their service Num. 4. 3. And also because there 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inheritance given them among the sonnes of Israel Num. 26. 62. but the Lord was their inheritance Deut. 10. 8 9. Now to be numbred apart and not with others signified some speciall favour towards such and care over them as Num. 23. 9. Aaron Aaron the elder brother of Moses and 〈◊〉 Levites therefore their names are mentioned here V. 3. he filled that is consecrated or perfected 〈◊〉 the Greeke translateth See the annotations on Exâ—â— 29. 9. and Levit. 8. V. 4. dyed by a fire from the Lord Levit. 10. 1 2. This is mentioned againe in Num. 26. 61. 1 Chron. 24. 1 2. had no sonnes the Hebrewes as Chazkuni upon this place say if they had had sonnes those sonnes had beene before Eleazar and Ithamar for whosoever is fore-most in inheritance is foremost for honour or dignitie in the sight of Aaron or before the face that is whiles Aaron lived as before the face of Tharah Gen. 11. 38. is while Tharah lived before the Moone and Sunne Psal. 72. 5. 17. is whiles they continue to give light The Greeke translateth With Aaron Elsewhere it is said by the hand of Aaron 1 Chron. 24. 19. Of these two there were so many Priests in Davids dayes that he distributed them into 24. courses sixteene of Eleazar and eight of Ithamar 1 Chron. 24. 3. 4. The Hebrew Doctors say Moses divided the Priests into eight wards or courses foure of Eleazar and foure of Ithamar and so they were untill the Prophet Samuels dayes Then Samuel and David the King parted them into 24. courses And over every course or ward there was one chiefe Provost And they went up to Ierusalem to serve by course every weeke And every sabbath day they changed one course went out and the next after them came in c. Maimony tom 3. treat of the Instruments of the Sanctuarie chapt 4. sect 3. Compare 1 Chron. 9. 22. 25. 2 King 11. 5. 7. V. 6. present it or cause it to stand speaking of the tribe In Greeke present them V. 7. his charge Hebr. his custody or obseruation that is that which he commandeth them to obserue See this phrase in Lev. 18. 30. 〈…〉 of all the congregation the Greeke explaineth it of the sonnes of Israel as in v. 8. So 〈◊〉 2 Chron. 35. 3. serve the Lord your God and his people Israel It meaneth also such things as they were charged to keepe but the Levites now were taken in their stead 〈…〉 to serve the service in Greeke to worke or doe the workes of the Tabernacle which in Num. 8. 11. is said to serve the service of the Lord. After in the 8. verse the Greeke translateth according to all the workes of the Tabernacle The Hebrewes write thus The sâ—ed of Levi are all of them separated for the service of the Sanctuarie And it is commanded that the Levites be prepared and readie for the service of the Sanctuarie whether they be willing or not willing as in Num. 18. 23. And the Levite he shall serve the service of the Tent of the congregation And the sonne of Levi which will take upon him all the Levites commandements saving one thing they receive him not in till he take all upon him Maimony treat of the Instruments of the Sanct. chap. 3. sect 1. V. 9. are given are given that is as the Greeke here and Moses himselfe in Num. 18. 6. explaineth it are a gift given oâ— they are wholly given So the Ministers of the Gospell are called gifts Ephes. 4. 8. 11. 〈…〉 unto him for his helpe in the charge and worke of the Sanctuarie they ministring unto him and he and his sonnes ministring before the Tabernacle Num. 18. 2. 6. V. 11. shalt appoint or constitute set in office as Bishops or Overseers The Greeke explaineth it thou shalt constitute over the Tabernacle of Testimonie their Priests office for every thing of the Altar and within the veile Num. 18. 7. the stranger that is whosoeuer is not of Aarons seed as is explained in Num. 16. 40. for no man taketh the honour unto himselfe but he that is called of God as was Aaron Hebr. 5. 4. So Chazkuni here expoundeth stranger to be Israelite or Levite that commeth neere to minister And Maimony in Biath hamikdash chap. 9. sect 1. saith Who is the stranger Whosoever is not of the seed of Aaron the males And after God himselfe forbiddeth the Levites to come night he vessels of the Sanctuarie and the Altar on paine of death Numb 18. 3. put to death by the magistrate or by the hand of God as was Korah for presuming to doe the Priests office Numb 16. V. 12. every first-borne which before the Levites were taken in their stead did minister to the Lord as is noted on Exod. 24. 5. And upon what occasion God tooke the Levites instead of the first-borne is to be seene in Exod. 32. 26. 29. Deut. 33. 9. shall be mine to minister before me as the Chaldee expoundeth it V. 13. I smote in Chaldee I killed see Exod. 12. 29 30. The Lord having slaine all the first-borne of Egypt and spared the Israelites did therefore challenge for his owne and sanctifie to him-selfe all Israels first-borne Exod. 13. 2. but tooke the Levites and their cattle in stead of Israels first-borne men and cattle Num. 3. 45. and gave them as a gift to Aaron to minister unto him Who being in his Priesthood a type of Christ all these rites are in him fulfilled For unto Christ God gave children Hebr. 2. 13. and they are a congregation of first-borne written in heaven Hebr. 12. 23. being of Gods owne will begotten by the word of truth that they should be a kinde of first-fruits of his creatures Iam. 1. 18. to whom he also giveth the first-fruits of his Spirit Rom. 8. 23. These wait on and follow the Lambe Christ being bought from among men and first-fruits unto God and to the Lambe Rev. 14. 4. These were brought for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations and of them the Lord hath taken for Priests and for Levites Esai 66. 20 21. and Christ hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father that we may serve him day and night in his Temple Rev. 1. 6. and 7. 15. V. 15. Muster or Number Hebr. Visit. This was done by Moses and Aaron v. 39. and by the Princes of the congregation Num. 4. 34. though here the commandement is directed unto Moses onely house in Greeke houses old Heb. sonne of a moneth Tho cause why the Levites were numbred from this age was for that they came in place of the first-borne of Israel whose redemption is appointed from a moneth old Num. 18. 15 16. And they were counted after the houses of their fathers not of their mothers for if a woman of Levi were maried to a man of Iudah or any other tribe her sonne was not a Levite The Hebrew canons say
sin of all sorts inward and outward from all fâ—â—thinesse of the flesh and spirit 2 Cor. 7. 1. of the hear and conscience of the body and of the converâ—ation Heb. 10. 22. Which purenesse is in speciall required of the ministers whom the Lord takeâ—â— for his service as he did the Priests and Lev 〈…〉 Esai 66. 21. and generally of all Christians called also the Priests and Ministers of God Esai 61. 6. Rev. 1. 6. whose garments are washed and made white in the bloud of the Lambe Christ that they may serve him day and night in his Temple Rev. 7. 9. 14 15. and cleanse or purifie themselves by repentance and faith in God without which all outward rites availed nothing Or cleanse themselves by washing their bodies in water as did other uncleane persons Levit. 14. 8. and 15. 5. so the Chaldee called Ionathans expoundeth it 〈◊〉 cleansing in water The Greeke translateth 〈◊〉 they shall be pure Vers. 8. yongling of the herd or yong oxe of the second yeere see the notes on Exod. 29. 1. where the like was brought for the Priests This was for a Burnt-offring to make atonement for the Levites vers 12. and as Chazkuni here observeâ— for the consecration of their service The formeâ— cleansings were to take away sin these sacrifices after were also to reconcile them unto God in Christ whom all sacrifices figured Heb. 9. 12. and 10. 5 10. his Meat-offring speaking as of a thing knowne now the ordinary Meat-offering for a bullock was three tenth deales of fine 〈◊〉 mingled with oyle for a drink-offring half an H 〈…〉 of wine Num. 28. 12. 14. See the annotations there And of the Meat-offring see Lev. 2. a second 〈◊〉 locke that is an other bullocke which though it is the second here named yet was it first offered v. 1â— Lev. 8. 14. 18. and 14. 19. And no bullock was 〈◊〉 fred for sin saue the sin of the high Priest or of the congregation Lev. 4. 3. 13. 14. 22. 23. and the Lâ—vites now taken for all the first-born of Israel o 〈…〉 such a sin-offring as the whole congregation sh 〈…〉 Verse 9. the whole or all the congrega 〈…〉 because the thing concerned them all to know and to approve the Levites being now taken 〈…〉 stead of their first-borne vers 18 19. So all the Congregation was assembled at the Consecration of the Priests Levit. 8. 3 4. Verse 10. the sonnes of Israel that is some of the chiefe of them as the first borne in the name of the rest shall lay or impose hands on the Levites which rite was kept at the ordination of officers both in the Old Testament and in the New Act. 6. 6. and 13. 3. Chazkuni here expoundeth it thus The sons of Israel that is the first-borne which were in Israel for the Levites gave an atonement for them and every first-borne layed on hands on the Levite that was for him This ordinance fitted the present businesse for the Levites being taken to serve the service of the sonnes of Israel in stead of every first-borne and 〈◊〉 make atonement for them verse 18 19. and offered by them verse 11. they were by this signe to put the charge and service of the Church upon them and to consecrate them unto God in their name And herein they figured the Church of Christ called the generall assembly and Church of the first-borne which are written in heaven Heb. 12. 23. Verse 11. wave the Levites this waving the Greeke expoundeth separate which word is used for the ministers of Christ as Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the worke whereunto I have called them Act. 13. 2. so in Rom. 1. 1. And here in verse 14. God saith thou shalt separate the Levites But â—aving is used for offring as the sacrifices that were waved or moved to and fro whereby the troubles and afflictions of the ministers of God were figured see the annotations on Ex. 29 24 27. Wave-offring in Greeke a gift So the ministers of the Church are called gifts Eph. 4. 8. 11. to serve the service in Greeke to worke or doe the works of the Lord so in verse 15. This phrase the Apostle useth he worketh the worke of the Lord as I also doe 1 Cor. 16. 10. so of the Priests and Levites he saith that they did work that is minister or serve about the holy things 1 Cor. 9. 13. Verse 12. the head that is the heads of the bullocks as the Greeke translateth but called head because it was to be done on each of them severally so Chazkuni explaineth it on the head of every one of the bullocks By this rite they testified their faith in Christ figured by these sacrifices from whom they expected forgivenes of sins sanctification unto the worke of their ministerie make thou in Greeke thou shalt make that is offer to God by the hands of Aaron the Priest to make atonement this sheweth the unworthines of all flesh to minister before God untill reconciliation be made for their sins by Christ So Paul sheweth mans insuffiency or unworthines for such things and sheweth our sufficiency to be of God 2 Cor. 2. 16. 3. 5 6. Verse 13. shalt set or shalt present shalt make to stand as a signe that they were given to him and his sonnes as in verse 19. Verse 14. shall be mine which the Chaldee explaineth shal be ministers before me See the notes on Num. 16. 9. Verse 15. to serve the Tent in Greeke to doe the the works of the Tent this is explained in v. 19. to serve the service of the sonnes of Israel in the Tent. A like phrase is in Ezek. 48. 18 19. to serve the citie and in 2 Chron. 24. 18. they served the groves and wave them in Greeke and give them before the Lord. This is the third time that the waving of the Levites is commanded Sol. Iarchi faith that the first in ver 11. respected the Koathites the second in vers 13. was for the Gershonites and this third for the Merariees Verse 16. are given are given that is as the Greeke translateth they are a gift given or the doubling of the word meaneth they are wholly given and the gift confirmed and now presently they were to be imployed in Gods service see Gen. 41. 32. Giving is sometime used for confirming as Thou hast given thy people 1 Chron. 17. 22. which is the same that Thou hast confirmed thy people 2 Sam. 7. 24. So in Esai 33. 16. his bread shall be given his waters shall be sure Chazkuni applieth it thus Given of the sonnes of Israel unto God and given of God unto Aaron Sol Iarchi referreth it to their divers works given for the bearing of the Tabernacle given for the song as in 1 Chron. 25. such as open Hebr. the opening of every wombe whereof see Exod. 13. 2. this is explained after to meane the first borne unto me or for me which the Chaldee expoundeth for my
red-mould or earth because of it his body was created Gen. 2. 7. It was the name of the woman also Gen. 5. 2. and so of all mankind usually called Adam and Adams sonnes Gen. 9. 6. Psal. 11. 4. our image the image of the holy Trinity whereby man in nature knowledge righteousness holinesse glory c. resembled God his makers See Gen. 9. 6. I am 3. 9. Colos. 3. 10. Ephes. 4. 24. 1 Cor. 11. 7. 2 Cor. 3. 18. The Hebrew Doctors say The excellent knowledge or reason that is found in the soule of man it is the forme of man and for this forme it is said Let us make man in our image c. R. Mos. Maimony in Misn. treat Iesudei hatorah chap 4. sect 8. Also this Image and likenesse is said to be in man for the understanding minde which is in him such as is not in other living creatures R. Menachem Rakanat on Gen. 1. The Heathens opinion agreed hereunto as Proclus saith The mind that is in us is an image of the first mind that is of God Man is also called of the Hebrewes Olam Hakaton of the Greekes Microcosmos that is A little world for the hath in him the beauty of thing without life even the chiefest as of the Sun Moon and Stars c. Eccles 12. 2. Gen. 37. 8. 9. Ezek. 28. 13. 14. he hath growth as plants Gen. 38. 11. and 49. 22. sense and sensible properties with beasts Gen. 49. 9. 17. 2 Sam. 23. 20. reason and wisedome with Angels 1 Sam. 14. 20. But the image of God in him excelleth all Letthem have that is man and woman with their posterity for if the root bee holy so are the branches Rom. 11. 16. Adam had Gods image and glory for him and his if hee had stood in his integrity but falling hee lost them from him and his Rom. 5. 12. 17. 18. 19. Howbeit in the dominion and glory of man and woman there is inequality 1 Cor. 11. 7. 8. 9. 1 Timoth. 2. 12. 13. Vers. 27. Created By reason of the excellency of man above all earthly things and of Gods image in him the name Creature is appropriated unto him as often in the Hebrew Doctors writings so by Christs and his Apostles every creature that is every man Mar. 16. 15. Coloss. 1. 23. So all living for all men Gen. 3. 20. because the most excellent life is in man male or a male and a female meaning one and not moe females for a male This beginning of mans creation Christ alledgeth against unlawful divorces and taking moe wives then one Mar. 10. 6. See also Malac. 2. 15. And when a thing is set downe thus singularly it is often to be restrained unto one This the Scripture sheweth in repeating matters as a loase of bread and a flagon of wine 1 Chron. 16. 3. which another Prophet writeth thus one cake of bread and one flagon of wine 2 Sam. 6. 19. So the Law him shalt thou serve Deut. 6. 13. Christ restraineth to him onely Mat. 4. 10. Vers. 28. subdue it or keepe it in subjection the Greeke translateth exercise dominion over it Subduing meaneth such a prevailing and possessing as a master hath over servants Ier. 34. 11. 16. 2 Chr. 28. 10. Neh. 5. 5. For this state of man made a little lower then the Angels but crowned with glory and honor and set over the works of Gods hands David laudeth the Lord in Psal. 8. Vers. 31. everything or as the Greeke translateth all things very good or vehemently good and so pleasing and profitable see before in vers 4. This sheweth that sinne and evill was not of God or by the worke of his hands but came in after by the creature it selfe falling from God Eccles. 7. 31. the sixt day According to this number of dayes in the creation of the world the Hebrew Doctors haue guessed at the number of yeares that the world should continue they say it is a tradition of Rabbi Elias Six thousand yeeres shall the world be and then it shall bee destroyed Two thousand empty that is before the promise unto Abraham two thousand the Law the time of Circumcision and two thousand the dayes of Christ and for our iniquities say they which are many they that are past of them are past that is the yeeres are past and the Christ is not come Thalmudin Sanhedrin chapt Chelek This conjecture some doe the more regard both because it is a testimony that the Christ is long since come even by the Iewes owne tradition and because it is written one day is with the Lord as a thousand yeeres and a thousand yeeres as one day 2. Pet. 3. 8. We may compare with these six dayes the six ages of the world as they are manifestly distinguished in Scripture The first from Adam to Noes flood which was often generations this is called the old world 2 Pet. 2. 5. The second from the Flood unto Abraham which was also of ten generations at him the new Testament beginneth the genealogie of Christ Mat. 1. 1. 2. The third from Abraham to David fourteene generations The-fourth from David unto the captivitie of Babylon fourteene generations The fift from the captivitie of Babylon unto Christ fourteene generations all which are so reckned by the Holy Ghost in Mat. 1. 17. The sixt is the age after Christ called the last dayes Heb. 1. 2. the last time 1 Pet. 1. 20. 1. Ioh. 2. 18. after which remaineth the Rest or Sabbatisme for the people of God to begin at our Lords second comming and to continue for ever 1 Thessal 4. 16. 17. CHAPT II. The seventh day is sanctified for a Sabbath 4 The manner of the Creation 8 The planting of the Garden of Eden 10 and the River thereof 17 The tree of knowledge onely forbidden 19 Adam nameth the creatures 21 The making of Woman and institution of mariage ANd the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them And in the seventh day God had finished his worke which he had made and he rested in the seventh day from all his worke which he had made And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it hee had rested from all his worke which God had created and made These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created in the day that Iehovah God made the earth and the heavens And every plant of the field before it was in the earth and every herbe of the field before it grew-up for Iehovah God had not caused-it-to-raine upon the earth and there was not a man to till the ground And a myst went-up from the earth and watred the whole face of the earth And Iehovah God formed man dust of the earth and inspired his nostrills with the breath of life and man was a living soule And Iehovah God planted a garden in Eden eastward and there hee put the man whom he had formed And Iehovah God made to grow-up
of man is called in respect of himselfe an offence or fall because by it he fell from his good estate in respect of God it was disobedience as unto whom hereby he denyed subjection and renounced obedience Roman 5. 18. 19. Neither was it his owne sinne onely but the common sinne of us all his posterity which were then in his loynes for by this one mans disobedience many were made sinners Rom. 5. 19. and in Adam all dye 1 Cor. 15. 22. V. 7. naked both in body and soule which were bereaved of the image of God deprived of his glory subjected to inordinate lusts and thereupon to shame of which nakednes the Scriptures often speak as Ex. 32. 25. Ezek. 16. 22. Rev. 3. 17. 16. 15 Hos. 2. 3. 2 Cor. 5. 3. Sewed that is fastned together by twisting and platting the leaves and twigs for to gird about them fig leaves in Heb. leaf or branch as we english the word in Neh 8. 15. and as the Greek translateth it in Ier. 17. 8. This was to cover not to cure their filthy nakednes therfore in v. 10. they nevertheless do hide theÌ„selves for shame The like naturall hypocrisie is elsewhere coÌ„pared to the Spiders web Esay 59. 5. 6. And the â—igtree which had leaves no fruit was cursed of Christ and withered Mat. 21. 19. aprons named in Hebrew of girding about the loynes So Peter when he was naked girded a garment on him Ioh. 21. 7. And those parts of the body which serve for generation were then and still are most shamefull and studiously covered because sinne is become naturall and derived by generation Psalm 51. 7. Gen 5. 3. Therefore circumcision the signe of regeneration was also on that part of mans body Gen. 17. 11. Vers. 8. the voice of Iehovah this sometime signifieth any noise or sound Ezek. 1. 24. sometime the thunder Exod. 9. 28. 29. sometime Gods distinct voice like thunder as Ioh. 12. 27. 28. 29. walking this by the Greeke is referred to God walking it may also bee meant of the voice which is said to walke or goe on when it increaseth more and more Exod. 19. 19. the wind by the Greeke version this was the eventide So in the evening of the world at the last day the Lord shall descend from heaven with a showt with the voice of the Archangell and with the trumpet of God c. 1 Thes. 4. 16. hid themselves through conscience and feeling of their sinne and misery and for feare of Gods Majesty vers 10. Howbeit there is no darknesse nor shadow of death where the workes of iniquity may hide themselves Iob 34. 22. Amos 9. 3. Psalm 139. 7. 8. 9. Prov. 15. 3. Ier. 23. 24. from the face or the presence that is for feare of the Lords comming Vers. 10. feared or was afraid this feare was a terrour through feeling of Gods wrath for sinne as Israel also felt in themselves when they heard the voice of God at mount Sinai Ex. 20. 18. 19. 20. It was such as had torment with it which who so feareth is not perfect in love 1 Iohn 4. 18. and proceeded from the spirit of bondage Rom. 8. 15. Otherwise there is also a feare which proceedeth from the spirit of adoption and accordeth well with love and comfort 1 Pet. 1. 1. 17. Psalm 2. 11. and 147. 11. Ier. 32. 39. 40. Prov. 19. 23. This feare if Adam had kept he had eschewed evill Prov. 16. 6 am naked he dissembleth the maine cause which was his sinne pure nakednesse was Gods creature and he was naked before without feare or shame Gen. 2 25. Vers. 12. thou gavest Adams confession is mixed with excuses and further evils asking no mercy but charging the woman and God himselfe with the cause of his fall The foolishnesse of man perverteth his way and his heart fretteth against the Lord Prov. 19. 3. Vers. 13. what is this or For what that is Why hast thou done this Vers. 14. unto the serpent unto the beast and the devill which together were the meanes to draw into sinne vers 1. and therefore are joyned as one here 〈…〉 the punishment cursed this is contrary to blessed Deut. 28. 3. 16. and as to blesse is to say well 〈◊〉 my so to curse is to say evill so expounded by the holy Ghost as thou shalt not curse the Ruler Exod. 22. 28. which Paul citeth thus thou shalt not speake evill of the Ruler Act. 23. 5. And as Gods word is one with his deed so his curse is the powring out of evils upon the creatures for sinne unto their perdition Deut. 28. 20. c. So the fig-tree being cursed withered Mark 11. 21. the children cursed were torne of beasts 2 King 2. 24. And that the devill was implyed under this curse the Hebrew Doctors have acknowledged saying of God that hee brought those three and decreed against them the decrees of judgement and did â—ast Sammael the Devill his company out of his holy place out of heaven and cut off the feet of the serpent and cursed him c. Pirke R. Eliezer ch 14. So Peter saith God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them downe to hell c. 2 Pet. 2. 4. And in Rev. 12. 7. 8. 9. speaking of a spirituall combat with the Devill in the Church it is said the Dragon fought and his Angels but they prevailed not neither was their place found any more in heaven and that great Dragon that old serpent called the Devil and Satan was cast out c As the Devill is cursed above all creatures Mat. 25. 41. so the cursed serpent is in Scripture a similitude of the most hurtfull venemous and hatefull beasts as Deut. 8. 15. Ier. 8. 17. Ps. 58. 5. Mat. 23. 33. thy belly or thy brest as the Greeke hath a twofold translation upon thy brest and belly meaning with great paine and difficulty For other creatures also goe on the belly Lev. 11. 42. but as Adams labour and Eves conception had paine and sorrow added to them vers 16. 17 so the serpents gate dust that is vile and uncleane meats noting also hereby basenesse of condition Mic. 7. 17. and hunger and penury which this beast should suffer above others which eate the herbs of the field Gen. 1. 30. This eating of dust is againe remembred in Esay 65. 25 where speech is of our Redemption from Satan by Christ which sheweth that these outward curses implyed further mysteries V. 15. enmity this is opposed to the amity and familiarity which had beene between the woman and the Serpent which God would breake And here beginneth the first promise of grace and life to Evah and mankind now dead in sinne and enemies to God Col. 2. 13. and 1. 21. For the amity of this world is enmity of God Iam. 4. 4. thy seed and her seed that is thy posterity and hers Seed is often used for children by the Serpents seed are meant not onely those venemous beasts which
partly for religion partly for munition in time of war saying Let us build us a City and Tower c. and let us make for us within it a house of worship or Temple lest we c. a feare arising from their owne guilty consciences as is often in the wicked Iob 15. 20. 21. Lev. 26. 36. Prov. 28. 1. Vers. 5. came down that is shewed by his works that he tooke knowledge of this evill to punish it This is spoken of God after the manner of men so Gen. 18. 21. Psal. 144. 5. See the notes on Gen. 6. 6 The Chaldee explaineth it thus And the Lord appeared to take vengeance upon the workes of the Citie and Tower Vers. 6. there will not be cut off from them that is they will not be restrained so noting their wilfull persisting in the evill begun Or question-wise thus should they not be cut off or restrained meaning it was very meet they should Vers. 7. Let us goe downe The holy Trinity here determineth as when in Gen. 1. 26. he said Let us make man against the former determination of vaine men vers 4. So he dissipateth the counsell of the nations Psal. 33. 10. not heare that is not understand so in 1 Cor. 14. 2. hee speaketh not unto men for no man heareth that is understandoth and in Esay 36. 11. Speake Syriacke for we heare that is understand it so a hearing heart for an understanding 1 King 3. 9. Ioseph heard that is understood Gen. 42. 23. and sundry the like Albeit God might at first smite them all with deafnesse that they could not at all heare and then change their tongues A like judgement David wisheth against his enemies Psal. 51. 10. Vers. 8. scattered and so dissolved their communion and brought on them the evill which they sought to prevent vers 4. for that which the wicked feareth shall come upon him Prov. 10. 24. The Hebrew Doctors from hence doe conclude The generation of the division of tongues have no part in the world to come that is in the kingdome of heaven as it is written And the Lord scattered them from thence c. The Lord scattered them in this world and from thence the Lord scattered them in the world to come Thalmud Bab. in Sanhedr ch 10. left off to build the contrary miracle God wrought by the gift of tongues to build up Ierusalem Act. 2. 4. 6. 11. c. Vers. 9. Babel or Babylon in the Greeke translated Confusion because there the Lord Balal that is Confounded their language And Babel is the same that Balbel but for ease of speech the first l is left out and it accordeth with the Chaldee or Baby lonian tongue which soundeth the Hebrew Balal Balbel as the Chaldee paraphrast here hath it lip of all the earth that is language of all people on the earth see verse 1. And here tongues first were for a signe to unbeleevers as 1 Cor. 14. 22. that by this judgement they might be converted unto the Lord though they made no such use thereof as neither did those that mocked at the gift of tongues whereby the heavenly City was builded Acts 2. 4. 13. The Hebrew Doctors say that at this dispersion there were seventy nations with seventy sundry languages R. Menachem on Gen. 11. Vers. 10. old Hebr. sox and so in the rest that follow See the notes on Gen. 5. 32. and compare this genealogy with that there Ten Patriarchs are there reckned from Adam to Noe and ten here from Sem to Abraham both of them proceeding with the linage of our Lord Christ who came of all these fathers according to the flesh Luke 3. There each fathers generation is set down in three verses here but in two and their death is not spoken of Howbeit the lives of men are now shortned to the halfe Vers. 11. 500 yeere By this we may gather that Sem lived till Isaak sonne of Abram was fifty yeres old and saw ten generations after him before hee dyed A singular blessing both to him and them Vers. 12. begat Salah or Shelach and as the holy Ghost counted the time of Arphaxads birth two yeeres after the flood vers 10. so may wee gather it for all the rest as Sala was borne 37 yeeres after the flood and after the creation of the world 1693 The Greek translation inserteth here a man which never was by the Hebrew verity saying that Arphaxad begat Kainan and that Kainan lived 130 yeeres and begat Sala Also the time of each fathers procreation is for the most part changed in the Greeke This seemeth to be done purposely that the true genealogy might not bee knowne to the heathen for whom the Greeke Bible was first translated And because in all Greeke Bibles Kainan was set downe the Evangelist also to beare with the worlds weaknesse or for other causes seeming good to the Spirit of God reckneth Kainan betweene Arphaxad and Sala in Luke 3. 36. But neither here nor in 1 Chron. 1. nor in any Hebrew text in his name recorded See a like thing in Gen. 46. 20. Vers. 14. begat Heber after the flood 67 yeeres in the yeere of the world 1723. Vers. 16. begat Phaleg or Peleg after the flood 101 y. and of the world 1757. Vers. 17. 430 yeere So Heber lived till Abraham was dead Gen. 25. 7. and was the longest liver of all that were borne after the flood and they that came after him lived not past halfe his dayes Vers. 18. begat Ragau or Rehu after the flood 131 y. and of the world 1787. Vers. 20. begat Saruch or Serug after the flood 163 y. and of the world 1819. Vers. 22. thirty yeere at the same age Phaleg and Salah are before noted to have begotten their sonnes begat Nachor after the flood 193. and of the world 1849. Vers. 24. begat Tharah or Terach after the flood 222 y. and of the world 1878. Vers. 26. begat Abram Nachor and Haran that is began to beget and so begat one of these three to weet Haran not all in the same yeere The like was before in Noes begetting Sem Cham and Iapheth Gen. 5. 32. where Sem for dignity was named first as Abram is here and Iapheth the eldest last as Haran is here For Tharah the father dyed 205 yeares old vers 32. then Abram departed from Charran 75 yeere old Gen. 12. 4. wherfore Abram was borne not when Tharah was 70 but when he was 130 yeere old which was after the flood 352 yeere and of the world 2008. Vers. 28. land of his nativity that is his native country or as the Greeke saith wherein hee was borne Vr of the Chaldees that is Vr in the land of the Chaldeans which land Stephen calleth also Mesopotamia Act. 7. 2. 4. for it lay betweene two rivers And Chaldea is by humane writers also called Mesopotamia Plin. hist. b. 6. c. 27. Vr signifieth Light and Fire here the Chaldee paraphrast taketh it to be the name of a
Iehovah said unto her multiplying I will multiply thy seed and it shall not bee numbred for multitude And the Angell of Iehovah said unto her Behold thou art-withchilde and shalt beare a sonne and thou shalt call his name Ismael because Iehovah hath heard thy affliction And hee will be a man like a wild asse his hand will be against all and the hand of all against him and he shall dwell before the faces of all his brethren And she called the name of Iehovah that spake unto her Thou the God that seest me for she said haue I also here seene after him that seeth me Therefore the well was called Beer-lachai-roï behold it is betweene Kadesh and Bered And Hagar bare unto Abram a son and Abram called the name of his son which Hagar bare Ismael And Abram was fourescore yeeres and sixe yeeres old when Hagar bare Ismael to Abram Annotations H 〈…〉 or bond-maid seruant opposed to a free woman Ier. 34. 10 11. Gal. 4. 22. The Holy Ghost translateth it in Greek sometime Doulee a woman seruant Act. 2. 18. sometime Paidiskee a bondmaid Gal. 4. 22. This bond woman was of Egypt or Mizraim of the posteritie of Cham Gen. 10. 6. which Egypt is after called the house of seruants Exod. 10. 2. for holding Abrams seed in bondage Hagar in Greeke Agar by interpretation a Fugitive or repulsed stranger in the Arabian tongue And the Apostle saith that this Agar allegorically is mount Sinai in Arabia and is in bondage with her childre Ga. 4. 24. 25. where he maketh her a figure of the old Testament or covenant of the Law given on mount Sinai and of the earthly Ierusalem as Sarai the freewoman figured the Ierusalem which is above and the new Testament or covenant of the Gospell in Christ. Hagars posterity are called Hagarens or Hagarites in 1 Chro. 5. 10. where the Greeke translateth them Pariokous strangers Vers. 2. restrained the Greeke interpreteth closed me up according to that phrase of closing up the wombe Gen. 20. 18. contrary to which is the opening of the wombe Gen. 30. 22. God had promised a seed unto Abram Gen. 15. 4. but not expresly as yet unto Sarai wherefore doubting whether she should be the mother she motioneth another course which was not according to God for it violated the law of mariage Gen. 2. 24. but after the flesh Gal. 4. 23. goe in that is accompany with see Gen. 6. 4. it may be or peraduenture a speech not of faith but of uncertaine hope and likelihood after the flesh but Sarai her selfe had afterward a son by promise Gal. 4. 23. and the word of promise was In this same time will I come and Sarah shall have a son Rom. 9. 9. wherefore shee had a son by Agar but hee was no heyre Gen. 21. 10. so the Church hath had children by the Law but they were not heires of the Kingdome of God for the Law is not of faith neither are the heires or inheritance otherwise then by promise of grace in Christ Gal. 3. 12 14 18 22 29. bee builded that is shall have a son So the Greeke explaineth it and Moses in Deut. 25. 9. And in Hebrew ben a sonne is named of banah he builded So Rachel and Leah are said to build the house of Israel by bearing children Ruth 4. 11. and God promised a seed to David under the similitude of building him an house 2 Sam. 7. 11 12 27. Sarai reckoneth her maids children as her owne so by the Law bond servants children were their masters Exod. 21. 4. Rachel likewise counted her maids children as given to her selfe Gen. 30. 3 6 8. And among the heathens Plutarch sheweth how Stratonice the wife of King Deiotarus being barren gave secretly her mayd Electra unto her husband by whom shee had an heyre to the Crowne Vers. 3. end of ten yeres that is after hee had dwelt there ten yeres So Abram was now 85. yeres old and Sarai 75. Gen. 12. 4. and 17. 17. In the yeere of the world 2093. a wife to weet a secondary and not a full wife but a concubine Gen. 25. 6. So Ketura called a wife Gen. 25. 1. was but a concubine 1 Chron. 1. 32. what they differ is noted on Gen. 22. 23. despised or lightly set by the Greeke saith dishonoured This pride of Agar figured the like affection in the heart of those that put confidence in the works of the Law as was in the Pharisee Luk. 18. 10. 11. Rom. 10. 3. And it greatly disquieted Sarai for it is one of the foure things which the earth cannot beare that an handmaid should be heire to her mistresse Prou. 30. 21 23. Vers. 5. my wrong or my injurie which I suffer is upon thee that is thou art the cause of it So the Greeke expounds it I am injured of thee and the Chaldee I have a plea against thee as if Abraham faulted in suffring such misdemeanor Or my wrong be upon thee that is either right thou my wrong or beare the punishment thereof from God Thus it accordeth with the words following and so Thargum Ierusalemy explaineth it my judgment and my abuse are delivered into thy hand judge or will judge if thou looke not to redresse it But the Greeke translates it prayer-wise the Lord judge The speech argueth her great passion as the like in Exod. 5. 21. Iudg. 11. 27. 1 Sam. 24. 13 16. Vers. 6. is in or be in thy hand that is in thy own power to correct her good that is pleasing as the Greeke translateth use her as pleaseth thee So in Gen. 45. 16. and often on the contrary evill in thy eyes is displeasing Gen. 28. 8. afflicted to humble her and abate her pride This seemeth to be by rough handling or stripes for a seruant will not be corrected by words Prov. 29. 19. shee fled as impatient of correction whereby she added sinne unto sinne for she should not have left her place Eccles. 10. 4. nor bereaved Abram of his child in her body therefore the Angell sendeth her home againe vers 9. But hereby the difference betweene the two mothers the Law and the Gospel was also figured Vers. 7. Angel so named of the Greeke Aggelos in Hebrew Maleac by interpretation a Messenger or Legate one sent and imployed in any worke whether of God or men And those sent of God were sometimes men as Haggai is called the Lords Angel or Messenger Hag. 1. 13. and Iohn the Baptist Mal. 3. 1. Mat. 11. 10. and generally the Lords Priests under the law Mal. 2. 7. and ministers under the gospel Rev. 1. 20. But in speciall Angels are those heauenly spirits and fierie flames that are wise 2 Sam. 14. 20. and excell in strength Psal. 103. 20. which are all ministring spirits sent forth in ministerie for them who shall bee heires of saluation Heb. 1. 7. 14. And here this Angel was sent for the good of Abrams family The Hebrew Doctors opinion of Angels is that
the Philistines in the southern parts of the Land of Canaan Gen. 10. 19. Hither Isaak came afterward to so journe for famine Gen. 26. 1. Vers. 2. of Sarah the Hebrew el which properly signifieth unto is used for of or concerning and is so translated by the Greeke here and Ier. 27. 19. and so the Greeke pros in like manner Heb. 1. 7. and 4. 13. Or if we reade it unto Sarah the meaning is that together with her both he and she said it as after in vers 5. is manifested See the like done before in Gen. 12. 11. 12. 13. Vers. 2. Abimelech by interpretation Father-King a common title of the Kings of Palestina as Phar 〈…〉 was of the Kings of Aegypt see Gen. 26. 1. Psal 34. 1. For Kings should beo Fathers to their countries so rulers are casled fathers 2 King 5. 13. Iob 〈◊〉 16. and 1 Sam. 1â— 15. where your fathers is translated in Greeke your King see Gen. 4. 20. Vers. 3 God came the Chaldee saith word came from the face of God This serteth forth Gods care for his he suffered â—o man to doe them wrong but reproved Kings for then sakes Psal. 165. 14. a dream which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—on that the mind of man conce 〈…〉 〈◊〉 isle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 natural arising from the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the body or affections of the mind are many and have their vanities and deceits Eccles. 5. 7. Esay 29. 7. 8. But dreames supernaturall sent of God as here or by his Angels as Mat. 2. 13. are to bee regarded for God by them signifieth what he would or what men should doe Gen. 41. 25. Iob 33. 14. 15. 16. c. Dreames also are sometimes by the lying spirit of Satan which are not to bee beleeved or regarded Zach. 10. 2. Deut. 13. 1. 2. 3. See also Gen. 37. 5. a dead man that is shalt surely dye But under such threats conditions often are implyed as here if thou deliver not the woman See Ezek. 33. 14. 15. Vers. 4. come-neere that is lyen with her being stayed by sicknesse as it seemeth by verse 17. the Greeke saith touched her not the Hebrew also in verse 6. So Paul useth the phrase of touching a woman 1 Cor. 7. 1. and Solomon Prov. 6. 29. just nation fearing as it seemeth wrath upon his people also vers 9. as often commeth to passe for the Princes sinnes So for Davids sinne a plague came on his people 1 Chron. 21. 14. 17. Or hee calleth his family a nation which was now visited of God vers 17. 18. Vers. 5. perfection or integrity simplicy sincerity The Chaldee interprets it truth the Greeke a pure heart It is opposed to hypocrisie innocence of my hands or cleannesse of my palmes the palmes of the hands are named as wherein filthinesse might be hidden so purging himselfe even from secret crime Vers. 6. with-held the Greeke translateth spared thee It seemeth Gods chastisement restiained him vers 17. and so hee was not able to doe the evill which otherwise naturally hee could and was proneunto from sinning the Greeke saith that thou shouldst not sinne As God for Abrahams sake with held Abimelech from the fact so respecting the integrity of the Kings hearr hee kept him also from the sinne gave thee not that is let or suffered thee not as the Greeke translateth Giving is often used for suffering as Gen. 31. 7. Exod. 3. 19. Psal. 16. 10. but it is more then bare sufferance as implying an action also on Gods part who giveth meanes to stay from evill or sendeth delusions when so it pleaseth him as 2 Thess. 2. 7. Vers. 7. a Prophet therefore doe him no harme Psal. 105. 15. A Prophet in Hebrew Nabi in Greek Prophetes from which we have the word Prophet so named of speaking interpreting or uttering words and oracles that come from God Deut. 18. 15. 16. 18. as of seeing or receiving them by visions such were named Seers 1 Sam. 9. 9. So Moses interpreter is called his Prophet Exod. 7. 1. and all interpreters of the Scriptures 1 Cor. 14. 29. In speciall a Prophet was one indued with the Spirit of God and could foretell things to come Deut. 18. 22. Psalm 74. 9. Ier. 29. 15. Such are called holy men of God which spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 20. The Hebrew Doctors say It is one of the foundations of the Law to know that God maketh the sonnes of men to prophesie and prophesie resideth not but in a man that is great in wisedome mighty in his vertuous qualities so that his affections overcome him not in any worldly thing but by his knowledge he overcommeth his affections continually and he is a man expert in knowledge and of a very large vnderstanding c. On such a man the holy spirit commeth downe and when the spirit resteth upon him his soule is associated unto the Angels and he is changed to another man and perceiveth in his owne knowledge that hee is not so as he was but that hee is advanced above the degrees of other wise men even as it is said of Saul in 1 Sam. 10. 6. and thou shalt prophesie with them and shalt be turned into another man Maimony in Iesudei hatorah ch 7. S. 1. shall pray This was a speciall worke of the Prophets to pray for the people Ier. 14. 11. and 15. 1. whereupon it is said If they bee Prophets and if the word of the Lord be with them let them intreat the Lord c. Ier. 27. 18. Praying or interpellation hath the first signification of judging and so meaneth the presenting of the person and cause of any unto God as the judge and the judging of ones selfe live thou that is thou shalt live but it is a powerfull manner of speech wherupon God is said to command his mercy and the salvation and blessing of his people Psal. 42. 9. and 44. 5. and 133. 3. The like is often used as Amos 5. 4. seeke me and live that is yee shall live and dwell for ever Psal. 37. 27. dying that is shalt surely die see Gen. 2. 17. Vers. 9. that should not the Chaldee translateth that are not meet to be done the Greeke saith which none should doe Vers. 11. Surely or Onely The Greeke translateth Lest there be not the feare of God so making it an unperfect speech implying doubt as in Mat. 25. 9. By the feare of the Lord men depart from evill Prov. 16. 6. Vers. 12. of my father The Iewes opinion from hence is that Sarah was the same that Iseah mentioned in Gen. 11. 29. and had two names and that she being the grandchild of Thara by another woman then Abrahams mother is so spoken of here became Hebr. was to me for a wife Vers. 13. they euen God Aelohim the name of God in forme plurall is usually joyned with a word singular as hee created Gen. 1. 1. here and in some few other places it is coupled with a word plurall â—no without
mystery of the Trinity which the Gentiles not understanding they fell to hold many gods contrary to the truth Deut. 6. 4. A like speech of God is after used in Gen. 35. 7. and in 2 Sam 7. 23. they even God went which an other Prophet relating saith singularly God hee went I Chron. 17. 21. so that though words of the plurall number be joyned yet the plurality of gods is no way intended one Scripture clearing another yea sometime the very same text explaining it selfe as Ios. 24. 19. Aelohim holies or holy ones he The Greek translateth here singularly when God brought mee out from my father house the Chaldee otherwise thus And it was when the people 's wandered that is committed idolarry after the workes of their hands the Lord applyed mee unto his feare out of my fathers house is thy kindnesse or shall be thy mercy that is thy worke of mercy so love 1 Iohn 3. 1. is put for the benefits proceeding from love and wrath Mic. 7. 9. Rom. 13. is for punishment proceeding from wrath Vers. 15. before thee exposed to thy choice See Gen. 13. 9. good in thine eyes that is as the Greek translateth where it pleaseth thee Vers. 16. a 1000 shekels or shistings The word shekels understood in the Hebrew is expressed by the Chaldee interpreter so in 2 Sam. 18. 12. and 2 King 6. 25. and the Greeke also hath a 1000 didrachmes meaning shekels for so in Gen. 23. 15 16. and in many other places the Hebrew shekels are turned in Greeke didrachmes or double drams and usually where silver is set downe and not the summe shekels are understood as appeareth by Num. 7. 13. 85. where the shekell of the sanctuary named after sheweth the same to bee meant before Also where shekels are set downe and the mettall not expressed silver is understood not gold or any other as is manifest by Exod. 30 13 15. compared with Exod. 38. 25 26. A shekel comming of Shakal he weighed from whence our English skole and skale to weigh with is derived is by interpretation a weight as being the most common in payments in which they used to weigh their money Gen. 23. 16. Ier. 32. 9. And the shekel of the sanctuary weighed twenty gerahs Exod. 30. 13. and a Gerah by the Iewes records weighed sixteen graines of barley so the holy shekell weighed 320 graines as Maimony sheweth in treat of Valuations c. ch 1. S. 4. But the common shekel weighed they say halfe so much viz. 160. graines which make two drammes and 16. graines The Chaldee calleth a shekel Silghna and Selang from whence our English shilling seemeth to be borrowed and the quantity of the common shekel differed not much from our shilling as the shekel of the sanctuary was about two shillings This Chaldee name came in use among the Iewes after their captivity in Babylon and was somewhat more in weight then the shekell of Moses which weighed 320 graines of barley but now our wise men have added thereto saith Maimony in treat of shekels ch 1. S. 2. and made the weight of it equall to the coine called Selangh in the time of the second Temple and that Selangh weighted 384. common graines of barley to thy brother that is to Abraham thy husband whom thou calledst thy brother to him rather then to her was it given lest suspition should arise that she was defiled he is to thee c. that is he is and shall be thy husband to defend thee from injury and to whom thou must professe subjection For the covering of the eies and face with a vaile was a signe of the womans subjection to the man and of his power over her Gen. 24. 65. 1 Cor. 113 6 7 10. Or thus it shall be to thee that is this gift of mine to thy brother shall bee a recompence of the injury done in taking thee from thy husband The Hebrew is ambiguous and may indifferently bee read he or it and so the Chaldee though it favoureth most this latter saying behold it is to thee a covering of honour for that I did send to take thee and have seene thee and all that are with thee The Greek more plainly thus these 1000 didrachmes shall be to thee for an honour of thy face and to all the women that are with thee and all that c. that is and all this is that thou maist be rebuked and warned to cary thy selfe otherwise and so they are the words of Abimelech Or if they be the words of Moses wee may read and all this was that shee might bee rebuked The Chaldee translateth and for all that thou hast said and be thou rebuked the Greeke thus and all things speake thou truely Vers. 18. closing closed that is fast closed See the like phrase in Gen. 2. 17. CHAP. XXI 1 Isaak is borne 4 he is circumcised 6 Sarahs joy 9 Hagar and Ismael are cast forth 15 and fall into distresse 17 The Angel comforteth her 22 Abimelechs covenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba ANd Iehovah visited Sarah as hee had said and Iehovah did unto Sarah as he had spoken And Sarah conceived and bare to Abraham a son in his old-age at the set-time which God had spoken to him And Abraham called the name of his son that was borne unto him whom Sarah bare unto him Isaak And Abraham circumcised Isaak his son being a son of eight daies as God had commanded him And Abraham was a hundred yeeres old when Isaak his son was borne unto him And Sarah said God hath maid me a laughter every one that heareth will laugh with me And she said who would have said unto Abraham that Sarah should have given sonnes sucke for I have borne a son in his old age And the childe grew and was weaned and Abraham made a great banquet in the day that Isaak was weaned And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Aegyptian which she had borne unto Abraham laughing And shee said to Abraham Cast out this bond woman and her son for the son of this bond woman shall not be heire with my son with Isaak And the word was very evill in the eyes of Abraham because of his son And God said unto Abraham Let it not bee evill in thine eyes because of the lad and because of thy bond-woman in all that Sarah shall say unto thee heare her voice for in Isaak shall seed be called to thee And also the sonne of the bond woman I will make of him a nation because he is thy seed And Abraham rose-earely in the morning and tooke bread and a bottle of water and gave unto Hagar putting it on her shoulder and the child and sent her away and shee went and wandred in the wildernesse of Beer-sheba And the water of the bottle was spent and she cast the child under one of the shrubs And she went and sate herselfe over-against him going-far-off about a bow shoot for she sayd let me not see the death of
Gen. 10. 23. and againe Vz of Seir in Edoms country Gen. 36. 28. Buz in Greeke Baux of him came that learned yong man Elihu Iob 32. 2. Buz dwelt by his elder brother Vz in Arabia Ier. 25. 20. 23. 24. Kimuel in Greeke Kamouel of Aram the Greeke saith of the Syrians There was an Aram before of Sem Gen. 10. 22. Aram throughout the Bible is turned in Greeke Syria and Syrians as Mizraim is Aegypt and Cush Ethiopia Vers. 22. Kesed or Cesed in Greeke Chazad Chazo in Greeke Nazais Pildash in Greek Phaldese Iidlaph in Greeke Iledaph Vers. 23. Bethuel in Greeke Bathouel of whom see after Gen. 24. 15. Rebekah or Rebekka in Hebrew Ribkah she became wife to Isaak Abrahams sonne Gen. 24. 15. 67. And for that cause chiefly is this genealogy here set downe Vers. 24. his concubine to weet Nachors concubine The Hebrew Pilegesh whereof the Greeke Pallakis and Latine Pellex is borrowed which we call a Concubine signifieth an halfe wife or a divided and secondary wife which was a wife for the bed and thereby differing from an whore but not for honour and government of the family as King Solomons wives were Princesses but his concubines not so 1 King 11. 3. neither had their children ordinarily any right of inheritance but had gifts of their father as Gen. 25. 5. 6. Such a concubine was Hagar to Abraham yea and Keturah his second wife is called a concubine Gen. 25. 1. 6. 1 Chr. 1. 32. And Bilha and Zilpha were concubines to Iaakob Gen. 35. 22. And many other men of note had also concubines as Caleb 1 Chron. 2. 46. 48. Manasses 1 Chron. 7. 14. Gedeon Iudg. 8. 31. David 2 Sam. 5. 13. Solomon 1 King 11. 3. Roboam 2 Chron. 11. 21. and among the heathens as Est. 2. 14. Dan. 5. 3. The Hebrew Doctors say wives were taken in Israel by bils of Dowry and solemne espousals but concubines without either of both Maimony treat of Kings ch 4. S. 4. So among the Gentiles as appeareth by that saying in the Poet lest this report goe of mee that I have given thee mine owne sister rather for a concubine then in way of matrimony if I should give her without a dowrie Plautus in Trinumm Likewise among the Greekes the Oratour saith wee have concubines for daily concubineship or use of the bed and wives for to bring us forth children legitimate and faithfully to keepe the things in the family Demosthenes in Orat. against Neaera Tebach in Greeke Tabec of him and his brethren wee find no mention in other Scripture Tachash in Greeke Tochos Maacah in Greeke Mocha CHAP. XXIII 1 The age and death of Sarah for whom Abraham mourneth 3 and purchaseth of the sonnes of Cheth a place for her buriall 10 which Ephron would have given him 13 but Abraham would not receive without giving the full price 17 So the field and cave in Macpelah becommeth Abrahams possession and there he burieth Sarah 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ANd the life of Sarah was a hundred yeeres and twenty yeeres and seven yeeres these were the yeeres of the life of Sarah And Sarah dyed in Kirjath-Arba the same is Chebron in the land of Canaan and Abraham came to mourne for Sarah and to weepe for her And Abraham stood-up from before his dead and spake unto the sonnes of Cheth saying I am a stranger and a sojourner with you give mee a possession of a burying-place with you that I may bury my dead out of my sight And the sonnes of Cheth answered Abraham saying to him heare us my Lord thou art a Prince of God amongst us in the choise of our buriall-places bury thou thy dead a man of us shall not with-hold from thee his burying place from burying thy dead And Abraham stood-up and bowed-downe himselfe to the people of the land to the sonnes of Cheth And he spake with them saying if it be your mind to bury my dead out of my sight heare me and intreat for me to Ephron the sonne of Zohar And let him give mee the cave of Macpelah which he hath which is in the end of his field for full money let him give it me amongst you for a possession of a burying-place And Ephron was sitting amongst the sonnes of Cheth and Ephron the Chethite answered Abraham in the eares of the sonnes of Cheth of all that went in at the gates of his citie saying Nay my Lord heare me the field I give thee and the cave that is therein I give it thee in the eies of the sonnes of my people give I it thee bury thy dead And Abraham bowed-down himselfe before the people of the land And he spake unto Ephron in the eares of the people of the land saying But if thou wilt give it I pray thee heare mee I will give the money of the field take it of me and I will bury my dead there And Ephron answered Abraham saying unto him my Lord heare me the land is worth foure hundred shekels of silver betweene mee and thee what is that and bury thy dead And Abraham hearkned unto Ephron and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had spoken of in the eares of the sons of Cheth foure hundred shekels of silver currant with the merchant And the field of Ephron which was in Macpelah which was before Mamree was made-sure the field and the cave which was therein and everie tree which was in the field which was in all the border thereof round about Vnto Abraham for a purchase in the eies of the sons of Cheth with all that went-in at the gates of his citie And afterward Abraham buried Sarahs his wife in the cave of the field of Macpelah before Mamree the same is Chebron in the land of Canaan And the field and the caue which was therein was made sure to Abraham for a possession of a burying place by the sons of Cheth Annotations 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here beginneth the 5 section of the Law called Chajjee Sarah that is The life of Sarah See Gen. 6. 9. Vers. 1. the life in Hebrew lives see Gen. 2. 7. This speciall honor hath Sarah our mother above all women in the Scripture that the number of her yeeres is recorded of God Eve was the mother of all living Gen. 3. 20. and Sarah is mother of al the faithfull 1 Pet. 3. 6. She lived a pilgrim with Abraham her husband 62 yeeres and before her departure from Charran 65. in all 127 yeeres Vers. 2. Kirjath Arba that is the citie of Arba. as the Greeke translateth it called also Chebron see Gen. 13. 18. came or went-in namely into Sarahs tent wherein she dwelt and dyed for Abraham had many tents as had Lot Gen. 13. 5. and one speciall for Sarah Gen. 24. 67. and 18. 6. to weepe Sarah also is the first for whose death mourning and weeping is mentioned another note of honour as appeareth by Gen 50. 9. 10. 11. Ier. 22. 18. 2 Sam. 1.
