A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine

Here follows the Map of the half Tribe of Manasseh beyond Jorda • .

[illustration]

MANASSEH beyond IORDAN. CHAP. 3.

§ 1. MAnasseh eldest Son of Joseph by Asernath daughter of Potipherah Prince-priest of On, was by his prophetical grandfather Jacob placed behind Ephraim his younger brother. Not that Reuben -like he was disinherited for any misdemeanor, but only so it pleased all-disposing Providence to transpose him. However (though inferior to Ephraim in power) he grew so great that thirty two thousand two hundred of his body from twenty years old & upward as able men to go forth to war came forth of Egypt, all which digging their graves in the wilderness by their own infidelity fifty two thousand seven hundred entered the land of Canaan. Many Worthies were extracted from this Tribe (for this Country was conferred upon them in Intuition to their valor) as Gideon, and Jephthah the warlike, Jair the younger, the peaceable Judge of Israel, Elijah the Prophet; nor must the five daughters, and coheirs of Zelophehad, be forgotten, who argued their case so strongly about their inheritance. Bashfulness itself will be bold rather then lose a rightful possession, and a good cause when plainly told, is learnedly pleaded, especially if a meek Moses or just Joshua be the judge thereof.

§ 2. We are now only to describe that part of Manasseh which was east of Jordan. Some will say, was it not pity the possessions of this Tribe should be thus dismembered? Was it not enough that Joseph was separated from his brethren, but Manasseh his Son must also be parted from himself? How came that wisdom who pronounceth it good and pleasant for brethren to live together in unity, to cleave this Tribe asunder? But let such know, that unity in affection may consist with local separation. Besides, divine Providence might seem to have a design herein, that this Tribe of Manasseh having a joint interest on both sides of Jordan, might clasp these Countries together: and the Manassites being (as I may say) Amphibii, on both sides of the River, might by visits amongst their kindred, continue a correspondency and civil communion one with another.

§ 3. Manasseh had mount Hermon and Gilead on the east, parting it from the Ammonites, and Ishmaelites, Jordan on the west, Gad on the south, Syria, and particularly the kingdoms of Geshur and Maachah on the north. In which compass of ground, threescore Cities with high walls, gates and bars, besides unwalled towns, were contained. Many will be amazed at this number, & the wonder will seem the greater when they shall reckon but two and twenty Cities in Asher, nineteen in Naphtali, seventeen in Simeon, sixteen in Issachar, & but twelve in Zebulun: unproportionable that half a Tribe should have treble the number of Cities to those that were bigger. All we can say herein is this, that being a frontier Country, and being exposed on the north and east to heathen enemies, it must have more fenced Cities, then the Tribes on the other side Jordan, which were better secured by their situation. Thus the hem is turned in, and sowed double, to prevent the ravelling out thereof. And if I reck on right, there be more Castles in our marches betwixt Scotland and Wales, then in all England besides. However, our eye shall not be evil at Manasseh because God's was good unto it, who are so far from repining at, that we rejoice for the plenty of strong places therein; only grieving that we cannot give the Reader an exact account of their names, though we will endeavor our best in the following description.

§ 4. Mount Hermon is the north-east bound of this Tribe, called by the Sidonians Syrion, by the Amorites Shenir, by human writers Hippus, and Trachones, being a branch of Lebanon bended south-ward. A stately strong mountain fixed on firm foundations, and yet the voice of the Lord (understand the thunder with an earthquake) maketh Syrion to skip as an Unicorne; and well may mountains dance when God himself shall pipe unto them. The dew of Hermon is highly commended by David, and brotherly love is compared thereunto, because (whilst heat of hatred like a drought parcheth all to nothing) fraternal kindness dewlike gives refreshment and increase. But how this dew of Hermon fell upon the hill of Zion (mountains an hundred miles asunder) so troubled Saint Augustine, that at last leaving the literal sense, he is fain to fly to a mystical meaning. Others interpret that the dew of Hermon fell upon the hill of Zion, because the fruitful flocks fatted on that mountain came afterwards to be sacrificed at Jerusalem; which is but a harsh construction; as if one should say, The fruitfulness of Linconcolne-shire which falls on London, because the fatted cattle thereof are sold and eaten in the City. But whilst sundry Interpreters have several wit-engines to draw these two mountains together, our last translation saves their needless pains, rendering it, As the dew of Hermon, & as as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion. Indeed it is the same specifical, though not individual dew which lighteth on both mountains, flowing from heaven the same fountain, though falling on earth in several channels.

