Annotations on the Pentateuch - Psalms - Song of Songs

Annotations.

CHethite] that is, as the Chaldee explains [unspec 1] them; Chethites; G • g • site • , &c. See the notes 〈◊◊〉 . 10. 16. Here Moses show • 〈◊〉 her 〈◊〉 whereby Is 〈…〉 might be draw •• from the love and 〈…〉 diente of God; even by communi 〈◊〉 〈…〉 h • dolaters, and their abomi • qtions, which therefore they ought carefully to avoid 〈◊◊〉 ] that 〈◊〉 Paul also mentioneth in Act. 1 • . 19. in rehearsing them, the Scripture sometime 〈…〉 h • o • 〈◊〉 fewer, Gen. 15. 19. E •• d. 23 l 23. 〈◊〉 a f • ll and perfect number Ase 〈…〉 〈◊◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 signifieth the many enemies of 〈◊〉 Church, 〈◊〉 God will subdue, though they 〈◊〉 migh 〈…〉 〈◊◊〉 , for his strength is made perfect 〈◊◊◊〉 2 Cor. 12. 9.

Vers. 2. before thee] that is, as the G ••• ke explai 〈◊〉 [unspec 2] here, and in ve • . • 3. into th ••• 〈…〉 ds. So in D 〈…〉 . 23. 14. 〈◊〉 utt • r • y destroy] as ac •• rs • d, or ana 〈…〉 zed▪ see the notes on Exod. 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . Com 〈◊〉 with this Law, Exod. 34. 11, 1 • , &c.

Vers. 3. make marriages] or, • oyne in affinity, by [unspec] 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 ge: and this concerned not the seven 〈◊〉 only, but all heathens, E • r. 9▪ 1. • 2. The Hebrews say, An Israel • te that lie • t • 〈…〉 th an 〈◊〉 of any other nation, by way of 〈◊〉 ; or 〈◊〉 Is 〈…〉 〈…〉 sse that so lieth with 〈◊〉 •• athen man they 〈◊◊〉 •• e b 〈…〉 en by the Law. Deut. 7. 5. whether it 〈◊〉 of the seven nations, or of any other people's, it is 〈◊◊〉 prohibition. And so it is expounded by Ezra, &c. Maimonides in, Issurei biah, chap. 12. sect. 1.

Vers. 4. from after me] that is, from following [unspec 4] me and my Law. The G •• eke translateth, from me▪ the Chaldee, from after my fear. other gods] the Chaldee explains it, the idols of the people's. This was fulfilled even in Solomon the wise, who clave in love unto strange women, and they turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, 1. King. 11. 2. 4. will be kindled] so it was against Solomon for this sin, the LORD was angry with him; because his heart was turned from the LORD; the God of Israel. 〈◊〉 . King. 11. 9.

Vers. 5. pillars] or, statues, or standing images: [unspec 5] see Exod. 23. 24. and Levite. 26. 1. This Law was executed by the good Kings of Judah, 2 King. 18. 4. and 23. 6.—14. gro 〈…〉 ] or, trees planted for religious use, whereof see the notes on Exod. 34. 13. here they are commanded to be 〈◊〉 down, in Deut. 12. 3. to be burnt with fire. The Hebrews say, A tree which is planted at the first to be served (or worshipped) is unlawful for any use, and that is Asherah (the grove) spoken of in the Law. If it were not planted for religious use at the first, but that afterward some man had worshipped it, though all the body (or stock) be not unlawful; all the boughs, and the leaves▪ and the branches, and the fruits • hat it bringeth forth all the while that it is worshipped, they are unlawful for any use. A tree under which they have se • upon idol, all the while that it 〈◊〉 under it, (the trge.) 〈◊〉 unlawful for any use▪ if (the Idol) • e taken from under it, then it is lawful, because it was not the tr •• it self which was worshipped. M 〈…〉 . in treat of Idolot • ie, •• ap. 8. sect. 3. 4. 〈◊〉 images] to wit • 〈◊◊◊〉 , as is expressed in 〈…〉 s. 25.

Vers. 6. 〈◊〉 ] 〈◊〉 Chaldee translateth it be 〈◊〉 [unspec 6] pro 〈…〉 is 〈◊〉 treasure 〈◊〉 , which is d 〈…〉 to any see Exod. 19. 〈◊〉 . This space proceeding from 〈◊◊〉 of God, 〈◊◊〉 〈…〉 lled in Christ, Who ga •• himself 〈◊〉 us▪ that he 〈1 line〉 himself a peo 〈…〉 people 〈◊〉 of good work •• ; 〈◊〉 . 〈◊◊◊〉 ▪

Vers. 7. 〈◊〉 his love] o • 〈◊◊◊〉 〈◊〉 . [unspec 7] 〈4 lines〉 〈◊〉 .

Vers. 8. the oath] God's irrevoca •• e promise, [unspec 8] (proceeding from • grace) of which there is often 〈5 lines〉 that by two immu • able things in which it was impossible for God • o 〈◊〉 • ee might 〈◊〉 a strong consolation, Heb. 6. 17, 18. ser 〈…〉 ] in Greek and Chaldee, ser 〈…〉 , o • bo 〈…〉 . A figure of our deliverance from these 〈◊〉 of •• nne, and of men, John. 8. 34. 36. 〈◊〉 . 6. 14. 16, 〈◊◊〉 20. 1 Gor. 7. 〈◊〉 3.

Vers. 9. Know therefore] Hebr. And thou shalt know: so in v. 11: See the notes on Gen. 31. 44. [unspec 9] that love him] see the notes on Exod. 20. 6. Unto this promise Daniel hath respect in his prayer, Dan. 9. 4. and Nehemiah, Neh. 1. 5.

Vers. 10. his face] that is, the face of every of them. So after, to destroy him, that is, everyone of [unspec 10] them: therefore the Greek translateth plurally, them. The Chaldee saith, In their life (time) he will repay them. Chazkuni likewise and others expound it, In his life time. And so it is said, Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner, Prov. 11. 31. A like phrase there is of recompensing the wicked into their bosom, Isaiah 65. 6. not delay] that is, not fail, See the notes on Exod. 22. 29. will repay him] or, recompense, reward him, to wit, with vengeance or punishment, as these are joined together in Deut. 32. 35, 41. and it is called payment or reward, because it shall be according to man's work, Job 34. 11. Psal. 62. 13.

Here beginneth the 46 Section of the Law: whereof see Gen. 6. 9.

Vers. 12. because] the Greek translateth it, [unspec 12] when 〈◊〉 it implieth a reward of their obedience, which God of his grace will give: as in Gen. 22. • 8. And the original word sometime is used for a reward, as Psal. 19. 12. sometime it signifieth for, or, because of, Isaiah 5. 23. these] the Greek addeth, all these; which is intended as the like phrase in Deut. 27. 2 • . is opened by the Apostle, Gal. 3. 10. And under the name judgments, the commandments and statutes are also contained. keep unto the • ] understand again, keep & do, (that is, perform) unto thee. Here by promises of communicating good things, and turning away evil, he exciteth them unto obedience: for godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to some, 〈◊〉 . Tim. 4. 8. s 〈…〉 unto thy fathers] The oath and promise unto the fathers, pertaineth unto the faithful children, which are all implied in the covenant, Psal. 105. 8. 11. Luk. 〈…〉 5. 72, 73, 74. Act. 3. 25, 26. Gal. 3. 29. So punishment remaineth for the wicked, from the parents to the children, for God recompenseth the iniquity of the fathers, into the bosom of their children after them, ser. 32. • 8.

Vers. 13. love thee] that is, continue to love thee; for the love of God to his people, was the cause [unspec 13] why he chose and called them, 〈◊〉 . 7, 8. not that we loved God; but that he loved us, 1 Job. 4. 10. and from the feeling of this in our hearts, proceedeth our love towards God; and out of love obedience; and so God continueth his love, which is the fountain of all blessings. So Christ faith, He that hath my commandments; and keepeth them, is he that loveth me: and he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will show myself unto him, Job. 14. 〈◊〉 . fruit of thy womb] in Chaldee, the child of thy bowels: so in Deut. 28. 4. The just man walking in his integrity, his children are blessed after him, Prov. 20. 7. increase] or, young, as Exod. 13. 12. the Greek and Chaldee here translate, herds of thy kine.

Vers. 14. barren male] the Greek translateth, [unspec 14] without seed (or generation) compare this with Ex. 23. 26. Hereupon barrenness was a reproach, Luk. 1. 25. and fruitfulness counted a blessing, Psalm. 128. 1, 3.

Vers. 15. evil diseases] that is, painful, malignant, [unspec 15] and incurable diseases, as Deut. 28. 27. Compare Exod. 15. 26. and 23. 25. lay] Hebrew, give: that is, lay, or, impose, as the Greek translateth.

Vers. 16. eat up] that is, as the Chaldee translateth [unspec 16] it, consume: But the word, eat, hath respect unto that in Num. 14. 9. they are bread for us. See also Psal. 14. 4. This is not only a promise of victory, but a precept also, to abolish those cursed nations, as the words following manifest, and v. 1, 2, 3. spare] to wit, from vengeance, not take pity on them. This affection is often given to the eye, (as in other cases, Matt. 20. 15.) See Gen. 45. 20. Deut. 13. 8. Ezek. 5. 11. snare] a cause of thy ruin: the Chaldee faith, a scandal, or stumbling-block: so after in v. 25. See Exod. 23. 33. and the performance hereof mentioned in Psal. 106. 36. they served their Idols, which were a snare unto them.

Vers. 17. dispossess them] or, as the Chaldee translateth, [unspec 17] cast them out; in Greek, destroy them. These words of God tend to the strengthening of faith, against the fears and infirmities of the Saints, and power of their enemies. Compare Num. 13. 32.—34.

Vers. 18. Egypt] or, the Egyptians, as both [unspec 18] Greek and Chaldee do translate. This example is often mentioned for the comfort of faith, Deut. 4. 34. &c. and 29. 2, 3. for it was a manifestation both of the power of God, and of his good will towards his people.

Vers. 19. temptations] or, trials, essaies: see [unspec 19] Deut. 4. 34. and 29. 3.

Vers. 20. the hornet] or, hornets, as the Greek [unspec 20] translateth. As God by frogs, lice, and other creatures, plagued the Egyptians, Exod. 8. so did he the Canaanites with hornets, Ios. 24. 12. showing his power in confounding mighty enemies by small and weak means, 1 Cor. 1. 27, 28. Hereby also the pricks and terrors of conscience sent upon the wicked, may fitly be signified. So in Exod. 23. 28. from thy face] the Greek translateth, from thee: so it is referred to the latter word hide, rather than to the former, perish.