compared with my sister the Chaldee addeth God hath received my request when I supplicated in my prayer I desired that I might have a son as my sister and it is granted me Naphtali or as the Greek writeth it Nephthalâ—im Rev. 7. 6. by interpretation Wrastler or son of My wrastling Vers. 11. with a troup or a troupe is come for here is a double reading in the Hebrew margine it is written ba Gad a troupe is come which in the text is one word bagad that is in or with a troup so after in v. 13. beasri in or with my blessednes And so the Greek translates it In or with but the Chaldee turneth it is come Gad signifieth a troup or band of men and to this interpretation Iakob after doth allude Gen. 49. 19. How be it the Greek translates it with good lucke or fortune Fortunately And in Arabik the planet Iupiter is called Gad. Gad that is a troup or host after the Greek Luck or fortune This word is used in Esa. 65. 11. that prepare a table for the troup there the Chaldee translateth it Idols for it meaneth the host of heaven or planets Ver. 13. with my blessednes or In my happinesse that is as the Greeke explaineth it O blessed or happy am I meaning that this child was both with her felicity The Chaldee translateth it I have praise or commendation daughters that is as the Greek translateth it women so in Prov. 31. 29. Song 6. 8. And the Chaldee women will praise me call me blessed or count me happy This phrase the Virgin Mary useth Luk. 1. 48. see also Song 6. 8. Aser or Asher that is Blessed happy or making blessed Vers. 14 Mandrakes in Hebrew Dudaim which signifieth lovely or amiable the Greeke translateth them apples of Mandragoras or Mandrake-apples the Chaldee also calleth them Iabrochin that is Mandrakes which name is borrowed from the Arabicke They were such things as gave a smell Song 7. 13. Whether they were those that wee now call Mandrakes is uncertain The name is not found in Scripture but in this history and in Song 7. 13. there the Chaldee paraphrase calls it Balsa. Vers. 15. Is it small the Greeke translateth Is it not enough These contentions were not meerly carnall but partly also for desire of Gods ordinary blessing in propagation and chiefly for the increase of the Church and obtaining the promised seed for salvation Vers. 17. heard Leah the Chaldee saith received her prayer so vers 6 and 22. Gods providence and goodnesse is here admirable that he should regard and in his booke record such things as these about childish works and womens contentions for their husband unto which notwithstanding the Lord abaseâ—h himselfe passing by the heroicall acts of the world and preacheth his grace in the middest of all humane infirmities to those that in faith doe call upon him V. 18 Issachar â—he Gâ—e ke addeth the interpretation Issachar that is Hire It is written with the letters Issaschar but by the vowels Issachar one S not pronounced which is not usuall Sachar signifieâ—h Hire or wage whereof he had the name But in that she counteth her sonne a reward from God for giving her maid to her husband it seemeth to be her error Vers. 20. endowed or given me a good gift as the Greeke translateth Zebulun oâ— as the holy Ghost writeth it in Greeke Zabulon that is by interpretation Dwelling Vers. 21. Dinah that is Iudgement in Greeke Deina Vers. 22. remembred that is shewed care and help for Gen 8. 1. The Chaldee translateth the remembrance of Rachel came before God and hee receiued her prayer So in 1 Sam. 1. 19. 20. the Lord remembred Hannah opened that is as the Chaldee expoundeth it gave her conception So in Gen. 29. 31. Vers. 23. gathered or taken away my reproach meaning her barrennesse which was a reproach among men Luke 1. 25. 1 Sam. 1. 6. Esay 4. 1. Vers. 24. Ioseph that is He will adde or adding Sometime he is written Iehoseph as in Psal. 81. 6. and so it was graven on Aarons Brestplate Exod. 28. The like is in the writing of other names as Ionathan 1 Chron. 10. 2. or Iehonathan 1 Sam. 31. 2. Ioash 2 Chron. 24. 1. or Iehoash 2 King 12. 1. and sundrie the like will adde or prayerwise be adde to me The performance hereof see in Gen. 〈◊〉 17. Hereby her saith appeareth The Hebrew 〈…〉 ors observe that she said not other sonnes for she know that there should be but twelve tribes and she 〈…〉 yed that the some sonne might be of her R. Menachem on Gen. 30. Vers. 25. to my land or country meaning Canaan â—â—omâ—â—ed to him Gen. 28. 13. whither by faith he would returne and dwell in it expecting the blessing of God as Gen. 26. 3. Heb. 11. 9. So in Ier. 51. 9. Vers. 27. grace or favour in thy eyes an unperfect speech meaning tary I pray thee See the notes before on Gen. 11. 4. and 13. 9. and 23 13. Verse 28. Expresly-name or Nominate plainly appoint The Greeke saith distinguish that is distinctly name Vers. 30. before me that is before my comming so Gen. 32. 3. and 46. 28. encreased Hebrew broken forth that is increased and spred-abroad suddenly so vers 43. and Gen. 28. 14. The Greeke here translateth it encreased at my foot that is since my comming and by my travell and service So the foot is used to signifie laborious service Deut. 11. 10. and the comming or presence of any Hab. 3. 5 The Chaldee translateth it as before in vers 27. for my sake doe that is provide labour prepare c. for my owne family which he that doth not is worse then an Infidel 1 Tim. 5. 8. The Greeke translateth make my selfe and house Vers. 31. any thing that is any certaine wage or stinted hire of Labans gift He chose rather to depend on Gods providence will turne againe will feed c. that is as the Greeke explaineth it I will againe feed thy sheepe and keepe them Vers. 32. removing or remove thou and so the Greeke translateth separate thou it shall be meaning fuâ—h should bee his wage namely all that were borne so partie coloured after that time And this choice depended upon Gods blessing for naturally the cattell would bring forth others like themselves and so Iakobs part should be few But by Gods extraordinary providence it fel out otherwisee see Gen. 31. 10. 12. Vers. 33. my justice that is a just reward of my labours from the hand of God on whom I depend and just dealing in me who shall be seene to keepe nothing but my owne answer sor or testifie for or with me The contrary is in Esay 59. 12. our sinnes answer or testifie against us Answering is for witnessing in Exod. 20. 16. in time to come that is hereafter shortly the Hebrew phrase is in day to morrow but to morrow is often used for hereafter or time to come Exod. 13. 14. Deut. 6. 20.
being touched became like the fat of a dead thing therefore it is unlawfull for the sonnes of Israel to eat of the sinew c. Pirkei R. Eliez ch 37. that shranke or that was removed or forgate his place The Greek translateth the sinew that was benummed By the Hebrew Canons they were bound to abstaine from eating this sinew both within the land of Israel and without the land in common meates and in holy in cattell and in wild beasts in the right thigh of the beast and in the left But not infowles because they have no hollow in the thigh And whose eateth of the sinew that shranke the quantity of an Olive is beaten with 40 s 〈…〉 es Thalmud Bab. in Cholin ch 7. and Maimony in treat of Forbidden meats ch 8. Therefore the Iewes are carefull to cut away out of all beasts which they kill and eat this sinew with all the branches of it underneath and the muscle of flesh wherein they are for more assurance Also in their sacrifices when the members of the burnt offring were cut in peeces and salted then all the peeces were laid upon the Altar and they tooke out the sinew that shranke being upon the top of the Altar and threw it upon the ashes which was in the midst of the altar saith Maimony in Misn. treat of Offring the sacrifices ch 6. S. 4. Among the Hebrewes also that paine in the thigh with vs named the Sciatica is by them called Gid hannasheh that is The sinew that shranke CHAP. XXXIII 1 Iakob goeth before his family and boweth unto Esau seven times 4 the kindnesse of Iakob and Esan at their meeting 6 Iakobs wives and children bow unto Esau. 10 With much intreaty he receiveth Iakobs present 12 Offereth to accompany Iakob but his courtefie is modestly refused 17 Iakob commeth to Succoth 18 At the city of Sechem he buyeth a field and buildeth an altar called El-Elohe-Israel ANd Iakob lifted up his eyes and saw and behold Esau came and with him foure hundred men and he divided the children unto Leah and unto Rachel and unto the two handmaids And he put the handmaids and their children first and Leah and her children after and Rachel and Ioseph aftermost And he passed over before them and bowed himselfe to the ground seven times untill hee came neere to his brother And Esau ran to meet him and imbraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him and they wept And he lifted up his eyes and saw the women and the children and said who are these with thee and he said The children which God hath graciously given to thy servant And the handmaids came-neere they and their children and bowed-themselves And Leah also came-neere and her children and they bowed-themselves and after came Ioseph neere and Rachel and they bowed-themselves And he said what meanest thou by all this company which I met And he said to find grace in the eyes of my Lord. And Esau said I have much my brother let that which is thine be thine And Iakob said Nay I pray thee if now I have found grace in thine eyes then take my present at my hand for therefore I have seene thy face as though I had seene the face of God and thou wast pleased with me Take I pray thee my blessing which is brought to thee because God hath dealt-graciously with mee and because I have all and he urged him and he tooke it And he said let us take our journey and goe and I will goe before thee And hee said unto him my Lord knoweth that the children are tender and the flockes and herds are with young with me and if they overdrive them one day then all the flockes will dye Let my Lord I pray thee passe over before his servant and I will leadon softly according to the foot of the worke which is before me and to the foot of the children untill I come unto my Lord to Seir. And Esau said Let me appoint I pray thee with thee some of the folke which are with me and he said wherefore is this let me find grace in the eyes of my Lord. And Esau returned in that day on his way to Seir. And Iakob journeyed to Succoth and built him an house and made boothes for his cattell therefore he called the name of the place Succoth And Iakob came safe to the City of Sechem which is in the land of Canaan when he came from Padan Aram and he encamped before the City And he bought a parcell of a field where hee had stretched-out his tent at the hand of the sonnes of Hamor the father of Sechem for an hundred lambs And he set-up there an Altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel Annotations HAndmaids in the Chaldee concubines So one of them is called Gen. 35. 22. Vers. 3. seven this may be taken for many times as the barren hath borne seven that is many 1 Sam. 2 5. seven that is many abominations are in the hatefull mans heart Prov. 26. 25. and sundry the like Here Iakob doth that himselfe which God promised should bee done unto him Gen. 27. 29. But humility goeth before honour And it is noted by the Hebrew Doctors as a decree of God that Esau should be ruler over Iakob in this world and Iakob ruler over Esau in the world to come Pirkei R. Eliezer ch 37. Vers. 4. kissed him These were signes of Esaus affections changed from his former hatred Gen. 27. 41. Luk. 15. 20. and of Iakobs prevailing with men as he had with God Genes 32. 28. for his waies pleasing the Lord hee made his enemies at peace with him Prov. 16. 7. Therefore the word kissed is extraordinarily noted in the Hebrew with three prickes over it as leading the reader to observe well this matter In the words following the Greeke addeth they wept both Vers. 8. what meanest thou Hebr. what to thee company or camp the drove sent before Gen. 32. 16. to finde that is that I may finde the Greek explaineth it that thy servant may finde grace Vers. 9. much Hereby he may meane inough or a great deale the Greeke translateth it many things Iakob in vers 11. speaketh more freely I have all things Thus Esau had received his blessing Gen. 27. 39. be thine that is keepe it to thy selfe or as the Chaldee explaineth it much good doe it thee that which thou hast Vers. 10. therefore or because as this word signifieth in Gen. 38. 26. face of God that is honourable and comfortable The Chaldee for God Elohim translateth Princes as the word sometime signifieth Psal. 82. pleased or thou hast favourably accepted me Vers. 11. blessing that is the gift which by the blessing of God I have received and doe with a willing and liberall heart give unto thee Hereupon the scripture often useth a blessing for a bounteous gift or liberality 1 Sam. 25. 27. and 30. 26. 2 King 5. 15. and so the Apostle useth it in 2 Cor. 9. 5. 6. The
the former to shew Ioseph to be of the number he and his children as Gen. 46. 20. 27. Vers. 6. brethren who were caried out of Egypt and buryed in Sychem in the land of Canaan Act. 7. 16. generation that is the men of that generation or age both Israelites and Egyptians see Gen. 6. 9. Vers. 7. increased or bred-swiftly as the fishes or ceeping things of the earth which of this word have their name See Gen. 1. 20. And this was when the time of the promise drew nigh which God had sworne to Abraham Act. 7. 17. wherof see Gen. 12. 2. and 15. 5. c. most exceedingly Hebrew with vehemency vehemencie as Gen. 7. 19. and 30. 43. They became a nation great mighty and populous Deut. 26. 5. Vers. 8. new another King saith the Greek version which Stephen followeth Act. 7. 18. knew not this word is used both for knowledge and understanding with the mind for acknowledging regard with the affections both which might be in this King Eccles. 2. 19. Psa. 31. 8. Hos. 2. 8. T 〈…〉 Chaldee expoundeth it thus which confirmed not the decree of Ioseph Vers. 10. with them or against them as the Gr. word which also Stephen useth in Act. 7. 19. implieth that is wisely keepe them under At this time the sonnes of Israel began to corrupt their religion and to commit whordome with the idols of Egypt for which God was angry with them Ezek. 23. 8. and 20. 5. 7. 8. Ios. 24. 14. And he turned the heart of the Egyptians to hate his people to deale-craftily with his servants Psal. 105. 25. warre or understand occasions of warre the Greeke saith when warre befalleth us goe up to weet into Canaan Thus Satan sought to hinder the fulfilling of Gods promise Gen. 46. 3. 4. Vers. 11. task-masters Hebrew princes of taskes or of tributes that is commissaries to exact of Israel tasks and servile works as the Greeke translateth masters over works the Chaldee calleth them rulers evill doers So because Israel served not the Lord their God with gladnesse of heart hee made them serve their enemies with much affliction put a yoke of yron upon their necke as he threatned againe after this Deut. 28. 47. 48. And thus the oracle was fulfilled Gen. 15. 13. treasure cities or cities of store wherein to lay up both the fruits of the earth as 2 Chron. 32. 28. and other provision of armory and warlike furniture wherfore the Greeke translateth fortified cities Raamses this differeth in writing from Rameses spoken of in Gen. 47. 11. and Exod. 12. 37. the Ierusalemy Thargum calleth it Philusin otherwise named Pelusium and the former Pithom he calleth Tenis or Tanis Vers. 12. as they that is the more they afflicted them the more they multiplied There is no wisdome prudency or counsell against the Lord Prov. 21. 30. encreased or spred abroad Hebrew brake forth with sudden increase see Gen. 30. 30. 43. and 28. 14. The Greek and Chaldee translate it wexed strong This mercy of God David celebrateth saying And hee increased his people mightily and and made them stronger then their distressers Psal. 105. 24. Vers. 13. rigor or fiercenesse which English word commeth of the Hebrew Pherec the Greek translateth it force the Chaldee hardnesse The Israelites were forbidden to rule after this manner one over another Levit. 25. 43. 46. Hereupon Egypt is called the house of servants or bondmen Exod. 20. 2. and for the hardnesse of the servitude an yron fornace Deut. 4. 20. and because King Pharaoh caused this bondage it is called the house of Pharaoh 1 Sam. 2. 27. Vers. 14. bitter in Greeke sorrowfull Ver. 15. Shiphrah in Greeke Sepphora and the other Phoua These seeme to be the chiefe of the midwives The Thargum Ierusalemy maketh them to be Hebrew women of Levi Iochebed and Miriam Vers. 16. stooles a peculiar round seat for women in travel the Hebrew word is not used elsewhere but in Ier. 18. 3. for a wheele or frame which potters worke upon The Greeke translateth not the word but the sense saying and they bee about to bring forth kill him this hath alwayes beene Satans subtiltie to labour the death of the men children the strongest and valiantest of Gods people So the great red Dragon of the Romane Empire stood ready to devoure the manchild which the woman the Church of Church Christ was about to bring forth Rev. 12. 3. 4. 5. as here Pharaoh King of Egypt likened to a great Dragon lying in the midst of his rivers Ezek. 29. 3. would have devoured the males of Israel Vers. 19. Pharaoh this was a name of honour common to all the Kings of Egypt as is noted on Gen. 12. 15. unto them Thargum Ierusalemy expounds it thus ere the midwife comes at them they pray to their Father which is in heaven and he answereth them and they doe bring forth Vers. 21. that he Hebrew and he them the Hebrew lahem is properly them men and so may be understood of the Israelites who being spared by the midwives lived to have families Or it is put for lahen them women the couragious midwives to whom God made houses that is gave them children and families So the Prophets some time vary the gender as in 1 King 22. 17. lahem for which in 2 Chro. 18. 16. is written lahen Also in 1 Chron. 10. 7. bahem which in 1 Sam. 31. 7. is written bahen And so the Gr. here Thargum Ierusalemy referreth it to the women saying because the midwives feared before the Lord therefore they got them a good name in a strange nation and made them houses the house of the Levites and the house of the High priesthood See the like after in Exod. 2. 17. also in Iudg. 21. 22. and before noted on Gen. 4. 7. Vers. 22. all his people so from secret oppression proceeding to open tyranny evill intreating our fathers making their babes to bee cast out that they might not be saved-alive Act. 7. 19. which though Israels sinne did deserve Ezek. 20. 5. 7. 8. yet God after repayed to the Egyptians in turning the waters of their river into blood and slaying all their firstborne Exod. 7. 20. 21. and 12. 29. 30. that is borne namely to the Hebrewes or Iewes as the Greeke and Chaldee doe expresse CHAP. II. 1 Moses is borne and hidden three moneths 3 then in an Arke he is cast into the flags 5 He is found and brought up by Pharaohs daughter as her owne sonne 11 He looketh on his brethrens wrongs and slayeth an Egyptian 13. He reproveth an Hebrew that wronged his neighbour 15 Hee fleeth for feare of his life into Midian 17 rescueth the Priests daughters from the violence of the sheepherds 21 He dwelleth with the Priest and marieth Zipporah his daughter 22 of whom he begetteth Gershom 12 God respecteth Isreels crie AND there went a man of the house of Levi and hee tooke the daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived and bare a sonne
the good of Israel I have seene for vengeance upon those that oppresse them In this sense Zacharie said at his death The Lord see it and require it 2 Chron. 24. 22. their taskemasters or his taskmaster speaking of the people as of one man see the notes on Gen. 22. 17. Taskmasters here properly are Exactors and is generally used for such as require and exact either money as in 2 King 23. 35. or any debt Deut. 15. 2. or otherwise doe oppresse any Esa. 53. 7. Here the Greeke translateth it workmasters the Chaldee rulers They figured spirituall tyrants also from whom will deliver his people Esa. 9. 4. and 14. 2. and 60. 17. Vers. 8. am come downe to wit in this vision as the Chaldee translateth I doe appeare or am revealed See Gen. 11. 5. them Hebr. him that is the people The Greeke translateth it them so doth the Holy Ghost in Act. 7. 34. the hand that is the power and dominion as Gen. 16. 6. and 32. 11. So Christ came to deliver us out of the hands of our enemies Luk. 1. 74. whereof this now was a type milke and honey under which all other blessings are comprehended there was no lacke of any thing Deut. 8. 7. 8. 9. Of this country see the notes on Gen. 12. 5. and as the land figured out a heavenly country so milke and honey signified spirituall blessings in Christ Song 4. 11. Psal. 19. 11. Esa. 55. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 2. This praise of the land is often mentioned by this phrase as in Exod. 13. 5. and 33. 3. Lev. 20. 24. Deut. 6. 3. and 11. 9. Ios. 5. 6. Ier. 11. 5. Ezek. 20. 6. And the Israelites upon the first view acknowledged it so to be Num. 13. â—â— and yeerely professed the same by Gods co 〈…〉 nt Deut. 26. 9. 15. Yet the rebellious despised it and called Egypt a land that floweth with milke and honey Num. 16. 13. 14. Canaanite that is as the Greeke and Chaldee translate Canaanites Chethites c. See Gen. 10. 16. and 15. 20. So after verse 17. Vers. 10. send thee The secret inspiration which Moses had before from God Exod. 2. 11. Acts 7. 25. is here become an open calling and full commission and hee whom the Israelites had refused saying who made thee a ruler and a judge the same did God send to be a ruler and deliverer by the hand of the Angel which appeared to him in the bramble-bush Act. 7. 35. This sending of Moses is also mentioned as a mercie of God Psal. 105. 26. Mich. 6. 4. Hos. 12. 13. unto Pharaoh the Greeke addeth king of Egypt in Act. 7. 34. it is I will send thee into Egypt bring thou in Greeke thou shalt bring See the notes on Gen. 20. 7. Vers. 12. Certainly or Because I will be the Chaldee saith because my word shall be thine helpe this the present apparition of my glory in the bush which thou seest or this that followeth ye shall serve God at this mount The first was a signe to st engthen Moses in his businesse with Pharaoh Exod. 5. 22. 23. the latter to confirme him against the many rebellions of Israel mentioned in Num. 11. 10. 11. 14. 15. Deut. 9. 22. 23. 24. at this or by this mount This was fulfilled when at mount Sinai the law being given the tabernacle was made and sacrifice and other service performed unto God Exod. 19. and 25. c. which being a mount in the wildernesse in Arabia the worshippers children thereof were in bondage as was Agar and figured the old Testament and those under the same by Moses law Gal. 4. 24. 25. Now wee by Christ are not come thither but unto mount Sion where all the house of Israel and all in the land are to serve the Lord Heb. 12. 18. 22. Ezek. 20. 40. Rev. 14. 1. Vers. 13. what is his name This may imply after what manner and to what end God had now appeared whether for mercie or judgement For God by names manifesteth his workes as after appeareth in Exod. 6. 3. So the Hebrews teach in Elle shemoth rabba upon this place that when God judgeth his creatures hee is called Elohim God when he warreth against the wicked hee is called Sabaoth Lord of hosts when he doth mercie unto the world he is called Iehovah as in Exod. 34. 6. Iehovah Iehovah God mercifull and gracious Vers. 14. I am that I am The Hebrew Ehjeh asher ehjeh properly signifieth I will bee that I will be the Greek translateth I am he that Is. And God is called He that Is that was and that will bee Rev. 16. 5. where this name Ehjeh is opened as also the name Iehovah whereof see Gen. 2. 4. Exod. 6. 3. It implieth Gods eternall and unchangeable Being in himselfe before whom all nations are as nothing Esa. 40. 17. and the constant performing of all his words to be now and for ever that which he was before to Abraham Isaak and Iakob verse 15. So Iesus Christ yesterday and to day the same and for ever Heb. 13. 8. The Rabbines doe thus also explaine this name in Elle shemoth rabba upon this text The blessed God said â—â—to Moses say 〈◊〉 them 〈◊〉 have beene and I the same now and I the same 〈◊〉 time to come c. I 〈◊〉 or I will be hath sent c. The Chaldee paraphrase called Ionathans giveth both expositions I â—e that was and hereafter will be hath sent me unto you Vers. 15. my memoriall or the memoriall of mee that whereby I will be remembred and mentioned alwaies To this the Prophets referre us as in Hos. 12. 5. Iehovah God of hosts Iehovah is his memoriall and Iehovah thy name is for ever Iehovah thy memoriall is to generation and generation Ps. 135. 13. and 102. 13. and generation or of generation that is all generations or ages The Chaldee supplieth the word and as the Hebrew elsewhere doth in Psal. 135. 13. saying to every generation and generation Vers. 16. Elders or Senatours in Greeke the senate such were not onely aged men but teachers and governours of the people as among other nations See Gen. 50. 7. By the Elders things were orderly communicated with the multitude as Exod 12. 3. 21. and 19. 3. 7. visiting the Greeke translateth with visitation that is surely or carefully visited and that in mercy as Gen. 21. 1. Albeit from the word twise repeated some of the Hebrewes gather a visitation in mercy concerning Israel and a visitation in judgment concerning the Egyptians for their afflicting of Israel as was promised in Gen. 15. 14. R. Menachem on Exod. 3. Vers. 17. Egypt or the Egyptians as vers 8. and as the Greeke translateth here Canaanite that is Canaanites Chethites c. See verse 8. Vers. 18. met with us that is appeared unto us and so called and commanded us to offer him sacrifice Men are said to meet with God by praier and hee to meet them by appearing and speaking unto
either sitting or lying but this night lying onely Then the table is brought againe before him and hee faith This Passeover which wee eat is in respect that the Lord passed over the houses of our fathers in Egypt Then holdeth hee up the bitter herbs in his hand and saith These bitter herbs which wee eat are in respect that the Egyptians made the lives of our fathers bitter in Egypt Then hee holdeth up the unlevened bread in his hand and saith This unlevened bread which wee eat is in respect that the dough of our fathers had not time to bee levened when the Lord appeared unto them and redeemed them out of the hand of the enemie and they baked unlevened cakes of the dough which they brought out of Egypt Exodus 12. 39. Then hee saith Therefore are wee bound to confesse to praise to laud to celebrate to glorifie to honour to extoll to magnifie and to ascribe victory unto him that did unto our fathers and unto us all these signes and brought us forth from servitude to freedome from sorrow to joy from darknesse to great light and wee say before him Halelujah Halelujah Praise O yee servants of the LORD c. unto the fâ—â—â—trocke to a fountaine of waters that is the hundred and thirteenth and to the end of the hundred and fourteenth Psalme Then they blesse the Lord which redeemed them and their fathers out of Egypt and hath brought them unto that night to eat unlevened bread therein and bitter herbs And hee blesseth GOD who createth the fruit of the vine and drinketh the second cup. After this hee blesseth for the washing of hands and washeth his hands the second time and taketh two cakes parteth one of them c. and blesseth GOD that bringeth bread out of the earth Because it is said the bread of affliction or of povertie Deuteronomie 16. 3. as it is the manner of the poore to have broken meat so heere is a broken part Afterwards hee wrappeth up of the unlevened bread and of the bitter herbs together and dippeth them in the â—auce and blesseth GOD which commanded to eat unlevened bread and bitter herbs and they eat Then hee blesseth GOD which commanded the eating of the sacrifice and hee eateth the flesh of the feast offring and againe blesseth GOD which commanded the eating of the Passeover and then hee 〈◊〉 of the body of the Passeover After this they â—it long at Supper and eat every one so much as he will and drinke as much as they will drinke Afterward he eateth of the flesh of the Passeover though it bee but so much as an olive and tasteth nothing at all after it that it may be the end of his supper and that the taste of the flesh of the Passeover may remaine in his mouth After this he lifteth up his hands and blesseth for the third cup of wine and drinketh it Then filleth hee the fourth cup and accomplisheth for it the Praise or Hymne and sayeth for it the blessing of the Song which is All thy workes praise thee O Lord c. Psalme 145. 10. and blesseth God that created the fruit of the vine and tasteth nothing at all after it all the night except water And hee may fill the fift cup saying for it the great Hymne the hundred thirty sixe Psalm Confesse ye to the Lord for hee is good for his mercie endureth for ever unto the end of that Psalme But he is not bound they say to that cup as to the foure former cups These things are shewed by Maimony in his treatise of Leven and unlevened bread chapter 8. where also hee noteth some differences at this time when having no Temple they can have no sacrifice neither kill the paschall Lambe but onely use the unlevened bread bitter herbs and wine in their private houses After in his Copie of the Haggadah or Narration of the Passeover hee sheweth what words they used at the breaking and delivering of the unlevened bread This is the bread of affliction which our fathers did eat in the land of Egypt whosoever is hungry let him come and eat whosoever hath neede let him come and keepe the Passeover c. These observations of the Iewes whiles their common-wealth stood and to this day may give light to some particulars in the Passeover that Christ kept as why they lay downe one leaning on anothers bosome Ioh. 13. 23. a signe of rest and security and stood not as at the first Passeover neither â—ate on high as wee use Why Christ rose from supper and washed and sate downe againe Iohn 13. 4. 5. 12. Why hee blessed or gave thankes for the bread apart and for the cup or wine apart Marke 14. 22. 23. and why it is said hee tooke the cup after supper Luke 22. 20. also concerning the Hymne which they sung at the end Matthew 26. 30. and why Paul calleth it the shewing forth of the Lords death 1 Corinthians 11. 26. as the Iewes usually called their Passeover Haggadah that is a Shewing or Declaration But specially we may observe how the bread which was of old a remembrance of their deliverance out of Egypt was sanctified by the Sonne of God to bee a remembrance of his death and of our redemption thereby from Sathan 1 Corinthians 11. 24. 25. 26. for which we have much more cause to praise honour and magnifie the Lord than the Hebrewes had for their temporary salvation Verse 9. raw That raw whereof the Law warneth us is flesh whereon the fire hath begunne to worke and it is roasted a little but not fit for man to eat as yet saith Maimony in Korban Pesach chapter 8. S. 6. It might figure a full and due preparation by the preaching of the Gospell and shewing forth of Christs death with an examination of our selues that wee eat not unworthily and so eat judgement to our selves 1 Corinthians 11. 26. 28. 29. sodden at all or any way sod Hebr. sodden sod in water The Iewes explaine it so generally neither to be sodden in water nor in any other liquor or juyce of fruits Neither roasted and afterward sodden nor perboyled and afterward roasted c. Yet they say it was lawfull to baste it with wine or oyle or any liquor except water also lawfull to dip the flesh when it was roasted in liquors or juyce of fruits Maimony in Korban Pesach chapter 8. S. 7. 8. At the Passeover which Christ did eat the Euangelists mention his dipping of a sop and giving it to Iudas Iohn 13. 26. In seething the water is mixed with the flesh the forbidding whereof seemeth to teach the simplicitie that should be in Christ that wee know nothing but Christ and him crucified 2 Corinthians 11. 3. 1 Corinthians 2. 2. with fire a figure both of Gods Spirit compared to fire Matthew 3. 11. through which Christ offred himselfe to God Heb. 9. 14. and of the fire of Gods wrath which Christ was to suffer whiles he was made a curse for us by
all such shall perish in the time of their visitation Ier. 10. 15. and 51. 18. Of this the Hebrew Doctors also say when Israel came out of Egypt what did the holy blessed God he threw downe all the images of their abominations and they were broken in peeces Pirkei R Eliezer chapter 48. judgments the Greeke translateth it vengeance This was done that God might be knowne to be greater than all the gods Exod. 18. 11. and to avenge the corruption that Israel had gotten by the idols of Egypt Ezek. 20. 8. Vers. 13. passe or leape the Hebrew is pasach and this sheweth the reason of the name Pasch or Passeover and so Christ is called because his blood clenseth us from all sinne and delivereth us from wrath 1 Ioh. 1. 7. 1 Thes. 1. 10. The Greeke translateth I will protect you the Chaldee I will spare you and so in verse 27. to destruction Hebr. to corruption that is to be corrupted or destroyed by the destroyer as vers 23. V. 14. festivally keepe it implieth mirth joy for their deliverance hereby remembred see Ex. 5. 1. and at their feasts they were commanded to rejoyce and forbidden to mourne or weepe Deut. 16. 11. 15. Nehem. 8. 9. 12. everlasting statute Heb. statute of eternity meaning an eternall ordinance to be kept once a yeere al daies of their life till Christ became our Passeover since which time it is also kept eternally in remembrance of his death untill he come Deut. 16. 1. 3. 1 Corinth 5. 7. 8. and 11. 25. 26. Vers. 15. Seven daies after the paschall day for it was a distinct feast and commandement The Passeover was to be kept on the fourteenth day of the first moneth at even the feast of Vnlevened bread beganne the fifteenth day of the same moneth and lasted seven daies of which the first day and the last the seventh day were holy convocations wherein they might doe no servile worke as Moses plainely sheweth in Levit. 23. 5 6. 7. 8. The Passeover in the ages following might not be killed and eaten in any place but where the Lord did chuse to place his name there Deut. 16. 5. 6. 7. which afterward was in Ierusalem but the feast of Vnlevened bread the Hebrewes thought themselves bound to keep in every place where they dwelled if they could not be at Ierusalem And the eating of it they say depended not on the eating of the Passeover but was a commandement by it self Maimony treat of Leven and Unlevened bread chap. 6. 8. 1. Howbeit with the Passeover they might eat no leven as before is shewed in verse 8. It is unlawfull to eat Leven in the fourteenth day from mid day and upward which is from the beginning of the seventh houre of the day and who so eateth it at that time is to be beaten by the law for it is said in Deut. 16. 3. Thou shalt eat no leven with it meaning with the sacrifice of the Passeover This they have expounded thus Thou shalt not eat leven from the houre that the Passeover may be killed which is between the two evenings and that beginneth at mid-day Maimony ibidem c. 1. 〈◊〉 8. These seven daies wherein they might eat no Leven figured the whole time of our life which must be holy with the unlevened cakes of sincerity and truth 1 Corinth 5. 8. and with thankfull remembrance of our deliverance out of miseries as this unlevened bread is called the bread of affliction Deut. 16. 3. For seven is a full and perfect number of daies and the whole world was created therein see the notes on Gen. 2. 2. and Lev. 4. 7. cause to cease that is put away or abolish as the Greeke explaineth it The Hebrewes expound it thus that a man should abolish it in his â—eart and count it as dust and determine in his heart that he will have no leven at all within his power but whatsoever Leven is in his power it be as dust and as a thing whereof he will have no use at all And by the exposition of the Scribes he is to search after Leven in secret places and in corners and to finde it out and to bring it forth out of all the bounds of his habitation And so they search out and abolish Leven that night at the beginning of the night of the fourteenth day by the light of a candle out of all holes and corners c. And the putting away thereof was thus either they burnt is or broke it small and threw it into the winde or threw it into the sea Maimony treat of Leven chap. 2. S. 2. 3. and 3. 11. This ordinance the lewes carefully observed for in the day before they did eat the Passeover called the Preparation Ioh. 19. 14. the father of the familie with other men having lighted waxe candles searched all corners to purge out all the remnants and crums of Levened bread very diligently first blessing the Lord who sanctified them by his commandements and had bidden them put away Leven as is recorded in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 treat of the Passeovers chap. 2. 〈◊〉 figured the putting away of wickednesse and malice out of our hearts and of wicked persons out of the Church 1 Corinth 5. 7. 8. 13. old L 〈…〉 Two words are used for Leven by Moses in this verse the one Seâ—r which hath the name of being left or remaining this we may cal old Leven as Paul speaketh in 1 Cor. 5. 7. The other Chamets so called of the sourexesse of the taste of it the Greekes by transplacing the letters call Leven Zumee These signified two sorts also of spirituall Leven the one hidden and secret which our Saviour saith is Hypocrisie Luke 12. 1. the other more open and apparent as false and corrupt Doctrine Matthew 16. 6. 12. evill manners as Malice and Wickednesse 1 Corinthians 5. 8. and wicked persons unto whom the Saints are opposed as being Unlevened-cakes 1 Corinthians 5. 6. 7. 13. So David calleth the malicious man and him that corrupteth the word of God and infecteth with errour a Levened person or Levener Psalme 71. 4. and the heart infected with errour and vexed with griefe is said to bee Levened Psalme 73. 21. Wherefore Leven was forbidden at the paschall Feast to leade men unto soundnesse in the faith of Christ and sincerity in all their conversation The footsteps of this Law remained among the heathens for the Flamen Dialis or Romane Priest might not by their cannons touch any levened meale Aul. Gellius book 8. chap. 15. and Plutarch in Quaest. Rom. scanneth the reason of it because Leven it selfe proceedeth from corruption and corrupteth also the meale with which it is mixed Now what Leven properly was the Hebrew Doctors shew thus Nothing is forbidden by the name of Levened bread in the Passeover but of five sorts of corne onely which are two sorts of wheat namely the common Wheat and the Rye and three sorts of Barley which are the common Barley and the Foxe eare
following here shew as also to try the faith of his people which even here at first was turned to unbeleefe and rebellion verse 11. 12. Deut. 8. 2. Psalme 106. 7. Migdol in Greeke Magdol the name of a citie of the Egyptians Ier. 44. 1. by interpretation it signifieth a Tower Baal-zephon in Greeke Beelsepphon The Ierusalemy Thargum expoundeth it the idoll of Zephon and so it seemeth to be an idolatrous place or monument of the Egyptians as Baal-Pehor was the Idoll of the Moabites Num. 25. 3. and Baalmehon the name whereof the Israelites changed when it came into their possession Num. 32. 38. For as Israel passed from Egypt to Canaan God did let them see the abominations and idols of the nations whereof hee warned them to beware Deut. 29. 16. 17. 18. Vers. 3. intangled or perplexed not knowing what to doe as the Greeke translateth they wander or stray and the word is used in Ioel 1. 18. of cattell perplexed for want of pasture So Pharaoh seeing the Israelites to take this indirect way thought they were afraid of the wildernesse and in perplexity of mind whereupon he hardned himselfe to follow after and bring them againe into his bondage Vers. 4. make strong that is as the Greeke saith harden so after verse 8 17. See Exodus 4. 21. honoured or as the Greeke translateth gloried will get me honour by their destruction vers 17. 18. For God hath glory by wrath upon the wicked as by mercy upon the elect Roman 9. 22. 23. So Ezekiel 28. 22. Vers. 6. bound in Greeke joyned to wit the horses to his chariot made ready So Gen. 46. 29. Vers 7. captaines or Princes the third sort of governours in the kingdome having the name of three or third the Chaldee calleth them Mighties Vers. 8. a high hand that is powerfully openly and boldly like armed men as in Exod. 13. 18. and in the sight of the Egyptians Num. 33. 3. not like fâ—gitives So to sinne with a high hand Num. 15. 30. is to doe it boldly and openly The Chaldee changeth the phrase saving they went out with uncovered or open head which meaneth openly boldly cheerfully as the covering of the head signifieth sorrow and shame 2 Sam. 15. 30. Ier. 14. 4. Vers. 9. army Hebr. power used for an army or host as the Greeke here translateth it so in verse 17. 28. And here againe is to be understood they followed and overtooke them Vers. 10. were fore afraid or feared vehemently This was for want of faith and love towards God Matth. 8. 26. 1 Iohn 4. 18. But was occasioned by the straits they now were in the congregation of Israel was shut in from the foure parts of the world before them was the sea behind them followed the enemy and on each side of them were wildernesses full of fiery Serpents which did bite and kill men with their venome saith the Chaldee paraphrase upon Song 2. 14. Vers. 11. at all or none a double deniall shewing the earnest passion and distemperature of their unfaithfull and unthankfull minds Of this David said they remembred not the multitude of thy mercies but rebelled at the sea at thered sea yet he saved them for his names sake Psal. 106. 7 8. Vers. 12. Let us alone or Cease from us They returne to their former rebellious cariage in Egypt mentioned in Exod. 6. 9. Vers. 13. feare not the Greeke saith be bold or of good comfort whom ye have seene or as the Greeke translateth so as ye sec meaning they should see them no more alive but dead as verse 30. not againe see Hebr. not adde to see By these promises God would stay their murmurings strengthen their faith and shew his grace to an undeserving people for which hee is after celebrated in Neh. 9. 9. thou heardest their cry by the red sea Vers. 14. shall hold your peace or shall bee silent shall cease from speaking or doing any thing in this battell The originall word is often used for ceasing to heare or speake as they that are deafe but applied also to actions signifieth silence or ceasing from deeds as they that neglect and sit still 2 Sam. 19. 11. Psal. 83. 2. and 50. 3. Esay 42. 14. 15. It may also be meant hold ye your peace that is cease from murmuring against God and me Verse 15. wherefore Hebr. what that is For what criest thou God encourageth Moses to goe on with the worke in hand which the peoples murmuring began to hinder So after in Exod. 17. 4 hee cried unto the Lord upon the like occasion Though here no words of prayer bee mentioned yet Moses might cry unto God by the Spirit which maketh intercession for the Saints with groanings which cannot be uttered Rom. 8. 26. The Chaldee paraphrast turneth it I have accepted thy prayer speake to the sonnes of Israel c. as if he had cried our for feare of wrath to come upon them for their sinne as they deserved So elsewhere another Chaldee paraphrast on Song 1. 9. more plainly saith When Pharaoh and his host were drowned Israel also had likewise perished if Moses the Prophet had not stretched out his hands in prayer before the Lord and turned away the Lords wrath from them A like preservation of them by Moses prayer is after recorded in Deut. 9. 13. 14. 19. 20. Verse 16 thy rod where with miracles were done in Egypt Exod. 4. 2. and 7. 9. c. the rod of God Exod. 17. 9 it signified the Word of God which is the rod of his mouth wherewith hee smiteth the earth Esay 11. 4. but feedeth his people Mic. 7. 14 cleave it that is forcibly divide and as the Greeke translateth rent it It is a commandement implying a promise Vers. 17. honoured upon or as the Greeke turneth it glorified in Pharaoh get me glory and honour upon him The Lord knew that they dealt proudly against his people so hee made himselfe a name as it is this day Nehem. 9. 10. Vers. 19. the Angell that is Christ called Iehovah Exod. 13 21. So the Hebrew Doctors have acknowledged this Angell to be Michael the great Prince who was made a wall of fire betweene the Israelites and the Egyptians Pirkei R. Eliezer chap. 42. And others of them say this Angell was Shechinah the presence or Majestie of God and called an Angell and Prince of the world because the government of the world to by his hand R. Menachem upon this place This 19. verse and 20. and the 21. following have every of them in the Hebrew 72. letters from which the Hebrew Rabbines have their curious speculations of so many Angels concurring in this glorious worke of dividing the sea and leading Israel through it Vers. 20. a cloud and darknesse that is the cloud was thicke and darke to the Egyptians and made light or illumined the night to the Israelites And so the Chaldee paraphrase and Thargum Ierusalemy explaineth it the cloud was halfe light and halfe darknesse the light gave
light unto Israel and the darknesse gave darknesse unto the Egyptians The Greeke translateth and there was darknesse thicke darknesse and the night came A like manifestation of Gods glorie the Psalmist celebrateth He set darknesse his secret place round about him his pavillion darknesse of waters that is of watrie clouds thicke clouds of the skies Psal. 18. 12. Vers. 21. to goe backe O sâ—a what ailed thee that thou fleddest Psalme â—14 5. The waters saw thee ô God the waters saw thee they trembled the depths also were troubled Psal. 77. 17. This worke of God figured the afflictions of this world made easie for Christs people to passe thorow by the power of God Ps. 66. 12. Esay 43. 2. east winde which being violent is used to denote Gods anger Ier. 18. 17. Ezek. 19. 12. Psal. 48. 8. And of this worke the Prophet saith was thy wrath Lord against the sea Habakkuk 3. 8. and David saith he rebuked the sea and it was dried up Psal. 106. 9. It figured also the power of Gods Spirit for the salvation of his Church by Christ Esay 11. 15. who for the help of his people flyeth swiftly on the wings of the wind Ps. 18. 11. dry land Come see the works of God he is fearfull in his doing toward the sons of men he turned the sea into dry-land Psal. 66. 5. 6. cloven or forcibly divided into parts as Psal. 136. 13. from which the Iew Doctors teach that there were 12. according to the number of the twelve tribes of Israel Pirkei R. Eliezer c. 42. and Thargum Ierusalemy on Deut. 1. 1. Vers. 22. went in following the Lord by faith for he led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arme dividing the water before them to make himselfe an everlasting name Esay 63. 12. and by faith they passed through the red sea as by dry land which the Egyptians assaying to doe were drowned Heb. 11. 29. And in this sea they were baptized 1 Cor. 10. 2. a wall standing up stedfast as an heape Psal. 78. 13. so they went safely God led them through the deepe as an horse in the wildernesse that they should not stumble as a beast goeth downe into the valley the Spirit of the Lord quietly led the people to make himselfe a glorious name Esay 63. 13. 14. Vers. 24. watch or ward custodie so called because men kept watch and ward there certaine houres in the night As here and in 1 Sam. 11. 11. is mentioned the morning watch so in Lam. 2. 19. the beginning of the watches and in Iudg. 7. 19. the middle watch is spoken of in Luk. 12. 38. the second and third watch and in Matt. 14. 25. the fourth watch of the night which in Mar 13. 35 are named evening midnight cock-crowing and day-dawning See also after in v. 27. looked and manifested his presence with Israel and wrath against Egypt for the clouds streamed downe waters the skies gave out a sound Gods arrowes also or hailestones went abroad the voice of his thunder was in the aire lightnings lightned the world the earth trembled quaked Psal. 77. 18. 19. pillar of fire wherein God did as it were ride upon his horses his chariots of salvation for his people Habak 3. 8. 9. troubled the campe or made a tumult in their host and terribly strooke them downe The Ierusalemy Thargum here saith God threw downe upon them pitch and fire and haile-stones and astonished the host of the Egyptians This word is after used when God promiseth to destroy the Canaanites from before his people Deut. 7. 23. And David in like sort celebrateth his victories saying he sent out his arrowes and scattered them and he hurled forth lightnings and troubled them Psalme 18. 15. Vers. 25. heavily Hebrew with heavinesse Greeke by force For the raine and tempest so softned the ground that they could drive but slowly and with much adoe Egyptians Hebrew the Egyptian said let meflee spoken as of one man to note their joynt consent So in v. 26. Vers. 26. shall returne the Greeke translateth let the water returne and cover the Egyptians The word cover is borrowed from v. 28. This was done with a wind as before v. 21. Exod. 15. 10. Vers. 27. the looking forth or turning towards of the morning at the day dawning which time the Scripture noteth both for judgement upon the wicked as in this place and for mercy to the city of God as in Psal. 46. 6. It was also the time of Christs resurrection Matt. 28. 1. 2. The like phrase is of the evening in Gen. 24. 63. shooke off that is cast away destroyed so this word is elsewhere used Iob 38. 13. Nehem. 5. 13. Herein God recompenced them according to their workes for they had drowned the children of Israel in the river Exod. 1. 22. and now they themselves were drowned in the sea This overthrow of the Egyptians was also a figure of Christs victory over our spirituall enemies by subduing our iniquities and casting al our sinnes into the depths of the sea Micah 7. 15. 19. Vers. 29. walked or went on dry land as before so whiles the waters retired and drowned the Egyptians Of this miracle Asaph sung O God thy way was in the sea and thy pathes in the many waters and thy foot-steps were not knowne thou didst lead thy people like a flocke by the hand of Moses and Aaron Psal. 77. 20. 21. Alike marvellous worke was at the river Iordan when Israel entred in Canaan Ios. 3. 16. Vers. 30. shore Heb. lip of the sea Vers. 31. hand that is handy worke so in Psalme 109. 27. the Chaldee translateth it the power of the great hand in Iehovah the Greeke translateth beleeved God so in Gen. 15. 6. where is shewed that the Apostles approve the version in Moses that is in the word which Moses taught them from God as the Chaldee explaineth it they beleeved in the word of the Lord and in the prophesie of Moses his servant So in 2 Chro. 20. 20. it is said beleeve in Iehovah c. beleeve in his Prophets and in Exod. 19. 9. that they may beleeve in thee It meaneth trust or confidence in the faithfulnesse of any as in 2 Cor. 2. 3. Gal. 5. 10. A like speech is of Sion in Esay 14. 32. the poore of his people shall trust in it So in 1 Sam. 12. 18. the people feared Iehovah and Samuel See further in the notes on Exod. 19. 9. CHAP. XV. 1 The song of Moses and Israel wherein they celebrate Gods power and grace for drowning the Egyptians and saving of Israel in the red sea 13 for leading his people through the wildernesse 14 for terrifying the nations round about 17 for seating his people in Canaan 20 Marie and the women answer the men in singing Gods praise 22 The people in the wildernesse are brought to bitter waters 25 a tree sweetneth them 27 At Elim are twelve wels and seventie palme trees THen sang
holy day of the Lord honourable all which doe show the waight of this precept Sabbath day that is the day of rest or of ceasing namely from our owne workes as God did from his Heb. 4. 10. See the nobles on Gen. â—2 3. A day is either large of twentie four houres or strict of twelve houres Iohn 1â— 9. This here is meant of the large day which in Israel began at evening as Levit. 23. 32. from evening to evening you shall rest your Sabbath sanctifie it that is separate it from common worke such as pertaine to this naturall life consecrate it to God and holy works such as concerne the spirituall life As to have holy convocations or assemblies of the Church Levit. 23. 3. in them to pray Acts 16. 13. to reade and expound the Scriptures Luk. 4. 16. 22. Acts 15. 21. to dispute of matters of religion Acts 17. 2. 3. and 18. 4. to talke and meditate on Gods Word and worke Psalme 92. to doe workes of mercie to them that are in miserie both to man and beast Matt. 12. 10. 11. 13. Luke 13. 10. 11. 17. and all other like actions tending to sanctification And as all things are sanctified by the word of God and prayer 1 Tim. 4. 5. so of the Sabbath the Hebrewes say It is commanded to sanctifie it with words both at the comming in and at the going out thereof At the comming in to blesse God which hath given his Sabbath for a remembrance of the creation of the world a beginning of holy convocations a remembrance of the comming out of Egypt and which of his love hath chosen and sanctified his Church above all peoples c. at the going out of it also to blesse God which hath separated betweene the holy and the prophane betweene light and darknesse between Israel and other peoples betweene the seventh day and the six working dayes Maimony in treat of the Sabbath ch 29. S. 1. 2. 3. Vers. 9. labour or serve which some doe understand thus Six daies thou shalt serve the Lord and doe thine owne worke also for service is a dutie to the Lord Exod. 3. 12. 23. 25. But comparing this place with Exod. 34. 21. where it is opposed unto Rest it seemeth rather to intend our owne worke or labour which God of his bounty alloweth to be followed the six daies that we may the mo 〈…〉 willingly and cheerfully serve him in the seventh thy worke the Greeke translateth thy 〈◊〉 〈…〉 by is meant things necessary as well for bodie 〈◊〉 soule and things good and lawfull permi 〈…〉 〈◊〉 of God as it is written Let him labor and worke 〈◊〉 his hands the thing that is good Ephel 4. 28. 〈◊〉 in Psâ— 91. 11. all thy waies meane such as God had appointed to walke in which words Satan therfore omitted when the alledged that Scripture 〈◊〉 Christâ—â— unlawfull wares Matt 4. 6. V. 10. But 〈◊〉 And the seventh This is perpetuall 〈◊〉 one day of seven be a Sabbath but that seventh day which Moses commanded is changed by Christ into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the weeke called the 〈…〉 because our Lord Christ who 〈◊〉 Esay 65. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 finished his worke and rose from the dead that day Mat. 28. 1. 2. 6. and his disciples assembled in that day and after unto praier and religious works Ioh. 20. 19. 26. Act. 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 1. 2. And if the bringing of Israel out of Egypt was such a work as God for a memoriall thereof made that day moneth the head and beginning of the moneths of the yeere otherwise than had been before as is shewed on Exod. 12. 2. how should not out redemption from death and hell manifested in the day that Christ rose from the dead 1 Cor. 15. 14. 17. deserve much more to be remembred in the day thereof and the creation of the new world be celebrated as of the old The Heb. Doctors have a saying that the world was not created but for the Messias Thalm. in Sanhedrin c. Chelek And the bringing out of Egypt is made a reason why the Iewes should keepe their Sabbath Deut. 5. 15. our deliverance by the Messias is a more weighty reason Therfore as the other Iewish Sabbaths were figurative had their end in Christ Colos. 2. 16. 17. so the seventh day in this Sabbath was also figurative and is ceased but the Sabbath still remaineth Matt. 24. 20. in it these words are added also in the Gr. version any worke to wit of thine owne or for this naturall life and under the name of worke is comprehended buying and selling of wares or of victualls Neh. 13. 16. 17. carying of burdens Ier. 17. 22. enbalming of the dead Luk. 23. 54. 56. dressing of victuals Exod. 16. 23. going of journeyes Exod. 16. 29. Act. 1. 12. or any other thing that is of our owne waies or pleasures or speaking our owne words Esa. 58. 13. even the work of the Lords Tabernacle might not be done on the Sabbath Exod. 31. 13. 17. but it is expresly commanded to rest on that day Exod. 23. 12. Whereupon the Hebr. Doctors say though they be things which are not work yet we must rest or cease froÌ„ them namely things like unto work as climbing of a tree riding on a beast or the like Likewise judging of civill causes putting off of the shooe and taking the brothers wife spoken of in Deut. 25. 5. 9. separating of â—ithes first fruits c. valuing of things spoken of in Lev. 27. And from the Law in Esay 58. 12. they teach it is unlawfull for a man to speake with his partner on the Sabbath day what hee will sell on the morrow or what hee will buy or how hee will build his house and the like Also that it is unlawfull for a man to visit his gardens or fields on the Sabbath for to see what they need or how they grow for this is to doe his owne pleasure Esay 58. 13. neither might they punish or execute malefactors on the Sabbath though the punishment of such is a thing commanded Maimony treat of the Subbath c. 21. 23. 24. Neither was it lawful to many a wife on the Sabbath day neither 〈…〉 they on the evening of the Sabbath 〈◊〉 on the first day of the weeke left they should pollute the Sabbath by dressing of meat for the feast Maimony treat of 〈◊〉 c. 10. S. 14. How beit things belonging to Gods service though laborious to the body as killing dressing of the sacrifices c. were to be done on the Sabbath 1 Chron. 23. 31. Matt. 12. 5. and so for works of mercy to men Hos. 6. 6â— So the 〈◊〉 held it a Sabbath dayes worke to 〈◊〉 sit the sicke and say that perill of life putteth away the Sabbath therefore to a sicke person that is in danger they doe all things need full for him on the Sabbath day Maimony treat of the Sabbath chap. 24. S. 5. and chap. 2. S. 1.
