AND when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron and said unto him Vp make us gods which shall go before us for as for this Moses the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt we wot not what is become of him 2. And Aaron said unto them Break off the golden ear-rings whâ—â—h are in the ears of your wives of your sons and of your daughters and bring them unto me 3. And all the people brake off the golden ear-rings which were in their ears and brought them unto Aaron 4. And he received them at their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool after he had made it a molten calf and they said These be thy gods O Israel which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt 5. And when Aaron saw it he built an altar before it and Aaron made proclamation and said To morrow is a feast to the LORD 6. And they rose up early on the morrow and offered burnt-offerings and brought peace-offerings and the people sat down to eat and to drink and rose up to play 7. And the LORD said unto Moses Go get thee down for thy people which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves 8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto and said These be thy gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt 9. And the LORD said unto Moses I have seen this people and behold it is a stiff-necked people 10. Now therefore let me alone that my wrath may wax hot against them and that I may consume them and I will make of thee a great nation 11. And Moses besought the LORD his God and said LORD why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand 12. Wherefore should the Egyptians speak and say For mischief did he bring them out to slay them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth Turn from thy fierce wrath and repent of this evil against thy people 13. Remember Abraham Isaac and Israel thy servants to whom thou swarest by thine own self and saidest unto them I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed and they shall inherit it for ever 14. And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people 15. And Moses turned and went down from the mount and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand the tables were written on both their sides on the one side and on the other were they written 16. And the tables were the work of God and the writing was the writing of God graven upon the tables 17. And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted he said unto Moses There is a noise of war in the camp 18. And he said It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome but the noise of them that sing do I hear 19. And it came to pass assoon as he came nigh unto the camp that he saw the calf and the dancing and Moses's anger waxed hot and he cast the tables out of his hands and brake them beneath the mount 20. And he took the calf which they had made and burnt it in the fire and ground it to powder and strawed it upon the water and made the children of Israel drink of it 21. And Moses said unto Aaron What did this people unto thee that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them 22. And Aaron said Let not the anger of my lord wax hot thou knowest the people that they are set on mischief 23. For they said unto me Make us gods which shall go before us For as for this Moses the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt we wot not what is become of him 24. And I said unto them Whosoever hath any gold let them break it off So they gave it me then I cast it into the fire and there came out this calf 25. And when Moses saw that the people were naked for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame amongst their enemies 26. Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said Who is on the LORD's side let him come unto me And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him 27. And he said unto them Thus saith the LORD God of Israel Put every man his sword by his side and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp and slay every man his brother and every man his companion and every man his neighbour 28. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men 29. For Moses had said Consecrate your selves to day to the LORD even every man upon his son and upon his brother that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day 30. And it came to pass on the morrow that Moses said unto the people Ye have sinned a great sin and now I will
Moses face to face as a man speaketh unto his friend And he turned again into the camp but his servant Joshua the son of Nun a young man departed not out of the tabernacle 12. And Moses said unto the LORD See thou sayest unto me Bring up this people and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me Yet thou hast said I know thee by name and thou hast also found grace in my sight 13. Now therefore I pray thee if I have found grace in thy sight shew me now thy way that I may know thee that I may find grace in thy sight and consider that this nation is thy people 14. And he said My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest 15. And he said unto him If thy presence go not with me carry us not up hence 16. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight Is it not in that thou goest with us So shall we be separated I and thy people from all the people that are upon the face of the earth 17. And the LORD said unto Moses I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken for thou hast found grace in my sight and I know thee by name 18. And he said I beseech thee shew me thy glory 19. And he said I will make all my goodness pass before thee and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy 20. And he said Thou canst not see my face for there shall no man see me and live 21. And the LORD said Behold there is a place by me and thou shalt stand upon a rock 22. And it shall come to pass while my glory passeth by that I will put thee in a clift of the rock and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by 23. And I will take away mine hand and thou shalt see my back-parts but my face shall not be seen 1. UNto thy seed Gen. 12.7 2. And I will send an Angel Deut. 7.22 Josh 24.11 By the Angel here is meant a Creature one of God's ministring Servants and not the Angel mentioned Exod. 23.20 as is evident by comparing the Text. 3. Stiff-nceked Ch. 32.9 Deut. 9.13 4. And when the people The order in which the things here reported to have been said and done will most clearly appear if after v. 3. we read v. 5. and then v. 4. and 6. And this our Translators seem to be sensible of by their rendring those words v. 5. For the LORD had said c. They could not but see that the threatning words which God bid Moses say to the Children of Israel v. 5. was the reason why the people mourned v. 4. The word For with which the fifth Verse begins plainly shews that this was the reason they mourned They did this upon the sad tidings that God would not go up in the midst of them God does after this promise his Presence v. 14. 5. That I may know We must not think that God did not know his own purpose and the event of things And therefore the Greek render the word as signifying to shew or make known to others And the words That I may know according to this rendring are as much as That I may or and I will discover See the Notes on Gen. 22.12 6. By the mount Or From the mount At some distance possibly from the Mount as being unworthy to come near the place where God did reveal himself 7. The Tabernacle His Tabernacle says the Greek i. e. The Tent of Moses where he was wont to give Judgment and to answer in matters of doubt Without the camp This was an Argument of God's displeasure with the People It is not to be supposed that Moses did this without God's direction and the descent of the cloudy Pillar upon this Tabernacle v. 9. was an argument that God withdrew from the People the token of his Presence and Favour And called it c. By the same name which the Tabernacle which was to be built by God's Command was called This was at present a provisional Tabernacle instead of that v. 9. Which sought the LORD i. e. That sought the knowledge of God's Will by Moses Ch. 18.15 19 20. 8. Rose up c. In expectation of what would follow upon this removal of the Tent. 9. Cloudy pillar The token of the Angel's presence ch 13.21 and ch 14.19 10. Worshipped They bowed down and worshipped God for this token of his presence 11. Face to face i. e. Plainly and familiarly not in Visions and Dreams and dark speeches This was a peculiar privilege to Moses Num. 12.6 8. Deut. 34.10 Departed not He stayed to give Judgment ch 18.26 12. Whom i. e. What Angel I know thee by name In a special manner I know thee Above all men as the Geeek render it See v. 11. 13. Thy way i. e. Thy gracious and mercifull Administration Vid. Ps 103.7 and 67.2 That I may find grace c. That so I may be assured of thy Favour 14. My presence i. e. My self Here God promises the presence of his Divine Majesty and that he will not leave them to the conduct of a created Angel They shall be under the care of the Angel of his Presence according to his Promise Exod. 23.20 Vid. Isa 63.9 15. And he said unto him Which words may be rendred And he had said unto him and so perhaps the words v. 17. The Lord said might have been better rendred The Lord had said 16. Be separated i. e. Distinguished by a peculiar privilege Ps 76.1 18. Thy glory i. e. Thy Face as it is expressed v. 20. That which Moses begs is a more plain and familiar knowledge of the Divine Nature and Essence or such a seeing of God v. 20. as this mortal state will not admit of 19. I will make all my goodness c. i. e. God promises to grant to Moses a knowledge of his goodness he should see the footsteps of his Mercy and he would let him know how he is affected to mankind And will be gracious Rom. 9.15 20. See my face i. e. Perfectly know me 1 Cor. 13.12 22. My glory i. e. Glorious appearance which speaks me present Cover thee with my hand i. e. Powerfully protect thee and hide thee 23. My back-parts This is spoken after the manner of Men For God is a Spirit We know God but imperfectly in this Life we learn something of him by the effects of his Power and Wisdom and Goodness A fuller knowledge is reserved for a future state CHAP. XXXIV The ARGUMENT The two Tables are renewed The Lord's Name proclaimed Moses begs God's Presence and Pardon Idolatry is strictly forbid God renews his Covenant and repeats several Laws that were given before Moses continues fasting in the Mount forty days and forty Nights The Face of Moses
shines He puts a Veil thereon whiles he speaks with the People and removes it when he speaks with God 1. AND the LORD said unto Mâ—ses Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest 2. And be ready in the morning and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai and present thy self there to me in the top of the mount 3. And no man shall come up with thee neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount 4. And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first and Moses rose up early in the morning and went up unto mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him and took in his hand the two tables of stone 5. And the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the name of the LORD 6. And the LORD passed by before him and proclaimed The LORD The LORD God mercifull and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth 7. Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the guilty visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and upon the children's children unto the third and to the fourth generation 8. And Moses made hast and bowed his head towards the earth and worshipped 9. And he said If now I have found grace in thy sight O Lord let my Lord I pray thee go amongst us for it is a stiff-necked people and pardon our iniquity and our sin and take us for thine inheritance 10. And he said Behold I make a covenant before all thy people I will do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth nor in any nation and all the people amongst which thou art shall see the work of the LORD for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee 11. Observe thou that which I command thee this day Behold I drive out before thee the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite 12. Take heed to thy self lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee 13. But ye shall destroy their altars break their images and cut down their groves 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the LORD whose name is Jealous is a jealous God 15. Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land and they go a whoring after their gods and do sacrifice unto their gods and one call thee and thou eat of his sacrifice 16. And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons and their daughters go a whoring after their gods and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods 17. Thou shalt make thee no molten gods 18. The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep Seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread as I commanded thee in the time of the month Abib for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt 19. All that openeth the matrix is mine and every firstling among thy cattel whether ox or sheep that is male 20. But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb and if thou redeem him not then shalt thou break his neck All the first-born of thy sons thou shalt redeem and none shall appear before me empty 21. Six days thou shalt work but on the seventh day thou shalt rest in earing-time and in harvest thou shalt rest 22. And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks of the first-fruits of wheat-harvest and the feast of ingathering at the year's end 23. Thrice in the year shall all your men-children appear before the Lord GOD the God of Israel 24. For I will cast out the nations before thee and enlarge thy borders neither shall any man desire thy land when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year 25. Thou shalt not offer the bloud of my sacrifice with leaven neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of passover be left unto the morning 26. The first of the first-fruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk 27. And the LORD said unto Moses Write thou these words for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel 28. And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty-nights he did neither eat bread nor drink water and he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant the ten commandments 29. And it came to pass when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses's hand when he came down from the mount that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him 30. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses behold the skin of his face shone and they were afraid to come nigh him 31. And Moses called unto them and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him and Moses talked with them 32. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai 33. And till Moses had done speaking with them he put a veil on his face 34. But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him he took the veil off untill he came out And he came out and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded 35. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses that the skin of Moses's face shone and Moses put the veil upon his face again untill he went in to speak with him 1. HEW thee The first Tables were the work of God ch 32.16 Deut. 10.1 5. Descended Was revealed says the Chaldee i. e. He manifested himself in the Cloud And proclaimed the name Or He called upon the name and then these words referr to Moses who upon God's glorious manifestation of himself called upon God This agrees well with the Hebrew Text Vid. Gen. 12.8 and is followed by the Vulgar Latin 6. And the LORD passed by c. That is He caused his Divine Presence to pass by as the Chaldee hath it And proclaimed i. e. And the Lord proclaimed ch 33.19 7. Will by no means clear Or Will not utterly cut off For so the Hebrew word is observed sometimes to signifie and is by our Englisâ— rendred to that sense Zech. 5.3 Jer. 46.28 in the Margent Besides when Moses deprecates God's displeasure he makes use of these words Num. 14.18 More Nevoch p. 1. c. 54. Visiting c. ch 20.5 Deut. 5.9 Jer. 32.18 9. If now c. Moses is now encouraged to pray as he doth upon this proclaiming the Mercy and Goodness of God My Lord
5.16 And one for him that had failed in Trust and defrauded his Neighbour Lev. 6.2 3 4 5 6. I shall now proceed to the remaining sort of bloudy Sacrifices viz. The Peace-offerings The two last kind of Offerings viz. that for Sin and Trespass supposed the Offerer obnoxious and God to be displeased and they were appointed for Atonement and Reconciliation But these Offerings suppose God reconciled to the Offerer and him to be at peace with God and in his favour And as an undeniable proof of that the Offerer was here admitted to partake of the Altar For whereas in the Holocausts the Altar consumed all the Flesh of the Sacrifice neither Priest nor People were allowed to partake And in the Sin and Trespass-offerings though the Priests did partake yet the Offerers had no share allowed them In these Peace-offerings the Offerers themselves were admitted to partake of the Sacrifice and to feast upon it They did partake of the Lord's Table and that was a sign of favour and friendship For eating together was always esteemed so and was therefore used of old in making Covenants and Agreements They who partake of the Altar have fellowship or communion with God as they are partakers of his Table vid. 1 Cor. 10.16 17 18 19 20 21. There are three several sorts of these Peace-offerings expressly mentioned in this Book of Leviticus ch 7.11 12 16. viz. The Thanksgiving the Vow and voluntary Offering We must know that all these Offerings had relation to prosperous things the first of these three to such as were already obtained and did therefore look backward altogether the other two looked forward toward some good things in hope or prospect The Jewish Writers observe a difference between the two latter of them in the manner after which the Offerer obliged himself to one or the other of them He that made a Vow said thus or to this effect Behold I take upon my self an Holocaust or a Peace-offering to be offered But the voluntary Offerer said Behold such a beast is an Holocaust or a Peace-offering The difference is very considerable For in the first there is an Obligation to a certain kind of Oblation in the second the individual Beast or thing to be offered is named So that in the voluntary Offering if the Beast c. set aside for the Offering should chance to perish before 't was offered the Obligation of the Offerer was in the same moment extinguished 'T was otherwise in a Vow For as the Votary is supposed in some strait or danger when he made his Vow so the very form of words in which his Vow is conceived obligeth him to make it good There is this farther difference between these two Offerings and the reason of it is manifest That whatever was vowed must be perfect in its kind for nothing else might be sacrificed But a less perfect Beast was accepted in a voluntary Offerer and though the thing that was imperfect might not be offered on God's Altar yet the price of it would be accepted for an holy use The words of the Law are express Either a Bullock or a Lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in its parts that mayest thou offer for a free-will Offering but for a Vow it shall not be accepted Levit. 22.23 This Observation gives great light to the words of the Prophet Cursed be the deceiver which hath in his flock a male and voweth and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing Mal. 1.14 The VOWING and SACRIFICING a corrupt thing was a breach of two Laws and most express Prohibitions For the Thanksgiving-offering 't was provided with great reason that it should be eaten the same day Levit. 7.15 This obliged the Offerer to Charity or Hospitality For 't is not supposed he could eat it alone Under this Head are reckoned the Nazarite's Offering Numb 6.17 The Paschal Lamb the Chagigah or Festival and additional Offerings c. These Peace-offerings were for the Congregation in which case the remainder belonged to the Priests or else for private persons And then the Sacrifice was divided into three parts First there was God's part which the Jews call Immurim which was burnt upon the Altar or God's Table of which see Levit. 3.2 3 4 5. Secondly the Priest's Portion viz. the Breast and Shoulder Levit. 7.31 32. Thirdly the Offerer's part which was the rest of the Flesh and above three parts of four of the flesh of the whole which might be eaten any-where in Jerusalem or any clean place in the Camp to which the City answered in after-times Levit. 10.14 And it might be eaten by any Israelite Man or Woman that were clean The Peace-offering is not offered of the Fowls but of the Bullock Sheep or Kid Male or Female Small or Great And this is a more general account of the bloudy Sacrifices and all the bloudy Sacrifices mentioned in the Law of Moses are reducible to one of these sorts or compounded of them says Maimon Praefat. ad Seder Kodashim I proceed to give some short account Of the Meat-offering which by the Jews is called Minchah which consisted of things inanimate as was observed before And such things they were as are of great use to the support of life viz. Flour Oil Wine Salt c. I will not enlarge upon this Head Some of these Meat-offerings were solitary i. e. were offered alone and by themselves others were offered with bloudy Sacrifices as concomitants Some without Wine others with viz. the concomitant ones Some were for the whole Congregation viz. the waved sheaf Levit. 23.11 The two wave loaves Levit. 23.17 The shew-bread Exod. 25.11 Some for private persons And under this last Head the Jews reckon several Among which were that for the poor Sinner who could not bear the price of a bloudy Sacrifice Lev. 5.11 That for the suspected Woman Numb 5. besides the voluntary ones III. I shall shew in few words how very usefull it is to understand this matter And so it is on sundry accounts For 1. We shall by this means the better apprehend the meaning of the Law of Moses and many times better discern the reason of some particular Laws and see in the whole System and Doctrine of the Sacrifices a greater Congruity and Harmony and Consistence than we could do otherwise And this will render the reading this part of the Law more entertaining to us 2. We shall better understand the Christian Doctrine For here are many things that point at things to come to pass in the days of the Messias and that referr to his Sufferings and Death and the atonement he made by the Sacrifice of himself And there are many passages in the New Testament especially in the Epistle to the Hebrews which will by this means be better understood I have often thought the Book of Leviticus an excellent Comment on the Epistle to the Hebrews 3. We may hence be farther convinced of the Divine Perfections Of God's purity who declares his hatred of
bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled 7. And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation lest you die for the anointing oyl of the LORD is upon you And they did according to the word of Moses 8. And the LORD spake unto Aaron saying 9. Do not drink wine nor strong drink thou nor thy sons with thee when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregationâ— lest ye die It shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations 10. And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy and between unclean and clean 11. And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses 12. And Moses spake unto Aaron and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar his sons that were left Take the meat-offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire and eat it without leaven beside the altar for it is most holy 13. And ye shall eat it in the holy place because it is thy due and thy son 's due of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire for so I am commanded 14. And the wave-breast and heave-shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place thou and thy sons and thy daughters with thee for they be thy due and thy son 's due which are given out of the sacrifices of peace-offerings of the children of Israel 15. The heave-shoulder and the wave-breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat to wave it for a wave-offering before the LORD and it shall be thine and thy sons with thee by a statute for ever as the LORD hath commanded 16. And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin-offering and behold it was burnt and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar the sons of Aaron which were left alive saying 17. Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin-offering in the holy place seeing it is most holy and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation to make atonement for them before the LORD 18. Behold the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place as I commanded 19. And Aaron said unto Moses Behold this day have they offered their sin-offering and their burnt-offering before the LORD and such things have befallen me and if I had eaten the sin-offering to day should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD 20. And when Moses heard that he was content 1. NAdab Numb 3.4 and 26.61 1 Chron. 24.2 Censer That is a certain Vessel in which they put Coals of fire Strange fire i. e. Other fire than what they ought to have used Thus Incense which was not such as was prescribed and allowed is called strange Incense Exod. 30.9 God had appointed a continual Fire upon the Altar of Burnt-offering ch 6.12 This Fire as appears afterward was to be used in burning the Incense ch 16.12 with Rev. 8.5 And as it was upon the Altar it was separated to an holy use and 't is therefore probable that the fault of Nadab and Abihu was that they used Common Fire and not Fire from the Altar which God had required for the service of the Sanctuary And these Men had without all doubt been sufficiently directed in their duty Commanded them not Or had not prescribed and allowed Those words do not imply that God had not forbidden it See Jer. 32.35 2. From the LORD i. e. Which God sent whether from the Altar or from above Devoured them It stifled them or killed them as Lightning hath been known to do See v. 5. 3. Spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me The substance of this was said in these words And let the Priests also which come near to the LORD sanctifie themselves lest the LORD break forth upon them Exod. 19.22 See also Levit. 8.35 and Isa 58.11 I will be glorified That is my Justice shall be known in punishing Transgressors The substance of this was threatned Exod. 19.22 And God is glorified by the Justice of his Inflictions Exod. 14.4 Ezek. 28.22 Held his peace i. e. He murmured not but submitted Psal 39.9 4. Vncle Exod. 6.18 20. with Numb 3.19 6. Vncover not your heads The uncovering the Head whether it were by putting off the Tire and Ornament of the Head or by shaving off the Hair was a sign of Mourning which is that which is forbidden the Priest in this place Ezek. 24.17 23. Levit. 13.45 with Job 1.20 Isa 22.12 To which places may be added to the same purpose ch 13.45 and ch 21.1 10. Numb 6.5 6. Neither rend c. Rending of clothes was also a sign of Mourning Gen. 37.34 Levit. 21.10 Vpon all the people Who will suffer greatly by the loss of their Priests who were to bless them and make atonement for them 7. Oyl Which was a token of the Spirit of Joy as well as it was that by which they were set a-part to the Service of God Psal 45.7 9. Wine This was forbid during their ministration and that they might not be unfit for their service Prov. 31.5 Isa 28.7 See vers 10 11. As also 1 Tim. 3.3 8. and 5.23 10. Put difference Wine and strong Drink take away the power of discerning and would consequently make the Priests unfit for their Ministration vid. Ezek. 44.21 23. Jerem. 15.19 12. It is most holy Vid. Levit. 2.3 and the Note on that place and also the 13 Verse of this Chapter 14. The Wave-breast Exod. 29.24 In a clean place Not in an holy place they being not most holy as that v. 12. and might therefore be eaten in the Camp and afterward in the City of Jerusalem 16. The Goat Mentioned ch 9.15 18. Behold the blood of it was not brought in In that case the Priest was not allowed any part or share in it as we are expressly told Levit. 6.30 As I commanded chap. 6.26 19. Should it have been accepted c. Because of his sorrow which indisposed him for that service Deut. 12.7 c. ch 26.14 CHAP. XI The ARGUMENT Of the Beasts that may be eaten and those which may not Of the Fish and Fowls that may or may not be eaten Of the creeping things which are unclean 1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron saying unto them 2. Speak unto the children of Israel saying These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beast that are on the earth 3. Whatsoever parteth the hoof and is cloven-footed and cheweth the cud among the beasts that shall ye eat 4. Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud or of them that divide the hoof as the camel because he cheweth the cud but divideth not the hoof he is unclean unto you 5. And the coney because he cheweth the cud but divideth not the hoof he is unclean unto you 6. And the hare because he
Lot upon the Goats severally as they stood before him on his right and left Hand Maim Jom Hak-kippur c. 3. With reference to the Box the Lot may be said to come up and with respect to the Goat on whom it was put to fall Josh 18.11 ch 19.1 Numb 33.54 10. To make an atonement This Goat was a Sin-offering as well as the other and is so called v. 5. And though he were not slain as the other yet was he charged with the Iniquity of the Israelites and might therefore be said to bear their Iniquities and to make Atonement for them 12. The Altar i. e. The Altar of Burnt-offerings or the brazen Altar 13. Put the incense This was done after the Bullock mentioned v. 3 11. was killed and before the blood was sprinkled And by this means the way was prepared into the Holy of Holies v. 2. Incense was a Figure of Prayer And the Incense which the High-priest here offers up was a Figure of the fervent Prayers which our Saviour made a little before his going into Heaven or that entring into the Holy place which is mentioned Heb. 9.12 That he die not See v. 2. and Exod. 33.20 14. He shall take Heb. 9.13 and ch 10.4 Sprinkle Ch. 4.6 Vpon the mercy-seat i. e. Upon the top of the Mercy-seat This the Jews say was done once besides the seven times before the Mercy-seat as follows 16. Because of the uncleanness Or from the uncleanness By this means it shall be purged or cleansed from the uncleanness of the Israelites Heb. 9.23 Remaineth Heb. Dwelleth 17. No man Luk. 1.10 The High-priest alone was concerned in this Service and in that a fit Type of Christ who by himself purged our sins Heb. 1.3 18. Altar i. e. The Altar of Incense Exod. 30.10 And the blood viz. Mingled together 20. Reconciling Or Purging See v. 19. 21. His hands See ch 4.1 Confess In the name of the People this Confession was to be made and the Jews in after-times tell us the form of words which were used viz. O Lord thy people the house of Israel have done iniquity trespassed and sinned before thee O Lord make atonement for the iniquities transgressions and sins which thy people the house of Israel have done unrighteously transgressed and sinned before thee as it is written in the law of Moses thy servant saying In this day he shall make atonement for you c. Joma c. 6. m. 2. Putting them upon c. After this manner transferring the guilt of Israel upon the head of the Goat which was a Type of Christ on whom the Lord hath laid the iniquity of us all Isa 53.6 2 Cor. 5.21 A fit man Heb. A man of opportunity Or a man prepared and designed for that service 22. Not inhabited Heb. Of separation 25. Fat This was onely to be burnt upon the Altar the Body was burnt without the Camp v. 27. 27. And the Bullock c. Ch. 6.30 Heb. 13.11 29. A statute for ever During the Legal Dispensation it was to continue among them But then Christ put an end to it and rendred the Service useless and the destruction of their Temple rendred it unpracticable 30. From all your sins This is to be understood with relation to the Blood of Christ 1 Joh. 2.1 2. which cleanseth us from all Sin 1 Joh. 1.7 And also upon the Repentance of the Sinner without which he was not pardoned by the day of Expiation 31. A Sabbath of rest c. It was a time in which they were to forbear their ordinary and common Work and abstain from their food and sensual Pleasures See Isa 58.13 Levit. 23.29 30. 32. Whom he shall anoint i. e. Who shall be anointed as the Vulgar hath it And so whom he shall consecrate i. e. who shall be consecrated An active Verb without a Person is frequently in the Holy Scripture to be taken passively The well observing whereof will tend to the removing many difficulties E. g. They could not believe because that Esaias said again He hath blinded their eyes and hath hardened their hearts Joh. 12.39 40. The Jews unbelief is not there imputed to God as to the Cause 'T is not so imputed by the Prophet Esai 6.9 nor by St. Matthew who cites that place ch 13.14 15. All it imports is That their eyes were blinded and their hearts hardened And thus 't is expressed Act. 28.27 Thus He hardened Pharaoh's heart Exod. 7.13 signifies no more than that his heart was hardened See the Note on that place Thus He moved David 2 Sam. 24.1 imports no more but this That David was moved There are many such places See Luk. 12.20.16.9.14.35 Isa 9.9 Matt. 5.13 34. Once a year Exod. 30.10 Heb. 9.7 CHAP. XVII The ARGUMENT Whoever killed an Ox Lamb or Goat during the Israelites stay in the Wilderness was obliged to bring it to the door of the Tabernacle that the Blood of it might be sprinkled on the Altar Sacrificing to Devils is forbidden The eating of Blood again forbidden That which dies of it self and is torn by Beasts is also forbidden 1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses saying 2. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons and unto all the children of Israel and say unto them This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded saying 3. What man soever there be of the house of Israel that killeth an ox or lamb or goat in the camp or that killeth it out of the camp 4. And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD blood shall be imputed unto that man he hath shed blood and that man shall be cut off from among his people 5. To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices which they offer in the open field even that they may bring them unto the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation unto the priest and offer them for peace-offerings unto the LORD 6. And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD 7. And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils after whom they have gone a whoring This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations 8. And thou shalt say unto them Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel or of the strangers which sojourn among you that offereth a burnt-offering or sacrifice 9. And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation to offer it unto the LORD even that man shall be cut off from among his people 10. And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel or of the strangers that sojourn among you that eateth any manner of blood I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood and will cut him off from among his people 11. For the