§ 5. Now as Hermon is a chain of continued hills, so a principal link thereof is the mountain Amana. Christ courting his Spouse inviteth her to look from the top of Amana. Some conceive thereby Amanus a mountain in Silicia is meant; but seeing Solomon clean through that Poem, maketh use of only native similitudes (whereof a self-sufficiency in his own land) it is improbable that herein he did borrow a foreign and exotic expression. Know also, that the region hereabouts is called Trachonitis or Sharp • land in English, from the steepness of many pointed hills (in shape not unlike the Rocks called Needles near the Isle of Wight ) wherewith this country abounded; and it was a moity of the Tetrarch-ship of Philip the brother of Herod.

§ 6. South of Hermon lay mount Gilead, famous for the interview of Laban and Jacob: the former keen with anger (save that God in a vision took off his edge) overtaking Jacob charged him with a double action of felony, for stealing himself, and his God's away without his privity. The first, Jacob confessed, yet pleaded not guilty to the second, but traversed his innocence. Hue and Cry is made in vain after the thief and felons goods, (or God's if you please) for she, whose conscience would permit her to carry away, cunning did persuade her to conceal them. Jacob thus cleared (as it were by Proclamation) of Defendant turns Plaintiffe, accusing the Accuser for his false accusation. At last all winds off in a good agreement, and an Instrument is drawn up betwixt them, not in paper but in stone, interchangeably sealed with solemn oaths. The Condition whereof, was to this effect; That if either of them should pass that place to do any act of hostility to other, he should forfeit his fidelity, and be liable to divine justice for his perjury.

§ 7. This Pillar and heap of stones had a threefold name imposed on it, called

• 1 By Laban, Iegar Sahadutha, that is in the Aramite tongue, A heap of witness.
• 2 By Jacob, Galeed, the same in effect in Hebrew.
• 3 By both Mizpah; that is, a Watch-tower, Jacob giving the name, and Laban the occasion thereof by that his expression, The Lord watch betwixt thee and me.

Here was abundant caution, three names and two languages, and yet nothing too much. For Jacob having formerly been sensible of Laban's notorious shuffling with him, knew the best way to find sure was to bind sure; and Laban being guilty, and therefore jealous, thought no security sufficient. And therefore in their mutual suspicions a Triplicate was used in naming the places, that a threefold cable might not be broken.

§ 8. Gilead was at first only appropriated to that heap and pillar, whence the name may seem to be translated to the adjacent mountains, and thence transmitted to the valley in the east of those mountains, and thence imparted to some eminent persons born in that valley. For as Gilead Son of Machir, grand-child of Manasseh, being born in Egypt, so called by a Prophetical Prolepsis, foretelling that his posterity should possess the Country of Gilead; so Gilead the Father of Jephthah, Gilead of Gilead, seems to take his denomination from the Country possessed. Thus as the Psalmist observes some called their lands after their own names, and some it seems were called after the name of their lands.

§ 9. A fruitful Country Gilead was, till the people thereof were infected with Idolatry, grown so frequent therein, that the Prophet complains, Their Altars were as heaps in the furrows of the field. Thus falling into God's displeasure they quickly fell under their enemies disposal. The Syrians of Damascus threshing them with instruments of Iron, and the Ammonites ripping up their women with child that they might enlarge their border. This latter cruelty seems done in revenge of David's usage of the Ammonites in taking of Rabbah, putting them under saws and harrows &c. And although some hundreds of years were betwixt that action of David and this of the Ammonites, yet we know malice hath a strong memory, long to retain and at last to return injuries offered unto it.