so the Greeke version saith thou shalt not passe by the same but shalt raise up the same together with him And so Moses repeating this Law explaineth it in Deut. 22. 4. thou shalt raising raise up with him Likewise this Hebrew word Azab which commonly signifieth to Leave or Forsake hath as some other words a contrary signification to Fortifie repaire or helpe up with a thing as Nehem. 3. 8. and 4. 2. The Chaldee joyneth both senses thus leaving thou shalt leave that which is in thy heart against him and shalt helpe up with him Vers. 6. of thy poore that is thy poore neighbor implying also the stranger the fatherlesse and the widow whose judgement they that wrest or turne aside are cursed Deut. 27. 19. Vers. 7. word of falshood that is false word or false matter The Chaldee saith idle words the Greek every unjust word From hence the Iewes have a rule A Iudge that knoweth of his fellow that he is a violent extortioner or a wicked man it is unlawfull to be joyned in society with him as it is written FROM A WORD OF FALSHOOD THOV SHALT BE FARRE And so they in Ierusalem that had a cleere conscience were wont to doe they sate not in judgement untill they knew with whom they should sit nor sealed any writing untill they knew who should seale it with them c. Maimony in Sanhedr c. 22. sect 10. not justifie but will condemne the wicked though he be the Iudge himselfe See Rom. 2. 1. 2. 3. So not to hold guiltlesse Exod. 20. 7. meaneth to damne and punish as guiltie This which is spoken of God is also an example for us therefore the Greeke changeth the person and saith and thou shalt not justifie the wicked for gifts sake Vers. 8. gift or bribe for fire shall consume the Tabernacles of bribery Iob 15. 34. And the Iew Doctors explaine it thus Thou shalt take no gift and I need not say for to pervert judgement but although it be to acquit the innocent or to condemne the guilty it is unlawfull and a transgression for loe it is a generall rule Cursed is he that taketh a gift And hee is bound to restore againe the gift c. And whatsoever Iudge taketh his reward for judging his judgments are frustrate Maimony in Sanhedrin ch 23. sect 1. 5. take none neither give any Act. 24. 27. So also the Hebrew Doctors teach from that Law Thou shalt not put a stumbling blocke before the blind Levit. 19. 14. Moreover they say Whatsoever Iudge giveth a bribe to get an office it is unlawfull to stand before him in judgement And our wisemen have commanded to set him at nought and to despise him Maimony in Sanhedrin ch 3. S. 9. open-eyed the Greeke translateth the eyes of those that see and the Chaldee the eyes of the wise which words Moses also useth in Deut. 16. 19. And Solomon saith a gift destroyeth the heart Eccles. 7. 7. but he that hateth gifts shall live Prov. 15. 27. will pervert example in Samuels sonnes who tooke bribes and perverted judgement 1 Sam. 8. 3. For a gift whithersoever it turneth it prospereth Prov. 17. 8. and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts Prov. 19. 6. Such therefore as receive them are counted wicked and companions of theeves Proverbs 17. 23. Esay 1. 23. Vers. 9. the soule that is the affection or heart See the like precept in Exod. 22. 21. Deut. 10. 19. Vers. 10. thy land the land of Canaan which God would give to Israel Levit. 25. 2. Neither did the Iewes hold themselves bound to keepe this Law in other countries Maimony treat of Intermission and Iubilee ch 4. S. 25. Vers. 11. the seventh every seventh yeere which was to bee a Sabbath yeere as every seventh day was a Sabbath day therefore repeating this Law he calleth it a Sabbath of sabbatisme or of rest to the land a Sabbath to Iehovah Levit. 25. 4. As the Sabbath day signified that they themselves were the Lords and therefore they ceased from their owne works to doe the Lords so the Sabbath yeere was to signifie that both they and their land was the Lords Levit. 25. 23. let it rest or intermit it let it be free from manuring as the Gr. translateth make a remission They might neither sow their fields nor prune their vineyards nor reape the corne nor gather the vintage c. Lev. 25. 4. 5. The Hebrew canons explaine it thus that they might neither dig nor plough the ground nor gather out the stones nor dung it neither graffe nor plant any trees save such as bare no fruit nor cut off the knobs of trees nor brush off the leaves or withered boughes nor binde up the branches nor make a smoke to kill he wermes nor any the like thing pertaining to husbandry Maimony treat of the Intermission and Iubilee ch 1. If any said What shall wee eat the seventh yeere behold wee may not sewe nor gather in our revenue The Lord promised I will command my blessing upon you in the sixt yeere and it shall bring forth fruit for three yeeres Levit. 25. 20. 21. God would by this Sabbath yeere call his people from worldly 〈…〉 es to depend upon his providence in faith M 〈…〉 6. 31. 1 Cor. 7. 29. 30. 31. 32. and to exercise themselves in holy things as the learning of his Law which this yeere was to be read in the audience of all the people Denter 31. 10. 11. 12. Nehe. 8. and that they should not pollute his land by their owne unlawfull workes but walke holily upon it otherwise the land should spuethem out and enjoy her Sabbaths when it lay desolate and void of such evill inhabitants Levit. 18. 24. 25. 28. and 26. 34. 35. 43. 2 Chron. 36. 21. that the poore or and the poore of thy people shall eat to wit as well as the owners and their servants Lev. 25. 6. may eat to wit that which groweth of it owne accord in the seventh yeere Levit. 25. 5. 6. By the Hebrew records it is shewed that Whosoever looked up his vineyard or hedged in his field in the seventh yeere brake the commandement Likewise if he gathered any of his fruits into his house but he was to let all be common and every mans hand equall in every place Hee might bring into his house a little after the manner of those that brought in common goods Moreover concerning the fruits of the seventh yeere Whatsoever was properly mans meat as wheat figs grapes and the like they might not make of them medicines plaisters c. Though for mans use because it is said TO YOV FOR MEAT Lev. 25. 6. and not for medicine Neither might they make merchandise of the fruits of the seventh yeere but if they would sell a little thereof they might and buy other meet with the price and both the fruits which were sold and the price were holy And they might not bee sold by measure by weight or by
afarre off This though it were a speciall favour to the Elders and served for confirmation of the things spoken by Moses yet signified it the impotency of the Law which kept men afar off and could not bring them neere unto the Lord nor unite them unto him as the Gospell of Christ doth by faith Heb. 10. 19. 22. and 12. 18. 22. c. Vers. 2. with him with Moses not with the Elders therefore the Greeke translateth with them For the people abode beneath at the foot of the mount the Elders went up as it were halfe way and saw part of Gods glory vers 9. 10. but Moses himselfe went up to the top of the mount into the darke cloud v. 18. For the Law was to bee given by the hand or ministerie of a mediatour Gal. 3. 19. Ver. 3. will doe the Greeke addeth and heare or obey as is expressed in v. 7. Thus the covenant between God and Israel was established by mutuall and willing consent albeit they yet knew not the impossibilitie of the Law which is weak through the flesh Rom. 8. 3. So in Exod. 19. 8. Vers. 4. wrote in a booke Heb. 9. 19. for the stonie tables were written by the finger of God him-selfe Exod. 31. 18. an altar which represented God the first and chiefe party in the covenant pillars or statues the Gr. translateth them stones and pillars were wont to be of stones erected Gen. 28. 18. 22. and 31. 45. and 35. 14. according to or for the twelve tribes that is to represent them the other party in the Covenant and their hard stony nature as the tables of stone signified their stony hearts 2 Cor. 3. 3. 14. See Exod. 31. 1â— Vers. 5. the yong men that is the first borne as the Chaldee translateth which were priests or sacrificers untill the Levites taken in stead of the first-borne of Israel Numb 3. 41. had the priesthood in their tribe And the Hebrew word doth not alwaies signifie men yong in yeers but fit for service or ministerie to their elders so Iesus the servant of Moses and other such servants are often called yong men Exod. 33. 11. Gen. 14. 24. 22. 3. 2 Sam. 18. 15. 1 King 20. 14. of peace-offerings Gr. of salvation By these two sorts of sacrifices whereof see Lev. 1. and 3. chap. the sanctification of the people was testified who by the death of Christ whom these sacrifices did figure out presented themselves wholly to God as obedient servants and shewed thankfulnesse for the peace and salvation which through him they had obtained Rom. 12. 1. 2. Heb. 13. 15. See also the notes on Exod. 19. 10. bullocks and other beasts as the Apostle testifieth of bullocks and of goats Heb. 9. 19. but the one is here named as principall Vers. 6. on the altar and so on the booke Heb. 9. 19 which as it seemeth was laid on the altar to bee sanctified thereby Vers. 7. and obey or heare hearken unto that is g 〈…〉 y learne and obey See the notes on Exodus 4. 31. Vers. 8. on the people which may be meant of the twelve pillars set up to represent the people vers 4. Howbeit the Chaldee paraphrase saith he sprinkled it on the Altar to make propitiation for the people Thus the first covenant or testament was not dedicated without blood as the Apostle observeth in Heb. 9. 18. 23. and the patternes of heavenly things were purified by the blood of these sacrifices signifying that Christ by his death should sanctifie himselfe for his people and them unto himselfe by the blood of a better testament Iohn 17. 19. Heb. 9. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 2. And whereas the sprinkling and purifying in the Law was usually done with water scarlet wooll and hyssope Levit. 14. 6. 7. the Apostle telleth us that this here was so done though Moses nameth them not Heb. 9. 19. behold c. the Apostle explaineth it thus This is the blood of the Covenant or of the Testament which God hath commanded unto you Heb. 9. 20. Thus the Sacrament of the old Testament confirmed by the blood of beasts had a resemblance unto the New Testament established upon better promises and confirmed by the blood of Christ. But that was for workes of the Law this is for remission of sins Mat. 26. 28. Heb. 9. 15. Vers. 10. the God that is signes of the glory and presence of the God of Israel For never man saw God neither can see him 1 Tim. 6. 16. Therefore the Chaldee expounds it The glory of the God of Israel and the Greeke translateth they saw the place where the God of Israel stood of Saphire bricke Hebrew bricke of Saphire whereby is meant Saphire stone hewed like bricke wherewith the place under him was paved So also the Greeke translateth it Or it may be Englished of whitenesse of Saphire that is of white Saphire stone for bricke â—ath the name in Heb. of whitenesse The Chaldee translateth under the throne of his glory was as 〈◊〉 were a worke of precious stone The Saphire is also mentioned in Ezekiels vision of Gods Throne and glorie Ezekiel 1. 26. It is a very precious transâ—atent stone of the colour of the skie see Ex 〈…〉 s 28. 19. The worke of bricke might call them 〈◊〉 remember their bricke worke in Egypt Exodus 1. 14. and 5. 16. 19. from which bondage God now had brought them to labour in the heavenly worke of his Law and the mysteries of â—he same whereby the throne of his glory should be erected among them and his Church which â—s as the footstoole of the Lord Lam. 2. 1. should have the foundations laid with Saphires Esay 54. â—1 and such should be the polishing of the Saints Lamentations 4. 7. the body the Greeke â—nd Chaldee translate the sight or semblance of heaven And this cleere heavenly appearance â—id see forth the favour of God towards them 〈◊〉 keepe his Covenant as on the contrary a darke or cloudy Heaven is a signe of Gods displeasure Ieremy 4. 23. 28. Zeph. 1. 15. It signified also the cleannesse puritie that should be in the people of God for clearnesse or in puritie Vers. 11. the Nobles or the select or chosen men as the Greeke translateth meaning those Elders spoken of in verse 9. laid not his hand that is hurt or affrighted them not because they went up by the leave and Word of God not of their owne temeritie which was before forbidden Exodus 19. 21. So the laying of the hand often signifieth Nehemiah 13. 21. Psal. 55. 21. so the Chaldee translateth they had not hurt and the Greeke not one of them was dismayed or killed did eate c. The Chaldee paraphraseth they saw the glory of God and rejoyced in their sacrifices which were accepted as if they had eaten and drunke So other of the Hebrewes as in Elle shemoth rabbah say they fed their eyes with the brightnesse of the Majestie of God Christ promising felicitie to his Disciples sayth
Mat. 23. 19. which altar also signified Christ who sanctified himselfe for his Church Ioh. 17. 19. and through the eternall Spirit offred himselfe without spot unto God Heb. 9. 14. so by the Godhead the death of Christ was sanctified and sufficient to cleanse all iniquity This first sin-offring differed from the rest that ordinarily followed for every such offring of the priest for sinne the blood of it was caried into the Tabernacle and put upon the hornes of the golden altar of incense Levit. 4. 3. 7. whereas this was not so but only put upon the hornes of the brazen altar of burnt-offring which stoodin the court-yard For the end of this first oblation was to make atonement for the altar it selfe and to sanctifie it that it might be fit afterward to sanctifie the sacrifices of the people which should be offred upon it as appeareth after in v. 36. 37. and more plainly in Ezek. 43. 25. 26. 27. Also this first offring was used herein like the offring of the common ruler and private person for the blood for their sin was put on the hornes of the brazen altar onely Lev. 4. 25. 30. because Aaron and his Sons were not yet full priests till the seven dayes of their consecration were ended Lev. 8. 33. 34. c. finger This rite of putting blood with the finger upon the hornes of the altar was for all sin offâ—â—ngs Lev. 4. 6. 7. 17. 18. 25. 30. and not for any other kind of sacrifice And teacheth us the efficacy of Christs blood for the purging of our sins when it is so particularly presented unto God and applied by his Spirit as the finger of God Luk. 11. 20. is expounded to bee the Spirit of God Mat. 12. 28. Heb. 9. 12. 13. 14. The outward rite was performed thus When the priest tooke the blood in a bason he brought it to the altar and dipped the fore-finger of his right hand in the blood and striked it on one home of the altar wiping his finger on the lip of the bason for no blood might remain upon it he dipped his finger the second time and striked it on another horne and so did he to all foure beginning at the South-side and compassing the altar first Eastward then North then West and at the bottome of that horn of the altar where he made an end with his finger did he poure the rest of the blood which was towards the South These things Maimony sheweth in treat of the Offring of Sacrifices c. 5. s. 7. c. and are more particularly to bee opened in Leviticus all the blood that is the rest of the blood as the Greeke explaineth it This figured the fulnesse and perfection of the grace of Christ by his blood obtayning full redemption from our sins V. 13. the fat This in Scripture is often taken for evill because fatnesse hindreth sense and feeling So of the wicked it is said their heart is fat as grease Ps. 119. 70. and thou art waxen fat thou art waxen grosse c. then he forsooke God Deut. 32. 15. make the heart of this people fat c. lest they understand Esay 6. 10. This fat therefore which was a signe of mans corruption God wold have to be consumed by fire on the altar teaching thereby the mortification of our earthly members by the worke of Christ and of his Spirit Somtime the fat is used to signifie the best of all things as is noted on Gen. 4. 4. so it teacheth us to give the best unto the Lord. the inwards or inmost part that is the heart w ch is most inward and in the midst of the body So the inward of man is used for the heart and consequently for the thoughts and mind as in Ps. 5. 10. and 62. 5. and 94. 19. And that which the Prophet calleth the inward part Ier. 31. 33. the Apostle calleth the mind Heb. 8. 10. By the fat upon the inwards therefore is signified all corruption that covereth mans heart as carnall reason unbeliefe hypocrisie evill thoughts and purposes c. all which must be consumed and the heart purified by the Spirit of God caule that is above named also the caule of the liver in v. 22. It is thought to be the midriffe or the at skin that is above the liver the Gr. translateth it lobon the lap of the liver kidneyes or reineâ— which as they are the instruments of seed for generation so in Scripture they are used for the inmost affections and desires and are joyned with the heart of these only God is the searcher and possessor Ps. 7. 10. and 139. 13. and here are to be offred up unto God in fire figuring that w ch Paul teacheth Mortifie your members which are on the earth fornication uncleannesse inordinate affection evill concupiscence c. Col. 3. 5. And thus the Heb. of old understood these figures for they say Therefore the kidneys the fat which is on them the caule that covereth the liver were burnt unto God for to make atonement for the sin of man which proceedeth out of the thoughts of the reines and lust of the liver fatnesse of the heart c. for they all consent in sin R. Menachem on Ex. 29. fol. 111. shalt burne the originall word signifieth properly to perfume or resolve into smoke used for burning of incense applied here to the burning of sacrifices whereby the smoke went up towards heaven The Greeke translateth it Impose the Chaldee Offer V. 14. burne It was a generall Law that no sin-offring whose blood was caried into the Tabernacle c. should be eaten but burnt in fire Levit. 6. 30. and such sin-offrings as had not their blood caried in thither should bee eaten by the priests Levit. 10. 18. Howbeit this offring was burnt though the blood were not caried into the holy place One reason whereof seemeth to be that the priests might not eate their owne sin-offrings Lev. 4. 3. 12. Because they could not beare or take away their owne sinnes but needed another Saviour as well as all men and the eating of any mans sinne-offring signified the bearing and expiating of that mans sin Levit. 10. 17. without a figure how Christ the true Sacrifice for our sins should suffer without the gate of Ierusalem which was part of his reproch that he bare for us Heb. 13. 11. 12. 13. a Sin that is an offring for sinne so the Apostle according to the Gr. version translateth it for sin Heb. 10. 6. from Psal. 40. 7. And after this Hebrew phrase may that be understood of Christ that God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us that is a sin-offring or an exceeding sinner 2 Cor. 5. 21. Thus the law made men priests which had infirmitie needed to offer sacrifice first for their owne sins but we now have the Son who is consecrated for ever Heb. 7. 27. 28. Vers. 15. impose with both hands betweene the homes as before is
smell thereto and made it not hee is guilty of cutting-off but his doome is like all theirs that use or make profit of any of the sanctified things to wit unlawfully Mâ—imony in treat of the holy Implements chap. 2. Sect. 9. 10. be cut off the Chaldee expoundeth it be destroied the Greeke saith the soule of that man shall perish from his people God by this judgment would keepe men from profaning and abusing the holy exercise of praier and doctrine of Christs mediation when the abuse even of the shadow hereof brought destruction upon the offenders CHAP. XXXI 1 Bezaleel and Aholiab are called and made meet for the worke of the Tabernaâ—le and furniture thereof 12 The observation of the Sabbath is againe commanded 18 Moses receiveth the two Tables of the Law AND Iehovah spake unto Moses saying See I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Vri the son of Hur of the tribe of Iudah And I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisedome and in understanding and in knowledge and in all workmanship To devise cunning-workes to worke in gold and in silver and in brasse And in ingraving of stone to fill and in carving of wood to worke in all workmanship And I behold I have given with him A holiab the son of Ahisamac of the tribe of Dan and in the heart of all wise hearted I have given wisedome that they may make all that I have commanded thee The Tent of the congregation and the Arke of the Testimonie and the Covering-mercie seat that is thereupon and all the vessels of the Tent. And the Table and the vessels thereof and the pure Candlesticke and all the vessels thereof and the Altar of incense And the Altar of burnt-offring all the vessels therof and the Laver and the foot thereof And the garments of ministery and the garments of holinesse for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sonnes to minister-in-thepriests office And the anointing oile and incense of sweet-spices for the holy place according to all that I have commanded thee shall they doe And Iehovah spake unto Moses saying And thou speake thou unto the sonnes of Israel saying Verily my Sabbatâ—s yee shall keepe for it is a signe betweene me and you throughout your generations to know that I am Iehovah that sanctifieth you And yee shall keepe the Sabbath for it is holinesse to you they that profane it every one shall bee put-to die the death for every one that doth any worke therein even that soule shall bee cut-off from amongst his peoples Six daies shall worke be done but in the seventh day is the Sabbath of Sabbathisme holinesse to Iehovah every one that doth any worke in the Sabbath day shall be put to die the death And the Sons of Israel shall keepe the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant Betweene me and the Sonnes of Israel it shall be a signe for ever for in Six daies Iehovah made the heavens the earth and in the Seventh day he rested and was refreshed And he gave unto Moses when hee had made-an-end of speaking with him on mount Sinai two Tables of testimonie Tables of stone written with the finger of God Annotations BEzaleel in Greeke Beseleel by interpretation In the shadow of God he was the sonne of Vri the sonne of Hur the sonne of Caleb or Chelubai the sonne of Esron the sonne of Pharez the sonne of Iudah from whom he was the seventh generation as Enoch was the seventh from Adam and is here designed the master workman of the Lords Tabernacle See his genealogie in 1 Chron. 2. 5. 9. 18. 19. 20. Vers. 3. Spirit that is gifts of the Spirit such as are after mentioned So Paul openeth it in 1 Cor. 12. 4. 8. 11. see also Act. 2. 4. The Greeke expoundeth it a divine Spirit the Chaldee a Spirit from before the Lord. workmanship or Art Hebrew worke So verse 4. Vers. 4. devise cunning-workes such as were mentioned in Exodus 26. 1. c. see the notes there The Hebrew phrase is figurative to thinke thoughts which the Greek explaineth to thinke or minde and to make-artificially the Chaldee saith to teach artificers as it is in Exodus 35. 34. These three things in Bezaleel a calling a furnishing with gifts and a working or operation accordingly are necessarie in all the publike ministers of the Church So Paul mentioneth diversities or distributions 1 of gifts by the Spirit 2 of administrations or ministeries by the Lord Iesus and 3 of operations by God the Father 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. 6. 〈◊〉 to worke or to doe to make but doing is often used for working as is noted on Exod. 5. 9. and so the Greek translateth it here also in verse 5. Vers. 5. ingraving or cutting The Hebrew word generally signifieth a studious and artificiall ingraving or cutting in stone in wood in yron in earth and then it is Englished ploughing or any other like handicraft to fill that is to set in the golden ouches as Exod. 28. 21. to worke or to make in all worke meaning cunning worke as is expressed in Exod. 35. 33. Vers. 6. Aholiab in Greeke Eliab by interpretation The Tabernacle of the Father Hee is the second master-workman and of the tribe of Dan the handmaids sonne joyned with Beseleel as God usually joyneth two together in al weighty affairs See Exod. 4. 14. 15. and 6. 26. Matth. 10. 2. 3. Luk. 10. 1. Acts 13. 2. Hag. 1. 14. Vers. 7. vessels or instruments furniture implements So after Vers. 10. of ministerie veiles clothes coverings which served to wrap up the holy things in when the host removed as Num. 4. 5. 9. 11. 12. c. Of the Priests garments see Exod. 28. Vers. 13. Uerily or Notwithstanding the Greeke translateth it See Though the worke of the Tabernacle were studiously and speedily to be done yet God would not have any of it done on the Sabbath daies The Law of the Sabbath is very often repeated see Gen. 2. 2. Exod. 16. 23. c. and 20. 8. c. and 23. 12. and 35. 2. 3. to know that is that ye may know as the Greeke translateth The principall signification of the Sabbath was for grace and sanctitie which therefore the Lord often urgeth and blameth the breach of this day as the violating of his covenant See Neh. 9. 14. Ezek. 20. 12. 13. 16. 20. 21. Esay 58. 13. The true observation hereof is by faith in Christ Heb. 4. 3. 9. 10. 11. The Hebrew Doctors say The Sabbath and the precept against idolatrie each of these two is as weighty as all the other Commandements of the Law and the Sabbath is a signe betweene God and us for ever Therefore who so transgresseth the other Commandements he is generally a wicked Israelite but hee that openly profaneth the Sabbath is as an Idolater both of them as infidels in all their affaires Therefore the Prophet laudeth and saith Esay 56. 2. Blessed
is the man that doth this and the sonne of man that layeth hold on it that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it Maimony treat of the Sabbath chap. 30. Sect. 15. Vers. 14. that soule the Chaldee translateth that man shall be destroied This cutting off the Iewes understand to be untimely death by the hand of God when a man so violateth Gods Law as there are no witnesses whereby men should punish him See Gen. 17. 14. And of the Sabbath thus they write that for doing worke therein if a man doe it willingly and presumptuously he is guilty of cutting-off to perish by the hand of God and if there bee witnesses that see him he is to be stoned to death as was performed in Num. 15. 35. 36. and if he doe it of ignorance or errour he is bound to bring the sin offring appointed for the same according to the Law in Numb â—5 27. 30. Maimony in treat of the Sabbath chap. 1. Among the heathen Romanes their Flamins or Priests might see no work done on their holy daies but by a cryer gave men warning to the contrary and who so obeyed not was 〈…〉 ulcted and gave a beast for a sacrifice Albeit they might doe things whereof dammage would follow if they were omitted as to pull an oxe out of a ditch to underset an house ready to fall c. Macrob Saturn booke 1. chap. 16. Vers. 15. of Sabbathisme that is of cessation and rest See Exod. 16. 23. The Greeke translateth it a rest holy to the Lord. Vers. 16. to observe Hebrew to doe see the notes on Exod. 34. 22. Vers. 17. me the Chaldee translateth Betweene my Word and the sonnes of Israel that Word is Christ by whom the Sabbath is truely sanctified to his Church Hebrewes 4. From this Scripture the Hebrewes gather that onely Israel was charged with the sabbath day and not the nations of the world Talmud in Betsah chap. Iom tob So from Exod. 16. 29. Yet thus also they say It is unlawfull to speake to an Infidel to doe any worke for us on the Sabbath day although he be not charged to keepe the Sabbath and although he be spoken to before the Sabbath Maimony treat of the Sabbath chap. 6. Sect. 1. Howbeit this opinion of theirs seemeth not agreeable to Gods will for the Sabbath was to be kept before the Law was given at mount Sinai Exod. 16. 23. even from the Creation Gen. 2. 2. 3. therefore it was given to all the world was refreshed the Greeke and Chaldee doe translate hee ceased and rested This is spoken of God after the manner of men who are refreshed by rest from their workes Of such manner speeches see what is noted on Genesis 6. 6. Vers. 18. of stone that so the record of them might remaine for ever Iob 19. 24. These Tables were the worke of God even as the writing was the writing of God Exod. 32. 16. and these being broken in peeces Exod. 32. 19 two other tables of stone like them were hewed out by Moses but written againe by the Lord Exod. 34. 1. 4. After this Christ by the Spirit of God writeth his Law not in Tables of stone but in fleshly Tables of the hearâ— 2 Cor. 3. 3. and these fleshly tables are also the work of God as he saith I will take the stonie heart out of their bodies and I will give them an heart of flesh Ezek. 11. 19. The Minde and the Heart are the spirituall tables Heb. 8. 10. in the one such things are written as men should know and beleeve in the other such as should be done or omitted The first Tables which God made signified the stonic hearts which all men have by nature now corrupted in which notwithstanding God hath left his Law written so that they doe by nature the things of the Law and shew the worke of the Law written in their hearts Rom. 2. 14. 15. though still they continue hard and stonie and their sinfull nature is not changed The second tables of stone signified the heart of the Iewes hewed and polished by Moses and his legall ministerie in whose heart God also wrote his Law wherein they rested and made their boast of God and knew his will and had the information of knowledge and of the truth in the Law Rom. 1. 17. 18. 20. Howbeit their heart continued stonie and unchanged so that they which taught others taught not themselves neither could they stedfastly looke on Moses face nor see the end of that which iâ— abolished but their mindes were blinded and even to this day a veile is laid upon their heart Rom. 2. 21. 2 Cor. 3. 7. 13. 14. 15. The third which are tables of flesh is the worke of Christ by his Spirit giving us new hearts and writing his Lawes in them 2 Cor. 3. 3. Ezek. 36. 26. Heb. 8. 10. These things both of the weakenesse of Moses ministerie and of the grace of Christ the ancient Hebrew Doctors acknowledged as in their glosse upon Song 1. 1. Let him kisse me c. there mentioning that request of the people in Exod. 20. 19. Speake thou with us c. they say Moses taught them the Law and whatsoever they learned they forgat againe Then they came unto Moses and said O that God would shew him-selfe againe and kisse us with the kisses of his mouth that his doctrine might be fastened in our hearts Moses said unto them This cannot be done now but it shall be in the dayes of Christ as it is written Ier. 31. 33. I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts Midrash Cant. 1. 1. finger which signifieth Gods Spirit as I with the finger of God cast our divels Luk. 11. 20. which is expounded the Spirit of God in Matth. 12. 28. That which was written was according unto all the words which the Lord spake with Israel in the mount out of the midst of fire Exod. 20. Deut. 9. 10. CHAP. XXXII 1 The people in the absence of Moses cause Aaron to make a Calfe 6 They sacrifice thereunto 7 God certifieth Moses of their sinne 10 and his purpose to consume them therefore 11 Moses intreateth for the people 14 The Lord repenteth concerning the evill against them 15 Moses commeth down with the Tables 19 and upon sight of their sinne hee breaketh them 20 He destroyeth the Calfe 22 Aarons excuse for himselfe 25 Moses causeth the Idolaters to be slaine 28 The Levites are the executioners 31 Moses prayeth that either the sinne of Israel be forgiven or himselfe to be blotted out of the Booke of God 34 God spareth the people for the present but after plagueth them AND the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mountaine and the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron and said unto him Rise-up make gods for us which may goe before us because this Moses the man which brought us up out of the land of Egypt we know not what is become of
in the Law another inward in the heart 2 Cor. 3. 13. 14. c. And as without a veil the people could not heare Moses so except the Law be veiled and hath as it were a new face upon it the naturall man cannot endure the glory of it so terrible it is to the conscience of sinners R. Menachem here observeth how the former Ancients of Israel at the reading of the Booke of the Law covered their faces and said hee that heareth from the mouth of the reader is as hee that heareth from the mouth of Moses Vers. 34. tooke off the veil whereof there was no use in the sight of God who doth not onely know himselfe the use and end of his Law but sheweth the same also to others which was likewise here figured for when men shall be turned to the Lord the veile shall be taken away 2 Cor. 3. 16. Vers. 35. put the veil againe on hereby signifying the continuall glory of his ministery and infirmity of the people till both of them be done a way Which is accomplished by the Gospell the ministration of the Spirit and of righteousnesse which exceeds in glory so that Moses ministery hath no glory in this respect for Christ taketh away the veil so that we may both stedfastly looke to the end of the Law which is abolished and all of us with unveiled face beholding as in a glasse the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord 1 Cor. 5. 8. 18. CHAP. XXXV 1 Moses commandeth the people from the Lord to keepe the Sabbath 4 to bring willing offrings of gold silver brasse and other stuffe for the Tabernacle and furniture thereof 20 The people goe and bring voluntary gifts 22 Men and women bring their Iewels and ornaments and other stuffe such as they had 25. The wise women spin the stuffe 27 The Rulers bring precious stones and spices 30 Bezaleel and Aholiab are shewed to be the men whom God had filled with his Spirit and Wisedome to doe the worke of the Sanctuary 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ANd Moses gathered together all the Congregation of the sonnes of Israel and said unto them These are the words which Iehovah hath commanded to doe them Sixe dayes shall worke be done but on the seventh day there shall be to you holinesse a Sabbath of sabbatisme to Iehovah whosoever doth any worke therein shall be put-to-death Ye shall kindle no fire in any of your habitations upon the Sabbath day And Moses said unto all the Congregation of the sonnes of Israel saying this is the thing which Iehovah hath commanded saying Take yee from amongst you an offring unto Iehovah whosoever is willing in his heart let him bring it the offring of Iehovah Gold and silver brasse And blew and purple and scarlet and fine-linnen and Goats hayre And Rams skins dyed-red and Tachash skins and Shittim wood And oile for the Light and spices for the anointing oile and for the incense of sweet-spices And Beryll stones filling stones for the Ephod and for the Brest plate And every wise harted among you shall come and make all that Iehovah hath commanded The Tabernacle the tent thereof and the covering thereof the taches thereof and the boards thereof the bars thereof the pillars thereof and the sockets thereof The arke and the bars there of the Covering-mercy-seat and the veile of the covering The Table and the barres thereof and all the vessels thereof and the shew-bread And the Candlesticke for the Light and the vessels thereof and the lamps thereof and the oile for the Light And the Altar of incense and the bars thereof and the anointing oyle and the incense of sweet spices and the hanging veile of the doore for the doore of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt offring and the grate of brasse which is for it the bars thereof and all the vessels thereof the Laver and the foot thereof The tapestry-hangings of the Court the pillars thereof and the sockets thereof and the hanging-veile of the gate of the Court The pinnes of the Tabernacle and the pins of the Court and their coards The garments of ministery to minister in the holy-place the garments of holinesse for Aaron the Priest and the garments of his sonnes to minister-in-the-priests-office And all the congregation of the Sonnes of Israel departed from the presence of Moses And they came every man whose heart stirred him up and every one whose spirit made him willing they brought the offring of Iehovah for the worke of the Tent of the Congregation and for all the service thereof and for the garments of holinesse And they came the men with the women every-one that was willing hearted they brought bracelets and eare-rings and rings and tablets all jewels of gold and every man that offered offred an offring of gold unto Iehovah And every man with whom was found blew and purple and scarlet and fine-linnen and Goats hayre and Rammes skinnes dyed red and Tachash skinnes brought them Every one that offred an offring of silver and of brasse they brought the offring of Iehovah and every one with whom was found Shittim wood for any work of the service brought it And every woman that was wise hearted did spinne with her hands and they brought the spun-worke the blew and the purple and the scarlet and the fine-linnen And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisedome spunne Goats hayre And the Rulers brought Beryll stones and filling stones for the Ephod and for the Brest-plate And spice and oyle for the Light and for the anointing oyle and for the incense of sweet-spices Every man and woman whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work which Iehovah had commanded to make by the hand of Moses the sonnes of Israel ◠brought a willing offring unto Iehovah And Moses said unto the sonnes of Israel See Iehovah hath called by name Bezaleel the sonne of Vri the sonne of Hur of the tribe of Iudah And he hath filled him with the Spirit of God in wisedome in understanding and in knowledge and in all workmanship And to devise cunning-worke to worke in gold and in silver and in brasse And in ingraving of stone to fill and in carving of wood to work in all cunning works And hee hath given into his heart for to teach he and Aholiab the sonne of Ahisamach of the Tribe of Dan. He hath filled them with wisedome of heart to make all worke of the ingraver and of the cunning-workman and of the embroiderer in blew and in purple in scarlet and in fine-linnen and of the weaver even of them that doe any worke and that devise cunning workes Annotations 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 HEre beginneth the 22 Section of the Law See Gen. 6. 9. and 28. 10. Vers. 2. holinesse that is a day of holinesse or an holy day and signe of holinesse from the Lord See Exod. 31. 13.
is the word as the Chaldee expoundeth it or commandement Ithamar under his hand the Levites of Merari had charge of the boards bars pillars sockets pins coards c. about the Tabernacle and Court thereof Num 4. 29. 33. Vers. 24. occupied Hebr. made in Greek wrought offring Heb. wave-offring as the offring of it is also called waving Exodus 35. 22. It was likewise called an heave-offring Exodus 25. 2. what these two motions meant see the notes on Exod. 29. 24. 27. talents every talent was 120. pound weight for a talent weighed three thousand shekels and every shekell 320. graines of Barley see the notes on Gen. 20. 16. and Exod. 25. 39. This is confirmed by the summe here following in verse 25. 26. for 603550. men paying every one halfe a shekel it amounted to 100. talents and 1775. shekels Vers. 26. Bekah this in the next words is expounded to be halfe a shekel see the notes on Gen. 24. 22. The Greeke translateth it a drachme or dram as a shekel is sometime turned in Greeke didrachme a double dram see Gen. 20 16. a poll Hebrew a skul which the Greeke translateth head used for the person or whole man So in Ex. 16. 16. old Hebrew son of 20 yeeres see the notes on Genesis 5. 32. CHAP. XXXIX 1 The making of the garments of ministery and holy garments for the Priests 2 The Ephod 8 The Brest-plate 10 The setting of the twelve precious stones in foure rowes upon it 15 The chaines ouches and rings of it 22 The Robe of the Ephod with the pomgranats and bells on the skirts thereof 27 The Coats Miter Bonnets and Girdle of fine-linnen 30 The plate of the holy Crowne tyed to the Miter 32 All the worke is finished 33 and brought unto Moses by the particulars 43. Moses vieweth all the worke and seeing it to be done as the Lord had commanded he blesseth them AND of the blew and purple and scarlet they made the garments of ministerie to minister in the Holy-place and made the garments of holinesse which were for Aaron as Iehovah commanded Moses And he made the Ephod of gold of blew and purple and scarlet and fine-linnen twined And they did beat-thin the plates of gold and he cut wiers to worke it in the blew and in the purple and in the scarlet and in the fine-linnen with the worke of a cunning-workman They made shoulder peeces for it joyning together at the two edges thereof it was joyned together And the curious-girdle of his Ephod which was upon it was of the same according to the worke thereof of gold of blew and purple and scarlet and fine-linnen twined as Iehovah commanded Moses And they wrought Beryll stones inclosed in ouches of gold engraven like the engravings of a signet with the names of the Sons of Israel And he put them on the shoulders of the Ephod stones of memoriall for the sons of Israel as Iehovah commanded Moses And he made the Brestplate the worke of a cunning-workman like the worke of the Ephod of gold of blew and purple and scarlet and fine-linnen twined It was foure-square doubled did they make the Brestplate a span the length thereof and a span the bredth thereof doubled And they embossed in it foure rowes of stones a row a Sardius a Topaz and a Smaragd the first row And the second row a Chalcedonie a Saphir and a Sardonyx And the third row an Hyacinth a Chrysoprase and an Amethyst And the fourth row a Chrysolite a Beryll and a Iasper inclosed in ouches of gold in their embossments And the stones were with the names of the sons of Israel twelve according to their names like the engravings of a signet every-man with his name according to the twelve tribes And they made upon the Brestplate chaines at the end of wreathen worke of pure gold And they made two ouches of gold and two rings of gold and put the two rings upon the two ends of the Brestplate And they put the two wreathings of gold in the two rings on the ends of the Brestplate And the two ends of the two wreathings they fastened on the two ouches and put them on the shoulders of the Ephod before it And they made two rings of gold put them upon the two ends of the Brestplate upon the border thereof which was in the side of the Ephod inward And they made two other rings of gold and put them on the two shoulders of the Ephod underneath towards the forepart therof overagainst the coupling thereof above the curious-girdle of the Ephod And they did binde the Brestplate by the rings therof unto the rings of the Ephod with a lace of blew to be above the curious-girdle of the Ephod and that the Brestplate might not be loosed from the Ephod as Iehovah commanded Moses And he made the Robe of the Ephod of woven worke all of blew And there was a hole of the Robe in the midst thereof as the hole of an habergeon with a binding for the hole thereof round about that it should not be rent And they made upon the skirts of the Robe pomgranats of blew and purple and scarlet twisted And they made bells of pure gold put the bells between the pomgranats upon the skirts of the Robe round-about between the pomgranats A bell and a pomgranat a bell and a pomgranat upon the skirts of the Robe round-about to minister in as Iehovah commanded Moses And they made Coats of fine-linnen of woven worke for Aaron and for his sonnes And a Miter of fine-linnen and goodly-ornaments Bonnets of fine-linnen and linnen breeches of fine-linnen twined And a girdle of fine-linnen twined and of blew and purple and scarlet the worke of the Embroiderer as Iehovah commanded Moses And they made the Plate of the crown of holinesse of pure gold and wrote upon it a writing like the ingravings of a signet HOLINESSE TO IEHOVAH And they put upon it a lace of blew to put it upon the Miter on high as Iehovah commanded Moses And all the worke of the Tabernacle of the Tent of the Congregation was finished and the sonnes of Israel did according to all that Iehovah commanded Moses so did they And they brought the Tabernacle unto Moses the Tent and all the instruments therof the taches therof the boards thereof the bars thereof and the pillars thereof and the sockets thereof And the covering of Rams skins died-red and the covering of Tachash skins and the veil of the covering The Arke of the Testimonie and the bars thereof and the Covering-mercy-seat The Table and all the vessels thereof and the Shew bread The pure Candlesticke with the lamps thereof the lamps to be set-in-order al the vessels therof and the oil for the light And the Altar of gold and the oile of anoynting the incense of sweet-spices and the hanging-veil for the doore of the Tent. The Altar of brasse and the grate of brasse which was for it the barres thereof
and all the vessels thereof the Laver and the foot thereof The tapestrie-hangings of the Court the pillars thereof and the sockets thereof and the hanging-veile for the gate of the court the cords thereof and the pins thereof and all the vessels of the service of the Tabernacle for the Tent of the Congregation The garments of ministery to minister in the Holy place the garments of holinesse for Aaron the Priest and the garments of his sons to minister-in-the-priests-office According to all that Iehovah commanded Moses so the sonnes of Israel made all the worke And Moses saw all the worke and behold they had done it as Iehovah had commanded so had they done and Moses blessed them Annotations OF ministery whereof see Exod. 31. 10. of holinesse that is the holy garments specified in Exodus 28. V. 2. Ephod described in Exod. 28. 6. c. V. 3. beat-thinne or spread abroad wiers or threds of those plates in the blew or in the midst of w ch the Gr. translateth with the blew c. For the gold thred was twisted with the blew with every of the other colors as is noted on Exodus 28. 6. Vers. 6. Beryl see Exod. 28. 9. Ver. 8. Brestplate whereof see Exod. 28. 15. c. V. 10. Smaragd or Emeraud see Exod. 28. 17. Vers. 22. woven worke Hebrew worke of the weaver see Exod. 28. 31. c. Ver. 24. twisted or twined the Greeke addeth and bysse that is fine linnen twined See the notes on Exod. 28. 33. Vers. 27. coats whereof see Exod. 28. 40. Ver. 28. goodly ornaments this words is sometime used for the Bonnets themselves as in Ezek. 44. 18. Vers. 30. crowne of holiness that is holy crowne or separation as both the Hebrew and Greeke signifieth see Exod 29. 6. and 28. 36. Vers. 32. so did they this hath respect unto the charge before given Ex. 25. 40. and for this cause the particulars have been repeated by Moses that all might see the care which he and the workmen had to make all things both for matter and forme according to the patterne and commandement given of God Such faithfulnesse also was in Christ Heb. 3. 2. and ought to be in all Christians concerning Gods heavenly ordinances in his Church whereof these things were a patterne and shadow Heb. 8. 5. 1 Tim. 6. 13. 14. and 5. 21. Vers. 33. bars or barre an in Exod. â—5 11. Vers. 37. to be set in order Hebr. lamps of ordering or of disposition which the Priest were to trim every day see the notes on Exod. 27. 21. the Greeke translateth lamps of burning Vers. 38. of sweet spices in Greeke of composition that is the compounded incense Ver. 42. all the worke or all the service which the Gr. calleth Preparation or Furniture V. 43 saw or viewed as he that was charged with the oversight of this whole work Exodus 25. 40. the worke in Gr. works blessed them that is as Gods publike minister pronounced a blessing from the Lord upon these workmen see Gen. 14. 19. Herein Moses was a figure of Christ who will blesse them that faithfully observe the Commandements of God 2 Tim. 4. 7. 8. for who so is a doer of the worke this man shall be blessed in his deed Iam. 1. 25. Hereupon the Hebr. say Worke is a great thing for Shecinah that is the Divine presence or Majestie of God in Christ dwelled not in Israel untill they had done the worke as it is written in Exod. 39. 43. AND MOSES SAVV ALL THE VVORKE c. AND MOSES BLESSED THEM And how did heè blesse them Hee said unto them The Lord vouchsafe that the Divine-presence Shecinah may dwell in the worke of your hands And so it came to passe as it is said in Exod. 40. 34. And the cloud covered the Tent. c. and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle R. Elias in Reshith chocmah fol 420. a. CHAP. XL. 1 The Lord commandeth the Tabernacle to be reared 4 and things to be set in order therein 8 and the Court to be set about it 9 The Tabernacle and all the vessells thereof the Altar and Laver to bee anointed with oile 12 Aaron and his sons to be washed cloathed anointed sanctified 16 Moses obeyeth and reareth up the Tabernacle 21 carieth in the Arke 22 placeth the Table 24 and the Candlesticke 26 and the golden Altar 29 and the brazen Altar 30 and the Laver 33 and reare 〈…〉 up the Court 34. A cloud covereth the Tabernacle and Gods glory filleth it 38. The cloud was on the Tabernacle by day and fire by night continually ANd Iehovah spake unto Moses saying In the day of the first moneth in the first of the moneth thou shalt reare-up the Tabernacle the Tent of the Congregation And thou shalt put there the Arke of the Testimony and cover the Arke with the veile And thou shalt bring in the Table and set-in-order the order therof and thou shalt bring-in the Candlesticke cause to ascend the lamps therof And thou shalt set the Altar of gold for the incense before the Arke of the testimony and put the hanging-veile of the doore to the Tabernacle And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt-offring before the doore of the Tabernacle of the Tent of the Congregation And thou shalt set the Laver between the Tent of the Congregation and the altar and shalt put water there And thou shalt set the Court round-about and put the hanging-veile at the gate of the Court. And thou shalt take the oile of anointing and anoint the Tabernacle and all that is therein and shalt sanctifie it and all the vessels therof and it shall be holy And thou shalt anoynt the Altar of the burnt-offring and all the vessels thereof and shalt sanctifie the Altar and the Altar shall bee Holy of holies And thou shalt anoynt the Laver and the foot thereof and sanctifie it And thou shalt bring-neere Aaron his sons unto the doore of the Tent of the congregation wash them with water And thou shalt cloth AaroÌ„ with the garmeÌ„ts of holinesse and shalt anoint him and sanctifie him he shall minister-in-the-priests-office unto me And thou shalt bring-neere his sons and clothe them with coats And thou shalt anoint them as thou didst anoint their father and they shall minister-in-the-priests-office unto me and their anoynting shall bee to bee unto them for an eternall priesthood throughout their generations And Moses did according to all that Iehovah commanded him so did he And it was in the first moneth in the second yeere in the first day of the moneth the Tabernacle was reared up And Moses reared-up the Tabernacle and set the sockets thereof and set-up the boards thereof and put-in the bars thereof and reared-up the pillars thereof And hee spread abroad the Tent over the Tabernacle and put the covering of the Tent upon it above as Iehovah commanded Moses And he tooke and put the Testimony into the Arke and set
the sacrifice the Minchah to cease Secondly it figured the persons of Christians who through him are cleansed and sanctified to be pure oblations unto God as it was prophesied They shall bring all your brethren for a Minchah a Meat offring unto the Lord out of all the Gentiles c. as the sonnes of Israel bring a Meat-offring Minchah in a cleane vessell into the house of the LORD Esay 66. 20. The accomplishment whereof the Apostle sheweth to have beene by his ministration of the Gospell of God unto the Gentiles that the Oblation Prosphora of the Gentiles might be acceptable being sanctified by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15. 16. Thirdly it figured the fruits of grace and good workes that Christians are to performe both towards God and men Towards God by prayer and thanksgiving as David saith Let my prayer be directed as incense before thee the lifting up of my hands as the evening Minchah or Oblation Psal. 141. 2. So when the Lord told the Iewes I will not accept a Minchah or Meat-offring at your hand he addeth For from the rising of the Sunne even unto the going downe of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name and a pure Meat offring Mal. 1. 10. 11. which is fulfilled when men pray every where lifting up holy hands as the Apostle teacheth 1 Tim. 2. 8. Towards men also good workes are as sacrifices unto God as it is written To doe good and to communicate forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased Heb. 13. 16. so the benevolence sent from the Church of Philippi to the Apostle was an odour of a sweet smell a sacrifice acceptable wel-pleasing unto God Phil. 4. 18. Now because the Meat-offrings here prescribed had oile and frankincense with them whereas the Meat-offring which the poore man brought for his Sinne was to have neither of both Levit. 5. 11. it seemeth the chiefe thing here figured was the new creature and holy estate which wee have in Christ that as our reconciliation unto God in Christ was signified by the Burnt-offring Levit. 1. so the sanctification of our persons and actions and the acceptation of them before God through his grace in Christ was signified by this Meat-offring fine-flowre of wheat Exod. 29. 2. Ezr. 6. 9. 1 Chro. 21. 23. all the Meat-offrings were of wheaten flowre except the jealousy offring and the waved sheaf Num. 5. Levit. 23. which were of barley And for the quantity All Meat-offrings that were brought upon the Altar not any of them was lesse then the tenth part of an Ephah as Lev. 5. 11. and 6. 20. that is an Omer as Exod. 16. 36. The five Meat-offrings mentioned in this chapter that are brought for vow and voluntary sacrifice be may bring of them so much as he please though 1000. tenth parts but the Meat offrings of the sheaf and of the sinner and of jealousie and of initiation and the high priests meat-offring every one of them is but one tenth part neither lesse nor more saith Maimony in treat of offring the sacrifice chap. 12. Sect. 2. 5. Also for the quality as all things offred to God were to be of the best and without corruption so the Meat-offrings The flowre might not be such as wherein wormes bred or made or wormeaten wheat nor mixt with oile that had a ranke smell or ill taste c. Maimony in Issure mizbeach chap. 6. S. 1. pure oile Sol. Iarchi noteth that the oile was poured vpon all of it the frankincense was put upon part of it on the one side Other of the Hebrewes also say every Meat-offring that is offred upon the altar must have oile and frankincense a Log of oile that is halfe a pinte of oile whereof see Lev. 14. 10. for every tenth deale and a handfull of frankincense for euery Meat-offring whether it be of one tenth deale or of sixtie for they bring not moe then 60. tenth deales in one vessell Except the jealousy offring and the sin offring Num. 5. 15. Levit. 5. 11. for they have no oile nor incense Maimony treat oâ— offring the sacrifice chap. 12. S. 7. The flowre of wheat signified the perfect and pure estate of Christ and of all Christians with their service in him purged from the branne of naturall corruption Heb. 10. 5. Esa. 66. 20. The oile signified the graces and comforts of the holy Ghost whereby wee serve God with gladnesse Psal. 45. 7. Luk. 4. 18. 1 Ioh. 2. 20. 27. The frankincense figured the sweet odour whereby they are acceptable to the Lord Song 3. 6. Ier. 6. 20. Ephes. 5. 2. Rom. 12. 1. The manner of making the Meat-offring of flowre is recorded to be thus He brought a tenth-deale of flowre or many tenth deales or according as he had vowed and oile meet for the same the flowre was measured by the Tenth-deale measure of the Sanctuarie and oile was put into a vessell and afterwards the flowre was put upon it After that againe other oile was put upon the flowre and the flowre was mingled with it After this they put it into a ministring vessell and then poured oile into it And the oile which first they put and the oile which they mingled it with and the oile which they poured on it all was a Log or halfe-pinte for a tenth deale of flowre And then they put the frankincense upon it Maimony treat of Offring the sacrif chapter 13. Sect. 5. Vers. 2. the sonnes that is one of the sonnes as the words following doe manifest when it is said and he shall take meaning the Priest shall take or shall gather-up-with-the hand as the word properly signifieth The flowre was put into a ministring vessell and sanctified therein Esa. 66. 20. The Priest caried it to the altar and brought it to the south-west horne thereof and removing all the frankincense unto the one side he tooke up a handfull of the flowre and oile mixed and put that handfull into a ministring vessell and sanctified it therein Then gathering up all the frankincense he put it upon the handfull in the vessell and set it upon the altar and salted it and put it out of the ministring vessell upon the fire Maimony treat of offring the sacrif chap. 13. Sect. 12. burne resolve into fume or vapour as the word signifieth so Levit. 1. 9. and after often the memoriall therof that is that handfull with the incense named a memoriall because it called unto Gods remembrance this is spoken after the manner of men his covenant to accept the service of faith which his people offer to him by Christ. Hereupon it is said He remember all thy Meat-offrings Psal. 20. 4. and Thy prayers and thine almes are come-up for a Memoriall before God Acts 10. 4. So Nehemiah prayed Remember me O my God concerning this and wipe not out my kindnesses that I have done for the house of my God c. and spare mee
according to the greatnesse of thy mercy Nehem. 13. 14. 22. On the contrary the sinne and jealousy offrings had no oile nor incense because they were no offrings of memoriall but such as brought iniquity to remembrance which was not gracious nor sweet smelling before the Lord Num. 5. 15. Levit. 5. 11. of rest the Greeke saith of sweet smell and consequently acceptable as the Chaldee explaineth it an Oblation that shall be accepted with favour before the Lord. See Leviticus 1. 9. Vers. 3. Aarons to eat the same in the sanctuarie Levit. 6. 16. This is to bee understood of the Meat-offrings brought alone but the Meat and drink offrings added to other sacrifices were not to be eaten but burnt and powred all upon the altar see the annotations on Levit. 23. 13. holy of holies Hebr. holinesse of holinesses that is most holy things By this they are distinguished from other things which the Hebrew Doctors call therfore leight holy and which might be eaten out of the sanctuarie but within the host and in ages following within Ierusalem Maimony treat of offring sacrifices chap. 10. Sect. 5. and chap. 11. S. 5. Thus the Meat-offrings were in part for the maintenance and livelihood of Gods Priests Num. 18. 9. 10. and being given unto God were most holy things and figured the graces and good workes wherewith we honour Christ relieve his poore saints which are holy and acceptable sacrifices unto the Lord Phil. 4. 18. Heb. 13. 16. And being referred to Christ himselfe as he by the oblation of his owne body was our Meat-offring Psalme 40. Heb. 10. it figured our communion with him and participation of his death and resurrection by faith whereby he becommeth unto us the bread of God the bread of life that giveth us life for ever Ioh. 6. 33. 35. c. And of him his whole church which are a royall Priesthood 1 Pet. 2. 9. are made partakers Vers. 4. baked in Hebr. a baking or batche of the oven They kneaded and baked it within the sanctuarie though the wheat was ground and sifted without as Maimony in the foresaid treatise sheweth which is confirmed by Ezek. 46. 20. This is the place where the Priests shall boyle the trespasse-offring and the sin-offring where they shall bake the Meat-offring c. See also 1 Chron. 23. 28. 29. where the Levites were assistants to the Priests in preparing the Meat-offrings unlevened Heb. cakes of unlevenings that is altogether unlevened signifying sincerity and truth 1 Cor. 5. 8. see the notes on Exod. 12. mingled The cakes were thus ordered the flowre was mingled with oile and kneaded with warme water and baked and broken in peeces and put into a ministring vessell then frankincense was put upon it but no oile powred on it because it is written mingled with oile Of every tenth part of an Ephah they made ten cakes saith Maimony treat of offring the sacrif chap. 13. Sect. 8. 10. or unlevened Heb. and wafers of unlevenings anoynted c. Of this Maimony in the foresaid place saith And if they were wafers the flowre was kneaded with warme water and the wafers anoynted with oile And it seemes unto me saith he that they were anoynted after the baking There was brought a Log or halfe pinte of oile for every tenth deale of flowre and they were anoynted and anoynted againe till all the oile in the Log was ended This anoynting with oile signified the graces of Gods spirit as before is shewed which the children of God should have within and without so being both tempered and anoynted with the same of which the Apostle saith The anoynting which ye have received of the Holy one abideth in you c. 1 Ioh. 2. 27. and He that establisheth us with you in Christ and hath anoynted us is God 2 Corinthians 1. 21. Vers. 5. on a pan or on a plate or slice flat and smooth Hereof Maimony treat of offring sacrif chap. 13. Sect. 7. saith what differeth Machahath the Pan from Marchesheth the Frying-pan The Frying-pan hath a lip or edge and the past that is baked thereon is soft and for that it hath a lip it runneth not out But the pan hath no lip and the past that is baked thereon is hard so that it runs not off Moreover the Pan and the Frying-pan were in the Courtyard and both of them vessels of ministration of the holy things and the Oven of the sanctuarie was of metall Maimony ibid. chap. 12. Sect. 23. They signified vessels of Christian hearts as My heart hathfryed or boyled a good matter c. Psal. 45. 2. See the annotations on that Psalme Vers. 6. pieces or parts They haked it in the sanctuarie and cut it in pieces and put the pieces into a ministring vessell and then put upon it oile and frankincense and caried it to the Priest and the Priest caried it to the altar and brought it to the southwest horne and did as it before noted on verse 2. And for the manner of cutting he doubled the cake into two and the two into foure and divided it And all the pieces were as big as olives and if they were greater or lesser they would serve Maimony ibidem chap. 13. Sect. 12. 10. This cutting in pieces is to be understood also of the cakes baked in the oven verse 4. and in the Frying-pan verse 7. 8. and signified the same thing that the cutting in pieces of the Burnt-offeing Leviticus 1. 6. 12. Vers. 8. he shall offer that is the man that brings the gift shall present or offer it to the Priest so Sol. larchi expoundeth it the owner thereof shall offer it to the Priest and the Priest shall bring it unto the Altar Or it shall be offred to weet by thee as hee imputed Gen. 15. 6. is translated it was imputed Rom. 4. 3. See also the notes on Gen. 2. 20. and 16. 14. Vers. 9. take up or lift up which the Chaldee translateth separate the Greeke take-away a memoriall that is an handfull of the pieces thereof see before on verse 6. and 2. All Meat-offrings that are offred upon the Altar he taketh an handfull thereof and burneth it all upon the Altar and the rest is eaten by the Priests Maimony ibidem chap. 12. Sect. 9. See an Exception in Lev. 6. 23. of rest Greek of sweet smell The Chaldee translateth an offring that shall be received with favour before the Lord. Vers. 10. Holy Hebr. holinesse of holinesses that is most holy see vers 3. Vers. 11. with leven except some thank-offrings which were brought with levened bread Levit. 7. 13. Leven and honey are unlawfull to be burnt upon the altar and they are unlawfull every whit of them Levit. 2. 11. But he is not guilty except he burne them for an offring or with an offring and whether he offer them by themselves or burne them mixed hee is to be beaten for each of them by themselves Maimony in Issure mâ—zheach chap. 5. Sect. 1. old leven
13. 15. perfect in Greeke without blemish See Exod. 12. 5. and Lev. 1. 3. Vers. 2. lay or impose his hand in Greeke his hands to testifie by this signe his faith in God through Christ see the notes on Levit. 1. 4. The difference there and here the Hebrew doctors thinke to be this that ouer the Peace-offring there was no confession of sinnes but speaking words of Praise unto God and that hands might be laid on in any place of the courtyard where he would in the place where it was killed Maimony treat of offring sacrifices chap. 3. Sect. 14. 15. he that is the Priest or some other Levite shall kill it see Lev. 1. 5. It might be killed in any place of the Court Maimony ibid. chap. 5. Sect. 4. and was not restrained to the Northside of the Altar as the Burnt-offring Levit. 1. 11. For these Peace-offrings the Hebrewes call the letghter holy things to distinguish them from the Holy of holies Lev. 2. 10. sprinkle according to the manner observed on Lev. 1. 5. For the Burâ—offring Trespass-offring and Peace-offring the sprinkling of the blood of these three upon the Altar was 〈◊〉 alike Maimony treat of Offring sacrifices chap. 5. Sect. 6. It figured the sprinkling of Christs blood whereby we our words and workes are sanctified before God 1 Pet. 1. 2. Heb. 12. 24. Vers. 3. unto Iehovah wholly burnt upon the Altar unto the Lord. There were besides of every Peace-offring the Brest and the right shoulder which were waved and heaved before the Lord and given the Priests to eat whereof see Lev. 7. 30. 32. c. the other flesh of the Peace-offring was eaten by the owner that brought it and his family and friends Lev. 7. 15. 16. the fat or the su 〈…〉 This sometime signifieth the best of all things as is shewed upon Gen. 4. 4. and so teacheth to offer the best unto the Lord sometime it signifieth unbeleefe dulnesse and hardnesse of heart as 〈◊〉 is without sense Psalme 119. 70. Acts 28. 27. so the fat consumed in the fire signified the taking away of our corruptions by the spirit of Christ. And the kidneyes which are the seat of lust not the heart or braines which are the seat of wisedome and understanding were likewise burned to teach mortification of our members which are on earth fornication uncleannesse inordinate affection c. Colos. 3. 5. See the notes on Exod. 29. 13. Vers. 4. which is understand againe the fat which is upon the flankes or as the Greeke and Chaldeâ— interpret it upon the thighs so the Hebrew doctors expound it as a distinct fat from the former and say it was the fat which is in the roots of the thighes on the forepart Maimony treat of forbidden meats chap. 7. Sect. 6. Vers. 5. shall burne it The order of offring this sacrifice was the Priest killed it and sprinkled the blood and flayed it and tooke out the inwards Afterwards he cut in pieces the flesh and separated the brest and the right shoulder Levit. 7. 30. 32. and put the inwards with the brest and shoulder into the owners hands And the Priest put his hand under the owners hands and waved all before the Lord on the East side And if it were a Thank-offring Levit. 7. 12. 14. he tooke of the bread that was brought therewith one cake often and laid it with the brest shoulder and inwards and waved all upon the owners hands First he laid the fat upon the owners hands then the brest and the shoulder above And the two kidneyes and the caule of the liver above them And if there were any bread hee laid it above and so waved all After that he salted the inwards and burned all upon the Altar but the brest and the shoulder were eaten by the Priests and the remnant of the Peace-offring was eaten by the owners But the Priests might not have the brest and shoulder till the inwards were burned Likewise the bread waved with the Thank-offring was eaten by the Priests and the rest of the bread by the owners If two brought a peace-offring in partnership the one of them waved it by leave of his fellow and if they were 100. one waved for them all If the owner of the sacrifice were a woman she waved it not but the Priest A woman never waved save onely in the offring of jealousie Numbers 5. and of a Nazirite Num. 6. Maimony in treat of offring sacrif chap. 9. Sect. 6. 7. c. upon the Burnt offring that is laying it on the altar after the Burnt-offring for that alwaies had the first place Sol. Iarchi here saith this teacheth us that the daily Burnt-offring was before any other oblation It signified that wee are first to bee reconciled unto God by the death of Christ apprehended of us by faith before any oblation of ours can be acceptable to God of rest Greeke of sweet smell in the Chaldee an offring which shall be received with favour before the Lord. See Levit. 1. 9. Hereby Gods acceptation of us and of our service praiers thanksgiving c. in Christ was signified H b. 13. 15. 16. Vers. 6. of the flocke sheepe or goats as after is explained but here is no mention of fowles as was for the Burnt-offring Levit. 1. 14. The Hebrewes say Peace-offrings are brought of sheepe and of goats and of beeâ—es of males or of females of great or of small but no fowle is brought for Peace-offrings Smâ—l beasts are from eight daies old untill a complete yeere from day to day and great beasts of the herd till they be full three yeeres old from day to day and of the flocke till they be full two yeeres old from day to day if they be more then thus they are too old and may not be offred Maimony treat of Offring the sacrifice chat 1. Sect. 11. Vers. 7. a Lamb or sheepe of the first yeere as is noted on Levit. 1. implying also a sheepe of the second yeere which was lawfull to be offred as is before shewed Vers. 8. he that is the Priest or Levite shall kill it so in verse 13. see Levit. 1. 5. before the Greeke translateth at the doore of the Tent as Moses said in verse 2. so after in verse 13. and these phrases explaine one another Verse 9. whole rumpe the perfect or intire tayle which in some kinde of sheepe is very great and fat especially in those parts of the world and namely in Syria as Plinie mentioneth Hist. b. 8. c. 48. Therefore it is here commanded to be burnt upon the altar with the other fat and inwards Verse 11. the bread or the food meaning the flesh which the fire on the altar was to eat up and consume The Greeke translateth it a savour of sweet-smell so in verse 16. And because these things were burnt unto God therefore God calleth them also his bread Num. 28. 2. Ezek. 44. 7. and the Priests which burned them are said to offer the bread of