from the Holy of Holies From the evening c. See Exod. 27.21 4. The pure candlestick Exod. 31.8 So called because it was made of pure Gold Exod. 25.31 Besides that it was made clean by the Priest who ministred in that Service 5. Cakes Called Shew-bread Exod. 25.30 Two tenth-deals i. e. Two Omers See Exod. 16.36 7. For a memorial Whereas the Bread was allowed to be eaten by the Priests v. 9. the Frankincense was to be consumed on the Altar and is here called An offering made by fire unto the LORD See the Notes on Levit. 2.2 9. It shall be Exod 29.33 ch 8.31 Matt. 12.4 10. An Egyptian One of those who followed the Israelites out of Egypt Exod. 12.38 and was probably a Proselyte among them For the Hebrew imports That he who blasphemed was the Son of an Egyptian among the children of Israel i. e. Of an Egyptian received into the Congregation of Israel 11. Blasphemed the Name The Jews understand this to be meant of pronouncing the peculiar Name of God This is favoured by the Greek and Chaldee But it is evident from the Context that he was guilty of Blasphemy of Cursing the God of Israel v. 15. and that the express naming him was not his onely crime for it is added here and cursed He did some way or other for his words are not expressed reproach the God of Israel 12. Put him in ward Num. 15.34 That the mind of the LORD might be shewed them Heb. To expound unto them according to the mouth of the Lord. 14. Without the camp See v. 23. He is to be brought without the Camp as a polluted and accursed thing not fit to remain in the Congregation Num. 5.2 3. Heb. 13.11 12 13. Lay their hands Signifying that his Blood should be upon his own head and that he was guilty See Deut. 13.9.17.7 16. Blasphemeth Expresseth with Irreverence or sign of Contempt See v. 11. 1 King 21.10 13. Stranger Or Proselyte as this Egyptian 17. He that killeth c. Exod. 21.12 Deut. 19.21 Killeth any man Heb. Smiteth the life of a man 18. Beast for beast Heb. Life for life 19. As he hath done Exod. 21.24 Deut. 19.21 Matt. 5.38 22. One manner Exod. 12.49 CHAP. XXV The ARGUMENT Of the Sabbatical-year Of the Fiftieth Year or Year of Jubile A Blessing promised upon Obedience Of the Redemption of Land and of Houses God's particular eare of the Levites Compassion is required to the Poor Of the Servants who are poor Israelites and how they are to be treated Of Bond-servants Of the Redemption of the Israelitish Servants 1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai saying 2. Speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them When ye come into the land which I give you then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD 3. Six years thou shalt sow thy field and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard and gather in the fruit thereof 4. But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land a sabbath for the LORD thou shalt neither sow thy field nor prune thy vineyard 5. That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed for it is a year of rest unto the land 6. And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you for thee and for thy servant and for thy maid and for thy hired servant and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee 7. And for thy cattel and for the beast that are in thy land shall all the increase thereof be meat 8. And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee seven times seven years and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years 9. Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land 10. And ye shall ballow the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof it shall be a jubile unto you and ye shall return every man unto his possession and ye shall return every man unto his family 11. A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you ye shall not sow neither reap that which groweth of it self in it nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed 12. For it is the jubile it shall be holy unto you ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field 13. In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession 14. And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand ye shall not uppress one another 15. According to the number of years after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy neighbour and according unto the number of years of the fruits he shall sell unto thee 16. According to the multitude of years thou shalt increase the price thereof and according to the fewâ—ess of years thou shalt diminish the price of it for according to the number of the years of the fruits doth he sell unto thee 17. Ye shall not therefore oppress one another but thou shalt fear thy God for I am the LORD your God 18. Wherefore ye shall do my statutes and keep my judgments and do them and ye shall dwell in the land in safety 19. And the land shall yield her fruit and ye shall eat your fill and dwell therein in safety 20. And if ye shall say What shall we eat the seventh year behold we shall not sow nor gather in our increase 21. Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year and it shall bring forth fruit for three years 22. And ye shall sow the eighth year and eat yet of old fruit untill the ninth year untill her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store 23. The land shall not be sold for ever for the land is mine for ye are strangers and sojourners with me 24. And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land 25. If thy brother be waxen poor and hath sold away some of his possession and if any of his kin come to redeem it then shall he redeem that which his brother sold 26. And if the man have none to redeem it and himself be able to redeem it 27. Then let him count the years of the sale thereof and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it that he may return unto his possession 28. But if he be not able to restore it to him then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile and in the jubile it shall go out and he shall return unto his possession 29. And if a man sell a dwelling-house in a walled city then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is
six hundred they shall go hindmost with their standards 32. These are those which were numbred of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers all those that were numbred of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty 33. But the Levites were not numbred among the children of Israel as the LORD commanded Moses 34. And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses so they pitched by their standards and so they set forward every one after their families according to the house of their fathers 2. Standard or Banner the setting up of which is a Warlike preparation Ps 20.5 with Jer. 51.27 Ensign These Standards were distinguished by certain marks or signs What those were is not here expressed but the Jewish Writers tell us that the Ensign of Judah was a Lion that of Reuben a Man that of Ephraim an Ox and that of Dan an Eagle Far off Heb. Over-against The distance between the Tabernacle and the Camp of Israel is not here expressed but is probably collected from Josh 3.4 to be about the space of Two thousand Cubits or a Mile which is called a Sabbath-days journey Act. 1.12 vid. Targum in Ruth 1.16 3. On the East-side c. i. e. In the first or principal place as the Greek have it In this Quarter were Moses and Aaron and his Sons placed ch 3.38 14. Reuel Called Deuel ch 1.14 25. Dan He was the Son of an Handmaid but hath his Standard assigned him a Dignity very agreeable to Jacob's Prediction Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel Gen. 49.16 33. But the Levites c. Seâ— the Notes on ch 1.47 CHAP. III. The ARGUMENT Of the Sons of Aaron The Charge of the Levites who are taken in lieu of the first-born The Levites are numbred The Number and Charge of the Gershonites Of the Kohathites and of the Merarites The Number of the whole The First-born of the Israelites are numbred and freed by the Levites the overplus are redeemed 1. THese also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai 2. And these are the names of the sons of Aaron Nadab the first-born and Abihu Eleazar and Ithamar 3. These are the names of the sons of Aaron the priests which were anointed whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office 4. And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered strange fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai and they had no children and Eleazar and Ithamar ministred in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father 5. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying 6. Bring the tribe of Levi near and present them before Aaron the priest that they may minister unto him 7. And they shall keep his charge and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation to do the service of the tabernacle 8. And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation and the charge of the children of Israel to do the service of the tabernacle 9. And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel 10. And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons and they shall wait on their priest's office and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death 11. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying 12. And I behold I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in stead of all the first-born that openeth the matrice among the children of Israel therefore the Levites shall be mine 13. Because all the first-born are mine for on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel both man and beast mine they shall be I am the LORD 14. And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai saying 15. Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers by their families every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them 16. And Moses numbred them according to the word of the LORD as he was commanded 17. And these were the sons of Levi by their names Gershon and Kohath and Merari 18. And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families Libni and Shimei 19. And the sons of Kohath by their families Amram and Izehar Hebron and Vzziel 20. And the sons of Merari by their families Mabli and Mushi these are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers 21. Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimites these are the families of the Gershonites 22. Those that were numbred of them according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward even those that were numbred of them were seven thousand and five hundred 23. The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward 24. And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael 25. And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle and the tent the covering thereof and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation 26. And the hangings of the court and the curtain for the door of the court which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about and the cords of it for all the service thereof 27. And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites and the family of the Izeharites and the family of the Hebronites and the family of the Vzzielites these are the families of the Kohathites 28. In the number of all the males from a month old and upward were eight thousand and six hundred keeping the charge of the sanctuary 29. The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward 30. And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Vzziel 31. And their charge shall be the ark and the table and the candlestick and the altars and the altars and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister and the hanging and all the service thereof 32. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary 33. Of Merari was the family of the Mâ—hlites and the family of the Mushites these are the families of Merari 34. And those that were numbred of them according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward were six thousand and two hundred 35. And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail these shall pitch on the side of
the tabernacle northward 36. And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle and the bars thereof and the pillars thereof and the sockets thereof and all the vessels thereof and all that serveth thereto 37. And the pillars of the court round about and their sockets and their pins and their cords 38. But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward shall be Moses and Aaron and his sons keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death 39. All that were numbred of the Levites which Moses and Aaron numbred at the commandment of the LORD throughout their families all the males from a mouth old and upward were twenty and two thousand 40. And the LORD said unto Moses Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward and take the â—umber of their names 41. And thou shalt take the Levites for me I am the LORD in stead of all the first-born among the children of Israel and the cattel of the Levites in stead of all the firstlings among the cattel of the children of Israel 42. And Moses numbred as the LORD commanded him all the first-born among the children of Israel 43. And all the first-born males by the number of names from a month old and upward of those that were numbred of them were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen 44. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying 45. Take the Levites in stead of all the first-born among the children of Israel and the cattel of the Levites in stead of their cattel and the Levites shall be mine I am the LORD 46. And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the first-born of the children of Israel which are more then the Levites 47. Thou shalt even take five shekels a piece by the pâ—ll after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them the shekel is twenty gerabs 48. And thou shalt give the money wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons 49. And Moses took the redemption-money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites 50. Of the first-born of the children of Israel took he the money a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary 51. And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons according to the word of the LORD as the LORD commanded Moses 1. AND Moses The Posterity of Moses whose Sons were not Priests but Levites 1 Chron. 23.13 14. are numbred among the Kohathites v. 27. 2. The first-born Exod. 6.23 3. Whom be consecrated Heb. Whose hand he filled See Exod. 29.9 4. And Nadab c. Levit. 10.1 ch 26.61 1 Chron. 24.2 In the sight c. Or With as the Greek have it viz. in the life-time of Aaron And thus much the Hebrew imports elsewhere Vid. Gen. 11.28 6. Minister The Work and Office of the Levites was as follows I. To minister to the Priests as appears from this Verse and from 1 Chron. 23.28 II. To serve at the Tabernacle this is expressed by keeping the Charge of the whole Congregation v. 7. And herein they served the People Vid. 2. Chron. 35.3 We have an account in this Chapter of the particular charge of the Gershonites v. 25 26. Of the Kohathites v. 31. Of the Merarites v. 36. And of their Carriages ch 4. and Deut. 10.8 From the Carriages they were excused in after-times when the Temple was built 1 Chron. 23.26 But then they were appointed III. To be Singers 1 Chron. 23.30 and ch 24. IV. And Pâ—rters to the several Gates of the Temple 1 Chron. 26.13 V. They had the charge of the Treasure 1 Chron. 26.20 of the House of God and of the Dedicate things And lastly some of them were made Officers and Judges in Business of the Lord and Service of the King See 1 Chron. 26.29 30. 7. His charge That is Aaron's v. 6. whom they were to obey The Hebrew imports this sense Levit. 18.30 And the charge of the whole congregation They were not onely â—o serve Aaron but the People also 2 Chron. 35.3 out of whom they were taken instead of the First-born v. 12. and whom they served when they attended upon the Sanctuary and discharged the several duties of their place v. 8. The Levites Obligation to Aaron and to the People may be learned from v. 9. 10. Priest's office It was the proper and peculiar Office of the Priests to bless the People in the name of the Lord to offer Incense and to minister at the Altar Numb 18.7 Deut. 21.5 1 Chron. 23.13 Stranger i. e. Who is not of the Family of Aaron See ch 1.51 Put to death See Numb 16. 13. For on the day Exod. 13.2 Levit. 27.26 chap. 8.16 Luk. 2.23 14. Moses Not to Moses and Aaron The Number of the Israelites was to be taken by Aaron as well as Moses ch 1.3 and so was that of the Kohathites ch 4.2 And the Gershonites and Merarites are expressly said to be numbred by Aaron as well as Moses ch 4.41 45. But the Precept to number the Levites here is onely directed to Moses and by him was executed v. 16. whatever assistance or approbation Aaron might give v. 39. And again we find that Moses was onely concerned in numbring the First-born of Israel v. 40 41 42. in which Aaron is not mentioned at all For since the Money with which the First-born of Israel which exceeded the number of the Levites were to be redeemed was to be paid to Aaron and his Sons v. 48. He whose advantage it was that the number of the First-born of Israel should exceed was not authorized to take the number 15. From a month old c. The reason why the Levites were numbred here from a Month old and not as the other Tribes from twenty years old and upward is because they were taken in the stead of the First-born v. 12. and are therefore numbred at that age when the First-born were to be redeemed Numb 18.16 16. Word Heb. Mouth 17. And these c. Gen. 46.11 Exod. 6.16 ch 26.57 1 Chron. 6.1 23. Behind the tabernacle westward The East was reckoned the first place ch 2 3. and the West was consequently behind The Gershonites pitched between the Tabernacle and the Standard of Ephraim ch 2.18 25. The charge c. Compare ch 4.25 29. Southward Between the Sanctuary and the Standard of Reuben ch 2.10 31. Their charge Compare ch 4. v. 5 c. 35. Northward viz. Between the Sanctuary and the Standard of Daâ— ch 2.25 36. Under the custody Heb. The office of the charge Compare chap. 4.31 32. 38. Eastward viz. Between
pins and their cords with all their instruments and with all their service and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden 33. This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest 34. And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbred the sons of the Kohathites after their families and after the house of their fathers 35. From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old every one that entreth into the service for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation 36. And those that were numbred of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty 37. These were they that were numbred of the families of the Kobathites all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses 38. And those that were numbred of the sons of Gershon throughout their families and by the house of their fathers 39. From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old every one that entreth in to the service for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation 40. Even those that were numbred of them throughout their families by the houses of their fathers were two thousand and six hundred and thirty 41. These are they that were numbred of the families of the sons of Gershon of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD 42. And those that were numbred of the families of the sons of Merari throughout their families by the house of their fathers 43. From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old every one that entreth into the service for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation 44. Even those that were numbred of them after their families were three thousand and two hundred 45. These be those that were numbred of the families of the sons of Merari whom Moses and Aaron numbred according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses 46. All those that were numbred of the Levites whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbred after their families and after the house of their fathers 47. From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old every one that came to do the service of the ministery and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation 48. Even those that were numbred of them were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore 49. According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbred by the hand of Moses every one according to his service and according to his burden thus were they numbred of him as the LORD commanded Moses 3. From thirty years old c. While the Tabernacle continued the Levites were admitted into their several Offices and Employments at several Ages They were not obliged to the most burdensome before the Age of thirty years nor after fifty And of this sort is the Employment mentioned here See v. 15 25 31. But there are other Offices belonging to the Levites besides the hearing of the Tabernacle for they were obliged to serve in it Numb 8.19 And to their attendance upon the Tabernacle they were admitted at the Age of Five and twenty years Numb 8.24 This reconciles this place with Numb 8.25 The Levites there are considered as admitted to serve which they might do at the Age of Twenty-five years Here they are considered with respect to their burden to which Employment they were not admitted till the Age of Thirty years The service and burden of the Levites are of a distinct consideration E. g. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites to serve and for burdens v. 24. Again From thirty years old and upwards even unto fifty years old every one that came to do the Service of the Ministery and the Service of the Burden v. 47. In the 8th of Numbers there is no mention of the Burden but of the Service of the Levites As the Levites were not at the same Age received into every Employment so they were not at the Age of Fifty years discharged from all attendance but were obliged to minister with their Brethren ch 8.21 26. All that enter c. i. e. All that are fit to enter upon this Ministery being of a just age and sufficient strength and not legally excluded ch 5.2.1.3 This Service was a spiritual Warfare and he that entred upon it is said to enter into the Host See v. 23. and 1 Tim. 1.18 2 Tim. 2.3 5. The covering veil The same which is called the veil Exod. 40.3 And the second veil Heb. 9.3 The Veil which did divide between the Holy place and the most Holy Exod. 26.31 32 33. The Covering of the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation was the Charge of the Gershonites v. 25. 6. The covering of badger's skins Thus Covering was a peculiar Case or Cover made on purpose to defend the Ark from the injury of Weather Such a Case there was also for the Table of Shew-bread v. 8. and for the Candlestick v. 10. and for the Golden Altar v. 11. and the Altar of Burnt-offering v. 14. These seem to be meant by the Clothes of Service which are mention'd Exod. 31.10 presently after the Ark and Table and Candlestick the Altar of Incense and the Altar of Burnt-offering which are there reckoned up in the same Order in which we find them just before the mention of the Clothes of Service v. 10. Put in the staves i. e. Order and dispose the Staves as the Hebrew word elsewhere signifies Levit. 24.6 Gen. 28.11 Psal 50.23 that they might be so covered that yet the Ark may be born with them Exod. 25.14 Here is no mention in this place of putting them into the Rings which is by other words expressed Exod. 25.14 And it was Commanded that the Staves should be constantly in the Rings of the Ark Exod. 25.15 7. Table Exod. 25.30 Cover withall Heb. Pour out withall See the Notes on Exod. 25.29 9. Candlestick Exod. 25.31 And his Lamps Exod. 25.37 38. 10. A Bar For the better carrying of it there being no Rings and Staves belonging to the Candlestick 11. Staves See Exod. 30.5 12. Bar See v. 10. 13. Altar i. e. The Altar of Burnt-offering For of the Altar of Incense can was taken before v. 11. 14. Censers Or Tongs The Hebrew word denotes an Instrument that takes the Fire or Câ—â—â— Basons Or Bowls Staves See Exod. 27.7 15. To bear The Levites were generally obliged to bear the Ark and the other Holy things mentioned here See 1 Chron. 15.2 15. But this is not so to be understood as to exclude the Priest's from bearing the Aâ—k upon occasion which they did without being guilty of
to separate themselves unto the LORD 3. He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink and shall drink no vinegar of wine or vinegar of strong drink neither shall â—e drink any liquor of grapes nor eat moist grapes or dried 4. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine-tree from the kernels even to the husk 5. All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no rasor come upon his head untill the days be fulfilled in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall be holy and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow 6. All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body 7. He shall not make himself unclean for his father or for his mother for his brother or for his sister when they die because the consecration of his God is upon his head 8. All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD 9. And if any man die very suddenly by him and he hath defiled the head of his consecration then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing on the seventh day shall he shave it 10. And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles or two young pigeons to the priest to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation 11. And the priest shall offer the one for a sin-offering and the other for a burnt-offering and make an atonement for him for that he sinned by the dead and shall hallow his head that same day 12. And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass-offering but the days that were before shall be lost because his separation was defiled 13. And this is the law of the Nazarite When the days of his separation are fulfilled he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation 14. And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD one he-lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt-offering and one ew-lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin-offering and one ram without blemish for peace-offerings 15. And a basket of unleavened bread cakes of fine flour mingled with oyl and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oyl and their meat-offering and their drink-offerings 16. And the priest shall bring them before the LORD and shall offer his sin-offering and his burnt-offering 17. And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto the LORD with the basket of unleavened bread the priest shall offer also his meat-offering and his drink-offering 18. And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation and shall take the hair of the head of his separation and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace-offerings 19. And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram and one unleavened cake out of the basket and one unleavened wafer and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite after the hair of his sepâ—ration is shavâ—n 20. And the priest shall wave them for a wave-offering before the LORD this is holy for the priest with the wave-breast and heave-shoulder and after that the Nazarite may drink wine 21. This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation besides that that his hand shall get according to the vow which he vowed so he must do after the law of his separation 22. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying 23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons saying On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel saying unto them 24. The LORD bless thee and keep thee 25. The LORD make his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee 26. The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace 27. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel and I will bless them 2. A vow of a Nazarite i. e. A Religious promise of Abstinence for the Hebrew word signifies to separate or abstain Gen. 49.26 To separate themselves Or make themselves Nazarites Vnto the LORD By this Vow the Nazarite was separated to a greater measure of Sanctity and Obedience and therefore may be said to be separated unto the Lord As the Priests were whose Office and Employment required of them great degrees of Holiness 3. From wine and strong drink That is from Wine and any other Liquor that is apt to bring Drunkenness upon the drinker From new and old Wine says Onkelos The Priests are under the same Prohibition when they went into the Tabernacle Levit. 10.9 They who professed more than ordinary Sanctity were obliged to abstain from Wine as that which might make them forget the Law and might deprive them of the Power of judging of things a-right Prov. 31.5 Hos 4.11 Isa 28.7 with Levit. 10.10 11. 4. Separation Or Nazariteship See v. 1. Vine-tree Heb. Vine of the Wine 5. Rasor Judg. 13.5 1 Sam. 1.11 By Rasor here is meant any thing which took off the Hair Grow In token that he hath preserved himself from legal defilements For had he not he would have been obliged to cut off his Hair See v. 9. and Levit. 14.8 9. And therefore this is fitly subjoined to those words He shall be holy of which the growth of Hair was a proof 6. Dead body This was a Figure of dead Works which do really as a dead Body did legally defile the Man 7. He shall not make himself unclean c. This Law was also given to the Priest See the Notes on Levit. 21.1 Consecration Heb. Separation 9. Defiled Viz. By transgressing v. 6. His cleansing This day was the Seventh from his defilement according to the Law in this case Numb 19.11 12. 11. Sinned i. e. Contracted a Legal defilement by the Dead Hallow his head i. e. Sanctifie or separate his Head a-new 12. Lost Heb. Fall i. e. They shall not come into account as the Greek have it 14. His offering Both his Offering of Praise or Peace-offering for his having performed his Vow And also his Expiatory-offerings or Burnt and Sin-offerings in token of his need of God's Mercy and Pardon even when he had done his best 1 Cor. 4.4 15. Vnleavened bread See Levit. 7.12 And their meat-offering and their drink-offerings i. e. Besides what is mentioned before the ordinary Meat-offering and Drink-offerings of which see Numb 28. 18. And the Nazarite Act. 21.24 Shave This Shaving differs from that mentioned v. 9. which was for Uncleanness contracted whereas this was out of thankfulness for having fulfilled the Vow and for that reason the Hair was put into the fire under the Eucharistical or Peace-offering 19. The sodden shoulder This must be understood of the left shoulder because the right shoulder called the heave-shoulder Levit. 7.34 and in the 20th Verse of
this Chapter was the portion of the Priest out of every Peace-offering Levit 7.32 Hence this Shoulder which is an additional portion belonging to the Priest from the Nazarite's Peace-offering is said to be holy for the Priest with the Wave-breast and Heave-shoulder v. 20. which two last were reserved as his portion before Levit. 7.34 20. For a wave-offering Exod. 29.27 21. Besides that c. He is obliged though poor to do all which is prescribed before but if he be rich he may add to it 23. Aaron and unto his sons It was the proper Office of the Priests to bless the People Deut. 21.5 1 Chron. 23.13 24. Bless thee That is send thee plenty of good things Keep thee i. e. Preserve thee in that good and blessed Estate 25. Make his face to shine upon thee c. That is manifest his great favour towards thee This God did when he sent Christ into the World who was the Light of it And this great Blessing may well be supposed to be couched under these words Compare with these words 2 Cor. 4.4 26. The LORD c. i. e. The Lord take thee into his care and special Providence and as a proof of that give thee all the tokens of his kindness the greatest of his benefits and favours 27. They shall put my Name c. i. e. They shall in my Name pronounce this Blessing upon them CHAP. VII The ARGUMENT The Offerings of the Princes of the several Tribes upon the setting up of the Tabernacle and for the dedicating of the Altar The Summ of what was offered collected God speaketh to Moses from off the Mercy-seat 1. AND it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle and had anointed it and sanctified it and all the instruments thereof both the altar and all the vessels thereof and had anointed them and sanctified them 2. That the princes of Israel heads of the house of their fathers who were the princes of the tribes and were over them that were numbred offered 3. And they brought their offering before the LORD six covered wagons and twelve oxen a wagon for two of the princes and for each one an ox and they brought them before the tabernacle 4. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying 5. Take it of them that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation and thou shalt give them unto the Levites to every man according to his service 6. And Moses took the wagons and the oxen 〈◊〉 gave them unto the Levites 7. Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon according to their service 8. And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari according unto their service under the hand of Ithâ—mar the son of Aaron the priest 9. But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders 10. And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed even the princes offered their offering before the altar 11. And the LORD said unto Moses They shall offer their offering each prince on his day for the dedicating of the altar 12. And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah 13. And his offering was one silver charger the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oyl for a meat-offering 14. One spoon of ten shekels of gold full of incense 15. One young bullock one ram one lamb of the first year for a burnt-ffering 16. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering 17. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings two oxen five rams five he-goats five lambs of the first year This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab 18. On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar prince of Issachar did offer 19. He offered for his offering one silver charger the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl for a meat-offering 20. One spoon of gold of ten shekels full of incense 21. One young bullock one ram one lamb of the first year for a burnt-offering 22. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering 23. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings two oxen five rams five he-goats five lambs of the first year This was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar 24. On the third day Eliab the son of Helon prince of the children of Zebulun did offer 25. His offering was one silver charger the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary both of them full of fine flower mingled with oyl for a meat-offering 26. One golden spoon of ten shekels full of incense 27. One young bullock one ram one lamb of the first year for a burnt-offering 28. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering 29. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings two oxen five rams five he-goats five lambs of the first year This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon 30. On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur prince of the children of Reuben did offer 31. His offering was one silver charger of an hundred and thirty shekels one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl for a meat-offering 32. One golden spoon of ten shekels full of incense 33. One young bullock one ram one lamb of the first year for a burnt-offering 34. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering 35. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings two oxen five rams five he-goats five lambs of the first year This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur 36. On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai prince of the children of Simeon did offer 37. His offering was one silver charger the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl for a meat-offering 38. One golden spoon of ten shekels full of incense 39. One young bullock one ram one lamb of the first year for a burnt-offering 40. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering 41. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings two oxen five rams five he-goats five lambs of the first year This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai 42. On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel prince of the children of Gad offered 43. His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels a silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the