§ 10. Under the hills of Gilead (famous for flocks of goats, to which for thickness and whiteness the hair of the Spouse is compared) lay Rogelim a Manor of Barzillai the Gileadite. This was he who so bountifully victualled David at Mahanaim, so civilly waited on him to Jordan, so equally requested, and so easily obtained a Writ of ease from Court attendance, being now fourscore years of age: having first bequeathed his Court-pleasures to Chimham his Son (neither covetous to keep them himself, nor envious that another should enjoy them) because such excusable vanities might become his green youth, which would be burdensome to the withered winter of his Father. Pella seems to be hereabouts, whither many Christians warned by many prodigies fled for shelter from Jerusalem, before the Romans besieged it. As we congratulate their thus preventing persecution according to Christ's precept, so we cannot but condole, that the same persons were afterwards poisoned with heretical opinions, contrary to the express word of God, and became Apostate Nazarites. Somewhat more north is Lodebar the possession of Machir, a bountiful benefactor to David during his distress, and Guardian to Mephibosheth in his minority; and Thisbe the birthplace of Elijah the Prophet, the John the Baptist of the Old Testament. Great was the resemblance betwixt their persons and preaching (all similitudes run like Pharaoh 's Charets in the red-sea, wanting some wheels) especially because both were born in bad times, when the world was generally infected with wickedness, both contented with plain clothes, and course fare, undaunted in reproving the faults of Princes, and implacably persecuted for the same.

§ 11. But the principal City in Gilead was Mizpah the place of Jephthah's habitation. This is he whom his brethren banished for a Bastard; but the elders of Gilead oppressed by the Ammonites, brought back for their General. When they felt their own woe, they began to see Jephthah's worth, formerly exiled for his Fathers fault, but now restored for his own abilities. Virtue once in an age will work her own advancement, and when such as hate it shall chance to need it, they will be forced to prefer it. To Mizpah Jephthah returned, though a conqueror, yet a captive and a prisoner to his own rash vow, to sacrifice whatsoever came first forth of the doors of his house; it so happening that his only daughter met him with a virgin-quire and music, which was sad in the close. Here Divines both for number and learning are almost equally divided, some avouching her really sacrificed according to the letter of the text, whereof some footsteps in the Fable of Agamemnon sacrificing Iphigenia (haply corrupted for Iephthagenia or Jephtha's daughter:) others maintaining that she was only sequestered to perpetual virginity. If any demand my judgment in this difference, I seasonably remember how one being asked in the Massacre of Paris, whether he was a Catholic or an Hugonite, answered he was a Physician. My return must be in this work, I am only a Chorographer, and the controversy in hand concerns matter of fact, not of place, proper only to us for this present.

§ 12. East of Mizpah lay the plain of Mizpah. Joshua having conquered the Kings of Canaan (at the waters of Merom in the next Tribe) pursued them hither on the east and to Mizrepoth • maim near Sidon westward. A chace with a vengeance all the latitude of the land, the Canaanites flying as far as sea or mountains would give them leave: so that their flight may pass for a Scale of miles for the breadth of this Country, so smitten until they left them none remaining, understand it, not in a considerable body to make any resistance.

§ 13. So much of Gilead. We come now to Bashan: for these two provinces did the Tribe of Manasseh contain, though it is impossible accurately to distinguish their bounds. Bashan was a grazing country (as indeed all Canaan east of Jordan was fitter for Abel then Cain, for pasturage then tillage) anciently called the Land of Giants; which though now extirpated, Og being the last of that race, yet retained some footsteps thereof in the strength and greatness of her

• 1 Oaks, whereof oars were made for the gallies of Tyre.
• 2 Rams, of the breed of Bashan, being the fattest and fairest of their kind.
• 3 Bulls, so often mentioned in Scripture. But by David's metaphorical bulls of Bashan, strong, sturdy, cursed, cruel men are understood.

This Province was subdivided into several petty lands: as, first, the La • d of Argob on the north next Syria. Secondly, Bashan-avoth-Jair: where taking the first word for the Genus and the two latter for the Difference, we have the exact definition of the Country.

§ 14. Jair was a fortunate name in the family of Manasseh, and we must be careful not to confound two eminent men of that name.

• 1 Jair the elder, contemporary with Moses, who, when the field-forces of Og were utterly destroyed, smote the small towns thereof (being threescore in number, as Joshua counted them) and called them Bashan-Avoth-Jair, that is, the Cities of Jair in Bashan.
• 2 Jair the younger, a peaceable Judge in Israel immediately before Jephthah, who as he came many years in age short of the former, so the number of his Cities were but half so many, viz. thirty, which he left to his thirty sons, calling them also Avoth-Jair.