shut it up he shall be uncleane untill the evening And hee that lieth in the house shall wash his clothes and he that eateth in the house shall wash his clothes And if the Priest comming shall come in and see and behold the plague hath not spred in the house after the house was plaistered then the Priest shall pronounce the house cleane because the plague is healed And he shall take to purifie the house two birds and Cedar wood and scarlet and hysope And he shall kill the one bird in an earthen vessell over living water And hee shall take the Cedar wood and the hysope and the scarlet and the living bird and dip them in the blood of the killed bird and in the living water and he shall sprinkle the house seven times And hee shall parifie the house with the blood of the bird and with the living water and with the living bird and with the Cedar wood and with the hysope and with the scarlet And he shall let-goe the living bird out of the citie upon the face of the field and shall make-atonement for the house and it shall be cleane This is the law for every plague of leprosie and skall And for the leprosie of a garment and of an house And for a swelling and for a scab and for a bright-spot To teach in the day of the uncleane and in the day of the clean this is the law of Leprosie Annotations 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here beginneth the 28. section or lecture of the Law called in Hebrew Metsorangh that is the Leper See Gen. 6. 9. THat he shall be brought The leper dwelt without the host and in the day of his cleansing hee was brought to the utmost part of the host and in ages following to the gates of Ierusalem and the Priest went out thither to meet him and performed certaine rites for him and after that he came into the host or citie and so by degrees into the Sanctuarie as after is explained And this comming to the Priest was requisite for every leper though he were never so well healed wherefore Christ said to him whom hee had cured Goe shew thy selfe to the Priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded Matth. 8. 4. Vers. 3. be healed The Priest healed it not but looked upon it when it was healed and directed and assisted the patient in duties of thankefulnesse to God who is both the striker and the healer Deut. 32. 39. Exod. 15. 26. Neither doth the Law send the Leper to the Physician or prescribe salves or medicines to cure him but leaveth him unto the worke of Gods grace which should after bee fully manifested in Christ who himselfe tooke our infirmities and bare our sicknesses Matth. 8. 16. 17. And the rites and sacrifices following which were a profession of thankes unto God in Christ closely taught them this but the Gospell declareth the way of curing to be by faith as unto the Samaritane that was healed of his leprosie Christ said Thy faith hath made thee whole Luke 17. 19. which faith causeth Lepers though they stand a farre off to lift up their voices and cry unto Iesus for mercy Luk. 17. 12. 13. who sendeth his word and healeth them and delivereth them from their corruptions Psal. 107. 20. Matth. 10. 7. 8. For being moved with compassion hee putteth forth his hand toucheth and speaketh and immediately the leprosie departeth Mark 1. 41. 42. and so healeth he the soules of sinners that come unto him The Heb. say Leprosie is the finger of God therefore it is unlawfull to endevour to heale it c. the only healing of it is by the hand of the Priest that maketh atonement for by mercy atonement is made for iniquity Prov. 16. 6. even as uncleannesse which is not done away but by water R. Menachem on Levit. 13. This being the judgment of the Iewes themselves the Lepers whom Christ healed were a good testimonie against them that he was the son of God Matth. 8. 4. and by that and other like workes hee declared himselfe to be he that should come Matth. 11. 3 4. 5. And he is the Priest who cleanseth us all leprous sinners and bringeth us into the true Sanctuary being washed sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6. 11. Vers. 4. and he shall take the Greeke saith and they shall take speaking indefinitely of the leper or any of his friends that might procure these things for his cleansing birds whether doves or turtles commonly used in sacrifices which are called birds in Gen. 15. 9. 10. or any other cleane fowles for the scripture determineth them not otherwise then that they must be cleane such as all are save those excepted in Lev. 11. 13. c. and all that are cleane for meat are called birds in Deut. 14. 11. The Hebrew canons say of these they must bee free birds that is such as are not tame or any mans owne but at libertie to flie from place to place and as God saith he shall take them for him so they expound it they must be taken in the name of cleansing of leprosie that is designed for that purpose onely Maimony in treat of Lepr chap. 11. sect 1. These two birds of which one was killed the other let goe alive were to figure out Christ who should be killed for our offences and rise againe for our justification Rom. 4. 25. The like was figured by the two goats on expiation day Levit. 16. Cedar wood or a Cedar sticke which the Hebrewes say was to be a cubit that is a foot and an halfe long and so thicke as the square foot of a bed Maimony ibidem and Thalmud Bab. in Negagnim chap. 14. sect 6. Cedar wood rotteth not the pitch that runneth out of it is said to keepe dead bodies from corrupting but corrupteth living bodies and it us good against the Leprosie and other foule ulcers Plinie hist. lib. 24. cap. 5. and Dioscorides l. 1. 〈◊〉 89. scarlet this the Iewes say was wooll died in scarlet or crimsin colour and so the Apostle in an other like case calleth it scarlet wooll Heb. 9. 19 and there was to be of it a shekel weight which weighed 320. graines of barley Maimony ibidem This scarlet colour resembled Christs blood and the essicacie therof in the soule restoring the naturall lively colour and vigour which the pale white leprosie of sinne had done away hysope or hyssope whereof see the notes on Exod. 12. 22. This was for length not to be lesse then an hand-bredth and they say it might not be Greeke hysope nor Roman hysope nor wilde hysope nor any other sort that was surnamed by the place but the common hysope that grew in gardens Talmud in Negagnim chap. 14. sect 6. These two plants were the greatest and the smallest that grew and so the Cedar is opposed to the bysope 1 King 4. 33. The Cedar that will not rot
you from other peoples A man must not apparell himselfe with the apparell that is peculiar unto them nor let the locks of his head grow like the lockes of their heads nor shave off the sides and leave the haire in the midst as they doe c. nor build places as they build temples for idolatrie c. Maimony treat of Idolatrie ch 11. sect 1. Vers. 4. my statutes that is mine onely as him thou shalt serve Deut. 6. 13. is expounded by our Saviour him onely thou shalt serve Matt. 4. 10. It meaneth also all my statutes Deutero 12. 32. and so The words of this law Deut. 27. 26. is explained by the Apostle all things which are written in the booke of the law Ga. 3. 10. therfore in the next verse here the Greeke version addeth And ye shall keepe all my statutes Of this it is said Iehovah who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arme him shall ye feare and him shall yee worship and to him shall yee doe sacrifice and the Statutes and the jugdements and the Law and commandement which he wrote for you yee shall observe to doe for evermore and yee shall not feare other Gods and the Covenant which I have made with you yee shall not forget c. 2 King 17. 36. 38. By this therefore God forbiddeth them all mens inventions Eccles. 7. 29. the works of their owne hands Ier. 25. 6. and the statutes of the Kings of Israel which they after made without the commandement of the Lord. 2 King 17. 8. Mat. 6. 16. Vers. 5. shall live by them or in them that is shal have eternall life of God for doing them and so the Chaldee paraphraseth hee shall live by them to life eternall and as Solomon Iarchi saith in the world that is to come This and the like promises elsewhere as in Ezek. 20. 13. are legall and differ from the promises of the Gospell as the Apostle observeth saying The just shall live by faith and the Law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live by them Gal. 3. 11. 12. and againe For Moses describeth the justice which is of the Law that the man which doth them shall live by them alledging the very words of this text according to the Greeke version but the justice which is of faith speaketh on this wise Say not in thine heart who shall goe up to heaven c. That if thou shalt confesse with thy mouth that Iesus is the LORD and shalt beleeve in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved Rom. 10. 5. 9. Vers. 6. None of you Heb. Man man yee shall not approach that is not any man To approach or come neere is used for carnall copulation as in Gen. 20. 4. Abimelech had not come neere unto her So in Ezek. 18. 6. and Esa. 8. 3. I approached unto the Prophetesse and she conceived c. Moreover from this word approach the Hebrewes comparing herewith the 30. v. doe say Who so commeth to any of these nakednesses the unlawfull copulations following either by way of copulation or that imbraceth or kisseth by way of lust any of his kinne is to be beaten by the Law For the meaning is yee shall not approach unto the things which may bring you unto the uncovering of their nakednesse And it is unlawfull for a man to make signes with hand foot or eye as Prov. 6. 13. to any of these or to sport with her or to gaze on her beautie c. Maimony in Issure biah chap. 21. sect 1. 2. neere-kin The Hebrew Sheer signifieth flesh Psal. 73. 26. Prov. 5. 11. and 11. 17. And as Basar flesh is sometime used for kindred Gen. 29. 14. so is Sheer in this case of mariage and copulation and so by the Chaldee and Greeke it is translated neere and neere-of kinne nakednesse that is the secrets or shamefull part of the body whereof since sinne came on mankinde we are most ashamed therfore the Greeke translateth it shame or uncomelinesse which also the holy Ghost alloweth in Rev. 16. 15. and in Rev. 3. 18. it is called the shame of nakednesse To uncover nakednesse here meaneth carnall copulation and incest not onely out of maried estate but also unlawfull and incestuous mariages The Hebrewes say Whatsoever copulation is forbidden in the Law for which one is guilty of cutting off and which are spoken of in Levit. 18. they are called Nakednesses and every one of them is called incest or nakednesse as with mother or sister or daughter and the like Maimony treat of Wives chap. 1. sect 5. Vers. 7. of thy father and the nakednesse of thy mother This is one fact but a double sinne for by uncovering the fathers nakednesse is meant the lying with his wife as Levit. 20. 11. and as after in verse 8. and in verse 14. the uncovering of the uncles nakednesse is expounded the approaching unto his wife The Hebrewes say Hee that lieth with his mother and shee his fathers wife is double guility whether it bee while his father is living or after his death once for that she is his mother and againe for that she is his fathers wife Maimony in Issureibiah chap. 2. sect 2. It may also be thus spoken to imply the woman with her father as the man with his mother and so Ionathan in his Targum here paraphraseth The woman shall not lye with her father and the man shall not ly with his mother V. 8. thy fathers wife though shee be not thine owne mother but mother in law This was Reubens sinne who lay with Bilhah his fathers concubine Gen. 35. 22. It was a sinne infamous among the heathens 1 Cor. 5. 1. The Hebrew canons say A mans fathers wife and his sonnes wife and his brothers wife and his fathers brothers wife these foure are a nakednesse unto him that is unlawfull for him for ever whether they be of the betrothed or of the maried be they divorsed or not divorsed bee their husbands alive or dead except it bee his brothers wife who hath left no childe at his death Deut. 25. 5. And if he lye with any one of them whiles her husband is alive he is double guilty in respect that she is of his neere kinne and againe for that she is another mans wife Maimony in â—ssureibiah chap. 2. sect 1. it is thy fathers nakednesse that is it belongeth to him onely to uncover the same Vers. 9. whether she be borne at home c. Hebr. of the birth or kindred of the house or home or of the birth abroad which the Chaldee expoundeth thus which is begotten by the father of an other woman or of thy mother by an other man The Hebrew canons further explaine it thus whether shee be his sister by his father or by his mother either in maried estate or by fornication as if his mother or his father have committed whordome with others
grapes which remain afterward are 〈◊〉 for any man c. Maim in Mattanoth gnan chap. 1. sect 9. 10. 11. I am Iehovah by whose commandement this law was stablished in Israel to the end that they might remember their owne poverty and bondage which they indured in Egypt and that by doing these works of mercy the Lord might blesse them in all the work of their hands Which reasons M ses rendteth of this precept in Dent. 24. 19. 22. Vers 11. not steale see the notes on Exod. 20. 15. In that he speaketh as to many ye shall not Chazkuni here gathereth that he that seeth one steale 〈◊〉 holdeth his peace he also stealeth as doth the principal in the theft falsly-deny in Greeke not lye it is a generall word for lying or denying of things in respect either of God as Prov. 30. 9. or of men as Lev. 6. 2. And unto this latter of denying other mens goods that are in their hand doe the Hebrewes referre this prohibition Maimony rom 3. treat of Oathes ch 1. s. 8. deale falsly or lye in violating covenants as Gen. 21. 23. Psal. 44. 18. or swearing falsly or any other way Ver. 12. to falshood or falsly in Greek to an unjust thing The contrary is required Thou shalt sweare the Lord liveth in Truth in Iudgement and in Instice Ierem. 4. 2. And Gods Name is of large signification as is noted on Exod. 20. 7. so that whether one use any of Gods proper names or describe him by other words as hee that liveth for ever bee that created heaven and earth c. as Rev. 10. 6. or any the like it is a full oath And by swea 〈…〉 is understood cursing also which is of the same nature as in Gen. 24. 8. 41. the same thing is called an 〈◊〉 and a curse or exsecration So the He 〈…〉 canons say Whether one sweare by Gods proper name or by any of his surnames as by him whose 〈◊〉 is Gracious or whose name is Mercisull or any the like an any language loe it is a full oath And so an 〈◊〉 and a curse is an oath As when a man saith Cursed 〈◊〉 be of the Lord or of him whose name is Gra 〈…〉 Mercifull who soever hath eaten this thing and himselfe hath eaten it loe he hath sworne falsly Likewise 〈◊〉 that saith nay nay twise by way of oath or yea yea and mentioneth Gods name or surname loe it is as if he 〈◊〉 sworne And so hee that promiseth I will not doe this or that and mentioneth Gods name or surname it is an oath Maimony in Misneh tom 3. treat of O 〈…〉 es ch 2. sect 2. c. not Profane or pollute but contrariwise shalt sanctifie it as Levit. 22. 32. The wordnet in the former branch is here againe necessarily understood as often in the scripture and so the Greeke version addeth it ye shall not profane By this not onely false but rash vaine unadvised needlesse oathes and all other abuses of Gods name are forbidden as is noted on Exodus 20. 7. The Hebrews say Although he that sweareth vainly or falsly bebeaten by the Magistrate and being a sacrifice to the Priest yet is there not a 〈…〉 made thereby for all the iniquity of his oath for it is written in Exodus 20. 7. the Lord will not hold him innocent he is not freed from the judgement of the God of heaven untill bee have his payment from him for the great Name which he hath profaned as it 〈◊〉 written Thou shalt not profane the name of the Lord thy God I am the Lord. Therefore a man must beware of this iniquity more then of all transgressions This is me of the heavy iniquities although for it there bee as eutting off nor death by the Magistrates yet is 〈◊〉 in it a profanation of the holy Name which is greater then all iniquities It is necessary to warne children much and to teach their tongues the words of truth without swearing that they fall not into a custome to sweare continually as doe the heathens And this thing 〈…〉 eth as a dury upon their parents and upon school 〈…〉 sters And it is a great good thing for a man 〈◊〉 to sweare at all Maimony treat of Oathes ch 12. sect 1. 2. 8. 12. Accordingly are wee to understand the doctrine of our Saviour when hee saith S 〈…〉 not at all Mart. 5. 34. Whereby he forbiddeth not the lawfull use of oathes commanded of God Deut. 6. 13. but all abuse in common speech which was and is accustomed most sinfully to the high dishonor of God Vers. 13. fraudulently-oppresse in Greeke doe 〈…〉 or injurie This word signifieth to oppresse by 〈◊〉 the next to oppresse-by-violence see the 〈◊〉 Lev. 6. 2. Both these did Iohn the Baptist 〈…〉 bid unto the souldiers Luk. 3. 14. rob or violently-oppresse and plucke-by-force as it is said of Benâ—jah he plucked the speare out of the Egyptians 〈◊〉 2 Sam. 23. 21. For these sinnes fraudulent 〈…〉 and robbery the Prophets doe often blame Israel Ezek. 22. 29. Ier. 22. 3. Esay 3. 14. Eccles. 4. 1. Psal. 62. 11. It commeth from covetousnesse as is said they covet fields and take them by rapine Mich. 2. 2. and proceedeth unto murder as he that is greedy-of-gaine taketh away the life of the owners thereof Prov. 1. 19. The Hebrewes say Who so desireth his neighbours house wife goods or any other thing which it is possible for him to get of him when he hath thought in his heart how he might get that thing and his heart is allured with the thing he transgresseth this Law Thou shalt not desire Deut. 5. 21. and Desire is not but in the bea rt onely Desire bringeth a man to Coveting and Covetize bringeth him to Robbery For if the owners will not sell the thing though he would give a great price then falleth he to rapine Mic. 2. 2. And if the owners stand up against him to rescue their goods or to forbid him to rob then he falleth to shedding of blood Goe and learne by the fact of Achab and Naboth Loe thou maist learne that he which Desireth transgresseth one prohibition and he that getteth the thing which he desireth by importuning the owners or requesting it of them transgresseth two prohibitions therefore it is written Thon shalt not Covet and Thou shalt not Desire And if he take it by robbery he transgresseth three prohibitions And who so robbeth his neighbour of the worth of a farthing is as if he tooke his life from him Prov. 1. 19. Maimony in treat of Robbery ch 1. s. 10. c. If a man finde and keepe backe a thing which his neighbor hath lost he transgresseth also this Law as is noted on Deut. 22. 1. the worke that is the wages for the worke as the Greeke translateth it wages So in Iob. 7. 2. an hireling looketh for his worke that is for the reward of his worke and in Ier. 22. 13. Woe unto him c. that
useth his neighbours service for nought and giveth him not his worke that is his wages So Christ saith My worke is with my God Esay 49. 4. that is my reward and these two are joyned as belonging to the same as the Lords reward is with him and his worke before him Esay 40. 10. that is his recompence for worke This is a particular instance of the foresaid oppression as Moses after sheweth saying Thou shalt not fraudulently-oppress an hired servant c. at his day thou shalt give him his hire Deut. 24 14. 15. So in Malac. 3. 5. where God threatneth judgement for this sin See more in the notes on Deut. 24. V. 14. not curse or as the Greeke translateth not speake evill of the deafe or not revile as in Exod. 22. 28. is spoken of the Magistrates here it is spoken of the deafe who cannot hear nor thereat be offended so by proportion it is meant of all other even of enemies as Blesse your persecutors blesse and curse not Romans 12. 14. By the Hebrew canons if a man cursed not a ruler onely but any one of Israel bee was to bee beaten which they grounded upon this Law Thou shalt not ourse the deafe and wherefore mentioneth he the deafe For that though it bee one that heareth not neither is grieved for the curse yet is he to be beaten for his cursing Hee that curseth any of Israel man or woman great or small he is once beaten and if he curse a Iudge he is twise beaten and if he curse the Ruler or Prince he is thrise beaten He that curseth himselfe is beaten as he that curseth others for it is written in Deut. 4. 9. Take heed to thy self keep thy soule Mai. in Sanbedrin c. 26. s. 1. 2. 3. not put Hebr. not give a stumbling-blocks or as the Greeke translateth it a scandall which as it should not bee before the blind so neither before any as it is written let no man put a stumbling-blocks or a scandall in his brothers way Rom. 14. 13. and Woe unto the world because of scandals Mat. 18. 7. Generally this forbiddeth all occasion of errour or fall unto any especially to the blinde and ignorant for Cursed is he that maketh the blinde to erre out of the way Deut. 27. 18. And as the soule is more precious then the body so the sinne is greater to put a scandall of sinne or stumbling-blocke of iniquitie before the consciences of the weake or ignorant Rom. 14. 13. and 16. 17. 1 Cor. 8. 9. 13. Rev. 2. 14. Sol. Iarchi expoundeth Moses thus Before him that is blinde in a matter doe not give such counsell as is unmeet for him Vers. 15. unrighteousness or injurious evill it is a generall word for all in justice either in heart as Psalme 58. 3. or with mouth as Mal. 2. 6. Iob 27. 4. Esay 59. 3. or with hand and act Psalm 7. 4. Ezek. 18. 8. and applied sometime in speciall to unrighteousnesse in judgment as here and in Psal. 82. 2. All that doe this are an abomination to the Lord Deut. 25. 16. respect the person or lift up or accept the face which is to shew favour and to grant ones request which sometime is taken in the good part as is noted on Gen. 19. 21. and may be observed in 2 King 3. 14. Lam. 4. 16. but in cases of judgement it usually denoteth partiall cariage and respect of one mans face or person more then of anothers which God forbiddeth here and in Deut. 16. 19. Prov. 18. 5. Iob. 13. 10. Psal. 58. 3. Iam. 2. 1. 9. of the poore though in respect of his poverty he may seeme to bee pitied yet God would have all partiality in judgement to be avoided honour the person or countenance the person or face of the great as in Exod. 23. 3. wee are forbidden to countenance or honour the poore The Gr. translateth Thaumases which properly is to admire but used for honorable-respect as is noted on Gen. 19. 21. in justice or with righteousnes Of this see the annotations on Deut. 16. 18. Vers. 16. not walke a talebearer or calumniator or not walke with talebearing and crimination The Hebrew Rokel properly signifieth a merchant or traffiquer up down with spices or other things 1 Kings 10. 15. Ezek. 27. 15. 17. 22. 23. Whereupon Rakil the word here used is a talebearer or accuser that maketh merchandise as it were of words uttering them as wares going from place to place to heare and to spread-abroad criminations of other men His propertie is described to be a revealer of secrets Prov. 1â— 13. and 20. 19. his end to shed blood Ezek. 22. 9. yet pretending friendship and good neighbourhood Ierm 9. 4. 5. Wherfore the Greeke translateth it here Thou shal not walke with guile and in Prov. 11. 13. and 20. 19. he is called in Greek double-tongued The Holy Ghost in the new Testament seemeth to call him in Greeke Diabolos that is a false-accuser calumniator or make-bate 2 Tim. 3. 3. 1 Tim. 3. 1â— and so Aquila an ancient Greeke interpreter translateth Rakil Diabolos in Prov. 11. 13. And to this the Chaldee version agreeth saying Thou shalt not dâ—vâ—lge accusations or criminations among thy people Which phrase is used in Dan. 6. 24. of those men which made accusations against Daniel there translated in Greek Diaboliontas Hereupon Diabolâ—s the Devill hath his name of calumniating and accusing the brethren Rev. 12. 9. 10. whom the Syriake in Matt. 4. and other places calleth a Divulger of accusations or criminations So that the Hebrew Rakil is in Greeke Diabolos in English a Calumniator 〈◊〉 Make-bate a Devill as Iudas is called a Devil Iohn 6. 70. Therefore this sin is great when it spred in Israel that they w th their other sins walked as talebearers they were called reprobate silver because the Lord had rejected them Ier. 6. 28. 30. The Hebrew doctors explain it thus He that backbiteth his neighbour transgresseth against this Law Thou shalt not walke a talebearer among thy people Levit. 19. and though they bee not beaten for this thing yeâ— it is a great iniquitie and occasioned the killing of many soules of Israel therefore this is joyned next unto it Thou shalt not stand against the blood of thy neighbour Levit. 19. 16. Goe and learne what befe 〈…〉 unto Dâ—â—g the Edomite Psalme 52. 1 Samuel 22. 9. 19 Who is a Talebearer Rakil Hee that is loden with words and goeth from one to another and saith Thus said such a one or Thus have I heard of such a one although the thing be true yet such a man marreth the whole world Maimony in Misneh tom 1. in Degnoth chap. 7. sect 1. 2. And as this Law immediately followeth the former about the Iudges so the Hebrewes apply this precept unto theÌ„ saying It is unlawfull for any of the Iudges when he goeth out from the judgement hall to say I am hee that doth 〈…〉 quit or condemne and
hee seeketh not to save a soule from death as Iam. 5. 20. therefore God will require his blood at his hand as Ezekiel 3. 18. It may also be Englished suffer not sinne upon him that is leave him not in his sinne unreproved And as a man may â—eare sinne for his brother by leaving him unrebuked so for not reproving him in good sort and in love but in bitternesse and to his reproach And thus the Hebrewes apply it saying He that rebuketh his neighbour first let him not speake unto him hard words to make him ashamed for it is written AND BEARE NOT SINNE FOR HIM c. Hereby a man is forbidden to shame an Israelite how much more if it be in publike Our wise men have said he that maketh his neighbours face ashamed publikely shall have no inheritance in the world to come Therefore a man must be warned that he put not his neighbour to shame publikely bee he small or great nor call him by a name whereof hee is ashamed c. whereby is meant in matters that are betweene a man and his neighbour But in matters of the God of heaven if he convert not in secret they are to make him ashamed publikely and divulge his sin put him to reproach openly despise set him at â—ought untill he returne unto well doing as all the Prophets in Israel did unto such Maim in Degnoth ch 6. s. 8. Vers. 18. not avenge The Greek translaceth Let not thy hand revenge The Apostle openeth it thus Beloved avenge not your selves but give place unto wrath for it is written Uengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord Rom. 12. 19. Hereupon David said to Saul The Lord avenge me of thee but mine hand shall not be upon thee 1 Sam. 24. 12. so Ierem. 15. 15. And Solomon saith Say not thou I will recompence evill wait on the Lord and he will save thee Prov. 20. 22. What vengeance is is shewed in Ier. 50. 15. Take vengeance or her as she hath done doe unto her The Hebrewes say He that avengeth himself on his neighbour transgresseth the Law Levit. 19. 18. and although he is not to be beaten by the Magistrate for it yet it is a very great evill Avenging is thus as when a man would borrow an axe of his neighbour or the like and he refuseth to lend it him on the morrow his neighbour hath need to borrow an axe of him and he saith I will not lend it thee because thou wouldest not lend mee when I would have borrowed of thee this is vengeance But when he commeth to borrow he should give it him with a perfect heart and not reward him as hee hath done to him and so in all like cases And so David with a goodminde said in Psal. 7. 5 If I have rewarded evill to him that had peace with me yea I have released my distresser without cause Maim in Degnoth c. 7. s. 7. nor keep to weet injurie in minde that is not beare grudge or not observe the sonnes of thy people which is spoken of such as would seeme to forgive but will not forget wrong or unkindnesse The Greeke translateth thou shalt not be angry or beare inveterate displeasure the Chaldee thou shalt not keep enmity So God is said to take vengeance on his adversaries to keepe wrath for his enemies Nahum 1. 2. but to his people not so Ier. 3. 12. Psal. 103. 9. whose example herein we are to follow Matth. 5. 48. The Hebrewes explaine it by a similitude thus As if Reuben say to Simeon hire mee this house or lend mee this oxe and Simeon will not After a time Simeon commeth to Reuben to borrow or hire of him and Reuben saith Lâ—e I lend it thee and I will not doe as thou didst I will not repay thee according to thy deedes Hee that doth thus transgresseth this Law THOV SHALT NOT KEEPE but he should blot the thing out of his heart and not keepe it For all the while that be keepeth the thing and remembreth it he is in danger to fall unto revenging Therefore the Law cutteth off this keeping in minde untill he put the injurie out of his heart and remember it not at all Maimony in Degnoth c. 7. s. 8. Chazkuni also explaineth it thus Thou shalt not avenge in worke thou shalt not keepe in thought as thy selfe This is the Second of the two great commandements which our Saviour saith is like unto the first Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart c. and on these two commandements hang all the Law and the Prophets Matth. 22. 37. 40. For this thou shalt not commit adulterie Thou shalt not kill Thou shalt not steale Thou shalt not beare false witnesse Thou shalt not covet and if there be any other commandement it is briefly comprehended in this word namely Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy selfe Rom. 13. 9. To this we may adde the Hebrewes testimony LOVE THY NEIGHBOVR AS THY SELFE this is the great universall precept in the Law R. Azai said unto him IN THE IMAGE OF GOD MADE HE HIM this is an universall rule greater then it that a man should not say forasmuch as I am despised my neighbour shall be despised with me R. Thancuma answered if thou dost so know whom thou despisest for loe hee that loveth his neighbour who is made in the Image of God loveth the blessed God himselfe and honoureth him R. Menachem on Levit. 19. Another writeth thus Every man is commanded to love every one of Israel as his owne body Levit. 19. 18. Therefore he must speake in his commendation and spare his goods as he would spare his owne goods and as be would his owne honour And hee that honoureth himselfe by the dishonour of his neighbour he hath no inheritance in the world to come Maimony in Degnoth chap. 6. sect 3. Vers. 19. my statutes in Greeke my law This is here repeated lest the ordinances following which may seeme to be small should bee neglected Or as this word Statute or Decree is sometime used for Gods ordinances in nature bounding and limiting things Psal. 148. 6. Iob 26. 10. and 38. 33. Prov. 8. 29. so here hee may intend the same that his naturall ordinances for the distinct kindes of things should not be violated let thy catted or cause thy beast of any sort The Hebrewes say He that causeth the male to ingender with the female which is not of the same kinde whether it be of cattell or wilde-beast or fowle yea though it bee of the kindes of wilde-beasts that are in the sea he is to be beaten of the Magistrates by the Law in every place whether it be within the land of Israel or without the same Levit. 19. 19. and whether it be a beast or fowle of his owne or of his neighbours Who so transgresseth and causeth heâ— beast to ingender with another kinde that which is bred of them is lawfull for use And
same that was in verse 27. and may imply the male as well as the female that neither of them might be killed with their yong in one day but the Greeke and Chaldee versions apply these things to the female The Hebrewes say The prohibition concerning IT AND THE YONG THEREOF is of force concerning the female for it may be certainly knowne that it is her yongling and if it be certainly knowne that this beast was the father of it they doe not kill them both in one day but if he kill them he is not beaten for the thing is doubtfull whether it be of force concerning the males or not Maimony tom 2. in Shechitach ch 12. sect 11. or sheepe or goat or any cleane beast which was lawfull to bee eaten for commmon meat This prohibition hath not place but concerning cleane beasts only it is of force even for mixtures of diverse kinds as if a Roe engender with a Goat or a Goat with a Roe it is unlawfull to kill it and the yong in one day Maimony in Shechitah ch 12. sect 8. it and the yong Hebrew and the son The Hebrew also speaketh as of the male him and his son but the Greeke and Chaldee translate her and her son not kill either for sacrifice to God or for common food The Hebrewes doe so explaine it saying He that killeth it and the yong thereof in one day the flesh is lawfull to be eaten but the killer is to be beaten Lev. 22. 28. And he is not beaten but for the killing of the latter therefore if hee kill the one of the two and his fellow come and kill the other his fellow is to be beaten The prohibition concerning it and the yong thereof is of force at all times and in all places for common beasts and for sanctified whether they be holy things that are to be eaten or not to bee eaten Therefore if the first kill in the court of the sanctuary and the second without or the first without and the second within the court whether they be both common or both holy or one common and the other holy he that killeth the later is to bee beaten as for killing IT AND THE YONG THEROF The prohibition is not but for the killing onely as it is said YE SHALL NOT KILL c. He that killeth a cow and afterward killeth two of her yong is to beaten with two beatings if he kill her two yong-ones and afterward killeth her he is beaten but once If he kill her and her yong and her yonglings yong hee is beaten twice If two men receive two beasts the one the damme and the other the yong and they come for judgement he that received the first killeth first and the other must stay till the morrow Maim in Shechitah c. 12. s. 1. 2. 3. 12. 13. Compare herewith the Law in Deut. 22. 6. where the bird with her yong or eggs may not bee taken together It shewed Gods mercie to the creatures in that he would not have the dam and the yong killed in a day so Targum Ionathan paraphraseth on this Law thus My people the sons of Israel as our father is mercifull in heaven so be ye mercifull on earth a cow or an ewe it and the yong thereof ye shall not slay in one day in one day of this the Hebrews say the day goeth after the night as if he kill the first in the beginning of the fourth night hee may not kill the second till the beginning of the fift night And so if he kill the first in the end of the fourth day before evening he may kill the second in the beginning of the fift night But if be 〈◊〉 the first in the evening of the fift night hee may not k 〈…〉 the second till the sixt night Maimony in Shechitah ch 12. sect 17. Vers. 29. of confession or of thanksgiving which was a kind of peace offring see Lev. 7. 12. Vers. 30. untill the morning If it were kept longer then the time appointed of God it became polluted was to be consumed with fire and might not be eaten upon paine of Gods wrath upon them for such iniquitie Levit. 7. 18. See the annotations there as also on Exod. 12. 10. Vers. 31. I am Iehovah Targum Ionathan explaineth it thus I am the Lord who will give a good reward to them that keepe my preceptss and my lawes Vers. 32. not prophane Gods name is prophaned or polluted by the wilfull presumptuous breach of any one of all his commandements as the Hebrew Doctors teach from this and other like places see the notes on Exod. 20. 7. Levit. 18. 21. and 19. 12. doe sanctifie you God the soleâ—thor of our sanctification doth this in Christ by his Spirit 1 Corinth 1. 2. and 6. 11. the outward means wherof is his word and ordinances of the same Iohn 17. 17. Ephes. 5. 26. And these legall ordinances which stood in meats and drink and divers washings and carnall rites imposed on them untill the time of reformation sanctified unto the purifying of the flesh Hebrewes 9. 10. 13. but the blood of Christ who through the eternall Spirit offred him-selfe without blemish unto God is it which purg 〈…〉 our conscience from dead workes to serve the 〈◊〉 God Hebrewes 9. 14. and 10. 10. and by one offring he hath perfected for ever them which are sanctified Heb. 10 14. CHAP. XXXIII 1 The feasts of the Lord. 3 The Sabbath 4 The Passeover and unlevened-cakes 9 The sheafe of first-fruits 15 The feast of Pentecost 22 Gleanings to be left for the poore 23 The feast of Trumpets 16. The day of Atonement 33 The feast of Tabernacles ANd Iehoah spake unto Moses saying Speake unto the sonnes of Israel and say unto them The solemne-feasts of Iehovah those which ye shall proclaime convocations of holines these are my solemne-feasts Six dayes shall worke be done but in the seventh day shall be a Sabbath of sabbatisme a convocation of holinesse ye shall not doe any worke it shall be a Sabbath to Iehovah in all your dwellings These are the solemne-feasts of Iehovah convocations of holinesse those which ye shall proclaime in their appointed-season In the first moneth in the fourteenth day of the moneth betweene the two-evenings shall be the Passeover to Ieovah And in the fifteenth day of the same moneth shall bee the feast of unlevened cakes unto Iehovah seven daies yee shall eate unlevened cakes In the first day ye shall have a convocation of holinesse yee shall not doe any servile-worke But ye shall offer a Fyre offring unto Iehovah seven daies in the seventh day shall be a convocation of holinesse yee shall not doe any servile worke And Iehovah spake unto Moses saying Speake unto the sonnes of Israel and say unto them When ye be come into the land which I give unto you and shall reape the harvest thereof then ye shall bring a sheaf the first-fruit of your harvest unto the Priest
And hee shall wave the sheafe before Iehovah for your favourable-acceptation-on the morrow after the sabbath the Priest shall wave it And yee shall offer in the day that you wave the sheafe an hee-lambe perfect of his first yeare for a Burnt-offring unto Iehovah And the Meat-offring thereof shall be two tenth deales of fine flowre mingled with oile a Fire offring to Iehovah a savour of rest and the drink-offring thereof shall be wine the fourth part of an Hin And ye shall not eat bread or parched corne or green-eares untill this self same day untill ye have brought the oblation of your God it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings And ye shall number unto you from the morrow after the sabbath from the day that ye brought the sheafe of the wave offring seven sabbaths they shal be complete Vntill on the morrow after the seventh Sabbath ye shall number fifty dayes and ye shall offer a new Meat-offring unto Iehovah Out of your habitations ye shall bring bread for a wave offring two loaves of two tenth-deales they shal be of fine-flowre they shall be baken with leaven they are the first-fruits 〈…〉 o Iehovah And yee shall offer with the bread seven hee-lambes perfect of the first yere and one bullock a yongling of the herd and two rams they shall be a burnt-offring unto Iehovah their Meat-offring their drink-offrings a Fire offring of a savour of rest unto Iehovah And yee shall offer one goat-buck of the goats for a sin offring and two hee-lambes of the first yere for a sacrifice of Peace-offrings And the priest shall wave-them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave-offring before Iehovah with the two lambes holines shall they be unto Iehovah for the Priest And ye shall proclaime in this selfe same day a convocation of holines shall it be unto you ye shal not doe any servile worke it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations And when you reape the harvest of your land thou shalt not wholly-rid the corner of thy field when thou reapest neither shalt thou gleane the gleaning of thy harvest thou shalt leave them for the poore and for the stranger I am Iehovah your God And Iehovah spake unto Moses saying Speak unto the sons of Israel saying In the seventh moneth in the first day of the moneth ye shall have a Sabbatisme a memorial of blowing of trumpets a convocation of holines Ye shall not do any servile worke but ye shall offer a Fire offring unto Iehovah And Iehovah spake unto Moses saying Also in the tenth day of this seveÌ„th moneth it shall be a day of Atonements a convocation of holines shal it be unto you and ye shal afflict your soules shall offer a fire offring unto Iehovah And ye shall not do any work in that same day for it is a day of atonemeÌ„ts to make atonement for you before Iehovah your God For every soule that shall not be afflicted in the seventh day he shall even be cut-off from his peoples And every soule that shall do any work in this self same day I will even destroy that soule from among his people Yee shall not doe any worke it shall bee a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings It shall be unto you a Sabbath of sabbatisme and yee shall afflict your souls in the ninth day of the moneth in the evening from evening unto evening ye shall rest your Sabbath And Iehovah spake unto Moses saying Speake unto the sons of Israel saying In the fifteenth day of this seventh moneth shall be the feast of Boothes seven dayes unto Iehovah In the first day shall bee a convocation of holines ye shall not doe any servile worke Seven daies ye shall offer a Fire-offring unto Iehovah in the eight day a convocation of holinesse shall be unto you and ye shall offer a Fire offring unto Iehovah it is a solemne-assembly yee shall not do any servile worke These are the solemne feasts of Iehovah those which ye shall proclaime convocations of holinesse to offer a Fire offring unto Iehovah a Burnt-offring and a Meat-offring a sacrifice and drink-offrings the thing of a day in his day Beside the Sabbathes of Iehovah and beside your gifts and beside all your vowes and beside all your voluntary offrings which yee shall give unto Iehovah Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh moneth when yee have gathered-in the revenue of the land yee shall festivally-keep the feast of Iehovah seven daies in the first day shal be a sabbatisme and in the eight day a sabbatisme And yee shall take unto you in the first day the fruit of goodly trees boughes of Palme-trees and branches of thick trees and willowes of the brooke and ye shall reioyce before Iehovah your God seuen daies And yee shall festivally keepe it a feast unto Iehovah seven daies in the yeare it shall bee a statute for ever throughout your generations in the seventh moneth shall yee festivally-keepe it Ye shall dwell in Boothes seven daies every home-borne in Israel shal dwell in Boothes That your generations may know that I made the sons of Israel to dwell in boothes when I brought them out from the land of Egypt Iam Iehovah your God And Moses declared the solemne-feasts of Iehovah unto the sons of Israel Annotations SOlemne feasts The Hebrew Mâ—gned is generally a set-time or season Gen. 1. 14. 1 Sam. 13. 8. but applyed here and often to the solemne feasts in Israel which were appointed of God at their set-times in the yeere The Greeke here and in many other places translateth it Heorte a Feast somtime Paneguris a Generall-assembly both which words Paul useth in Col. 2. 26. Heb. 12. 23. The Lord having given lawes before concerning the sanctity of his Church doth now give order for the times and manner of publike professing and exercising holy duties appertaining to sanctification of shewing thankfulnes joy for former benefits with expectatioÌ„ of greater to come by Christ. shall proclaime or shall call convocations of holinesse that is holy convocations or meetings to boâ—sed for nourishment of faith and godlinesse all which now have their accomplishment in Christ Col. 2. 16. 17. V. 3. shall worke be done in Grâ—hou shalt do 〈◊〉 that is all thy works that thou hest to do as Ex 20 9 of Sabbatisme that is of resting in Gr. a rest see the notes on Ex. 16. 23. Thus the weekly Sabbâ—th 〈◊〉 are the first of the Lords solemne feasts and called his holy daies which should be of us called a delight and honourable Esay 58. 13. See Exod 20 8. 9. 10. any worke for other feasts the prohibitio 〈…〉 any servile worke ver 7. 8. 21. 25. 35. 36. But for the Sabbach day and the day of Atonement v. 28. 30. he for biddeth all manner of worke the rest was to be greater for on other
feast daies they might doe such worke as pertained to the dressing 〈◊〉 meat and drink Exod. 12. 16. but â—n the Sabbâ—â—â— and day of Atonement they might not doe any such Ex. 16. 23. Lev. 16. 29. See after on v. 7. The Hebrewes say The ceasing from work on the seveâ—e day is commanded Exod. 34. 21. and who so doth 〈◊〉 therein disanulleth a commandement and trans 〈…〉 seth against a prohibition Exod. 20. 10. And if 〈…〉 work willingly presumptuously he is guilty of 〈◊〉 off and if there be witnesses and proofe of it he is to â—â—stoned And if he doe it ignorantly hee is bound to bring the Sin-offring appointed of God Lev. 4. Maiâ—â—â—â— 1. treat of the Sabbath c. 1. s. 1. to Iâ—hovah â—o his honour and service not to any work w 〈…〉 pleasure of our owne Esay 58. 13. Therefore also moe sacrifices were to be offeâ—ed on the Sabbath then on other daies Num. 28. 3. 9. 10. The Chaâ—dee translateth before the Lord. your dwellings the other feasts were especially to bee kept before the Sanctuarie of the Lord whither all the men of Israel were to assemble Ex. 23. 14. 17. Deut. 16. 〈◊〉 6. 16. but the Sabbaths were to be sanctified in all places where they dwelt in the Synagogue 〈…〉 in every citie Act. 15. 21. V. 4. convocations of holinesse the Gr. translateth Feasts to the Lord called holy that is holy by calling orproclamation Hereupon the Hebr. say As we are commanded in honour the Sabbath and delight 〈◊〉 so all good dayes that is festivities as it is 〈◊〉 in Esay 58. 13. THE HOLIE day OF THE LORD HONOVRABLE and of all good d 〈…〉 is said a CONVOCATION OF HOLINES Maimony tom 1. in Iem toâ— ch 6. sect 16. V. 5. first moneth called Abib and Nisan which was made the first upon their comming out of Egypt see Exod. 12 2. and 13. 3. 4. So in Taâ—gâ—m lonathan it is here said In the moneth of N 〈…〉 〈◊〉 the 14. day c. the two evenings that is in the afternoone as is opened on Exod. 72. 6. So all the forenoone of the fourteenth day of Abib the day wherein they killed the Paschal lambes was 〈…〉 full to worke in at noone they left off and begâ—â— their rest The Hebrew canons say It is 〈…〉 full to doe worke on the evenings of the festivall days from the time of the evening sacrifice and 〈◊〉 even as on the evenings of the Sabbaths And 〈◊〉 so doth worke in them shall never see a signe of 〈◊〉 sing And he is to be reâ—â—ked â—nd mâ—â—e to 〈◊〉 by force though he is not for it to bee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 excommunicated except in the evening 〈…〉 over after mid-day for who so dâ—th work 〈…〉 ter mid-day is to bee scoâ—rged or excomm 〈…〉 â—ith the Niâ—dâ—i if he be not scourged For the fourteenth day of Nisan or Aâ—iâ— is not like the other e 〈…〉 of festivall dayes because in it are the feast and the killing of the sacrifice In the 14 of Nisan it is 〈◊〉 unlawfull to doe worke save after the midst of the day and forward for that is the time of killing the sacrifice Mâ—imâ—ny in Iom tob chap. 8. sect 17. 18. the Passeover Targum Ionathan explaineth it the time of killing the Passeover to the name of the Lord. The Passeover was a yeerely feast in remembrance of their deliverance out of Egypt when God passed over the houses of Israel and killed not their first borne see Exod. 12. It figured our redemption by Christ who is our Passeover or Paschal lambe sacrificed for us in remembrance wherof we are commanded also spiritually to keepe the feast with the unlevened-cakes of sincerity and truth 1 Cor. 5. 7. 8. Vers. 6. of unlevened-cakes a feast adjoyned to the Passeover Exod. 12. 15. and 13. 6. the rites hereof are opened there the sacrifices peculiar to this feast are set downe in Num. 28. 19. 25. The signification was to teach us holinesse of life from the time of our redemption unto the end of our dayes which seven dayes mystically figured as is shewed on Exod. 12. 15. Chazkuni on Levit. 23. saith The evening of the first good day and that might is called the Passeover according as they imploy themselves about the oblation which is called the Passeover But the residue of the feast from the first night and forwâ—rd is called the feast of unlevened cakes Verse 7. servile worke Hebr. worke of service or of seâ—vilenesse or laborious as ploughing sowing weaving or any the like but worke about meat or drinke which they should use the same day might be done Exod. 12. 16. And the like law was for all other festivall dayes vers 8. 21. 25. 35. 36. save on atonement day verse 28. then no worke might be done So besides the Sabbath which was every seventh day there were seven holy dayes in the yeere in sixe whereof they might doe no servile worke and in the seventh no worke at all Those sixe were the first and the seventh of the feast of unlevened cakes the day of Pentecost or of first fruits verse 17. 21. the first day of the seventh moneth which was the feast of Blowing trumpets verse 24. 25. and the first and eight day of the feast of Boothes verse 35. 36. The seventh was Atonement or expiation day wherein they might doe no worke at all verse 28. Ofthese the Hebrewes give these rules The sixe dayes wherein the Scripture forbiddeth worke which are the first and seventh of the Passâ—over the first and eight of the feast of Boâ—thes the day of the feast of Weekes or Pentecost and the first day of the seventh moneth are called good dayes and the kesting is alike in them all for it is unlawfull to doe 〈◊〉 servile worke in them save the worke which is needfull about food Exod. 12. 16. Who so resteth from servile worke in them observeth a commandement and who so doth in any of them worke which is not necessary for food as if he build up or pull downe or weave or the like he breaketh a commandement and transgresseth against this prohibition YE SHALL NOT DOE Aâ—â— SERVILE WORKE and if he doe and there be witnesses and evident proofe hee is by the law to be beaten But for working on the Sabbath hee is to be stoned to death Num. 15. 32. 35. All worke needfull about meat is lawfull as killing of beasts and baking of bread and kneading of dough and the like But such workes as may be done in the evening of a feast day they doe not on the feast day as they may not reape nor thresh nor winow nor grinde the corne or the like For all these and such like may be done on the evening of the feast and there is thereby no corruption or minishing of the tast But they knead and bake and kill and boile or rost on the feast day because if they doe these on the evening there is thereby corruption or
of his flesh of his family shall redeeme him or if his hand hath attained then he shall redeeme himselfe And he shall count with him that bought him from the yeere that he was sold to him unto the yeere of Iubile and the money of his sale shall be according to the number of yeeres as the daies of an hired servant shall he be with him If there be yet many of the yeeres according unto them shall he restore his redemption out of the money that he was bought for And if there remaine but a few of the yeeres unto the yeere of Iubile when hee hath counted with him according to his yeeres hee shall restore his redemption As an hired servant of the yeere by the yeere shall he be with him he shall not rule over him with rigour before thine eyes And if he bee not redeemed by these then he shall goe-out in the yeere of Iubile hee and his sonnes with him For unto mee the sons of Israel are servants they are my servants whom I brought-forth out of the land of Egypt I am Iehovah your God Annotations 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 These letters signifie the beginning of the two and thirtieth section or lecture of the Law see Gen. 6. 9. IN mount Sinai or by the mount that is in the plaine about it where Israel camped still Numb 10. 11. 12. So Manasses is sayd to bee buried in his house 2 Chro. 33. 20. when it was but in the garden of his house 2 King 21. 18. And here God beginneth to teach his people the profession and practise of their obedience unto him in their land and possessions sanctified by the Sabbaths Iubilees Which were a shadow of things to come but the body is of Christ Coloss. 2. 17. 12. Therefore these were the ordinances of mount Sinai which brought forth children unto bondage but wee are come unto mount Sion where the Lambe Christ standeth with his 144. thousand that have his Fathers name written in their foreheads and by faith doe enter into his rest Gal. 4. 25. Rev. 14. 1. Heb. 12. 22. and 4. 3. Vers. 2. rest or keepe sabbath a Sabbath or a rest the Chaldee calleth it a release or remission which word Moses useth in Deut. 15. 1. This Law tooke place when they had possession of the land which was conquered by Iosua in 7. yeeres so the eight yeere after Moses death was the first to be reckned towards the Sabbath yeere and yeere of Iubile as appeareth by Ios. 14. 1. 2. 7. 10. c. For Caleb was 40. yeeres old when hee was sent to veiw the land in the second yeere after their comming out of Egypt Numb 13. Deut. 1. and they were 38. yeers under Moses in the wildernes Deut. 2. 14. and when Caleb was 85. yeeres old the land was given them for inheritance Ios. 14. 7. 10. that in the 8. yeere of Iosua they beganne the count and the seventh yeere after was the first Sabbath yeere and the fiftieth yeere after the first Iubile V. 3. the revenue or income that is the fruit as the Greeke translateth And under these principalls all other worke belonging to husbandry is implied V. 4. Sabbath of sabbatisme that is of rest which two words signifie an exact rest as is noted on Exodus 16. 23. unto the land which should have rest every seventh yeere from being ploughed digged dounged or manured from being reaped or mo 〈…〉 en or the like As the Sabbath day wherein men rested was to teach Israel that they themselves were the Lords so the Sabbath yeere was to teach that the land was the Lords therefore he addeth a Sabbath unto Iehovah meaning unto his honour and in signe of homage unto him which the Chaldee translateth a release before the Lord. The Sabbath day was a rest from their labours laid upon man for sinne Gen. 3. 19. the Sabbath yeere was a rest for the ground which for mans sin God had cursed Gen. 3. 17. In this yeer at the feast of boothes there was a solemn reading of Gods Law before all Israel Deut 31. 10. 13. and at the end of this yeer a release of debts Deut. 15. 1. 2. c. It was a figure of the Sabbath or rest which Christ was to give unto his Church of the understanding which they should have in his Law and the remission of their sins which were their debts Mat. 6. 12. Luk. 11. 4. when the time of grace the acceptable yeere of the Lord should be proclaimed Esay 61. 1. 2. Luke 4. 18. 19. c. 1 Cor. 6. 2. Thus every seventh yeere was for them to meditate of and in faith to expect Christ who is the true Noe that giveth us comfort and rest from our worke and from the sorrow of our hands because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed Genesis 5. 29. prune or cut thy vineyard meaning the superfluous branches of the vines which the husbandman cutteth off to make the trees more fruitfull Therefore to signifie that God would leave the vine of his Church wast he saith it shal not be pruned Esa. 5. 6. And under these all other worke of husbandry is forbidden The Hebrew canons shew it thus It is commanded to rest from tilling of the land and dressing of trees in the seventh yeere Lev. 25. And who so doth worke of tillage of land or trees in that yeere be frusâ—ateth a commandement and transgresseth against a prohibition Lev. 25. 4. They may not plant in the seventh yeere though they bee trees that beare no fruit nor cut off kâ—â—bs from the trees nor brush off withered lea 〈…〉 boughes nor binde up the branches nor make a sm 〈…〉 under them to kill the wormes nor cover the plaâ—â—â— with any thing whrein dung is that the fowles might not eat them when they are tendor nor cover the 〈◊〉 fruits c and so all other culture or husbanaing oâ— trees For sowing or pruning or reaping or gatharing fruits this yeere a man was to be beaten whether they were the fruits of the vineyard or of other trees for other works not expressed in the Law he was not beaten but chastised or scourged He that pla 〈…〉 in the seventh yeere either of ignorance or presum 〈…〉 ously that which he planted was plucked-up-by the roots He that ploughed or dounged his ground in the seventh yeere that it might be the fitter to sow wheâ— the seventh yeere was out they amearsed him he might not sow it at the going out of the seventh yeere If he removed thorns or gathered out stones to fit it against the seventh yeere went out for asmuch as he 〈◊〉 that which was not lawfull he was amearsed but â—ee might sow it at the going out of the yeere c. Maimony tom 3. in Iobel or treat of the Intermission 〈◊〉 Iubile chap. 1. The outward rest of Israel from these laborious works figured a better rest which all the people of God should have by Christ ceasing from
Priests and Levites and Israelites 〈…〉 fully goe in that is 〈◊〉 one to ano 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is 〈◊〉 goeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â— as it is written ACCORDING TO THE HOVSE OF THEIR FATHERS the house of his father that is his familie and not the house of his mother Maimony in Issure biah c. 19. sect 15. V. 16. the mouth that is as the Chaldee expoundeth it the word and the Greeke saith the voice of the Lord. V. 17. Gershon in Greeke Gersom but in vers 25. Gerson So Ezron in Gen. 46. 12. is Esrom Mat. 1. 3. Kohath or as in Greeke Kaath See Gen. 46. 11. Exod. 6. 16. V. 18. Libni in Greeke Lobnei and Semeei See Exod. 6. 17. V. 19. Hebron or as the Greeke also writeth it Chebron and Oziel See Exod. 6. 18. Here Kohath hath foure families so many as both his brethren had together V. 20. Mahli in Greeke Moolei and Mâ—usi See Exod. 6. 19. Vers. 21. Gershon in Greeke Gedsom mistaking D. for R. by reason of the likenesse of the letters in Hebrew See the notes on Gen. 4. 18. V. 23. Seaward that is as the Chaldee explaineth it westward See Num. 2. 18. V. 24. house of the father that is principall house so in v. 30. and 35. Eliasaph in Greeke Elisaph by interpretation God hath added Lael that is For God V. 25. the charge or the custodie the Holy things which they were to carrie keepe and looke unto whereof see more in Num. 4. Tabernacle the curtaines of the Tabernacle Num. 4. 25. for the boords were under Meraries charge Num. 3. 36. Tent made of ten curtaines see Exod. 26. 1. c. covering made of goats haire Exod. 26. 7. And here is to bee understood the other coverings also made of rammes skinnes and Tachash skinnes Exod. 26. 14. for they belonged to the Gershonites charge Num. 4. 25. hanging veile whereof see Exod. 26. 36. V. 26. tapestrie hangings whereof see Exod. 27. 9. c. hanging veile mentioned in Exod. 27. 16. V. 28. of the Sanctuarie Hebr. of the sanctifie or holinesse meaning the holy things as the Greeke saith of the Holies what they were is expressed in v. 31. See Num. 4. 4. 15. and 10. 21. Here the families of the Levites may be viewed by their numbers 1. Of the Gersonites 7500. 2. Of the Kohathites 8600. 3. Of the Merarites 6200. By their situation when they camped about the Tabernacle 1. Gersonites behinde westward v. 23. 2. Kohathites Southward v. 29. 3. Merarites Northward v. 35. And to make up the square Moses and Aaron with the Priests encamped formost Eastward v. â—8 By their charges for there was committed unto the care and cariage of the 1. Gersonites the Tent coverings veile hanging of the court c. 〈◊〉 Koha 〈…〉 the Arke Table Altars and Instruments of the Sanctuary 3. Merarites the boords barres pillars sockers c. Among these families of Levi wee may observe the speciall prerogatives of Kohath the second sonne 1. Hee excelleth in multitude of families or chiefe fathers having foure when as each of his brethren had but two 2. He excelleth in multitude of children having 8600. that is 1100 moe than his elder brother Gerson and 2400. moe than Merari 3. Of him came Moses the king Aaron the priest and Marie the prophetesse and so all the Priests were of this familie Exod. 6. 18. 20. Num. 26. 58 59. 4. His families have the chiefest place about the Sanctuary the South quarter next unto Moses Aaron and the priests Num. 3. 29. 5. They have the charge of the most holy things within the Sanctuarie as the Arke Table Candlesticke Altars c. Num. 3. 31. 6. Whereas the tribe of Levi had 48. cities allowed them in Canaan Kohaths posterity had 23. of them for the Priests had 13. cities and the other Kohathites ten and so he had in a manner a double portion as much as both his brethren Ios. 21. 7. Of the Prince of these Kohathites Elizaphan Num. 3. 30. there were 200. Levites to helpe home with the Arke in Davids daies no such mention being made of the other two princes besides 312. Kohathites of other families when of Gershon and Merari there were not so many 1 Chron. 15. 5. 8 9 10. V. 29. Southward the south is in Psal. 89. 13. called the right side and in this place it hath a name in Hebrew derived also of the right hand because so it is when men stand with their faces to the East see the notes on Num. 2. 3. V. 30. Elizapham sonne of Vzziel hee was of the fourth and youngest familie of the Kohathites yet preferred to be the prince over them This as the Hebrewes thinke was offensiue to Korah who was of the second familie of Izhar and occasioned him to rebell See the notes on Num. 16. 1. Elizaphan is by interpretation My God hath stored â—p and Uzziel God is my strength V. 31. all the service thereof in Greeke all the 〈…〉 ks of them V. 32. of the princes the Greeke saith over the princes and the Chaldee addeth appointed over the princes of the Levites Hebr. of Levi whose name is put for all his posteritie as the Greeke and Chaldee translate Levites So Aaron is used for the Aaronites 1 Chron. 12. 27. Eleazar by interpretation The helpe of God having the oversight or the Bishop having the Bis 〈…〉 office which hath the name in Hebrew of Uisitation in Greeke of Overseeing and so this word is translated by the holy Ghost Episcopee that is a Bishops office or charge in Act. 1. 20. from Psal. 109. 7. And in Num. 4. 16. the Greeke translateth it Episcopos Bishop So in Ezek. 44. 11. having charges that is Bishops at the gat of the house where the Greeke translateth it Porters In Thargum Ionathan it is explained thus Hee inquired by Urim and Thummim under his hand were they appointed that keepe the custodie of the Sanctuarie As Aaron the high Priest figured Christ Heb. 5. 1. 4. 5. so Eleazar in this office being Prince of Princes shadowed the office of our Lord Iesus who is the Prince of the Kings of the earth Rev. 1. 5. the Archpastor 1 Pet. 5. 4. the great Pastor of the sheepe Hebr. 13. 20. and Bishop of our soules 1 Pet. 2. 25. And hence arose the distinction of the high Priest and the second priest as in 2 King 25. 18. And when Aaron was dead and Eleazar high priest in his place Num. 20. 26. 28. then Phinehas Eleazars sonne was Governour over the Levites 1 Chron. 9. 20. V. 35. Zuriel in Greeke Souriel which signifieth God is my Rocke Abihail or Abichail as the Greeke pronounceth it by interpretation The fathers strength V. 36. the oversight of the charge that is as the Chaldee expoundeth it that which shall be committed to the charge or custodie of the sonnes of Merari the service thereof in Greeke the workes of them And because these things were heavy to beare the Lord allowed
him that continueth not in doing all things commanded Deut. 27. 26. Galat. 3. 10. and whosoever shall keepe the whole Law and yet fayleth in one point he is guiltie of all I am 2. 10. And here this nullitie of the former dayes is added onely to the third dutie of the Nazirite that he should not defile himselfe by the dead and not to either of the former two which might seeme to be greater Of this the Hebrewes have these observations A Nazirite that drinketh wine or eatch that which commeth of the vine though many dayes he destroyeth not or frustrateth not the dayes of his Naziriteship no not one day And so if he shall shave off a little haire of his head or either ignorantly or presumptuaously shave all his head c. he frustrateth but 30 dayes till he have lockes againe and after that he beginneth to reckon As if he vowed to be a Nazirite an 100 dayes and after 20 dayes his head is shaven then hee must wait 30 dayes till the hair of his head be grown and after 30 dayes he is to reckon 80 dayes for the complement of the dayes of his Naziriteship And all those 30 dayes all the particular duties of a Nazirite lye upon him onely they come not into his reckoning A Nazerite that is defiled whether preâ—umptuously or ignorantly yea though it be by the pollution of an heathen by constraint he s 〈…〉 slratch all and must be shaveÌ„ with the shaving for uncleannes bring the oblations for uncleannesse and is to began againe to reckon the dayes of his Naziriteship Num. 6 12. Yea though he be defiled in the day when the dayes of his Naziriteship are fulfilled and in the end of the day all is frustrate If he be defiled the day after the fulfilling that is the day when he bringeth the oblations of puritie he frustrateth 30 dayes onely and thus hee is to doe He is to bring the oblations for uncleannesse and shave for uncleannes and begin to reckon the Naziriteship of 30 dayes and then hee is to shave for cleannesse and bring the oblations of cleannesse mentioned in v. 14 c. And if he be defiled after any one of the bloods be sprinkled for him hee frustrateth not a whit but bringeth the rest of the oblations for cleannesse If he vow to be a Nazirite while he is uncleane by the dead his Naziriteship beginneth upon him if he defile himselfe the second time or drinke wine or shave his head he is to be beaten And if he coÌ„â—â—ue in his uncleannes many dayes they profit him not for his account untill he 〈◊〉 sprinkled the third day and the seventh be washed in the seventh and that seventh day goeth into his account of Naziriteship for him that voweth while he is uncleane but a cleane Nazirite which is defiled he beginneth not to reckon till the eighth day and forward If he have an issue in his flesh be he man or woman all the dayes of their issue goe on in their reckoning although they be uncleane Levit. 15. and this was taught Moses at Mount Sinai And I need not speake how if a Nazirite be uncleane with other uncleannesses the dayes of his uncleannes go on in his reckoning and he loseth not any Maim in Nezir ch 6. s. 1. 8. and c. 7. s 9 10. Verse 13. the Law the third part of the Nazirites Law how heshould shew himselfe thankfull unto God when through his grace hee hath fullfilled his vow and is orderly to be discharged of the same he shall bring him he shall present himselfe to the Lord by the Priest or the Priest shall bring him It appeareth by Act. 21. 26. that the Nazirite was to goe into the Sanctuarie to signifie the accomplishment of the dayes of the sanctification or Naziriteship Some translate he shall bring it the oblation after mentioned and this the Greeke Version favoureth Sol. Iarchi expoundeth it he shall bring himselfe Vers. 14. shall offer or shall bring neere as the Greeke translateth hee shall bring his gift perfect in Greeke without blemish see Exod. 12. Peace-offerings in Greeke Salvation Of these sacrifices see Lev. 1. anâ— 3. and 4. 〈◊〉 for according to the rites there specified were they to be offered And whereas the Nazirite though he had fulfilled his vow without any pollution is here commanded notwithstanding to bring a Sin-offering c. it taught the secret and unseene guiltinesse which cleaveth to the most holy men in their best and most perfect works which without atonement by the blood of Christ cannot be pure and pleasing in the sight of God For though a man know nothing by himselfe yet is he not hereby 〈…〉 but he that judgeth him is the Lord 1 Cor. 4. 4. in whose sight no man can be justified by the workes oâ— the Law Gal. 2. 15 16. These 〈◊〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 here saith were to looseth 〈◊〉 pro 〈…〉 s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—he Nazirite the fruit of 〈…〉 e his shaving and defiling by the dea 〈…〉 R. Mena 〈…〉 applieth th male 〈◊〉 for a b 〈…〉 〈…〉 ffering to the propertie of mercie and the female 〈…〉 Sin-offering to the propertie of judgment and the peace-offerings to the glory of Israel that setteth peace in the world Verse 15. and wafers The Hebrewes as Sol. Iarchi here say there were teno 〈…〉 ach sort ten cakes and ten wafers which Maimony in Nazir ch 8 sect 1. declareth thus And he bringeth with the ram for peace-offerings six tenth-deales of figure c. of them he baketh twenty cakes ten cakes of unleavened bread and ten wafers of unleavened bread and anointeth the twentie with the fourth part of a Log of oyle and he bringeth the twenty in one vessell See Lev. 7. 12. their meat-offering besides the former extraordinary cakes wafers he was to bring the ordinary meat-offering and drink-offerings appointed for all sacrifices whereof see Num. 28. Verse 16. shall offer them or shall bring them neere which words doe one explaine another in the Hebrew text as they brought neere burnt sacrifices 1 Chr. 16. 1. that is offred burnt sacrifices 2 Sam. 6. 17. For the order it is said He killed the sin-offering first and after that the burnt-offering and after that the peace-offerings and after that hee was shaved And if he were shaved after the killing of the sin-offering or of the burnt-offering it would serve Maim in Nazir ch 8. s. 2. shall doe that is shall offer as v. 11. his sin-offering whereby the Nazirite acknowledged himselfe a sinner even in the most sanctified time and actions of his life and that he could have no accesse unto God but by the sacrifice of Christ so mans best workes have no place in justification Rom. 3. 20. Verse 17. shall make or shall doe that is offer as verse 16. for a sacrifice of peace-offerings to give chanâ—es unto God by whose grace he had fulfilled his vow Therefore he rejoyced keeping a feast before the Lord for
words in Chaldee an evill name The word evil is expressed in the next verse see the notes on Num. 13. 32. Ver. 37. the plague before Iehovah that is by an extraordinary plague from the hand of God either the pestilence fore-threatned v. 12. or some other dâ—ath And before Iehovah may mean sudden death there by the Sanctuarie where the glory of Iehovah appeared v. 10. as it is said of Vzza there he died before God 1 Chron. 13. 10. which another Prophet explaineth there he died by the Arke of God 2 〈◊〉 6. 7. The Hebrewes as Sol. Iarchi and Targum Ionathan on this place report these mens death to have beene by an inflammation of their tongues and wormes issuing out of them as a just recompence because with their tongues they had sinned Ver. 38. lived that is remained alive safe and in health So the judge of all the earth did judgment and would not slay the righteous with the wicked as Gen. 18. 25. And they survived not onely the other spies but all the rebellious Israelites and went in and possessed the land of promise Ios. 14 â—0 and 19. 49. This sheweth the small number of Gods Elect though many be called to the profession of the faith The Hebrew Doctors speaking of Ier. 3. 14. where it is written I will take you one of a citie and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion doe say As of six hundred thousand Israelites onely two entred into the land of promise to wit Ioshua and Caleb so shall it also be in the dayes of Christ. Talmud in Sanhedrin ch 11. wherein they beare witnesse against themselves that they fulfilled the inâ—asuâ—e of their fathers in rebelling against Christ and despising the Gospell of their salvation Verse 40. and went vp that is girded their weapons of warre about them and pressed forward of themselves to goe up as Moses explaineth it in Deut. 1. 41. For things which men endevour and are ready to doe are said to be done by them as Reuben delivered Ioseph out of his brethrens hand when he endevoured by exhorting perswading with them that he might deliver him Gen. 37. 21 22. See also the annotations on Ex. 8. 18. will goe up and fight Deut. 1. 41. we have sinned against Iehovah Deut. 1. 41. Thus they shewed a kind of repentance and sorrow for their sin which was not sincere nor a godly sorrow for they turned from one evill to another and overthrew themselves Verse 41. Moses said being first commanded of the Lord so to say Deut. 1. 42. the mouth that is as the Greeke translateth the word of the Lord and the Chaldee addeth against the decree of the word of the LORD But it or for it that is the thing which ye doe shall not prosper that is not have good successe in Greeke It shall not be prosperous unto you R. Menachem referreth this word It. to Shecinah the divine Majestie which would not prosper them and compareth here with a like phrase in Ezek. 1. 13. it went up and downe among the living creatures Verse 42. Iehovah is not among you thus God bade him say for I am not among you Deu. 1. 42. The Chaldee expoundeth it for Shecinah the Majestie or presence of the LORD is not among you not smitten in Chaldee not broken in Greeke and ye shall fall before your enemies V. 43. from after Iehovah in Chaldee from after the service of the LORD which the Greeke translateth disobeying or not beleeving the Lord Chazkuni explaineth it thus Because the spies made you afraid of the Canaanite Amalekite that abide there ye are turned from after the LORD and are afraid to go into the land and you trust not in him therfore he will not be with you if you transgresse his mouth to goe to sight till after 40 yeares Iehovah will not be with you this the Chaldee expoundeth the Word of the Lord will not be for your holpe Verse 44. they loftâ—ly presumed or tooke upon them by violence with a loftie presumptuous minde in the Chaldee they dealt wickedly or turbulently The originall word Aphal from which Ophel a Tower or Fort is derived 2 Chron. 33. 14. signifieth lifting up as in Abak 2. 4. which the Apostle sheweth to meane a drawing backe from God by unbeleese Heb. 10. 38 39. So here in this their presumptuous enterprise their soules were lifted up in them but withdrawen from God And Moses explaineth this by two other words yee pressed forward Deut. 1. 41. and yee were presumptuous Deut. 1. 43. The Hebrew Commentary Tanchuma coÌ„pareth it with another like word which signifieth darknesse and explaineth it they went darke or obscure for that they went without leauâ— from God and Targum Ionathan thus they set forward in the darke before day dawning to which the old Latine version agreeth translating it darkned departed not in Greeke moved not The Arkeremoved not but at the removall of the cloud Num. 9. 15 c. which God not taking up shewed thereby his dislike of their action Moses obeying the Lord would not accompany the presumptuous sinners so they went without the Lord and without the signes of his grace or company of his ministers Verse 45. The Canaanite that is the Amorite Deut. 5. 44. which was of the posteritie of Canaan Gen. 10. 15 16. which dwelt or which sate lay in wait discomfited them pursued them as Bees doe and destroyed them Deut. 1. 44. Because they rebelled against God and vexed his holy Spirit therefore hee was turned to be their enemie he fought against them Esai 63. 10. unto Hormah in Greeke Herme the name of a place so called of the event signifying utter destruction or Anathema so after in Num. 21. 3. After this discomfiture the Israelites returned and wept before the LORD but hee would not heare their voice nor give eare unto them so they abode in Kadesh many dayes Deut. 1. 45 46. These things which happened unto them for types 1 Cor. 10. 11. doe shew the nature of man of his free-will and workes without faith that they procure nothing but wrath from God and destruction unto men And as Israel carried themselves under Moses so did they under Christ for the Lord Iesus himselfe Iohn the Baptist as Ioshua and Caleb faithfully testified the truth of Gods promise and perswaded the people to enter into the Kingdome of God Mat. 3. 1 2 3. and 4. 17. But the Priests Scribes and Pharisees like the unfaithfull spies discouraged the people and would neither goe themselves into the kingdome of heaven nor suffer theÌ„ that were entring to goe in Mat 23. 13. but pretended worldly feares Iohn 11. 48. Yet after they would seeme to enter by force going about to establish their owne righteousnesse but not submitting themselves unto the righteousnesse of God Rom. 10. 3. so they pleased not God but filled up their sinnes alway and wrath came upon them to the uttermost 1 Thess. 2. 15 16.