of hand if I have found favour in thy sight and let me not see my wretchedness 16. And the LORD said unto Moses Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people and officers over them and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation that they may stand there with thee 17. And I will come down and talk with thee there and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee and will put it upon them and they shall bear the burthen of the people with thee that thou bear it not thy self alone 18. And say thou unto the people Sanctifie your selves against to morrow and ye shall eat flesh for you have wept in the ears of the LORD saying Who shall give us flesh to eat for it was well with uâ— in Egypt therefore the LORD will give you flesh and ye shall eat 19. Ye shall not eat one day nor two days nor five dâ—ys neither ten days nor twenty days 20. But even a whole month untill it come out at your nostrils and it be lothsome unto you because that ye have despiseâ— the LORD which is among you and have wept before him saying Why came we forth out of Egypt 21. And Moses said The people amongst whom I am â—â—t six hundred thousand foot men and thou hast said I will giâ—e them flesh that they may eat a whole month 22. Shaâ—â— the flocks and the â—â—rdâ— be slain for them to suffice them or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them to suffice them 23. And the LORD said unto to Moses Is the LORD's hand waxed short thou shalt see now whether my words shall come to pass unto thee or not 24. And Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and set them round about the tabernacle 25. And the LORD came down in a cloud and spake unto him and took of the spirit that was upon him and gave it unto the seventy elders and it came to pass that when the spirit rested upon them they prophesied and did not cease 26. But there remained two of the men in the camp the name of the one was Eldad and the name of the other Medad and the spirit rested upon them and they were of them that were written but went not out unto the tabernacle and they prophesied in the camp 27. And there ran a young man and told Moses and said Eldad and Medad do prophesie in the camp 28. And Joshua the son of Nun the servant of Moses one of his young men answered and said My lord Moses forbid them 29. And Moses said unto him Enviest thou for my sake would God that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them 30. And Moses got him into the camp he and the elders of Israel 31. And there went forth a wind from the LORD and brought quails from the sea and let them fall by the camp as it were a days journey on this side and as it were a days journey on the other side round about the camp and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth 32. And the people stood up all that day and all that night and all the next day and they gathered the quails he that gathered least gathered ten homers and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp 33. And while the flesh was yet between their teeth ere it was chewed the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague 34. And he called the name of that place Kibroth-hattaavah because there they buried the people that lusted 35. And the people journeyed from Kibroth-hattaavah unto Hazeroth and abode at Hazeroth 1. COmplained Heb. Were as it were complainers They began to mutter and were discontent and uneasie upon their three days march ch 10.38 but did not openly mutiny and complain as they did afterwards It displeased the LORD Heb. It was evil in the ears of the LORD The LORD heard it It is not said that Moses heard it as it is v. 10. when they openly complained Fire of the LORD i. e. A Fire which the Lord sent among them Burnt Psal 78.21 2. Was quenched Heb. Sunk 3. Taberah That is Burning 4. Mixt multitude As Exod. 12.38 Fell a lusting Heb. Lusted a lust Wept again Heb. Returned and wept Who shall give 1 Cor. 10.6 This was a Sin distinct from that mentioned v. 1. and a greater and more severely punished compare v. 1. with v. 33. and much aggravated upon the following accounts I. Their Discontent v. 1. was improved into an open complaint v. 4 5 6. II. They declared their Distrust of God's Power and Providence of which they had had great experience v. 4. and v. 18. with Psal 78.22 III. They unthankfully despised God and his former Mercies v. 6 7 20. IV. They covetously desire Flesh when they had much Cattel of their own Exod. 12.32 38. with Numb 32.4 V. And this they did after God had plentifully provided for their natural necessities Exod. 16.2 5. Freely Without price or for a very mean price The over-flowing of Nile may well be supposed to afford great plenty and besides that some of the Egyptians at least by their Religion could not lawfully taste them Herodot Book II. nor yet the Onions c. which follow 6. Dried away Like the Earth that is parched and rendered barren for want of moisture 7. The Manna Exod. 16.14 31. The following words give us an account that the Manna ought not to have been contemned as here it is For 1. It was pleasant to the sight 2. Of a delightfull taste 3. Fit to be dressed and prepared several ways or with great variety 4. It was fresh every morning 5. And easily obtained Colour thereof as the colour of Heb. The eye of it as the eye of Bdellium Chrystal say the Greek See Exod. 16.31 8. Fresh oyl It had the taste at once of Oyl and Honey two of the choicest provisions of nature Exod. 16.31 12. As a nursing-father That is as one who though he want not Compassion yet cannot quiet a sucking Child as a nursing Mother by her Breast 15. Let me not see my wretchedness i. e. Let me not suffer To see death is to die Luk. 2.26 Psal 89.48 To see Salvation is to be saved Psal 91.16.50.23 And to see Labour and Sorrow is to suffer or to be miserable Jer. 20.18 16. Elders Men at least grave for Wisedom and of Place and Authority who are called Officers Such there were in Egypt Exod. 5.14 And were to be in the Land of Promise Deut. 16.18 And by the advice of Jethro Rulers had been chosen to judge in Civil and smaller Matters Exod. 18.22 26. and of least difficulty Stand there viz. That they may thereby be
the better known to the People compare v. 26 27 28. and there receive the Spirit of Prophecy v. 25. 17. Come down Or Reveal my self as the Chaldee hath it Take of the spirit c. i. e. Impart of the same Gifts to them which were bestowed upon Moses Which does not imply any diminution to Moses and is to be understood according to the subject-matter in a Spiritual sense 18. Sanctifie your selves Or Prepare your selves and be in readiness against to morrow when you may expect Flesh 20. Whole month Heb. Month of days 22. Fish Who have a sort of Flesh 1 Cor. 15.39 23. Is the LORD's hand waxed short Or does the Lord want power Isa 50.2 and 59.1 25. They prophesied and did not cease i. e. They did hereupon for some time prophesie without intermission in token of the power which God had endued them with 1 Sam. 10.10 It does by no means hence follow that this continued with them or that they were Prophets for the future Their Prophesying whether it were predicting Futuâ—ities or eâ—plaining God's Will was in such a manner as might bâ— discerned by some visible and extraordinary Effect v. 27. and 1 Sam. 19.23 24. 26. Went not Perhaps because not in the way when the Command was given or out of modesty declining what they thought themselves unfit for or under some legal defilement which might hinder their approach to the Tabernacle or under some other restraint or impediment vid. 1 Sam. 20.26 Jer. 36.5 28. Forbid them He not having seen them about the Tabernacle verse 16. might question their authority 31. A wind Exod 16.13 Ps 78.26 As it were a days journey Heb. As it were the way of a day 32. Ten Homers That is ten Ephahs Ezek. 45.11 33. Flesh Psal 78.30 31. 34. Kibroth-hattaavah That is the graves of lust 35. Abode at Heb. They were in c. CHAP. XII The ARGUMENT Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses God's displeasure at it Miriam is stricken with a Leprosie She is shut out of the Camp seven days The People remâ—â—â— from Hazeroth 1. AND Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married for he had married an Ethiopian woman 2. And they said Hath the LORD indeed spoken onely by Moses hath he not spoken also by us and the LORD heard it 3. Now the man Moses was very meek above all the men which were upon the face of the earth 4. And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses and unto Aaron and unto Miriam Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation And they three came out 5. And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle and called Aaron and Miriam and they both came forth 6. And he said Hear now my words If there be a prophet among you I the LORD will make my self known unto him in a vision and will speak unto him in a dream 7. My servant Moses is not so who is faithfull in all mine house 8. With him will I speak mouth to mouth even apparently and not in dark speeches and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses 9. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them and he departed 10. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle and behold Miriam became leprous white as snow and Aaron looked upon Miriam and behold she was leprous 11. And Aaron said unto Moses Alas my lord I beseech thee lay not the sin upon us wherein we have done foolishly and wherein we have sinned 12. Let her not be as one dead of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb 13. And Moses cryed unto the LORD saying Heal her now O God I beseech thee 14. And the LORD said unto Moses If her father had but spit in her face should she not be ashamed seven days let her be shut out from the camp seven days and after that let her be received in again 15. And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again 16. And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth and pitched in the wilderness of Paran 1. MIriam A Prophetess the Sister of Moses and Aaron Exod. 15.20 She was principal in the fault as may be collected from this Verse as it lies in the Hebrew Text and from v. 10. compare 1 Tim. 2.13 14. And thus the Sin of Lust began with the meaner and more feeble of the People or mixt Multitude ch 11.4 Ethiopian Or Cushite i. e. Zipporah Exod. 2.21 Who was of the Land of Midian which was in the Arabian Cush See Habâ—k 3.7 compare Ezek. 30.9 2 King 19.9 2 Chron. 14.9 with ch 21.16 Isa 18.1 and Zeph. 3.10 Married Heb. Taken i. e. Taken to Wife That he had married a Stranger and not one of the Stock of Israel was perhaps the occasion of the Complaint though the Jewish Writers affirm it to be upon the account of his separating from her that he might with the greater freedom attend upon his holy Function 2. Also by us See Exod. 4.14 15 16. ch 15.20 and Mic. 6.4 Heard it i. e. Took notice of it so as 〈◊〉 punish it Though Moses such was his Meekness did not regard it 3. Very meek Ecclus 45.4 6. In a vision That is an Enigmatical Representation of something thereby signified Such was that of the Wheels and dry â—oâ—es in Ezekiel Of the Ram in Daniel c. Hence a Prophecy is called a Vision Isa 1 1. In a dream Which was generally in the Night and always when the Senses were suspended And here the Representation was frequently obscure and not easily understood Such was that of Jacob's Ladder Pharaoh's Kine c. 7. Not so i. e. He is a Prophet favoured with clearer Revelations Who is faithfull Heb. 3.2 8. Mouth to mouth c. Exod. 33.11 i. e. As one Friend speaketh to another and that clearly and not Enigmatically when one thing is represented and something else is meant as in the Instances above-named of Visions and Dreams The similitude of the LORD No Man hath seen God or can see him The meaning is That as Moses had the Will of God most plainly revealed to him so he was admitted to a greater sight of his Glory than any other See Exod. 33.22 23. 10. Leprous A fit punishment of Pride 12. As one dead The Leper was separated from the Living and defiled as the Dead 14. Shut out Vid. Lev. 23.46 with Numb 19.11 CHAP. XIII The ARGUMENT Heads of the several Tribes sent to search the Land of Canaan Their Names Moses gives them Instructions Their Progress therein and their Relation upon their return 1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses saying 2. Send thou men that they may search the land of Canaan which I give unto the children of Israel of every tribe of
And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land to fall by the sword that our wives and our children should be a prey were it not better for us to return into Egypt 4. And they said one to another Let us make a captain and let us return into Egypt 5. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel 6. And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh which were of them that searched the land rent their clothes 7. And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel saying The land which we passed through to search it is an exceeding good land 8. If the LORD delight in us then he will bring us into this land and give it us a land which floweth with milk and honey 9. Onely rebell not ye against the LORD neither fear ye the people of the land for they are bread for us their defence is departed from them and the LORD is with us fear them not 10. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones and the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel 11. And the LORD said unto Moses How long will this people provoke me and how long will it be ere they believe me for all the signs which I have shewed among them 12. I will smite them with the pestilence and disinherit them and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier then they 13. And Moses said unto the LORD Then the Egyptians shall bear it for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them 14. And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people that thou LORD art seen face to face and that thy cloud standeth over them and that thou goâ—st before them by day-time in a pillar of a cloud and in a pillar of fire by night 15. Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak saying 16. Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness 17. And now I beseech thee let the power of my Lord be great according as thou hast spoken saying 18. The LORD is long-suffering and of great mercy forgiving iniquity and transgression and by no means clearing the guilty visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation 19. Pardon I beseech thee the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy and as thou hast forgiven this people from Egypt even until now 20. And the LORD said I have pardoned according to thy word 21. But as truly as I live all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD 22. Because all those men which have seen my glory and my miracles which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness and have tempted me now these ten times and have not hearkened to my voice 23. Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers neither shall any of them that provoked me see it 24. But my servant Caleb because he had another spirit with him and hath followed me fully him will I bring into the land whereinto he went and his seed shall possess it 25. Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley To morrow turn you and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea 26. And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying 27. How long shall I bear with this evil congregation which murmur against me I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel which they murmur against me 28. Say unto them As truly as I live saith the LORD as ye have spoken in mine ears so will I do to you 29. Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness and all that were numbred of you according to your whole number from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me 30. Doubtless ye shall not come into the land concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein save Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. 31. But your little ones which ye said should be a prey them will I bring in and they shall know the land which ye have despised 32. But as for you your carcases they shall fall in this wilderness 33. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years and bear your whoredoms until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness 34. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land even forty days each day for a year shall ye bear your iniquities even forty years and ye shall know my breach of promise 35. I the LORD have said I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation that are gathered together against me in this wilderness they shall be consumed and there they shall die 36. And the men which Moses sent to search the land who returned and made all the congregation to murmur against him by bringing up a slander upon the land 37. Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land died by the plague before the LORD 38. But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh which were of the men that went to search the land lived still 39. And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel and the people mourned greatly 40. And they rose up early in the morning and gat them up into the top of the mountain saying Lo we be here and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised for we have sinned 41. And Moses said Wherefore now do you transgress the commandment of the LORD but it shall not prosper 42. Go not up for the LORD is not among you that ye be not smitten before your enemies 43. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you and ye shall fall by the sword because ye are turned away from the LORD therefore the LORD will not be with you 44. But they presumed to go up unto the hill-top nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD and Moses departed not out of the camp 45. Then the Amalekites came down and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill and smote them and discomfited them even unto Hormah 2. Died in this wilderness This which they foolishly wish for happens to them v. 28 29. 4. Let us return into Egypt This was a great height of Wickedness for God had delivered them from Egypt by a miraculous manner and followed them ever since with miracles of Mercy This purpose of their Return speaks great Insolence Ingratitude and Contempt of God Nehemiah 9.16 17. Deut. 17.16 5. Fell on their faces Either to pray to God on their behalf or to prevail
one bullock or for one ram or for a lamb or a kid 12. According to the number that ye shall prepare so shall ye do to every one according to their number 13. All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner in offering an offering made by fire of a sweet savour unto the LORD 14. And if a stranger sojourn with you or whosoever be among you in your generations and will offer an offering made by fire of a sweet savour unto the LORD as ye do so he shall do 15. One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you an ordinance for ever in your generations as ye are so shall the stranger be before the LORD 16. One law and one manner shall be for you and for the stranger that sojourneth with you 17. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying 18. Speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them When ye come into the land whither I bring you 19. Then it shall be that when ye eat of the bread of the land ye shall offer up an heave-offering unto the LORD 20. Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave-offering as ye do the heave-offering of the threshing-floor so shall ye heave it 21. Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave-offering in your generations 22. And if ye have erred and not observed all these commandments which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses 23. Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses from the day that the LORD commanded Moses and hence-forward among your generations 24. Then it shall be if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt-offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD with his meat-offering and his drink-offering according to the manner and one kid of the goats for a sin-offering 25. And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel and it shall be forgiven them for it is ignorance and they shall bring their offering a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD and their sin-offering before the LORD for their ignorance 26. And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel and the stranger that sojourneth among them seeing all the people were in ignorance 27. And if any soul sin through ignorance then he shall bring a she-goat of the first year for a sin-offering 28. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD to make an atonement for him and it shall be forgiven him 29. You shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance both for him that is born amongst the children of Israel and for the stranger that sojourneth among them 30. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously whether he be born in the land or a stranger the same reproacheth the LORD and that soul shall be cut off from among his people 31. Because he hath despised the word of the LORD and hath broken his commandment that soul shall utterly be cut off his iniquity shall be upon him 32. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath-day 33. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron and unto all the congregation 34. And they put him in ward because it was not declared what should be done to him 35. And the LORD said unto Moses The man shall be surely put to death all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp 36. And all the congregation brought him without the camp and stoned him with stones and he died as the LORD commanded Moses 37. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying 38. Speak unto the children of Israel and hid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue 39. And it shall be unto you for a fringe that ye may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes after which ye use to go a whoring 40. That ye may remember and do all my commandments and be holy unto your God 41. I am the LORD your God which brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God I am the LORD your God 2. Speak Levit. 23.10 When ye be come c. In these words they are given to understand that God would make good his Promise of giving the Land to their Children ch 14.31 notwithstanding their Diffidence and Murmurings for which they were sentenced to die in the Wilderness ch 14.29 3. An offering by fire This is a general expression of those Offerings which were in whole or part burnt upon the Altar A burnt-offering or a sacrifice These two are the kinds of Offerings by Fire to which the following Precept belongs This Precept which follows concerned the daily Burnt-offering as well as others Exod. 29.40 By Sacrifice here is meant a Peace-offering So the word Sacrifice does sometimes import v. g. Exod. 18.12 Levit. 17.5 8. ch 22.37 Deut. 12.27 And that it does so here is evident from the words which follow where we have mention of a Vow and Free-will-offering which are two of the distinct kinds contained under the general Head of Peace-offerings Levit. 7.16 ch 22.21 In performing Heb. In separating Levit. 22.21 Sweet Savour Exod. 29.18 4. Shall he Levit 2.1 A tenth-deal i. e. The tenth part of an Ephah as the Vulgar Latin and Greek have it here and is expressly said Numb 28.5 This tenth-deal of an Ephah is the same with an Omer See the Note on Exod. 16.36 An Hin This is a Measure of Liquids containing about the quantity of our Gallon 8. Or for a sacrifice See the Note on v. 3. Peace-offerings i. e. The one kind thereof called a Free-will-offering v. 3. 15. One ordinance Exod. 12.49 chap. 9.14 Before the LORD i. e. In matters relating to God's Service which are here spoken of 20. A cake of the first of your dough This Cake was not to be offered upon the Altar but to be given to the Priests to whom all Heave-offerings as well as the First-fruits were due ch 18.8 The giving it to them was giving it to the Lord v. 19 21. As ye do See Levit. 2.14 22. And not observed c. See Levit 4.13 That place speaks of doing that which ought not to be done This of not doing what ought to be done 24. Committed Or admitted For the word does not import this a Sin of Commission and from the Context it appears that a Sin of Omission is here spoken of Without the knowledge
for the proof of what is said v. 13. That Arnon was now the border and not the possession of Moab This being of moment because the Israelites were forbidden to invade the possession of Moab he confirms it from a certain Book or Narrative of the Wars of the Lord which was then well known and now lost Out of which he citing a fragment onely to his present purpose it is no wonder that the passage is obscure What he did in the Red-sea Or Vaheb in Suphah It is enough for the present purpose that the Author of that Narrative who gives an account of the Wars of the Lord and particularly what he did at the Red-sea or at Vaheb in the Country of Suphah gives also a Relation of what happened about Arnon of which we have some account v. 26. and such a Relation as confirms what he said v. 13. viz. That Arnon was now onely the Border of Moab 15. Ar A City of Moab called Ar of Moab v. 28. and Isa 15.1 Lieth Heb. Leaneth 16. To Beer Or to the Well which God promised to Moses and supplied the Israelites with at this time 17. Song viz. O Praise Spring up Heb. Ascend Sing Or Answer It was the ancient Custom of the Hebrews to sing their Hymns of Praise alternately and he that made the Response or answered sang as well as he that began the Hymn Then Miriam is said to answer Exod. 15.20 And the Singing Women to answer one another 1 Sam. 18.7 18. Digged i. e. They thrust their Staves against the ground but God gave them the Water v. 16. Law-giver i. e. Moses v. 16. 20. That is in Or that is nigh or near So the Hebrew Particle sometimes signifies 1 Sam. 29.1 2 Chron. 15.16 Judg. 6.11 1 King 15.13 And this sense very well suits with this place Country Heb. Field Pisgah Or the Hill Jeshimon Or the Wilderness 21. Sent messengers Though Sihon were devoted to destruction yet this Course rendred him the more inexcusable and the justice of his destruction more conspicuous 22. Let me pass Deut. 2.27 Judg. 11.19 23. And Sihon Deut. 29.7 24. Israel Josh 12.2 Psal 135.10 11. Amos 2.9 Jabbock A River on the Borders of Ammon For the border of the children of Ammon was strong These words are not brought in as the reason why the Israelites carried their Victory no farther for the Country of Ammon was no part of their promised Land nay they were forbid to invade it Deut. 2.19 but as the reason why Sihon had not gained upon the Country of the Children of Ammon as he had upon that of Moab 25. Villages Heb. Daughters 27. Wherefore they that speak in proverbs c. The meaning of the place seems to be this That the Success of Sihon against the Moabites was so notorious and his Strength and that of Heshbon which he took from them so renowned that Men were wont in that time commonly to triumph and boast of it and say Come into Heshbon c. A Proverb sometimes imports no more than a Common Saying or By-word 1 Sam. 24.13 accompanied with insulting and boasting Hab. 2.6 Deut. 28.37 And what we render they that speak in proverbs in the Hebrew is expressed by one word which signifies ruling or imperious Men. Come into Heshbon c. These are the insulting Words which were commonly used at that time setting forth the Strength of Heshbon now in the possession of a powerfull Prince and therefore justly formidable to the remainder of Moab which is insulted over as a destroyed People v. 29. 29. People of Chemosh Or People that serveth Chemosh as the Chaldee hath it Chemosh was the Idol or Abomination as it is called 1 King 11.7 of Moab 30. In the land of the Amorites i. e. In that Land which they at that time possessed some of which was awhile ago in the possession of the Moabites 32. Jaazer A City at this time in the possession of the Amorites about which was good Pasture for Cattel Numb 32.1 3 4. 33. And they turned c. Deut. 3.1 and 29.7 34. Thou shalt do c. Psal 135.10 11. CHAP. XXII The ARGUMENT The Israelites remove to the Plains of Moab Balak sends to Balaam to Curse the People of Israel he refuseth to come He sends to him again and he goeth Of Balaam's Ass An Angel meets him He is received by Balak 1. AND the children of Israel set forward and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho 2. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites 3. And Moab was sore afraid of the people because they were many and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel 4. And Moab said unto the elders of Midian Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us as the ox licketh up the grass of the field And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time 5. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor which is by the river of the land of the children of his people to call him saying Behold there is a people come out from Egypt behold they cover the face of the earth and they abide over against me 6. Come now therefore I pray thee curse me this people for they are too mighty for me peradventure I shall prevail that we may smite them and that I may drive them out of the land for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed and he whom thou cursest is cursed 7. And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand and they came unto Balaam and spake unto him the words of Balak 8. And he said unto them Lodge here this night and I will bring you word again as the LORD shall speak unto me And the princes of Moab abode with Balaam 9. And God came unto Balaam and said What men are these with thee 10. And Balaam said unto God Balak the son of Zippor king of Moab hath sent unto me saying 11. Behold there is a people come out of Egypt which covereth the face of the earth Come now curse me them peradventure I shall be able to overcome them and drive them out 12. And God said unto Balaam Thou shalt not go with them thou shalt not curse the people for they are blessed 13. And Balaam rose up in the morning and said unto the princes of Balak Get you into your land for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you 14. And the princes of Moab rose up and they went unto Balak and said Balaam refuseth to come with us 15. And Balak sent yet again princes more and more honourable then they 16. And they came to Balaam and said to him Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor Let nothing I pray thee hinder thee from coming unto me 17. For I will promote thee unto very great honour and I will
do whatsoever thou sayest unto me Come therefore I pray thee curse me this people 18. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak If Balak would give me his house-full of silver and gold I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God to do less or more 19. Now therefore I pray you tarry ye also here this night that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more 20. And God came unto Balaam at night and said unto him If the men come to call thee rise up and go with them but yet the word which I shall say unto thee that shalt thou do 21. And Balaam rose up in the morning and sadled his ass and went with the princes of Moab 22. And God's anger was kindled because he went and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him Now he was riding upon his ass and his two servants were with him 23. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way and his sword drawn in his hand and the ass turned aside out of the way and went into the field and Balaam smote the ass to turn her into the way 24. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards a wall being on this side and a wall on that side 25. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD she thrust her self unto the wall and crusht Balaam's foot against the wall and he smote her again 26. And the angel of the LORD went further and stood in a narrow place where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left 27. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD she fell down under Balaam and Balaam's anger was kindled and he smote the ass with a staff 28. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass and she said unto Balaam What have I doâ—â— unto thee that thou hast smitten me these three times 29. And Balaam said unto the ass Because thou hast mocked me I would there were a sword in mine hand for now would I kill thee 30. And the ass said unto Balaam Am not I thine ass upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day was I ever wont to do so unto thee And he said Nay 31. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way and his sword drawn in his hand and he bowed down his head and fell flat on his face 32. And the angel of the LORD said unto him Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times behold I went out to withstand thee because thy way is perverse before me 33. And the ass saw me and turned from me these three times unless she had turned from me suâ—â—â—â— also I had slain thee â—â—d saved her alive 34. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD I have sinned for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me now therefore if it displease thee I will get me back again 35. And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam Go with the men but onely the word that I shall speak unto thee that thou shalt speak So Balaam went with the princes of Balak 36. And when Balak heard that Balaam was come he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab which is in the border of Arnon which is in the utmost coast 37. And Balak said unto Balaam Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee Wherefore camest thou not unto me Am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour 38. And Balaam said unto Balak Lo I am come unto thee have I now any power at all to say any thing the word that God putteth in my mouth that shall I speak 39. And Balaam went with Balak and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth 40. And Balak offered oxen and sheep and sent to Balaam and to the princes that were with him 41. And it came to pass on the morrow that Balak took Balaam and brought him up into the high places of Baal that thence he might see the utmost part of the people 1. ON this side Jordan by Jericho That is Over-against Jericho Jordan being between Jericho and the Camp of Israel vid. ch 33.48 3. Moab was sore afraid This fear of Moab was predicted Exod. 15.15 And did not arise from any injury they had received from the Israelites who had used no Violence against them nor were they permitted to do it Deut. 2.9 But on the other hand had subdued the Amorites their Enemies and Evil Neighbours But Moab still feared their Number which rendred them suspicious and uneasie which is expressed by their being distressed because of the children of Israel 4. Elders By Elders are not meant onely the more ancient Men but such as were in Power and Authority Such are elsewhere call'd Kings Numb 31.8 and Princes Josh 13.21 Midian The Midianites were the Off-spring of Abraham by Keturah Gen. 25.1 2. 5. He sent Josh 24.9 Balaam He is call'd a South-sayer Josh 13.22 and is said to have sought for Enchantments Numb 24.1 And a Prophet 2 Pet. 2.16 And though he were an Evil Man yet did God make use of him in predicting things to come as he did of Caiaphas Joh. 11.51 52. Pethor The name of the Place in Mesopotamia where Balaam lived Deut. 23.4 Numb 23.7 River i. e. Euphrates as the Chaldee hath it For that is in Scripture sometimes called the River Josh 24.2 15. And must be meant here as appears from Numb 23. and v. 7. with Deut. 23.4 Face Heb. the Eye 6. Come now therefore I pray thee curse This he desires out of a great opinion of his power with God as appears from the close of the Verse and as that which would contribute greatly towards his Victory over them 7. With the rewards of divination in their hand Or with divinations as it is in the Hebrew It hath been thought that by Divinations here are meant the Instruments that were used in Divination or some appointed Forms and Terms of Execration which Magicians were wont upon that occasion to use But it is more reasonable to adhere to our Translation and understand it of the Rewards of Divination For besides that it is not likely that Balaam was unfurnished with those things which belonged to his Art or that they could think he needed their assistance he is taxed for loving the wages of unrighteousness 2 Pet. 2.15 and running greedily after reward Jud. 11. Moreover the Scripture is wont frequently to express the Reward or Wages of a thing by the name of the thing it self Thus sin is often put for punishment The work for the reward Job 7.2 and good tidings for the reward due upon that account 2 Sam. 4.10 They came i. e. The Princes of Moab came for them of Midian there is not that Evidence See v. 8. and 14. 8. As the LORD Though Balaam were a South-sayer yet