Vers. 21. fearful] or, terrible; in Greek, [unspec 21] strong, that is, able to save thee, terrible to thine enemies, (as 1 Sam. 4. 7. 8.) and unto thee fearful and to be reverenced, Psal. 89. 7.

Vers. 22. by little] This was accomplished, when [unspec 22] some could not at the first be driven out, Ios. 15. 63. Judge. 3. 1. suddenly, or, hastily, quickly, that is, at once, but by degrees. Yet in Deut. 9. 3. he promiseth that they should destroy them suddenly, to wit, in respect of their enemies, 〈◊〉 whom sudden destruction come 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 aware • but in respect of Israel, it was not so 〈◊〉 as they looked for and desired. For God foresaw their infirmities, and how they would sin against him, if they were not exercised with troubles: yea, and for their sins it is observed, that he would not drive out the nations, that through them he might prov 〈…〉 , whether they would keep the way of the Lord, &c. Therefore the Lord 〈◊◊〉 nations, 〈◊〉 have 〈…〉 ing them 〈◊〉 hast • lie, 〈◊〉 delivered he them into the hand of Joshua, 〈◊〉 . 21, 22, 23. beasts] Hebr. beast. Here the Greek addeth, lest the land be wilderness, and the 〈◊〉 beasts of the field multiply: God could also have destroyed the wild be • sts from before them (as 〈◊〉 promiseth in L • v • . 26. 6. Ezek. 34. 25.) but if Israel had suddenly destroyed the people's, pride, or security, or other vices would have crept upon them, which God in justice must also have punished 〈…〉 Judge. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4.

Vers. 23. destroy] or, vex, with 〈◊〉 and tumult: see Deut. 2. 15. and 2 • . 20. Exod. 14. 24. It implieth [unspec 23] troubles and vexations, which should cause their destruction. So the promise of God should certainly be performed, though not so speedily as men desired, that their faith and patience might be tried.

Vers. 24. their kings] as was fulfilled in Ios. 10. 24. and • 2. 7. 9.—24. where one and thirty kings are [unspec 24] 〈…〉 ed, whom Israel conquered. from under heaven] out of this world: the Greek translateth, out of that place. This hath long since been accomplis •• d; that now there is no memory either of 〈◊〉 Kings, or of any of those people's on the earth.

Vers. 25. The graven images of their gods] in Chaldee, The Images of their Idols: under the name [unspec 25] 〈◊〉 , all other sorts are implied, as images mol 〈…〉 painted, or the like, Isaiah 30. 22. And by saying, of their gods, he excepteth other Images for civil use, as the Image of Caesar upon his coin 〈…〉 wfull, Matt. 22. 20, 21. The Hebrews say, Figures (or Images) which idolatrous heathens 〈◊〉 beauty (or civil ornament) are lawful to 〈◊◊〉 but figures which they make for Idolatry, 〈…〉 full. Maimonides treat of Idolatry, chap. 7. 〈◊〉 burn] so David burnt the Philistines 〈◊〉 Chron. 14. 12. See Deut. 12. 3. silver 〈◊〉 these are named for an instance, but all o 〈…〉 〈…〉 ous instruments are implied, covering, 〈◊〉 , &c. Isaiah 30. 22. nor take it] Hebr. 〈◊〉 •• ke it, that is, and not take it: the former pro 〈…〉 is here again to be understood, as in the verse following, and often in the Scriptures. 〈◊◊〉 be snared] that thou be not snared; this 〈…〉 t often implieth certain danger, as is no 〈…〉 〈◊〉 Gen. 3. 3. and by snared, is meant falling into sin, and so into destruction, as before in ver. 16. an abomination to Jehovah] Hebr. the ab 〈…〉 tion of Jehovah, that is, a thing which the Lord much abhorreth. And this is another reason of the prohibition.

Vers. 26. into thine house] for any use or profit to [unspec] thyself; and so from these words the Hebrews gather, that The Idol, and things that serve it, and that which is offered thereto, and whatsoever is made for it, is unlawful for any use. Maimonides treat. of Idolatry, chap. 7. sect. 2. lest thou be] Hebr. and thou be a cursed thing: meaning, and that thou be not, or, lest thou be: See the notes on Numb. 4. 15. or, for so thou shalt be a cursed thing, like it. it is a cursed thing] in Hebr. Cherem, in Greek, Anathe 〈…〉 a; which mean a thing separated from men's use, and devoted either to destruction, as the Idol and instruments thereof here mentioned; or, at the Lord's appointment to be carried into his treasury, as were the gods of Jericho, Ios. 6. 17, 19, 24. This law against idols & images, which are the work of men's hands, Psal. 115. 4. extendeth not to the creatures of God's making, though by men abused to idolatry, as the Hebrews also expound it, saying; Whatsoever hath not been taken by man's hand, and which man hath not made, though it hath been worshipped, yet is it lawful to have use of it. Therefore the beathens that served (or worshipped) the mountains, and the hills, and the trees that were planted at first for fruit, and fountains of water, that are common, and beasts; loe these are lawful to be made use of, and it is lawful to eat of those fruits which were worshipped in the place where they grew, and of those beasts, &c. A beast is not unlawful, so long as a man hath not done with it any work pertaining to idolatry; but if he have done any (such work therewith) it is unlawful every whit: as if he kill it to the service of an Idol, or exchange it, &c. provided that it be his own beast [and not another man's:] for if he kill his neighbors beast to an Idol, or exchange it, it is not made unlawful: for no man can make a thing unlawful which is not his own. If one worship any ground in the world, it is not made unlawful: if he dig pits or caves therein, to the name of an idol, they are unlawful, &c. Maimonides treat. of Idolatry, chap. 8. sect. 1.

Annotations.

COmmandement] that is, as the Greek translateth, commandments. See Deut. 5. 31. and [unspec 1] 6. 〈◊〉 . observe to do] or, keep and do, as the phrase sometime signifieth. See the notes on Gen. 2. 3. 〈◊〉 may l • ve] that is, continue long in a prosperous life; for as sorrows, plagues, miseries are called deaths, Exod. • 0. • 7. 2 Cor. 11. 23. so a quiet and blessed estate is called life; as, years of life, Prov. 3. 2. mean many good years: and in Psal. 30. 6. life is opposed unto a moment. possess] or, inherit the land: under which, eternal life was figured, as is noted on Gen. 12. 5.

Vers. 2. all the way] that is, all the accidents that [unspec 2] befell thee in the way; which were afflictions, wants, dangers on the one hand; and comforts, blessings, and deliverances on the other: by which, as by two walls, he kept Israel from going astray. Therefore this leading thorough the wilderness is often mentioned by the Prophets; as Amos 2. 10. Psal. 136. 16. and 78. 52, 53. Ier. 2. 2. 6. to humble] or, to afflict; as the Greek translateth, that he might afflict thee, and tempt thee. So verse. 3. tempt] or, prove, to wit, their faith and obedience: see the notes on Gen. 22. 〈◊〉 to know] that is, to have experiment in practice of that which was in them. The like is said of king Hezekiah, whom God left, to tempt him, that he might know all that was in his heart, 2 Chron. 32. 31. But in respect of himself, God needeth not that any should testify of man; for he knoweth what is in man, and what himself will do, John. 2. 25. and 6. 6. A faithful heart loveth, serveth, and believeth in God, as well in adversity, as prosperity, Matt. 4. 4. but an unfaithful murmureth in afflictions, Psal. 78. 40, 41.

Vers. 3. humbled] or, afflicted, as verse. 2. So [unspec 3] God afflicteth the strength of his people in the way, Psal. 102. 24. He suffered them to hunger, before he gave them Manna: so God's people hunger and thirst after righteousness, and then he filleth them, Matt. 5. 6. Luk. 1. 53. Manna] Hebr. Man: of this meat, see the annotations on Exod. 16. 14, 15. &c. It was a figure of Christ, John. 6. bread only] that is, ordinary food, such as men live by; whereof bread is the principal. This sentence Christ alleged against Satan, when he tempted him to unlawful means for satisfying his hunger, Matth. 4. 4. word that proceedeth] so the Greek also translateth, adding this word, as the Apostle also doth, in Matt. 4. 4. But another Evangelist saith only, every word of God, Luk. 4. 4. The word of God is the ground of faith, Rom. 10. 17. which they that have abiding in them, shall surely be fed in time of hunger, both soul and body, Psal. 37. 3. &c.

Vers. 4. not old] that is, was not worn out with age, [unspec 4] 〈◊〉 the Greek explaineth it: so in Deut. 29. 5. Neh. 〈◊〉 . • 1. This was the second means of sustentation of life; which God also miraculously supplied unto them, that they might learn, not to seek as the Gentiles; or take thought, what they should eat, or drink, or wherewith they should be clothed, M •• t. 〈◊〉 . 31, 32. swelled not] the Chaldee expoundeth it, thy shoes were not bare (or broken:) and so the Greek in Neh. 9. 21. where this is again mensioned: and Moses himself in Deut. 29. 5. In this sense it agreeth with the former. But it seemeth here to mean the feet properly, which swelled not, neither were surbated, though they travelled so long thorough that dry and • horny wilderness: and so it meaneth health of body, which God also gave them, as the third blessing necessary for this present life. forty years] the time of their travel in the wilderness: which number forty, is often used for to denote the time of affliction and humiliation. See the notes on Gen. 7. 4.

Vers. 5. know with thine heart] that is, know and acknowledge heartily, upon thine own feeling and [unspec 5] experience. So Joshua said unto them, Ye know in all your heart, and in all your soul, Ios. 23. 14. chasteneth] or nurtureth, restraineth from the pleasures of the flesh. So other Scriptures speak of God's chastisements, like a father, Prov. 3. 11, 12. Heb. 12. 5.—10. and, Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest 〈◊〉 I •• , Psal. 94. 12.

Vers. 6. his ways] which he hath commanded to [unspec 6] 〈◊〉 in, that is, his Law, Exod. 18. 20. Psal. 25. 4. The Chaldee expoundeth it, the ways that are right • before him. These are opposed to men's own •• yes, Isaiah. 66. 3. and 55 8. 9. They comprehend faith, and other duties of the first Table, 1 King. 11. 〈◊〉 . 38. Act. 18 25, 26. and 22. 4. and virtues of the second Table also, 2 Pet. 2. 15. See the notes on Gen. 6. 12. to fear him] this is the means to keep men in God's ways, and is therefore set be 〈…〉 , 〈◊〉 2 Chron. 6. 31. Psal. 128. 1.