errour of Balaam and the contradiction or rebellion of Kore wherein they perish Iude verse 11. The Chaldee translateth it and will make knowne him that is fit for him and who is holâ— or and the holy one that is him whom hee hath sanctified and separated unto the Priests office So David speaking of this rebellion calleth Aaron the holy one or Saint of Iehovah Psal. 106. 16. and he wore on the golden plate this ingraving Holinesâ—e to Iehovah Exod. 28. 36. for he figured our high Priest Christ who was holy harmlesse undefiled separate from sinners made higher than the heavens Heb. 7. 26. and who glorified not himselfe to be made an high Priest but had the honor given him of his Father Heb. 5. 5 6. and Korahs rebellion against Aaron was a type of mens rebellion against Christ as the Apostles have taught us The Greeke translateth as before plurally saying and the holy ones he hath brought neere unto himselfe cause to come neere or bring neere to wit to minister unto him as the Chaldee interpreteth it And this honor of Priesthood given now unto all Saints who are to offer up spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Iesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. is commended by David when he saith Blessed is he whom thou choosest and causest to come neere unto thee that he may dwell in thy courts Ps. 65. 5. Which bringing neere or accesse we all have through Christ by one spirit unto the Father with confidence by the faith of him Ephes. 2. 18. and 3. 12. This latter part of the verse is by the Greeke interpreted thus And these whom hee hath not chosen to himselfe he hath not brought neere unto himselfe Verse 6. censers or fire vessels as the Greeke translateth it fire pans whereof see Exod. 27. 3. called sometime incense-vessels because incense was burnt in them 2 Chron. 26. 19. Ezek. 8. 11. which name the Apostle followeth in the Greeke Hebr. 9. 4. Verse 7. put ye fire Hebr. give ye fire and put incense doth choose or shall choose that is declare by manifest signe that hee chooseth and liketh he shall be holy that is shall be declared to be holy and so to be a Priest unto God Because the burning of incense in the censer was the meanes of atonement and expiation before God as after is shewed by Aarons iâ—ct in verse 46 47 48. and was the peculiar worke of the Priest Levit. 16. 12 13. 2 Chron. 26. 18. wherein they that transgressed were in danger of death as the example of Nadab and Abihu sheweth Lev. 10. and it figured in speciall manner the prayers and mediation of Christ for his Church Psal. 141. 2. Rev. 8. 3. 1 Iohn 2. 1. therefore the triall of the Priesthood is put upon this worke rather than on any other sacrifice and the holinesse whereof Korath boasted verse 3. should either be approved or reproved of God For no man hath right to the honour of Priesthood unlesse it be given him of God Hebr. 5. 4 5. nor can without divine authoritie that is without the commandement and promise of God please him or appease his wrath towards himselfe or others Therefore it is a great prerogative and comfort unto all Saints that they are by Christ made Priests unto God and through him may boldly offer up their prayers and praises unto the Father Revel 1. 6. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Hebr. 13. 15. 1 Iohn 5. 14 16. yee take too much upon you or Let it suffice you that you have thus farre provoked the Lord and now leave off Thus Moses returneth the blame upon themselves which they had unjustly laid upon him in verse 3. So Elias doth upon Achab 1 Kings 18. 17 18. Verse 9. Is it a small thing or Seemeth it too little for you meaning on the contrary that it was a great thing and that they should therewith have beene contented for the Tribe of Levi were in the place of all the first-borne of Israel Num. 3. 41. So here he reproveth their unthankfulnesse to God separated you from the congregation as Israel was separated from all other peoples to be the Lords peculiar Lev. 20. 26. 1 Kings 8. 53. so were the Levites separated from the sonnes of Israel to be the Lords Num. 8. 14. And hereupon the Scripture speaketh of the Levites as distinct from the Israelites 1 Chron. 9. 2. Psal. 135. 19 20. So the Mâ—nisters of Christ are said to be separated unto the Gospell of God Rom. 1. 1. Gal. 1. 15. Acts 13. 2. the service of the Tabernacle the workes belonging to the service of God therein being assistants to the Priests see Num. 8. 11 15 16. and 18. 21. 23. to stand before the congregation standâ—ng is a signe of service and used for it as the Scripture in one place saith which stood before the King Ierem. 52. 112. and in another a servant of the King 2 King 25. 8. Whereupon the standing of the Levites is used for their service in Nehem. 12. 44. and as they were to stand before the Lord to minister unto him Deut. 10. 8. so here it is said to stand before the congregation to minister unto them thus they were servants of God and of his Church as Iosiah said unto them Serve now the Lord your God and his people Israel 2 Chron. 35. 3. See also â—zek 44. 11. Verse 10. the Priesthood in Chaldee the high-Priesthood in Greeke to doe the Priests Office That was in degree above the Levites who were to minister unto the Priests but not to come nigh the Altar as did the Priests Num. 18. 2. 3. For the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the Tabernacle of the house of God but Aaron and his sonnes offered on the Altar of Burnt-offering and on the Altar of incense and were for all the worke of the most holy place and to make atonement for Israel 1 Chron. 6. 48 49. And Aaron was separated to wit from the other Levites that he should sanctifie the most holy things hee and his sonnes for ever to burne incense before the Lord to minister unto him and to blesse in his Name for ever 1 Chron. 23. 13. To usurpe affect or seeked this office of Priest-hood without the calling of God was a great sinne against divine order and authoritie severely punished here in Korah and his company in King Vzziah 2 Chron. 26. 19. 21. and others Verse 11. against Iehovah because it was against his ordinance and minister it is said to be against the Lord himselfe So when the people refused Samuels government God said They have not rejected thee but they have rejected me that I should not reigne over them 1 Sam. 87. and Christ said to his ministers He that heareth you heareth me and hee that despiseth you despiseth me and hee that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me Luke 10. 16. Iohn 13.
the Amalekites 1 Sam. 15. 18. and the men of Sodem were evill and sinners Gen. 13. 13. And they sinned against their soules in causing their owne death and destruction for the soule is often used for the life as in Gen. 19. 17. and 37. 21. So he that provoketh a King to anger sinneth against his owne soule Prov. 20. 2. broad plates Hebr. out-spreadings of plates that is plates beaten out and spread broad to cover the brazen altar with them and they are hallowed or sanctified so as Sol. Iarchi explaineth it unlawfull for common use because they had made them for vessels of ministerie Or they were now sanctified of God before whom they sinfully offered them to bee an holy signe unto the people for a signe and a memortall to the sonnes of Israel vers 40. to make them remember the transgression of these sinners and to warne them that none hereafter doe the like So Aarons rod was kept for a signe Num. 17. 10. and God threatneth by destroying the wicked to make him a signe and aproverbe Ezek. 14. 8. Now all these things hapned unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come 1 Cor. 10. 11. Vers. 40. not any stranger or no man which is a stranger seed of Aaron that is sons or posteritie of Aaron so all Israelites or Levites save Aarons sonnes onely are counted strangers in this case of priesthood that he be not Heb. and he be not as Korah like him in rebellion and in punishment Therefore Moses afterward rehearseth this historie to keepe the people in obedience Deut. 11. 6 7 8. unto him or of him having reference to Moses speech in vers 29 30. that the truth of the judgement denounced might be manifest So the Apostle pronounceth woe unto such and saith they perish in the gaine saying of Kore Iude verse 11. Vers. 41. you have killed or as the Chaldee explaineth it you have caused the death Though they had prayed for the people v. 32. and the strangenesse of the punishments shewed unto all that they were of God and the judgements were still even before the eyes of the congregation yet doe they thus breake out into a new rebellion Vers. 42. the glorie of Iehovah it appeared to help his servants and to represse and punish the rebellious now as in former times Num. 12. 5. and 14. 10. and 16. 19. Vers. 45. Get you up that is Depart or Separate your selves as he said before in verse 21. as in a moment in Greeke at oâ—ce see the notes on verse 21. fell on their faces to pray as 〈◊〉 Ionathan addeth and as they did before in versâ— 22. So did David and the Elders of â—â—rael in 1 Chron. 21. 16. Verse 46. from off the Altar of this Chazkuni saith he warned him hereof that hee might 〈◊〉 erre through haste and effer strange fire a◠〈◊〉 and Abihu Levit. 10. and these other had â—â—re incense Incense that caused death when it was not in the hand of the Friest giveth liâ—e when it is in the Priests hand saith Chazkuni on this place Hereby the mediation of Christ for sinners was figured who is represented by the Aâ—gâ—ll standing at the Altar having a golden censâ—â— and much incense given unto him to offer it with the 〈◊〉 all Saints c. Rev. 8. 3. goe quâ—câ—ly or 〈◊〉 to goe with speed that is as the Chaldee and Greeke translateth carie quickly or in 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 in Chaldee death the Greeke translateth â—e 〈◊〉 begunne to breake that is destroy the pâ—â—ple Vers. 47. he put on incense to make atonement and to appease Gods wrath as it is said or the Priests They shall put it cense in thy 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 thine anger c. and favourably accept thâ—◠〈◊〉 Lord the worke of his hands Deut. 33. 10. 11. Herein he figured Christ our Mediarcur who maâ—â— intercession for the transgressors Esai 53. 12. 〈◊〉 23. 34. So the Hebrewes as R. Menachem on Num. 16. applie that prophesie of Es 〈…〉 ching Christ unto this worke of Aaron saying The meaning of this And he stood betweene the lâ—ving 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dead is like that in Esai 53. 12. â—e hath 〈◊〉 out his soule unto death c. Verse 48. betweene the dead and the living so interposing and as it were exposing himseâ—â—e to the wrath of God for the people that by the atonement which he now made the plague might be stayed from the living w ch yet remained 〈◊〉 him that is joyned to all the living there is hope c. but the dead know not any thing c. neither 〈◊〉 they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the Sunne c. There is no worke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vice nor knowledge nor wisdome in the grave wâ—â—ther thou goest Eccle. 9. 4. 5. 6. 10. The dead 〈◊〉 not the Lord neither any that goe downe into 〈◊〉 Psal. 115. 17. They that goe downe into the 〈…〉 not hope for the truth of God Esai 38. 18. for after death commeth the iudgement Heb. 9. 27. And so by the Hebrew Doctors it is said There is no atonement for the dead Maimony in Misn. â—om 3. in Pesulei hamukdashin chap. 15. sect 9. And the Chaldee paraphrast on Eccles. 1. 15. hath this saying A man whose wayes are rebellious in this 〈◊〉 and he dieth in them and turneth not by repe 〈…〉 he hath no power to reforme himselfe after his 〈◊〉 and a man that faileth of the Law and 〈◊〉 whiles he liveth he hath no meanes after his death 〈◊〉 be reckoned with the just men in the gar 〈…〉 〈◊〉 or Paradise of God And on Ecclis 6. 6. 〈◊〉 Chaldee paraphraseth thus yea though the 〈◊〉 of the life of a man be two thousand yeares if he have not exercised himselfe in the Law and hath not done judgement and justice by the oath of the Word of the LORD which shall be in the day of his death his soule goeth down to Gehenna or Hell torments unto one place whither all sinners doe goe So there was no estimation nor price of the dead for any vow in Israel as is noted on Levit. 27. 8. the plague was stayed This sheweth how greatly the praiers and actions of his servants doe prevaile with God when they are faithfull servent and according to his will I am 5. 16. 1 Ioh. 5. 14. and fore-shewed the power and efficacie of Christs mediation for God heareth him alwaies Ioh. 11. 42. and hee is the Atonement for our sinnes 1 Iohn 2. 2. and for his sake God before whom the pestilence goeth in wrath remembreth mercie Habak 3. 5. 2. And as the bloud of the Paschall lamb figuring the bloud of Christ 1 Cor. 5. 7. stayed the Angell which destroyed the Egyptians from touching the Israelites Exod. 12. 23. Heb. 11. 28. so the smoke of Aarons incense figuring the mediation of Christ Psal. 141. 2. Revel 8. 4. stayed the plague here
from the Israelites which survived that as it is written of the pestilence in Davids time the LORD repented him of the evill and said to the Angell that destroyed the people It is enough stay now thine hand 2 Sam. 24. 16. so in this case Some footsteps of the understanding of this mystery may be seene in the Hebrews though superstitiously depraved as when they say that all hurtfull and destroying spirits slee away at the odour of the incense of sweet spices Targum on Song 4. 6. Vers. 49. about the matter or as the Greeke explaineth it for the cause of Kore which the Chaldee calleth the division of Korah Vers. 50. unto the doore of the Tent into the court-yard of the Sanctuarie where Moses remained both to signifie unto Moses the effect and fruit of his action through the mercifulnesse of God and to give thanks unto the Lord who had so graciously accepted the worke of his hands As David offered Burnt-offering and Peace-offerings after that the Lord was intreated for the land and the plague was stayed from Israel 2 Sam. 24. 25. 1 Chron. 21. 26 27. CHAP. XVII 1 Twelve rods of the tribes of Israel being laid in the Tabernacle on the morrow Aarons rod among them all onely flourisheth and beareth almonds 10 It is left in the Tabernacle for a monument against the rebels 12 The people shew Moses their feare of death ANd Iehovah spake unto Moses saying speake unto the sonnes of Israel and take of them a rod for every fathers house of all their Princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods every mans name thou shalt write upon his rod. And Aarons name thou shalt write upon the rod of Levi for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers And thou shalt lay them up in the Tent of the Congregation before the Testimony where I will meet with you And it shall be that the man whom I shall cause his rod shall bud and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the sonnes of Israel wherewith they murmure against you And Moses spake unto the sons of Israel and all their Princes gave unto him a rod for one Prince a rod for one Prince according to the house of their fathers twelve rods the rod of Aaron was among their rods And Moses laid up the rods before Iehovah in the Tent of the Testimony And it was on the morrow that Moses went into the Tent of the Testimonie and behold the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had budded and brought forth buds and bloomed blossomes and yeelded almonds And Moses brought out all the rods from before Iehovah unto all the sons of Israel and they saw and tooke every man his rod. And Iehovah said unto Moses Bring Aarons rod againe before the Testimony to be kept for a signe against the sons of rebellion and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me that they die not And Moses did as Iehovah coÌ„manded him so did he And the sonnes of Israel said unto Moses saying Behold we give up the ghost we perish we all of us perish Every one that commeth neare that commeth neare unto the Tabernacle of Iehovah shall die Shall we be consumed in giving up the ghost Annotations SPeake unto When God saw the coÌ„tinuall murmurings of the people how they ceased not he commandeth this that followeth to bee done that so by miracle the Priesthood of Aaron might be confirmed and a full end put to all strise thereabout as vers 10. a rod for every fathers house Hebr. a rod a rod for or according to the house of a father which the Greeke explaineth thus Take of them a rod a rod of all their Princes according to their fathers houses A rod or staffe was such as men used to carrie in their hands Gen. 38. 18. Exod. 4. 2. the same word called in Hebrew Matteh is often used for a Tribe as in Num. 1. 4. 16. 21. c. either because of this writing of their names upon rods or because the twelve tribes grew out of the stocke of Israel as rods or branches out of a tree The Princes also caried staves in their hands as appeareth by Num. 21. 18. And with this may be compared that in Ezek. 37. 16 17. c. where the Prophet wrote the names of tribes upon sticks which were joyned together as one in his hand to signifie the uniting of the divided tribes the house that is as the Greeke expoundeth it the houses see the notes on Num. 1. 2. Vers. 3. for one rod shall be The Greeke explaineth it thus for it is one rod according to the 〈◊〉 of their fathers house shall they give The tribe of Levi though they were distinguished into Priests and Levites yet as all came by one father Levi so one rod was for them all So Iarchi here expoundeth it Although I have divided them into two families the familie of the Priests and the familie of the Levites notwithstanding it is one tribe Of this their division see Num. 3. and 18. 1. 7. Vers. 4. lay them up or leave them or as the Greeke translateth put them Tent of the congregation or Tent of meeting the Testimonie that is the Aâ—ke wherein the Tables of the Law called the Testimonie were kept See the notes on Exod. 25. 16. where I will meet that is where I use to meet with you according to the promise in Exod. 25 22. and 30 36 And this is the reason why the Tabernacle was called the Tent of meeting or of congregation Vers. 5. I shall chuse that iâ— shall like of and approve to administer the priesthood as in Targum Ionathan this is added to minister before me rod shall bud or shall flourish see vers 8. will make to cease from me in Greeke will take away from thee This word is spoken of the ceasing or asswaging of waters Gen. 8. 1. and of wrath Esth. 2. 1. and is here applied to the murmurings of the people which were like raging waters foâ—ing out their owneshame Vers. 8. blessomes or flowers yeelded or ripened as the word is Englished in Esai 18. 5. that is brought forth ripe almonds almonds 〈◊〉 Greeke in Targum Ionathan Nuts An almond in Hebrew Shaked is named Shaked which signifieth with care haste watchfulnesse to looke unto and performe a thing And because the almond tree blossometh and beareth fruit sooner than other trees therefore hath it this name And Solomon for the same cause likeneth the white haires which soone grow upon us in age to the flourishing of the Almond tree Eccles. 12. 5. By this miracle God did confirme the Priesthood unto Aaron as by the vision of the vine-branches budding blossâ—ming bringing forth ripe grapes c. hee signified the confirmation of office unto Pharaohs butler Gen. 40. 10. 13. He signified further by the buds the continuance and propagation of the Priesthood to his posteritie who should sprout
is passed from death unto life Ioh. 5. 24. For the wages of sinne is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lod Rom. 6. 23. Vers. 10. Oboth Of these places and journeyes see Numb 33. where they are reckoned in order for here some are named and other some omitted Vers. 11. before Moab before the Moabites countrey The posteritie of Moab and Ammon the sonnes of Lot Gen. 19. 36. 38. had vanquished the Giants called Emims and Zamzummims which before dwelt in those parts and succeeded them and dwelt in their stead Deut. 2. 10 11 20 〈◊〉 Through the wildernesse along by their coasts did Israel palse but were forbidden to warre with them or with the Edomites Deut. 2. 9. 19 5. Vers. 12. The valley of Zared or the bourne of Zared or Zered which word bourne as also the Hebrew Nachal is both a valley and a river running thorow a valley and so this Zared was a river or brooke also over which Israel passed See Deut. 2. 13. Vers. 14. it is said Hebr. it shall be said The time to come noteth a continued or common saying so he speaketh as of a knowne speech the booke or the narration the rehearsall of the warres of Jehovah what booke this was is uncertaine whether some writing of Israel not now extant or some writing of the Amorites which contained songs and triumphes of their King Sihons victories out of which Moses may cite this testimony as Paul sometime doth out of heathen Poets Act. 17. 28. Tit. 1. 12. Vaheb this is thought by some to be the name of the King of Moab whom Sihon vanquished vers 26. by others to be the name of a place or citie The Greeke Interpreters mistaking * 〈…〉 Z. for †V. which in Hebrew are one like another reade it Zoob and give this sense Therefore it is said in the booke The warre of the Lord hath set on fire or burned Zoob and the brookes of Arnon The Chaldee Paraphrast whom others also follow taketh it for no proper name but expoundeth it thus The warres that the Lord did at the red Sea and the mightie workes at the brookes of Arnon in a whirle-wind o◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tempest understand the Lord by the 〈◊〉 of Sihon against Moab hath consumed 〈◊〉 iâ— a whirle-wind or with a tempest So warres 〈◊〉 often set forth by the similitudes of fire tempest 〈◊〉 winds and the like as I will kindle a fire 〈◊〉 thâ— wall of Rabah and it shall devoure the pa 〈…〉 thereof with shouting in the day of battell with 〈…〉 pest in the day of the whirle-wind Aâ—â—◠〈◊〉 14 and Thou shalt be visited of the Lord of hâ—sts with thunder c. with whirle-wind and teâ—pest and the flame of devouring fire Esay 29. 6. and againe The Lord will come with fire and with his chariots like a whirle-wind Esay 66. 15. So in Naâ—um 1. 3. Esay 5. 28. Ierem. 4. 13. And thus the Greeke explaineth it The war of the Lord hath set Zoob on fire Some take the Hebrew Suphah which usually signifieth whirle-wind or storme to be here the name of a place the same that is called Suph in Deut. 1. 1. which also is the name of the redsea as is noted on Exod. 10. 19. so the Chaldee interpreteth it the red sea and the brookes or the bournes of Arnon to wit the Lord hath consumed or as in vers 28. the flame hath consumed the bournes of Arnon It may also be expounded The Lord warred with Vaheb in a whirle-wind and with the brookes of Arnon Moses intendeth by this testimony to shew how the Israelites had right to this countrey for it being sometimes Moabs land with whom Israel might not meddle Deut. 2. 9. the Lord had before Israels comming â—â—â—rred up the spirit of Sihon King of the Amorites to sight against the King of Moab and to take this pâ—rt of his country from him as is after mentioned Num. 21. 28 29. Then Israel comming and being commanded of God to warre against the Amorites Deut. 2. 24. tooke it againe out of Sihons hand and so became lawfull possessour of this land by conquest This right Iephthah defended for Israel when after many yeares the Ammonites brethren 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ab required these lands to be restored again see the story in Judg. 11. 12 13. 27. For the Moaâ—â—â—eâ— and Ammonites were neighbours and Chaz 〈…〉 eth on Numb 21. 23. that as Sihon had taken the land of Moab on the South-side from Iordan 〈◊〉 the river Arnon so he had taken on the Northsid◠〈◊〉 land of the sons of Ammon unto Jabok and for thâ—◠〈◊〉 it was lawfull for Israel to possesse it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is that which our Doctors have said Moab 〈◊〉 Aâ—â—mon were purified by Sihon Vers. 15. And the streame or the shedding the 〈…〉 usion of the brookes This verse seemeth to be a continuance of the former testimony out of the 〈◊〉 of the warres of Jehovah to shew the limits 〈◊〉 â—ounds of this country which Sihon had won 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it was distinguished from Moabs land 〈◊〉 a citie of Moab vers 28. called in Greeke Er. leaneth upon the border that is as the Greeke explaineth it lieth by or is adjoyned to the â—â—â—ders of Moab Vers. 16. From thence to Beer or to the Well â—or 〈◊〉 Beer signifieth and the Greeke translateth it front thence the Well or pit Some understand here from thence they journeyed to Beer the Chaldee Paraphrast expoundeth it from thence was given unto them the Well Of this Beer there is no mention among the journeyes of the people in Num. 33. I will give them water The Greeke addeth water to drinke The Lord who before had suffered the people to thirst and gave them water when they murmured against him Exod. 17. Numb 20. doth now of his grace give them a Well of water when they murmured not to teach them to depend upon him by faith for they that seeke the Lord shall not want any good thing Psal. 34. 10. Wherefore the people were to be assembled that all might behold the goodnesse of God and sing his praise And this water of the Well had also a like spirituall signification as the waters of the Rocke for as the Rocke was Christ 1 Cor. 10. 4. so the Well figured him who is the fountaine of the gardens the Well of living waters Song 4. 15. and the waters signified the Spirit which they that beleeve on him shall receive Iohn 7. 38 39. Esay 44. 3. of which water whosoever drinketh shall never thirst but the water that Christ shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life Iohn 4. 14. This grace he promised of old to his people saying The poore and needie seeke water and there is none their tongue faileth for thirst I Iehovah will heare them I the God of Israel will not forsake them I will open rivers in high places and fountaines in the midst of the
he went and hired Balaam to curse them and hereupon Balak said unto him in Numb 22. 6. I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed c. But this is an uncertainry and it may be also understood of the Israelites that they used these parables in rehearsing the workes and warres of the Lord. Come into Hesbon or into Cheshbon in Greeke Esebon Chazkuni expoundeth it Come to dwell in Hesbon for now it shall be established after that Sihon hath the dominion of it for so long as it was in the hand of the King of Moab they were afraid to dwell within it because the King was weake Let the citie of Sihon in Greeke thus that the citie of Seon may be built by which it appeareth that this proverb was first takeÌ„ up after that Sihon had won Hesbon out of Moabs hand prepared or firmely established meaning more than in former times it had beene or as Iarchi saith prepared in Sihons name for to be his citie Vers. 28. a fire by fire and flame warres that consume are usually meant as in Esay 47. 14. Dan. 11. 33. Amos 1. 7 10 12 14. and 2. 2 5. Hobad 1. 18. Psal. 78. 63. So this is spoken of Sihons wars against the Moabites The Chaldee expoundeth it A strong east wind like fire and warriers like a flame and the Ierusalemy Targum thus A people strong and burning like fire and warriers like a flame of fire from the citie of Sihon from the citie which now is Sihons as Chazkuni explaineth it These parables are after by Ieremy applied against the Moabites They that fled stood under the shadow of Hesbon because of the force of the enemy but a fire is gone out of Mesbon and a flame from the midst of Sihon that is of the citie of Sihon and hath consumed the corner of Moab c. Ier. 48. 45. consumed Ar or eaten up devoured Ar of Moah The Chaldee explaineth it hath killed the people of Lechajath of Moab And this seemeth to be right that the people was destroyed and not the citie or countrey For Ar which the Chaldee calleth Lechajath remained still the possession of the Moabites Deut. 2. 9 18 29. Esay 15. 1. In stead of this Ieremy saith the corner of Moab Ier. 48. 45. Ar is the name of that countrey in the Hebrew tongue and in Syriak it is called Lecajath saith Sol. Iarchi on Numb 21. the Lords or the Masters patrons of the high places of Arnon These the Chaldee expoundeth Chemarims or Priests which served in the Gods house or temple of the high place of Arnon the Greeke translateth it the pillars of Arnon The Prophet calleth them the crowne of the head that is the chiefe or principall of the sonnes of tumult Ier. 48. 45. high places where they used to serve their God as appeareth also by the Prophet saying 〈◊〉 will cause to cease in Moab saith Iehovah him that offereth in the high place and him that burneth incense to his God Ier. 48. 35. So Targum Ierusalemy expoundeth this place of Moses thus Killed the Priests that sacrificed before their Idols in Arnon Vers. 29. Woe to the Moab in Chaldee Woe to you Moabites It is a continuance of the parable taken up against them people of Chemosh in Greeke of Chamos which the Chaldee explaineth people that serve Chemosh So in Ier. 48. 46. Woe to thee Moab the people of Chemosh is perished This Chemosh was the god of the Moabites 1 King 1. 33. and as it seemeth also of the Ammonites Iudg. 11. 24. for their service of which Idoll they are called the people of Chemosh as the Israelites are usually called the people of Iehovah he hath given that is Chemosh hath given or suffered his sonnes that escaped the sword to be taken captives Thus Moabs idolatrie is here upbraided as the cause of their ruine and so Ieremie after saith of them Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence Ier. 48. 13. And againe Chemosh shall goe forth into captivity with his Priests and his Princes together Ier. 48. 7. Likewise another Prophet saith When it is seene that Moab is weary on his high place he shâ—â—d come to his sanctuary to pray but he shall not prevaile Esay 16. 12. And though Chemosh was an Idoll and so nothing in the world as the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 8 4. and therefore could not doe evill neither was it in him to doe good Ier. 10. 5. yet thus it is spoken of him he hath given according to the speech and opinion of the idolaters as Iephthah also said to the King of Ammon Wilt not thou possesse that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possesse Iudg. 11. 24. But indeed the God of Israel was hee that brought this judgement upon the Moabites for their idolatrie Ier. 48. 12 13. Vers. 30. their lampe is perished their light is lost that is as the Greeke translateth it their seed is perished by seed meaning such as should inherit the kingdome and so the Chaldee paraphrast explaineth it the kingdome is ceased from Heshbon and Targum Ierusalemy giveth the same exposition the kingdome is ceased from Hesbon and ruler from Dibon The like metaphor is elsewhere used as And unto his some will I give one tribe that David my servant may have a lampe alway before me in Ierusalem that is a seed or son to reigne in Ierusalem 1 King 11. 36. So in 1 King 15. 4. for Davids sake did the Lord his God give him a lampe in Ierusalem to set up his sonne after him where the lampe is expounded his sonne Thus the Hebrewes here also expound it their lampe is perished that is saith Iarchi their kingdome is perished And Chazkunithus the citie Hesbon hath lost her heire from over all the land unto Dibon so that no heire of Moab shall inherit it any more a Lampe meaneth an heire as in 1 King 11. 36. To this sense the old Latine version saith Their yoke is perished from Hesebon for a yoke often signifieth dominion as in Ier. 27. 8 11. and 28. 2 14. A lampe signifieth a kingdome and a yoke and dominion saith Sol. Iarchi It may also be translated And we have shot at them so it agreeth with that which followeth and wee have laid them waste and they are the words of Sinon and his favourites triumphing for their conquest over Moab Dibon one of the high places and cities in Moabs countrey Esay 15. 2. Ierem. 48. 18 22. The Chaldee expoundeth it the dominion is departed from Dibon which reacheth unto Meâ—eba the Chaldee saith which is adjoyned unto Medeba that was another citie in Moabs land Esay 12. 2. The word which in Hebrew asher is noted extraordinarily in the Hebrew with prickes over it for some hidden meaning Baal-hatturim saith of it thus R in asher is pricked and there remaineth that letter being taken away ash that is fire because it was burnt with fire and the
wicked is abomination how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked minde Prov. 21. 27. God desireth mercie and not sacrifice Hos. 6. 6. But Balaam was of their religion which thinke that gaine is godlinesse 1 Tim. 6. 5. and for the wages of iniquitie abuseth the ordinances of the blessed God unto cursing and crueltie seven bullocks as bullocks and rammes were sacrifices which God himselfe required in the Law Levit. 1. and which the Patriarchs had learned from God of old Gen. 15. 9. so seven was a number sanctified of God for many mysteries as is noted on Levit. 4. 6. and particularly in sacrifices as he said to Iobs friends Take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rammes and goe to my servant Iob and offer up for your selves a Burnt-offering Iob 42. 8. So at the bringing up of the Arke David and the Elders of Israel offered seven bullocks and seven rams 1 Chron. 15. 26. and Ezekias with the rulers brought seven bullocks seven rams and seven lambs and seven hee-goats for a Sin-offering for the kingdome c. 2 Chron. 29. 21. Wherefore the Aramites Moabites and other nations having learned from their ancestors the manner of sacrificing unto God retained it till Moses time and long after though corrupted with their owne superstitions and abused to much impietie Hereupon Balaam sacrificeth to the Lord in this sort to purchase favour of him and vainly boasteth unto God him-selfe of his good worke v. 4. And according to this number it is seven times said of Balaam that he took up his parable Num. 23. 7. 18. and Num. 24. 3. 15. 20. 21 23. Vers. 2. Balak did Though Chemosh was Balaks God Num. 21. 29. yet now by Balaams counsell he sacrificeth to Iehovah the God of Israel v. 3. 17. as unstable men in hope to obtaine their purposes are easily drawn to communicate with all religions true or false to make a sinfull mixture of them 2 King 17. 28 29 33. Ezr. 4. 1. 2. Act. 17. 23. on an altar that is as the Chaldee explaineth it on every altar The altar being an holy ordinance w ch sanctified the offering Matth. 23. 19. and a figure of Christ Heb. 13. 10. Ioh. 17. 19. they for the more sanctimony offer their gifts on severall altars Wherein they adde superstition to the religion received from the fathers for holy men used one altar in a place though many sacrifices 〈◊〉 8. 20. 12. 7. and 13. 4. 18. and 26. 25. and 33. 20. and 35. 〈◊〉 Exod. 17. 15. and 24. 4. but Idolaters accustomed themselves to many altars 2 Kings 18. 22. Ier. 11. 13. Hos. 10. 1. 12. 11. Amos 3. 14. Esa. 17. 8. such many altars were multiplied to sin Hos. 8. 11. Vers. 3. Stand or Present thy selfe to wit unto God here by thy burnt-offering and goe not with me as they were wont to stand by their sacrâ—fices whiles they burned and present themselves there unto the Lord who first had respect unto the offerer and then unto the gift Gen. 4. 4 5. so Balak and his princes were to stay there if perhaps God would respect their persons peradventure Iehovah 〈◊〉 come or as the Greeke translateth if perhaps the Lord will appeare Balaam went now to meet with inchantments or signes of good luck Num. 24. 1. w ch after the manner of false Prophets hee coloureth with the name of the Lord. what word or what thing soever to an high place to a cliffe oâ— the rock or solitarie to a solitarie place and thus the Chaldee expounds it he went alone He went as sooth sayers were wont to an high solitary place to make his prayers and to observe signes if any should appeare Vers. 4. God met Balaam in Greeke God appeared to Balaam in Chaldee the word from before the LORD met or came unto Balaam and so againe in v. 16. Though he sought the Lord both by an unlawfull means of inchantment Num. 24. 1. Deu. 18. 10. and to a wicked end that he might curse Israel Deut. 23. 4 5. yet the Lord meeteth with him and putteth his word in his mouth for the good of his people So when Nebuchadnezzar used divinations and consulted with Idols being unresolved whether he should first warre against the Iewes or the Ammonites the Lord so disposed of it that he first fell upon the Iewes and signified the same to his Prophet Ezek. 21. 19. 23. he said that is as the Greeke explaineth it BalaaÌ„ said I have prepared or I have ordered He vainly glorieth of his religious works before God supposing that he would be pleased with his many altars and sacrifices wherewith he honoured him and with all implying his request that he might have leave to curse Israel but the Lord would not heare Balaam Deut. 23. 5. for he hath not so great delight in Burnt-offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to his voyce 1 Sam. 15. 22. To doe justice and judgement is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice Prov. 21. 3. Vers. 5. put a word in Balaams mouth The Lord giveth no answer to Balaams boasting speech nor sheweth any regard of his altars and sacrifices which were an abomination unto him Prov. 15. 8. but sendeth him backe with a blessing upon his people contrary to his owne and the kings desire and expectation The preparations of the heart in man and the answer of the tongue from the LORD Prov. 16. 1. Vers. 7. he tooke up his parable the parable of his prophesie saith Targum Ionathan By taking up is meant apronouncing with an high voice so God would have them all take knowledge of his word against them and for his people By a parable or proverbe is meant a grave speech which groweth into common use among men And it is used both in the good part for excellent matter of doctrine and comfort as Iob 27. 1. and 29. 1. Prov. 1. 1. and in the evill part for proverbs of reproach and reprehension as in Deut. 28. 37. Esay 14. 4. Parables also are opposed to plaine and familiar speeches easie to be understood Ezek. 20. 49. Ioh. 16. 25. so now God speaketh by Balaam to the wicked Moabites but in parables that seeing they might not see and hearing they might not understand as in Luke 8. 10. brought me from Aram to wit froÌ„ Aram naharajim or Mesopotamia as Moses sheweth in Deut. 23. 4. and so the Greeke here translateth sent for me out of Mesopotamia and Targum Ionathan explaineth it Aram which is by Euphrates See the notes on Gen. 24. 10. and Numb 22. 5. of the east situate eastward from Moabs and Israels land that country was infamous for sorcery and divination Esay 2. 6. defie or detest with angry threats and hatefull indignation as the word signifieth in Dan. 11. 30. The Greeke translateth it Acourse Vers. 8. whom God hath not cursed Thus the Greeke also readeth adding the word whom such wants the Seripture sometime supplieth as this house is high
1 King 9. 8. for this house which is high 2 Chron. 7 21. Otherwise it may be translated How shall I curse God hath not cursed Targum Ionathan explaineth it How shall I curse when the word of the Lord blessed them Here God by Balaams owne mouth reproveth the errour of the King who had sent so farre twice to fetch him that of himselfe was able to doe nothing in this businesse and taxeth the vanitie of this Art of Magicke or divination which is not able either to helpe or hurt any without leave from God So the Babylonian is convinced by the prophet saying Stand now with thine inchantments and with the multitude of thy sorceries wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth if so be thou shalt be able to profit if so be thou mayest prevaile Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels let now the Astrologers the Star-gazâ—rs the monethly Prognosticators stand up and sav thee from those things that shall come upon thee Behold they shall be as stubble the fire shall burne them c. Esay 47. 12 13 14. Vers. 9. For from the top or when from the top Hebr. the head of the rockes I see him meaning the people spoken of as one body I behold him in Greeke I consider him speaking againe of the people as Targum Ionathan explaineth it I consider this people Balak brought him to the mountaines that seeing the people from thence hee might the more easily curse them but the sight of them did so amaze him as he blessed them Thus all occasions and circumstances which the wicked chuse for their advantage God turneth against them and for the accomplishment of his owne wil. shall dwell alone separated from other peoples And this further signifieth how they should be sufficiently provided for of God having neither need nor feare of other peoples for so dwelling alone implieth a security from evill as in Ier. 49. 31. And thus Moses blessing them said Israel shall dwell in confident safety alone Deut. 33. 28. shall not be reckoned or shall not reckon themselves this respecteth their faith in God and service of him whereby they were his peculiar and separated from other peoples as Exod. 19. 5. Lev. 20. 24 26. Ezr. 9. 2. So Christ hath chosen his Church out of the world Ioh. 15. 19. 1 Pet. 2. 9. and this grace the faithful apply unto themselves as it is said We know that we are of God and the whole world lieth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5. 19. Vers. 10. Who can count that is None can count they are so many Heb. Who counteth which the Chaldee expoundeth who can or is able to count And thus the Scripture somtime explaineth it selfe as Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man Matth. 15. 11. that is can defile him Mark 7. 15. See the Annotations on Gen. 13. 6. So after in vers 20. the dust of Iakob that is the children of Iakob as the Greeke translateth it the seed of Iakob Here Balaams mouth confirmeth the promise which God made of old unto Iakob saying Thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth Gen. 28. 14. and the like was before unto Abraham I will multiply thy seed as the starres of heaven and as the sand which is upon the sea shore Gen. 22. 17. And thus the Chaldee here expoundeth it Who can count the little ones of the house of Iakob of whom it was said they shall be multiplied as the dust of the earth of the fourth part or of a quarter as the Chaldee explaineth it of one of the foure campes of Israel for they camped about the Tabernacle in foure quarters Numb 2. Whereas the promise of the blessing to Abraham consisted of two branches 1. that God would give the land of Canaan to him and to his seed for ever 2. and that he would make his seed as the dust of the earth Gen. 13. 15 16. under which spirituall graces in Christ were also comprehended the Lord causeth Balaam here to ratifie them both for their dwelling alone in the land and for their innumerable increase And whereas Balak envied their multitude and would therefore have them cursed that they might be diminished Num. 22. 3 5 6. Balaam is here forced to utter a blessing for their further increase Thus God resisteth him in all his counsels and enterprises Let my soule die that is Let me die an Hebrew phrase whereby the soule is put for the person I thou or he and death is the departure of the soule from the body Gen. 35. 18. Then dust returneth unto the earth as it was and the spirit returneth to God that gave it Eccles. 12. 7. So Samson said Let my soule die with the Philistines Iudg. 16. 30. the death of the righteous men the Greek translateth with the soules of the just men meaning the righteous of Israel as the Chaldee explaineth it the death of the just men thereof that is of that people Balaam who lived the life of the wicked desireth as many doe to die the death of the righteous but as he lived so he died among the enemies of God by the sword of Israel Numb 31. 8. Howbeit he pronounceth here a greater blessing upon Israel as they that were happie not only in life but in death For righteousnesse which is by faith in Christ Phil. 3. 9. delivereth from death but when a wicked man dieth his expectation perisheth Prov. 11. 4 7. Here also Balaam testifieth of the soules immortality and different case of good bad for otherwise what were the death of the righteous better than of the wicked let my last end or let my posterity The originall word sometime signifieth the end opposed to the beginning as in Deut. 11. 12. Prov. 19. 20. and so the Chaldee translateth it here let my end be like theirs sometime it is the posteritie or children which come after as in Dan. 11. 4. Amos 5. 2. Psal. 109. 13. and in this sense the Greeke Interpreters understood it here saying and let my seed be like their seed thus Balaam prophesieth a blessing also to the seed of every righteous Israelite according to the promise made unto Abraham and his seed after him Gen. 17. 7. And further this word end is often used for reward which is after labours Prov. 23. 18. and 24. 20. 1 Pet. 1. 9. which also may be implied here of a blessed reward which the righteous have after this life in heaven Mat. 5. 12. But Balaam being a minister of Satan though transformed as a minister of righteousnesse his end was according to his workes as the Apostle telleth us of all such 2 Cor. 11. 15. Vers. 11. I tooke thee to curse mine enemies Balak who had before builded altars and offered sacrifices as to serve the Lord with great devotion being now crossed in his purpose manifesteth his hypocrisie pride malice and notorious prophanation of religious exercises in that he regarded not nor rested in the answer of Godby Balaam
tabernacle Num 2. so the hand of God for the increase and diminishing of their campes may be seene thus In the first and chiefest quarter Eastward were IVDAH Issachar and Zabulon all increased Iudah was the father and figure of Christ under whose standard all that camp march are blessed In the second quarter Southward were REVBEN Simeon and Gad who were all diminished as Reuben for his sin lost his honor and birthright 1 Chro. 5. 1. so his sons rebelled Num. 16. and Simeon sinned with an high hand Num. 25. In the third quarter Westward were EPHRAIM Manasseh and Benjamin of whom the first was diminished the other two increased In the fourth quarter Northward were DAN Aser and Naphtali of whom the two former were multiplied the third and last diminished Concerning the families of the tribes excepting Levi they are 57 in all For here are families 1 Of Manasseh 8. 2 Of Benjamin 7. 3 Of Gad 7. 4 Of Simeon 5. 5 Of Iudah 5. 6 Of Aser 5. 7 Of Reuben 4. 8 Of Issachar 4. 9 Of Ephraim 4. 10 Of Naphtali 4. 11 Of Zabulon 3. 12 Of Dan 1. The sum of all the families is 57 to whom if we adde the twelve tribes and Iakob himselfe the father of them all the whole number is Seventie w ch was the number of the soules of Iakobs house that went into Egypt Gen. 46. 27. But comparing these now with the heads of families named in Gen. 46. we shall see five families rooted out one of Simeon Leahs son one of Aser the son of Leahs handmaid and three of Benjamin Rachels son whose ten families are decayed unto seven In these numbers increase and decrease of the tribes and families of Israel we may behold that w ch lob saith of Gods works Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this in whose hand is the soule of every living thing and the breath of all flesh of man Behold he breaketh downe and it cannot be built againe he shutteth up a man and there can be no opening He increaseth the nations and destroyeth them he enlargeth the nations and straitneth them Iob 12. 9 10. 14. 23. Vers. 53. Unto these the land shall be divided So the naturall sons of Israel onely had inheritance but under the Gospell it is prophesied that the strangers also should have inheritance among the tribes Ezek. 47. 22 23. By this also it appeareth that the tribes diminished had a double punishment losse of men and a lesser inheritance in the holy land both which are opposed to the covenant and promise made to their fathers w ch stood on these two branches multitude of children and inheritance of the land Gen. 12. 2. 7. and 13. 15 16. and 15. 5. 8. 18. and 17. 2. 6. 8. and 22. 17. and 26. 3 4. and 28. 13 14. and 35. 11 12. Sol. larchi here saith To these and not to them that are lesse than twentie yeares old although they came to full twentie before the division of the land For loe the land was seven yeares in conquering c. yet none had portion in the land but these six hundred thousand one thousand and if one of them had six sons they received but their fathers portion onely But Chazkuni referreth it to the families saying To these the 57 families reckoned here shall the land be divided for inheritance by the number of names 57 portions according to the 57 heads of families So it is written in Num. 33. 54. Ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families This figured that onely such shall have their part in the kingdome of heaven as are chosen and called of God and have their names written in the lambs booke of life Rom. 8. 28 29 30. 1 Pet. 1. 2 3 4. 5. Rev. 21. 27. Vers. 54. To the many To the tribe and familie w ch hath many persons in it Thou shalt give them the more Hebr. thou shalt multiply his inheritance So the portions were not all equall in quantitie but proportioned to the multitude of men in the tribes and families To the tribes which had the greater multitudes they gave the greater portion though the portions were not equall for lo every tribe had his portion according to his multitude saith Sol. Iarchi on Num. 26. Hereupon the sons of Ioseph complained of their small portion in respect of their great multitude Ios. 17. 14. Vers. 55. by lot Although Eleazar the high Priest Iosua the governour and 12 princes of the tribes appointed of God Num. 34. 17 18. c. were to divide the land yet to cut off contention and to shew the providence disposition of God according to the purpose of his will hee commandeth lots to be cast for The lot causeth contention to cease and parteth betweene the mightie Prov. 18. 18. and The lot is cast into the lap but the Whole disposing thereof is of the LORD Pro. 16. 33. And the Hebrew Doctors say The portions were not made but by lot and the lot was by the mouth of the holy Ghost Sol. Iarchi on Num. 26. The manner of doing it was thus First the land was by men divided into parts according to the number of the tribes as Iosua sent men to divide the land which remained into seven parts and to describe it according to the inheritance of them and so to bring the description unto him that he might cast lots for them before the Lord. And they described it by cities into seven parts in a booke and brought it to Iosua who cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord and so every tribe received as their lot came up according to their families Ios. 18. 4. 11. c. Moreover in the Hebrew records it is said that it was not divided but by Vrim and Thummim which was the oracle of God in the brest-plate of the high Priest Exo. 28. Num. 27. 21. as it is said in Num. 26. 56. According to or At the mouth of the lot When Eleazar was cloathed with Vrim and Thummim Iosua and all Israel stood before him there was a Kalphi a vessell whereinto the lots were put whereof see the Annotations on Lev. 16. 8. of the Tribes names and a Kalphi of the names of the limits or bounds of the countries set before him and hee being directed by the holy Ghost said Naphtali commeth up the limit Genasareth commeth up he tooke out of the Kalphi of the tribes and Naphtali came up in his hand out of the Kalphi of the limits and the limit Genasareth came up in his hand And so for every tribe Talmud Bab. in Baba bathra c. 8. in Gemara and Sol. Iarchi on Num. 26. But observe that the land within lordan was divided onely to nine tribes and an halfe because two tribes an halfe had their portion on the outside of Iordan Num. 34. 13. 14 15. By reason of this dividing the land by lot the Scripture calleth
inheritances by the name of Lets as Come up with me into my lot Iudg. 1. 3. And not lands onely but whatsoever befalleth unto men frō the hand of God is called a lot as This is the portion of them that spoile us and the lot of them that rob us Esay 17. 14. and Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter Act. 8. 21. and That they may receive forgivenesse of sins and a lot that is inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith c. Act. 26. 18. The part of the lot that is of the inheritance of the Saints in light Col. 1. 12. So that in the Greek used by the Apostles Cleros a lot and Cleronomia a division by lot is the common name of an inheritance 1 Pet. 5. 3. Ephes. 1. 14. 18. Vers. 56. According to the lot Hebr. At or Vpon the mouth of the lot as the lot whereon the name of the tribe or of the inheritance is written shall speake This lot being of the Lord figured the diversities of gifts in the Church which the Spirit of God divideth to every man severally 〈◊〉 will 1 Cor. 12. 4. 11. as also the dispensation of his graces concerning our heavenly inheritance which the Election onely obtaineth that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of workes but of him that calleth Rom. 11. 7. and 9. 11. Vers. 57. of the Levites who though they had no inheritance in the land vers 62. yet were they to have 48 cities and their suburbs for their habitation Num. 35. which also fell unto them by lot Ios. 21. 4. c. Vers. 58. Korachites or Korhites of Korah the sonne of Izhar the sonne of Kohath the sonne of Levi Num. 16. 1. Korah himselfe died in the rebellion but his sonnes died not Num. 26. 11. therefore they are reckoned here for a familie in the fourth generation from Levi which is one degree further than the other families And whereas in Exod. 6. 16. c. there are reckoned of Gershon two sonnes Libni and Shimei here the familie of the Libnites is mustered but Shimei left out There Kohath hath foure sonnes Amram and Ishar and Hebron and Vzziel here Vzziel is omitted neither is Ishar named but in his sonnes the Korhites Vers. 59. she bare to Levi by she understand Levies wise or Iochebeds mother Sol. Iarchi expoundeth it his wise bare her in Egypt she bare to Amram that is Iochebed Amrams wife who was also his aunt bare to Amram Exo. 6. 20. Marie Hebr. Mirjam she was a prophetesse see Exod. 15. 20. Num. 12. 1. Vers. 60. unto Aaron was borne Here Moses children Gershon and Eliezer are againe omitted see the notes on Num. 3. 38. Vers. 61. and Abihu died and they had no sonnes Num. 3. 4. See the historie in Levit. 10. Vers. 62. 23 thousand who at the former numbring were but 22 thousand Num. 3. 39. So they increased in the wildernesse a thousand males Vers. 65. dying they shall die i. they shall surely die this was threatned for their rebellion refusing to go into the promised land Nū 14. and the fulfilling of Gods judgment is here shewed and Iosoua in Greeke Iesus the son of Naue these two survived because they faithfully followed the Lord Num. 14. 24. 38. See the Annotations there In that all the rest were dead save these two it sheweth that all the 600 thousand men now mustered which should conquer Canaan were a valiant company betweene 20 and 60 yeares of age none being above 60 but Caleb and Iosua and as they were in body so in minde being trained up these 38 yeares in the study of the Law and ordinances of God and beholding his workes having Moses and Aaron for their leaders and Gods good spirit for their instructer Neh. 9. 20. CHAP. XXVII 1 The daughters of Zelophehad sue for an inheritance 5 Moses bringeth their cause before the Lord who granteth their request 8 The Law of inheritances when a man dieth without a son 12 Moses is bidden goe up and see the land and is told of his death for his trespasse 15 He requesteth of the Lord that a man may be set governour in his place 18 The Lord appointeth Iosua to succeed him 22 And Moses by imposition of hands ordaineth him to his office THen came the daughters of Zelophehad the sonne of Hepher the son of Gilead the son of Machir the son of Manasses of the families of Manasses the son of Ioseph and these are the names of his daughters Machlah Noah Hoglah and Milcah and Tirzah And they stood before Moses and before Eleazar the Priest and before the Princes and all the congregation at the doore of the Tent of the Congregation saying Our father died in the wildernesse and he was not among the Congregation of them that gathered themselves together against Iehovah in the congregation of Korah but in his sinne he died and hee had no sonnes Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family because he hath no sonne Give unto us a possession among the brethren of our father And Moses brought their cause before Iehovah And Iehovah said unto Moses saying The daughters of Zelophehad speake right giving thou shalt give them a possession of an inheritance among the brethren of their father and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to passe unto them And thou shalt speake unto the sonnes of Israel saying If a man die and he have no sonne then ye shall cause his inheritance to passe unto his daughter And if hee have no daughter then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren And if he have no brethren then ye shall give his inheritance unto the brethren of his father And if his father have no brethren then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his familie and he shall inherit it it shal be unto the sonnes of Israel for a statute of judgement as Iehovah commanded Moses And Iehovah said unto Moses Go thou up into this mountaine of Abarim and see the land w ch I have given to the sons of Israel And thou shalt see it and thou also shalt be gathered unto thy peoples as Aaron thy brother was gathered For ye rebelled against my mouth in the wildernesse of Zin in the strife of the congregation to sanctifie me at the water before their eyes that is the water of Meribah of Kadesh in the wildernesse of Zin And Moses spake unto Iehovah saying Let Iehovah the God of the spirits of all flesh set a man over the congregation Which may go out before them and which may go in before them and which may lead them out and which may bring them in that the congregation of Iehovah be not as sheep which have no shepherd And Iehovah said unto Moses Take unto thee Iosua the son of Nun a man in whom is the spirit and lay thine hand upon him And cause