he did acknowledge the true God with which profession as he joined Enchantments ch 24.1 so he added Sacrifices on the high places of Baal v. 41. with ch 23.2 9. God came c. i. e. God manifested himself to him or the Word of God came to him as the Chaldee What men c. This is to introduce what follows and does not imply that God did not know who they were See Gen. 4.9 10. 11. I shall be able to over-come them Heb. I shall prevail in fighting against them 13. The LORD refuseth c. This is not all which he might and ought to have said to prevent any farther importunity in this matter For God had strictly forbid him to Curse this People and assured him that they were Blessed which Declaration was sufficient to have prevented any farther Message from Moab and to have restrained Balaam from any farther inquiry in this matter 14. Balaam refuseth They ought to have said the Lord refuseth to give him leave v. 13. in order to the preventing of another Message 16. Let nothing Heb. Be not thou letted from c. 18. If Balak would Chap. 24.13 He professes himself restrained by God from which restraint he is willing to get loose as appears from the following words 20. God came See verse 9. 22. God's anger was kindled because he went This may seem strange that God should be angry with him for going when he bid him rise up and go v. 20. For the removing this difficulty it is to be considered I. That God had expressly forbid his going at the first God had said to him Thou shalt not go with them v. 12. II. That God did after this onely permit but not command nor yet approve his going God having declared himself positively v. 12. Balaam ought not to have made farther inquiry yet this he did out of Covetousness upon the arrival of more honourable Messengers v. 15. with 2 Pet. 2.15 III. His going was attended with an evil design The Angel says Thy way is perverse before me v. 32. and he seemed to go with a purpose to Curse Israel which the King of Moab expressly desired and God as expressly had forbidden v. 12. Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam But the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee because the Lord thy God loved thee Deut. 23.5 23. The Ass saw 2 Pet. 2.16 Jud. 11. Which was more than Balaam or his Servants did God thinking fit to restrain their sight 28. And the LORD opened the mouth c. This God did by his irresistible Power and no Man can think it incredible that believes that there is a God who made the World 29. Balaam said c. Balaam seems not to be astonished at the speaking of the Ass partly this may be imputed to that stupidity and hardness of heart to which we suppose him given up and partly to this That he being a South-sayer and Magician he had been used to very uncouth appearances and to things which to others would have been very astonishing 30. Vpon which thou hast ridden Heb. Who hast ridden upon me Ever since I was thine Or Ever since thou wast c. 31. Fell flat on his face Or Bowed himself 32. To withstand thee Heb. To be an adversary unto thee 34. I have sinned for I knew not c. He He makes no Confession of his Covetousness which was the faulty Principle which set him forward Displease thee Heb. Be evil in thine eyes 36. In the utmost coast See chap. 21.16 39. Kirjath-huzoth Or a City of Streets A place in the extremity of the Country of Moab See the Vulgar Latin 40. Sent to Balaam c. To feast upon the Oxen and Sheep which he had slain 41. The high places of Baal i. e. The high places set a-part for the Worship of their Idol or False God Baal See chap. 25.2 3. Thither Balak brings Balaam as to a place most advantageous for his purpose both as it was a place dedicated to Baal and for its height giving him a prospect of the Camp of Israel CHAP. XXIII The ARGUMENT Balak's Sacrifices The Words of Balaam Balaam is brought by Balak to another place His Parable He Blesseth the Israelites Balak takes him to another place 1. AND Balaam said unto Balak Build me here seven altars and prepare me here seven oxen and seven raâ—s 2. And Balak did as Balaam had spoken and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram 3. And Balaam said unto Balak Stand by thy burnt-offering and I will go peradventure the LORD will come to meet me and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee And he went to an high place 4. And God met Balaam and he said unto him I have prepared seven altars and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram 5. And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth and said Return unto Balak and thus thou shalt speak 6. And he returned unto him and lo he stood by his burnt-sacrifice he and all the princes of Moab 7. And he took up his parable and said Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram out of the mountains of the east saying Come curse me Jacob and come defie Israel 8. How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed or how shall I defie whom the LORD hath not defied 9. For from the top of the rocks I see him and from the hills I bebold him lo the people shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the nations 10. Who can count the dust of Jacob and the number of the fourth part of Israel Let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his 11. And Balak said unto Balaam What hast thou done unto me I took thee to curse mine enemies and behold thou hast blessed them altogether 12. And he answered and said Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth 13. And Balak said unto him Come I pray thee with me unto another place from whence thou mayest see them thou shalt see but the utmost part of them and shalt not see them all and curse me them from thence 14. And he brought him into the field of Zophim to the top of Pisgah and built seven altars and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar 15. And he said unto Balak Stand here by thy burnt-offering while I meet the LORD yonder 16. And the LORD met Balaâ—â— and put a word in his mouth â—â—d said Go again unto Balak and say thus 17. And when he came to him behold he stood by his burnt-offering and the princes of Moab with him And Balak said unto him What hath the LORD spoken 18. And he took up his parable and said Rise up Balak and hear hearken unto me thou son of Zippor 19. God is not a man that he should lye neither the son of man that he should repent
LORD 6. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying 7. The daughters of Zelophehad speak right thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them 8. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel saying If a man die and have no son then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter 9. And if he have no daughter then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren 10. And if he have no brethren then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren 11. And if his father have no brethren then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family and he shall possess it and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment as the LORD commanded Moses 12. And the LORD said unto Moses Get thee up into this mount Abarim and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel 13. And when thou hast seen it thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people as Aaron thy brother was gathered 14. For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desart of Zin in the strife of the congregation to sanctifie me at the water before their eyes that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin 15. And Moses spake unto the LORD saying 16. Let the LORD the God of the spirits of all flesh set a man over the congregation 17. Which may go out before them and which may go in before them and which may lead them out and which may bring them in that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd 18. And the LORD said unto Moses Take thee Joshua the son of Nâ—â— a man in whom is the spirit and lay thine hand upon him 19. And set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation and give him a charge in their sight 20. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient 21. And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD at his word shall they go out and at his word they shall come in both he and all the children of Israel with him even all the congregation 22. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him and he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation 23. And he laid his hands upon him and gave him a charge as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses 1. ZElophehad Ch. 26.13 Josh 17.3 3. Died Chap. 14.35 and 26.64 65. Korah Chap. 16. In his own sin i. e. Not as a Ring-leader of any Rebellion or Sedition or as a more notorious Sinner than other Men but as a common and ordinary Sinner to whom yet Death is due 4. Done away Heb. Diminished Their Father being no notorious Sinner his Children might well plead for an Inheritance which these Women had a fair occasion to do in their Father's right at this time because the Summ of the People was just now taken in order to the dividing the Land among them chap. 26.53 5. Brought their cause before the LORD That is He enquired of God in this matter and to that purpose it is probable he went into the Tabernacle See chap. 7.89 and Exod. 25.22 9. Vnto his brethren That is Upon supposition that his Father be dead For if his Father be alive the Inheritance as the Jews say with great probability returns to him and comes not to his Brethren first excepting onely where the Widow of the deceased is married to a surviving Brother as may be collected from v. 10 11. The Father is supposed to be dead v. 10. it being very improbable otherwise that his Brethren should rather inherit than he especially when it is provided that the Inheritance should pass to him that is next of the Family of him who is deceased v. 11. And that the Brethren's claim is from the Father as they were his Children rather than as the Brethren of the deceased vid. Selden de Success cap. XI 12. Get thee up Deut. 32.49 Into this mount Abarim There were a Tract of Mountains so called in the Plains of Moab ch 33.47 This Mountain was called Nebo Deut. 32.49 And they are called Abarim it is like because they were near the passage which was over Jordan as the Hebrew word intimates 13. Aaron Chap. 20.24 14. Rebelled Ch. 20.24 See the Notes on ch 20.12 Water Exod. 17.7 17. Which may go out before them and which may go in before them i. e. Which may rule and govern them in War and Peace and lead them as a Shepherd doth his Flock Deut. 28.6 When Moses expressed his unfitness for Government he says I can no more go out and come in Deut. 31.2 See Psal 121.8 18. Spirit i. e. The Spirit of God enabling him for his great Office He was in this a Type of Jesus Christ Joh. 3.34 with Isa 11.2 Lay thine hand upon him i. e. By that Rite set him a-part to his Office See Numb 8.10 This laying on of Hands see v. 23. was followed with encrease of Gifts from God And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of Wisdom for Moses had laid his hands upon him Deut. 34.9 20. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him i. e. Thou shalt not treat him barely as a Servant but admit him forthwith as a Partner in the Government as becomes him who is the Elect Judge or Ruler of his People 21. Ask counsel viz. In weighty and important Matters After the judgment of Vrim Exod. 28.30 CHAP. XXVIII The ARGUMENT Of the daily or continual Burnt-offering Of the additional Sacrifice on the Sabbath-day Of that of the New Moons Of that of the Passeover and Feast of Vnleavened Bread Of that of the Feast of Weeks 1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses saying 2. Command the children of Israel and say unto them My offering and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire for a sweet savour unto me shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season 3. And thou shalt say unto them This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD two lambs of the first year without spot day by day for a continual burnt-offering 4. The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even 5. And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat-offering mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oyl 6. It is a continual burnt-offering which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD 7. And the drink-offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong
her soul 7. And her husband heard it and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it then her vows shall stand and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand 8. But if her husband disallow her on the day that he heard it then he shall make her vow which she vowed and that which she uttered with her lips wherewith she bound her soul of none effect and the LORD shall forgive her 9. But every vow of a widow and of her that is divorced wherewith they have bound their souls shall stand against her 10. And if she vowed in her husband's house or bound her soul by a bond with an oath 11. And her husband heard it and held his peace at her and disallowed her not then all her vows shall stand and every bond wherewith she hound her soul shall stand 12. But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows or concerning the bond of her soul shall not stand her husband hath made them void and the LORD shall forgive her 13. Every vow and every binding oath to afflict the soul her husband may establish it or her husband may make it void 14. But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day then he establisheth all her vows or all her bonds which are upon her he confirmeth them because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them 15. But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them then he shall bear her iniquity 16. These are the statutes which the LORD commanded Moses between a man and his wife between the father and his daughter being yet in her youth in her father's house 1. UNto the heads of the tribes Who were to impart it to the rest of the People whom it concerned 2. A man This denotes both the Sex as appears from v. 3. and a competent age Vow a vow unto the LORD i. e. Make a Religious Promise unto the Lord. Swear an oath c. i. e. Confirm his Vow with an Oath by calling God to witness Break Heb. Profane He shall do c. Provided what he vows be a lawful thing Mark 6.23 3. A woman Who is in Subjection as appears from what follows And therefore the Law extends to other Subjects who are not to dispose of themselves without the consent of their just Superiors A Woman is named because she is most subject Being in her father's house in her youth That is Being in the Family and under the Government of her Father and not disposed of in Marriage See v. 6 9. 5. In the day that he heareth i. e. Forth-with after it is come to his knowledge See v. 8 9 14 15. Shall forgive her Or Will forgive her i. e. Will not impute her not performing such a Vow unto her 6. She vowed Heb. Her vows were upon her 9. Every vow 〈◊〉 widow i. e. Every Vow made in her Widowhood and when she had power to dispose of her self and Actions 10. And if she vowed in her husband's house i. e. If she that is now a Widow or divorced did make her Vow during her Husband's life or before she was divorced from him This sense which is very natural distinguisheth this Law from that in the sixth Verse 11. All her vows shall stand Those Vows which she then made shall oblige her in her Widowhood 13. To afflict the soul Such are Vows of Fasting or Abstinence Levit. 16.29 15. But if he shall any ways make them void c. i. e. If the Husband after he hath by his silence established the Vow of his Wife shall by his Power and Authority over her hinder her from performing such a Vow the sin in this case shall not be imputed to the Wife who was ready to perform her Vow but to her Husband who restrained her CHAP. XXXI The ARGUMENT The Israelites overcome the Midianites and slay Balaam They saved the Women alive at which Moses is offended and commands them what they shall do with them and also to purify themselves Of dividing the Prey and of the Lord's Tribute out of it 1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses saying 2. Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people 3. And Moses spake unto the people saying Arm some of your selves unto the war and let them go against the Midianites and avenge the LORD of Midian 4. Of every tribe a thousand throughout all the tribes of Israel shall ye send to the war 5. So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel a thousand of every tribe twelve thousand armed for war 6. And Moses sent them to the war a thousand of every tribe them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest to the war with the holy instruments and the trumpets to blow in his hand 7. And they warred against the Midianites as the LORD commanded Moses and they slew all the males 8. And they slew the kings of Midian beside the rest of them that were slain namely Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba five kings of Midian Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword 9. And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives and their little ones and took the spoil of all their cattel and all their flocks and all their goods 10. And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt and all their goodly castles with fire 11. And they took all the spoil and all the prey both of men and of beasts 12. And they brought the captives and the prey and the spoil unto Moses and Eleazar the priest and unto the congregation of the children of Israel unto the camp at the plains of Moab which are by Jordan near Jericho 13. And Moses and Eleazar the priest and all the princes of the congregation went forth to meet them without the camp 14. And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host with the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds which came from the battel 15. And Moses said unto them Have ye saved all the women alive 16. Behold these caused the children of Israel through the counsel of Balaam to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD 17. Now therefore kill every male among the little ones and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him 18. But all the women-children that have not known a man by lying with him keep alive for your selves 19. And do ye abide without the camp seven days whosoever hath killed any person and whosoever hath touched any slain purifie both your selves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day 20. And purifie all your raiment and all that is made of skins and all work of goats hair and all things
tribe whereunto they are received so shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance 4. And when the jubile of the children of Israel shall be then shall their inheritance be put unto the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received so shall their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers 5. And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD saying The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well 6. This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelopheâ—â—a saying Let them marry to whom they think best onely to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry 7. So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers 8. And every daughter that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel shall be wise unto one of the family of the tribe of her father that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers 9. Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel shall keep himself to his own inheritance 10. Even as the LORD commanded Moses so did the daughters of Zelophehad 11. For Mahlah Tâ—zah and Hogâ—â—b and Miâ—â—â—â—l and Naab the daughters of Zâ—lapâ—â—bad 〈◊〉 departing 〈…〉 fathers brothers 〈◊〉 12. And they were married into the 〈◊〉 of the sone of Manaâ—â—◠〈…〉 and their 〈…〉 in the tribe 〈…〉 their father 13. These are the commandments and the judgments which 〈◊〉 LORD commanded by the hand of Moses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 children of Israel in the â—elus of Moab by 〈◊〉 〈…〉 1. AND the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead These principal Men it well became to take care of the common Interest of the whole Tribe but then they were it is likely that part of them who had not yet received their Inheritance it being their Interest but were to receive it in Canaan For it is evident that the Daughters of Zelophehad received their Inheritance within the Land of Canaan and not on the other side of Jordan Josh 17.3 2. The LORD Ch. 27.1 Josh 17.3 3. Then shall their inheritance c. This inconvenience might be very great and affect the other Tribes and bring in a great confusion insomuch that the distinction of Tribes might in time be lost for the Inheritance would be in the hands of another Tribe and the Children would be of the Tribe of their Father Whereunto they are received Heb. Vnto whom they shall be 4. And when the jubile c. q. d. This mischief will not be remedied by the year of Jubile which yet was designed for the preserving Inheritances in the Tribes and Families in which they were at the first because by these Marriages the Families will be lost being quite passed away to another Family and Tribe unto which these Daughters shall happen to marry 6. Marry Heb. Be 〈…〉 Too 〈…〉 the family of the tribes They were confined not onely to the Tribe but also to the Family 〈◊〉 appears from 〈…〉 v. 8. and also from the Reason of the Law â—hich â—â—â—â—ed the preservation of the Family as well as of the Tribe And the Daughters of Zelophehad when they begged an Inheritance said Why should the name of our father be done â—ay from among his family ch 25.4 And 〈…〉 reason why the Law was made of marrying a Brother's Wife Deut. 25.6 And agreeably hereunto these Daughters of Zelophehad marry to their first Cousins v. 11. 8. Every daughter that possesseth This Law concerns Daughâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 who might marry into other Tribes And not all Daughters but such onely as were Heiresses 9. Neither shall the inheritance c. Which by this Law was effectually prevented 11. For Mahlah c. ch â—◠〈◊〉 〈…〉 12. Into the families Heb. To some that were of the families THE Fifth Book of Moses CALLED DEUTERONOMY THE General Argument OF THE Fifth Book of MOSES CALLED DEUTERONOMY THIS Book is called Deuteronomy which in the Greek Tongue imports a Repetition of the Law And it is so called very fitly There being in this Divine Book a Repetition not onely of many Facts which had passed before but of many Laws also which were mentioned before When and where these words were spoken we are told ch 1.1 3. Moses puts the Israelites in mind of God's promise of the choice of Rulers the sending Spies and their Disobedience He goes on to mind them of their Passage by the Country of Esau and their going over the Brook Zered And their Victory over Sihon And for their farther encouragement to trust in God for the future he relates the Conquest of Og and the distribution of the conquered Land As also his Command to Joshua and he relates how he was barred from entring into the promised Land chap. 1 2 3. Then follows a most pathetical Exhortation to Obedience and Caution against Idolatry with an account of the Cities of Refuge set apart on this side of Jordan Moses proceeds to mind them of the Covenant in Horeb and repeats to them the Ten Commandments and presseth them to Obedience particularly to the Love and Fear of God They are warned against Communion with the Nations and assured of Victory chap. 4 5 6 7. Moses goes on to press the Israelites to Obedience and warns them not to forget God in their plenty and not to conceit well of themselves and to that purpose minds them of their frequent Rebellions He farther relates the Mercy of God in restoring the Two Tables and separating the Levites and from several Arguments proceeds to move them to Obedience chap. 8 9 10 11. He commands them to destroy all Monuments of Idolatry and to shew due regard to the place which God shou'd choose to place his Name there And not to spare the Enticers to Idolatry nor the City that falls into it He forbids them the disfiguring themselves in Mourning for the dead He lets them know what Creatures may and may not be eaten And gives them farther direction as to the Tithe of the third year chap. 12 13 14. He proceeds to speak of the year of Release of Hebrew Servants of the Firstlings of the Cattel of the several Feasts of Judges and Judgment of Idolatry and the Punishment thereof of hard Controversies and the Determination thereof of the Choice and Duty of a King chap. 15 16 17. Of the Portion of the Priests and Levites The Messiah promised The way of judging of a false Prophet of the Cities of Refuge of removing the Land-mark of Witnesses and the Punishment of a false Witness of Warring and the part of the Priest and Officers on this occasion of the Usage to be shewed towards those they War with of the Trees that are to be spared
the first day of the month that Moses spake unto the children of Israel according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them 4. After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites which dwelt in Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei 5. On this side Jordan in the land of Moab began Moses to declare this law saying 6. The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb saying Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount 7. Turn you and take your journey and go to the mount of the Amorites and unto all the places nigh thereunto in the plain in the hills and in the vale and in the south and by the sea-side to the land of the Canaanites and unto Lebanon unto the great river the river Euphrates 8. Behold I have set the land before you go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers Abraham Isaac and Jacob to give unto them and to their seed after them 9. And I spake unto you at that time saying I am not able to bear you my self alone 10. The LORD your God hath multiplied you and behold you are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude 11. The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many mo as ye are and bless you as he hath promised you 12. How can I my self alone bear your cumbrance and your burden and your strife 13. Take ye wise men and understanding and known among your tribes and I will make them rulers over you 14. And ye answered me and said The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do 15. So I took the chief of your tribes wise men and known and made them heads over you captains over thousands and captains over hundreds and captains over fifties and captains over tens and officers among your tribes 16. And I charged your judges at that time saying Hear the causes between your brethren and judge righteously between every man and his brother and the stranger that is with him 17. Ye shall not respect persons in judgment but you shall hear the small as well as the great you shall not be afraid of the face of man for the judgment is God's and the cause that is too hard for you bring it unto me and I will hear it 18. And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do 19. And when we departed from Horeb we went through all that great and terrible wilderness which you saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites as the LORD our God commanded us and we came to Kadesh-barnea 20. And I said unto you Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites which the LORD our God doth give unto us 21. Behold the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee go up and possess it as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee fear not neither be discouraged 22. And ye came near unto me every one of you and said We will send men before us and they shall search us out the land and bring us word again by what way we must go up and into what cities we shall come 23. And the saying pleased me well and I took twelve men of you one of a tribe 24. And they turned and went up into the mountain and came unto the valley of Eshcol and searched it out 25. And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands and brought it down unto us and brought us word again and said It is a good land which the LORD our God doth give us 26. Notwithstanding ye would not go up but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God 27. And ye murmured in your tents and said Because the LORD hated us he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us 28. Whither shall we go up our brethren have discouraged our heart saying The people is greater and taller then we the cities are great and walled up to heaven and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there 29. Then I said unto you Dread not neither be afraid of them 30. The LORD your God which goeth before you he shall fight for you according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes 31. And in the wilderness where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee as a man doth bear his son in all the way that ye went until ye came into this place 32. Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God 33. Who went in the way before you to search you out a place to pitch your tents in in fire by night to shew you by what way ye should go and in a cloud by day 34. And the LORD heard the voice of your words and was wroth and sware saying 35. Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land which I sware to give unto your fathers 36. Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh he shall see it and to him will I give the land that he hath troden upon and to his children because he hath wholly followed the LORD 37. Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes saying Thou also shalt not go in thither 38. But Joshua the son of Nun which standeth before thee he shall go in thither Encourage him for he shall cause Israel to inherit it 39. Moreover your little ones which ye said should be a prey and your children which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil they shall go in thither and unto them will I give it and they shall possess it 40. But as for you turn ye and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red-sea 41. Then ye answered and said unto me We have sinned against the LORD we will go up and fight according to all that the LORD our God commanded us And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war ye were ready to go up into the hill 42. And the LORD said unto me Say unto them Go not up neither fight for I am not among you left ye be smitten before your enemies 43. So I spake unto you and you would not hear but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD and went presumptuously up into the hill 44. And the Amorites which dwelt in that mountain came out against you and chased you as bees do and destroyed you in Seir even unto Hormah 45. And ye returned and wept before the LORD but the LORD would not hearken to your voice nor give ear unto you 46. So ye abode in Kadesh many days according unto the days that ye abode there 1. WHich Moses spake i. e. Which Moses had formerly spoken and which are here repeated and set down for the benefit of the surviving Israelites The Red-sea Or Zuph It
people 17. That the LORD spake unto me saying 18. Thou art to pass over through Ar the coast of Moab this day 19. And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon distress them not nor meddle with them for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession 20. That also was accounted a land of giants giants dwelt therein in old time and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims 21. A people great and many and tall as the Anakims but the LORD destroyed them before them and they succeeded them and dwelt in their stead 22. As he did to the children of Esau which dwelt in Seir when he destroyed the Horims from before them and they succeeded them and dwelt in their stead even unto this day 23. And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim even unto Azzah the Caphtorims which came forth out of Caphtor destroyed them and dwelt in their stead 24. Rise ye up take your journey and pass over the river Arnon behold I have given into thy hand Sihon the Amorite king of Heshbon and his land begin to possess it and contend with him in battel 25. This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven who shall hear report of thee and shall tremble and be in anguish because of thee 26. And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace saying 27. Let me pass through thy land I will go along by the high-way I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left 28. Thou shalt sell me meat for money that I may eat and give me water for money that I may drink onely I will pass through on my feet 29. As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir and the Moabites which dwell in Ar did unto me untill I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us 30. But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate that he might deliver him into thy hand as appeareth this day 31. And the LORD said unto me Behold I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee begin to possess that thou mayest inherit his land 32. Then Sihon came out against us he and all his people to fight at Jahaz 33. And the LORD our God delivered him before us and we smote him and his sons and all his people 34. And we took all his cities at that time and utterly destroyed the men and the women and the little ones of every city we left none to remain 35. Onely the cattel we took for a prey unto our selves and the spoil of the cities which we took 36. From Aroer which is by thâ— brink of the river of Arnon and from the city that is by the river even unto Gilead there was not one city too strong for us the LORD our God delivered all unto us 37. Onely unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not nor unto any place of the river Jabbok nor unto the cities in the mountains nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us 1. MOunt Seir This Mount is put here for the rest of the Country of the Edomites of which that Mount was a remarkable place We find that Ezion-gaber v. 8. which was upon the Shore of the Red-sea was in the Land of Edom 1 King 9.26 Many days It was the space of thirty eight years from their leaving Kadesh-barnea to their passing over the Brook Zered See v. 14. 4. To pass through the Coast Or To pass near or by the Coast The Hebrew Particle which is here translated through sometimes signifies by or near as 1 Sam. 29.1 2 Chron. 15.16 Jud. 6.11 1 King 15.13 And this sense of that Particle agrees well with this place Compare Numb 20.21 23. 5. Meddle not with them The reason of this Prohibition was not because the Edomites were too formidable an Enemy for it 's said They shall be afraid of you v. 4. but because God had bestowed that Land upon Esau Gen. 36.8 and would not give to the Israelites thereof No not so much as a foot-breadth Heb. Even to the treading of the sole of the foot 7. For the LORD thy God c. Because God had plentifully provided for them and known their walking i. e. graciously regarded them in their Peregrination as the word know implies Ps 1.6 therefore they are under no Temptation to Theft or Rapine 9. Distress not the Moabites Or Vse no hostility against Moab The reason follows Because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot Ar This was the principal City of the Moabites Numb 21.15 28. It is put here for the Country of the Moabites as mount Seir v. 1. is for that of the Edomites 10. The Emims The word imports terror and it is said they were great and many c. And this might encourage the Israelites to hope for Victory over their powerfull Enemies See Gen. 14.5 12. The Horims Gen. 14.6 and 36.20 Succeeded them Heb. Inherited them Stead Or room As Israel did unto the land of his possession which the LORD gave unto them There is no difficulty in these words if we understand them of that part of the Land on this side Jordan which the Israelites had already the possession of and which was a pledge of the other part of the Land on the other side of Jordan which they were shortly after to possess And this sense of the words is very agreeable to this place and is confirmed by what follows ch 4.47 where the Israelites are expressly said to have possessed this Land at this time And after this ch 29.8 Moses says We took their Land and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites c. 13. The brook or valley Zered Numb 21.12 14. Of the Men of War i. e. From Twenty years old and upward all that were able to go forth to War See Numb 1.3 compared with Numb 14.29 Host Or Camp See Numb 2. 18. Thou art to pass over through Ar the coast of Moab Or Thou art to pass over by Ar by the border of Moab 20. Zamzummims A crafty sort of People as that word seems to import 21. But the LORD destroyed c. Which is a demonstration that the Israelites whiles God fights for them need not fear the most powerfull and subtle Enemies 23. And the Avims c. That is a People related to the Philistins Gen. 10.14 called Caphtorims destroyed the Avims which is added as another instance to encourage the hope of the Israelites See Jer. 47.4 and Amos 9.7 24. Begin to possess Heb. Begin possess 25. That are under the whole heaven This hyperbolical Expression is explained by the following words which restrain it to those