Vers. 7. good land] a fat and fertile soil: See [unspec 7] 〈◊〉 1 • . 20. brooks] or rivers: the Chaldee explaineth it, flowing with brooks. of foun 〈…〉 ] or of springs: the Chaldee saith, welling out 〈…〉 aines and depths: the Greek, and fountains of 〈◊〉 . By deeps are meant store of waters, as Gen. 1. 〈◊〉 . and 7. 11. These brooks and springs figured 〈◊〉 plentiful graces of God's spirit, wherewith his Church is watered, Joel 3. 18. Ezek. 47. 1. &c. Rev. 〈…〉 Psal. 65. 10. and 46. 5. valley] put for valleys, and mountains, as the Greek and Chaldee translate. One is often used for many: See the notes on Gen. 3. 2. God sendeth the springs into the valleys, they run among the mountains, they give drink to e 〈…〉 y beast of the field, the wild asses quench their 〈◊〉 , Psal. 104. 10, 11.

Vers. 8. pomegranates] it signifieth both the fruit, [unspec 8] Num. 13. 24. and the tree that bears them, Song 7. 1 • . Agg. 2. 20. oil olive] Hebr. olive-tree of 〈◊〉 , that is, as the Chaldee expounds it, olives that 〈◊〉 oil. With the fatness of the olive, they honored God and man, Judge. 9. 9. These earthly fruits figured also the heavenly graces which the faithful (warred with God's word and spirit) are filled and comforted with, Psal. 81. 17. and 147. 14. Song 8. 〈◊〉 . The trees that bear these fruits, figure ou • gracious men, from whose doctrine and conversation, heavenly comforts do flow in the Church, Judge. 9. 8.—13. Song 4. 13. and 6. 10. Hos. 10. 1. and 14. 7, 8. Psal. 1. 3. and 52. 10.

Vers. 9. eat bread] so having the fruition of God's [unspec 9] blessings therein, which sometime men have not, though the land be fruitful, as Deut. 28. 30. 33. 39. 40. And for their sins it came to pass, that they did eat bread by weight, and with care, Ezek. 4. 16. brass] these latter are for munition, and other uses, as the former were for food: so all good things are implied. See also Deut. 33. 25. The mountains as God's store-houses were not only fruitful on the upmost face of them, with corn and grass, and trees of sundry sorts; but within their bowels (as it were) bred minerals and metals of great use for man. iron is taken out of the dust, and Brasse is molten out of the stone, Job 28. 2.

Vers. 10. be full] or, satisfied; which is a blessing [unspec 10] that God giveth to the righteous, Prov. 13. 25. Ps. 147. 14. the contrary, to the wicked, Mic. 6. 14. Hag. 1. 6. shalt bless Jehovah] that is, shalt give him thanks; as where it is said, that Jesus took bread, and blessed, Mark. 14. 22. another Evangelist saith, he took bread, and gave thanks, Luke 22. 19. And as our Savior teacheth us to bless before we eat, Mat. 14. 19, 20. so this law chargeth us to bless after we have eaten: and as for meat and drink, so for other good things which we receive of God; as David saith, Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, Psal. 103. 2. and the Apostle commandeth, In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you, 1 Thes. 5. 18. The Hebrews (from this Law of Moses) teach, that although it be here said, thou shalt eat, and be full; and thou shalt bless, &c. yet if a man eat but a morsel (so much as an olive) he is to bless after it. And he is bound to bless for all meat first, and afterward to use it: likewise if he be to smell unto any sweet thing, he is to bless, and after to have the fruition of it: as also to bless after whatsoever he eateth or drinketh, though he drink but one little draught, or eat but a morsel. And as they were to bless for the use of the creatures, so for everything commanded in the Law, they were first to bless, and then to do the same. Women and servants were bound to bless their meat, and little children also, that they might be trained up in the Commandments. Unclean persons, whatsoever uncleanness they had, might bless notwithstanding. Maimonides tom. 1. in treat. of Blessings, ch. 1. s. 1. &c. and chap. 5. sect. 1.

Vers. 11. lest thou forget Jehovah] or, that thou [unspec 11] forget not Jehovah; which the Chaldee expoundeth, that thou forget not the fear of the LORD. God is forgotten, when his Commandments are neglected, Psal. 106. 19, 21. Ier. 2. 32. and he is remembered, when his precepts are remembered and done, Psal. 103. 18. Moses his next words show this to be the meaning here. So God is forgotten, when his works towards us are forgotten, as appeateth after, in verse. 14. 15. &c.

Vers. 124 good] that is, goodly fair, pleasant, [unspec 12] commodious; see the notes on Gen. 1. 4.

Vers. 14. l • fted up] the Chaldee expounds it [unspec 14] strengthened, (or hardened:) meaning with pride, as is said of Nebuchadnezzar, Dan. 5. 20. and so lifting up of the heart meaneth, as Deut. 17. 20. Ier. 48. 29. Dan. 11. 12. which is the way for men to forget God, as is written, They were filled, and their heart was lifted up. therefore have they forgetten • e, Hos. 13. 6. servants] in Greek and Chaldee, servitude (or bondage.)

Vers. 15. • ed thee,] or, made thee go, to wit, safely [unspec 15] that thou shouldst not stumble, as Esa. 63. 13. This grace David remembereth, in Psal. 136. 16. Which led his people thorough the wilderness, &c. This was by a pillar of a cloud by day, and by a pillar of fire by night, Exod. 13. 21. fearful] for it was a land of deserts and of pits, a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, a land that no man passed thorough, & where no man dwelt, Ier. 2. 6. fiery serpents] or, serpent, burning serpent and scorpian; the Greek translateth, where was the biting serpent and scorpion: the Chaldee saith, a place of barning. serpents and scorpions. See Num. 21. 6. &c. 〈◊〉 . scorpions] Hebr. scorpion, one for many, as is noted on Gev. 3. 2. Scorpions are venomous creatures, which hurt and sting with their tails: wicked men are likened unto such, Ezek. 2. 6. Rev. 9. 3. 5. 10. as also unto Serpents. Matth. 23. 33. drought] or thirst; meaning a land of thirst, as is expressed in Esa, 35. 7. and so the Chaldee here translateth, a place of dryness. rock of flint] that is, hard and dry rock, from whence God gave them water twice, Exod. 17. and Num. 20. Of this mercy David sung, that God turneth the rock to a lake of watens; the flint to a fountain of waters, Psal. 114. 8. After Moses speaketh figuratively, of oil out of the flints rock, Deut. 32. 13.

Vers. 16. Mavna] where of see before, verse. 3. [unspec 16] and Exod. 16. thy latter end] for though no chastening for the present, seemeth to be joyous but grievoin, yet afterward it yeeldith the peaceable fruit of righte on snesse, unto them which are exercised shereby, Hebr. 12. 11.

Vers. 17. And thou say] understand from verse. 12. [unspec 17] lest thou say, that is, as the Greek translateth, and say not. gotten] Hebr. made, that is, as the Chaldee expoundeth it, gotten: So in verse. 18. wealth] or power, meaning wealth or goods, as the Chaldee hath it.

Vers. 18. that it is he] or, for it is he. Riches and [unspec 18] wealth in the land of Canaan, (figuring spiritual riches in Christ,) were the special gift of God, for The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, Prov. 10 22. but Israel forgot this, as God saith, For she did not know, that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, Hos. 2. 8.

Vers. 19. other gods] the idols of the people, saith [unspec 19] the Chaldee paraphrast. These words show what the forgetting of God meaneth: so Psal. 106. 19, 21. Itestifie] the Greek addeth, I take heaven and 〈…〉 th to witness against you. So Moses him-self elsewhere speaketh in Deut. 30. 19. parishing ye shall perish] that is, ye shall assuredly and speedily perish, not with standing your wealth and prosperity; as it is said, Neither their silver, nor their gold, shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealiousie, Zeph. 1. 18.

Vers. 20. not hear] that is, not obey the voice, [unspec 20] which the Chaldee explaineth, not receive the word of the LORD.

Annotations.

IOrdan] Hebr. Iarden: a river thorough which Israel [unspec 1] was to pass into the land, Deut. 1. 1. See Num. 34. 12. this day] that is, at this time, very shortly. Day is often used for time, as 2 Cor. 6. 2. An boure is likewise so used for time; as the last hour, 1 John 2. 18. So, in that hour, Luke 10. 21. 16. At that time, Matth. 11. 25. possess] or inherit; which when it is spoken of nations, signifieth dominion over them, Lev. 25. 45, 46. Here it may be meant also of the lands or countries of those nations, as they are said to possess Gad, which dwelt in his cities, Ier. 49. 1.

Vers. 2. Anakims] whom the Chaldee calleth Giants. [unspec 2] They were named of one Anak. (of whom see Numb. 13. 23.) and so the Greek here saith, sons of Enak. hast heard] to wit, men say. A common report of others, and of the Israelites themselves, Numb. 13. 29, 34.

Vers. 3. he that passeth] Against fear and distrust, [unspec 3] (such as had affected them before, Numb. 14. 1, 2, 3, &c.) he opposeth the presence and power of God, which is the main argument to strengthen faith, Numb. 14. 9. Psal. 56. 4, 5. and 60. 13, 14. 〈◊〉 consuming] Hebr. eating: so Deut. 4. 24. The Chaldee translateth, his word is a consuming fire suddenly] or, quickly, hostily: see the notes on Deut. 7. 22.

Vers. 4. For my justice] The Hebrew In, is by the Greek also here translated For, and it often noteth [unspec 4] the cause of a thing; as Hos. 12. 13. in (that is, for) 〈◊〉 . So in Psal. 1. 2. Deut. 2 • . 16. Here he opposeth the second evil, pride of heart, against which he dealeth in all the rest of this Chapter.

Vers. 5. righteousness] or, uprightness, straitness, [unspec 5] equity: the Greek translateth it here piety; the Chaldee, truth. By naming justice, he excludeth all merit of works, Deut. 6. 25. and by righteousness of heart, all inward affections and purposes, which men might plead, notwithstanding that they fail in action. Yet these two are the chief things which God respecteth in men, Psal. 15. 1, 2. 1 Chron. 29. 17. for the wickedness] Two causes are here shown of this work of God; justice against the wicked inhabitants, which should perish for their sins; and mercy towards Israel, whom he would do good unto, of grace. Thus also he dealeth concerning the heavenly inheritance, the wicked are shut out, for their evil works, Jude v. 14. 15. But the Saints are saved by grace through faith not of works, lest any man should boast, Ephes. 2. 8, 9. the word] the Greek translateth, stablish the covenant (or, testament:) hereby he calleth them wholly to God's word and promise, as Paul doth us in Gal. 3. 18. Rom. 15. 8. showing that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to constrant the fathers promises, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for mercy.