fell to be on the Sabbath then besides all the former oblations they offered also the two lambes which were added for the Sabbath Numb 28. 9 10. The Order of offering is said to be thus After the daily morning sacrifice was offered the addition of the Sabbath was first and after that the addition of the new-moone and after it the addition of this good day or seast Maimony in Tamidin chap. 9. sect 2. Vers. 6. their manner Hebr. their judgement that is the law and ordinance prescribed of God So in vers 18. 21. 24. c. Vnder this word manner or judgement the Hebrews understand the order also hâ—â—e set downe for whereas sometimes the Sin-offering was offered first before the Burnt-offering Leo. 5. 7 8 10. in the oblations of the feast they say it was not so but they offered according to the order that is written as it is said According to their maner As first the Bullocks and after them the Rams and after them the Lambs and after them the Goat-buckes although the Goat-buckes were Sin-offerings and all those before them were Burnt-offerings Maimony in Tamidin chap. 9. sect 7. Vers. 7. the tenth day which was the day of Atonements Lev. 23. 27. called the Fast Act. 27. 9. The manner of Atonement and the service on that day is described at large in Levit. 16. afflict your soules with fasting and abstinence see the Annotations on Lev. 16. 29. Vers. 11. beside the Sin-offering of Atonements that Goat-bucke whose bloud was carried into the Holy place the body burned without the camp Lev. 16. 9. 29. besides it this sacrifice here coÌ„manded was to be offered and besides the daily Burnt-offering On Atonement day they offer an addition according to the addition of the beginning of the yeare which was the first day of the seventh month fore-mentioned in vers 1 2. a bullock a ram and this ram is called the peoples ram and seven lambes all of them for Burnt-offerings and a goat-buck for a Sin-offering that was eaten at evening Moreover the congregation offered a goat-bucke for a Sin-offering which was burnt the fellow wherof was sent away for a Scape-goat Lev. 16. 9 10. Maim in Tamidin c. 10. s. 1 2. This Atonement was a lively figure of our reconciliation unto God by the death of Christ as is shewed on Levit. 16. the afflicting of their soules figured repentance and humiliation for sins with our fellowship in the afflictions of Christ Rom. 6. 3 4 6. 1 Pet. 2. 21. The sacrifices added here signified the faith that Gods people should have in Christ sacrificed and thankfulnesse unto God therefore 1 Ioh. 2. 1 2. Hebr. 10. 10. 19. 22. c. Rom. 12. 1 2. Vers. 12. the fifteenth day when the feast of Booths or of Tabernacles did begin which lasted seveÌ„ daies Lev. 23. 34 35 36 c. the signification of which feast is shewed in the Annotations on that place Vers. 13. thirteene bullockes Whereas at the other feasts forementioned they offered but two bullocks one ram and seven lambs in a day at this they were to offer thirteene bullocks two rams and fourteene lambs both because the solemnity was greater and at this time they had gathered in their corne and wine and had seene the blessing of God in all their increase and in all the workes of their hands Deut. 16. 13 15. therefore the Lord required moe sacrifices in signe of thankfulnesse But Ezekiel prophesying of the daies of Christ under whom we keepe this feast in spirit and truth Zach. 14. 16. 19. appointeth like sacrifices as were to be offered at the Passeover as that the Prince should prepare seven bullocks and seven rammes daily for a Burnt-offering c. Ezek. 45. 23 25. Vers. 17. twelve bullocks in every of the seven daies of this feast one bullocke is abated as on the second day twelve on the third day eleven vers 20. on the fourth day ten vers 23. and so forward till on the seventh day they were to offer seven bullocks vers 32. all which in seven dayes amounted to seventie bullockes but the rammes and lambes were every day alike By this diminishing of one bullocke every day the Holy Ghost might teach their duty to grow in grace and increase in sanctification that their sinnes decreasing the number of their sacrifices whereby Atonement was made for their sinnes should also decrease daily Or it might signifie a diminishing and wearing away of the legal offerings to lead them unto the spirituall and reasonable service by presenting their owne bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God Rom. 12. 1. Vers. 18. and for the lambes the Hebrewes say that the Meat and Drink-offerings of these severall sacrifices were never to be mixed together but the Meat and Drinke-offerings of the bullockes were by themselves and the Meat and Drink-offerings of the rams by themselves and of the lambes by themselves whether they were the oblations of the congregation or the oblations of a particular person Maimony in Tamidin chap. 10. sect 15. Vers. 35. In the eighth day Chazkuni here observeth that it is not said as was of the former daies And in the eighth day to teach that it was a good day or feast by it selfe a solemne assembly or generall assembly See the notes on Lev. 23. 36. Vers. 36. one bullocke though this was the last and the great day of the feast Ioh. 7. 37. yet were the sacrifices fewer than on any other day as if God would call them from the multitude of outward oblations to his spiritual worship as is noted on vers 17. And our Saviour on that day called the people from their many carnall observations some whereof are noted on Levit. 23. 40. unto himselfe to drinke the waters of his Spirit Ioh. 7. 38 39. Vers. 39. beside your vowes c. of the difference betweene Vowes and Voluntary offerings see the Annotations on Lev. 7. 16. The sacrifices fore-mentioned the congregation of Israel was bound to offer every thing in his day but all men as they had either vowed or voluntarily would brought their sacrifices at the feasts especially Peace-offerings which the owners did eat before the Lord that according to the blessing of God upon them they their children and their servants the Levites the stranger the fatherlesse and the widow with them might eat and drinke and rejoyce before the Lord Deut. 16. 10 11. 14 15. The truth and complement of all which solemnities are now fulfilled unto us by Christ who by once offering of him-selfe hath reconciled us unto God and wrought our eternall redemption and hath given us of his Spirit whereby we know that he abideth in us and hath placed in us the kingdome of God which consisteth in righteousnesse and peace and joy in the holy Ghost That by him we should offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips confessing to his Name and should not forget to doe good
bountie in giving all people 's the use of those creatures as on the contrary false gods are said to divide or impart nothing unto them Deut. 29. 26. and the base minde of men to worship such things as are given for servants unto all men Vers. 20. fornace of iron that is fornace wherein 〈◊〉 melted so Egypt is called for the cruell op 〈…〉 Israel likewise in 1 King 8. 51. Ier. 11. 4. people of inheritance that is whom God shall 〈◊〉 take for his possession the Greeke 〈◊〉 and inheritance as this day under 〈…〉 〈◊〉 yee are or as yee see this day Vers. 21. your sakes or your words as the Greek 〈◊〉 the things spoken by you meaning 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ring words Num. 20. 3 4 5. where 〈…〉 〈◊〉 being grieved obeyed not the comman 〈…〉 God Num. 20. 12. Psal. 106. 32 33. 〈◊〉 spake of before Deut. 3. 26. and now a 〈…〉 to shew Gods severity against all 〈…〉 Vers. 23. stroke or cut that is covenanted or 〈◊〉 â—â—â—es doth often speake of the covenant first 〈◊〉 betweene God and them as that which was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of all religion to them and their seed after them and whatsoever men added altered 〈◊〉 diminished from it was to be reputed evill So Paul reforming abuses in the Churches calleth them to the first institution 1 Cor. 11. 23 24. charged thee or commanded thee that is commanded thee not to doe or forbidden thee so in Deut. 2. 37. for Gods precepts in the Decalogue are for the most part for bods or prohibitions yet usually called commandements The whole phrase is expressed in Ge. 3. 11. which I commanded thee not to eat of it that is which I forbade thee to eat of Vers. 24. fire to consume all his enemies and thine if thou obey him as Deut. 9. 3. and thee thy selfe if thou disobey him as Zeph. 1. 18. Heb. 12. 29. See also Exod. 24. 17. The Chaldee addeth his word is a consuming fire which is also true Ier. 23. 29. Deut. 33. 2. jealous the former word signified Gods power this his will hauing a jealous affection whereby he will not spare as Prov. 6. 34 35. See Exod. 20. 5. Vers. 25. waxen old that is continued long as the Greeke explaineth it and become ancient inhabitants Gods blessings were by Israel abused to sin as is here foretold and againe in Deut. 32. 15. Vers. 26. perishing yee shall perish that is surely and speedily perish in Greeke perish with perdition so in Deut. 30. 18 19. where againe hee calleth heaven and earth to witnesse Vers. 27. few men Hebr. men of number that is soone numbred for your fewnesse as the Greeke translateth few in number and in Iob 16. 22. yeeres of number are a few yeares see Gen. 34. 30. This is contrary to that promised blessing in Gen. 15. 5. Vers. 28. serve gods being given over to your owne lusts as it is written God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven Act. 7. 42. This same God threatned afterward in Ier. 16. 13. But the Chaldee here turneth it yee shall serve peoples that serve Idols the worke of mens hands nor smell the vanity of Idols is after this sort described in Psal. 115. 4. 7. Ier. 10. 3. 9. Vers. 29. seeke Iehovah the Chaldee translateth seeke the feare of the Lord meaning his true service Here Moses annexeth promises to comfort repentant sinners as also in Deut. 30. 1 2 3 c. all thy heart see an example of this in 2 Chron. 15. 15. Vers. 30. finde thee that is come upon or befall thee as the Chaldee explaineth it Vers. 31. thy fathers Abraham Isaak and Iacob See Levit. 26. 42. c. Vers. 32. of the heavens that is from one utmost part of the world unto the other By the heavens are meant the parts of the world under the heavens and the holy Ghost openeth this phrase for in Mat. 24. 31. it is written from the utmost parts of the heavens unto the utmost paâ—ts of them for which in Mark 13. 27. is said from the utmost part of the earth unto the utmost part of the heavens By which it is evident that the heavens in this speech is put for the earth under the heavens for heavens comprehendeth the Aire also wherein wee breath as is noted on Genesis 1. 8. great thing Hebr. great word Moses hereby would teach that Gods words and works unto his Church are more great and marvellous than all his actions to other peoples whatsoever and therfore ought the more seriously to be considered Verse 33. voice of God the Chaldee saith the voice of the word of the Lord the Greeke of the living God and lived As at the apparitions of God men were wont to feare they should die Iudg. 13. 22. and 6. 22. So at the giving of the law all Israel desired that they might heare the voice of God no more lest they died Exod. 20. 19. Deut. 18. 16. which manifested the power of the law and the weaknesse of men Heb. 12. 19. So no man can see the face of God and live Exod. 33. 20. when God giveth his voice the earth melteth Psal. 46. 7. Verse 34. hath God or hath any God speaking of the true God and his workes unto Israel above all other people or of the reputed gods of the Gentiles none of which ever did such a thing assaied or tempted This is spoken not of God trying his owne strength but proving the obedience of his people and trying the strength of his adversaries The Chaldee translateth Or the tentations or signes which the Lord hath made to reveale himselfe c. tentations Moses here reckoneth seven things about Israels deliverance Tentations whereby God propounding his will tried their obedience as when God tempted Abraham Gen. 22. 1. Signes which many times are of ordinary workes and naturall as Exod. 3. 12. Wonders which are of extraordinary and supernaturall workes as Exod. 4. 21. and 7. 9. Warre upon the refusall and resistance of the enemie Exod. 8. 1 2. Strong hand not by cunning policies and stratagems as men often use in wars but by force compelling the enemie to yeeld Exod. 6. 1. Stretched out arme by open manifesting his power and plagues continually upon the resisters Esay 9. 12 17. Exod. 6. 6. and Great terrours which wounded the hearts of the very enemies Exod. 9. 20 27 28. and 10. 7. and 12. 30. terrours or feares the Greek and Chaldee translate visions or sights which are oftentimes fearefull but the Hebrew for fears and visions are one much like another which might cause the mistaking So in Deut. 26. 8. Vers. 35. so know that is that thou mightest know and acknowledge The end of all Gods workes was the manifesting of his glory to the information and salvation of his people This Moses often urgeth in this booke Vers. 36 to instruct or to nurture chastise by restraining from vice So Gods chastening and teaching out of his law are joyned together
there the tithe of thy corne of thy new wine and of thy new oile and the firstlings of thy herd and of thy flocke that thou maiest learne to feare Iehovah thy God all daies And if the way bee too much for thee that thou art not able to carie it because the place is farre from thee which Iehovah thy God shall chuse to set his name there when Iehovah thy God hath blessed thee Then shalt thou turne it into money and binde up the money in thine hand and shalt goe unto the place which Iehovah thy God shall chuse And thou shalt give the money for all that thy soule desireth for oxen or for sheepe or for wine or for strong drinke or for whatsoever thy soule asketh of thee and thou shalt eat there before Iehovah thy God and thou shalt rejoyce thou and thine house And the Levite which is within thy gates thou shalt not forsake him for hee hath no part nor inheritance with thee At the end of three yeeres thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thy revenue in that yeere and shalt lay it up within thy gates And the Levite because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee and the stranger and the fatherlesse the widow which are within thy gates shall come and shall eat and be satisfied that Iehovah thy God may blesse thee in all the worke of thine hand which thou shalt doe Annotations THE sonnes of Iehovah or sonnes to Iehovah the Chaldee translateth sonnes before the Lord. Vnder the name sonnes hee implieth daughters also as is expressed in Deut. 32. 19. 2 Cor. 6. 18. Moses here entreth into precepts concerning the communion of the Saints among themselves which should bee holy who as they must abstaine from false gods so from communion in the rites and ordinances of religion with the children of such Christ is the Sonne of God in nature the Sonne of his love Coless 1. 13. Wee in Christ are the sonnes of God by adoption Rom. 8. 15. by faith in Christ Gal. 3. 26. So many as are led by the Spirit of God Rom. 8. 14. and are made partakers of his love as it is written Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that wee should bee called the children of God 1 Ioh. 3. 1. not cut your selves as was the manner of the heathens especially in their sorrow 1 King 18. 28. Ier. 41. 5. and in particular when their friends died Ier. 16. 6. which thing is chiefly intended here The Chaldee translateth yee shall not make a tumult Because they are the children of God therfore they must walke in his feare 1 Pet. 1. 17. and purifie themselves even as he is pure 1 Ioh. 3. 3. and beare all accidents and afflictions that come upon them patiently and forsake all heathenish customes and not hurt their owne bodies which are the Temples of the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6. 19. See the notes on Levit. 19. 28. The Hebrewes say that Gedidah the cutting here spoken of and Seritah the incision in Levit. 19. 28. are one thing and hee that cutteth himselfe for the dead whether it be an incision with his hand or an incision with an instrument he is to be beaten Maimony treat of idolatry chap. 12. sect 13. put baldnesse that is make your selves bald by shaving or plucking off the haire which also they used in mourning for the dead Ezek. 7. 18. and 27. 31. Ier. 16. 6. and 48. 37. See also Levit. 21. 5. and 19. 27. betweene your eies that is on the fore-part of your head as the Phylacteries which were to be between their eies were worne on their heads as is noted on Exod. 13. 9. 16. And in Levit. 21. 5. it is written They shall not make baldnesse upon their head for the dead this is an explanation of that which elsewhere he saith for a soule Levit. 19. 28. and 21. 1. The Hebrewes here say If your father dye yee shall not cut your selves nor make you bald nor sorrow more than is meet for you are not fatherlesse because you have a father who is great living and permanent even the holy blessed God But an Infidell when his father dieth hath no father that can help him in time of need for his father which is left him is of wood his mother of stone as it is written saying to a stocke Thou art my father to a stone Thou hast brought me forth Ier. 2. 27. therfore they weepe cut themselves make them bald And further because thou art an holy people therefore thou maiest not deforme thy selfe or make thee ill-favoured Chazkuni on Deut. 14. Yea even the wise among the heathens themselves blamed this folly in men that mangled their bodies for the dead calling them Varia detestabilia generalugendi pedores muliebres lacerationes genarum pectoris foemorum capitis percussiones Cicer. Tusc. quaest l. 3. Vers. 2. of peculiar treasure in Greeke a peculiar people in Chaldee abeloved people see the annotations on Exod. 19. 5. Vers. 3. any abomination This Sol. Iarchi and the Thargum called Ionathans well explaine any thing that I have made abominable to you or put farre from you For every creature of God is good 1 Tim. 4. 4. and there is nothing common or uncleane of it selfe Rom. 14. 14. but by the ordinance of God certaine creatures meats and drinks were made uncleane unto the Iewes yet not for ever but imposed upon them untill the time of reformation Heb. 9. 10. And this law taught them holinesse in abstaining from the impure communion with the wicked Act. 10. 13. 17. 20 28. See the annotations on Levit. 11. The Hebrewes saw this mysterie for Baal Hatturim on this place noteth Next unto these words For thou art an holy people c. he saith Thou shalt not eat any abomination meaning that they should not be commixed 〈◊〉 infidels for infidels are like unto beasts Vers. 4. Kid of goats or the lambe of goats the Hebrew Seh is either a young sheepe or a young goat as Exod. 12. 4 5. and by naming the Lambe he meaneth all the breed of these beasts young or old as the sonne of man is used for any man generally old or young Psal. 144. 3. Iob 25. 6. Vers. 5. Hart in Hebrew Ajal a wilde beast well knowne whose female is called an Hâ—â—de Gen. 49. 21. light of foot 2 Sam. 22. 34. bringing forth her young with great sorrow Iob 39. 1 2 3. Such were meat at Solomons table 1 King 4. 23. Roe-buck in Hebr. Tsebi of the pleasa 〈…〉 le or beauty of this beast in Chaldee Taâ—ja in Greeke Dorkas whereupon the woman named in Syriak Tabitha Act. 9. 36. is by interpretation Dorkas in English a Roe this beast is very swift 2 Sam. 2. 18. 1 Chron. 12. 8. Song 8. 14. eaten also aâ— Solomons table 1 King 4. 23. Fallow-dâ—ere or Wilde-oxe Bugle or Buffel in Hebr. Iachmer a word not found but here and in 1 King
from every thing unto the battell And whosoever beginneth to thinke and cast doubts in the battell and maketh himselfe afraid transgresseth against this prohibition LET NOT YOVR HEART BE SOFT c. And not onely so but that all the bloud of Israel hangeth on his necke and if he prevaile not and make not warre with all his heart and with all his soule loe he is as he that sheddeth the bloud of all as it is written That his brethrens heart melt not as well as his heart And behold it is plainly said in Ier. 48. 10. Cursed be he that doth the worke of the Lord deceitfully and cursed be he that keepeth backe his sword from bloud But who so sighteth with all his heart without dread and his intent is to sanctifie the name of God only trusteth in him that hee shall finde no hurt and no evill shall come unto him And he will build him a sure house in Israel and honour him and his children for ever and count him worthy of life in the world that is to come as it is written in 1 Sam. 25. 28. For the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house because my lord fighteth the battels of the LORD and evill hath not beene found in thee from thy dayes and the soule of my Lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God Maimony treat of Kings chap. 7. sect 15. Vers. 9. Captaines or Princes Rulers That as their trust should first be in God alone so secondly they should use the lawfull outward meanes for safetie and victorie and not tempt the Lord. for an head or in the forefront of the people Heb. in the head which may be understood both these wayes as here so in 2 Chron. 13. 12. and 20. 27. The Greeke translateth foreleaders of the people Vers. 10. shalt proclaime peace unto it Hebr. shalt call unto it for peace whereby may be meant thou shalt invite or perswade it unto peace The Greeke translateth shalt call them out with peace the Chaldee shalt proclaime thereto words of peace The Hebrewes say They must make no warre with any man in the world untill they proclaime peace unto him whether it be warre permitted or warre commanded Deut. 20. 10. If they make peace and receive upon them the seven commandements which were given to the sonnes of Noe whereof see the notes on Gen. 9. 4. they must kill none of them but they shall be tributaries Deut. 20. 11. Maimony treat of Kings chap. 6. sect 1. Vers. 11. if it answer that is accept of the conditions of peace by thee proposed The Greeke translateth And if they answer thee peaceable words tributaries unto thee Hebr. shall be unto thee to tribute which the Chaldee expoundeth for offerers of tributes that is tributaries as the Greeke also explaineth it And tribute is not onely of mens goods but of their persons to be paid with the labour of their bodies as the Egyptians set over Israel taske or tribute Masters to afflict them with their burdens Ex. 1. 11. And Solomon raised a tribute or levie of 30. thousand men 1 King 5. 13. Accordingly it is here meant of both and the Hebrewes explaine it thus The tribute which they must take upon them is that they shall be ready for the Kings service with their bodies and with their goods as to build the walls to fortifie the munitions to build the Kings Palace the like as it is written in 1 Kings 9. 15 c. And this is the reason of the tribute the levie which King Solomon raised for to build the house of the LORD and his owne house and Millo and the wall of Ierusalent c. and all the cities of store that Solomon had c. And the King may condition with them to take halfe their goods or their lands and leave them the moveables or the moveables and leave them the lands as he shall make the conditions Maimony treat of Kings chap. 6. sect 1 2. shall serve to wit as bond-servants which it was not lawfull to put any Israelite unto Levit. 25. 42 44. And so Solomon laid upon the heathens a tribute of bond-service but of the sonnes of Israel Solomon made no servants or bondmen but they were men of warre and his servants and his Princes c. 1 King 9. 21 22. The Hebrewes say If they would take upon them the tribute and not the servitude or the servitude but not the tribute they may not hearken unto them untill they take upon them both And the servitude which they must take upon them is to be contemptible and very base that they lift not up the head in Israel but be sub dued under their hand and be not reckoned with Israel for any matter in the world Maimony in Kings chap. 6. sect 1. Vers. 12. not make peace upon the former conditions as the Greeke saith if they will not obey thee Vers. 13. shall give it This may be taken as a promise or when hee shall give it c. then thou shalt smiâ—e Vers. 14. eat the spoile that is enjoy that which thou hast spoiled And this is a blessing and comfort after victory which God gave unto Israel upon their warres in Canaan Ios. 22. 8. and figured the fruit of the labours which Christ and his people should enjoy from their enemies Esay 53. 12. Luke 11. 22. Vers. 16. these peoples the seven nations in the land of Canaan Deut. 7. 1 2. unto which the Hebrewes adde from Deut. 25. 19. the Amalekites saying The seven nations Amalek which make not peace they leave not of them any soule Deut. 20. 16. and 25. 19. And it is holden that he speaketh not but of such as make not peace as it is written in Ios. 11. 19 20. There was not a citie that made peace with the sonnes of Israel save the Evites the inhabitants of Gibeon all other they tooke 〈◊〉 battell for it was of the Lord to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battell that hee might destroy them utterly even because they sent unto them for peace but they received it not Iosua sent three writings before he came into the land First he sent unto them thus He that will flee let him flee Againe be sent Who so will make peace let him make peace And againe he sent Who so will make war let him make it If it be so wherefore did the Gibeonites deale by craft Ios. 9. Because hee had sent unto them in the generall and they received it not neither knew they the judgement or manner of Israel c. Maimony treat of Kings c. 6. s. 4 5. any breath or any soule man woman or childe Vers. 17. utterly destroy or destroy as cursed See Numb 21. 2. hath commanded thee in Exod 34. 11 12. Deut. 7. 1 2 3. Vers. 19. not destroy the trees Hebr. not corrupt or marre a tree meaning any tree that bare mans meat The Greeke translateth
is a forgotten sheafe Two sheafes asunder one from another are counted as forgotten but three or moe are not So for other things as two vines or other trees standing asunder one from another are as forgotten but not moe A tree that is forgotten among the trees though it have many peckes of fruit upon it yet is counted as forgotten Finally among many other like cautions they say What is forgotten among the sheaves All that hee cannot stretch out his hand and take it that is if it bee further than hee can reach from the place where hee standeth Maimony tom 3. in Mattanoth gnanijim chap. 5. And as it is for the sheaves so for the standing corne if a man forget-some of the standing corne and reape it not it is for the poore Maimony ibid. chap. 1. sect 6. for the stranger in Greeke the proselyte one joyned to the Church of Israel to such these gifts peculiarly belonged and to other poore see the Annotations on Levit. 19. 10. And as forgetting often signifieth a neglect or passing over of a thing so in this case and a man might purposely passe over a sheafe and leave it as forgotten for the poore as Boaz did for the stranger Ruth saying to his harvest-men Let fall some of the sheaves for her and let it lie that shee may gather it up Ruth 2. 16. Or if a man did it not purposely but unawares yet was hee to consider herein the providence of God which caused him to forget or passe over a sheafe for the poores sake for as the Ostrich is said to forget her egges which shee leaveth in the earth because God hath deprived her of wisdome c. Iob 39. 15 17. so in this case of the sheafe that the poore also might have occasion to minde the providence and love of God towards them in this releefe in all the worke or in every worke the Greeke saith in all the workes This promise of blessing is to encourage them in well doing for which they should not lose their reward for that which is done unto poore Christians is done unto Christ himselfe Matth. 25. 40. and Hee that is gratious unto the poore lendeth unto the LORD and that which hee hath given will bee pay him againe Prov. 19. 17. So Boaz for his kindnesse unto Ruth whom afterwards hee tooke to wife had a sonne of her as a blessing of God Obed the grandfather of David the King Ruth 4. Vers. 20. beatest that is as the Greeke translateth gatherest the olives The same is to be understood of all other trees of fruit which they gathered not goe over the boughs in Greeke thou shalt not returne to gather the olives after thee in Chaldee thou shalt not take away after thee It is the same law for trees which was before for corne that what was forgotten or past over at first should not after be gathered but left for the poore As that which is forgotten in the revenues of the field and the like so that which is forgotten in all trees is for the poore as Deut. 24. 20. When thou beatest thine olive tree c. And the same law is for other trees So there are two gifts for the poore from the trees that which is forgotten and the corner Levit. 19. Maimony in Mattanoth gnanijim chap. 1. sect 6 7. Vers. 21. not gather the single grapes or not gleane and properly the grapes which grow not in clusters as is noted on Levit. 19. 10. which law is here repeated and by saying after thee hee seemeth to teach the same for the vine which hee taught for the corne and other trees that all forgotten grapes should bee for the poore So the Hebrewes observe that there are foure gifts for the poore in the vineyard the grapes that are broken off and the single grapes and the corner and that which is forgotten Maim in Mattanoth gnan ch 1. s. 7. CHAP. XXV 1 God commandeth just judgment towards all 2 To beat such as deserve it but not with moe than forty stripes 4 Not to mousell the Oxe when he treadeth out the corne 5 Of raising seed unto a brother deceased without issue 7 What was to bee done unto the man that would not so raise up seed unto his brother 11 The immodest woman must have her hand cut off 13 Against unjust weights and measures 17 The memory of Amalek for cruelty to Israel is to bee blotted out from under heaven IF there be a controversie betweene men and they come neere unto judgment and they judge them then they shall justifie the just and condemne for wicked the wicked And it shall be if the wicked he worthy to be beaten that the Iudge shall cause him to lie downe and to bee beaten before his face according to his wickednesse by a number Forty stripes hee may smite him hee shall not adde moe lest if hee adde to smite him above these with many stripes then thy brother be vile in thine eies Thou shalt not mousell the Oxe when hee treadeth out the corne If brethren dwell together and one of them die and have no sonne the wife of the dead shall not be to one without to a man that is a stranger her husbands brother shall goe in unto her and take her to him to wife and do the duty of an husbands brother unto her And it shall bee that the first-borne which she beareth shall stand up in the name of his brother which is dead that his name be not blotted out of Israel And if the man like not to take his brothers wife then let his brothers wife goe up to the gate unto the Elders and say My husbands brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel hee is not willing to doe the duty of an husbands brother unto mee And the Elders of his citie shall call him and speake unto him and if he stand and say I like not to take her Then shall his brothers wife come neere unto him in the eies of the Elders and shee shall pull off his shooe from off his foot and shall spit in his face and shee shall answer and say So shall it bee done unto the man which will not build up his brothers house And his name shall bee called in Israel The house of him that hath his shooe pulled off When men strive together a man and his brother and the wife of the one draweth neere for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him and putteth forth her hand taketh hold by his secrets Then thou shalt cut off her hand thine eie shall not spare Thou shalt not have in thy bag a stone and a stone a great and a small Thou shalt not have in thine house an Ephah and an Ephah a great and a small A perfect stone a just shalt thou have a perfect Ephah and a just shalt thou have that thy daies may be lengthened in the land which Iehovah thy God giveth
the blessings hee nameth the people vers 12. but now for the curse hee mentioneth not the people but implieth them onely as if hee were Ioth to name them for such misery Ebal in Greeke Gaibal this is reported to be neare to mount Gerizzim but northward and Gerizzim towards the South which is the right side of the world Psal. 89. 13. if so they were it foreshewed the blessings which should be pronounced to those which at the last day shall stand on the right hand and the curses upon those on the left Mat. 25. 33 34. 41. The manner of performing this Law is recorded by the Hebrewes thus Six tribes went up towards the top of mount Gerizzim and six tribes went up towards the top of mount Ebal and the Priests and Levites and the Arke stood beneath in the middest The Priests were round about the Arke and the Levites about the Priests and all Israel on this side and on that as it is written And all Israel and their Elders and Officers and their Iudges stood on this side the Arke and on that side before the Priests the Levites which bare the Arke of the Covenant of the Lord as well the stranger as hee that was borne among them halfe of them over against mount Gerizzim and halfe of them over against mount Ebal Ios. 8. 33. They turned their faces towards mount Gerizzim and pronounced the blessing Blessed be the man that maketh no graven or molten image and those on the one side and those on the other answered Amen They turned their faces towards mount Ebal and pronounced the curse Cursed bee the man that maketh a graven or a molten Image c. and those on the one side those on the other answered Amen till they had finished the blessings and the curses And afterwards they brought stones and built an Altar c. Thalmud Bab. in Sotah chap. 7. Reuben he was the eldest of all Iakobs sonnes by Lea the free woman Gen. 29. 32. yet as for defiling his fathers bed hee lost his dignitie Gen. 49. 3 4. so here hee is taken from his brethren to be among the handmaids sonnes and set on the mount for the curses one of which was this CVRSED BE HE THAT LIETH WITH HIS FATHERS WIFE c. vers 20. so the memory of his sinne remained to his posteritie in speciall manner Gad and Aser the sonnes of Zilpah Leahs handmaid Gen. 30. 10 11 12 13. Zabulon the sixt and youngest of all Leahs sonnes Gen. 30. 20. and because there were to be six tribes on this mount two must bee taken of the free womans sonnes and God tooke none of Rachels but the eldest and youngest of Leahs Dan and Naphtali the two sons of Bilhah Rachels handmaid Gen. 30. 4 5 6 7 8. Vers. 14. the Levites that is some of the Priests the Levites Ios. 8. 33. their office was to teach Iakob Gods judgements and Israel his Law Deut. 33. 10. and as the solemne blessing was by the Levites usually Deut. 10. 8. so here the curses were by them pronounced to the people shall answer that is speake or pronounce Answering is often used for the beginning of a speech as in Iob 3. 2. to all the men or to every man the Greeke saith to all Israel Vers. 15. Cursed It was commanded that the blessing should be put upon mount Gerizzim Deâ—â— 11. 29. and so in the fulfilling of this precept Iosua read as well the blessings as the curses Ios. 8. 34. But the chiefe end of this ordinance was to teach that so many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse as is opened in Gal. 3. 10. The manner is rehearsed before out of the Thalmud and the like is in the Ierusalemy Thargum upon this place saying They turned their faces towards mount Gerizzim and opened their mouth with blessing Blessed be the man that maketh not any image or figure or any similitude which is hatefull and abominable before the Lord the worke of the hands of the sonne of man and putteth it not in a secret place They turned their faces towards mount Ebal and said Cursed be the man which maketh an image or a figure or any similitude which is hatefull and abominable before the Lord the worke of the hands of the sonne of man and putteth it in a secret place and all the people these on the one side and these on the other side answered and said Amen Cursing is both in words and deeds and implieth both the withholding of all good things and the inflicting of all evill especially of eternall damnation and torment Mat. 25. 41. See the Annotations on Gen. 3. 14. and 4. 11. the man that is every one as Paul expoundeth the last of these curses Gal. 3. 10. teaching us to understand the like of all graven the Chaldee and Thargum Ierusalemie interpret it Tselem an image under gravon and molten images all other like humane inventions are implied as is noted on Exod. 20. 4. And the like is to bee understood for the transgression of any other commandement of the first table an abomination to or the abomination of Iehovah that is which he greatly abhorreth Hereupon Images and Idols are often called Abominations 2 King 23. 13. Esai 44. 19. Ezek. 7. 20. the craftsman or artificer implying all devices of the most wise and prudent which make Idolls according to their owne understanding Hos. 13. 2. For Artificers were imployed in the worke of Gods sanctuarie 1 Chron. 29. 5. but when they leave the word of God and follow their owne inventions their worke is cursed and condemned Ier. 10. 3. 9. Esai 40. 18. 20. Hos. 8. 6. a secret place so that not open idolatrie onely but the most secret is execrable though it be even in the heart see Ezek. 8. 12. Psal. 44. 20 21. Amen or So bee it as the Greeke translateth it A confirmation of the curse with their owne mouths desiring that it might be and beleeving that it should bee see Num. 5. 22. The Hebrewes say of Blessing Whosoever answereth Amen after him that blesseth he is as he that blesseth Maim in Misneh treat of Blessings chap. 1. sect 11. The same is to be thought of saying Amen after all these curses Vers. 16. setteth light by or as the Greeke hath dishonoureth see the Annotations on Exod. 20. 12. Vers. 17. limit or land marke border against which the Law was before given in Deut. 19. 14. Vers. 18. blinde to erre or to goe astray They that see ought to be eyes to the blinde Iob 29. 15. and are forbidden to put a stumbling blocke before them Lev. 19. 14. much more to seduce them from the right way for they that are proud and erre from Gods commandements are cursed Psal. 119. 21. how much more if they cause others to errâ—â— He that causeth the righteous to go astray in an evill way shall fall himselfe into his owne pit Prov. 28. 10. Vers. 19. wresteth or perverteth
often moved with extasies carried themselves strangely some in contempt would call them mad men 2 King 9. 11. Ier. 29. 26. blindnesse this is both in body and minde Esay 42. 19. The contrary blessing wee receive by Christ Esay 42. 7. 16. astonishment or amazement wondring this is threatned even to the Prophets in Ier. 4. 9. and other unbeleevers Habak 1. 5. Act. 13. 41. Vers. 29. groping or feeling meant as an effect of blindnesse of soule as Paul speaketh of Gods workes to the heathen that they should seeke the Lord if haply they might seele or grope after him and finde him Act. 17. 17. So it is said of the wicked in Iob 5. 14. They meet with darknesse in the day time and grope in the noone day as in the night and in Iob 12. 25. They grope in the darke without light save thee that is as the Greeke translateth it thou shalt have no belper So in 2. Sam. 22. 42. they looked but there was none to save Vers. 30. lie with her or defile ravish her The Hebrew Shagal signifying the act of generation as here and in Esa. 13. 16. and Zach. 14. 2. expounded in the Hebrew margine to bee read Shacab which is to lie with make it common that is gather and eat the grapes thereof See Deut. 20. 6. On the contrary when God promiseth grace hee saith the planters shall plant vines and shall make them common Ier. 31. 5. Vers. 31. not returne that is not be returned or restored as the Greeke explaineth it See the Annotations on Gen. 2. 20. and 16. 14. to save in Greeke no helper as v. 29. Vers. 32. faile or be consumed to wit with longing or desire so it is elsewhere spoken of the eies in Psal. 119. 82. of the soule Psal. 84. 3. and of the reines Iob 19. 27. where Iob speaketh of his desire to see God at the resurrection no power in thy hand so the Chaldee expoundeth it and the Greeke thy hand shall not be strong or able or wee may interpret it nothing shall bee in the power of thine hand The contrary is in Mich. 2. 1. Gen. 31. 29. Vers. 33. eat up or devoure this judgement came upon Israel by the heathens Esai 1. 7. Ier. 5. 17. and 8. 16. Vers. 34. for the sight in Greeke for the sights or visions meaning that they should see such heavy troubles as should make them mad through feare and sorrow being without faith comfort and patience These are the lively and powerfull effects of the Law upon the conscience of sinners that it bereaveth them of all sense of Gods favour for the Law is not of faith Gal. 3. 12. Vers. 35. evill boyle sore or malignant ulcer such a plague spirituall God sendeth on the Antichristians Rev. 16. 2. And in body Iob was afflicted with such from the sole of his foot unto the top of his head for the triall of his faith and patience Iob. 2. 7. Vers. 36. bring or lead make goe into captivity This foretelleth the overthrow of their state which was accomplished by Assyria and Babylon 2 King 17. 6. and 25. 1. c. thy King in Greeke thy Princes both were fulfilled 2 King 24. 14 15. other gods as in their owne land they served other Gods that is Idols of wood and of stone Ier. 2. 27. so God threatneth to send them as slaves into other lands where they would doe the like though by his Prophets hee warned them not to doe so Esay 44. 8 9. c. Ier. 10. 2 3 11. So for making an Idoll in the Wildernesse God had before given them up to worship the host of heaven Act. 7. 41 42. The Chaldee here translateth thou shalt serve peoples that serve idols of wood and of stone So after in v. 64. Vers. 37. a by word a sharpe or â—â—tting taunt this God threatned againe immediatly before it came to passe Ier. 24. 9. and before that in Solomons daies 1 King 9. 7. and it came upon them as Psalm 44. 14 15. c. Vers. 38. the Locast that is Locâ—sts see the judgements here threatned fulfilled in Ioel 1. 4. Amos. 4. 9. and 7. 1 2. Hâ—g 1. 6 11. Vers. 42. Grashâ—pper called in Hebrew Tselatsal a word here onely used the Greeke translateth it erisâ—bee which is a blasting or mâ—â—dew that spoileth corne Vers. 44. the head or for the head that is the chiefe which the Chaldee expoundeth strong as the taile is in Chaldee the weake see v. 13. Vers. 46. for a signe the Greeke and Chaldee translate plurally signes and wonders thy seed Chaldee thy sonneâ— Vers. 47. goodnesse of heart the Greeke translateth it a good heart the Chaldee truth of heart it meaneth also gladnesse as in Esay 65. 14. it is opposed to sorrow Of this the Iewes made confession when they were returned from Babylon Nehem. 9. 35. of all Greeke of all things and Thargum Ionathan addeth of all good and so in v. 48. want of all good Vers. 48. yoke of iron that is hard servitude under heathen Rulers as Ier. 28. 13 14. for servants are said to be under the yoke 1 Tim. 6. 1. Vers. 49. as the Eagle that flieth swiftly and violently therefore the Greeke translateth like the violence of an Eagle This is a prophesie of the Babylonians the Lion with Eagles wings Dan. 7. 4. So Nebuchadnezzar is likened to a great Eagle with great wings c. Ezek. 17. 3. 12. not heart that is not understand see the notes on Gen. 11. 7. Vers. 50. of a strong face that is bold fierce cruell and as the Greeke translateth impudent This title is given to Antiochus Epiphanes the great afflictâ—r of the Iewes Dan. 8. 23. not regard not respect or honour any person Vers. 51. fruit of thy cattell thy young beasts See the fulfilling of this mentioned before the captivity Esay 1. 7. corne The enemies devouring of these earthly blessings in Canaan the holy land figured also that Israel should for their sinnes bee deprived of Gods heavenly blessings till God should turne them againe to himselfe by the faith of the Gospell and then hee sweareth If I give that it surely I will not give any more thy corne to be meat for thine enemies and the sonnes of the stranger shall not drink thy wine for which thou hast laboured but they that have gathered it shall eat it and praise the Lord and they that have brought it together shall drinke it in the Courts of my holinesse Esay 62. 8 9. Vers. 52. thy gates in Greeke and Chaldee thy cities so vers 55. See this fulfilled 2 King 17. and 25. Vers. 53. the fruit of thy 〈◊〉 in Chaldee the children of thy bowels The like threatning is in Levit. 26. 29. Ier. 19. 9. fulfilled 2 King 〈◊〉 29. Lam. 4. 10. Vers. 54. eie shall be evill that is he shall grudge and envy see Deut. 15. 9. The Greeke translateth he shall be witch with his eie So in v. 56. of his bosome
thee c. So in Esay 46. 8. Shew your selves men make it returne to heart O yee transgressors and in Lam. 3. 21. This I make to returne to my heart therefore have I hope A like phrase is of the prodigall sonne in Luk. 15. 17. that hee came to himselfe Vers. 2. unto Iehovah the Chaldee expoundeth it unto the feare of the LORD This is true repentance both to leave the evill and to turne unto the good from which they departed So in Lament 3. 40. Let us search and try our waies and turne againe to the Lord. The contrary is complained of in Hos. 7. 16. they returne but not to the most high And here faith also is implyed for as to come unto Christ is to beleeve in him Ioh. 6. 35. so to turne unto the Lord with all the heart is to beleeve in him for with the heart man beleeveth unto righteousnesse Rom. 10. 10. and by faith the heart is purified Act. 15. 9. unto which obedience and good workes are adjoyned Iam. 2. 14 26. Vers. 3. will returne thy captivity will bring thee againe out of bondage under thine enemies which figured the bondage under sinne 2 Pet. 2. 19 20. Therefore the Greeke translateth it will heale thy sinnes that is will forgive them as healing in Matth. 13. 15. is expounded forgiving of sinnes Mark 4. 12. This is a promise of grace to be performed by Christ who preached deliverance to the captives Luk. 4. 18. and it is the joy of his people Psal. 14. 7. and 126. 1 2. and a figure of their salvation Esay 10. 22. compared with Rom. 9. 27. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to bee a Prince and Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgivenesse of sinnes Act. 5. 31. have compassion or shew tender mercie this is the cause of the former grace deliverance It is of Iehovahs mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions faile not Lament 3. 22. So the father of the Prodigall sonne seeing him a far off had compussion Luk. 15. 20. And this compassion or mercy respecteth mans misery Matth. 9. 36. and 14. 14. and gather thee So after the captivity of Babylon God promiseth He that scattered Israel will gather him and keepe him as a shepherd doth his flocke Ier. 31. 10. This worke Christ hath spiritually accomplished of whom it is said that hee should die not for the nation of the Iewes only but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad Ioh. 11. 51 52. Therefore this gathering is often celebrated as in Psal. 107. 1 2 3. and 147. 1 2. and 106. 47 48. Vers. 4. If any of thine bee driven Hebr. If thy driven out speaking of every particular person and of all as one man The Greeke translateth If thy dispersion be that is thy dispersed which word is used in this sense in Ioh. 7. 35. 1 Pet. 1. 1. outmost part of the heavens that is of the world which seemeth to bee bounded by the heavens The Greeke translateth it from the end or outmost part of heaven unto the end of heaven which phrase Christ useth of gathering together his Elect at the last day Matt. 24. 31. See the notes on Deut. 4. 32. This promise Nehemias looked unto in his praier alleaging Gods words If yee transgresse I will scatter you abroad among the nations But if yee turne unto me and keepe my commandements and doe them though any of thine were driven out unto the outmost part of the heavens yet will I gather them from thence and bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there Neh. 1. 8 9. thy God gather thee The Thargum called Ionathans expoundeth this to be the Word of the LORD and the performance to be by the hand of Elias and by the hand of the King Christ. Respecting as it seemeth the promise of Elias Mal. 4. 5 6. which was Iohn the Baptist the fore-runner of Christ Luk. 1. 16 17. Vers. 5. shalt possesse or shalt inherit it This is a promise of restoring them unto his Church figured by the land of Canaan Psal. 69. 36 37. Ezek. 36. 8 11 12 24 28 c. Vers. 6. will circumcise thine heart the Greeke translateth will purge or cleanse round about thine heart and both the Chaldee Paraphrasts expound it will take away the foolishnesse of thine heart and the foolishnesse of the heart of thy sonnes This is a promise of spirituall blessings in regeneration and sanctification by Christ in whom we are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sinnes of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ buried with him in baptisme c. Col. 2. 11 12. And of this it is said Circumcision is that of the heart in the spirit not in the letter whose praise is not of men but of God Rom. 2. 29. See the Annot. on Gen. 17. The Hebrew Doctors in the Midrash or Commentary on Song 2. 12. from these words The time of pruning or of cutting the vines is come give this exposition For the time is come that Israel shall bee redeemed the time is come that the superfluous foreskin shall bee cut off which is spoken of in Deut. 30. 6. and the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart c. where they apply this worke of grace unto Christ whom they looked for to love this is the effect of Christs circumcision that it taketh from us evill and giveth good Love being the fulfilling of the Law Rom. 13. 10. and implying all other graces as it is said I will give them one heart and one way that they may feare me all daies c. Ier. 32. 39. And I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh that they may walke in my statutes and keepe my ordinances and doe them c. Ezek. 11. 19 20. that thou maist live so the Greeke translateth the Hebrew phrase for thy life meaning the life of God here by saith and holinesse Rom. 6. 11 13. and hereafter for ever in heaven as to enter into life Matt. 18. 9. is expounded to enter into the kingdome of God Mark 9. 47. Vers. 7. will put Hebr. will give Here follow earthly blessings which God of his grace will adde unto the former spirituall Of which one is the curses upon their enemies concerning which it is said Thou wilt render unto them a recompence O LORD according to the worke of their hands thou wilt give them sorrow of heart thy curse unto them thou wilt persecute in anger and destroy them from under the heavens of the LORD Lam. 3. 64 65 66. Vers. 8. hearken to or obey the voice which the Chaldee interpreteth receive the Word of the LORD so in vers 10. The condition of obedience is set before the temporall blessings for
creating and advancing him as in v. 6. lightly esteemed or vilely and foolishly despised Hebr. jenabbel of Nabal foolish as he called them in v. 6. The Chaldee expounds it hee provoked to anger the Rocke the mighty God Christ as vers 4. So the Greeke translateth he departed from God his Saviour Vers. 16. provoked him to jealousie or made him jealous that is exceeding angry for jealousie is the rage of a man therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance Prov. 6. 34. strange gods the Chaldee explaineth it the service of Idols or idolatry So in Psal. 78. 58. they provoked him to jealousie with their graven images And in 1 King 14. 22 23. the Iewes provoked him to jealousie with their sinnes c. for they also built them high places and images c. And this is the second part of their sinne to turne to idols and devils abominations that is abominable idols or false gods and other sinnes as Levit. 18. 26 27. Deut. 7. 25. 2 King 23. 13. Vers. 17. to devils that waste and destroy man-kinde as their name Shedim here signifieth see Levit. 17. 7. and these are in this respect opposed to God who maketh and saveth his people v. 15. So Ieroboams calves are called Devâ—ls 2 Chron. 11. 15. and all the Gentiles idols are Devils 1 Cor. 10. 20. and Antichrists Revel 9. 20. And unto devils the Israelites sacrificed their sons their daughters when they sacrificed them unto the Idols of Canaan Psal. 106. 37 38. whom they knew not had no knowledge or experience of any good from them or gods which knew not them that is had done them no good as on the contrary the true God saith I did know thee in the wildernesse Hos. 13. 5. where the Chaldee explaineth I supplied their necessities came lately up Hebr. came from neere that is from neere time which when it is spoken of a thing past meaneth lately when of a thing to come it meaneth shortly as in Ezek. 7. 8. were not afraid with horrour lest they should be hurt by them So the originall word properly signifieth and therein differeth from that feare or reverence which we owe to the true God Hee meaneth that they were such Gods as could neither doe good nor evill as is said in Ier. 10. 5. Bee not afraid of them for they cannot doe evill neither also is it in them to doe good Vers. 18. the Rocke that is as the Greeke saith the God and the Chaldee the strong Feare that is the strong God see v. 4. begat thee with the word of truth that thou shouldst be a kinde of first-fruits of his creatures as Iam. 1. 18. The Chaldee expoundeth it created thee which may also bee applied to creating in Christ Iesus unto good workes as Ephes. 2. 10. unmindfull in Greeke hast forsaken this the word following hast forgotten sheweth their long continuance in their sin wherof God complaineth by the Prophet My people have forgotten me daies without number Ier. 2. 32. And is not only forgetfulnesse in minde but in affection and action as when they made a Calfe in the wildernesse they forgat God their Saviour Ps. 106. 19. 21. So God when he will punish them threatneth I will utterly forget you and forsake you Ier. 23. 39. Hereupon he saith Remember these O Iakob and Israel for thou art my servant I have formed thee thou art my servant O Israel shew not thy selfe forgetfull of mee Esay 44. 21. that formed thee or that brought thee forth in Greeke that nourished thee in Chaldee that made thee God is here likened to a father that begat and a mother that bare or brought forth both which do set forth his love and the worke of his grace Vers. 19. saw the Chaldee saith it was revealed before the Lord. God the Iudge first taketh notice of the sinne as in Gen. 18. 20 21. contemptuously abhorred or loathed despised as loathsome which the Greeke expresseth by two words he was jealous or fervent and he was provoked the Chaldee his anger was strong This word which is commonly used for mens contemptuous provoking or despighting of God is here and in Lam. 2. 6. applied to God his despising and loathing of sinne and sinners the provoking or the angering the indignation or griefe caused by his sons and daughters that is by them which had beene his children by his gracious calling of them and would seeme so to be still but their spot was not such as his childrens v. 5. Vers. 20. will hide my face the Chaldee expounds it will take away my divine presence It meaneth also the withdrawing of his favour therefore his children often praied against this Psal. 27. 9. and 102. 2 3. Exod. 33. 15 16. And when God threatneth judgment to his people he saith I will shew them the backe and not the face in the day of their calamity Ier. 18. 17. And here their punishment is answerable to their sinne as they first withdrew their love and obedience from God so he withdrew his presence and grace from them that though they sought him they should not finde him Prov. 1. 28. The contrary is promised to the faithfull They shall see his face Rev. 22. 4. will see and let others see as the Greeke saith I will shew what shall be to them at the last Now the last end of sinners if they convert not is their destruction Psal. 73. 17 18. Prov. 14. 12 13. and 23. 32. very froward Hebr. a generation of frowardnesses or of perversities that is a most froward and perverse people This word Paul useth of heretickes Tit. 3. 11. no faith no firmnesse truth or stability for faith hath the name of stedfastnesse see the notes on Exod. 17. 12. Vers. 21. not god or no god a prophesie of the rejection of the Iewes with the cause thereof They left the Lord their God and tooke another so they made him jealous and angry the Lord also will leave them and take another people so they shall bee provoked their vanities that is as the Greeke translateth their idols or as the Chaldee expounds it their service of idols So Idols are called vanities Ier. 8. 19. and 14. 22. 2 King 17. 15. because they are nothing 1 Cor. 8. 4. not a people or no people that is by the Gentiles which now are not my people whom I will call to my faith and obedience by the Gospell whereby the Iewes shall have occasion of jealousie and anger So Paul expoundeth this in Rom. 10. 19 c. And in 1 Pet. 2. 10. which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God And in Hos. 1. 10. In the place where it was said unto them Yee are not my people there it shall bee said unto them Yee are the sonnes of the living God Thus God threatneth to take his Kingdome from the Iewes and give it to the Gentiles a foolish nation and therefore vile and despised so this is a reward of
his mother he shall not bee defiled neither shall hee goe out of the Sanctuary c. Levit. 21. 11 12. Neither might Aaron mourne for his sonnes or Eâ—â—azar and Ithamar for their brethren Nadab and Abihu that were slaine neither might they goe out from the doore of the Tabernacle on paine of death Lev. 10. 2 7. For God would have them more to regard their function and duty in his service than any naturall affection whatsoever And herein Christ was figured unto whom this blessing chiefly belongeth who when hee was told that his mother and his brethren stood without to speake with him hee answered Who is my mother and who are my brethren c. whosoever shall doe the will of my Father which is in heaven the same is my brother and sister and mother Mat. 12. 46 50. This may also have reference to the Levites fact who being commanded or Moses killed every man his brother friend neighbour and sonne that had sinned in making and worshipping the golden Calfe so filled their hand or consecrated themselves unto the LORD that hee might give upon them a blessing Exod. 32. 26 29. acknowledgeth not or acknowledged not the first respecteth the Law Lev. 21. the other their fact Exod. 32. To this latter the Chaldee referreth it translating thus Who had no compassion on his father or on his mother when they were guilty of judgement and accepted not the faces or persons of his brother or of his sonne his sonnes or his sonne that is any of his sonnes or children see the notes on Deut. 2. 33. knoweth not or knew not Here knowledge is used for care or regard as in Iob 9. 21. knowing is opposed to disposing and in 1 Thess. 5. 12. know them which labour among you that is regard them and in Prov. 12. 10. a righteous man knoweth that is regardeth or hath care of the life of his beast for they observe that is by Law are bound to observe Levit. 21. or they have observed in their practise Exod. 32. The Greeke translateth it singularly He hath observed thine oracles and kept thy covenant Vers. 10. They shall teach or Let them teach As in v. 8. hee mentioned their gifts and calling in v. 9. their sanctification so here he teacheth their administration in the Word Praier and other ministeriall duties For it is said They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and prophane and cause them to discerne betweene the uncleane and the cleane and in controversie they shall stand in judgment and they shall judge it according to my judgments c. Ezek. 44. 23 24. Compare also Levit. 10. 11. Deut. 17. 9 10 11. and 24. 8. and the commendation which God giveth of Levi in Mal. 2. 6 7. The Law of truth was in his mouth and iniquity was not found in his lips hee walked with mee in peace and equity and did turne many away from iniquity For the Priests lips should keepe knowledge and they should seeke the Law at his mouth for hee is the Angell of the LORD of Hosts unto Iakob by Iakob and Israel are meant all the posterity of Iakob and the weake with the strong for the Church in respect of her infirmity is called Iakob Amos 7. 2. 5. 8. and for her valour by faith is surnamed Israel see the Annotations on Gen. 32. 28. Thus Christ commanded Peter to feed both his Lambes and his Sheepe Ioh. 21. 15 16. incense the sweet perfume which the Priests burnt daily upon the golden Altar a figure of Christs mediation with the praiers of the Saints Revel 8. 3. 4. See the notes on Exod. 30. This was the peculiar worke of the Priests wherefore it is written It pertaineth not unto the Vzziah to burne incense unto the Lord but to the Priests the sonnes of Aaron that are consecrated to burn incense 2 Chron. 26. 18. in thy nostrill or nose that is before theâ— or as the Greeke translateth in thine anger for the Hebrew Aph signifieth both Nose and Anger and both agree well with the Priests worke for when God in anger sent a plague among the people Aaron put incense in his censor and made attonement for the people so the plague was staied Num. 16. 46 47 48. the whole burnt-offering Hebr. the Calil wheâ—eof see Lev. 6. 22 23. the Greeke here translateth it the continuall oblation Hereby all other sacrifices are meant which the Priests offered on the Lords Altar Levit. 1. and 2. and 3. wherein the worke of Christ offering himselfe for his Church was figured Vers. 11. his power so the Greeke translateth his strength By power is meant sometime an army of men as Ezek. 37. 10. so here the first praier is for a blessing upon the persons which administred that they might bee increased and strengthened in number and in knowledge Wherefore the company of Levites is called an host or armie Num. 4. 3. c. In this sense Maimony in treat of the Release and Iubile chap. 13. sect 12. expoundeth it saying The Levites are separated from the waies of the world they wage not warre like the other Israelites neither have they inheritance c. but they are the power or armie of God as it is written Blesse Lord his power Sometime by power riches and substance is meant as in Deut. 8. 18. and so the Chaldee expoundeth it here For whereas Levi had no inheritance among the tribes but had the Lord and his first-fruits tithes and offerings for their inheritance and livelihood Num. 18. 20. 21. c. Moses praieth for a blessing on this meanes of theirs worke of his hands all his administration in doctrine burning incense sacrificing c. Compare Ezek. 43. 27. that rise against him as Korah Dathan and Abiram that rose up against Moses and Aaron were all destroyed with their assistants Num. 16. Vers. 12. Of Benjamin or Vnto Benjamin who is blessed here before the other Tribes and before his elder brother Ioseph because the lot of his inheritance was betweene the sonnes of Iudah and the sonnes of Ioseph and Ierusalem where the Levites after administred in the Temple belonged to Benjamin Ios. 18. 11. 28. And in the heavenly Ierusalem the Church of Christ the first foundation is a Iasper which was Benjamins stone Rev. 21. 19. Exod. 28. 30. And when the other Tribes fell away from the Kingdome of Iudah and Priesthood of Levi Benjamin continued with them in the truth 2 Chron. 11. 1. 3. 12 13. Beloved meaning the tribe of Benjamin who as their father was beloved of Iakob Gen. 44. 20. 22. 29. 30. so his posterity should be beloved of the Lord. shall dwell or praier-wise let him dwell inconfident safety that is boldly securely safely by him by the Lord who would tender this little tribe as Iakob tendered Benjamin whom he kept at home with him Gen. 42. 4. So Benjamins posterity dwelt in Ierusalem and the coasts thereabout by the Temple of God hee shall cover him or