the great Stature of Og. After the cubit of a man That is according to the Cubit of a Man grown up and of an usual size which is about half a yard 12. The Cities Numb 32.33 Josh 13.8 c. 14. Havoth-jair Numb 32.41 15. Gilead viz. The half of it See verse 12. Vnto Machir That is to his Posterity 16. Half the valley For the right understanding of this place it is to be considered that the Hebrew word here translated Valley signifies sometimes a Valley and sometimes a River and in the latter sense is rendred in this Verse in the words immediately foregoing The river Arâ—â—â— And so it ought to be rendred here and so it is rendred by the Greek and Vulgar Latin in this place And what we render half the Valley imports as much as to the middle of the River viz. Emphatically of the River just before mentioned Their Land extended from Gilead unto the middle of the River Arnon The truth of this appears from other places viz. Josh 12.2 We have an account of the same place being the place where Sihon dwelt who is there said to have ruled from Aroer which is upon the bank of the river Arnon and from the middle of the river which last are the same words in the Hebrew which we find here rendred by half the Valley and from half Gilead Again Deut. 2.36 the same place is described viz. From Aroer which is by the brink of the river of Arnon and from the city that is by the river viz. Ar of Moab which stood within the River and which was a City they were not permitted to invade even unto Gilead And the border even unto the river Jabbok These words seem to be Elliptical The sense is And the border was even unto the river Jabbok 17. Vnder Ashdoth-Pisgah Or under the Springs of Pisgah or the Hill 18. Ye shall pass over c. Numb 32.20 Meet for the war Heb. Sons of power 20. Return Josh 22.4 21. Commanded Numb 27.18 24. Thy greatness and thy mighty hand viz. In giving us the Conquest over such powerfull Enemies as Sihon and Og. 25. I pray thee let me go over c. It is not unreasonable to suppose that Moses should think the Threatning of God reversible and it must needs be very desirable by him to see that Land which had been so long ago promised so much expected and so greatly vilified by them that had been sent from Kadesh-barnea to search the Land But besides this it may be said that he had a desire especially to see that place where God would choose to dwell which the Jews affirm is meant by the goodly Mountain as well as the remoter Parts of the promised Land in which was Lebanon 26. Was wroth Numb 20.12 chap. 1.37 27. Pisgah Or the Hill See Numb 27.12 Behold it This was a favour not granted to the Men that searched and that murmured 28. Charge Give him Commission to execute my Will Encourage i. e. Give him assurance of success 29. Beth-peor Or the house of Peor The name of a Place or City so called CHAP. IV. The ARGUMENT The Israelites are exhorted to Obedience by several great Motives Such as their own Interest and the Reasonableness of it They are particularly warned against Idolatry and that very powerfully They are obliged to teach the Law unto their Children Three Cities of Refuge are set a part by Moses 1. NOW therefore hearken O Israel unto the statutes and unto the judgments which I teach you for to do them that ye may live and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you 2. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you neither shall you diminish ought from it that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you 3. Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baal-peor for all the men that followed Baal-peor the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you 4. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day 5. Behold I have taught you statutes and judgments even as the LORD my God commanded me that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it 6. Keep therefore and do them for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations which shall hear all these statutes and say surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people 7. For what nation is there so great who hath God so nigh unto them as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for 8. And what nation is there so great that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day 9. Onely take heed to thy self and keep thy soul diligently lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life but teach them thy sons and thy sons sons 10. Specially the day that thou stood'st before the LORD thy God in Horeb when the LORD said unto me Gather me the people together and I will make them hear my words that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth and that they may teach their children 11. And ye came near and stood under the mountain and the mountain burnt with fire unto the midst of heaven with darkness clouds and thick darkness 12. And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire ye heard the voice of the words but saw no similitude onely ye heard a voice 13. And he declared unto you his covenant which he commanded you to perform even ten commandments and he wrote them upon two tables of stone 14. And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it 15. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire 16. Lest ye corrupt your selves and make you a graven image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female 17. The likeness of any beast that is on the earth the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air 18. The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth 19. And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou seest the sun and the moon and the stars even all the host of heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven 20. But the LORD hath taken you and brought you forth out of the iron furnace even out of Egypt to be unto him a people of inheritance as
ye are this day 21. Furthermore the LORD was angry with me for your sakes and sware that I should not go over Jordan and that I should not go in unto that good land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance 22. But I must die in this land I must not go over Jordan but ye shall go over and possess that good land 23. Take heed unto your selves lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God which he made with you and make you a graven image or the likeness of any thing which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee 24. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire even a jealous God 25. When thou shalt beget children and childrens children and shalt have remained long in the land and shall corrupt your selves and make a graven image or the likeness of any thing and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God to provoke him to anger 26. I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto you go over Jordan to possess it ye shall not prolong your days upon it but shall utterly be destroyed 27. And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen whither the LORD shall lead you 28. And there ye shall serve gods the work of mens hands wood and stone which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell 29. But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God thou shalt find him if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul 30. When thou art in tribulation and all these things are come upon thee even in the latter days if thou turn to the LORD thy God and shalt be obedient unto his voice 31. For the LORD thy God is a mercifull God he will not forsake thee neither destroy thee nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them 32. For ask now of the days that are past which were before thee since the day that God created man upon the earth and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is or hath been heard like it 33. Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire as thou hast heard and live 34. Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation by temptations by signs and by wonders and by war and by a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm and by great terrors according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes 35. Unto thee it was shewed that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God there is none else besides him 36. Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice that he might instruct thee and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire 37. And because he loved thy fathers therefore he chose their seed after them and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt 38. To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier then thou art to bring thee in to give thee their land for an inheritance as it is this day 39. Know therefore this day and consider it in thine heart that the LORD he is God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath there is none else 40. Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes and his commandments which I command thee this day that it may go well with thee and with thy children after thee and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth which the LORD thy God giveth thee for ever 41. Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sun-rising 42. That the slayer might flee thither which should kill his neighbour unawares and hated him not in times past and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live 43. Namely Bezer in the wilderness in the plain-country of the Reubenites and Ramoth in Gilead of the Gadites and Golan in Bashan of the Manassites 44. And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel 45. These are the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments which Moses spake unto the children of Israel after they came forth out of Egypt 46. On this side Jordan in the valley over against Beth-peor in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites who dwelt at Heshbon whom Moses and the children of Israel smote after they were come forth out of Egypt 47. And they possessed his land and the land of Og king of Bashan two kings of the Amorites which were on this side Jordan toward the sun-rising 48. From Aroer which is by the bank of the river Arnon even unto mount Sion which is Hermon 49. And all the plain on this side Jordan east-ward even unto the sea of the plain under the springs of Pisgah 2. Ye shall not add c. chap. 12.32 Josh 1.7 Prov. 30.6 Revel 22.18 It is fit to require that they should neither add to nor take from the Divine Precepts at the beginning of this Exhortation to Obedience because God had given them his Law for their Rule of Life and had annexed his Promises to their Universal Obedience thereunto 3. Because of Baal-peor Numb 25.4 c. Or against Baal-peor and his Worshippers as the Vulgar and Chaldee have it Compare Numb 25.5 and the words which follow here 6. Your wisdom It is a fruit of great wisdom to fear God and obey his Laws The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom a good understanding have all they that do his commandments Psal 111.10 Besides many of these Laws were such as the wiser Heathen could not but approve and did actually receive several of them into their own Laws 7. In all things that we call upon him for God shewed himself ready to hear the Prayers of his Servants upon all occasions Exod. 17.11 and to protect and defend them in all straits and dangers as appeared by the many Miracles which he had wrought 8. So righteous This speaks a Nation great For righteousness exalteth a nation Prov. 14.34 10. Thou stoodst The most aged among them were present at the giving of the Law 11. Mountain Exod. 19.18 Midst Heb. Heart which is well translated midst here not that it signifies the exact midst it is enough that it be in that in the midst of which it is said to be Of Heaven i. e. Of the Air or lower Heaven 12. Onely ye heard a voice Heb. Save a voice 14. Statutes and judgments i. e. The Judicial and Ceremonial Laws in contradistinction to the Moral mentioned v. 13. 15. Take ye therefore good heed c. They saw no Similitude when God gave his Law and are thereupon vehemently warned against Worshipping of God by any kind of Image
whatsoever to which they as well as the rest of the World were very prone 19. When thou seest the Sun c. They are here warned against Worshipping the Sun and Moon c. from two Arguments I. Because God had placed them in Heaven for their use not worship And what that use of them was is elsewhere declared Gen. 1.14 See the Note on that place II. Because God had divided or imparted them to the use of the rest of Mankind not peculiarly unto them 20. But the LORD c. This Verse contains two powerfull Arguments to Obedience I. God's great Mercy in delivering them from the Bondage and Miseries of Egypt which is here expressed by the Iron furnace or Furnace where Iron is melted See Exod. 20.2 II. His taking them for his peculiar People Exod. 19.5 Both which God made use of upon the giving them his Law 21. Furthermore c. The Punishment of Moses ought to awaken them to great care not to offend 24. The LORD Chap. 9.3 Heb. 12.23 26. I call heaven and earth to witness c. This vehement Obtestation is used in the Scripture to upbraid Men for their stupidity and to awaken them to greater attention Deut. 32.1 Isa 1.2 28. Gods That is Idols which are falsely so called as appears by the following words 30. Are come upon thee Heb. Have found thee 31. Of thy fathers In which their Posterity were included Gen. 17.7 34. Temptations Or Tryals For the Miracles which God wrought in Egypt were Tryals both to the Egyptians and the Israelites whether they would obey God and trust in him or not 41. Then Moses severed c. See Numb 35.14 43. Bezer Josh 20.8 46. Smote Numb 21.24 chap. 1.4 47. Of Og Numb 21.33 chap. 3.3 48. Mount Sion This was one of the Names by which Hermon was called and possibly is but the Abbreviation of Sirion See Deut. 3.9 49. Springs of Pisgah Chap. 3.17 CHAP. V. The ARGUMENT Moses puts the Israelites in mind of the Covenant God made with them in Horeb. The Ten Commandments The Terror of the People at the giving this Law and their Request to Moses thereupon That Request was granted to them 1. AND Moses called all Israel and said unto them Hear O Israel the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day that ye may learn them and keep and do them 2. The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers but with us even us who are all of us here alive this day 4. The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire 5. I stood between the LORD and you at that time to show you the word of the LORD for ye were afraid by reason of the fire and went not up into the mount saying 6. I am the LORD thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt from the house of bondage 7. Thou shalt have none other Gods before me 8. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the waters beneath the earth 9. Thou shalt not bow down thy self unto them nor serve them for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me 10. And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments 11. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain 12. Keep the sabbath-day to sanctifie it as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee 13. Six days thou shalt labour and do all thy work 14. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thine ox nor thine ass nor any of thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates that thy man-servant and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou 15. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath-day 16. Honour thy father and thy mother as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee that thy days may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee 17. Thou shalt not kill 18. Neither shalt thou commit adultery 19. Neither shalt thou steal 20. Neither shalt thor bear false witness against thy neighbour 21. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house his fâ—eld or his man-servant or his maid-servant his ox or his ass or any thing that is thy neighbour's 22. These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire of the cloud and of the thick darkness with a great voice and he added no more and he wrote them in two tables of stone and delivered them unto me 23. And it came to pass when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness for the mountain did burn with fire that ye came near unto me even all the heads of your tribes and your elders 24. And ye said Behold the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire we have seen this day that God doth talk with man and he liveth 25. Now therefore why should we die for this great fire will consume us If we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more then we shall die 26. For who is there of all flesh that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire as we have and lived 27. Go thou near and hear all that the LORD our God shall say and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee and we will hear it and do it 28. And the LORD heard the voice of your words when ye spake unto me and the LORD said unto me I have heard the voice of the words of this people which they have spoken unto thee they have well said all that they have spoken 29. O that there were such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep all my commandments always that it might be well with them and with their children for ever 30. Go say to them Get you into your tents again 31. But as for thee stand thou here by me and I will speak unto thee all the commandments and the statutes and the judgments which thou shalt teach them that they may do them in the land
which I give them to possess it 32. Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left 33. You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you that ye may live and that it may be well with you and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess 1. SAid unto them By their principal Men their Elders or Heads of their several Tribes See chap. 29.10 For Moses must be supposed to have spoken to the whole Congregation of all Israel after the same manner in which they are said to speak to him viz. By the Heads of their Tribes and by their Elders as is expressed in v. 23. of this Chapter where he says Ye came near unto me not that all the Men of Israel did so for it follows by way of Explication even all the Heads of your Tribes and your Elders Keep and do them Heb. Keep to do them This is the great End of their hearing and learning them 2. The LORD c. Exod. 19.5 3. With our fathers viz. With Abraham Isaac and Jacob. It is not said that God did not enter into Covenant with them but that he made not this Covenant with them viz. this at Horeb. Here God did more largely reveal his Will and thereupon solemnly entred into Covenant with the People and their Posterity as appears from the following words 4. Face to face i. e. Clearly and distinctly Numb 12.18 though not in any visible shape ch 4.12 5. I stood between the LORD and you viz. as a Mediator and at your request v. 27. to teach you the Statutes which were given after the Ten Commandments 6. I am the LORD Exod. 20.2 c. with the Notes on that Chapter Levit. 26.1 Psal 81.10 Bondage Heb. Servants 9. Visiting Exod. 34.7 10. And shewing mercy Jer. 32.18 12. Keep It is Remember Exod. 20. but that was in order to the keeping of it 14. Sabbath Gen. 2.2 Heb. 4.4 15. Therefore c. i. e. Thou art obliged upon the account of that Redemption which is mentioned as an argument to Obedience of these Laws v. 6. and Exod 20.2 as well as in Memory of the Creation to observe this day of rest 16. And that it may go well with thee These words are here added to what we read Exod. 20.12 as a farther motive to Obedience and we find the Apostle takes notice of it Eph. 6.3 Upon the whole Obedience to this Precept hath the promise not onely of a long but an happy Life 17. Thou shalt not kill Matt. 5.21 18. Neither c. Luk. 18.20 19. Neither Ro. 13.9 21. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife c. The words in this Verse contain the same Precept which we find in Exod. 20.17 It is delivered with some variety The most considerable is this That whereas Exod. 20.17 the coveting the Neighbour's House is first forbidden and then the coveting his Wife here on the other hand is first forbid the desire of his Wife and then the coveting his House c. which is a good argument that this Verse as also Exod. 20.17 to which it answers contains but one Commandment however some Men to serve their Ends have divided it into two For if it were two we could not distinguish between the Ninth and Tenth the one being first in one and the other in the other place Nor is it to be supposed that Moses would put the Tenth before the Ninth See the Note on Exod. 20.17 22. He added no more i. e. He did not deliver the following Laws which we find in Exod. ch XXI XXII c. as he did these Moral Precepts by an audible voice and the solemn manner in the midst of the Fire c. but he delivered them to Moses who imparted them to the People 24. We have heard Exod. 19.19 And he liveth Ch. 4.33 It appears that this was a case not to be parallelled and that though they had escaped hitherto yet they were very fearfull for the future v. 25 26. See Judg. 6.22 23. 25. Hear Heb. Add to hear 27. Speak thou unto us Exod. 20.19 29. O that there were such an heart c. These words do fully assure us that their Obedience and the happiness which would thence accrue to them were things greatly pleasing and acceptable to God the most sincere lover of Souls CHAP. VI. The ARGUMENT An Exhortation to the Fear and Love of the One true God and to Obedience to his Laws and Instruction of their children They are warned not to forget God in their Prosperity and particularly against Idolatry 1. NOW these are the commandments the statutes and the judgments which the LORD your God commanded to teach you that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it 2. That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God to keep all his statutes and his commandments which I command thee thou and thy son and thy son's son all the days of thy life and that thy days may be prolonged 3. Hear therefore O Israel and observe to do it that it may be well with thee and that ye may increase mightily as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee in the land that floweth with milk and honey 4. Hear O Israel The LORD our God is one LORD 5. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might 6. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down and when thou risest up 8. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes 9. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house and on thy gates 10. And it shall be when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers to Abraham to Isaac and to Jacob to give thee great and goodly cities which thou buildedst not 11. And houses full of all good things which thou filledst not and wells digged which thou diggedst not vineyards and olive-trees which thou plantedst not when thou shalt have eaten and be full 12. Then beware lest thou forget the LORD which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt from the house of bondage 13. Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God and serve him and shalt swear by his name 14. Ye shall not go after other gods of the gods of the people which are round about you 15. For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee and destroy thee from off the face of the earth 16. Ye shall not tempt the LORD
and suffered thee to hunger and fed thee with manna which thou knewest not neither did thy fathers know that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread onely but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live 4. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee neither did thy foot swell these forty years 5. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart that as a man chasteneth his son so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee 6. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God to walk in his ways and to fear him 7. For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land a land of brooks of water of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills 8. A land of wheat and barley and vines and fig-trees and pomegranates a land of oyl-olive and honey 9. A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness thou shalt not lack any thing in it a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass 10. When thou hast eaten and art full then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee 11. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God in not keeping his commandments and his judgments and his statutes which I command thee this day 12. Lest when thou hast eaten and art full and hast built goodly houses and dwelt therein 13. And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied and all that thou hast is multiplied 14. Then thine heart be lifted up and thou forget the LORD thy God which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt from the house of bondage 15. Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness wherein were fiery serpents and scorpions and drought where there was no water who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint 16. Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna which thy fathers knew not that he might humble thee and that he might prove thee to do thee good at thy latter end 17. And thou say in thine heart my power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth 18. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers as it is this day 19. And it shall be if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God and walk after other gods and serve them and worship them I testifie against you this day that ye shall surely perish 20. As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face so shall ye perish because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God 1. THat ye may live i. e. That ye may live happily and prosperously For life in the Scripture-phrase sometimes signifies more than bare Life viz. Prosperity and Ease c. Let the King live Was an ancient Comâ—â—cation of the People when they wished him prosperity 1 King 1.25 compare 1 Sam. 25.6 and Levit. 25.36 and also 1 Thess 3.8 Joh. 4.51 52. On the other hand Afflictions and Troubles are called Death Exod. 10.17 2 Cor. 11.23 2. To know what was in thine heart i. e. To discover the frowardness and naughtiness that was in thee A discovery very usefull to them and instructive to others 1 Cor. 10.11 12. 3. That man doth not live by bread onely but by every word that proceedeth c. Matt. 4.4 Luk. 4.4 That is that Man is not sustained onely by the food which he eats but what-ever God appoints for that End how unlikely soever it be does sustain him as was seen in the Manna It being the Blessing of God that renders our food the support of our life 4. Thy raiment Nehem. 9.21 5. As a man chasteneth his son That is moderately and for the good of him that is chastened 8. Of Oyl-olive Heb. Of Olive-tree of Oyl 10. When thou hast eaten and art full then thou shalt bless c. chap. 6.11 12. This solemn Praise of God for our food is due from us both for the food and the nourishment we receive thereby see v. 3. and not to render it is an argument of great profaneness and detestable ingratitude 14. Then thine heart be lifted up c. viz. With pride and self-conceit as if thou hadst deserved these Blessings See ch 6.12 15. Who brought thee forth water Numb 20.11 16. Manna Exod 16.15 That he might humble thee c. Here are three Ends of God's giving them Manna mentioned viz. First To humble them by teaching them their own insufficiency and constant dependence upon Him Secondly To try or prove them viz. To prove their Obedience to his Law concerning it and their Faith in Him Thirdly By this means to prepare them for farther Mercies or to do them good at their latter end CHAP. IX The ARGUMENT Moses beats off the Israelites from an Opinion of their own Righteousness and to this purpose represents to them their Rebellions and Provocations Especially their great Sin in making and worshipping the Molten Calf 1. HEar O Israel thou art to pass over Jordan this day to go in to possess nations greater and mightier then thy self cities great and fenced up to heaven 2. A people great and tall the children of the Anakims whom thou knowest and of whom thou hast heard say Who can stand before the children of Anak 3. Vnderstand therefore this day that the LORD thy God is be which goeth over before thee as a consuming fire he shall destroy them and he shall bring them down before thy face so shalt thou drive them out and destroy them quickly as the LORD hath said unto thee 4. Speak not thou in thine heart after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee saying For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee 5. Not for thy righteousness or for the uprightness of thine heart dost thou go to possess their land but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers Abraham Isaac and Jacob. 6. Vnderstand therefore that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness for thou art a stiff-necked people 7. Remember and forget not how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt untill ye came unto this place ye have been rebellious against the LORD 8. Also in Horeb ye provoked the LORD to wrath so that the LORD was angry with you to have destroyed you 9. When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone even the tables of
the covenant which the LORD made with you then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights I neither did eat bread nor drink water 10. And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God and on them was written according to all the words which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of fire in the day of the assembly 11. And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone even the tables of the covenant 12. And the LORD said unto me Arise get thee down quickly from hence for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them they have made them a molten image 13. Furthermore the LORD spake unto me sayingâ— I have seen this people and behold it is a stiff-necked people 14. Let me alone that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater then they 15. So I turned and came down from the mount and the mount burned with fire and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands 16. And I looked and behold ye had sinned against the LORD your God and had made you a molten calf ye had turned aside quickly out of the way which the LORD had commanded you 17. And I took the two tables and cast them out of my two hands and brake them before your eyes 18. And I fell down before the LORD as at the first forty days and forty nights I did neither eat bread nor drink water because of all your sins which ye sinned in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD to provoke him to anger 19. For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you But the LORD hearkned unto me at that time also 20. And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him and I prayed for Aaron also the same time 21. And I took your sin the calf which ye had made and burnt it with fire and stamped it and ground it very small even untill it was as small as dust and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount 22. And at Taberah and at Massah and at Kibroth-hattaavah ye provoked the LORD to wrath 23. Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadesh-barnea saying Go up and possess the land which I have given you then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God and ye believed him not nor hearkned to his voice 24. You have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you 25. Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights as I fell down at the first because the LORD had said he would destroy you 26. I prayed therefore unto the LORD and said O Lord GOD destroy not thy people and thine inheritance which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand 27. Remember thy servants Abraham Isaac and Jacob look not unto the stubbornness of this people nor to their wickedness nor to their sin 28. Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them and because he hated them he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness 29. Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched-out arm 1. THis day i. e. About this time For day does not always signifie a precise time See the Notes upon Gen. 2.4 2. The children of the Anakims Numb 13.28 3. As a consuming fire Which doeth waste that which stands in its way See chap. 4.24 Heb. 12.29 Quickly But not all at once chap. 7.22 The seeming difference between this place and chap. 7.22 as the words lie in the Hebrew Text is removed by this answer That chap. 7.22 is to be understood of the whole Land and this of the parts of it which they should successively attempt upon 7. In the Wilderness Both in the Wilderness of Shur Exod. 15.22 24. and in the Wilderness of Sin Exod. 16.1 2 3. 8. Also in Horeb viz. In the Wilderness of Sinai whither the Israelites came in the third month after they came forth out of Egypt 9. I abode in the mount Exod. 24.18 and 34.28 10. And the LORD delivered c. See Exod. 31.18 and the Note upon that place The words which the LORD spake with you i. e. The Ten Commandments which God spake from Mount Sinai Exod 20. when the People were assembled to receive the Law Exod. 19.17 For the other Laws were given them by the Mediation of Moses according to their own request Exod. 20.19 compared with Deut. 5.27 12. Arise Exod. 32.7 14. Let me alone i. e. Do not pray or intercede for them See Exod. 32.10 16. Which the LORD had commanded you For God had expressly Commanded them not onely not to worship any Idol or false God Exod. 20.3 4. but not to make with him Gods of Silver or Gold Exod. 20.23 See the Notes on Exod. 20.23 18. I fell down viz. As a Supplicant praying for the People of which see Exod. 34.8 9. As at the first That is as I did upon my coming down from the Mount upon their making and worshipping the Golden Calf For that he did then pray for the People is intimated v. 14. and more fully expressed Exod. 32.11 12 13. 21. Your sin That is the Calf which was the Object of their Idolatrous Worship It is usual in the phrase of the Holy Scripture to call the Object of the Idolatrous Worship by the name of the Sin committed See Isa 31.7 compare Exod. 32.20 and Act. 17.23 with the Marginal reading 22. Taberah c. Numb 11.1 3. Exod 17.7 Numb 11.34 These places bore the Memorial of their Sin and Punishment 25. Thus I fell down c. Of which see verse 18. and the Note there 28. Because the LORD Numb 14.16 with Exod. 32.12 CHAP. X. The ARGUMENT The two Tables are restored and put into the Ark. Of the Death of Aaron Of the Separation of the Levites to the Service of God The Israelites are exhorted to Obedience and particularly to be kind to Strangers 1. AT that time the LORD said unto me Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first and come up unto me into the mount and make thee an ark of wood 2. And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest and thou shalt put them in the ark 3. And I made an ark of shittim-wood and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first and went up into the mount having the two tables