It is further recorded of his thirty sons that they rode on thirty Assecolts, i. e. they were itinerant Judges, say some, in their respective places, it being improper that they in their several circuits should

• 1 Go on foot. Authority would be contemned if not somewhat heightened above the common people.
• 2 Or ride on prancing steeds. Marshall law may be so mounted, where the heels of the horses are as terrible to poor people, as the face of the rider.
• 3 Or ride on swift Coursers; seeing no such hast to execute suspected innocence.
• 4 Or be housed in covered chariots; which is a kind of engrossing of justice, shutting that up, to which all ought to have open access.
• 5 But ride on Asses: partly that Petitioners, though lame and weak, might keep pace with them on the way when relating their grievances; and partly by that patient creature to show the slow but sure proceeding of justice; and indeed the Judges foot-pace to the sentence is the accused parties post-speed to his grave.

We find among these thirty cities, but one of them named, which is Camon, wherein the body of Jair was buried. And it is probable, that Ira the Iairite so high in favor about King David, was an inhabitant of this country.

§ 15. More south lay Ashteroth-karnaim, or in English, the two horned Ashteroth, either so named from some forked building, or street therein; (Horn-church in Essex, and Horn-castle in Lincoln-shire so called on the like occasion) or because the Idol Ashteroth, that is, the Moon horned in her waxing or waning, was worshipped therein; or lastly because a fair and gallant City, and all strength, mirth, and jollity are called horns in the Hebrew. Yet may we say to the men of Ashteroth in the words of the Psalmist, Set not up your horns so high, neither speak presumptuous words. Horns, which first were well blunted by Chedorlaomer, when he smote the Rephaims or Giants in Ashteroth-karnaim, and afterwards were broken quite off, when Og King of Bashan who reigned in this City was overthrown. For hard by is Edrei another City wherein Og resided, and near which he bid battle to the children of Israel when he with all his Giant-like race, which peopled this place, was extinguished. For though the Country of Pigmies be a Poets-tale, this Land of Giants is a Scripture-truth. However, no eye can now distinguish betwixt the ashes of Giants, and dust of dwarfs, death having long since levelled all alike in the grave.

§ 16. Such remarkable places as remain in this Tribe, will easily be found out, if we follow the stream of Jordan, and such rivulets as pay tribute thereunto. Jordan having newly recovered himself out of the waters of Merom into a competent channel, receiveth from the east Hermon a small brook running by Golan, a Levites City of refuge, (whence the neighbouring country in Josephus called Gaulonitis ) and after Jordan falleth betwixt Capernaum and Chorazin into the sea of Galilee. This Chorazin was the place where Christ's miracles and preaching were sown so thick; and where the people's thankfulness for the one, and practice of the other, came up so thin, that it caused that curse, Woe be to thee Chorazin &c. A woe, which at this day hath wasted it from a populous city to a ruinous village. As for their conceit, that Antichrist should be born in Chorazin, I take it to be a mere Monkish device, to divert men's eyes, from seeking him in the right place where he is to be found.

§ 17. More south-ward the brook Cherith (having viewed at some distance Beeshterah, afterwards called Bosrah, a city of the Levites; called also Ashtaroth; And it is questionable, whether this, or Ashtaroth-Carnaim (whereof formerly) were the Metropolis of Og King of Bashan ) runneth into the Sea of Galilee. By the banks hereof the Ravens brought Elijah bread and flesh in the morning and evening, and he drank of the river. It seems Dinners are but innovations; whilst break-fasts, and suppers are men's most ancient and natural meals. Here Elijah having the sub •• ance of sustenance, cared not for the ceremony of a Table, or complement of a Carpet. How little will preserve life, but how much must maintain luxury! After a while this River dried up. Collect not thence that the brook was inconsiderably little, but that the drought had been extraordinarily long.

§ 18. As for the cities of Hippus, Iulias, and Gamala, whereof as deep silence in Scripture, as frequent mention in Josephus, it is enough to name them. In the last of these Josephus reports Judas of Galilee to be born, that grand impostor, who in the days of the taxing pretended himself the Champion of popular liberty, to protect them from such unreasonable payments. Multitudes of men flocked after him; for, spare their purses, and win the hearts of the Vulgar. But Judas having go • ten power, fell a pillaging all people, taking from them the whole griest of their estate, so to save the owners from paying toll unto Caesar. How smooth and tender are the gums of Infant-treason, but oh how sharp are the teeth thereof when once grown to full greatness! However, he and his followers came afterward unto confusion, and is the second instance alleged by Gamaliel to prove, that councils which are not of God will come to naught. The Son of Geber was Solomon's purveyer in this half Tribe of Manasseh.