protection whiles they went to warre before their brethren Num. 32. 26 34 35 c. Ios. 1. 14. he came that is Gad came with the heads that is the Princes and Captaines of the people with whom Gad went to warre Ios. 1. 14. and so it is a prophesie of a thing to come as already done Or he came to the heads to the Princes when hee desired to have that land given him Numb 32. 2. But the former seemeth fittest and so Sol. Iarchi explaineth it They went armed before them when they conquered the land justice that which was just and right in the Lords eyes and his judgements upon the Canaanites in destroying them so Iosua commendeth their obedience Ios. 22. 1 2 3. It may also have reference to other judgements as those executed by Iehu 2 King 9. and 10. and by Elias the Prophet upon Baals Priests 1 King 18. Vers. 22. Lions whelpe in Chaldee strong as a Lions whelpe In Gen. 49. 17. Iakob likened Dan to a Serpent for his subtill and secret undermining of his enemies Moses here likeneth him to a Lion which signified his strength and prowesse shewed when this tribe fought against Leshem and smote it with the edge of the sword Ios. 19. 47. Iud. 18. 27. 29. he shall leape or that leapeth referring it to the Lion leaping from mount Basan where Lions kept for Basan was not Dans possession but Manassehs Deut. 3. 13. Numb 32. 33. Ios. 13. 7 8 11. Chazkuni here saith because Basan was a place of Lions and wilde beasts he likeneth him to a Lion The Chaldee expoundeth it his land shall be watered with the rivers that run from Bashan Vers. 23. Naphtali in Greeke Nepthaleim He was Dans brother both of them borne of Bilbah Rachels handmaid but God and Aser were of Zilpha Leahs maid Moses keepeth not Iakobs order Gen. 49. in blessing the tribes satisfied with favourable acceptation in Greeke the satiety or abundance of acceptable things hee meaneth that the tribe of Naphtali should have in their land many good and acceptable fruits through Gods favour and blessing There also the light of Gods favour in Christ abundantly appeared Matth. 4. 13 15 16. and Capernaum in this tribe was Christs Citie Mar. 2. 1. Matth. 9. 1. wherein he did many mighty workes Matth. 11. 23. the blessing of Iehovah blessings given of him and as Chazkuni expoundeth it Whosoever commeth into his land and seeth the first ripe fruits shall blesse the Lord for them But the Greeke translateth let him be filled with blessing of or from the Lord. the sea this the Chaldee interpreteth the sea of Ginosar called in the new Testament the lake of Gennesaret Luke 5. 1. in Hebrew Chinnereth Numb 34. 11. Deut. 3. 17. R. Sol. Iarchi here saith The sea of Cinnereth fell to his portion Vers. 24. with sonnes or for sonnes for multitude of children the Chaldee saith with the blessing of sonnes as in Asers tribe there were now 53. thousand and foure hundred men of warre Num. 26. 47. let him be in Greeke he shall be acceptable to his brethren dipping in Greeke hee shall dip his foot in oile that is shall have plenty of oile that he may set his feet therein according to Iakobs blessing that his bread should be fat Genes 49. 20. Vers. 25. thy shooes that is the ground under thee shall have Mines of iron and brasse that thy feet may seeme to be shod with them This also may signifie his strength to tread downe his enemies as Christs feet were of fine brasse Rev. 1. 15. thy strength or thy old age The Hebrew Dobee here only used is in Greek translated strength and so the Chaldee expoundeth it as the dayes of thy youth thy strength The Latine version and others expound it old age so named of weaknesse meaning that his old age should be strong and lusty as the daies of his youth Others fame or report that as his daies were so his fame should be as long as he lived Chazkuni saith Daba is the same that Daab weaknesse or debility as Cebes is the same that Ceseb a Lambe and that it meaneth the daies of old age in which a man is weake as if he should say even in the time of their old age they shall be strong Vers. 26. Ieshurun that is O Israel see Deut. 32. 15. The Greeke translateth There is none like the God of the Beloved-one the Chaldee saith there is no God like the God of Israel This conclusion concerneth all the tribes of Israel in generall celebrating the glory and goodnesse of God communicated with his Church and their participation of his graces to their perpetuall happinesse rideth which is a signe of honour and of his speedy comming to helpe his people so in Psal. 68. 34. For which cause he is said also to ride upon the Cherub 2 Sam. 22. 11. and to ride upon his horses and chariots of salvation Hab. 3. 8. This was fulfilled in the warres against the Canaanites Ios. 10. 10 11 13. and before against the Egyptians Exod. 9. 23. and 14. 24 25. And Christ still rideth in heaven upon a white horse to conquer the enemies for his Churches sake Rev. 6. 2. and 19. 11 16. The Chaldee translateth whose habitation or divine majestie is in the heavens in thy helpe or for thy helpe in Greeke thine helper in his excellency or for his high majestie magnificence in Chaldee strength So in Psal. 68. 35. Gods works are for the manifestation of his excellent glory in the helpe and salvation of his people skies the highest heavens which the Greeke calleth the firmament the Chaldee the heavens of heavens Vers. 27. The God of antiquity that is the ancient or eternall God which the Chaldee interpreteth God that was from the beginning Hereupon David intituleth him the God that sitteth from antiquity or abideth of old Psal. 55. 20. and Asaph saith God is my King from antiquity Ps. 74. 12. And hee is before all things and by him all things consist Coloss. 1. 17. is thy mansion or will be thy habitation or prayer-wise be thy mansion that is thy protection as the Greeke translateth will protect thee So Moses saith Lord thou hast beene our mansion or habitation in every generation and generation Psal. 90. 1. Vnder this name Mansion all things needfull are implied both for life and salvation in this world and in that which is to come Iohn 14. 2. armes of eternitie that is eternall or everlasting armes or armes of the world Israel is protected under Gods everlasting armes or power God is their defence over and under his left hand is under the head of his Church and his right hand doth embrace her Song 2. 6. The Greeke translateth under the strength of the everlasting armes the Chaldee expoundeth it and by his Word the world was made Sol. Iarchi explaineth it thus and underneath his Mansion doe all strong armed dwell The armes of the world were Sihon and Ogh
her husband so long as hee liveth but if the husband be dead she is loosed from the law of the husband So we also are become dead to the Law by the body of Christ that we should be to another even to him who is raised from the dead Rom. 7. 1 2 4. Therfore upon this death of Moses God speaketh unto Israel to go over Iordan into the Land Ios. 1. according to the mouth in Greeke and Ghaldee by the word The day of his death by the Iewes tradition was the seventh of Adar which we call February so Ionathan in his Thargum on this place saith On the seventh day of the moneth of Adar Moses the Master of Israel was borne and on the seventh day of the moneth of Adar he was taken out of the world Vers. 6. he buried him that is Iehovah buried him or Michael that is Christ who is Iehovah one with the Father Iude vers 9. Signifying that none but Christ should abolish the Law and Ordinances given by Moses Rom. 8. 3. Gal. 3. 13 14. Coloss. 2. 14 16 17. Heb. 9. 9 10 11 c. and 10. 1 9. And this was a speciall honour unto Moses person whom the Lord loved when he was dead and buried his corps which we finde not done to any man else in the world which he will also raise up incorruptible and glorious at the day of his appearing in a valley he died in the mountaine Deut. 32. 50. but was buried in a valley over against Beth-Pehor the Greeke saith neere to the house of Phogor of which place see Deut. 3. 28. no man knoweth God would not have Moses Sepulchre to be knowne though the devill contended with him hereabout Iude vers 9. because there should be no occasion of superstition or idolatry thereby as is thought of some Chazkuni saith that none which inquire of the dead as Deut. 18. 11. might seeke unto him The chiefe cause seemeth to be a mysterie that the Law whereof Moses was the minister being once dead and abrogated by Christ should never more be sought after but quite abolished out of the conscience of sinners that the grace of Christ may live raigne alone See Gal. 4. 9 10 11. and 5. 4. Also that the legall rudiments should by the comming of the Gospell be taken away from Israel never to be found or enjoyed by them any more For Christ destroyed both their Citie and Sanctuary as was foretold in Dan. 9. and they have been many daies without a King and without a Prince and without a sacrifice and without an image and without an Ephod and without Teraphim and so shall be untill they returne and seeke the Lord their God and the sonne of David their King Hos. 3. 4 5. Vers. 7. yeeres old Hebr. sonne of 120. yeeres so the yeere of his death fell out in the 2553. yeere of the world and his yeeres accord with Noes preaching and preparing of the Arke Genes 6. 3. his eye in Greeke his eyes his eye-sight failed him not as did Isaaks Gen. 27. 1. The eye is also used for the outward appearance and colour of a thing as Exod. 10. 5. Numb 11. 7. so it may be meant here also his visage was not wrinkled Chazkuni here expoundeth it the shining of his face mentioned in Ex. 34. 30. his naturall moisture his radicall humour wherein the life and strength of the body consisteth which when it is spent and dried up a man dieth The Greeke translateth his lips were not corrupted the Chaldee saith the brightnesse of the glory of his face was not changed having reference to Exod. 34. 30 c. sled that is departed from him Thus outwardly and inwardly Moses retained his vigour beauty and naturall strength that he died not through feeblenesse or defect of nature as most men did at his age though he had beene a man of sorrowes and broken with many cares for the people And hereby the continuall force of the Law is signified the power wherof decaieth not in the conscience of sinners by number of daies or multitude of workes till God take it away and abolish it by grace in Christ. The Law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth whiles we are in the flesh the passions of sinnes which are by the Law do worke in our members to bring forth fruit unto death Rom. 7. 1 5. Vers. 8. the plaines of Moab in Greeke Araboth Moab by Iordan over against Iericho as v. 1. thirty daies so long they mourned also for Aaron see Num. 20. 28. Vers. 9. Iosua in Greeke Iesus the sonne of Nave of wisdome in Greek of understanding the spirit of wisdome meaneth wisdome ministred by the spirit of God wherein he was a figure of Iesus Christ who being full of the holy Spirit entred upon the worke of his ministration here on earth Luke 4. 1 c. On him the spirit of the Lord rested the spirit of wisedome and understanding the spirit of counsell and might the spirit of knowledge and of the feare of the Lord Esa. 11. 2. laid or imposed his hands upon him of this see Numb 27. 18 23. As Moses by imposition of hands authorized Iesus the sonne of Nun and bare record unto him so the Law of Moses which was in the heart and bowels of Iesus the sonne of God gave authority and bare record unto him Heb. 7. Acts 26. 22 23. Moses himselfe appeared talking with Iesus and speaking of his decease which he should accomplish at Ierusalem Luke 9. 30 31. hearkened unto him that is obeyed him as after also they promised in Ios. 1. 16. 17 18. See the notes on Num. 27. 20. Vers. 10. knew face to face the Chaldee saith was revealed unto him face to face So in Exod. 33. 11. it is said Iehovah spake unto Moses face to face as a man speaketh unto his friend and in Num. 12. 8. he said with him will I speake mouth to mouth See the Annotations there Vers. 12. the mighty hand that is workes wrought with a mighty hand and powerfull government and administration according to that which is said Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God c. 1 Pet. 5. 6. great terrour that is workes done with great terrour which the Greeke translateth great marvels the Chaldee great visions These things doe magnifie Moses office and administration that the Lawes which he hath written confirmed by such signes and wonders might be acknowledged to be of God wherefore he and his writings are worthily celebrated thorowout the world confirmed of God himselfe Numb 12. 7 8. approved and expounded by all the Prophets after him by Christ himselfe and his Apostles so that they which heare not him will not be perswaded though one rose from the dead Luk. 16. 31. But unto us God hath raised up a Prophet like unto Moses as he promised Deu. 18. 18. Act. 3. 21. even Iesus the sonne of the Most high a man approved of God among
for the actions So Ioâ— 3. 8. Psal. 109. 27. and 78. 42. Vers. 5. that had peace with mee my friend and confederate Such treachery David much blameth in his foes that in time of peace made war Psa. 41. 10. and 55. 13. 15. 21. yea I Hebr. and I which may be resolved yea or when I released my distresser which may have reference to his sparing of Saul delivering him from death 1 Sam. 24. 6 7 8. 11 12. and 26. 9 10 11 c. without cause or without effect and fruit in vaine Vers. 6. my life in Hebrew lives so usually called for the many faculties and operations that are in life the many yeares degrees estates thereof The Apostles in Greeke retaine the singular number life Act. 2. 28. from Psal. 16. 11. 1 Pet. 3. 10. from Psal. 34. 13. my glory or honour meaning either his honourable estate renowne and posteritie as Hos 9. 11. Iob 19. 9. or his soule as Gen. 49. 6. in the dust that is in base estate and ignominie as Ps. 113. 7. Iob 16. 5. or the dust of death the grave as Psal. 22. 16. Isa. 26. 19. Vers. 7. in the rages or because of the outrages surpassing indignations so called of the passing out of the heat and choler wake up or raise up to wit thy selfe and come unto me for judgement thou hast commanded or appointed It may also be read raise up to me the judgement which thou hast commanded so the Chaldee paraphrase here supplieth the word which saying Hasten unto me or for me the judgement which thou hast commanded the Hebrew it selfe somtime doth the like as 1 Kin. 9. 8. this house is high 2 Chr. 7. 21. this house which is high Vers. 8. for it for the same congregations sake w ch commeth about thee expecting judgement to the high place or to the heigth that is the throne of Iudgement for throns were set high 1 Kin. 10. 19. This word heighth is also used for heaven Psal. 93. 4. and there Gods throne is Ps. 11. 4. The Chaldee saith returne to the house of thy divine habitation or Maiestie Vers. 9. Iehovah The Chaldee translateth it The word of the Lord shall judge c. judge two words are here used in Hebrew for judging 1 Dan 2 Shaphat the first is more speciall to give doom or sentence in controversies the latter more generall for judging or doing right in all causes The Apostles expresse these two by one Greeke word krino judge as Heb. 10. 30. from Deut. 32. 36. Rom. 3. 4. from Psal. 51. 6. my justice the justice and equitie of my cause in respect of my persecutors So Psal. 18. 21 25. Elsewhere he appealeth to Gods justice Psal. 35. 24. my perfection or integritie the simplicitie of my wayes and simplicitie of my heart See Psal. 26. 1. in me or unto me to wit reward thou as the Chaldee explaineth it Vers. 10. for thou triest or he trieth God who is possessor of the reines Psal. 139. 13. doth also trie them as metall in the fire The heart may signifie the cogitations and the reines the affections So Ps. 26. 2. Ier. 11. 20. and. 20. 12. Rev. 2. 23. Vers. 12. angerly threatneth or detesteth disdaineth in wrath namely the wicked and menaceth their destruction So the Chaldee paraphraseth he is mightily angry against the wicked every day Vers. 13. If he that is If the wicked turne not as the Chaldee explaineth it If he turne not unto his feare The Greeke translateth if ye turne not Vers. 14. he worketh for the hot persecutors or polisheth to wit to shoot at them that fervently persecute namely the iust as the Chaldee addeth The Hebrew dalak which signifieth burning Ezek. 24. 10. is applied to hot persecution see Psal. 10. 2. Gen. 31. 35. Lam. 4. 19. Vers. 15. he shall be in travell or continually travelleth that is taketh great paines to accomplish iniquity as a woman with childe to be delivered molestation or moyle miserie The Hebrew ghnamal signifieth toilsome labour and molestation both w ch a man endureth himselfe Psa. 25. 18. and 73. 5. and which he causeth another to endure Psal. 94. 20. and 55. 11. And thus it is here meant as the 17 verse sheweth bring forth a lie or falshood meaning either calumnie and slander of others which in verse 17 seemeth to be called violent wrong or a deceit of himselfe frustrating his owne expectation This similitude of the conception travell and birth of sin is memorable mentioned also in Iob 15. 35. Isa. 59. 4. Iam. 1. 15. much like another similie of ploughing sowing and reaping iniquitie Iob 4. 8. Vers. 16. is fallen to wit unto his owne perdition as Prov. 26. 27. Eccles. 10. 8. or to lurke there for the perdition of others See Psal. 10. 10. the corrupting ditch he wrought or pit of corruption which he made The originall Shachath signifieth corruption Psal. 16. 10. and is applied to any pit or ditch where one perisheth and corrupteth Psal. 57. 7. and 94. 13. and sometime the word pit is plainly added as in Psal. 55. 24. the pit of corruption Vers. 17. his crowne the scalp or heads top meaning also abundantly and apparantly in the view of all See Esth. 9. 25. Violent wrong The word Chamas signifieth injurie done by force and rapine violation of right and justice Vers. 18. sing Psalme to or praise with Psalme and this importeth a song artificiall and skilfully composed See Psal. 3. 1. PSAL. VIII Gods glorie is magnified by his works 6 A prophesie of Christ his humiliation glorie and dominion To the master of the musicke upon Gittith a Psalme of David IEhovah our Lord how wondrous excellent is thy name in all the earth which hast given thy glorious Majestie above the heavens Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast founded strength because of thy distressers to make cease the enemie and selfe-avenger When I behold thy heavens the worke of thy fingers the moone and the stars which thou hast stably constituted What is sorry man that thou remembrest him and the son of Adam that thou visitest him For thou hast made him lesser a little than the Gods and crowned him with glory and comely honor Thou gavest him dominion over the works of thy hands all thou didst set under his feet Sheep and oxen all of them and also the beasts of the field The fowle of the heavens and the fishes of the sea that which passeth thorow the paths of the seas Iehovah our Lord how wondrous excellent is thy name in all the earth Annotations GIttith or the Gittith which title is also given to the 81 and 84 Psalmes Gath in Hebrew is a wine-presse Isa. 63. 2. It is also the name of a citie of the Philistims 1 Sam. 17. 4. A citie also of the Levites was called Gath-rimmon Ios. 21. 25. whereupon Obed-Edom the son of Ieduthun a Levite and singer in Israel was called a Gittite 2 Sam. 6. 10. So
blessing of the Gospell that the meeke and needy shall eat and have enough Psal. 132. 15. God filleth the hungry with good things and sends away the rich empty Luke 1. 53. The meeke meaneth the regenerate who are mortified with Christ and their fierce nature made meeke and humble your heart shall live hee turneth his speech to the meeke and seekers of God who should eat of Christs flesh that was given for the life of the world and thereby live for ever Ioh. 6. 51. The living of the heart importeth also the chearing comfort and solace of the same Gen. 45. 27. the contrary whereof is in the dying of the heart 1 Sam. 25. 37. See also the like promise Psal. 69. 33. The Chaldee yeeldeth this sense The spirit of prophesie shall rest in the thoughts of their heart for ever Vers. 28. All the ends c. that is the dwellers in the utmost parts and ends of the world A prophesie of the calling of the Gentiles by the preaching of the Gospell Rom. 16. 26. Eph. 2. 1 2 c. remember the Chaldee addeth remember his miracles families of the heathens or kindreds of the nations whereof see Gen. 10. 5 18 20 31 32. Vers. 29. ruler among the heathens to reigne over them by his Word and Spirit and so to be God not of the Iewes only but also of the Gentiles Rom. 3. 29 30. Vers. 30. All the fat ones that is the rich and mightie personages fat with plentie Deut. 31. 20. For Kings and Queenes and men of authority and wealth are also called to the participatiâ— of Christs grace in his Church Esay 60. 3 5 10. Rev. 21. 24. 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. Sometime fatnesse is used to note out Gods spirituall blessings Psal. 36. 9. and 63. 6. and 65. 12. and 92. 15. Prov. 28. 25. all that goe downe to the dust this is the poore base and wretched people which for their misery and affliction are said to goe downe and sit in the dust as Psal. 113. 7. Esay 47. 1. and 29. 4. Iob 30. 19. Lament 3. 29. but the Chaldee expounds it the house of the grave that quickeneth not or cannot quicken that is the poore wretched man that doth not or cannot as Psal. 77. 5. keepe alive his soule that cannot nourish him-selfe he shall eat So to keepe alive is to nourish Esa. 7. 21. Or he that revived that is cheered not nor refreshed his soule with comfort as before vers 27. or he that cannot keepe alive his soule that is not save it from wrath and eternall death by his owne workes he shall live by faith in Christ. So this phrase to keepe the soule alive is used Ezek. 18. 27. The Chaldee giveth this sense and he will not keepe alive the soule of the wicked Vers. 31. A seed The posterity of those godly forementioned for God chuseth the seed with the parents Deut. 10. 15. and 30. 6 19. Psal. 69. 37. and 102. 29. Esay 43. 5. and 44. 3. Or the seed of Christ the children which God giveth him as Esa. 53. 10. Hebr. 2. 13. Or a seed that is a small remnant as Rom. 9. 29. the Chaldee saith the seed of Abraham for a generation a race of Gods children as Psal. 73. 15. and 24. 6. or to generation that is for ever through all ages Vers. 32. They shall come The Chaldee explaineth it Their sonnes shall come his justice the justice of God which is by faith in Christ Psal. 71. 〈◊〉 16 24. Rom. 10. 3 4. people that shall be 〈◊〉 hereafter to come or a people borne that is regenarate Psal. 87. 4 5. Ioh. 1. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 33. So people created Psal. 102. 19. that he hath done hath performed or accomplished that justice and all things appertaining to it The Greeke referreth it to the people whom the Lord hath made the Chaldee to the marvellous workes which he hath done PSAL. XXIII David under the similitude of a Shepherd sheweth 〈◊〉 love and mercies to his people whereby their 〈…〉 is confirmed A Psalme of David IEhovah feedeth me I shall not lacke In folds of budding grasse he maketh me lie downe hee easily leadeth mee by the waters of rests He returneth my soule he leadeth me in the beaten paths of justice for his Name sake Yea though I should walk in the valley of the shade of death I will not feare evill for thou wilt be with me thy rod and thy staffe they shall comfort me Thou furnishest before me a table in presence of my distressers thou makest fat my head with oile my cup is abundant Doubtlesse good and mercy shall follow me all the daies of my life and I shall converse in the house of Iehovah to length of daies Annotations FEedeth me or is my Feeder my Pastor The word comprehendeth all duties of a good Herd as together feeding guiding governing and defending his flocke Therefore Kings also have this title and are said to feed their people Psal. 78. 71 72. 2 Sam. 5. 2. Hereupon it is attributed to God and to Christ feeding his Church as the Shepherd of their soules Psal. 80. 2. Ezek. 34. 12 14 15. Esay 40. 11. Ioh. 10. 11. 1 Pet. 2. 25. The Chaldee referreth this to a former worke saying The Lord fed his people in the wildernesse they lacked nothing Vers. 2. of budding grasse pleasant pastures and leas where greene and tender herbs doe spring he maketh me or will make me lie downe to wit for rest from heat This also is another dutie of a good Herder as I will feed my flocke and I will make them lie downe saith the Lord Ezek. 34. 15. and Shew me O thou whom my soule loveth where thou feedest where thou makest lie downe at noone Song 1. 6. easily leadeth or comfortably â—uideth mee it noteth a soft and gentle leading with sustaining of infirmitie as Gen. 33. 14. Esay 40. 11. Therefore the Greeke turneth it he nourisheth mee So Psal. 31. 4. by waters or unto waters of rests that is most quiet or calme waters and such as give rest and refreshing All these things Christ performeth to his flocke as it is written They shall hunger no more neither thirst any more neither shall the Sun light on them nor any heat for the Lambe which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them to the lively fountaines of waters Revel 7. 16 17. Vers. 3. returneth my soule or will returne or restore it and consequently give it rest See Psalm 19. 8. Vers. 4. shade of death that is darke and dreadfull shadow and in a manner the very state of death This speech denoteth imminent danger Jer. 2. 6. sore affliction Psal. 44. 20. and 107. 10. 14. feare and terrour Iob 24. 17. and dreadfull darknesse Iob 10. 21 22. whereto spiritually is opposed the light and comfort of the Gospell and grace of Christ Mat. 4. 16. Luke 1. 79. wilt be with me or art with me and this implieth his good safety
wilt compasse me Selah I will make thee prudent and will teach thee in the way that thou shalt goe I will give counsell mine eye shall be upon thee Be not ye as the horse as the mule without understanding whose mouth must be stopped with bit and bridle which come not neere unto thee Many pains are for the wicked but he that trusteth in Iehovah mercy shall compasse him Rejoyce ye in Iehovah and be glad ye just and shout joyfully all ye upright of heart Annotations AN instructing Psalme or A Psalme that maketh prudent that causeth understanding As in the 8. verse of this psalm he saith I wil make thee prudent or instruct thee This title is set before sundry other Psalmes whose sinne is covered meaning by the Lord Psal. 85. 3. not by a man himselfe who must not cover but acknowledge sinne Psal. 32. 5. otherwise he shall not prosper Prov. 28. 13. Now God covereth sinne when hee imputeth it not as the verse following sheweth and as this is mans happinesse so for God not to cover it is woe and misery Nehem. 4. 5. Vers. 2. not impute not thinke count or reckon And this is an effect of his grace in Christ as it is written God was in Christ and reconciled the world to himselfe not imputing their sinnes unto them 2 Cor. 5. 19. And hereunto the Apostle applieth this Psalme thus David saith blessednesse is the mans unto whom God imputeth justnesse without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sinnes are covered Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sinne Rom. 4. 6 7 8. Vers. 3. because I ceased speaking or when I kept silence forbearing to confesse my sinnes as after vers 5. Like doctrine Elihâ— teacheth Iob 33. 19 22. Vers. 4. thy haud in Chaldee thy plague moisture the chiefe sap or radicall moisture which is an airy and oily substance dispred through the body whereby the life is fostered and which being spent death ensueth This word is used onely here and in Num. 11. 8. where it is applied to the best moisture or creame of oile Vers. 5. confesse Confessing of sinnes is when one freely manifesteth them accusing himselfe and praising Gods mercie which he expecteth in faith see Ios. 7. 19. against me my trespasses or concerning my trespasses but both the Greeke version plainly hath against me and elsewhere the Hebrew ghnalei here vsed seemeth to bee put for ghnalai as Psal. 108. 10. compared with Psal. 60. 10. the iniquitie of my sinne that is the guilt and punishment of it as Psal. 31. 11. And thus he that confesseth and forsaketh sinne shall have mercie Prov. 28. 13. for if wee acknowledge our sinnes God is faithfull and just to forgive us them 1 Ioh. 1. 9 See also Iob 33. 27 28. Vers. 6. the time of finding or time to finde which may be meant of the time when afflictions shall finde that is shall come vpon him as Psal. 116. 3 4. or the time when God may be found as Isa. 55. 6. and that time is when he is sought with the whole heart Deut. 4. 29. Ier. 29. 13. 2 Chron. 15. 15. To this latter the Chaldee applieth it saying of favour floud or inundation As waters signifie afflictions Psal. 69. 2. so a floud of waters denoteth great troubles and persecutions Dan. 9. 26. and 11. 22. Nahum 1. 8. Isa. 59. 19. Rev. 12. 15 16. The Chaldee paraphraseth in the time when many people 's come as waters they shall not come neare him to doe him evill Vers. 7. shouting songs of deliverance or of evasion that is thou wilt give me occasion by deliverance of me to sing many songs of praise unto thee Vers. 8. mine eie shall be upon thee or mine eie I will set upon thee that is I will have care of and looke well unto thee as Ier. 40. 4. Ezra 5. 5. Deut. 11. 12. Psal. 34. 16. So the Chaldee explaineth it I will counsell thee and set mine eie upon thee for good Or thus I will give counsel unto thee with mine eie that is with my care and providence Thus Christ counselled Peter with his eie Luk. 22. 61. So the eie is said to mocke Prov. 30. 17. Vers. 9. as the horse c. that is be not fooles and brutish so as ye must be ruled by force and rigour not by reason For unto the horse belongs a whip unto the asse a bridle and a rod to the fooles backe Prov. 26. 3. mouth must be stopped or jaw is to be tied Hebr. to stop for to be stopped active for passive as after Ps. 36. 3. which come not neare that is which will not obey or doe thee service unlesse they be forced and ruled by the bridle according to the saying of the Apostle Behold wee put bits into the horses mouthes that they should obey us Iam. 3. 3. Vers. 10. Many paines or Great smarts or sores are for the wicked So Solomon saith Affliction followeth sinners c. Prov. 13. 21. and 19. 29. and 24. 20. PSAL. XXXIII God is to be praised for his goodnesse 6 for his powerfull workes 12 and for his providence 20 Confidence is to be placed in God SHout joyfully ye just in Iehovah praise becommeth the righteous Confesse ye to Iehovah with harpe with Psaltery with ten stringed instrument sing Psalme unto him Sing ye to him a new Song doe well playing on the instrument with triumphant noise For righteous is the word of Iehovah and all his worke in faith He loveth justice and judgement the earth is full of the mercie of Iehovah By the word of Iehovah the heavens were made and all the host of them by the spirit of his mouth He gathereth together as an heape the waters of the Sea he giveth the deepes into treasuries Let all the earth be in feare of Iehovan let all the Inhabitants of the world shrinke with feare for him For he said and it was he commanded and it stood Iehovah dissipateth the counsell of the Nations he bringeth to nought the cogitations of the peoples The counsell of Iehovah shall stand for ever the cogitations of his heart to generation and generation O blessed is the Nation whereof Iehovah is God the people that he hath chosen for a possession to himselfe From the heavens Iehovah doth behold doth see all the sonnes of Adam From the firme place of his dwelling he looketh forth unto all the inhabitants of the earth He formeth altogether their heart he discreetly attendeth unto all their works There is no King saved by multitude of a power a mightie man shall not be delivered by multitude of able strength A horse is falshood for salvation and shall not deliver by multitude of his power Loe the eie of Iehovah is unto them that feare him to them that hopefully wait for his mercie To rid free their soule from death and to keep them alive in famine Our soule earnestly waiteth for Iehovah he is our helpe and
Melchisedek Gen. 14. 18. afterwards called Ierusalem whereof see the notes on Psal. 51. 20. The Greeke translateth it in Peace which is the interpretation of the name Salem as the Apostle sheweth Heb. 7. 2. The Chaldee paraphrase saith Ierusalem his tabernacle or tent pavilion which is both a meane dwelling and a moveable Lev. 13. 42 43. Heb. 11. 9 10. For both Moses Tabernacle and Solomons Temple were meane cottages in respect of Gods glory 1 King 8. 27. Vers. 4. burning arrowes or fiery darts as the Apostle calleth the tentations of that wicked one Ephes. 6. 16. The Hebrew Riâ—â—phei is properly burning coles Song 8. 6. figuratively here the glistering brasse-beaded arrowes elsewhere the fiery thunder bolts Psal. 78. 48. and burning plague Deut. 32. 24. Habak 3. 5. likened to arrowes Ps. 91. 5. Here it may leade us to minde this Psalme to celebrate the victories against Satan figured by the vanquishing of the Assyrians and other enemies 2 King 19. 35. The Chaldee explaineth it thus When the house of Israel did his will he placed his divine majesty among them there brake hee the arrowes and bowes of people that warred shield and sword and battle-ray destroyed he for ever and the warre that is the army of warriers the battle-array See Psal. 27. 3. And thus Shalem or Peace is maintained by breaking all warlike instruments as Esa. 2. 4. Vers. 5. Bright made light that is Glorious speaking to God as vers 7. wondrous excellent magnificent see Psal. 8. 2. mounts of prey the mountaines of the Lions and Leopards Song 4. 8. meaning the kingdomes of this world which make prey and spoile one of another like wilde beasts Dan. 7. 4. 5 6 7. whom the Lambe on mount Sion excelleth in power and glory Revel 14. 1. and 17. 14. Or from the mounts of prey that is when thou commest from conquering the enemies which lie in the mountaines to make prey of thy people V. 6. mighty of heart or stout stubborn-hearted a title of the wicked that are farre from justice E 〈…〉 46. 12. called here in Greek unwise in heart their sleepe their eternall sleepe Ier. 51. 39 57. the slâ—â—pe of death Psa. 13. 4. So in the next verse none of Hebr. all or any have not found that is none found So 1 Ioh. 3. 15. every man-slayer hath not that is none hath life See also Psa. 143. 2. men of power able men for strength courage and riches in which last sense the Greeke taketh it here these did not resist or could not as Psal. 77. 5. They were not able as the Chaldee saith to take their weapons in their hands Vers. 7. thy rebuke that is punishment destruction see Ps. 9. 6. chariot that is Princes and Captaines riding on chariots horses on which they were wont of old to fight Iudg. 4. 3. 1 King 22. 31. 34. These all by Gods rebuke have beene slaine as in the campe of Asshur 2 King 19. 35. and the host of Antichrist Rev. 19. 18 21. Vers. 8. when thou art angry Hebr. from then that is from the time of thine anger after thine anger is once kindled Vers. 9. the earth or the land which the Chaldee understandeth thus the land of the heathens feared the land of Israel was quiet V. 11. shall confesse thee that is shall turne to thy praise when thy people are delivered from the rage of their foes the remnant or the reâ—â—under that is thy people which remaine and perish not in the rages of the wicked thou wilt gird to wit with joyfulnesse that they shall sing praise to thee as the Greek explaineth it shall keepe a feast to thee As in Ioel 1. 13. Gird ye there is understood with sorrow or sackcloth so here seemeth to be understood joy or gladnesse wherewith persons or things are said to be girded Ps. 30. 12. and 65. 13. or thou wilt gird with strength as Ps. 18. 40. Or if we referre it to the hot rage of the wicked the residue thereof thou wilt gird that is binde or restraine from attempting further evill Vers. 12. Vow ye men in danger or deliuered from it were wont to make vowes unto God Genes 28. 20. Iona 1. 16. Psal. 66. 13 14. round about him a description of his people as the twelve tribes pitched round about the Tabernacle Numb 2. 2. and the foure and twenty Elders were round about Gods throne Revel 4. 4. So the Chaldee expoundeth it ye that dwell about his Sanctuary to the feare that is the most fearefull God called Feare or Terrour for more reverence and excellency unto whom all feare is due as Isai. 8. 12. 13. Malach. 1. 6. So Iakob called God the Feare of his father Isaak Genes 31. 53. And this was performed when after Asshurs overthrow many brought offerings to the Lord 2 Chron. 32. 21 23. Vers. 13. To him that gathereth so the Greeke to him that taketh away or wee may reade Hee gathereth or Cutteth off as in vintage a similitude from grape-gatherers which cut off the clusters of the vines applied here to the cutting off the lives of men The like is in Rev. 14. 18 19 20. also in Iudg. 20. 45. The Chaldee explaineth it To him that represseth the pride of the spirit of governours God to be feared above all Kings of the earth ... Governours or Princes Captaines that leade and goe before the people So Gods Angell destroied all the valiant men and Princes and Captaines in the Campe of the King of Asshur 2 Chro. 32. 21. PSAL. LXXVII The Psalmist sheweth what fierce combat hee had with diffidence 11 The victory which he had by consideration of Gods great and gracious workes done of old To the Master of the Musicke to Ieduthun a Psalme of Asaph MY voice was to God and I cried out my voice was to God and he gave eare unto mee In day of my distresse I sought the Lord my hand by night reached out and ceased not my soule refused to be comforted I remembred God and made a troubled noise I meditated and my spirit was overwhelmed Selah Thou heldest the watches of mine eies I was stricken amazed and could not speake I recounted the daies of antiquity the yeeres of ancient times I remembred my melody in the night with my heart I meditated and my spirit searched diligently Will the Lord cast off to eternities and not adde favourably to accept any more Is his mercy ceased to perpetuity is his word ended to generation and generation Hath God forgotten to be gracious hath he shut up in anger his tender mercy Selah And I said doth this make me sicke the change of the right hand of the most high I will record the actions of Iah surely I will remember thy miracle from antiquity And I will meditate of all thy worke and will discourse of thy practises O God thy way is in the sanctuary who is so great a God as God Thou art the God that doest a marvellous worke thou hast
26. 42. captivitie that is the company of captives or prisoners as Psal. 68. 19. See also Psal. 14. 7. Vers. 4. gathered away that is withdrawne ceased or asswaged as the Greeke interpreteth it So in Ioel 2. 10. the starres gather away that is withdraw their shining Vers. 5. Turne us to our former estate cause to cease or dissipate as Psal. 33. 10. Vers. 6. wilt thou draw that is continue see Ps. 36. 11. Vers. 7. wilt not thou turne and revive that is againe revive us See Psal. 71. 20. The Greeke saith O God thou turning wilt revive us For halo they read ha-al the letters transplaced Vers. 8. Shew us or Let us see that is enjoy Sâ— Psal. 50. 23. Vers. 9. the God or the Almightie Ael and let them not or that they turne not to folly that is to sinne see Psal. 125. 3. The Greeke saith and to them that turne the heart to him Vers. 10. that glory may dwell or glory shall dwell meaning that glory of God which we are destitute of by sinne Rom. 3. 23. shall be restored by grace in Christ and God will dwell among men and communicate with them his glory Rev. 21. 3 11. Isa. 60. 1. they are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 18. Or by glory is meant Christ the salvation of God who dwelt in our land when the word was made flesh and men saw the glory thereof as the glory of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Ioh. 1. 14. Vers. 11. are met that is come together which before seemed asunder and they have mutuall societie so meeting importeth Prov. 22. 2. Isa. 34. 14. The truth of Gods promises are in Christ fulfilled Luke 1. 68 69 c. Act. 13. 32 33. have kissed as friends use when they meet Exod. 4. 27. and 18. 7. a signe of concord love and joy So Christ is King of justice and of peace Heb. 7. 2. and the worke of justice by him is peace Isa. 32. 17. for being justified by faith men have peace towards God Rom. 5. 1. Luke 2. 14. Vers. 12. Faithfulnesse springeth or Truth buddeth out of the earth or land that is the land bringeth forth faithfull increase answerable to Gods blessings upon it The land figuring the minds of men Hebr. 6. 6 7 8. which by faith apprehend Gods mercy in Christ. from heaven the justice of God through faith not our owne justice which is of the Law Philip. 3. 9. Vers. 13. the good or good things that is the good gift of the holy Ghost to sanctifie his people as Luk. 11. 13. compared with Matth. 7. 11. See also the Note on Psal. 65. 5. our land our earthly nature sanctified brings forth good fruits in Christ Mat. 13. 23. See Psal. 67. 7. Vers. 14. Iustice shall goe or He will cause justice to goe before him will put her footsteps or will set her in the way of his footsteps which seemeth to meane a setled course of walking in vertue Or when he shall put his footsteps into the way PSAL. LXXXVI David strengtheneth his prayer by the conscience of his religion 5 by the goodnesse and power of God 11 Her desireth the continuance of former grace 14 Complaining of the proud he craveth some token of Gods goodnesse A Prayer of David BOw downe thine eare Iehovah answer me for I am poore afflicted and needy Keepe my soule for I am mercifull thou my God save thy servant that trusleth unto thee Be gracious unto me Iehovah for unto thee doe I call all the day Rejoyce the soule of thy servant for unto thee Lord lift I up my soule For thou Iehovah art good and mercifully pardonest and much of mercie to all that call upon thee Give eare Iehovah to my prayer and attend to the voyce of my supplications for grace In the day of my distresse will I call unto thee for thou wilt answer me There is none like thee among the gods O Lord and none like thy works All nations whom thou hast made shall come and bow downe themselves before thee O Lord shall glorifie thy Name For great art thou and dost marvellous things thou art God thy selfe alone Teach me O Iehovah thy way I will walke in thy truth unite my heart for to feare thy Name I will confesse thee O Lord my God with all my heart and will glorifie thy Name for ever For thy mercy is great toward me and thou hast delivered my soule from the lowest hell O God the proud are risen up against me and the assembly of violent men seeke my soule and they have not set thee before them But thou Lord art a God pittifull and gracious long suffering and much of mercie and truth Turne the face unto me and be gracious to me give thy strength to thy servant and save the son of thine handmaid Doe with mee a signe for good and let my haters see and be abashed because thou Iehovah hast holpen mee and comforted me Annotations A Prayer the like title is of Psalme 17. To Christ may this Psalme fitly be applied Vers. 2. mercifull or a gracious Saint pious holy See Psal. 4. 4. This tiâ—e God taketh to himselfe Ier. 3. 12. Vers. 4. Lift I up See the Notes on Psal. 25. 1. The Chaldee saith lift I up my soule in prayer Vers. 5. mercifully pardonest or art propitious a forgiver the Chaldee addeth of them which turne to the Law See Psal. 25. 11. Vers. 8. among the gods Though there be that are called Gods whether in heaven or in earth as there be many gods and many Lords yet unto us there is but one God c. 1 Cor. 8. 5 6. all the gods of the peoples are idols Psal. 96. 5. Or by gods may be meant Angels as the Chaldee here explaineth it and the Princes of the world and none to wit can doe workes like thine or no workes are like thy works Psal. 13 6. 4. Vers. 11. Vnite my heart apply and knit it to thy feare onely and that with simplicitie Vers. 13. hell or grave the state of death see Ps. 16. 10. Vers. 14. the proud Compare this with Psalm 54. 5. Vers. 15. pitifull or full of ruth mercie and tender love When Gods name was proclaimed before Moses this title with other was in it Exo. 34. 5 6. long suffering Hebr. long of nostrils that is of anger long ere thou be angry The nose and anger have one name in Hebrew see Psalm 2. 5. Vers. 16. son of thine handmaid that is borne thy servant of godly parents that were thy servitors Of Christ this also was true the sonne of Mary the Virgin the handmaid of the Lord Luk. 1. 48. See the like speech Psal. 116. 16. Vers. 17. Doe with me a signe or Shew it me that is So deale with me in my deliverance and preservation that I may have my selfe and may be to others a signe for
the generation next after let his name be wiped out Let the iniquitie of his fathers bee remembred of Iehovah and the sinne of his mother bee not wiped out Let them bee before Iehovah continually and hee cut off the memory of them from the earth Because that hee remembred not to doe mercy but persecuted the poore afflicted and needy man and the smitten in heart to slay him And hee loved cursing and let it come unto him and he delighted not in blessing and let it bee farre from him And he cloathed himselfe with cursing as his raiment and let it enter as waters into his inward part and as oile into his bones Let it bee to him as a garment wherewith hee may cover himselfe and for a girdle wherewith hee may gird himselfe continually This be the worke of mine adversaries from Iehovah and of them that speake evill against my soule And thou Iehovih Lord doe with mee for thy Name sake for good is thy mercy deliver thou me For I am poore afflicted and needy and mine heart is wounded within me As a shadow when it declineth I am gone away I am tossed as the Grashopper My knees are feeble through fasting and my flesh is leane for fatnesse And I was a reproach to them they saw mee they shaked their head Helpe thou me Iehovah my God save me according to thy mercy And let them know that this is thine hand thou Iehovah hast done it Let them curse and doe thou blesse rise they up and be abashed and let thy servant rejoyce Let mine adversaries be cloathed with ignominie and let them cover themselves with their shame as with a cloke I will confesse Iehovah vehemently with my mouth and in the midst of many will I praise him For he will stand at the right hand of the needy to save him from them that judge his soule Annotations OF my praise that is which art praised of me as Psal. 22. 4. or which praisest and justifiest mee against the calumnies of mine enemies 2 Cor. 10. 18. Rom. 2. 29. Numb 12. 7 8. cease not or bee not silent see Psalme 28. 1. of diceit that is the deceitfull men as the Greeke explaineth it so pride for proud person Psalme 36. 12. are or have opened to wit themselves Vers. 4. and I prayer to wit I made or give my selfe to prayer as the Greeke and Chaldee saith I prayed or I am a man of prayer So I peace Psal. 120. 7. See also 1 Cor. 14. 33. Vers. 6. Set in office or Make visiter or over-seer see verse 8. the wicked one the devill as 1 Ioh. 2. 13 14. and 3. 12. and 5. 18. or generally wicked rulers the adversary in Hebrew Satan in Greeke the Devill who is an adversary to mankind 1 Pet. 5. 8. Rev. 12. 9. at his right hand to resist and overcome him Zach. 3. 1. and this is spoken of all his foes as of one man or of some one speciall as Doeg enemy to David 1 Sam. 22. 9 c. Iudas to Christ Ioh. 13. 2. But God is at the right hand of the poore vers 31. Psal. 16. 8. Vers. 7. wicked that is as the Greeke saith condemned See the Notes on Psal. 1. 1. to sinne that is turned to sinne and so abominable Prov. 28. 9. and 15. 8. Vers. 8. his office or charge visitation bishoprick Episcopée and this is applied to Iudas whose office was derived to Matthias Act. 1. 16 20 26. A Bishop and bishops charge so called of visitation is a common name to all overseers and offices Numb 4. 16. and 31. 14. Ezek. 44. 11. 2 King 11. 15. 2 Chron. 34. 12 17. Nehem. 11. 9. Vers. 9. fatherlesse or orphans and this is a curse of the law Exod. 22. 24. Ier. 18. 21. Vers. 10. wander rogue about as vagabonds Gen. 4. 12. Vers. 11. the Creditor he to whom he is indebted or the extortioner let him seise on all his goods his labour goods gotten by his labour Vers. 13. posteritie or his last end see Psal. 37. 37. to cutting off or appointed to be cut off to perdition or to destruction as the Greeke explaineth The verbe active is of passive signification as Psal. 32. 9. and 36. 3. Vers. 15. memory or memoriall Psal. 34. 17. Iob 18. 17. Vers. 16. smitten with griefe that is sorrowfull or as the Greeke saith pricked in heart So verse 22. See Psal. 102. 5. and 34. 19. Vers. 17. let it come or it shall come and so after Vers. 18. his raiment or a mantell let it enter or it entred It may be understood of his delight in cursing which pleased him as water and oile or of the efficacy of the curse that should pierce his owne bowels and bones as Num. 5. 22. Vers. 20. the worke that is the wage or reward due for his worke so Lev. 19. 13. Isa. 49. 4. Iob 7. 2. Ezek. 29. 20. Vers. 21. Iehovih the Name of God see Psal. 68. 21. doe to wit mercy as the next words shew and is expressed Psal. 18. 51. See also Psal. 103. 9. where the word anger is omitted Vers. 23. I am gone or am made to goe or depart namely towards my grave as Psal. 58. 9. See also Psal. 102. 12. 1 Chron. 17. 11. tossed as the grashopper or shaken off as the Locust which hath no nest or biding place but is driven to and fro being a fearefull creature Nahum 3. 17. Iob 39. 23. or which is carried away with the wind Exodus 10. 1◠Vers. 24. feeble or loosened so that I am ready to stumble and fall So Paul calleth them loose or feeble knees Heb. 12. 12. from Isa. 35. 3. for fatnesse or for oile that is for want of fat or oile as for the fruits is for want of the fruits Lam. 4. 9. for five is for want of five Gen. 18. 28. for fornication 1 Cor. 7. 2. is for to avoid fornication Or we may turne it without fat for the Hebrew min sometime signifieth without Iob 21. 9. Vers. 25. shaked or wagged a signe of scorne Psal. 22. 8. Vers. 27. thine hand that is thy handy worke Vers. 28. rise they up to wit against me as the Greeke explaineth it and be they abashed as disappointed of their purpose Vers. 30. of many or of the mighties of great men as the Chaldee saith of wise men but the Greeke translateth of many Vers. 31. at the right hand to assist contrary to Satan verse 6. that judge that is condemne and persecute him to death PSAL. CX David prophesieth of Christs Kingdome 4 his eternall Priesthood 5 his Conquest 7 and his Passion A Psalme of David IEhovah assuredly said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand untill I put thine enemies the footstoole of thy feet Iehovah will send out of Sion the rod of thy strength rule thou in the middes of thine enemies Thy people shall be voluntaries in the day of thy power in the beauties of holinesse of the wombe of the early morning
onely are to be seene the Sun hath looked downe Hereby afflictions and persecutions are meant as that in the Parable When the Sunne was up they were scorched is expounded when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word they are offended Matth. 13. 6. 21. So â—he signifieth that this her black hue was not her proper colour who is faire in Christ her beloved Song 1. 8. 15. but by accident God from heaven thus chastising her sinnes and exercising her faith and patience Lam. 1. 6. 13. 14. c. the sonnes of my mother that is either the children of the Church false brethren false Prophets and deceivers or inordinate lusts and sinnes which dwelt in her and were conceived with her in the wombe for with both these is the Spouse of Christ afflicted Of the first David complaineth I am become a stranger unto my brethren and an aliant unto my mothers sonnes Psalm 69. 9. And the Apostle saith Of your owne selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them Acts 20. 30. Such are called by the name of Israel and are come forth out of the waters of Iudah which swear by the name of the Lord and make mention of the God of Israel but not in truth nor in righteousnesse for they call themselves of the holy City c. Esay 48. 1. 2. Such might bee called the children of her mother though not of her father false brethren among whom the Saints are often in perill Gal. 2. 4. 2 Cor. 11. 26. who pretending faith and godlinesse doe dangerously oppose the same as the true Church Prophets Christ himselfe and his Disciples have found in all ages Of the second the Apostles tell us of lusts that war in our members Iames 4. 1. of fleshly lusts which warre against the soule 1 Per. 2. 11. and these may be called our mothers children because in sinne and in iniquity we have beene conceived and brought forth Psalme 51. 7. which sinne reviveth in us when the commandement of God commeth deceiveth us and slayeth us and under it wee are sold so that the good which we would that doe we not but the evill which we would not that doe we Rom. 7. 9. 11. 14. 19. angry with me or incensed against me or inflamed in me to weet with wrath to resist fight and war in mee and against me as the Greeke version saith fought in me or against me So this phrase is used in Esay 41. 11 All they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed c. and in Esay 45. 24. all that are incensed against the Lord shall bee ashamed which being spoken there of outward enemies may also be applyed to our inward lusts as in Iam. 4. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 11. they made me or set put assigned mee the keeper of the vineyards where the Sun hath burnt me as in Matth. 20. 1. 12. they that laboured in the vineyard doe complain how they have borne the burden and heat of the day So in the captivity of Babylon the poore of the land of Israel were left to be Vine dressers and Husbandmen 2 King 25. 12. And spiritually it is said unto the Church the sons of the alient shall be your plowmen and your vine dressers Esay 61. 5. and the Kingdome of God committed into the hands of the Iewes is likened to a Uineyard let out unto Husbandmen Matt. 21. 33. 43. and in Song 8. 11. Solomon let out the vineyard unto keepers But here the vineyards opposed to her owne vineyard seeme to meane false Churches and in them the corruption of religion whereunto her mothers sonnes sought to draw her setting her to observe the ordinances and traditions of men or otherwise to undergoe their cruelty and wrath Thus the Pharisees made the word of God of none effect through their tradition which they had delivered Marke 7. 13. and bound heavy burdens and grievous to be borne and laid them on mens shoulders Matth. 23. 4. and so did false teachers in the Christian Churches Acts 15. 1. 10. Gal. 6. 12. 13. Coloss. 2. 20. 23. my vineyard which is mine or which appertaineth to me the keeping whereof is committed to me of God This phrase is againe used is Son 8. 12. my vineyard which is mine is before me Spiritually the Vineyard is the Church as in Esay 5. 7. the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel and the men of Iudah his pleasant plant the keeping of or labouring in this vineyard is the performing of the charge and duty which God hath laid upon every one therein that so they may yeeld unto him the fruits of his owne graces Mat. 21. 33. 34. Esay 5. 2. 7. I have not kept either through her owne infirmity or negligence or others tyranny or both For as the Apostle complaineth that he did not what he would but what he hated and found not how to performe that which is good Rom. 7. 15. 18. so of the sloathfull man Solomon sheweth how he went by the vineyard of the man void of understanding and loe it was all growne over with thornes nettles had covered the face thereof c. Prov. 24. 30. 31. And by outward violence and persecution the Church may be scattred abroad Acts 8. 1. and when Iudah was captived the solemn feasts and sabbaths were forgotten in Zion c. Lam. 2. 6. c. And oftentimes for the sinnes of his people God sendeth persecution and afflictions upon them Esay 5. 2. 5. 6. Lam. 1. 14. 18. 22. The Chaldee Paraphrast expoundeth this verse thus The Congregation of Israel sayd before the peoples Despise me not because I am blacker then you because I have done worke like yours and have worshipped the Sunne and Moon for false Prophets they have been the cause that the fierce wrath of the Lord hath come downe upon me and they learned me to serve your idols and to walke in your statutes but the Lord of the world who is my God him have I not served nor walked in his statutes neither have I kept his precepts and his Law Vers. 7. Tell me or Shew declare unto me A third request which the Church maketh unto Christ for instruction in the administration of his Kingdome here on earth that as hee had formerly made her partaker of his heavenly calling so he would direct her further unto the place where and manner how he feedeth his flocke in his publike Assembly the Church whereunto the Lord addeth daily such as shall be saved Acts 2. 47. that there she may be under his government enjoy his ordinances increase in knowledge faith and all other graces may be strengthned against tentations and afflictions So men are commanded Seeke the Lord and his strength seeke his face continually Psalme 105. 4. And Vnto the place which the Lord your God shall chuse out of all your tribes to put his name there even unto his habitation shall ye seeke and thither thou shalt come c. Deut.