in mine hand 4. And he wrote on the tables according to the first writing the ten commandments which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly and the LORD gave them unto me 5. And I turned my self and came down from the mount and put the tables in the ark which I had made and there they be as the LORD commanded me 6. And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera there Aaron died and there he was buried and Eleazar his son ministred in the priest's office in his stead 7. From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah and from Gudgodah to Jotbath a land of rivers of waters 8. At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD to stand before the LORD to minister unto him and to bless in his name unto this day 9. Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren the LORD is his inheritance according as the LORD thy God promised him 10. And I stayed in the mount according to the first time forty days and forty nights and the LORD hearkned unto me at that time also and the LORD would not destroy thee 11. And the LORD said unto me Arise take thy journey before the people that they may go in and possess the land which I snare unto their fathers to give unto them 12. And now Israel what doth the LORD thy God require of thee but to fear the LORD thy God to walk in all his ways and to love him and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul 13. To keep the commandments of the LORD and his statutes which I command thee this day for thy good 14. Behold the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD 's thy God the earth also with all that therein is 15. Onely the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them and he chose their seed after them even you above all people as it is this day 16. Circumcise therefore the fore-skin of your heart and be no more stiff-necked 17. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords a great God a mighty and a terrible which regardeth not persons nor taketh reward 18. He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow and loveth the stranger in giving him food and raiment 19. Love ye therefore the stranger for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt 20. Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God him shalt thou serve and to him shalt thou cleave and swear by his name 21. He is thy praise and he is thy God that hath done for thee these great and terrible things which thine eyes have seen 22. Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude 1. HEW Exod. 34.1 3. I made an Ark Or I caused it to be made For if by Ark in this place be meant the Ark of the Covenant as is very probable from verse 5. This Ark was made by Bezaleel Exod. 37.1 and not made before this going of Moses into the Mount but after he came down Exod. 34. But as Moses in this short Repetition of what was past need not strictly observe the Order of Time so he may be said to make that Ark which he commanded to be made Bezaleel made also the Table of Shittim-wood Exod. 37.10 But Moses received a Command to make it Exod. 25.23 4. Commandments Heb. Words 6. And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera This place is very difficult and the difficulties of it are several and require a distinct Consideration For First It may be inquired what Connexion there is between these words and them that go before Answer Moses having mentioned his Intercession for the Israelites when for their Sins they were in danger to be destroyed and when the Tables of the Law were broken ch 9.26 adds what the effect of this Intercession was viz. That thereby the favour of God was regained of which he gives several instances viz. The restoring the two Tables and placing them in the Ark v. 1 5. The Journeys of them which were not stopped v. 6. And that they journeyed to places well watered also v. 6 7. And though indeed Aaron died yet his Priesthood continued in Eleazar And as God gave them a token of his favour in the Ark of the Covenant so he gave them another in separating the Levites to bear that Ark c. v. 8. Secondly It may be inquired how this Journey from Beeroth of the Children of Jaakan to Mosera can be reconciled with Numb 33.31 where it 's said they departed from Moseroth and pitched in Bene-jaakan Answ Besides many other very material things which might be said towards the removing of this difficulty it is enough to say that the Israelites in their Wandrings in the Wilderness might as well here as they did elsewhere go to and fro viz. From Jaakan to Mosera and back again from Mosera to Jaakan And this supposing these places the same with those in Numbers and the place here truly rendred is all that the words do import See Numb 33.30 And then Moses here doth but insert a passage omitted in the place in the Book of Numbers There Aaron died Obj. But how can this be reconciled with Numb 20.25 28. where it is evident that Aaron died at Mount Hor Answ It is no unusual thing that one place should have different Names especially with respect to the several Parts thereof Thus Horeb and Sinai were two Names of the same Mountain Exod. 3.1 2. compared with Act. 7.30 And so might Mosera be the other Name for Hor or the Name of a Place adjoining to it 7. From thence i. e. From Beeroth of the Children of Jaakan Numb 33.32 where Horhagidgad is the same with Gudgodah here and what is here called Jotbath is called Jotbathah Numb 33.33 8. At that time Or About that time viz. After Moses came down from the Mount For this seems manifestly to referr to verse 5. the 6th and 7th Verses being here brought in by way of Parenthesis And that the words at that time do not necessarily import the very precise time but admit of a Latitude will appear from Gen. 38.1 and the Note upon that place To bear the Ark Which belonged to the Kohathites Numb 3.27 31. To stand before the LORD c. That is to attend upon the Sanctuary and be in readiness for Service 1 Chron. 23.16 And to bless in his name This was the peculiar Office of the Priests the Sons of Aaron Numb 6.23 Who were also the Sons of Levi and are so called when this peculiar Office of theirs is mentioned Deut. 21.5 And though the solemn pronouncing of the Blessing upon the People
which he hath given thee the unclean and the clean may eat thereof as of the roe-buck and as of the hart 16. Onely ye shall not eat the blood ye shall pour it upon the earth as water 17. Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn or of thy wine or of thy oyl or the firstlings of the herds or of thy flock nor any of thy vows which thou vowest nor thy free-will-offerings or heave-offering of thine hand 18. But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose thou and thy son and thy daughter and thy man-servant and thy maid servant and the Levite that is within thy gates and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto 19. Take heed to thy self that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon thy earth 20. When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border as he hath promised thee and thou shalt say I will eat flesh because thy soul longeth to eat flesh thou mayest eat flesh whatsoever thy soul lusteth after 21. If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock which the LORD hath given thee as I have commanded thee and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after 22. Even as the roe-buck and the hart is eaten so thou shalt eat them the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike 23. Onely be sure that thou eat not the blood for the blood is the life and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh 24. Thou shalt not eat it thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water 25. Thou shalt not eat it that it may go well with thee and with thy children after thee when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD 26. Onely thy holy things which thou hast and thy vows thou shalt take and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose 27. And thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings the flesh and the blood upon the altar of the LORD thy God and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God and thou shalt eat the flesh 28. Observe and hear all these words which I command thee that it may go well with thee and with thy children after thee for ever when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God 29. When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee whither thou goest to possess them and thou succeedest them and dwellest in their land 30. Take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them after that they be destroyed from before thee and that thou enquire not after their gods saying How did these nations serve their gods even so will I do likewise 31. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God for every abomination to the LORD which he hateth have they done unto their gods for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods 32. What thing soever I command you observe to do it thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it 2. Ye shall utterly destroy Ch. 7.5 God did not think it enough to forbid them Idolatry but commands them to destroy all the Monuments and Memorials thereof Possess Or Inherit 3. You shall overthrow Heb. Break down their altars c. Judg. 2.2 This enumeration of Particulars after what was said v. 2. speaks God's great care that the Israelites should flie from all Idolatry 4. Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God By diligent comparing what is said above v. 2 3. and what follows v. 5 6. it appears that the meaning of this place is q. d. Ye shall not for the publick worship of God set up several Altars in sundry Mountains and Groves c. as the Idolatrous Nations did but serve him publickly in one place which he should choose v. 5 6. 5. Choose Or set a-part for that purpose as he did Jerusalem afterwards 1 King 8.29 2 Chron. 7.12 To put his name there i. e. To dwell or more especially to be present there where he is worshipped according to his Will The Name of God is put for God himself see Levit. 24.11 16. and 2 Sam. 6.2 And so it is â—â—â—re there is mention of calling on his Name building an House to his Name believing on his Name Psal 80.18 23.3 1 Chron. 22.8 and that so it is in this place is evident from the words of God to Solomon concerning the Temple which he had built I have chosen this place to my self for an house of sacrifice 2 Chron. 7.12 And this sense is confirmed from the following words in this Verse Even unto his habitation shall ye seek and from v. 11. There shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there 6. And thither ye shall bring c. This Command was for the preventing Idolatry which would not easily have been prevented had they been allowed their several Groves and Altars which the Idolaters had made use of And your tithes By Tithes here are not meant the Tithes paid to the Levites which were holy unto the Lord Levit. 27.30 and therefore not to be eaten by the People v. 18. nor yet the Tithe of those Tithes which was paid to the Priests Numb 18.26 and belonged onely to them and their Families Neh. 10.38 But a second Tithe which the People were to set aside after they had paid the Levites and which they might eat together with the Levite the Stranger Fatherless and Widow of which see Deut. 14.22 23 27 29. This second Tithe which the People was commanded to set aside every year was thus to be imployed viz. It was to be eaten for two years together in Jerusalem when God had chosen that place v. 17 18. and ch 14.23 and might be eaten by the first Owners and their Families with the Levites And in case the persons setting aside this Tithe lived at a great distance from Jerusalem they were allowed to turn it into Money and spend it there chap. 14.24 25 26. But every third year this same Tithe was to be laid up in the Country whence it did arise and to be eaten there not onely with the Levites as that which was spent at Jerusalem but with the other poor People of the Neighbourhood chap. 14.28 29. And heave-offerings of your hand viz. The first-fruits of the Earth of which see chap. 18.4 with chap. 26.2 The firstlings of your herds c. These are expressed as distinct from the first-fruits of the Earth expressed before by Heave-offerings 7. Ye shall eat viz. Your allowed part 8. This day That is this time of your wandring in the Wilderness where they could
not practise those Precepts which were annexed to the Land and required a settled condition See v. 9 10. 11. Your choice vows Heb. The choice of your vows Whatever was offered as a Vow was to be select and perfect whereas what was less perfect might serve in a Free-will-offering that being brought upon meer good-will without any preceeding Vow or Obligation Levit 22.20 21 22 23. 12. He hath no part Chap. 10.9 See the Note on ch 10.9 15. Lusteth after Or Desireth The unclean This being but common and ordinary Food which is here spoken of he that was legally unclean was permitted to eat of it which by the Law he might not have done had it been a part of a Peace offering Levit 7.20 As of the roe-buck and as of the hart q. d. As freely as he may eat of any other Flesh which is not forbidden as unclean such was that of the Roe-buck and Hart which were not forbidden by the Law See chap. 14.5 16. Onely Chap. 5.23 17. The tithe of thy corn For the right understanding of these words see the Note on the 6th Verse of this Chapter Firstlings of thy herds c. For the First born strictly so called they belonged to the Priests Numb 18.15 And therefore it hath been supposed with great probability that these Firstlings here spoken of are to be meant of such as after the setting a side the First-born were then by the Owner set a part and dedicated to God For as the Tithe here spoken of is to be understood of the second Tithe so may the Firstling be understood in a like sense 19. Take heed Chap. 14.27 Ecclus 7.51 As long Heb. All thy days 20. When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border c. For the fuller understanding the design of the words of this and the two following Verses it is to be remembred That while the Israelites were in the Wilderness they might not eat any Meat at their private Tables but such whereof they had first sacrificed to God at the Tabernacle See Levit. 17.4 and the Note upon that place This Precept was very practicable in the Wilderness where they encamped round about the Tabernacle The case was greatly altered when they came into the Land to which these Precepts were annexed v. 1 8 9 10 14. and so is the Law likewise concerning this matter For then many of them would live at a great distance from the Tabernacle and could not without great difficulty bring the Beasts which they killed for their private Tables to the Sanctuary And for that reason they were dispensed with and are not obliged to bring the Beast which they killed to the Door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation as in the Wilderness Levit. 17.9 But then lest they should surmise that they are likewise dispensed with as to the other part of that Law Levit. 17.10 11 c. forbidding the eating Blood they are strongly warned not to eat it v. 23 24 25. which is the true reason of those words in that place Hence it appears that the design of these words is not onely to let them know that they may lawfully kill and eat Flesh in all their Gates for that they were told before verse 15. But to acquaint them with the reason upon which they were dispensed with as to the bringing the Beast they killed to the Tabernacle which is particularly expressed verse 21. which words may be thus translated from the Hebrew Because the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to put his name there is too far from thee thou mayest kill of thy herd c. As he hath promised thee Gen. 28.14 chap. 19.8 This promise was conditional See ch 11.22 23 24. 22. Even as the roe-buck See the Note on v. 15. 23. Be sure Heb. Be strong That is be greatly carefull of this matter See Levit 17.10 11 12. 26. Thy holy things Such things as are separated and set a-part for holy uses viz. Sacrifices and Tithes c. See v. 17. 27. And thou shalt eat the flesh viz. Of thy Sacrifices last above-named for this cannot extend to the Burnt-offerings or any other part of the Oblation which was due to the Altar or the Priest 29. Succeedest them Heb. Inheritest or possessest them 30. Take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them Heb. after them That is take heed of their sin and fear their punishment 31. Thou shalt not do so c. That is thou shalt not worship thy God as they did Abomination to Heb. Abomination of the. 32. Not add Ch. 4.2 Josh 1.7 Prov. 30.6 Rev. 22.18 CHAP. XIII The ARGUMENT Enticers to Idolatry how near soever are to be stoned to death Idolatrous Cities are not to be spared 1. IF there arise among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams and giveth thee a sign or a wonder 2. And the sign or the wonder come to pass whereof he spake unto thee saying Let us go after other gods which thou hast not known and let us serve them 3. Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams for the LORD your God proveth you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul 4. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice and ye shall serve him and cleave unto him 5. And that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God which brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of bondage to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in so shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee 6. If thy brother the son of thy mother or thy son or thy daughter or the wife of thy bosom or thy friend which is as thine own soul entice thee secretly saying Let us go and serve other gods which thou hast not known thou nor thy fathers 7. Namely of the gods of the people which are round about you nigh unto thee or far off from thee from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth 8. Thou shalt not consent unto him nor hearken unto him neither shall thine eye pity him neither shalt thou spare neither shalt thou conceal him 9. But thou shalt surely kill him thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death and afterwards the hand of all the people 10. And thou shalt stone him with stones that he die because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt from the house of bondage 11. And all Israel shall hear and fear and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you 12. If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities which the
LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there saying 13. Certain men the children of Belial are gone out from among you and have with-drawn the inhabitants of their city saying Let us go and serve other gods which ye have not known 14. Then shalt thou enquire and make search and ask diligently and behold if it be truth and the thing certain that such abomination is wrought among you 15. Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword destroying it utterly and all that is therein and the cattel thereof with the edge of the sword 16. And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof and shalt burn with fire the city and all the spoil thereof every whit for the LORD thy God and it shall be an heap for ever it shall not be built again 17. And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger and shew thee mercy and have compassion upon thee and multiply thee as he hath sworn unto thy fathers 18. When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God 1. GIveth thee a sign That is he foretells some wonderfull thing that shall come to pass which sense is confirmed from the following words 2. And the sign or the wonder c. The meaning is And what he foretold in confirmation of his impious Doctrine saying Let us go after other Gods shall come to pass as he foretold it 3. Proveth you He suffereth the false Prophet to give a sign and by the event to confirm his impious Doctrine to try whether you are sincere and stedfast in your love to him and your Obedience and that this your sincerity may be known to your selves and others 4. Cleave Chap. 10.4 5. Be put to death The reason of which follows in the next words which determine this death to the person seducing to Idolatry Because he hath spoken Heb. revolt against the Lord to turn you away from the LORD The evil Both the evil Thing or impious Doctrine that it spread no farther and the evil Person also See Deut. 21.21 1 Cor. 5.13 6. If thy brother c. Here is an Enumeration of the nearest and dearest Relatives to let them know that they ought to love God above all 9. But thou shalt surely kill him Ch. 17.7 i. e. Thou shalt discover him and bring him to condign punishment which is death in this case by the Sentence of the Magistrate Thine hand shall be first upon him viz. As the witness of his Crime ch 17.7 10. Bondage Heb. Bondmen 11. All Israel Ch. 17.13 13. The children of Belial Or naughty men This expression is often used in Scripture to denote profligate and vile persons who are ungovernable and without the fear of God and Men and such as will not bear the Yoke of good Order and Discipline Are gone out from among you That is are separated from you and refuse Communion with you in your Religious Services See 1 Joh. 2.19 For of a local Separation the words cannot be understood because these vile Men after their Separation are yet in the following words supposed to be in their City withdrawing the Inhabitants and saying Let us go and serve other gods 14. Inquire c. The Magistrate is to take care to examine strictly into the truth of matter of fact and especially of this high nature and importance for Men are not to be put to death without clear evidence of their being guilty of death And is a proof that the killing v. 9. is not to be meant of doing it privately but after sufficient proof and the Sentence of the Magistrate 15. All that is therein For it may well be supposed that those who dissented would withdraw from so vile a City 16. For the LORD thy God Or To the Lord thy God viz. To appease God's just Displeasure and in honour of his offended Justice 17. Cursed Or Devoted CHAP. XIV The ARGUMENT The Israelites may not disfigure themselves in Mourning for the Dead What Beasts Fish and Fowl may and may not be eaten Of their Tithes to be eaten in the place which God should choose and particularly of the Tithe of the Third Year 1. YE are the children of the LORD your God ye shall not cut your selves nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead 2. For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself above all the nations that are upon the earth 3. Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing 4. These are the beasts which ye shall eat the ox the sheep and the goat 5. The hart and the roe-buck and the fallow-deer and the wild goat and the pygarg and the wild ox and the chamois 6. And every beast that parteth the hoof and cleaveth the cleft into two claws and cheweth the cud amongst the beasts that ye shall eat 7. Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud or of them that divide the cloven hoof as the camel and the hare and the coney for they chew the end but divide not the hoof therefore they are unclean unto you 8. And the swine because it divideth the hoof yet cheweth not the cud it is unclean unto you ye shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their dead carcase 9. These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters all that have fins and scales shall ye eat 10. And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat it is unclean unto you 11. Of all clean birds ye shall eat 12. But these are they of which ye shall not eat the eagle and the â—â—sifrage and the ospray 13. And the glede and the kite and the vulture after his kind 14. And every raven after his kind 15. And the owl and the night-hawk and the cuckow and the hawk after his kind 16. The little owl and the great owl and the swan 17. And the pelican and the gier-eagle and the cormorant 18. And the stork and the heron after her kind and the lapwing and the bat 19. And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you they shall not be eaten 20. But of all clean fowls ye may eat 21. Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of it self thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates that he may eat it or thou mayest sell it unto an alien for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk 22. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed that the field bringeth forth year by year 23. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose
free-will-offering of thine hand which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee 11. And thou shalt rejoyce before the LORD thy God thou and thy son and thy daughter and thy man-servant and thy maid-servant and the Levite that is within thy gates and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow that are among you in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there 12. And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt and thou shalt observe and do these statutes 13. Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine 14. And thou shalt rejoyce in thy feast thou and thy son and thy daughter and thy man-servant and thy maid-servant and the Levite the stranger and the fatherless and the widow that are within thy gates 15. Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy increase and in all the works of thine hands therefore thou shalt surely rejoice 16. Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose in the feast of unleavened bread and in the feast of weeks and in the feast of tabernacles and they shall not appear before the LORD empty 17. Every man shall give as he is able according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee 18. Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee throughout thy tribes and they shall judge the people with just judgment 19. Thou shalt not wrest judgment thou shalt not respect persons neither take a gift for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise and pervert the words of the righteous 20. That which is altogether just shalt thou follow that thou mayest live and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee 21. Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God which thou shalt make thee 22. Neither shalt thou set thee up any image which the LORD thy God hateth 1. THE month of Abib See Exod 12.2 and the Note upon that place and also upon Exod. 13.4 By night In the night that was done which moved Pharaoh to consent to the Israelites going out of Egypt and in the night he commanded them to go Exod. 12.29 30 31. And the Chaldee expresseth the sense to this purpose viz. He wrought wonders for thee in the night By the Death of the First-born their liberty was procured 2. Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passeover c. Thou shalt kill the Paschal Lamb as is prescribed Exod 12. Of the flock and the herd Or the flock and herd viz. besides the Paschal Lamb thou shalt for Peace-offerings during the time of this Feast sacrifice not onely of the Flock but of the Herd also which Passeover-offerings or Chagigah were to continue during the Seven days after the Paschal Lambs were offered These were of the Flock and Herd of which see Numb 28.18 19 20 21 22 23 24. Thus King Josiah is said to have given to the People of the Flock Lambs and Kids for Passeover-offerings and of the Herd he gave Bullocks also 2 Chron. 35.7 That these Bullocks were for the Chagigah or Peace-offerings is evident from v. 13. They rosted the passeover with fire according to the Ordinance but the other holy Offerings i. e. The Peace-offerings or Chagigah sod they in Pots and in Caldrons c. And it follows thereupon And divided them speedily among all the people Whence it is very evident that these Sacrifices were the Chagigah or Peace-offerings which did attend upon the Paschal Solemnity It is evident from the Text itself that the Words cannot be understood of the Paschal Lambs and that they cannot be understood of whole Burnt-offerings or Sin-offerings because the People did not partake of them whereas these are said to be divided among the people In the place This circumstance was not provided for at the first Institution of the Passeover and is therefore mentioned here See chap. 12.5 3. Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it This Precept was to continue during the seven days of the Passeover-offerings and was in memory of the Affliction of Egypt and their hasty Coming thence which afforded not time to leaven their Bread and to render it more savoury See Exod. 12.15 4. Vntill the morning See Exod. 12.10 6. At even at the going down of the sun When the Sun declines or in the Afternoon See the Note upon Exod. 12.6 At the season c. i. e. At that time of year c. 7. Thou shalt turn in the morning Not in the Morning of the Fifteenth day for that was a Solemn day in which no work was allowed to be done and was the First day of the Feast of Unleavened bread Levit. 23.6 7. And therefore it must be understood either 1. Of the Morning of the Sixteenth day of the Month and then those who lived near Jerusalem might return thither against the Seventh day of the Feast Or 2. The Morning after the Seventh day of the Feast which was the last and a solemn day Levit 23.8 See 2 Chron. 30.21 and 35.17 Thy Tents That is thy Dwellings which are called Tents here with respect to their present Condition in the Wilderness 8. Solemn assembly Heb. Restraint The reason of its being so called is intimated in the following words Thou shalt do no work therein 9. Seven weeks c. As the Feast of Passeover was instituted in remembrance of the deliverance out of Egypt so was this as is probable in remembrance of their receiving the Law of which and of the several Names of this Feast See the Note on Levit. 23.16 10. According as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee This imports more than what was prescribed Levit. 23.17 and Numb 28.27 13. Thou shalt observe c. Of which see the Note on Levit 23.34 15. Thou shalt surely rejoice viz. With a sense of God's Mercy in giving the Land of Promise to thee and the Fruits of it which thou hast now received See v. 13. 18. In all thy gates That is in all thy Cities the Gate being the place where the Judges sate 20. Altogether just viz. Without respect to Persons or Rewards 21. A grove of any trees viz. After the usage of Idolaters 1 King 15.13 22. Any image Or Statue or Pillar viz. Such as Idolaters were wont to erect CHAP. XVII The ARGUMENT What is blemished may not be sacrificed The Punishment of the Idolater What the Israelites were to do in cases of difficulty in matters of Judgment The Punishment of the Contumacious A Law concerning choosing a King and certain Rules whereby the King chosen was to govern himself
acquiesce in their Determination Matters of Faith and meer Belief are not mentioned here much less is it in the least intimated that the Sanhedrin was to be thought Infallible 11. According to the sentence of the law These words imply the Law to be the Rule both to the Sanhedrin and to the People who were not at liberty to do what the Law did clearly forbid but were onely obliged to abide by the Determination of this great Council in these doubtfull Cases 12. Vnto the priest By Priest is meant the Priests which were of this great Council and resided at the place which God did choose Priest is put for Priests as Judge v. 9. is for the Judges of which the Council consisted The Enallage of Numbers is very frequent in the Holy Scripture 14. I will set a king over me c. This they might very lawfully do tho' their manner of doing it afterward was not without fault 1 Sam. 8.7 15. Whom the LORD thy God shall choose God being their King reserved to himself the appointment of his Vice-gerent See 1 Sam. 9.15.10.24.16.12 1 Chron. 28.4 5. 16. He shall not multiply horses c. Lest he should confide in their strength Psal 33.16 17. or upon that account entertain much commerce with Egypt 1 King 10.26 28. as it follows Hath said Or Saith There is no reason why we should render it in the Preterperfect Tense and consequently no need to suppose that Moses refers to any former express Law it is enough that God forbids their return here He was also displeased at their Inclination to return Numb 14.3 4 with v. 11. Compare Exod. 13.17 And appointed several ways by which they were to remember their deliverance thence 18. A copy of this law By which he might be instructed both to govern himself and people 20. That his heart be not lifted up The due consideration of God's Law will serve to keep Men humble in the greatest Prosperity CHAP. XVIII The ARGUMENT God is the Inheritance of the Priests and Levites The Portion of the Priests and the Share of the Levite ministring in the place which God should choose The wicked practices of the Inhabitants of Canaan are to be avoided A promise of the Messiah The Punishment of him who will not obey him as also of the false Prophet A Rule to judge a false Prophet by 1. THE priests the Levites and all the tribe of Levi shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire and his inheritance 2. Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren the LORD is their inheritance as he hath said unto them 3. And this shall be the priest 's due from the people from them that offer a sacrifice whether it be ox or sheep and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the maw 4. The first-fruit also of thy corn of thy wine and of thy oyl and the first of the fleece of thy sheep shalt thou give him 5. For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes to stand to minister in the name of the LORD him and his sons for ever 6. And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel where he sojourned and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose 7. Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God as all his brethren the Levites do which stand there before the LORD 8. They shall have like portions to eat beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony 9. When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations 10. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire or that useth divination or an observer of times or an inchanter or a witch 11. Or a charmer or a consulter with familiar spirits or a wizard or a necromancer 12. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee 13. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God 14. For these nations which thou shalt possess hearkened unto observers of times and unto diviners but as for theâ— the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do 15. The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee of thy brethren like unto me unto him ye shall hearken 16. According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly saying Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God neither let me see this great fire any more that I die not 17. And the LORD said unto me They have well spoken that which they have spoken 18. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like unto thee and will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him 19. And it shall come to pass that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name I will require it of him 20. But the prophet which shall presume to speak a word in my name which I have not commanded him to speak or that shall speak in the name of other gods even that prophet shall die 21. And if thou say in thine heart How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken 22. When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD if the thing follow not nor come to pass that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously thou shalt not be afraid of him 1. AND his inheritance That is the Lord's Portion or Inheritance which he hath reserved for himself such were Tithes and First-fruits c. Numb 18.12 28. Upon which account the Lord is said to be their Inheritance v. 2. 3. A sacrifice That is a Peace-offering as appears by what follows of the Shoulder which does not exclude the Breast adjoining compared with Levit 7.31 32. and Levit. 10.12 and Numb 14.3 Two cheeks and the maw These are here added to the Portion of the Priests 4. First-fruit See Numb 18.12 5. To minister in the name of the LORD That is to minister or do his Office in the service which God hath appointed and required v. 7. 8. Beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony The Levite here is supposed to have left his Country to addict himself constantly to the Service of God And it is provided that he shall not loose by so doing And therefore he is allowed alike Portion with the other Levites which minister beside what he might upon leaving his Country have received for his House or Moveables left him by his Ancestors