§ 19. The Arms assigned to Joseph are, a tree proper growing by a Well, founded on the words of Jacob Gen. 49. 22. David may seem hence to have borrowed his Simile of a blessed man, He shall be like a tree planted by the waters side. But Joseph had more, not only a Well before to refresh, but a wall behind to support him, and his boughs (may Heralds word it in their own language) grew over the wall. Partly foretelling the fruitfulness of Joseph's posterity, and partly pointing at the particular posision of his inheritance. For, as some think, Jordan was the wall on the east of the Land of Canaan properly so called; and the children of Joseph having their root planted, and main body growing on the other side of the river, spread their branches over this wall, half Manasseh having his portion on the east side of Jordan. To conclude, though those Arms did generally belong to the whole house of Joseph, yet custom hath appropriated them to Manasseh alone: other Ensigns being assigned to Ephraim, whereof God willing hereafter.

Here the Map of Naphtali is to be inserted.

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THE TRIBE OF NAPHTALI. CHAP. 4.

§ 1. NAphtali Son of Jacob by Bildah his Concubine was multiplied during the abode of his posterity in Egypt, to fifty and three thousand four hundred. All which dying in the desert, their Sons being forty five thousand four hundred entered the Land of Canaan. A Tribe acquitting it self considerable in relation to the rest, though we meet but with two, or rather but with one and a half Glories thereof. The former Barak the son of Abinoham, who (acted by Deborah ) did act so valiantly against Sisera. The half-one Hiram (a Naphtalite though his Father was a man of Tyre ) that curious Artificer in Solomon's Temple. Other eminent persons (though unknown) doubtless were of this Tribe, for in their martial addresses to David in Hebron, none appeared in more excellent equipage for number and warlike accoutrements: And of Naphtali a thousand Captains, and with them with shield and spear, thirty and seven thousand.

§ 2. This Tribe bordered (plainly intimated though not expressed in the bounding thereof) on mount Libanus on the north, and reacheth (as is plainly expressed) to Zebulun on the south-side, and to Asher on the west-side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the Sun-rising. True this must needs be, for Truth hath said it; the last words present us with a seeming impossibility. For how long an arm must Naphtali make to reach to Judah, over the Tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Benjamin interposed, Naphtali being distanced about an hundred miles from Judah? Here some Commentators being not able to quell, never raise this objection: a commendable discretion in them, if unconcerned to meddle therewith; but seeing they profess their calling to be a satisfaction of difficulties, it is in them an inexcusable laziness. But let us hear what the learned resolve in this case.

• 1 Some fancy a small Lace of land (or rather a thread for the narrowness thereof) whereby (though invisible in Maps) Naphtali is tied unto Judah.
• 2 Others, that Naphtali reacheth to Judah upon Jordan, not immediately in confines, but mediately by commerce; because the river Jordan runneth thence unto Judah, and so they had the conveniency of Traffique into that Tribe.
• 3 Others more likely, that Naphtali reached to Judah on Jordan; because Judah as a Tribe in chief had the Royalty of the river Jordan, as fishing, fowling, and perchance the impost on all vessels, sailing from the fountain to the fall thereof.
• 4 Let me cast my Mite into this Treasury. What if this Judah was but the name of a town or village, and therefore that addition, Judah upon Jordan, given for distinction sake?

However Masius no less learned, then modest, pleaseth me with this resolution. In rebus tantâ vetustate obliteratis, & quae explorate percipi nullâ jam ration possunt, satius est non multa dicere, quàm incertissima pro veris absque ullâ dubitatione afferre. Such difficulties were not casually scattered, but purposely placed to improve our industry, and teach us humility. For the best answer man's wit can produce, is no salve to the Text, which of it self is whole and entire, but a plaster only to our own craized understandings.