12. 5. That place is not alwayes easie to bee discerned for many will falsly say Lee here is Christ or loe he is there Marke 13. 21. 22. and sometimes Christ for mens sinnes withdraweth himselfe Song 5. 6. God hideth his face Deut. 32. 20 and saith I will not feed you Zach. 11. 9. Sometime the Woman is forced to flye into the wildernesse where she is nourished of God many dayes Rev. 12. 14. and sometime the state of the Church is such as that it doth not for the present in joy the Pastors that should feed and guide the same Acts 14. 21. 22. 23. Tit. 1. 5. my soule loveth this signifieth unfeigned and fervent love with a longing desire to injoy the fellowship of her beloved therefore she useth this phrase againe when in the absence of Christ shee earnestly seeketh for him in Chap. 3. vers 1. 2. 3. 4. Like it is the affecting or longing of the soule in Gen. 34. 8. the knitting of the soule 1 Sam. 18. 1. the delighting of the soule Esay 42. 1. and sundry the like where thou feedest or how thou feedest how thou makest to rest feedest Hebr. wilt feed that is art wont to feed or usually and continually feedest to weet thy flocke which word as being easie to be understood is often omitted as in Gen. 37. 16. and 29. 7. Feeding implyeth all the duties of a Pastor or Heirder as to lead in and out to give pasture and water to governe with the rod and staffe c. Psal. 23. Wherefore Kings are said to feed as Pastors Psalm 78. 70. 71. 72. So Christ as King and great Pastor of the sheepe Heb. 13. 20. doth by his Ministery with his Spirit Word Seales Censures c. feed his people for whom he layd down his life hee calleth them by name leadeth them out goeth before them saveth them from wolves that would devoure giveth them eternall life and they shall neuer perish Iohn 10. Of him it is prophesied He shall feed his flocke like a shepheard hee shall gather the Lambes with his arme and cary them in his bosome hee shall gently lead those that are with young Esay 40. 11. Therefore shee desireth to bee under his guidance and in his fold that he feeding her shee may not lacke or desireth to know the manner how Christ feedeth that she likewise may so feed her kiddes as vers 8. makest to rest or makest to lye downe and so givest rest to thy flocke Both these workes of grace God promiseth to his people with other the like saying I will both search my sheepe and seeke them out I will feed them in a good pasture I will feed my flocke and I will cause them to lye downe saith the Lord God I will seeke that which was lost and bring againe that which was driven away and will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sicke but I will destroy the fat and the strong and will feed them with judgement Ezek. 34. 11. 14. 15. 16. at noone in the heat of the day signifying the heat of persecution tribulation tentation and whatsoever may cause the disquiet and griefe of his flocke In the middest whereof Christ giveth safe repose unto his sheepe which have peace in him though in the world they have affliction for hee hath overcome the world Iohn 16. 33. They shall not hunger nor thirst neither shall the heat nor Sunne smite them for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them even by the springs of water shall he guide them Esay 49. 10. that turneth aside or as one that inwrappeth or that covereth her selfe or that is covered or veyled this latter sense the Greeke version giveth according to the usuall signification of the Hebrew word And this covering either is a signe of sorrow and shame as mourners used to cover their faces Ezek. 24. 17. or of lightnesse and dishonesty as Thamar was thought to be an harlot because she had covered her face Gen. 38. 14. 15. So here the Spouse desireth to know where Christ feedeth left she should wander about and seeke him with sorrow and bee by others reputed an harlot for she would eschew all appearance of evill Or by saying as one that turneth aside she intimateth her perill lest through want of him whom shee loveth shee fall into the hands of others which boast to be Christs companions and so in her faith and manners be corrupted as were the Churches of Galatia Gal. 1. 6. 7. For when men have not their abiding in the Lords inheritance they are in danger to be drawne unto the service of other gods as David acknowledgeth in 1 Sam. 26. 19. flockes of thy companions or herds of thy fellowes for Gneder is both a flocke and an herd Ioel 1. 18. It seemeth here to meane the congregations of false Christs and false Prophets which come in his name saying I am Christ and doe deceive many Matth. 24. 5. 24. 2 Pet. 2. 1. 2. But Christs sheepe follow him for they know his voyce and a stranger they will not follow but will flee from him for they know not the voice of strangers Ioh. 10. 4. 5. but they all have one shepheard Ezek. 37. 24. And as other shepheards are not to be followed so neither other flockes or herds for Gods elect shall inherit his mountaine and his servants shall dwell there Esay 65. 9. In Ier. 6. 2. 3. the daughter of Zion is likened to a comely and delicate woman her enemies are likened to shepheards with their flockes Of the Hebrewes Sol. Iarchi expoundeth this passage thus Tell me ô thou whom my soule loveth Now the Holy Ghost turneth and likeneth her to a flocke lovingly affected unto the Pastour The Congregation of Israel saith before him as a woman to her husband Tell mee ô thou whom my soule loveth where thou feedest thy flocke among these wolves amids whom they are and where thou makest them to rest at noone in this captivity which is a time of tribulation unto them as the noone-tide which is a time of tribulation unto the flocke And if thou sayest Why art thou so carefull This is not for thine honour that I should bee like a mourner covering the lip weeping for my flocke by the flockes of other shepheards which feed their flockes as thou dost as if she should say Among the troupes of the peoples that are joyned to other gods and have Kings and Princes that menage or governe them The Chaldee paraphrast explaineth it thus When the time was come that Moses the Prophet should bee dissolved out of the world he said before the Lord I know that this people will sinne and shall goe into captivity now shew thou unto mee how they shall bee governed and dwell among the peoples whose decrees are grievous as the heat and scorching of the Sun at noone in the midst of Summer And why shall they wander up and downe among the flockes of the sonnes of Esau and Ismael
which doe associate unto thee their errours their idols for companions Vers. 8. If thou know not that is Forasmuch as or Seeing that thou knowest not as in Num. 22. 20. If the men be come to call thee that is Forasmuch as they are come Here Christ beginneth to speake unto his people with words of comfort and instruction and after proceedeth to shew the power and glory of the Church adorned with his graces Sol. Iarchi saith This is the answer of the Pastour thou know not or thou thy selfe knowest not Hebr. If thou know not to thee or for thy selfe which latter words are thought to be redundant and are therefore omitted in most translations though here it may have a commodious sense to signifie the ignorance which she hath in her selfe upon acknowledgement whereof Christ informeth her Sol. Iarchi expoundeth it If thou know not whither thou shouldest goe to feed thy flocke thou fairest among women because the Pastour he hath ceased to governe or menage them fairest Hebr faire or beautifull among women whereby is meant more faire then other women or fairest of womankind as the mother of our Lord is called Blessed among women Luke 1. 28. 42. that is most blessed or more blessed then other women so the Lyon is said to bee strong among beasts that is strongest Prov. 30. 30. The Hebrew Iaphab signifieth faire or beautifull not onely in colour but in comely proportion and elegancy such as draweth love and liking for the same word is attributed sometime to cattell Gen. 41. 3. to trees Ier. 11. 16. and to every thing that God made Eccles. 2. 11. And the Church is here called by Christ and after by her friends Song 5. 9. and 6. 1. the fairest among women by reason of the graces the spirituall beauty of faith hope love patience c. wherewith God in Christ hath beautified her who by nature was deformed and loathsome as is shewed in Ezek. 16. where her nativity was of the land of Canaan of Amorites and Hittites vers 3. she was cast out to the loathing of her person in the day that shee was borne vers 5. she was polluted in her owne bloods ver 6. till God gave her life and excellent ornaments vers 7. covered her nakednesse vers 8. washed away her bloods vers 9. clothed girded decked her with ornaments chaines jewels c. and so she became exceeding beautifull vers 10. 13. Shee being privy to her owne infirmities called her selfe blacke vers 5. but Christ here calleth her faire and magnifieth her beauty in vers 15. and often in this Song because he hath sanctified and clensed her with the washing of water by the Word that he might present her to himselfe a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that shee should be holy and without blemish Ephes. 5. 26. 27. Thus if we will condemne our selves God will justifie us and when we are weake then are wee strong 2 Cor. 12. 10. And as we increase in obedience and sanctification so doth the love of Christ increase towards us Psal. 45. 11. 12. goe thy way forth or get thee out goe forth thou Heb. goe out for thee or goe forth for thy selfe As God said to Abram Goe thou or for thy selfe Gen. 12. 1. so here Christ calleth forth his Church from sitting still in her mournfull estate that she should not onely wish and desire but indevour and put forth her selfe to doe the workes of her calling to feed her kids and to goe out to meet the Bridegroome Matth. 25. 6. For not every every one that saith unto Christ Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdome of heaven but he that doth the will of his Father which is in heaven Matt. 7. 21. by the footsteps of the flocke or in the footsteps of the sheepe that is goe in those wayes and doe those workes which the sheep or flocke of Christ have gone in and done before thee Footsteps are the print of the feet in the way that is trodden before us and as Christ himselfe hath left us an example in his doings and sufferings that we should follow his footsteps 1 Pet. 2. 21. and we are to be imitators or followers of God Ephes. 5. 1. so should we be of the flocke of God and of godly pastors in that faith and order which they have walked in before us as it is said Be yee imitators of mee even as I also am of Christ 1 Cor. 11. 1. and Remember your guides who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith imitate ye considering the issue of their conversation Heb. 13. 7. So likewise of the flocke of Christ as it is said Ye brethren became imitators of the Churches of God c. 1 Thess. 2. 14. and we desire c. that yee be not slouthfull but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Heb. 6. 11. 12. The flocke here spoken of seemeth to bee opposed unto the flockes or herds in vers 7. as Christ is to his companions or fellowes there mentioned who as he is the One great Pastour so hath hee generally one fold and flocke Iohn 10. 16. Ezek. 34. 22. 23. which is his Church as he saith And yee my flocke the flocke of my pasture are men Ezek. 34. 31. Their footsteps are their faith and workes set forth in the Scriptures as we are taught to walke in the footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham Rom 4 12. and so of all other our godly predecessors Heb. 11. 1. 2. 40. and 12. 1. after whom wee should walke in the same spirit in the same footsteps 2 Cor. 12. 18. And thus the Hebrewes also understand this place as Iarchi explaineth it Consider the wayes of thy first fathers which received my Law and kept my charge and my commandements and walke thou in their wayes Likewise the Chaldee paraphrast saith The Congregation which is like to a faire damsell and whom my soule loveth let her walke in the wayes of the just men and order her prayer by the mouth of her governors and let her lead her posterity and learne her children which are like to the kiddes of the goats to goe unto the Synagogue and unto the Schoole c. feed thy kids The flocke in Scripture usually comprehendeth both sheepe and goats as in Levit. 1. 10. and though goats sometime being opposed to sheep signifie the wicked reprobates Matthew 25. 32. 33. c. yet usually they figured in the Law Christians given up as sacrifices to God and Christ himselfe was figured by goats and kids by the Apostles exposition Heb. 9. 12. 13. 14. and 1 Cor. 5. 7. compared with Exod. 12. 5. So here the kids signifie yong and tender Christians which are to be fed with the sincere milke of the word that they may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2. 2. And so Christ giveth charge Feed my Lambs Feed my Sheepe Iohn 21. 15. 16. And this is the end why the
made fruitfull by the blessing and Gospell of Christ Heb. 6. 7. 8. 9. So God promising to heale the backsliding of his people and to love them freely after his anger is turned away saith I will bee as the deaw unto Israel he shall grow as the Lilie and cast forth his roots as Lebanon his branches shall spread and his beauty shall bee as the Olive tree c. Hos. 14. 4. 5. 6. The Chaldee Paraphrast applieth these flowers to Moses and Aaron which were like unto Palme tree branches and appeared to doe miracles in the land of Aegypt singing to weet of birds as after in speciall hee nameth the Turtle dove This is both a signe and an effect of the Spring time which cheareth all creatures and causeth them in their kind to sing praises unto God and these birds and turtles signifie the Saints who feeling the comforts of Gods word and spirit doe sing his prayse and with Psalmes and Hymnes and spirituall songs doe sing and make melody in their heart to the Lord Ephes. 5. 19. As it is written They shall lift up their voice they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord c. From the utmost part of the earth have wee heard songs Glory to the righteous Esay 24. 14. 16. of the turtle The Church it selfe is sometime meant by the Turtle Psal. 74. 19. and the Dove Song 2. 14. and 5. 2. sometime the holy Ghost with his graces is resembled by a dove as at our Lords baptisme Mat. 3. 16. and thus the Chaldee expoundeth it here the voice of the holy Ghost So it signifieth the voice of the Spirit in the people of Christ mutually comforting one another and jointly praising â—od with and for his graces The Turtle dove casting her feathers is said to hide her selfe in winter in holes of trees her voice therefore being now heard signifieth that Summer was come Vers. 13. her greene figs or her unripe figs such as the figtree thrusteth out in stead of flowers which appeare on other trees A signe not onely of the Spring but of a fruitfull yeere Our Saviour saith Learne a parable of the figtree When her branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves ye know that Summer is nigh Matth. 24. 32. And the blessing of God upon his Church is hereby signified as on the contrary when hee threatneth to consume the same he saith there shall be no grapes on the vine nor figs on the figtree c. Ier. 8. 13. tender grape or young small grape called in Hebr. Smadar a word used onely in this Song here and in vers 15. and c. 7. v. 12. By this variety of fruits is figured the variety of graces the good workes and sweet odour of them which appeare in the Saints after they are reconciled to God by Iesus Christ who is the true vine the faithfull are the branches who when they beare much fruit the Father is glorified Iohn 15. 1. 5. 8. The people of God themselves are also likened to grapes and figges as I found Israel like grapes in the wildernesse I saw your fathers as the first ripe in the figtree c. Hos. 9. 10. rise up thou or rise up for thy selfe as in vers 10. which exhortation is here againe repeated Vers. 14. My dove so Christ calleth here his Church The dove is mournfull sociable harmlesse chaste fearfull c. as I did mourne as a dove Esay 38. 14. and wee mourne sore like doves Esay 59. 11. Againe who are these that flie as the doves to their windowes or lockers Esay 60. 8. and in Ezek. 7. 16. they that escape of them shall escape and shall be on the mountaines like doves of the vallies all of them mourning every one for his iniquity And in Hos. 11. 11. they shall tremble as a dove out of the land of Assyria in Mat. 10. 16. be harmlesse as doves All which properties agree with the Church in this her estate especially fearfulnesse and mourning for her iniquities whereby she became sicke of love vers 5. the clefts of the Rocke hidden there for feare of enemies as it is written O yee that dwell in Moab leave the cities and dwell in the Rocke and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the holes mouth Ier. 48. 28. The Rocke whither this dove the Church was now fled seemeth most properly to meane faith in Christ as Mat. 16. 18. wherein she hid her selfe for feare of Gods wrath for her sin and yet durst not shew her selfe or the election of God which as a sure and rocky foundation abideth for ever Herewith compare Exod. 32. 22. where Moses was put in a clift of the Rocke and covered with Gods hand while hee passed by secret place or hiding place thus David often calleth God his secret or hiding place as 〈◊〉 Psalme 32. 7. Thou art a secret place to me from distresse thou wilt preserve me c. See also Psal. 61. 5. and 91. 1. stayres Heb. stayre or steepe place This as the Rocke aforesaid may signifie Christ by 〈…〉 th in him we ascend unto God by degrees as by stayres he being the Ladder which Iakob saw in vision upon whom the Angels of God ascended and descended Gen. 28 12. Ioh. 1. 51. let me see thy countenance or cause me to see thy personage thy visage thy forme fashion shape sight or appearance see chap. 5. 15. that is stirre up thy faith and hold up thy face with comfort come unto me walke before me and be upright as Gen. 17. 1. Present thy body as a living sacrifice holy c. Rom. 12. 1. So the Chaldee expoundeth it Shew me thy countenance and thy righteous workes heare thy voice that is thy prayers prayses songs thanksgivings c. Psalm 5. 3. and 26. 7. and 28. 2. and 42 5. call upon me in all thy feares and troubles as in Psal. 50. 15. Call on mee in the day of distresse c. By these words Christ both sheweth her the cause of her soules sicknesse to be her owne infirmities and negligence in prayer and other holy duties as also comforteth her against her feares and the conscience of her infirmities Thus the Chaldee also explaineth it Let me heart thy voice for thy voice is sweet in prayer in the house of the little sanctrary and thy countenance fayre in good workes 〈…〉 is sweet that is pleasing and acceptable being uttered in faith and according to the will of God as it is written Then shall the offrings of Iudah and Ierusalem be sweet that is pleasing unto the Lord Malac. 3. 4. but unto the transgressors he saith your burnt offrings are not acceptable nor your sacrifices sweet unto me Ier. 6. 20. comely or to be desired beautifull as in Song 1. 4. These praises of the Church are spirituall and according to the esteeme of God not of men for even Christ himselfe in respect of wordly reputation had his visage and forme so marred that many were astonied at
of the Spirit which they that beleeve on him should receive Ioh. 7. 38. 39. streaming running flowing or streames from Lebanon It hath reference to the streames of Iordan which river began at the foot of mount Lebanon and ran along through the holy land watering the same This similitude is amplified in Ezek. 47. 6. 10. where waters issuing out of the Sanctuarie which was built of the Cedars of Lebanon ran along Galilee and to the plaine and into the sea c. and every living thing that moveth whithersoever the rivers come shall live c. and every thing shall live whither the river commeth So in Revel 22. 1. out of the throne of God and of the Lambe Christ a pure river of water of life proceedeth Vers. 16. Stirre-up or Raise up thy selfe thou North winde A fourth blessing upon the garden of Christs Church that it is blowne upon by the windes to refresh it to cleanse the aire of it and to make it more fruitfull And though the North and South windes be of contrary qualities as cold and hot moyst and dry yet are they both fitting for her estate which sometime needeth sharp reproof and sometime calme and gentle consolation But he mentioneth not the East winde because that is often used in signe of wrath to blast burne and destroy the fruits as Ezek. 17. 10. and 19. 12. Hos. 13. 15. Gen. 41. 6. blow upon my garden The garden being Christs as the words following manifest the Lord who bringeth forth the winde out of his treasuries Psal. 135. 7. speaketh unto it to blow signifying hereby the ministration of his word and spirit bestowed on his people for their further good that they have not onely the waters of holy Scripture but the lively graces also of Gods Spirit to quicken them So in Ezek. 37. 9. the Prophet was willed to prophesie unto the winde and say thereunto Come from the foure windes O winde and blow upon these slaine that they may live And the efficacie of the Spirit of God is resembled by the winde in Ioh. 3. 8. and doctrines are windes in Ephes 4. 14. and the restraint of Gods graces by wholesome doctrine is signfied by foure Angels holding the foure windes of the earth that the wind should not blow on the earth nor on the sea nor on any tree Rev. 7. 1. spices thereof may flow that is the fruits may ripen and be abundant for by the gracious gifts of the Spirit breathing upon the Church corruption is purged away the soules are refreshed quickened comforted and all graces doe increase 1 Cor. 2. come into his garden and eat The faithfull acknowledging both themselves and theirs to be Christs doe desire that hee would come and accept the fruits and graces of his owne Spirit with which and for which hee is to be honoured So the offrings unto God are called his bread Num. 28. 2. the good workes of Christians are called fruits Ioh. 15. his acceptation of those fruits and communication of further grace is signified by mutuall supping together Rev. 3. 20. and thus the Lord rejoyceth in his workes Psal. 104. 31. fruit of his precious things that is the fruit of his precious graces or his precious fruits so that now the Church is not like Israel of old an empty vine which brought forth fruit unto himselfe Hos. 10. 1. or bare wilde grapes even grapes of gall and bitter clusters Esa. 5. 2. Deut. 32. 32. but is filled with the fruits of righteousnesse Phil. 1. 11. and walketh worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitfull in every good worke Col. 1. 10. and hath her fruit unto holinesse and the end everlasting life Rom 6. 22. The Chaldee paraphrast applieth this to the service of God under the Law saying Let the beloved God come into the house of the Sanctuarie and accept with favour the oblations of his people CHAPTER V. IAm come to my garden my sister my spouse I have gathered my myrrh with my spice I have eaten my honey-combe with my honey I have drunke my wine with my milke eate O friends drink and drinke-abundantly O beloved I sleepe and my heart waketh it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh Open to mee my sister my love my dove my perfect-one for my head is filled with dew my locks with the drops of the night I have put-off my coat how shall I put it on I have washed my feet how shall I defile them My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the doore and my bowels made a troubled-noise for him I rose-up to open to my beloved and my hands dropped myrrh and my fingers passing myrrh upon the handles of the locke I opened to my beloved and my beloved had withdrawne himselfe was passed away my soule went-forâ—h because of his speech I sought him and I found him not I called him and hee answered me not The Watchmen that went about the citie found mee they smote mee they wounded mee the watchmen of the walles tooke my veile from on me I adjure you O daughters of Ierusalem if yee finde my beloved what shall ye tell him that I am sicke of love What is thy beloved more then another beloved O thou fairest among women What is thy beloved more then another beloved that thou dost so adjure us My beloved is white and ruddie having-the-banner above ten-thousand His head the fine-gold the solid-gold his lockes curled blacke as a Raven His eyes as doves by the streames of water washing in milke sitting in fulnesse His cheekes as a bed of spice flowers of sweet-odours his lippes Lilies dropping passing myrrh His hands rings of gold filled with the Chrysolite his bowels bright yvorie overlaid with Saphires His legges pillars of marble founded upon sockets of solid-gold his countenance as Lebanon choice as the Cedars His palate sweetnesse and hee is altogether desires This is my beloved and this is my friend O daughters of Ierusalem CHAPTER V. My sister O my Spouse I am entred Into my garden I have gathered My Myrrh together with my spices-sweet My honey-combe did with my honey eat I drunke my wine with my milke friends eate yee Drinke O beloved and drinke-plenteously I am asleepe and yet my heart waketh The voice of my Beloved that knocketh Open thou unto me my sister deere My love my dove my perfect-one sincere For my head is with dew replenished My locks with drops that from the night proceed I dofft my coat how shall it on againe I washt my feete how shall I them distaine Put in his hand by 'th hole did my beloved And for him were my bowels troublous-moved To open to my Loved I rose-up And my hands myrrh my fingers eke did drop Passing-sweet myrrh the locke handles upon Open I did to my beloved-one And my beloved had himselfe drawn-backe Was past my soule went-forth for that he spake I did him seeke and yet I found him not I called him yet I no answere-got The
And I also Loe now I have taken away my divine-presence from mids of thee and how shall I returne And thou hast done evill workes and I have sanctified my feet from thy uncleannesse and how shall I defile them in the mids of thee by thy evill workes Vers. 4. put in Hebr. sent his hand or put it forth by the hole or from the hole to weet of the doore where he knocked which some understand to be a withdrawing of the hand as purposing to leave off his calling of her but the Greeke translateth by the hole and the putting forth of the hand usually meaneth the enterprising of a work rather then the leaving of it off as in Gen. 3. 22. and 22. 10. 12. and 48. 14. Exod. 3. 20. 1 Chron. 13. 9. and the effects following that her bowels were moved that she rose up c. seeme to confirme this And an hole is a meane either to looke in or to put in the hand or to make a wider entrance Ezek. 8. 7. 8. 9. The Spouse of Christ here signifieth that though the doore was shut against him that her Beloved could not enter and though his voice by the outward Ministery of his word could not cause her to ariâ—â— yet hee put forth his hand by the inward working of his Spirit and wrought more effectually in her For as the finger of God in Luke â—1 20. meaneth the Spirit of God Mat. 12. 28. so doth his hand Wherefore the disciples outwardly preaching the word it is said the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number beleeved and turned to the Lord Acts 11 19. 21. my bowels made a troubled noise or my bowels sounded rumbled Hereby she signifieth her disquietnesse hearty sorrow and repentance for her Beloved who had suffered so many things for her sake whom she had so neglected and put from her when hee desired to come in So the Prophet to shew his sorrow for Moabs calamity saith My bowels shall sound or make-a-noise like an harpe for Moab Esay 16. 11. and for the Iewes another saith My bowels my bowels I am pained at my very heart my heart maketh-a-noise or a troubled sound I cannot hold my peace Iâ—r 4. 19. Yea God himselfe in commiseration of Ephraims misery saith My bowels sound or make-a-troubled noise for him I will surely have mercy on him saith the Lord Ier. 31. 20. So here the Spouse by the sounding of her bowels sheweth the griefe of her heart which is one and the chiefest of the bowels as is after noted on v. 14. Vers. 5. I rose up or I my selfe rose up Vnto her inward griefe she addeth outward acts of amendment fruits meet for repentance rising opening seeking calling for her Beloved now departed from her doore through her former negligence dropped myrrh that is oile of myrrh passing myrrh that is pure myrrh which is of bitter taste and sweet smelling savour or currant myrrh such as passeth from one to another vendible to merchants because it is good as passing money is currant money with Merchants Gen. 23. 16. Passing myrrh dropping from Christs lips Song 5. 13. signifieth the sweet odour of his doctrine so the like here dropping from the hands and fingers of his Spouse seeemeth to denote the sweet odour of her workes that her godly sorrow with faith and love unfaigned might bee acceptable to her beloved and of sweet smell in his nostrils In those countries women before they were brought to Kings were purified with oile of myrrh and sweet odours Esth. 2. 12. and the garments of Christs Spouse doe smell of Myrrh c. Psalme 45. 9 here her hands that is her actions are anointed with oile of myrrh that is the grace of Gods Spirit as the holy oile in the Sanctuarie figuring grace was made of pure myrrh and other chiefe spices Exod. 30. 23. c. Otherwise we may understand it of the grace of Christ which hee left behinde him as a sweet odour to allure her when he put in his hand at the hole of the doore which he perceived now when she was risen from her bed of carnall security handles of the locke these handles or hands of the locke were those that kept out Christ from entring which now she anointeth with oile of myrrh that her heart being ointed and suppled with grace all bars and lets being removed he might freely enter to reape the fruit of his owne grace in her Vers. 6. I opened or I my selfe opened this noteth a further degree of grace in her who after she had risen openeth the doore putting away all excuses delayes hinderances admitting the word and worke of Christ into her heart that the King of glory might come in withdrawne him-selfe or turned-away was passed-away This doubling of the complaint for his departure sheweth her passion and griefe in that she injoyed not his presence and favour as in time past But the narration telleth how even the righteous are for their sinnes recompenced in the earth and scarcely saved Prov. 11. 31. 1 Pet. 4. 18. if wee refuse the grace of God profered hee will hide his face from us Mich. 3. 4. Hos. 5. 15. my soule went forth or was gone departed that is failed fainted I was even a dead woman through feare and griefe for death is the departing of the soule from the body Genes 35. 18. and as the heart is said to goe-forth when men are astonished with feare or the like passions Gen. 42. 28. so here the soule is said to goe-forth for like cause because of his speech for his words which he had used when so lovingly he intreateth me in verse 2. The word spoken doth not alwaies presently take effect in the hearers but after when they fall into tentation the Spirit of God often bringeth things to their remembrance that they doe better understand and make use of that they heard Ioh. 14 26. Matth. 26. 75. he answered me not This is one of the greatest tentations that God seemeth not to heare the prayers of his people though they call day and night Psal. 22. 3. he shutteth out their prayer Lam. 3. 8. But here the spouse hath measure for measure because he called and she would not obey shee also calleth and hath no answer Howbeit his eare is not heavy that it cannot heare but as it is written Your iniquities have separated betweene you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you that hee will not heare Esa. 59. 1. 2. The Hebrewes in their Chaldee paraphrase apply the affliction here prophesied of to the sins and captivity of Israel mentioned in 1 Chro. 5. 25. 26. 2 King 17. 6. at what time though the Priests as they say offred oblations and burnt incense yet were they not accepted Vers. 7. The Watchmen or keepers that keepe watch and ward in the City by night meaning the officers of the Church see before on chap. 3. 3. found me By this it appeareth that she went not
countrey a place of corne Vines figtrees Pome granat-trees c. as Ioel 11. 12. in the villages or by the Cypresse trees for the Hebrew Cepharim may signifie both but the Greeke also interpreteth it villages and such country villages are distinguished from fenced cities 1 Sam. 6. 18. 1 Chron. 27. 25. The Spouse here desireth of Christ that they may goe together into the field and villages to looke unto their husbandry how it prospered and whether the trees there planted did flourish and fructifie as the next words manifest Hereby their desire and care is signfied for the encrease and propagation of the gospell abroad in the world for the field in the parable is the world Matth. 13. 38. And as Christ himselfe in the dayes of his flesh went about all the cities and villages preaching the gospell Matt. 9. 35. Mark 6. 6. and his disciples went abroad to teach all nations Matt. 28. 19. so afterward both hee in spirit walked among the golden Candlestickes of his Churches looking to their wayes Revel 2. and 3. and his Apostles went againe to visit their brethren in every City where they had preached the word of the Lord and to see how they did Act. 15. 36. Such a cate is here intimated that the Lords field might bee visited where hee had like a wise husband man prepared and fitted his worke Prov. 24. 27. Verse 12. Let us get up early or Let us rise betimes in the morning another act of diligence and care Psal. 127. 2. such as God performed to Israel of old when hee rose up early and sent his Prophets unto them because hee had compassion on them and the Prophets rose-early and spake unto them 2 Chron. 36. 15. Ierem. 25. 3. 4. to the vineyards that is the Churches or places where the Gospell had beene planted so the house of Israel was the Lords Vineyard Esay 5. 7. The Chaldee also expoundeth this of the house or place of assembly for learning Gods Law the tender grape the first small-grape of this see Song 2. 13. 15. open it selfe that is appeare and so give a sweet smell the Greeke interpreteth it flourish it meaneth the first appearance of fruit before the grapes be any thing neere ripe a token that the Spring is come and that Summer is nigh as Song 2. 12. 13. The Chaldee Paraphrast applyeth it to the time of Israels redemption pomegranates or pomegranate-tres such doe signifie the particular persons in the Churches full of grace and good works See Song 4. 13. there will 〈◊〉 give my loves The Spouse promiseth to give unto Christ the fuition of her graces and fruits of her faith confession thankes good workes c. there in the Vineyards of the Churches in the societie of the Saints For the Lord keepeth his Vineyard and watereth it every moment hee causeth them that come of Iakob to take root Israel shall blossome and bud and fill the face of the world with fruit Esay 27. 3. 6. And I will bring forth saith the Lord a seed out of Iakob and out of Iudah an inheritor of my mountaines and mine elect shall inherite it and my servants shall dwell there There shall the house of Israel all of them in the land serve me there will I accept them and there will I require your offrings and the first fruits of your oblations with all your holy things I will accept you with your sweet savour c. Esay 65. 9. Ezek. 20. 40. 41. Vers. 13. The Mandrakes Dudaim which the Greeke also called Mandragoraes or Mandrakes have allusion in name to Dodim loves forementioned and Dod that is Beloved as she after calleth Christ. Mandrakes grew in the field and were found in the daies of wheat harvest as the historie sheweth in Gen. 30. 14. c. It appeareth by 〈◊〉 chels desire there of them by the smell that here they are said to give that they were very lovely and pleasant differing from the Mandrakes that grow in these parts The Chaldee paraphrast calleth it Balsemon Balsam give a smell or an odour that is are fragrant and yeeld a pleasant savour so the Uines are said before to give a smell Song 2. 13. and the Spikenard of the Spouse Song 1. 12. at our-doores or by our doores which seemeth to be opposed unto the fields where Mandrakes grew as after new fruits are opposed unto the old signifying that both at home and abroad neer far the fame and odour of graces in Gods people spread it selfe For a thing is said to be at the doores when it is nigh at hand Mat. 24. 53. precious things or dainties pleasant fruits delightfull graces see the notes on Song 4. 13. 16. new and old signifying here by variety and plenty Lev. 26. 10. and old fruits are oft times better then new as Luk. uk 5 39. So â—ow the state of the Church instructed unto the Kingdome of heaven is like the housholder which bringeth forth out of his treasurie things new and old Matt. 13. 52. laid them up or hidden treasured stored-up to be reserved safely kept The Chaldee paraphraseth thus Now rise O King Christ receive the Kingdome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 have layd up for thee As the goodnesse of God is great which he hath laid up for them that feare him Psal. 31. 20. so all the goodnesse and fruits of grace that flow from his people are unto his honour and praise consecrated unto him For of him and through him and for him are all things to him 〈◊〉 glory forever Amen Rom 11. 3â— CHAPTER VIII VVHo will give thee as a brother to me sucking the breasts of my mother I would finde thee without I would kisse thee also they shold not despise mee I would leade thee I would bring thee into my mothers house thou shouldest instruct mee I would cause thee to drinke of spiced wine of the juce of my Pomegranate His left hand under mine head and his right hand imbrace mee I adjure you ô daughters of Ierusalem why should yee stirre and why should yee stirre-up the Love untill it please Who is this that commeth-up out of the wildernesse that leaneth upon her Beloved Vnder the apple-tree I stirred up there thy mother painfullybrought thee forth there she painfullybrought forth that bare thee Set me as a seale upon thine heart as a seale upon thine 〈◊〉 for love is strong as death zeale is hard as hell the coales thereof are coales of fire the flame of Iah Many waters cannot quench love neither can the flouds drowne it if a man would give all the substance of his house for love contemning they would contemne it We have a little sister and she hath no breasts what shall wee doe for our sister in the day when she shall bee spoken of If shee bee a wall wee will build upon her a pallace of silver and if shee be a doore wee will inclose her with boards of Cedar I am a wall and my breasts as to w 〈…〉 then was
they all are one and ioyned together in one and are not divided one from another saith R. Simeon ben Iochai in Zoar upon the sixt section of Leviticus Sometime this word is used singularly Aeloab the Almighty Iob 12. 4. and in a shorter forme Ael Mighty Gen. 14. 18. And Aeloah hath affinity with Alah hee adjured for by oath and execration men entred covenant with God Deut. 29. 12 14 19. Nehem. 10. 29. Eccles. 8. 2. Angels and Magistrates are sometimes called Aelohim Gods Psal. 8. 6. Heb. 2. 7. Psal. 82. 1. 6. but in this worke Iehovah Aelohim was the Creator onely Gen. 2. 4. Esay 44. 24. and Angels were his creatures Psal. 148. 2 5. Col. 1. 16. The Apostles writing in Greeke use it alwaies singularly Theos God so in our and other languages which cannot attayne the grace and proprietie of the Hebrew speech Created that is excellently and perfectly made of nothing at all or of that which is as good as nothing as mans body of the dust Gen. 2. 7. and 1. 27. Therefore creation is a worke of God alone to bee understood of us by faith Heb. 11. 3. although the eternall power and godhead of the Creator are seene by his works to make all men without excuse Rom. 1. 20. wherefore no heathen writer almost but hath acknowledged the world to be the workmanship of God whereby his wisdome power and goodnesse is manifested the heavens and the earth The world and all things that are therein Act. 17. 24. things visible and invisible Col. 1. 16. The Hebrew articles eth and ha seeme also to imply so much eth having the first and last letter of the Hebrew Alphabet and so being of generall comprehension and ha of plaine demonstration This creation of heavens and earth the Scriptures doe apply to the new and spirituall estate of the Church in Christ Esay 51. 16. and 65. 17. and 43. 7. Eph. 2. 10. Rev. 21. 11. The Hebrew Doctors say All whatsoever the holy blessed God hath created in this his world is parted into three parts Some creatures compounded of matter and forme and are generated and corrupted continually as the bodies of men and beasts and plants and minerals Other some are compounded of matter and forme but are not changed from body to body and from forme to forme like the former and they are the heavenly sphaeres and stars in them And their matter is not like other matters nor their forme like other formes And some creatures have form without matter and they are the Angels for the Angels have no body nor corporall substance but formes disparted one from another Maimony in Misn. in Iesudei hatorah chap. 2. S. 3. Vers. 2. empty Hebr. emptinesse a thing empty without inhabitants and void without ornaments a deformed wildernesse and a wast and so unfit for use not being separated from the waters not having light herbes trees beasts birds or people to adorne and inhabit it Gen. 2. 5. This sense the Chaldee paraphrase also yeeldeth and the Prophet confirmeth it saying Hee created it not to be emptie he formed it to be inhabited Esay 45. 18. and when extreme emptinesse and desolation of a place is meant it is expressed by Tehu and Bohu the words here used Esay 34. 11. Ier. 4. 23. or by one of them as Psal. 107. 40. Deut. 32. 10. Darknesse was It is not said God created darknesse for it was but the want or privation of light and so meer nothing This darknesse is mystically applyed to mans corrupt state destitute of heavenly light Eph. 5. 8. and 4. 18. Sometime it signifieth affliction and then God is said to create it Esay 45. 7. The word was and such like are in the original tongues often vnderstood but not expressed though in translations we usually set them downe for plainenesse sake which the scripture warranteth for in repeating matters it many times expresseth words wanting as 2. Chron. 9. 5. true the word for which in 1. King 10. 6. is written true was the word So in 2. Sam. 23. 18. he chiefe among the three for which in 1. Chron. 11. 20. is said he was chiâ—fe And the Greeke translation adding such words the holy Ghost alloweth it as in Psal. 2. 7. thou my sonne in Greeke thou art my sonne and so the Apostle alledgeth it Acts 13. 33. The like is in many other places Compare Mat. 22. 32. with Exod. 3. 6. Mark 12. 29. with Deut. 6. 4. Ioh. 10. 34. with Psal. 82. 6. Acts 2. 25. with Psal. 16. 8. Heb. 1. 12. with Psal. 102. 28. Rom. 3. 12. with Psal. 14. 3. face of the deepe face is used for the upmost part or outside of any thing the Greeke version omitteth it saying upon the deepe and the Hebrew text sometime doth the like as in 1 King 9. 7. from on the face of the land which elsewhere is written from on the land 2. Chron. 7. 20. By the deepe or abyss is meant the deepe of waters which as a garment covered the earth and stood above the mountaines Psal. 104. 6. Hereupon the Apostle saith the earth consisted out of the water and in the water by the word of God 2 Pet. 3. 5. Spirit The Hebrew Ruach is generally any Spirit Ghost breath or winde here it is as the worke thereof sheweth no created spirit but the creator and cherisher of all as Psal. 104 30. thou sendest forth thy spirit they are created So Psal. 33. 6. Esay 40. 12 13. Later Iewes whom some Christians follow expound this a wind of God or a mightie wind but the wind which is the moving of the ayre was not created till the second day that the firmament was spred and ayre made The ancient Rabbines spake better as Targum Ierusamely here saith the spirit of mercies from before the Lord and R. Menachem on this place interprets it the spirit of wisedome called the spirit of the living God and the author of the Zoar Col. 83. calleth it the spirit of the Messias or of Christ. moved or was moving The Hebrew Rachaph signifieth generally a waving or moving Ier. 23. 9. and in speciall such a moving and fluttering as Eagles use over their yong cherishing and stirring them up Deu. 32. 11. So it is used here for the effectuall comfortable motion whereby Gods Spirit sustained and as it were stirred up the wast creature Here againe moving is used for moved as the Queen of Sheba hearing 1. King 10. 1. for the Queen of Sheba heard 2. Chron. 9. 1. warring 1 Sam. 31. 1. for warred 1 Chron. 10. 1. Or we may understand was moving as the Cherubims spreading the wings 1 King 8. 7. for they were spreading 2. Chron. 5. 8. Vers. 3. God said This sheweth how God created things by his word saying and it was commanding and it was created Psal. 33. 6. 9. and 148. 5. light the first ornament of the world wherewith the Lord decked it as with a garment Psal. 104. 2. This glorious worke Paul
applieth to our regeneration thus God who said that out of darknesse light should shine he hath shined in our hearts c. 2. Cor. 4. 6. that wee which were once darknesse are now light in the Lord Ephes. 5. 8. yea God himselfe and Christ is called Light for the brightnesse of his glory and graces given unto us 1. Ioh. 1. 5. 7. Ioh. 1. 4 5. Psal. 27. 1. and 118. 27. And as God made light in the first day so Christ rose from death in the same day the first of the weeke Mark 16. 1 2. he is the true light which lighteth every man that commeth into the world Ioh. 1. 9. No man perfectly knoweth the nature of this excellent creature as Iob 38. 19. where is the way where light dwelleth c. how much lesse of the Creator who dwelleth in the light that no man can approach unto 1. Tim. 6. 16. Vers. 4. it was good that is agreeable to the will of God and so as it might draw the liking of the creatures thereto Absolutely there is none good but God Mark 10. 18. who is good of himselfe without dependance on others and without limitation But every creature so far as in the being thereof it agreeth with the will of the Creator is also good by participation of Gods goodnesse Gen. 1. 31. 1. Tim. 4. 4. And the Hebrew word is largely extended also to that which is goodly faire sweet pleasing profitable or commodious and causing joy 1. Sam. 9. 2. Gen. 24. 16. Song 1. 2. and 4. 10. Deut. 6. 11. 18. Hest. 1. 10. So that which one Evangelist calleth good Mark 9. 42. another calleth profitable Luke 17. 2. and goodnesse of heart is opposed to sorrow Esay 65. 14. And of light in speciall Solomon saith it is sweet Eccles. 11. 7. and light is used for comfort and joy Ester 8. 16. Psal. 97. 11. and 112. 4. separated betweene that is divided the light from the darknesse that alwayes naturally the one expelleth the other and in course of day and night doe succeed each other as is shewed in 2. Cor. 6. 14. Psal. 104. 20. 22. Gen. 8. 22. Ier. 33. 20. The Hebrew phrase is he separated betweene the light and betweene the darknesse So after usually V. 5. Light Day Hereupon one of these words is put for another the day shall declare it 1 Cor. 3. 13. that is the light Eph. 5. 13. So the Apostle applying this to our spiritual estate calleth us both children of the light of the day not of the night nor of darknesse 1. Thes. 5. 5. The names which God gaue in Hebrew are now in other languages changed as that which he called Iom we english Day and Lajlah wee call Night yea the reason of these names is not alwayes vnderstood so great punishment doe we sustaine by that confusion of tongues Gen. 11. Howbeit by affinity with other words it seemeth the Day was named Iom of the tumult stir and businesse in it and the Night Lajlah of the yelling or howling of wild beasts therein Experience also confirmeth this and the Scripture accordeth Psal. 104. 20. 21. 22. 23. the evening was and the morning The evening which is the beginning of the Night and the morning which is the beginning of the Day are here used for the whole time of the light and darknesse in one succeeding course which is with us the space of 24 houres which also in a more large sense is here called a Day as the time while light shineth is the Day strictly taken in which sense Christ saith there are twelve houres in the day Iohn 1. â—9 From the phrase here used a large day is called â—hnerâ—â—-boker that is an evening-morning Dan. 1. 14. and Paul in Greek calleth it Nâ—â—â— thé meron a Night-day that is a day comprehending the night also 2 Cor. 11. 25. And because darknesse was in time before the light therefore is the evening set before the morning and so among the Iewes they began their large day at evening as Lev. 23. 32. from evening to evening you shall rest your Sabbath At the same time the Athenians also began the day but the Chaldeans counted the beginning at Sun rising the Aegyptians at noone and the Romans at midnight This later our westerne nations follow counting from midnight one of the clocke in the morning and so forward first day Hebr. one day whereupon the Hebrewes often say one for first Gen. 8. 5. Num. 29. 1. Dan. 9. 1. which phrase the Apostles use also in Greek Mat. 28. 1. Ioh. 20. 1. 19 1 Cor. 16. 2. Vers. 6. Outspred firmament This name is of the Hebrew Rakiagh which signifieth a thing spred abroad and of the Greeke stereoma which signifieth a firmament or fast thing for the heavens are stretched out as a curtaine and spred out as a tent to dwell in Psal. 104. 2. Esa. 40. 22. the skies are also firme and fast as a molten looking-glasse Iob 37. 18 Prov. 8. 28. These tell Gods glory and shew his handy worke Psal. 19. 2. for in the heavens hee buildeth his stories or sphaeres Amos 9. 6. and planchereth his lofts in the waters Psal. 104. 3. and stretcheth out the North over the empty place Iob. 26. 7. and in visions of Gods glory the firmament is mentioned Ezek. 1. and 10. And as his power is shewed in making the earth so is his prudency in stretching out the heavens Ier. 10. 12. Psal. 136. 5. And under the name firmament is comprehended the aire and all that is to be seene above the earth for the fowles flye and the Sun Moone and Starres are set in the firmament of the heavens Gen. 1. 16. 17. 20. in the midst of the waters namely of the Deepe forementioned part whereof was lifted up into the ayre spred abroad into thin vapours Psal. 135. 7. bound up in thicke clouds and the cloud is not rent under them Iob 26. 8. the other part was gathered into one place the Sea Gen. 1. 9. separate or let it be separating that is let it continually separate or divide A like phrase is in Esay 59. 2. V. 7. and the waters Hebr. and betweene the waters which were above to weet in the ayre above the lowest region whereof the waters are So elsewhere they are sayd to be above the heavens Psal. 148. 4. meaning those heavens and that firmament wherein the birds flye for above that are the watry clouds As every part of the water is called water so every part of the heaven and firmament is called by the name of the whole V. 8. Heavens in Hebrew Shamajim so called as is thought of Sham There and Majim waters which are remoued or heaved up from us And so the whole hath the name of a part thereof The word Heavens is put for the aire wherein windes cloudes and fowles doe flye Dan. 7. 2. 13. Psal. 8. 9. and for the upper firmament where the Sunne Moone and Starres are set Gen. 1. 16. 17.