Vers. 6. this good land] a figure of heavenly blessings, as is shown on Gen. 12. 5. stiff-necked] [unspec 6] or, of a hard neck, that is, stubborn and rebellious: see the notes on Exod. 32. 9. to which place Moses hath reference, and from God's testimony there, and their sins then and at other times, convinceth them as being altogether unworthy: that (as another Prophet saith) they might remember their ways, and all their doings wherein they had been defiled; and might loath themselves in their own eyes, for all their evils that they had committed; and might know that he was Jehovah, when he had wroug 〈…〉 it with them for his names sake, not according to their wicked ways, nor according to their corrupt doings, Ezek. 20. 43, 44. and 36. 31, 32.

Vers. 7. Remember, forget not] an earnest and effectual [unspec 7] manner of speaking, to move unto careful remembrance: see the notes on Deut. 33. 6. against] Hebr. with Jehovah, which the Chaldee translateth, before the Lord; the Greek, ye have rebelliously performed things pertaining to the Lord. This general charge he proveth by many particular instances following.

Vers. 8. H • reb] or 〈◊〉 , the mountain where the Law was given: their rebellion there is described [unspec 8] in Exod. 32. destroyed you] for there God said to Moses, let me alone, &c. and I will consume them, Exod. 32. 10.

Vers. 9. 〈◊〉 the mount] called up thither of God, [unspec 9] to receive the tables of the covenant, and other ordinances, Exod. 24. 12.—18. The time, place, occasion, end, and all circumstances, greatly aggravated the people's sin.

Vers. 10. of stone] the signification whereof is [unspec 10] noted on Exod. 31. 18. finger] signifying the Spirit: as, I with the finger of God, cast out devils, Luke 11. 20. that is, with the Spirit of God, Matt. 12. 28. So it figured the work of God in our hearts writing there his Law; as, Ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart, 2 Cor. 3. 3.

Vers. 12. corrupted.] This word meaneth the [unspec 12] corruption of God's service and religion▪ see the notes on Exod. 32. 7. and Gen. 6. 11, 12, 13. molten calf] the word calf is expressed in v. 16. This molten calf they worshipped; and Moses said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold, Exod. 32. 8. 31.

Vers. 13. saying] Here the Greek version addeth, [unspec 13] I have spoken unto thee once and twice, saying; I have seen, &c. I have seen] by the Lord's seeing and hearing of sinners, is often meant a due regard of their sins, to punish them in his anger, Deut. 32. 19. Psal. 78. 21. and 90. 8. But when he pardoneth sinners, he is said to hide his face from their sins, and not to see them, Psal. 51. 11. Num. 23. 21.

Vers. 14. Let me alone] which the Chaldee expounds; [unspec 14] Leave off thy prayer before me. So in Exod. 32. 10.

Vers. 15. burned] Hebr. burning: the terror [unspec 15] of which sight only, might have kept them from this sin, in that the signs of God's presence were not yet departed from their eyes. See Exod. 19. 18. and 20. 18. two hands] both hands full with blessings of the Lord for them, if their unworthiness had not turned them away.

Vers. 17. I took a] the original word signifieth [unspec 17] a purposed taking hold, and •• ndling of a thing; as they that go to war, are said to take (or handle) the shield, Ier. 46. 9. and they that expound the Law, are said to handle it. Ier. 2. 8. So Moses did this advisedly, guided by God's Spirit; signifying that the covenant between God and them was now disa • ulled and broken, and that the Law pertained not to them, except to their condemnation, for breaking the same. See Exod. 32. 19.

Vers. 18. I fell down] the Greek expoundeth [unspec 18] it, I prayed before the Lord the second time, as at the first. Here Moses repeateth, how by his humble intercession, they escaped destruction, and were reconciled again unto God. See the history at large, in Exod. 32. 31. &c. forty days] the number of days, and of years, sundry times mentioned in the Scripture; 〈…〉 tion 〈◊〉 judgment. See the 〈◊〉 . 7. 4. sin] the Greek transleteth, sin▪ respecting the manifold evil in this, and their other •• ansgressions.

Vers. 19. For I was] the Greek applying this [unspec 19] to the time present also, saith; And I am afraid: For the Lord, though he pardoned it then, reserved vengeance till another opportunity, Exod. 32. 34. hearkened unto me] that is, as the Chaldee explaineth it, accepted my prayer.

Vers. 20. with Aaron] who made the calf for [unspec 20] them, and would have excused himself, but was guilty of death: see Exod. 32. 21,—24.

Vers. 21. your sin] the Calf is so called, as being [unspec 21] the thing wherein they sinned. So Idols are called a sin in Esa. 31. 7. the brook] that came out of the Rock Horeb, which Rock in figure was Christ, 1 Cor. 10. 4. of which they drunk, to signify the abolishing of their sin by Christ, upon their repentance and faith: see the notes on Exod. 32. 20.

Vers. 22. at Taberah] or, in Taberah, that is (as [unspec 22] both Greek and Chaldee do interpret it) the Burning: a place so called, because the people complaining there, the fire of the Lord was kindled, and consumed some of them. See the history in Num. 11. 1, 2, 3. Massah] in English, the temptation; and so the Greek and Chaldee translate it. A place at Rephidim in the wilderness, before they came to Horeb, ten stations from Egypt, in the first year of their travel; where wanting water, they tempted God, saying, Is the Lord amongst us, or no? and there he gave them water out of the Rock, Exod. 17. See the annotations there, and Psal. 95. 8, 9. Heb. 3. 8. &c. Deut. 6. 16. Kibroth-hattaavah] in English, the Graves of lust; so translated also by the Greek. Here (a little from Taberah forementioned) they loathed Manna, and lusted for flesh: God gave them Quails, but they died of a plague, 〈◊〉 the flesh was yet between their teeth; and 〈◊〉 buried there, occasioned this name of the 〈◊〉 , for a perpetual memorial. See Num. 11. 4—34. and the annotations there. Also Psal. 78. 〈◊〉 .—31. and 106. 14, 15.

Vers. 23. Kadesh-barnea] where, being come [unspec 23] thorough the wilderness of Pharan, to the border of the land of Canaan, they were commanded of God to go take possession. Then they sent spies, who discouraged the people: so through want of 〈◊〉 they durst not enter, and were for it condemn 〈◊◊〉 40. years wandering in the wilderness, and 〈◊〉 ended their days. See Numb. 13. and 14. 〈◊〉 . against the mouth] that is, against the 〈◊〉 ▪ or commandment: in Greek, ye disobeyed 〈◊〉 word.

Vers. 24. that I knew you] the Greek expounds [unspec 24] 〈…〉 the day that he was known unto you. So he 〈…〉 death with a general charge of rebellion upon them, showing hereby the impossibility of the law, and ministry thereof, to bring men unto God▪ for it causeth sin and wrath to abound; as 〈◊〉 4. 15. and 8 3. Gal. 3. 19, 22. For besides these 〈…〉 lars, they sinned many other times in the 〈…〉 nesse, as is noted on Num. 14. 22. and in Psa. 〈◊〉 . and 106.

Vers. 25. I fell down] in Greek, I prayed. He [unspec 25] 〈…〉 th to speak of their reconciliation to God, which was by the prayer of Moses, as a mediator, 〈◊〉 figure of Christ: by whom (and not by our own deserts) we have entrance into the kingdom of God, Gal. 3. 22. 24. Rom. 3. 20,—22. and 5. 1, 2, &c. as I fell down] to wit, at the first, as v. 18. or, which I fell down, that is, which I said before that I fell down. But the Hebrew asher, which, is sometimes used for as, as in Ier. 48. 8. said for to destroy] that is, said that he would destroy you. See the like phrases so expounded in Isaiah 49. 6. with Acts 13. 47. 1 Chron. 17. 4. with 2 Sam. 7. 5. Matt. 20. 19. with Mark. 10. 33, 34.

Vers. 26. Lord Iehovoh] in Greek, Lord, Lord: [unspec 26] in Chaldee, Lord God. See the annotations on Gen. 15. 2. thy people] this respecteth their adoption in Christ, and justification, 1 Pet. 2. 9, 10. inheritance] this implieth their sanctification, unto the obedience and service of God by the Spirit: See Exod. 34. 9. through thy greatness] in Greek, through thy great strength, as v. 29. it implieth also his great goodness, and therefore is often spoken of his gracious works for his people, 1 Chron. 17. 19. Luke 1 49.

Vers. 27. thy servants] He meaneth God's oath [unspec 27] unto them, to multiply their seed, and to give them the land for an eternal inheritance, as is expressed in this prayer before, Exod. 32. 13. So the Greek addeth here, unto whom thou swarest by thyself. hardness] the natural corruption, whereby the heart is hardened, that it cannot repent and believe the word of God; (from which, the two evils following do flow,) Rom. 2. 5.

Vers. 28. the land] that is, as the Greek and [unspec 28] Chaldee both explain, the inhabitants of the land. This reason is also alleged in Exod. 32. 12. and Numb. 14. 16.

Annotations.

AT that time] Moses rehearsing the mercies of [unspec 1] God unto Israel, (for which they should love and obey him,) showeth how upon his request, God presently shown the tokens of his grace, by renewing the covenant; the history whereof is in Exod. 34. hew thee] herein they differed from the first Tables, which were the work of God, Exod. 32. 16. These being of Moses hewing, shown the work of Moses Law upon the heart of man, which is to hew and polish it, but not to change it from stone to flesh, for that is the work of Christ: see the notes on Exod. 31. 18. & 34. 1. come up] Moses only, and no man with him, was commanded to go up to the top of the mount; and it was to be in the morning, the time of mercy: see Exod. 34. 2, 3. Of the mount Sinai, and how it differed from mount Zion, see the annotations on Exod. 19. and 20. an Ark] of this there was no mention in Exod. 34. but in Exod. 25. there the Ark and Mercy-feat that covered it, is commanded: which was a figure of Christ. That seemeth to be the Ark here spoken of; for any other temporary Ark we read not of.

Vers. 2. on the first] God's law was the same, and [unspec 2] unchanged; though the tables (figuring men's hearts) are changeable.