§ 3. For the fruitfulness of this country, hear what Moses prophesieth. O Naphtali satisfied with favor, and full with the blessing of the Lord. See also what was performed. For the land about Laish, which was in the confines of this Tribe is thus charactered, A place where there is no want of anything that is in the Earth. Josephus being almost this Countryman, saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : One may call this Country the Ambition of nature. Strabo a Pagan giveth it the Epithets of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , A well natured land and bearing all commodities. But the best fruit it bare was our Savior himself: by his corporal presence much conversant here; this Tribe being the Theatre whereon his most remarkable Miracles were acted.

§ 4. From the foot of Libanus to the sea of Galilee may be allowed thirty five miles. Equall whereunto, by the favor of Jordan running crooked, (though northernly more narrow) is the breadth thereof, from east to west. In the time of our Savior this Tribe was parcel of two Tetrarchies. The north-east part thereof, belonged to Iturea. The Poet takes notice of the plenty of Yew in this Province.

Hence their inhabitants became excellent Archers: and pity it was, rhat their arrows were so often shot at a wrong mark, to kill and rob passengers in their journey. Strabo calls the Itureans generally 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and their Country in some sort may seem accessory to their felonies (the Receiver is bad as a thief) which, as the foresaid Author observes, in her caves, woods, and inaccessible mountains protected those Robbers from justice proceeding against them. Insomuch that the Romans were fain to keep Soldiers in Garison against them (but who kept any against the soldiers?) So that betwixt both, Iturea at that time may be conceived sufficiently miserable.

§ 5. The south-west of Naphtali was accounted part of Galilee the upper, otherwise called Galilee of the Gentiles, because, as some conceive, the people therein were commixed with heathens, and (being far from Jerusalem ) were more drossy Jews then the rest. Which is a most erroneous opinion. For how improbable is it, that our Savior, who sending his Disciples to preach gave them instructions, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not, and himself never stayed in Samaria, save as he took it in his necessary passage in or from Judea; should choose Galilee, if so debased with the mixture of Gentiles, for the place of his principal and constant residence? Far more true is it that it was called Galilaea Gentium, that is, Galilee the populous, because of the multitudes of people, especially near the sea, wherein was Decapolis (a member of Galilee. ) And there one city, for want of room, may seem to tread on another.

§ 6. Before we come to the particular description of this Tribe, we will first dispatch out of the way, nine limitary Towns (which accordingly are figured in the Map) and this will much facilitate our proceeding in the rest.

• 1 Heleph, in the northern bounds of this Tribe, from which the eastern coasts thereof southwardly are described.
• 2 Allon, that is in English, oak (as Oakeham in Rutland ) so named from plenty of those trees growing therein.
• 3 Zaanaim. Note that Tremellius maketh these two latter, but one entire place, reading it the Oak-wood of Zaanaim.
• 4 Adami. Which as Ruthland in Flint-shire, probably was so named from the redness of the earth.
• 5 Nekeb: this is a ditch, where we may conceive Jordan was let out for the more convenient watering of other ground. And have we not more then twenty Dittons or Ditch-tons on the same occasion in England?
• 6 Iabneel: different from one of the same name in the Tribe of Dan.
• 7 Lakum.
• 8 Aznoth-Tabor.
• 9 Hukkok.

We are not bound to believe all these nine to have been Cities of considerable strength, or greatness, as not so note-worthy in themselves as in their situation. Because (though perchance otherwise poor villages) they stood in the borders of this Tribe. Thus low shrubs growing on high hills, or crooked thorn-trees set by the high-way side, are more conspicuous in the eye, and frequent in the mouths of travellers, then straiter and fairer trees which are obscure in the midst of the wood.

§ 7. To come to the particular description thereof; Amongst the mountains of Libanus, we meet with one of eminent note, not only having a name peculiar to itself, but which from it hath also denominated the adjacent Country. This is mount Paneas, wherein there is a deep hole or cave. And though places of this kind commonly have more horror then pleasure in them, this, besides its natural beauty, was adorned with artificial structures in, and about it. Herein also was an unsoundable spring of water, conceived by some to be the primitive fountain of Jordan. Yet Josephus tells us of Phiala, a spring above two hundred furlongs off (and therefore out of the bounds of this Tribe) into which Philip the Tetrarch cast cha •• e to try the experiment, and it was rendered up again in the stream of Jordan. Whence he concluded, that this river entertained an underground intelligence with that fountain. But we are not to take notice where rivers are secretly conceived, but where they are visibly born: and therefore date the original thereof from the apparent heads of Ior and Dan: which keeping themselves sole and single for a short time, are soon wedded together. And from the confluence of their names and streams, Jordan is begotten.