c. The Condition whereof is mentioned v. 9. If thou shalt keep all these commandments c. 14. Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's land mark c. This Precept is very seasonably subjoined to that of Man-slaughter and Murther the removing of Land-marks being an occasion of great quarrels and shedding of Blood and it was not to be allowed it being against the Constitution of their Forefathers who divided the several Bounds of their Inheritance by Divine Direction which is intimated in the following words Which they of old time have set c. Prov. 22.28 15. One witness See chap. 17.6 and the Note upon that place 17. Shall stand before the LORD That is in a case of this difficulty they shall as is directed ch 17.8 come to the place which God should choose to place his Name there which may well be implyed in standing before the LORD see the Note upon Levit. 1.5 to the priests and judges which shall be in those days 18. A diligent inquisition For it being a matter of difficulty to detect a false Witness it required great Diligence It appears plainly that it was not a matter of Faith that they were concerned in but of Fact onely And the False-witness being liable to the Evil which he designed to bring upon his Brother it was needfull that a strict Inquisition should be made 19. Put the evil away Both the evil Man and such evil Practices as is implyed v. 20. 21. Life shall go for life eye for eye c. See the Note on Exod. 21.24 CHAP. XX. The ARGUMENT They are required not to be afraid of their Enemies against whom they were to fight The part of the Priest and Officers on this occasion How to use the Cities that accept or refuse the offers of Peace Who they are that are to be destroyed absolutely Of the Trees which may and may not be destroyed in a Siege 1. WHen thou goest out to battel against thine enemies and seest horses and chariots and a people more then thou be not afraid of them for the LORD thy God is with thee which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt 2. And it shall be when ye are come nigh unto the battel that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people 3. And shall say unto them Hear O Israel you approach this day unto battel against your enemies let not your hearts faint fear not and do not tremble neither be ye terrified because of them 4. For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you to fight for you against your enemies to save you 5. And the officers shall speak unto the people saying What man is there that hath built a new house and hath not dedicated it let him go and return to his house lest he die in the battel and another man dedicate it 6. And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard and hath not yet eaten of it let him also go and return unto his house lest he die in the battel and another man eat of it 7. And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife and hath not taken her let him go and return unto his house lest he die in battel and another man take her 8. And the officers shall speak further unto the people and they shall say What man is there that is fearfull and faint-hearted let him go and return unto his house lest his brethrens heart faint as well as his heart 9. And it shall be when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people 10. When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it then proclaim peace unto it 11. And it shall be if it make thee answer of peace and open unto thee then it shall be that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee and they shall serve thee 12. And if it will make no peace with thee but will make war against thee then thou shalt besiege it 13. And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it unto thine hands thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword 14. But the women and the little ones and the cattel and all that is in the city even all the spoil thereof shalt thou take unto thy self and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies which the LORD thy God hath given thee 15. Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee which are not of the cities of these nations 16. But of the cities of these people which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth 17. But thou shalt utterly destroy them namely the Hittites and the Amorites the Canaanites and the Perizzites the Hivites and the Jebusites as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee 18. That they teach you not to do after all their abominations which they have done unto their gods so should ye sin against the LORD your God 19. When thou shalt besiege a city a long time in making war against it to take it thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an ax against them for thou mayest eat of them and thou shalt not cut them down for the tree of the field is man's life to employ them in the siege 20. Onely the trees which thou knowest that they be not trees for meat thou shalt destroy and cut them down and thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee until it be subdued 1. WHich brought thee up out of the land of Egypt This is here mentioned as a famous instance of the Power of God who brought them out of Egypt notwithstanding all the Craft and Power of the Egyptians which combined against them 2. The priest This was a Priest who was set a-part on purpose for this affair as the Jews tell us who call him The priest anointed for the war See Numb 31.6 3. Tremble Heb. Make haste Do not give way as the Vulgar hath it or be not forward to fly from the approaching danger 5. What man is there that hath built c. The reason of this and the other two Cases which next follow seems to be this That Men in these Circumstances were therefore discharged because they would be apt to be intangled with these cares and thereby rendred less serviceable in the War To this the Apostle seems to allude No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life 2 Tim. 2.4 Dedicated That is he hath not enjoyed it which Men began to do with a Feast upon their first entrance see the Title to Psalm 30. Nehem. 12.27 or at least some expressions of Joy 6. And hath not yet eaten of it Heb. And hath not yet made it common The Law was this that when they planted Trees for Food which Law extended to Vines Ezek. 15.6 compared with Jer. 31.5 they
before that Day does not always precisely denote a determinate and precise time but time more at large and so it is here and in the two following Verses It is sufficient that it denote that time when Moses acquainted them with God's Laws and they entered into a Solemn Covenant to observe and keep them and God took them for his peculiar People See v. 17 18. 19. In praise and in name See Jer. 13.11 CHAP. XXVII The ARGUMENT The Israelites are commanded to write the Law upon Stones when they came into the Land and to build an Altar The names of the Tribes that were to stand on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal The several Curses to be pronounced by the Levites 1. AND Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people saying Keep all the commandments which I command you this day 2. And it shall be on the day when you shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee that thou shalt set thee up great stones and plaister them with plaister 3. And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law when thou art passed over that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee a land that floweth with milk and honey as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee 4. Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan that ye shall set up these stones which I command you this day in mount Ebal and thou shalt plaister them with plaister 5. And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God an altar of stones thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them 6. Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones and thou shalt offer burnt-offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God 7. And thou shalt offer peace-offerings and shalt eat there and rejoice before the LORD thy God 8. And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly 9. And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel saying Take heed and hearken O Israel this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God 10. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God and do his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day 11. And Moses charged the people the same day saying 12. These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people when ye are come over Jordan Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Joseph and Benjamin 13. And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse Reuben Gad and Asher and Zebulun Dan and Naphtali 14. And the Levites shall speak and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice 15. Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image an abomination unto the LORD the work of the hands of the craftsman and putteth it in a secret place and all the people shall answer and say Amen 16. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother and all the people shall say Amen 17. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's land-mark and all the people shall say Amen 18. Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way and all the people shall say Amen 19. Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger fatherless and widow and all the people shall say Amen 20. Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife because he uncovereth his father's skirt and all the people shall say Amen 21. Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast and all the people shall say Amen 22. Cursed be he that lieth with his sister the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother and all the people shall say Amen 23. Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law and all the people shall say Amen 24. Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly and all the people shall say Amen 25. Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person and all the people shall say Amen 26. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them and all the people shall say Amen 1. KEep Moses having repeated and explained the Law which was given at Horeb engages the People to obey it and that he does by the very same methods which he made use of when the Law was first given them E.g. I. Then he built an Altar according to the command and direction given him Exod. 24.4 with Exod. 20.24 25. He takes the same care here v. 5. II. Then he wrote the words of the Law Exod. 24.4 and here he takes care it should be done v. 3 4. III. Then he took the People's profession of Obedience Exod. 24.3 He mentions the same Profession here ch 26.17 IV. Then he took care to confirm the Covenant between God and the People by Sacrifices Exod. 24.5 And now he requires the very same kinds of Sacrifices also v. 6 7. V. Then after all his other care he set before them Blessings and Curses Lev. 26. And so he does here v. 12 13. and chap. 28. 2. On the day Not on that very precise day see the Note on chap. 26.16 but thou shalt then stand obliged to do this and the Writing upon these Stones was required when they were passed over v. 3. but not on the very day of their passage 3. All the words of this law That is the substance of the Law or the Heads of it in which the Ten Commandments have a principal place See Exod. 24.3 When thou art passed over that thou mayest go in That is when thou hast passed over Jordan in order to the entring into the Land For those words That thou mayest go in are not to be understood as promising a Reward for writing the words of the Law which were not to be written till they were in the Land but as implying the end of their passing through Jordan 5. An altar See Exod. 20.25 and chap. 24.4 7. Shalt eat there This was permitted to the Offerer to do out of his Peace-offerings Levit. 7.15 And 't was a token that he was in Covenant with God when he did partake of the Altar 1 Cor. 10.18 20 21. 8. Very plainly viz. So as may be easily read 9. Thou art become That is thou hast declared so much Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God as it is expressed ch 26.17 See Exod. 24.3 12. These shall stand c. We find that those who were to bless are the Sons of the Free-women and the most considerable of them Indeed Reuben and Zebulun the Sons of Leah are among them that were to curse But in an equal division there must be two of the Sons of the Free and Reuben having defiled his Father's Bed and Zebulun the youngest of Leah's Sons are put into that Division 13. To curse It is not said to curse the People as 't is said v. 12. to bless the people not being
and thy daughters shall be given into another people and thine eyes shall look and fail with longing for them all the day long and there shall be no might in thine hand 33. The fruit of thy land and all thy labours shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up and thou shalt be onely oppressed and crushed alway 34. So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see 35. The LORD shall smite thee in the knees and in the legs with a sore botch that cannot be healed from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head 36. The LORD shall bring thee and thy king which thou shalt set over thee unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known and there shalt thou serve other gods wood and stone 37. And thou shalt become an astonishment a proverb and a by-word among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee 38. Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field and shalt gather but little in for the locust shall consume it 39. Thou shalt plant vine-yards and dress them but shalt neither drink of the wine nor gathar the grapes for the worms shall eat them 40. Thou shalt have olive-trees throughout all thy coasts but thou shalt not anoint thy self with the oyl for thine olive shall cast his fruit 41. Thou shalt beget sons and daughters but thou shalt not enjoy them for they shall go into captivity 42. All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume 43. The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high and thou shalt come down very low 44. He shall lend to thee and thou shalt not lend to him he shall be the head and thou shalt be the tail 45. Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee and shall pursue thee and overtake thee till thou be destroyed because thou hearknedst not unto the voice of the LORD thy God to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee 46. And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder and upon thy seed for ever 47. Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things 48. Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee in hunger and in thirst and in nakedness and in want of all things and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck until he have destroyed thee 49. The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far from the end of the earth as swift as the eagle flieth a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand 50. A nation of fierce countenance which shall not regard the person of the old nor shew favour to the young 51. And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattel and the fruit of thy land until thou be destroyed which also shall not leave thee either corn wine or oyl or the increase of thy kine or flocks of thy sheep until he have destroyed thee 52. And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates until thy high and fenced walls come down wherein thou trustedst throughout all thy land and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land which the LORD thy God hath given thee 53. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters which the LORD thy God hath given thee in the siege and in the straitness wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee 54. So that the man that is tender among you and very delicate his eye shall be evil towards his brother and toward the wife of his bosom and towards the remnant of his children which he shall leave 55. So that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat because he hath nothing left him in the siege and in the straitness wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in all thy gates 56. The tender and delicate woman among you which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness her eye shall be evil towards the husband of her bosom and towards her son and towards her daughter 57. And towards her young one that cometh out from between her feet and towards her children which she shall bear for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates 58. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearfull name THE LORD THY GOD 59. Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderfull and the plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continuance and sore sicknesses and of long continuance 60. Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt which thou wast afraid of and they shall cleave unto thee 61. Also ever sickness and every plague which is not written in the book of this law them will the LORD bring upon thee until thou be destroyed 62. And ye shall be left few in number whereas ye were at the stars of heaven for multitude because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God 63. And it shall come to pass that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good and to multiply you so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you and to bring you to nought and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it 64. And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people from the one end of the earth even unto the other and there thou shalt serve other gods which neither thou nor thy fathers have known even wood and stone 65. And among these nations shalt thou find no ease neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart and failing of eyes and sorrow of mind 66. And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee and thou shalt fear day and night and shalt have none assurance of thy life 67. In the morning thou shalt say Would God 〈◊〉 were even and at even thou shalt say Would God it were morning for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see 68. And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships by the way whereof I spake unto thee Thou shalt see it no more again and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bond-men and bond-women and no man shall buy you 1. SET thee on high c. i. e. He will make thee more prosperous than other Nations as appears from what follows to v. 15. 2. Overtake thee Without thy pursuit of them they shall be thy portion by the good providence of God Matt. 6.33 3. Blessed shalt c.
That is thou shalt be prosperous whether thou livest in the City and followest the Imployment of Citizens or in the Country and art imployed in Country Affairs such as Plowing and Sowing and breeding of Cattel c. 4. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body i. e. Thou shalt be prosperous and happy in thy Children This Blessing does in common concern those of a City and of the Country whereas those which follow do relate especially to them who lead a Country life 5. Blessed c. That is thy Basket and other Receptacles of thy encrease shall be replenished and thou shalt have abundance 6. Blessed c. That is thou shalt be blessed in all thy Undertakings safe in thy Dwellings and in thy Journeys 9. Shall establish thee an holy people unto himself That is he will own thee before all the World for a separate and peculiar People 10. That thou art called by the name of the LORD i. e. Thou art a peculiar People of the Lord's 12. His good treasure i. e. The Heaven as it follows or the lower Heaven This is called the treasure of snow and hail Job 38.22 and of the rain in this place 20. Cursing vexation and rebuke The first of these words is more general and imports adversity But vexation seems to denote the disquiet of Mind under it and rebuke the disappointment and unsuccessfulness which do attend upon it as it follows in all that thou settest thine hand unto 22. And with blasting and with mildew These two are the plagues of Corn with which Men are nourished 1 King 8.37 in which they may be said to be smitten when their Food is thus corrupted 23. Thy heaven that is over thy head c. That is though God send Rain upon other Countries yet he will restrain it from thy Land Levit. 26.19 24. The LORD c. That is instead of Rain thy Land shall be filled with Dust 28. Madness i. e. With distraction that thou shalt not be able to consult wisely Blindness Or ignorance of fit means to be used see v. 29. for that it is to be understood of such Blindness is evident from what follows not onely in the next Verse but from v. 31. and v. 34. 36. Thee and thy king This was fulfilled in the Captivity of Babylon 2 Chron. 36 6. And there shalt thou serve c. Either by choice or by constraint See Jer. 44.17 18 19. Dan. 3.6 37. An astonishment i. e. So great shall thy plagues be that the Beholders thereof shall be astonished See 1 King 9.7 A proverb and a by-word i. e. A common subject of reproach and scorn 43. The stranger c. Not only their Foreign Enemies should prevail over them but those who lived among them by permission and were in a condition much inferior to them shall prosper when they themselves shall decline 46. They shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder i. e. These Curses shall not appear like the common afflictions and miseries which fall upon Mankind but they shall be very signal and wonderfull and such as shall draw Men's Eyes after them as things very extraordinary 48. Therefore c. This is highly just that they who refuse the service of God should be Slaves to their Enemies See 2 Chron. 12.8 and instead of the easie yoke of God's Law should be put under a yoke of Iron 49. A nation against thee from far It is very probable from what follows that this referrs to the Romans to whom the Jews were subject under their second Temple and by whom their City and Temple and People were destroyed in the days of Vespasian and Titus 52. He shall besiege thee Of this see Josephus's History of the Jewish War 53. The fruit of thine own body Of this also see Josephus 58. Name The Name of God is God himself and so it is here for it follows The LORD thy God 64. Scatter thee c. It is a great Addition to the Misery of Exiles that they are dispersed from each other and this hath been remarkably the Lot of the Jews Which neither thou nor thy fathers have known This is not said v. 36. and the reason of the Difference seems to be this that though they did know the Gods of Babylon which was nearer to them they did not know those of the Romans at a greater Distance 66. Hang in doubt viz. It shall be at the pleasure of thine Enemies amongst whom thou art 67. In the morning c. That is thou shalt be restless weary of the Day in which thou beholdest grievous Objects and of the Darkness of the Night in which thou fearest an unseen Danger 68. Egypt Where we find Numbers of them when they were subdued by the Romans Joseph Jewish Wars l. 7. By the way Or To the way i. e. Egypt Compare Deut. 17.16 And no man shall buy you So vile they will be that though exposed to sale and some of them sold yet the Market will be overstocked and glutted with them CHAP. XXIX The ARGUMENT Moses minds the Israelites of the Works of God which they had seen and thence exhorts them to Obedience All are to enter into Covenant with God The Wrath of God against him who should flatter himself in an Evil way The Miseries which their Disobedience would bring upon them Secret things belong unto God 1. THese are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. 2. And Moses called unto all Israel and said unto them Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh and unto all his servants and unto all his land 3. The great temptations which thine eyes have seen the signs and those great miracles 4. Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear unto this day 5. And I have led you forty years in the wilderness your clothes are not waxen old upon you and thy shooe is not waxen old upon thy foot 6. Ye have not eaten bread neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink that ye might know that I am the LORD your God 7. And when ye came unto this place Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us unto battel and we smote them 8. And we took their land and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half tribe of Manasseh 9. Keep therefore the words of this covenant and do them that ye may prosper in all that ye do 10. Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God your captains of your tribes your elders and your officers with all the men of Israel 11. Your little ones your wives and thy stranger that is in thy camp from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of to
water 12. That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God and into his oath which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day 13. That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself and that he may be unto thee a God as he hath said unto thee and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers to Abraham to Isaac and to Jacob. 14. Neither with you onely do I make this covenant and this oath 15. But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God and also with him that is not here with us this day 16. For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt and how we came through the nations which ye passed by 17. And ye have seen their abominations and their idols wood and stone silver and gold which were among them 18. Lest there should be among you man or woman or family or tribe whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God to go and serve the gods of these nations lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood 19. And it come to pass when he heareth the words of this curse that he bless himself in his heart saying I shall have peace though I walk in the imagination of mine heart to add drankenness to thirst 20. The LORD will not spare him but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousie shall smoke against that man and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heavâ—â— 21. And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law 22. So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you and the stranger that shall come from a fâ—â— land shall say when they see the plagues of that land and the sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it 23. And that the whole land thereof is brimstone and salt and burning that it is not sown nor beareth nor any grass groweth therein like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah Admah and Zeboim which the LORD overthrew in his anger and in his wrath 24. Even all nations shall say Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land What meaneth the heat of this great anger 25. Then men shall say Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers which he made with them where he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt 26. For they went and served other gods and worshipped them gods whom they knew not and whom he had not given unto them 27. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book 28. And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger and in wrath and in great indignation and cast them into another land as it is this day 29. The secret things belong unto the LORD our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for even that we may do all the words of this law 1. BEside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. This is the same Covenant with that in Horeb But because they had broken that and because they are now just entring into the promised Land and Moses had given them a more full Explication of the Law and was ready to die he renews the Covenant which they had before entred into 4. Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive and eyes to see c. That is God hath thought fit for your Sins and Provocations to leave you to your own Stupidity and Blindness of Heart God had done great things for them In his love and in his pity he redeemed c. But they rebelled and vexed his holy Spirit Isa 63.9 10. And that they were utterly inexcusable will appear from what follows v. 5 6 7. In which words we are told that God took great care of them that they might be at leisure to consider For they were not distracted with the cares for Food and Raiment c. God having made a great and miraculous Provision for them 6. Bread i. e. Bread which required not any labour of plowing or sowing of threshing and grinding c. But Manna from Heaven prepared ready to your Hands Wine or strong Drink These would have required some considerable Pains Instead of that they were supplied with Water which followed them 7. We smote them We were not enfeebled for want of Wine and strong Drink nor left without the Divine Assistance 10. All of you They were all concerned and therefore all stood ready to renew their Covenant 11. The hewr c. i. e. The meanest Servant Jos 9.27 12. And into his Oath What is rendred Oath signifies rather a Curse which was generally annexed to an Oath See the LXXII and v. 19 20. And because this Covenant had Curses annexed which were solemnly denounced against Transgressours Chap. 27.14 15. The entring into Covenant and into the Curse in case of failure are here conjoined Nehem. 10.29 15. With him that is not here i. e. With your Posterity The promise was to Abraham and his Seed 16 17. These two Verses contain Motives to incline them to enter into Covenant with God viz. Both because God had brought them out of Egypt and throuh other Nations and because they had had the opportunity of discerning the Folly of these People in worshipping Idols which cannot help them 18. Lest there should be c. These words connect with that Declaration which God makes in order to prevent the Sinner's flattering himself in an Evil way v. 20. We may find a like Expression Gen. 3.22 23. A root that beareth gall and wormwood That is an Evil principle called an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God Heb. 3.12 which will infect and poison the Mind and produce the Curses denounced which will be very bitter Compare Act. 8.23 Heb. 12.15 19. To add drunkenness to thirst That is to abound in all manner of Wickedness To add sin to sin Isa 30.1 And drink it up like water Job 34.7 which course of Wickedness does but begâ—t a greater Inclination to do wickedly still As Drunkenness does not 〈◊〉 but increase the Thirst Isa 56.12 20. Blot out his name i. e. Destroy him For Name is frequently put for the person to whom that Name does belong as hath been observed 21. Shall separate him unto Evil c. Whereas such a Sinner may think to escape in a Crowd and flatter himself that the Blessings promised to God's People among whom he lives shall be his Portion he shall be singled out and rendred a Monument of God's Displeasure 23. Burning i. e. Parched and dried up and made barren Psal 107.34 26. He had not given unto them See
the Note on Chap. 4.19 29. The secret c. q. d. This severity of God towards his chosen People may be well supposed very amazing and surprizing especially considering his early and many and repeated Mercies to them and their Fathers from time to time his gracious Nature and Promises and his forbearance of others whose Sins were as great and who were not in Covenant with him But we are not too curiously to inquire into the Secrets of God's Providence Rom. 11.33 But on the other hand steadily to apply our selves to obey God's revealed Will as that which more peculiarly belongs to us and is the best preventive of such Calamities as are mentioned v. 23 27 28. CHAP. XXX The ARGUMENT God promiseth Mercy to the truly Penitent The Law of God was plainly laid before them Life and Death are set before them They are vehemently exhorted to be obedient and to be happy 1. AND it shall come to pass when all these things are come upon thee the blessing and the curse which I have set before thee and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee 2. And shalt return unto the LORD thy God and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day thou and thy children with all thine heart and with all thy soul 3. That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity and have compassion upon thee and will return and gather thee from all the nations whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee 4. If any of thine be driven out unto the utmost parts of heaven from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee and from thence will he fetch thee 5. And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed and thou shalt possess it and he will do thee good and multiply thee above thy fathers 6. And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul that thou mayest live 7. And the LOOD thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies and on them that hate thee which persecuted thee 8. And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD and do all his commandments which I command thee this day 9. And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand in the fruit of thy body and in the fruit of thy cattel and in the fruit of thy land for good for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good as he rejoiced over thy fathers 10. If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God to â—eep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul 11. For this commandment which I command thee this day it is not hidden from thee neither is it for off 12. It is not in heaven that thou shouldest say Who shall go up for us to heaven and bring it unto us that we may hear it and do it 13. Neither is it beyond the sea that thou shouldest say Who shall go over the sea for us and bring it unto us that we may hear it and do it 14. But the word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayest do it 15. See I have set before thee this day life and good and death and evil 16. In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God to walk in his ways and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments that thou mayest live and multiply and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it 17. But if thine heart turn away so that thou wilt not hear but shalt be drawn away and worship other gods and serve them 18. I denounce unto you this day and ye shall surely perish and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it 19. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death blessing and cursing therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live 20. That thou mayest love the LORD thy God and that thou mayest obey his voice and that thou mayest cleave unto him for he is thy life and the length of thy days that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to Abraham to Isaac and to Jacob to give them 1. AND thou shalt call them to mind i. e. Thou shalt consider or come thy self which is the first Step towards Repentance See Luke 15.17 1 King 8.47 If thou he think thy self That is the importance of the Hebrew and so it is rendred 1 Kings 8.47 2. And shalt return Here is a farther Description of true Repentance expressed by returning and by obeying God universally and heartily 3. Turn thy Captivity That is bring back thy Captives as appears from the following words and Captivity is sometimes used for Captives Psal 14.7 4. Vtmost parts of heaven That is the utmost parts of the Earth under the Heaven Behold I will gather them out of all Countries Jer. 32.37 What is expressed by from one end of the heaven to the other Matt. 24.31 is in a parallell place said from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven Mark 13.27 Heaven some times signifies the Air in which we breath Gen. 1.8 6. Circumcise thine heart This is to be understood of that Spiritual Circumcision whereby the filthy Inclination of the Mind to evil is removed and pared away The Chaldee expresseth it by removing the folly of the heart and the Greek by cleansing it Coloss 2.11 Rom. 2.29 9. For good Plenty and Prosperity is to the hurt of evil Men and is onely good to them who are good and is therefore as such promised to them whose heart is circumcised 11. This Commandment viz. Of loving God v. 6. and sincere Obedience to his Revelation v. 8. which are also Evangelical Precepts Rom. 10.6 Not hidden i. e. It is not hard to be understood as those are which are said to be hidden and abstruse Far off Or out of thy reach that thou shouldest need pretend that thou canst not come at it 12. Not in heaven That is it is not looked up as a Secret there but revealed from thence 13. Beyond the Sea i. e. It is not at such a distance as will expose Men to great hazard to come at 14. In thy mouth and in thy heart i. e. It is very near thee indeed as that which thou ownest with thy Mouth and doest with thy Mind assent unto 19. I call heaven and earth c. See the Note on Chap. 4.26 20. He is thy life He is the Author
and the Preserver of thy Life And so he is of thy Prosperity which Life sometimes signifies see v. 19. and all the Comforts of Life CHAP. XXXI The ARGUMENT Moses does greatly encourage the Israelites and Joshua their Leader Moses delivers a Copy of the Law to the Priests with a command to read it every seventh Year God foretells the Apostacy of the Israelites and declares his displeasure thereupon He appoints a Song as a witness against them He encourageth Joshua The Law to be put into the Ark. Moses foretells the Apostacy of the Israelites 1. AND Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel 2. And he said unto them I am an hundred and twenty years old this day I can no more go out and come in also the LORD hath said unto me Thou shalt not go over this Jordan 3. The LORD thy God he will go over before thee and he will destroy these nations from before thee and thou shalt possess them and Joshua he shall go over before thee as the LORD hath said 4. And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og kings of the Amorites and unto the land of them whom he destroyed 5. And the LORD shall give them up before your face that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you 6. Be strong and of a good courage fear not nor be afraid of them for the LORD thy God he it is that doth go with thee he will not fail thee nor forsake thee 7. And Moses called unto Joshua and said unto him in the sight of all Israel Be strong and of a good courage for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them and thou shalt cause them to inherit it 8. And the LORD he it is that doth go before thee he will be with thee he will not fail thee neither forsake thee fear not neither be dismayed 9. And Moses wrote this Law and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD and unto all the elders of Israel 10. And Moses commanded them saying At the end of every seven years in the solemnity of the year of release in the feast of tabernacles 11. When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing 12. Gather the people together men and women and children and thy stranger that is within thy gates that they may hear and that they may learn and fear the LORD your God and observe to do all the words of this law 13. And that their children which have not known any thing may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it 14. And the LORD said unto Moses Behold thy days approach that thou must die call Joshua and present your selves in the tabernacle of the congregation that I may give him a charge And Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation 15. And the LORD appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle 16. And the LORD said unto Moses Behold thou shalt sleep with thy fathers and this people will rise up and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land whither they go to be among them and will forsake me and break my covenant which I have made with them 17. Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day and I will forsake them and I will hide my face from them and they shall be devoured and many evils and troubles shall befall them so that they will say in that day Are not these evils come upon us because our God is not amongst us 18. And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought in that they are turned unto other gods 19. Now therefore write ye this song for you and teach it the children of Israel put it in their mouths that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel 20. For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers that floweth with milk and honey and they shall have eaten and filled themselves and waxen fat then will they turn unto other gods and serve them and provoke me and break my covenant 21. And it shall come to pass when many evils and troubles are befallen them that this song shall testifie against them as a witness for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed for I know their imagination which they go about even now before I have brought them into the land which I sware 22. Moses therefore wrote this song the same day and taught it the children of Israel 23. And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge and said Be strong and of a good courage for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them and I will be with thee 24. And it came to pass when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book until they were finished 25. That Moses commanded the Levites which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD saying 26. Take this book of the law and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God that it may be there for a witness against thee 27. For I know thy rebellion and thy stiff neck behold while I am yet alive with you this day ye have been rebellious against the LORD and how much more after my death 28. Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes and your officers that I may speak these words in their ears and call heaven and earth to record against them 29. For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt your selves and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you and evil will befall you in the latter days because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands 30. And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song until they were ended 2. I can no more go out and come in See the Note on Numb 27.17 The strength of Moses was at present vigorous chap. 34.7 but he could not think it could last long besides this God had declared that he should not go over Jordan as it follows here 9. This law i. e. The whole body of it Vnto the priests the sons of Levi which bare the ark c. The fairest account of these words and the most unexceptionable is this That there is here an Ellipsis of