Vers. 3. Shittim wood] which was a kind of Cedar, [unspec 3] uncorruptible, as the Greek translateth it: see the notes on Exod. 25. 5. in my hand] the Greek saith, in my two hands, as was in Deut. 9. 15. The Tables which God made and gave before, were written on: these which Moses made were hewed, but empty, till God wrote upon them: so the Law is written in men's hearts, and they do by nature the things of the Law, Rom. 2. 14, 15. but corrupting themselves in the things that they know, their hearts are hewed only by Moses ministry; and how ever they boast of the Law, yet through breaking the Law they dishonor God, Rom. 2. 23. till that be fulfilled which God hath promised, I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, Heb. 8. 10.

Vers. 4. the ten words] that is, ten commandments; [unspec 4] or Decalogue: these were written by God himself, but other laws then rehearsed, were written by Moses, Exod. 34. 27, 28. For there the Lord came down in a cloud, proclaimed his name, renewed the covenant, and repeated the principal laws, Exod. 34. 5. &c. day of the assembly] or, of the Church, that is, when the Church or people were assembled to hear the Law, or to meet with God, as Exod. 19. 17. Deut. 5. 22. So in Deut. 18. 16. And in Acts 7. 38. it is said, This (Moses) is he that was in the Church (or Assembl • ) in the wilderness with the Angel, which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers, who received the lively oracles to give unto us.

Vers. 5. in the Ark] so the covenant remained in the midst of Israel, and the Tables were not [unspec 5] broken as at the first: howbeit Moses face now shined at his second coming down, which terrified the people, and caused him to veil his face; another sign of the weakness of his legal ministry: see the notes on Exod. 34. 29. there they be] for an evidence of God's grace, and testimony of his covenant renewed with Israel. Wherefore those Tables were called the Testimony; and the Ark wherein they were put, the Ark of the Testimony: see Exod. 25. 10. 16. 22.

Vers. 6. journeyed] the Ark of God's covenant [unspec 6] going before them, to search out a resting place for them, Numb. 10. 33. So this was another testimony of their reconciliation with God, and of his graces to be communicated unto them in Christ. Beeroth] by interpretation, Wells, or Pits: which word is not mentioned in Num. 33. 31. but understood there. Neither was it a place by mount Sinai, from whence they first journeyed, Numb. 10. 33. but many stations from it, as appeareth by Numb. 33. 16.—31. Moses therefore keepeth not here the order of their travels, but signifieth how they had gone many journeys forward, the Lord conducting thē. Some of the Hebrews (as Ibn Ezra) do think this was another place than that of the sons of Iaakan, mentioned in Numb. 33. and that hereby is meant Kadesh. sons of Iaakan] who was one of the posterity of Seir, whom the Edomites drove out of their land, 1 Chron. 1. 38.—42. Moses before named him Akan, Gen. 36. 27. From the Pits or We 〈…〉 of these infidels, God removed them towards the land of Canaan, the promised holy land, where by faith in Christ, they might with joy draw waters out of the fountains of salvation, Isaiah 12. 3. Moserah] called before (in the plural number) Moseroth, Numb. 33. 30. and it was their station before they came to the wells of the sons of Iaakan, though here Moses nameth it after. Wherefore we 〈◊〉 here to understand again, from Moserah, or, & Moserah. The Greek calleth it Misadai, changing 〈◊〉 D. which is usual, as is noted on Gen. 4. 18. But Ibn Ezra (as before) thinketh this Moserah 〈◊〉 the name of the wilderness of mount Hor, 〈◊〉 Aaron died, and not the Moseroth spoken of 〈◊〉 Num. 33. there Aaron died] not at Moserah; (unless it were the wilderness of Hor, as 〈◊〉 Ezra supposeth) not at Beeroth, but many jo 〈…〉 ey from it, at mount Hor, Num. 33. 37, 38. We are therefore to understand these words thus, 〈◊〉 (or thither.) where Aaron died. Or supplying the former word, frō thence where Aaron died. 〈◊〉 there] out of the land of Canaan, whereinto 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ght not enter, because of his sin: see the an 〈…〉 ons on Num. 20. 24. &c. in his stead] As 〈◊〉 〈…〉 ath of Moses and Aaron, with their sister M 〈…〉 , (the King, Priest and Prophetess of Israel) 〈◊◊〉 testification of the weakness and impossibility of the legal kingdom and priesthood, to being them into the kingdom of God: so the 〈…〉 nce of the Priesthood in Aaron's post 〈…〉 y, was another sign of God's grace towards Israel, for reconciliation of them to himself, and blessing them, till Christ (who hath a Priesthood that passeth not from him to another) should come, who is able perfectly to save them that come unto God by him, Heb. 7. 11. 12, 23, 24, 25.

Vers. 7. From thence] namely, from Beeroth of [unspec 7] the sons of Iaakan, Numb. 33. 32. Gudgodah] in the Chaldee, Gudgod; in Greek, Gadgad: before Moses named it Hor-hagidgad, that is, the Hole of Gidgad: see Num. 33. 32, 33. Iotbath] in Greek, Ietabatha, as in Num. 33. 33.

Vers. 8. At that time] not when they came to [unspec 8] Iotbath, but long before, whiles they were at mount Sina, God separated the tribe of Levi: see Num. 3. 1, 6, &c. So the time (when God was provoked to wrath) commendeth the riches of his grace. separated] from all other business, to serve the Lord and his people, Exod. 28. 1. Numb. 3. 45. and 16. 9. tribe of Levi] of which tribe Aaron and all the Priests were; so he speaketh here of the whole▪ to bear] Hereupon David said, It is not for any to bear the Ark of God, but for the Levites, &c. 1 Chron. 15. 2. See also Numb. 4. 15. to stand] this gesture the Priests and Levites used in all their ministration, standing, not sitting; and it was a sign of service, as he that stood before the King, Ier. 52. 12. is in another Scripture called the servant of the King, 2 King. 25. 8. So after, in Deut. 17. 12. and 18. 5. 7. Judge. 20. 28. In like manner, the Prophets are said to stand before the Lord, 1 King. 17. 1. and 18. 15. 2 King. 3. 14. and 5. 16. Likewise also the Angels, as Luk. 1. 19. I am Gabriel that stand before God: so in 2 Chron. 18. 18. And as the Levites stood before the Lord, so they are said also to stand before the people, and to serve them, Numb. 16. 9. 2 Chron. 35. 3. Ezek. 44. 11. to bless] of this duty, see the annotations on Num. 6. 23. Thus God provided for the comfort of their souls, whiles his ministry was settled among them, by which they might daily have access unto his throne of grace.

Vers. 9. no part] to wit, no part in the spoils [unspec 9] taken by war, no inheritance in the land of Canaan, which was divided among the other tribes only: see Num. 18. 20. and 26. 53, 57. and 35. 2. Deut. 18. 1. he is] for of the first-fruits, tithes, vows, and oblations of the Lord, the Priests and Levites had their livelihood: see the annotations on Num. 18. 8, 9.—20, 21, &c. Therefore the Chaldee paraphrast here translateth, the gifts that the Lord hath given him, they are his inheritance. Of which see more in Deut. 12. 19. and 14. 27. and 18. 1, 2.

Vers. 10. And stood] or, when I had stood, that [unspec 10] is, both stayed (or abidden) and in prayer waited upon the Lord for mercy. Standing, often signifieth prayer, as is noted on Gen. 18. 22. and the words following here manifest the same. hearkened] the Chaldee expounds it, accepted my prayer. destroy] Hebr. corrupt; which when it is spoken of God, usually meaneth destruction: set Gen. 6. 13.

Vers. 11. that they may] or, and they shall, which [unspec 11] the Greek translateth, and let them go in. These phrases are one in sense, as is noted on Gen. 12. 12. and 27. 4. This commandment and promise was a testimony that God now was reconciled unto them, by the intercession of Moses.

Vers. 12. ask of thee] This word, often used [unspec 12] when men ask▪ that is, request or desire a thing of God, 1 Sam. 1. 17, 20, 27. I am. 1. 5, 6. is here used for God's asking obedience of men, as if he desired and requested the same; and as in Mica. 6. 8. he is said to seek, or require the like thing. This grace Paul showeth most effectually, saying; as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God, 2 Cor. 5. 20. to fear] see the notes on Deut. 6. 13. This fear is the beginning of wisdom, Prov. 1. 7. by which men depart from evil, Prov. 16. 6. Unto which, and other holy duties, Moses calleth this people, as being the end and use of the former rehearsal of their sins, and of God's mercies towards them. So by other Prophets, he calleth men to obedience and humble walking before him, rather than to sacrifice: see 1 Sam. 15. 22. Ier. 7. 22, 23. Mic. 6. 6, 7, 8. his ways] that is, to follow him, in his faith and religion, and all his commandments; for these are the ways of God, Psal. 25. 4, 5. Act. 18. 25, 26. The Chaldee translateth, the ways which are right before him: see the notes on Gen. 18. 19. and 6. 12. to love] The sum and end of the Law, 1 Tim. 1. 5. See the notes on Exod. 20. 6. serve] in outward obedience also; that we love, not in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and truth, 1 John. 3. 18. What serving implieth, see noted on Exod. 20. 5. and Deut. 6. 13.

Vers. 13. for good] or, as the Greek and Chaldee interpret, that it may be well with thee: so Deut. [unspec 13] 5. 33. In serving the Lord, the glory redoundeth unto him, the benefit to ourselves: for, them that honor him, he will honor, 1 Sam. 2. 30. and godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4 8.

Vers. 14. unto Jehovah] or, of Jehovah: his they are, and of him made, preserved, and loved generally [unspec 14] as his creatures, for he saveth man and beast, Psal. 36. 7. and is kind unto the unthankful, and to the evil, Luk. 35. So it is acknowledged in Neh. 9. 6. Thou even thou, art Lord alone, thou hast made the heavens, the heavens of heavens, with all their hast, the earth, and all things that are therein; the seas, and all that is therein; and thou preservest them all, and the h • st of heaven worshippeth thee. the heavens of heavens▪] that is, the highest heavens, as the Apostle mentioneth the third heaven, 2 Cor. 12. 2. Hereby • he Angels also are implied; so in Targum Jonathan • it is explained, the heavens of heavens, and companies of Angels which are in them, to 〈…〉 ister before him.

Vers. 15. had a delight,] which the Greek translateth, fore-chose to love them: and this is his special [unspec 15] grace to his Church in Christ, Ephes. 1. 3, 4, 5, &c. their seed] their children, as the Chaldee explains it; for God's grace is continued unto the posterity of the faithful, even to thousands of them that love him, &c. Exod. 20. 6.