§ 8. To pass by Scripture commendations, it is called by • olinus, eximiae suavitatis amnis, a river of excellent sweetness. But as if Rivers, as well as Men, were too prone to be proud of their good properties, it is very subject to overswell the banks; in which notion perhaps, it is also called by the aforesaid Solinus, Ambitiosus amnis, an haughty and ambitious river. But what saith the Prophet? The pride of Jordan is spoiled: namely, in some extraordinary drought (and thence dearth) which he there foretelleth. To keep the golden mean; As Jordan sometimes must be acknowledged to mount too high, so Naaman depressed it too low in his valuation: whose ignorance and passion preferred Abana and Pharphar, the rivers of Damascus, before it.

§ 9. At the aforesaid confluence stands the famous city of Laish, which at first it seems was a free State, living in subjection to none, and yet in slavery to their own intemperance. They were far from the Zidonians, that is, as one measureth it, about thirty miles: half that distance being too much to receive thence seasonable succor in their sudden surprise by the Danites. In taking which town, the prophecy of Moses was fulfilled, Dan is a Lions whelp he shall leap from Bashan. It seems that the Danites came on the east-side of the City, and might for a time secretly repose themselves in Bashan. Whence, on a sudden, Lion-like (saliant in his Posture, when he seizeth on his prey) they leaped on the city, and were felt being on them before seen coming towards them. The City was afterwards called Dan, and the Danites possessed a tract or territory of ground, which otherwise seems to lie within the Tribe of Naphtali, but was not possessed by them.

§ 10. But as we must praise the prowess and policy, so we detest the Idolatry of these Danites, who hither brought, and here erected, the graven Image stolen from Micah, worshiping it until the day of the captivity of the land: that is, as Tremellius well expoundeth it, till the Ark was taken captive and restored, when there followed a general reformation in the days of Samuel. This place then purged, was not long after defiled again with the same sin. For here Jeroboam set up one of his golden Calves, making Priests of the meanest of the people. And although where a Calf is the God, a wispe of Hay is good enough to be the Priest, yet heinous was the offense, because done by Jeroboam in the disgrace of Religion. The erection of these Calves was pretended for the ease of the people of Israel, to spare their tedious travel thrice a year to Jerusalem; but in effect occasioned that they were sent a longer journey on a worse errant, even into irrecoverable captivity. Thus to spare a step in the path of piety, is to spend many in the ready road to misery.

§ 11. In the time of our Savior, this Dan was called Cesarea-Philippi, built in honor of Tiberius Caesar by Philip the Tetrarch. Who in so naming it, as wise to remember himself, was also mannerly to prefer the Emperor. This Philip being Tetrarch of Iturea, and Trachonitis, made this Cesarea (as conveniently seated betwixt both) the place of his principal residence. Neare this place, Peter gave Christ that excellent testimony, of his being the Son of God. As for the two statues of melted brass which here are said to be set up by that woman, whose Flux of blood Christ cured, the one resembling our Savior, the other herself, in humble posture touching the hem of his garment, I had rather the Reader receive it from the Authors themselves, then my relation. Chiefly because it seems improbable, that she, who so lately had sepent all her substance upon Physicians, should so quickly recrute herself, as to be able to go to the cost of such a Monument.