the copulative Particle as there is in some other places Vid. Hab. 3.11 Jud. 5.27 Exod. 15.9 and then Moses is said here to deliver the Law unto the priests and to the sons of Levi which bare the ark c. Numb ch 3. and ch 4. and unto all the elders of Israel So that the Law was delivered to the three Ranks and Degrees of Men of which the whole Congregation consisted viz. the Priests the Levites and the Representatives of the People And this Interpretation of these words will receive some confirmation from the Greek Interpreters in another place not unlike to this viz. Josh 3.3 When ye see the ark c. and the Priests the Levites bearing it There the Greek suppose an Ellipsis and do therefore render it and the Levites supplying the copulative Particle supposed to be wanting here 10. At the end c. See the Note on chap. 15.1 In the solemnity Or rather in the time as the Hebrew word signifies and as it is rendred by the Chaldee Syriack and Greek This appointed time was very convenient for this solemn hearing of the Law For it was at a time of the year when their Harvest was gathered in chap. 16.13 and they were freed from those cares and in a year when they were freed both from the Labours and from the Exactions which in other years they were liable unto chap. 15.1 2. 11. Thou shalt read This care concerned the body of the People and was discharged by the King as the Jews affirm or some other great Man when there was no King See Nehemiah 8. But then that all Israel might hear it was necessary that there should be care taken that it should be done by so many that all might hear it 13. Their children i. e. Their Posterity as appears from what follows May hear and learn to fear the LORD your God as long as ye live in the land 15. In a pillar of a cloud See Exod. 33.9 10. 17. I will hide my face from them i. e. I will remove from them the tokens of my favour and punish them as appears from the following words 19. This song i. e. The Song which follows in the next Chapter which is composed in the form of a Song that they might the more easily learn and remember it Put it in their mouths i. e. Take care that they learn it That it may be a witness for me against or among the children of Israel That is that it may be a perpetual Monitor among them of my Mercy towards and of the justice of my proceedings with them see v. 21. 22. Taught it As he was commanded v. 19. 23. He gave That is God gave as it is evident from the following words 26. Put it in the side of the ark Here it was put for the greater security and as the authentick Copy and Original was laid up in a safe place 30. And Moses spake in the ears of all c. Not that he did this all at once but either at several times or else he did it at once to the Heads and Representatives of the whole Congregation CHAP. XXXII The ARGUMENT The Song of Moses which sets forth the Divine Perfections and the Mercies of God to the Israelites And also lays before them their Rebellions and particularly their Idolatry It gives an account also of the wrath of God upon that account Moses is commanded to go up into Mount Nebo to take a view thence of the Land of Canaan and to die there 1. GIve ear O ye heavens and I will speak and hear O earth the words of my mouth 2. My doctrine shall drop as the rain my speech shall distil as the dew as the small rain upon the tender herb and as the showers upon the grass 3. Because I will publish the name of the LORD ascribe ye greatness unto our God 4. He is the rock his work is perfect for all his ways are judgment a God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he 5. They have corrupted themselves their spot is not the spot of his children they are a perverse and crooked generation 6. Do ye thus requite the LORD O foolish people and unwise is not he thy father that hath bought thee hath he not made thee and established thee 7. Remember the days of old consider the years of many generations ask thy father and he will shew thee thy elders and they will tell thee 8. When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance when he separated the sons of Adam he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel 9. For the LORD's portion is his people Jacob is the lot of his inheritance 10. He found him in a desart land and in the waste howling wilderness he led him about he instructed him he kept him as the apple of his eye 11. As an eagle stirreth up her nest fluttereth over her young spreadeth abroad her wings taketh them beareth them on her wings 12. So the LORD alone did lead him and there was no strange god with him 13. He made him ride on the high places of the earth that he might eat the increase of the fields and he made him to suck honey out of the rock and oyl out of the flinty rock 14. Butter of kine and milk of sheep with fat of lambs and rams of the breed of Bashan and goats with the fat of kidneys of wheat and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape 15. But Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked thou art waxen fat thou art grown thick thou art covered with fatness then he forsook God which made him and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation 16. They provoked him to jealousie with strange gods with abominations provoked they him to anger 17. They sacrificed unto devils not to God to gods whom they knew not to new gods that came newly up whom your fathers feared not 18. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindfull and hast forgotten God that formed thee 19. And when the LORD saw it he abhorred them because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters 20. And he said I will hide my face from them I will see what their end shall be for they are a very froward generation children in whom is no faith 21. They have moved me to jealousie with that which is not God they have provoked me to anger with their vanities and I will move thew to jealousie with those which are not a people I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation 22. For a fire if kindled in my anger and shall burn undo the lowest hell and shall consume the earth with her encrease and set on fire the foundations of the mountains 23. I will heap mischiefs upon them I will spend mine arrows upon them 24. They shall be burnt with hunger and devoured with burning heat and with bitter destruction I will also send the teeth of beasts upon
them with the poison of serpents of the dust 25. The sword without and terrour within shall destroy both the young man and the virgin the suckling also with the man of gray hairs 26. I said I would scatter them into corners I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men 27. Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely and lest they should say Our hand is high and the LORD hath not done all this 28. For they are a nation void of counsel neither is there any understanding in them 29. O that they were wise that they understood this that they would consider their latter end 30. How should one chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight except their Rock had sold them and the LORD had shut them up 31. For their rock is not as our rock even our enemies themselves being judges 32. For their vine is of the vine of Sodom and of the fields of Gomorrah their grapes are grapes of gall their clusters are bitter 33. Their wine is the poison of dragons and the cruel venom of asps 34. Is not this laid up in store with me and sealed up among my treasures 35. To me belongeth vengeance and recompence their foot shall slide in due time for the day of their calamity is at hand and the things that shall come upon them make haste 36. For the LORD shall judge his people and repent himself for his servants When he seeth that their power is gone and there is none shut up or left 37. And he shall say Where are their gods their rock in whom they trusted 38. Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink-offerings let them rise up and help you and be your protection 39. See now that I even I am he and there is no god with me I kill and I make alive I wound and I heal neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand 40. For I lift up my hand to heaven and say I live for ever 41. If I whet my glittering sword and mine hand take hold on judgment I will render vengeance to mine enemies and will reward them that hate me 42. I will make mine arrows drunk with blood and my sword shall devour flesh and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy 43. Rejoice O ye nations with his people for he will avenge the blood of his servants and will render vengeance to his adversaries and will be merciful unto his land and to his people 44. And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people he and Hoshea the son of Nun. 45. And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel 46. And he said unto them Set your hearts unto all the words which I testifie among you this day which ye shall command your children to observe to do all the words of this law 47. For it is not a vain thing for you because it is your life and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it 48. And the LORD spake unto Moses that self same day saying 49. Get thee up into this mountain Abarim unto mount Nebo which is in the land of Moab that is over against Jericho and behold the land of Canaan which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession 50. And die in the mount whither thou goest up and be gathered unto thy people as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor and was gathered unto his people 51. Because ye trespassed aginst me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh in the wilderness of Zin because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel 52. Yet thou shalt see the land before thee but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel 1. GIve ear O ye heavens c. Moses doth in these words what he promised chap. 31.28 call heaven and earth to record against them And this he does in the very entrance and beginning of this Song to raise and awaken in them the greater attention it being a matter of great moment when he solemnly calls upon the Heaven and the Earth to hear Isa 1.2 Compare chap. 4.26 and 30.19 Psal 50.4 Jer. 2.12 and 6.19 2. My doctrine shall drop as the rain That is it shall be fitted to gain its end upon Men that are disposed to receive it as the Rain is for the fructifying the Earth Isa 55.10 11. 1 Cor. 3.6 7 8. 3. I will publish the name of the LORD i. e. I will proclaim as the Hebrew word signifies and is rendred Prov. 20.6 the Divine Perfections and this he does in the following Verse Ascribe ye c. It is your part to magnifie him as ye ought Psal 68.34 4. He is the rock c. i. e. God is the Rock he is stable and immutable and a sure Foundation to rest upon And his Works are without any flaw or fault his dealings with Men are just and unexceptionable he is true and sincere in all his Declarations In a word he is upright and just and one who never swerves from that which is right 5. They have corrupted themselves c. i. e. They have sinned as the Greek and Vulgar have it and have been so far from imitating God whose work is perfect c. that they have been most unlike him their Crimes being of so high a nature that they speak them to be not his peculiar People but a perverse and crooked Generation 6. That bought thee that hath redeemed thee out of Egypt Vid. Exod. 15.16 To this purpose the Psalmist Remember the congregation which thou hast purchased of old the rod of thine inheritance which thou hast redeemed Psal 74.2 This was a great aggravation of their sin that they denied the Lord which bought them 2 Pet. 2.1 Compare Isa 1.3 and 1 Cor. 6.20 Made thee The Hebrew word which we translate made is observed to signifie to advance and so it is rendred 1 Sam. 12.6 and this seems to be the import of it in this place God's creating them is implyed before in that he is said to be their Father Established thee i. e. Fixed and settled thee 8. Divided c. Of which see Gen. ch 10. and chap. 11. He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel i. e. He assigned to the Canaanites and the other Inhabitants of the Land called from them the Land of Canaan such a proportion of Land as would suffice the Israelites to whom it was designed when their Iniquities were full when they were come out of Egypt and were ready to possess it 9. The lot Heb. cord of his inheritance i. e. The Inheritance peculiarly belonging to him
It was the custom to set out proper and peculiar Inheritances by a Cord or Line and hence this Cord sometimes signifies the Inheritance set out by it and the Cord of an Inheritance signifies a separate and peculiar Inheritance or Portions of Land Josh 17.5 Amos 7.17 Zech. 2.1 2. and Psal 16.5 6. 10. He that is God found him It is to be considered for the better apprehending the sense of the place that the Hebrew word which is translated found signifies not onely to find but to suffice or to provide sufficiently for as appears from Numb 11.22 and Josh 17.16 And this latter sense of the word agrees best with the Context here For it cannot so properly be said that God found the Israelites in the Desart as that he sustained them and provided sufficiently for them there Besides that both the Greek and the Chaldee render this place in this latter sense of the words Compare what is elsewhere said to this purpose ch 8.15 Jer. 2.6 Hos 13.5 He led him about The reading in the Margent he compassed him about agrees exactly with the Greek as well as with the Hebrew Text and better with the Context and scope of the words than what is retained in the Text Psal 32.7 and it speaks the great protection on every side which the Israelites received from God in the Wilderness He instructed him This God did by giving his Law to the Israelites in the Wilderness He kept him as the apple of his eye That is as the sight of the Eye is by God's Care and wise Providence fenced about and preserved from harm by the Eye-lids by its deep situation and by several other means so did he preserve in the Wilderness Israel from harm and danger 11. As an eagle c. The care of God over the Israelites is well compared to that of an Eagle towards her young when she does by her voice stir them up hover over them cover them bear and defend them by her strength and for the preservation whereof she is fitted by the quickness of her Eye in espying danger by her inclination to her young by her swiftness and great strength Compare Exod. 19.4 Isa 46.3 4. Rev. 12.14 12. Alone i. e. Without the help of any strange God as it follows At the commandment of the Lord they rested in their tents and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed Numb 9.23 13. He made him ride on the high places of the earth or land That is he gave him the good Land which for its situation its strength or fruitfulness being called the high places of the land conformably thereunto God is said to have made him ride on them when he gave it him in possession Isa 58.14 To suck honey out of the rock c. These words give us a farther account of the fruitfulness of this Land the Fields whereof did not onely yield an increase but the Rocky and steep places which generally are barren afforded Honey and Oyl This was a Land of Hills and Valleys Deut. 11.11 14. With fat of lambs There is a two fold fat The fat of the inwards of a Beast that was allowed to be offered or the Suet this was to be offered up upon the Altar and by no means to be eaten But then there was the fat that was mingled and interspersed with the rest of the Flesh which not being appropriated to the Altar might lawfully be eaten Levit. 3.9 with Levit. 7.23 By the fat of Lambs in this place is meant fatted or well-fed Lambs Of the breed of Bashan i. e. Of the fairest and best kind Bashan was a place famous for Cattel Numb 32.4 33. The fat of kidneys of wheat i. e. The finest and plumpest Wheat Psal 81.16 The Kidneys of Wheat is but a Metaphorical Expression there being some resemblance between the figure of that Grain and the Kidneys Blood of the grape Or Red Wine which in colour is like Blood Isa 27.2 15. Jeshurun waxed fat c. That is Israel grew rich c. Jeshurun comes from a word that signifies Vpright and it is evident that it is put for Israel who was under great obligations to be upright but instead thereof in his prosperity rebelled against God as a pampered Horse kicks The rock of his salvation i. e. God his strong and mighty Saviour and Deliverer 16. They provoked him to jealousie with strange gods i. e. With their Idolatry they made him Jealous or very angry Exod. 20.5 chap. 34.14 This the Israelites frequently did Psal 78.58 1 King 14.22 17. They sacrificed unto devils Whatever pretext they might have for their Idolatry when they sacrificed they did it unto Devils the wasters and destroyers of Mankind and not unto God their Saviour 2 Chron. 11.15 They sacrificed their sons and daughters unto devils and shed innocent blood even the blood of their sons and of their daughters whom they sacrificed unto the Idols of Canaan Psal 106.37 38. And the Gentiles also in their Sacrifices to Idols sacrificed to Devils and when they did pertake of those Sacrifices they did communicate with Devils 1 Cor. 10.20 21. Whom they knew not Or Who knew not them as the words may be rendred They had received no Benefits by them as they had from the Lord the God of Israel Hos 13.15 19. Because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters That is because his Children called here his Sons and Daughters had provoked him or stirred up his Anger to which sense the Vulgar and the Chaldee render the words Daughters are here expressly named because the Women were notoriously guilty of provoking God by their Idolatry Thus we read The women knead their dough to make cakes to the queen of heaven and to pour out drink-offerings unto other gods that they may provoke me to anger Jer. 7.18 And again The Women burn incense to other gods Jer. 44.15 And the women sat weeping for Tammuz Ezek. 8.14 20. I will see what their end shall be I will discover by this course what shall become of them or what shall happen to them at the last for their provocations To this sense the Greek render the words 21. With that which is not God i. e. With Idols presently afterward called Vanities because they are nothing 1 Cor. 8.4 and consequently are not able to help their Worshippers 1 Sam. 12.21 1 King 16.13 I will move them to jealousie with those which are not a people c. The meaning is that God would by a people that was not peculiar to him as the Israelites were provoke them to Jealousie And this God fulfilled by delivering them to the Assyrians Chaldaeans and their other Enemies who were none of his People and by rejecting them and taking the Gentiles into his favour and into the Church of Christ Rom. 11.14 And to this purpose the Apostle applies the words of the Prophet I will call them my people which were not my people Rom. 9.25 This did greatly provoke the Jews
to see a foolish Nation taken into God's Church For so the Gentiles were while they served Idols and divers Lusts Rom. 1.21 22. Compare Act. 11.2 3. 1 Thes 2.15 16. Act. 22.21 22. 22. A fire is kindled c. This Verse gives an account after a figurative manner of the destruction of the Land in such words as seem to import the total consumption of it Hell signifies the lower parts of the Earth Numb 16.30 And what is rendred Earth may well be turned Land for this is a description of the destruction that God would bring upon the Land of the Israelites Compare Isa 1.7 with 2 King 25.9 24. Burnt with hunger i. e. Consumed as the vulgar renders it with hunger For a Famine like Fire does wast and consume where-ever it comes Lam. 4.8 9. Burning heat and with bitter destruction i. e. Fiery and fierce Distempers and mortal Diseases Compare Habak 3.5 and Psal 91.6 Serpents of the dust i. e. Serpents that creep upon and eat the Dust Gen. 3.14 25. Terror The dread of Death or perhaps some malignant and pestilential Disease 26 27. I said I would scatter them c. q. d. I would send them into some secret place where they should be forgotten among Men But I forbear to do that lest their Enemies who devour them should impute their Destruction to their own Valour and not to my righteous Judgment It is to be noted that fear is imputed to God after the manner of Men who refrain from doing things from that Principle Compare Exod. 32.12 and Numb 14.13 28. They i. e. Israelites and so this connects with v. 26. 29. O that they were wise c. i. e. O that they had the Wisdom to lay to heart and consider the sad Effects which will follow upon their wicked Lives 30. How should c. That is if God were on their side a very small Number would be strong enough to vanquish the greatest Force of their Enemies who are destitute of his Favour and Assistance 31. For their rock c. For the Heathens who worship Idols have not force enough to stand out against the Power of the God of Israel And have been forced to acknowledge no less See Exod. 14.25 Numb 23.22 1 Sam. 4.8 Jer. 40.3 Dan. 3.29.4.37.6.27 32. Their vine c. This verse connects with Verse 26 and contains the reason why God entertained those severe Thoughts against the Israelites viz. Because though they were as a choice Vine planted by him yet they had degenerated like Sodom and Gomorrah Compare Isa 1.10 and ch 5. v. 1 c. with the Words that follow here where their Wine or Fruit of this Vineyard which God had planted is compared to the Poison of Dragons c. 34. Is not this c. That is is not this Vengeance which I now threaten them withal though they flatter themselves in their present Impunity reserved for them and kept in store for them against the time when their Iniquities shall be full and call for it Compare Prov. 1.31 and Job 14.17 35. Their foot shall slide i. e. They shall be ready to fall At hand i. e. It will soon follow and tread upon the Heels of their Iniquity 36. For Or Nevertheless As this Hebrew Particle is rendred Isa 9.1 For here begins a new Argument as appears from the following Words speaking Comfort to the Israelites and Destruction to their Enemies Judge his people i. e. Plead their Cause Compare diligently with this Place Psal 135.14 None shut up or left Or Nothing shut up or left i. e. When they are destitute of all things and have nothing reserved or remaining Compare 1 King 14.10 and ch 21.21 and especially 2 King 14.26 37. He shall say i. e. God shall say to the Israelites Compare Judg. 10.14 38. Which did eat c. i. e. In whose service so many Sacrifices were consumed 40. I lift c. i. e. I swear which God is said to do here after the manner of Men who did it by lifting up their Hands 41. If I whet c. viz. I swear that if I whet c. 42. Drunk with blood This is a figurative Expression implying the abundance of Blood that should be shed From the beginning c. i. e. from such time as I shall begin to take vengeance c. 43. Rejoice O ye nations with his people Or Rejoice ye nations or Gentiles his people Compare Rom. 15.10 44. He and Hoshea or Joshua Joshua who succeeded Moses joined with him now in speaking the words of this Song and it is probable that for the future the care of teaching it belonged to him Compare chap. 31.22 23. 46. Set your hearts That is attend diligently and consider well and do not barely content your selves with the knowledge of these things Compare Ezek 40.4 47. For it is not a vain thing c. It is no unprofitable thing but that upon which your happiness depends Compare Rom. 10.5 50. Die in the mount Not presently but after thou hast blessed the children of Israel Chap. 33.1 51. Because ye trespassed Of the sin of Moses to which these words referr See the Note on Numb 20.12 CHAP. XXXIII The ARGUMENT The glorious Majesty of God The Blessing of the tribes of Israel None like to God The great privilege of the Israelites 1. AND this is the blessing wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death 2. And he said the LORD came from Sinai and rose up from Seir unto them he shined forth from mount Paran and he came with ten thousands of Saints from his right hand went a fiery law for them 3. Yea he loved the people all his saints are in thy hand and they sat down at thy feet every one shall receive of thy words 4. Moses commanded us a law even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob. 5. And he was king in Jeshurun when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together 6. Let Reuben live and not die and let not his men be few 7. And this is the blessing of Judah and he said Hear LORD the voice of Judah and bring him unto his people let his hands be sufficient for him and be thou an help to him from his enemies 8. And of Levi he said Let thy Thummim and thy Vrim be with thy holy one whom thou didst prove at Massah and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah 9. Who said unto his father and to his mother I have not seen him neither did he acknowledge his brethren nor knew his own children for they have observed thy word and kept thy covenant 10. They shall teach Jacob thy judgments and Israel thy law they shall put incense before thee and whole burnt sacrifices upon thine altar 11. Bless LORD his substance and accept the work of his hands smite through the loins of them that rise against him and of them that hate him that they rise
Expeditions Hear his voice O Lord when in his distress he shall call upon thee and bring him safely back from the Wars to his own People Strengthen his hands O Lord and save him from his Enemies It hath been thought that Simeon is here included though he be not expressed And that may the more reasonably be supposed because not onely Simeon's Inheritance was within the Inheritance of Judah Josh 19.1 but he was also joined with Judah in those Wars against the Canaanites in which the Divine Aid is implored for Judah here in those Words Hear Lord which words import the reason of Simeon's Name Compare Gen. 29.33 8. Let thy Thummim and thy Vrim be with thy holy one The Vrim and the Thummim were placed in the Breast-plate and this Breast-plate was appropriate to Aaron and to the succeeding High-Priests the Sons of Aaron Exod. 28.30 and the meaning of these words is q. d. Let the great Dignity of the High-Priesthood continue in the Posterity of Aaron who was of this Tribe of Levi and dignified with this separate and holy Office Whom thou didst prove at Massah viz. Whom thou hast sufficiently tried and proved Massah signifies Trial or Proof and is not a proper Name And the words may be rendred Whom in proving thou didst prove And this Sense is confirmed by the Greek Vulgar Latin and Chaldee and Syriac and the Hebrew Text narrowly considered gives great ground to preferr this Sense Because the Particle here which we have translated as signifies in and is not the same which we translate at in the following Words Thou didst strive i. e. Whom thou didst punish or chastise as that Hebrew word does signifie Isa 49.25 Jer. 2.9 but not deprive of the Dignity of the Priesthood At the waters of Meribah See Numb 20.13 9. Who said c. Which Tribe of Levi in that general Defection Exod. 32. did upon God's Command without all respect of persons or favour to their nearest Relations slay those who had been guilty of Idolatry v. 28 29. They have observed c. Compare Mal. 2.5 6. and Psal 99.7 10. They shall teach c. That is the Priests the Levites Compare Ezek. 44.23 24. Levit. 10.11 11. His substance That is his Store Compare Deut. 8.18 He had no Inheritance but yet had his Provisions allotted him by God 12. The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him i. e. Benjamin favoured of God shall have his Inheritance in a safe place viz. about Jerusalem the Holy City and the Temple or Place of God's special Residence among the Israelites Compare Josh 18.11 28. He shall dwell between his shoulders i. e. His Temple shall be situated in his land as the Chaldee renders the last Words Compare Numb 34.11 and Josh 15.10 13. For the deep c. i. e. for the Springs in the lower Parts of the Land 14. Brought forth Or ripened By the Moon Or Monthly 15. Lasting hills See the Note on Gen. 49.26 16. Of him that dwelt in the bush That is Of God who appeared in the Bush to Moses Exod 3.2 17. Like the firstling of his bullock viz. for Strength and Power See Ps 68.9 The ten thousands c. Gen. 48.19 18. Rejoice Zebulun c. See the Notes on Gen. 49. v. 13. and v. 15. 19. Vnto the mountain viz. Of God's House as appears from the following words Compare Isa 2.2 3. Sacrifices of righteousness i. e. Sacrifices of Praise and Thanksgiving for the abundance of all things Compare Ps 4.5 with Psal 50.14 and 51.19 They shall suck i. e. They shall by their Traffick and Merchandise get great Riches which is expressed by the abundance of the Seas and treasures hid in the Sand Because their Wealth came to them from the Seas into their Ports or Sea-shoars 20. That enlargeth Gad That is who hath given him a large possession and will deliver him out of his straits See the Note on Gen. 49.19 As a lion and teareth c. These words speak his great Courage and Conquest over the Power of his Enemies Of both which see 1 Chron. 12.8 and 1 Chron. 5.8 with v. 19 20 21 22. 21. He provided the first part for himself That is he chose his Inheritance with the first on this side Jordan Numb 32.1 Portion of the Lawgiver i. e. That part of the Country which Moses the Lawgiver entred upon and which he divided Numb 32.33 Seated Heb. Cieled or hid They were protected in fenced Cities which they built for the security for their Wives and Children Num. 32.34 35 36. And he came c. That is after he had made provision for the safety of his Family and Cattel he accompanied the Leaders and Captains of the People and assisted them in conquering the Land and destroying the Inhabitants who were justly by God devoted to destruction Josh 1.14 22. Dan is a lion's whelp he shall leap from Bashan i. e. Dan is nimble and ready for Prey like a young Lion from Bashan a place of Flocks and Cattel that skips at the Lambs or other prey 23. Possess thou the west and the south His Tribe lay North and East but yet he was so situated that by Zebulun who lay next him and upon the Coast of the great Sea he could easily be possessed of the Commodities of the Sea which we here translate West Again lying upon the River Jordan Josh 19.33 he had the advantage of enjoying those Commodities which came down that River from the Southern parts of the Land 24. Dip his foot in oyl i. e. He shall have plenty of Oyl Compare Job 29.6 and Gen. 49.20 25. Thy shooes shall be iron c. Or under thy feet shall be iron Compare Deut. 8.9 As thy days so shall thy strength be i. e. Thy strength shall bear proportion to thy days That shall be great and they shall be many 26. Who rideth upon the heaven in thy help i. e. He does dispose the Heavens above for thy aid and assistance which he affords thee readily From the Clouds he sends Thunder and Lightning Hail and Tempest to the discomfiting his People's Enemies Thus had God done Exod. 9.23 and thus did he do afterward Josh 10.10 11. Compare Psal 18.9 10. In his excellency c. See Psal 68.33 34. 28. The fountain of Jacob i. e. Jacob's Posterity that came from him as from a Fountain which is here put for the Streams as in Psal 104.10 Compare Psal 68.26 and Isai 48.1 29. The sword of thy excellency i. e. It is not thy own Sword hath gotten thee the Victory and thy Renown but God's Assistance Thine enemies c. Such shall be thy Conquests and Success over the Power called here the high places of thine Enemies that they who are such shall yet not own their Enmity but at least yield a feigned subjection to thee Compare Deut. 32.13 Psal 44.18 and 66.3 CHAP. XXXIV The ARGUMENT Moses goeth up unto Mount Nebo and takes a view of the Land from thence He dieth there Of his Burial and Age and the time which the People mourned for him Joshua succeeds him Moses commended 1. AND Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo to the top of Pisgah that is over against Jericho and the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead unto Dan. 2. And all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh and all the land of Judah unto the utmost sea 3. And the south and the plain of the valley of Jericho the city of palm-trees unto Zoar. 4. And the LORD said unto him This is the land which I sware unto Abraham unto Isaac and unto Jacob saying I will give it unto thy seed I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes but thou shalt not go over thither 5. So Moses the servant of the the LORD died there in the land of Moab according to the word of the LORD 6. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-Peor but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day 7. And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated 8. And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended 9. And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom for Moses had laid his hands upon him and the children of Israel hearkened unto him and did as the LORD commanded Moses 10. And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses whom the LORD knew face to face 11. In all the signs and the wonders which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land 12. And in all that mighty hand and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel 1. ALL the land of Gilead unto Dan i. e. The Land of Gilead on this side Jordan unto a place called afterwards Dan in the Northern Border of the Land of Canaan Josh 19.47 Judg. 18.29 2. Vtmost sea That is the Mediterranean-sea the Western Border of the Land See Deut. 11.24 5 According to the word c. That is as God had foretold he should 6. He buried him That is the Lord buried him by the Ministry of Angels or at least without imploying any of the Israelites therein Compare Gen. 7.16 No man knoweth of his sepulchre c. That there might be no occasion of Idolatry or Superstition given to the Israelites 8. Thirty days Compare Numb 20.29 9. Wisdom This is here mentioned as that which is very necessary in a Governour of others Compare 1 King 3.9 For Moses had laid his hands upon him The laying of the Hands of Moses is not brought in as a cause but as a sign of Joshua's Wisdom For Moses laid his Hands on him by God's direction and to make it known that he was the person appointed and fitted by God for the Employment he was called to Take thee Joshua the son of Nun a man in whom is the spirit and lay thine hands upon him Numb 27.18 10. There arose not a prophet c. See Numb 12.8 FINIS