Vers. 16. the superfluous fore-skin] this the [unspec 16] Greek translateth, hardness of heart: the Chaldee, foolishness (or grossness) of the heart: See the annotations on Gen. 17. 11. Hereby is taught repentance and mortification of the inward man, by circumcision of the heart, in the spirit, Rom. 2. 29. in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, Col. 2. 11. For we are the circumcision that worship God in the Spirit, Phil. 3. 3. Hereupon God promiseth to circumcise their hearts, Deut. 30. 6. and blameth them that were uncircumcised in heart, Ier. 9. 26. Acts 7. 51. make not your neck stiff] or, harden not, (stiffen not) your neck: see Deut. 9. 6. This is against their outward disobedience, as the former was against their inward; and teacheth submission unto the yoke of God's law, contrary to their former stubbornness.

Vers. 17. God of God's] that is, the chiefest God, [unspec 17] in respect of all that are called God's, whether in heaven or in earth, as there be God's many, and Lord's many, 1 Cor. 8. 5, 6. The Idols of the Heathens, the Angels in heaven, and Magistrates on earth, are called God's, Deut. 7. 25. Psal. 8. 6. with Heb. 2. 7, 8, 9. Psal. 82. regard persons] or respect (or accept) faces: which the Greek translateth, not have in admiration the person (or face) of any; which phrase the Apostle useth, Jude v. 16. Of God, sundry other Scriptures testify, that he respecteth no persons, as Act. 10. 34. Rom. 2. 11. 2 Chron. 19. 7. Job 34. 19. 1 Pet. 1. 17. Gal. 2. 6. Ephes. 6. 9. Col. 3. 25. nor take reward] that is, will not pervert judgment, by condemning the innocent, or justifying the wicked, for gifts or rewards, as unrighteous Judges do, 1 Sam. 8. 3. Psal. 15. 5. Isaiah 5. 23.

Vers. 18. doth the judgment] that is, executeth [unspec 18] the rightful sentence, for delivering, or avenging them; as it is said, the Lord hath judged (that is, delivered) him from the hand of his enemies, 2 Sam. 18. 19. And he doth judgments to all oppressed, Psal. 103. 6. But the fatherless and widow are here by name expressed, because such are commonly and easily wronged in the world, Job 22. 9. and 24. 3, 9. Psal. 94. 6. Ezek. 22. 7. therefore God is said to be the Judge, that is, the Patron, defender and releever of such, Psal. 68. 6. and 10. 14. and 146. 7. 9. and commandeth men to be the like, Isaiah 1. 17. Psal. 82. 3. bread] that is, as the Chaldee explaineth it, food: for bread, which is the staff & stay of man's life, is often used for all meat, as is noted on Genes. 3. 19. And as God feedeth strangers, so he commandeth his people to do the like, Deut. 14. 29. and 16. 11. 14. and 24. 19, 20, 21. and 26. 11, 12.

Vers. 19. Love ye therefore] or, And love ye the [unspec 19] stranger, to wit, as God loveth him, that is, manifest your love by relieving him: see Ia 〈…〉 . 2. 15, 16. y • were strangers] this remembrance of their former misery, is often used, to move them unto compassiō towards others. See Exod. 22. 21. Lev. 19. • 3, 34.

Vers. 20. cleave] This word is first used to express [unspec] the union that is between man and wi • e, Gen. 2. 24. applied here, to signify our union with 〈…〉 d in Christ, as Paul showeth it by the same 〈…〉 de of marriage, Ephes. 5. 25.—32. But this is spiritual • as he saith, He that cleaveth to [unspec] the Lord, is one spirit, 1 Cor. 6. 17. It is to be done with purpose of heart, Act. 11. 23. and with soul, Psal. 63. 9. with a continued resolution, as Ruth 1. 14.—16. So in other cases, cleaving signifieth such an union as will not be parted, Job 41. • 7. Dan. 2. 43. Compare also Deut. 4. 4. and 11. 22. and 13. 4. and 30. 20. swear] hereby Confession is implied, 〈◊〉 is before noted on Deut. 6. 13.

Vers. 21. thy praise] in Greek, thy glorying, that is, whom thou oughtest to praise continually, [unspec] and in whom thou art to glory. So Jeremiah said, th •• art my praise, Ier. 17. 14. and David, O God of my praise, Psal. 109 1. and, the praises of Israel, Psal. 22. 4. fearful things] in Greek, glorious things; which imply both the good things done unto Israel, and the evil unto their enemies, as appeareth by Psal. 106. 22. 2 Sam. 7. 23. Isaiah 64. 3.

Vers. 22. seventy souls] that is, seventy persons: some Greek Copies have seventy five souls; other [unspec] some, and (as Jerome witnesseth,) the lxxij. Interpreters translate here seventy; though elsewhere they have 75. which the Holy Ghost followeth in Act▪ 7. 14. See the annotations on Genes. 46. 27. 20. made thee] Hebr. put thee as the stars, that is, made thee innumerable; which was a sing 〈…〉 blessing remembered before in Deut. 1. 10. and 〈◊〉 in Neh. 9. 23. and a fulfilling of the promise made unto Abraham, Gen. 22. 17. and again 〈…〉 , Ge • . 20. 4. According to this similitude the Israelites are called the host of heaven, and 〈…〉 , Dan. 8. 10. 24. and in other visions, the 〈◊◊〉 the Church is called Heaven Rev. 4. 2. 〈…〉 . 19. and 〈…〉 2. 1. 7. and the chief members of the same, Stars, Rev. 6. 13. and 8. 10. and 〈…〉 , 4.

Annotations.

ANd thou shalt love] or, Love thou therefore. [unspec 1] Moses returneth to exhort Israel unto the love of God, and to show the same by their continual obedience. his charge] or, his custody, his observation: which word is often used for a watch, as in Exod. 14. 24. The Greek translateth it charges, or custodies; meaning, ordinances to be kept heedfully: so in Gen. 26. 5. Lev. 8. 35. and 18. 30.

Vers. 2. for (I speak not) with your children] [unspec] or, that (it is) not your children (or sons) namely, which have seen God's greatness, &c. but your eyes (are they) that have seen, &c. verse. 7. He commendeth God's special favor to their own persons, more than to their fathers, or to their children, in showing them his great works, for which they should the more love and obey him. This he after confirmeth by many arguments. the chastisement] or nurture: which the Chaldee translateth, doctrine, or instruction. It implieth nurture both by words and works, as Deut. 4. 36. and 8. 5. Lev. 26. 18. Prov. 1. 2. and 4. 1. stretched out] the Greek and Chaldee translate, high arm. See the notes on Deut. 4. 34.

Vers. 3. deeds] or acts, in Greek wonders. Of [unspec] these see the history in Exod. 7, &c. And here is the first argument, from God's mighty works in Egypt.

Vers. 4. arm] or power, forces. So the Greek [unspec] translateth, the power of the Egyptians. See Exod. 15. 4. to their horses] Hebr. to his horses, and to his Chariots; speaking of them as of one man, or having respect to Pharaoh their King. to flow] or, to swim; and over their faces, is like that in Lam. 3. 54. waters flowed over mine head. He meaneth they were drowned, the Sea covered them, they sank as Lead in the mighty waters, Exod. 15. 10. destroyed] or, made them perish: so that there remained not so much as one of them, Exod. 14. 28. This was an extraordinary favor of God, who oftentimes suffereth the oppressors to have the strong hand, whiles the oppressed have the tears, and no comforter, Eccles. 4. 1. So this is the second argument from God's power shown at the Red sea.

Vers. 5. what he did] or, the things which he [unspec] did, in his continual guiding them thorough that terrible wilderness, where they bewrayed their many infirmities, and had experience both of his chastisements, and of his mercies: the third argument and motive unto obedience.

Vers. 6. Dathan] of whose history, see Numb. 16. This is the fourth argument of God's greatness, to persuade Israel unto his love: for that he had repressed the factious and mutinous rebels among themselves, which would have subverted the order and ordinance of God concerning the Priesthood, the means of the atonement and reconciliation between God and his people. their houses] that is, households; as the Chaldee expounds it, the men of their houses: See Numb. 16. 32. at their feet] that is, in their possession: the Greek and Chaldee translate, that was with them.

Vers. 7. have seen] or, are they that see. Therefore this people, above all other, were bound to [unspec 7] love the Lord. work] or deed, that is, works, as the Greek translateth. So in the verse following, commandment, for commandments.

Vers. 8. be strong] in body and spirit, to fight against [unspec 8] the enemy: as in Ios. 1. 6. 1 John. 2. 14. Or, be strong, that is, lively and healthful, as the Greek translateth, that ye may live: and they that be strong, Matth. 9. 12. are by another Evangelist said to be in health, opposed to the sick, Luk. 5. 31. possess] or, inherit the land; a figure of the kingdom of God's grace and glory, which the righteous shall possess by inheritance, Isaiah 60. 21. and 65. 9.

Vers. 9. and honey] which signified the great [unspec 9] fertility of that land, and figured out spiritual graces and comforts, as is noted on Exod. 3. 8.

Vers. 10. thou sowedst] and so all the inhabitants, [unspec 10] as the Greek translateth, they s • w. In Egypt (from whence Israel came) they had no rain, but by the over-flowing of the river Nile, the land was watered; and by the labor of the husbandman, beckes were derived to moisten the ground. And that there they had no rain, is testified both by the Prophets, Zach. 14. 18. and by human histories: Pomp. Mela li. 1. Herodotus in Euterpe. Nec pluvio supplicat herba Iovi, Tibul. lib. 1. Eleg. 8. with thy foot] that is, with thy diligent labor, signified sometime by the hand, Psal. 128. 2. sometime by the foot, as Gen. 30. 30. This condition of the land of Egypt (the house of bondage) figured the estate of men naturally corrupted, which they labor to relieve by their own works, and with the muddy waters which are from beneath, proceeding from earthly wisdom and carnal understanding, 1 Cor. 1. 20, 31. and 2. 4. 5. Ezek. 34. 19. Ier. 2. 13.

Verse 11. mountains, &c.] hereby is meant [unspec 11] the commodious, healthful, and pleasant situation of the land, far exceeding Egypt. Wherefore sometime the whole land is signified under the name of a mountain, Exod. 15. 17. And because it was hills and valleys, it could not be watered with the over-flowing of any river, (as Egypt which was a plain,) but must otherwise be moistened with the rain of heaven, or else remain barren and fruitless. the rain] this, as it is most kind, & causeth the earth to be fruitful in nature; so it figured heavenly graces, the doctrine of God's word & spirit, wherewith the souls of men are made fruitful in good works, Isaiah 45. 8. Mica 5. 7. See the notes on Gen. 27. 28. Deut. 32. 2. The want of rain is on the contrary, a sign of curse, Zach. 14. 17, 18. Rev. 11. 6.

Vers. 12. careth for] Hebr. seeketh, that is, [unspec 12] carefully seeth unto it, and as the Greek translateth, visiteth. According to this phrase, Zion is called a city sought, (that is, cared for, or regarded) and not forsaken, Isaiah 62. 12. And of God's gracious providence towards the land of Israel, David singeth, how the Lord visited the land, and plenteously moistened it, very much enriched it, softened it with showers, blessed the bud of it, crowned the year of his goodness, and his paths [the clouds] dropped fatness, Psal. 65. 10, 11, 12. the eyes] this also signifieth God's care and providence, for good, as in the like speeches, Ier. 40. 4. Ezra 5. 5. Psal. 34. 16. Though God's providence be towards all people's, and he giveth to all, life and breath, and all things, Acts 17. 25. doing good. giving us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, Acts 14. 17. causing it to rain on the earth where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man, Job 38. 26. yet other people's have not the word and promise of God, whereon to depend, as Israel had: whereby they might live, not by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord, Deut. 8. 3.

Vers. 13. if hearkening ye shall hearken] that [unspec 13] is, if ye shall diligently hearken, and obey. This passage of Scripture following, the Jews read daily in their families, as is noted on Deut. 6. 4.

Vers. 14. the first rain, &c.] or, the early rain. [unspec 14] Twise in a year there fell store of rain in Israel; in the beginning of the year, about September or October; and half a year after, which was in Abib (or March) which ecclesiastically began the year unto Israel, as is noted on Exod. 12. 2. whereupon it is called the latter rain in the first month, Io • l 2. 23. The first rain fell after the • owing of their corn, that it might take rooting in the earth: the latter rain was a little before harvest, that the ear might be full, Of these the Scriptures sundry times speak; but so as that they depended upon God, to whom Israel should obey, and of whom they should ask rain, in the time of the latter rain, Zach. 10. 1. and then he would come unto them (with his blessings) as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth, Hosea 6. 3. So for the fruits, the husbandman waited, and had long patience, until he received the early rain, and the latter rain, I am. 5. 7. Which rain, as it figured heavenly blessings in Christ, Deut. 32. 2. Psal. 72. 6. so they led Israel to the fear of God; but when they revolted from him, they said not in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter rain in his season, Ier. 5. 24. If these rains were seasonable and moderate, the land was fruitful; (as Moses in the next words showeth:) if they failed, then the drought as • ire devoured the pastures; if they fell immoderately, the grains rotted under their clods, Joel 1. 19, 17. new oil] These three were for the use of man, and the grass after mentioned, for beasts, as David also showeth in Psal. 104. 13, 14, 15. By these earthly promises God drew his people to obedience: but David had more gladness in his heart, in the light of the Lord's countenance, than when corn and wine increased, Psal. 4. 6, 7.

Vers. 16. deceived] or, enticed and drawn away [unspec 16] by riches, pleasures, or false persuasions: of which Job saith, If my heart hath been secretly enticed (or deceived) Job 31. 27. other gods] that is, Idols, falsely reputed God's: so the Chaldee translateth, Idols (or Errors) of the people's.

Vers. 17. shut-up the heavens] this phrase is used, [unspec 17] both for restraining the natural rain for men's sins, 1 Kings 8. 35. and the spiritual rain of God's word and blessings, Revel. 11. 6. perish quickly] or, speedily, suddenly. The wicked heathens God suffered with much patience, and would not have them destroyed suddenly, Deut. 7. 22. but his own people are threatened for their sins to perish suddenly: for judgment must begin at the house of God, 1 Pet. 4. 17. & he warneth his Church to repent, &c. or else he will come unto her quickly, Revel. 2. 5.

Vers. 18. phylacteries] or frontlets, written in [unspec 18] parchments, and tied to the forehead, as the former were to the hand or arm: of these, see the annotations on Exod. 13. 9. 16. and Deut. 6. 4, 8.

Vers. 19. teach them your children] cause your children (Hebr. your sons) to Iearne them; this [unspec 19] explaineth the former precept, Thou shalt whet them on thy children, Deut. 6. 7. Abraham (the father of the faithful) is commended for this, that he would command his children, and his honshold after him, to keep the way of the LORD, Gen. 18. 19. and Solomon's parents taught him the Law, Prov. 4. 3, 4. and 31. 1, 2, &c. when thou walkest &c.] answerable to these, are those sayings of Solomon, When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest; it shall talk with thee: for the Commandment is a Lamp, and the Law is a light, Prov. 6. 22, 23.

Vers. 20. door-posts] of this rite, see the notes on [unspec 20] Deut. 6. 9.

Vers. 21. days may be multiplied] Long life is a blessing, often promised to them that keep God's [unspec 21] Law. Hear, O my son, and receceive my sayings, and the years of thy life shall be many, Prov. 4. 10. days of the heavens] that is, whiles the world endureth; for so long, by the decree of God (in Gen. 8. 22.) shall the days of heaven be; and so long shall the heavens be over the earth. And under this, eternal life was also figured. A like promise was for the kingdom of David, or of Christ, that his throne should be as the days of the heavens, Psal. 89. 30.

Vers. 22. this commandment] the Greek explaineth [unspec 22] it, these commandments: see the notes on Deut. 5. 31. to cleave] that is, to continue fast united unto him and his Law, as is noted on Deut. 10. 20.

Vers. 23. drive out] according to his former [unspec 23] promise, in Exod. 23. 23. 27.—31. But because Israel kept not God's commandment, this promise was not fully performed, Judge. 2. 1, 2, 3.

Vers. 24. shall tread] The like promise is made [unspec 24] after Moses death to Israel under Jesus their Captain, Ios. 1. 3. who was a figure of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom this promise was fulfilled. the wilderness] of Paran, which was the southern border of the land of Canaan. and Lebanon a mountain which was the northerne bound. By and Lebanon, we may understand and unto Lebanon, as the next words manifest. Euphrates] in Hebrew, Pherath: this is called the river for excellency sake, meaning the great river, as Deut. 1. 7. Gen. 15. 18. and so the Greek translateth it here. It was the eastern border of their territories. hindmost sea] or, after sea, which the Greek and Chaldee calleth the Western sea, meaning the main or great sea toward the going down of the Sun, as is explained in Ios. 1. 4. which sea is said to be after or behind them, because it was to the West, and so their western bound. For the East is counted the fore-part of the world, the West behind, the South on the right hand, Psal. 89. 13. and the North on the left: all which four parts are called by these names in Job 23. 8, 9. See this promise fulfilled in 2 Chron. 9. 26.

Vers. 25. stand] or, set himself, that is, resist or [unspec 25] withstand you, as the Greek translateth. So in Ios. 1. 5. fear] in Greek, trembling; this was fulfilled before, Deut. 2. 25. Psal. 105. 38. and after, Ios. 2. 11. and 10. 10.

Here beginneth the 47. section, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Lecture of the Law: see Genes. 6. 9.

Vers. 26. I set] Hebr. I give: this was, that [unspec 26] they might take their choice of either of these; for so the phrase elsewhere meaneth, Deut. 30. 19. and so to manifest, that if the curse or evil came upon them, they caused it themselves.

Vers. 27. if ye shall hearken] or, that ye may [unspec 27] hearken: but the Hebrew Asher, That, is sometimes used for If, as the Greek here translateth it, and in Levite. 4. 22. So Asher in 1. King. 8. 31. is Im, that is, If, in 2 Chron. 6. 22.

Vers. 28. after other gods] in Greek, to serve [unspec 28] other gods, following other religions, or divine services, which the Chaldee calleth the idols of the people's. Sol. Rashi observeth from this place, that whosoever committeth idolatry, he turneth aside from all the way which was commanded to Israel: here upon they say, He that professeth idolatry, is as if he denied the whole Law.

Vers. 29. put the blessing] Heb. give the blessing, [unspec 29] that is, cause it to be pronounced upon mount Gerizim. The manner is shown in Deut. 27. where this Law is repeated and enlarged. A thing is said to be given sometime, when it is spoken or pronounced with the mouth, as in Job 36. 3. Deut. 13. 1, 2. upon mount Gerizim] or, towards mount Gerizim, (which the Greek calleth Garizim:) so after, towards mount Ebal, (called in Greek Gaibal.) For the people stood half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal, as is recorded in Ios. 8. 33. And the Hebrew gnal sometimes signifieth towards a place, as in Exod. 9. 22. towards heaven.

Vers. 30. Are they not] that is, Loe they are, [unspec 30] speaking as of a thing well known. See the notes on Gen. 4. 7. by the way] or, after (behind) the way of the going down of the Sun, that is, the way towards the West, or Sun-setting. Gilgal] the place where Israel was circumcised afterward in Joshua's time, Ios. 5. 9. Okes of Moreh] or, plains of Moreh, as the Chaldee expoundeth it; which was a place by Shechem, where God first appeared to Abraham after he came into the land of Canaan, and there Abraham built an Altar to the Lord, Gen. 12. 6, 7. And that mount Gerizim was by Shechem, (in that part of the country which after was called Samaria) appeareth in Judge. 9. 6, 7. And the Hebrews say, in Talmud Bab. in Sotah, chap. 7. that Gerizim and Ebal were in Samaria. There on mount Gerizim was the Samaritans Temple, 2 Maccab. 6. 2. where they worshipped they knew not what, John. 4. 20. 22. See also Josephus Antiq. l. 11. c. 8. It seemeth they took occasion of that superstition from this Law, thinking Gerizim to be a holy place, because the blessings were pronounced on it; and they called themselves, those that belong to the blessed mount. And there have been of them in that place of late years, as Benjamin in his Itinerario relateth, how he saw the city in a valley between the mountains Garizim and Ebal, wherein the Samaritans dwelled, and did sacrifice there on mount Garizim, alleging that which is written in the Law, And thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim.

Annotations.

STatutes] Here Moses entereth into the explication [unspec 1] of the second commandment, concerning the manner of God's worship, when Israel should come into Canaan; and proposeth in the 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 chapters, Statutes for the service of God; and afterwards Iudgments for the repressing of evils.

Vers. 2. destroying] that is, ye shall speedily [unspec 2] and utterly destroy; as the Greek translateth, destroy with destruction. In the Hebrew canons it is said, We are commanded to destroy the Idol, and the ministering vessels thereof, and whatsoever is made for the same, Deut. 12. 2. And in the land of Israel we are commanded to persecute it, until it be destroyed out of all our land: but without the land we are not commanded to persecute it. But every place which we shall subdue, we are to destroy every Idol that is therein, as it is written (in Deut. 12. 3.) and ye shall destroy the names of them out of that place. Maimonides in Misneh, treat. of Idolatry, ch. 7. sect. 1. places] as houses, high places, temples, and the like. Hereupon the house of Baal, 2 King. 10. 27. the high places which Solomon and Jeroboam had built for idolatry, 2 King. 23. 13. 15. were destroyed. But if an house were built for use, and Idols afterwards set up in it, the Hebrews say, When he had brought in the Idol into the house, so long as it was there, the house was unlawful for any use; when it was taken out, the house was lawful, Maim. treat. of Idola • y, ch. 8. sect. 4. shall possess] that is, shall subdue and have dominion over them, as the word often signifieth; see Levite. 25. 45, 46. Ier. 49. 2. Psal. 82. 8. gods] that is, as the Chaldee explaineth it, Idols: there are gods (so called) many; but into 〈◊〉 there is but one God, 1 Cor. 8. 5, 6. mountains] in such high places, all nations for the most part used to serve their gods: into which corruption Israel sometime fell, 2 King. 17. 10, 11. Ier. 3. 6. Ezek. 20. 28, 29. Hos. 4. 13.

Vers. 3. pillars] or statues, standing Images: of [unspec 3] these see Exod. 23. 24. Levite. 26. 1. greves] which were wont to be as temples unto the heathen, as is noted on Exod. 34. 13. See also the annotations on Deut. 7. 5. gods] in Chaldee, Images of there Idols. names] whether in speech, (for the name of other gods might not be heard out of their mouths, Exod. 23. 13.) or imprinted in books, graven on pillars, imposed on places, or any other the like. So the Reubenites changed the names of cities, that carried Idol names, Num. 32. 38. As the beginning of true religion is repentance from dead works, Heb. 6. 1. so in the constituting of God's true service, Moses beginneth with the abolishing of all idolatrous monuments; for What agreement hath the temple of God with Idols? 2 Cor. 6. 16.

Vers. 4. not do so] in any of the former particulars, or such like: as not to destroy or do evil [unspec 4] to God's sanctuary or synagogues, Psal. 74. 3, 6, 7, 8. not to break down his Altars, 1 King. 19. 10. nor to deface any holy writings, or monuments of his name, Ier. 36. 23. The Hebrews say, Whosoever destroyeth any name of the holy pure names, whereby the blessed God is called, is by the law to be beaten; for 〈◊〉 of Idols he saith. And thou shalt destroy the names of them, &c. Thou shalt not do so to the Lord thy God. He that takes away but one stone (by way of destroying) from the Altar, or from the Temple, or from any other part of the Court, is to be beaten. Likewise he that burneth any of the wood of the sanctuary, &c. All the holy Scriptures, and expositions of them, it is unlawful to burn any of them, or destroy them with hand, except they be such as are written by heretics, &c. But holy Scriptures when they are old, are to be laid up. Maimonides in Iesudei hatorah, ch. 6. sect. 1. 7. 8.

Vers. 5. to put his name there] that is, to have it consecrated unto him, and his divine service. Such [unspec 5] was the Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple of Solomon, the City Jerusalem, after God had chosen it; for of them God said, My name shall be there, 1 King. 8. 29. and his Name was called upon them, Dan. 9. 18. and put there, 2 King. 21. 4, 9. 1 King. 14. 11. The Chaldee here expoundeth it, to cause 〈◊〉 Majesty (or divine presence) to dwell there. Now Christ hath abolished the earthly Jerusalem, and requireth worship in spirit and truth everywhere, John. 4. 11, 23. shall ye seek] for answers and oracles, which from the mercy-seat, and by Vrim and Thummim, were given to the people, Numb. 7. 89. Exod. 25. 22. Numb. 27. 21. All other places were forbidden; as, Seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, &c. Amos 5. 5. shalt thou come] at all times, when thou wilt offer sacrifice, Levite. 17. 8, 9. but three times in the year by express commandment, Exod. 23. 14.—17. And there the Lord promised to come unto them and bless them, Exod. 20. 24.

Vers. 6. sacrifices] of all sorts, as sin-offerings, [unspec 6] peace-offerings, and whatsoever pertained to the Alter Sacrifices have their name of slaughter, which were stain, offered, and eaten before the Lord: the Chaldee here expoundeth it, the slaughter (or sacrifice) of your holy things. tithes] the tenth of the h •• d and of the flock, which bo • h Priests and people were to bring and slay before the Lord, and eat them in Jerusalem: whereof see Levite. 27. 32. and the tiches of cor 〈…〉 , &c. whereof see verse. 17. and Deut. 14. 22, 23. heave-offering of your hand] the Greek translateth, the first-fruits, and in v. 〈◊〉 . the first-fruits of your hands: These are the first-fruits spoken of in Deut. 26. 2. &c. which with their hands they brought into the Sanctuary. See the annotations there. vows, and your voluntaire offerings] such as for God's blessings they willingly gave unto him. The difference of these voluntary oblations from vows, is shown on Levite. 7. 16. firstlings] which were given to the Priests, for them to eat, after the blood was sprinkled, and the fat burned on the Altar: see Numb. 18. 15, 17.

Vers. 7. Ye shall eat] to wit, such things as were [unspec 7] lawful for the people to eat: for of all the things forementioned, they might not eat. Some were for the Priests to eat before the Lord; some for the people. rejoice] God is to be served with gladness, Psal. 100. 1, 2. and the holy things of God might not be eaten with mourning, Deut. 26. 14. Hos. 9. 4. ye put your hand] Hebr. the putting to (or sending forth) of your hand. This, though it may be applied to that which they might take and eat, of the holy things, as in Gen. 3. 22. yet it seemeth to be more general, for all things that they should do, and all blessings that they should receive, as by comparing this phrase in Deut. 15. 10. and 23. 20. and 28. 8. 20. may appear. So after in verse. 18. houses] that is, households, children and such like; as the Chaldee expoundeth it, men of your houses: and so Moses explaineth it in verse. 12.

Vers. 8. which we do] the Greek expoundeth [unspec 8] it, which ye do. Israel committed idolatry in the wilderness, Act. 7. 42, 43. Howbeit this speech of Moses seemeth rather to mean the true service of God, which was not as yet perfected, neither could be in their travels; as it was after in Canaan. right in his own eyes] that is, which liketh or pleaseth him: so the phrase meaneth, in 2 Sam. 19. 6. 1. Chron. 13. 4. and is often spoken of the corruption of men, as Judge. 17. 6. and 21. 25. unto which Moses opposeth that which is right in the Lord's eyes, verse. 25, 28. and chap. 13. 18. There is a way which is right before a man, and the end thereof are the ways of death, Prov. 14. 12.

Vers. 9. the rest] in Chaldee, the house (or place) [unspec 9] of rest: meaning the land of Canaan, and in special, Jerusalem there, 1 Chron. 23. 25. where after their travels and wars, the Lord gave rest unto his people, as verse. 10. and 1 King. 8. 56. But David being there, speaketh of another rest, which remaineth for people of God, Psal. 95. 11. into which rest, we that believe do enter, and •• ase from our own works, Heb. 4, 3, 8, 9, 10.

Vers. 10. in confident safety] or, in security; it [unspec 10] meaneth without fear, Judge. 8. 11. and 18. 7. and without danger of evil, Psal. 78. 53. See the like promise in Levite. 25. 18, 19. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, by whom we are delivered out of the hands of our enemies, that we might serve God without fear, Luk. 1. 74.

Vers. 11. And there shall be] or, And it shall be [unspec 11] that the place, &c. See verse. 5. the choice] that is, the best, or fairest, as the Chaldee translateth.

Vers. 12. your gates] the Chaldee explaineth it, [unspec 12] your cities: so the Hebrew text sometime explaineth it self, as is noted on Exod. 20. 10. no part] of the spoils or inheritance in the division of the land, but the Lord is his part and inheritance. See Deut. 10. 9. Num. 18. 8.—21.

Vers. 13. lest thou offer] that is, that thou offer [unspec 13] not. This precept is often and carefully urged, because the people were prone to fall into the transgression of it, as the histories of Scripture manifest, 1 King. 12, 28, 29, 30. 2 King. 17. 9. 11. And it taught men the unity of the faith of Christ, and the band of love and peace, to be kept in the heavenly Jerusalem, whither all people should resort, Rev. 21. 24, 25, 26.

Vers. 14. that I command thee] the Greek addeth, [unspec 14] this day. So not the place only, but all other things in God's service, were to be according to the word of God, because the natural man (not regenerate by God's word and spirit) receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, neither can he know them, 1 Cor. 2. 14. and in the things which he knoweth he corrupteth himself, Rom. 1. 21. and God would have obedience to his word, rather than sacrifice, 1 Sam. 15. 22.

Vers. 15. Notwithstanding] or Only, as the word [unspec 15] signifieth in verse. 16. 26. It is a liberty granted for civil things, but with a limitation. in all the desire of thy soul] the Greek translateth, in all thy desire, the soul being put for the whole person. It meaneth, whatsoever thou, or thy soul desireth. mayest slay] this word is the same that is used for sacrificing, (which also was with slaughter of the creature,) but applied here, and often, to the slaying for ordinary food. Of this the Hebrews say, It is lawful to slay (for common food) in any place without the court (of the Sanctuary;) for they slay in the court none but the holy things of the Altar only. But it is unlawful to slay common things in the court, either cattle, beast, or bird. And so it is said (in Deut. 12. 21.) If the place be far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose, &c. then thou shalt slay &c. and eat within thy gates. Here thou art taught, that they slay not flesh for ones desire, but without the place which the Lord hath chosen. And that which is slain without the place, is lawful to be eaten within all gates. But he that slaieth common things in the court, that flesh is pure, and unlawful to be used; but they bury it, &c. Maimonides tom. 2. in Shechitah, ch, 2. sect. 1, 2. to the blessing] that is, the liberality, or bounteous gift: so restraining all profuse rio • , and keeping men within the limits of their ability. thy gates] in the Chaldee, thy cities; and so the Greek, in every city. may eat] or shall eat. God would have no difference of persons, nor of places, nor of clean beasts, (as after followeth) lest there should grow any respect of holiness in such civil things, which might turn to superstition.

Vers. 16. Only] as the Greek saith, But the blood, [unspec 16] to wit, of beasts and o • fowls, Lev. 7. 26. this was absolutely forbidden even in civil diet; the reason hereof is noted on Levite. 17. pour it]