§ 12. Leaving now the territory of Dan, we enter on Naphtali; and Jordan running hence, after some miles expatiateth itself into the waters of Merom or the Samoc • onite-lake. This was a Sea in winter, and in Summer a thicket of reeds, affording shelter to Lions, and Wolves, and (which now a days are more dangerous to travellers, then either) wild Arabians. Behold (saith the Prophet) He shall come up like a Lion from the swelling of Jordan, that is, most fierce and furious; who having lodged there quietly all summer in the shade, is vexed to be roused by the rising of the waters in winter: and, therefore is ready to revenge this wrong on the next object he meets. Near these waters, Joshua gave that famous overthrow to Jabin senior King of the Canaanites pursuing the chace as far as Zidon. On the west of this lake, where Daphnis a rivolet falleth into it, they place Riblah, accounted a terrestrial Paradise, for the sweet situation thereof. But grant it pleasant in itself, it was a sad place to King Zed • kiah, who having first beheld the slaughter of his Sons, had here his own eyes bored out. Thus man's tyranny accomplisheth God's justice, whilst Zedekiah had now leisure enough to bethink himself how he deserved this punishment, who indevored to put out the eyes of Israel, by persecuting the Prophets, and imprisoning the Seers thereof. Afterwards, Jordan recovering itself out of the lake, and contented with a competent stream, is passable at the ford of Jacob, so called because tradition reports that Patriarch there to have gone over this river with the company of God and his staff. At this day there is a beautiful bridge built over, retaining the name of Jacob's bridge, kept in excellent repair (as being the high-way betwixt Damascus and Jerusalem. ) And well may t • e Turks afford it, seeing the unconscionable toll, which they extort of Christian passengers for Caphar or custom, will serve almost to build all the arches thereof with silver.

§ 13. Here let us hold a while, and desiring to please all palates, let us temper the harshness of old matters, with the mixture of a modern passage. If the Reader should ever travel this way from Damascus to Jerusalem and so into Egypt, he may repose himself for a night in the Cave east of this bridge, on the other side Jordan. A Cave is a public building erected by some devout Turk in nature of an Inn, for the benefit of travellers, of more or less receipt & conveniency according to the bounty or fancy of the founder. But here the guest must be his own host to entertain himself, seeing generally nothing but a bare lodging and water, is provided for him. And though we pity the Readers bad lodging this night, where (if not bringing better accommodations with him) he and his Camel must be bedfellows in straw; yet we promise him next day a pleasant way and handsome entertainment. For about seven miles off he shall pass by Cave Joseph, where a Well will be shown him full of water, and adorned with marble Pillars, which common tradition avoucheth to be the pit wherein Joseph was put, and a learned Frier very zealously stickleth for the truth thereof, though indeed the story is confuted both by the distance and nature of the place. For it is sixty miles from Dothan near Shechem, where Joseph's brethren kept their sheep. Besides, that pit had no moisture in it (save what fell from the eyes of Joseph ) whereas this is full of water, so that Joseph's dreams▪ had been but dreams if put therein. But it is as good as a bait to tired travellers (whose credulity is swifter then the Camels they ride on) to be refreshed in the way with such relations. Some twelve miles off, the reader may lodge in a convenient Cave called Minium by the Moors, but by the Turks Missia: and if early up next morning, may, going south-westward, before noon enter the Tribe of Zebulun. Where we may in due time overtake him, and hereafter give him larger direction for his travel.

§ 14. From Jacob's bridge the river Jordan sees nothing memorable besides rich meddows and pleasant pastures, until he falleth into the sea of Cinnereth, so called (say some) because in form not unlike a harp: as indeed an active fancy in point of resemblance will fashion anything to anything. How well the similitude suits, the Reader will best judge when hereafter he shall behold the entire proportion of this Sea in the Tribe of Zebul •• , where he may feed his fill on the dimensions and several names thereof; till which time to stay his stomach, we here present him with such a parcel of this sea-lake, as falls to the share of Naphtali. At the influx of Jordan into this Sea, stood the once famous City of Capernaum, called Christ's own City. Note by the way, Christ had three Cities which may be called his own (if seven contended for Homer, well may three be allowed to Christ) Bethlehem where he was born, Nazareth where conceived and bred, and Capernaum where he dwelt, more then probably in the house of Simon Peter though born in Bethlehem.

§ 15. This Capernaum was the Magazine of Christ's Miracles. Here was healed the servant of that good Centurion: who though a Gentile outfaithed Israel itself, concluding from his own authority over his Soldiers, that Christ by a more absolute power, as Lord high Marshall of all maladies, without his personal presence, could by his bare word of command, order any disease to march or retreat at his pleasure. Here Simon Peters wives mother was cured of a Fever, and here such as brought the man sick of the Palsy, not finding a door on the floor, made one on the Roof (Love will creep, but Faith will climb where it cannot go) let him down with cords, his bed bringing him in, which presently he carried out being perfectly cured. Here also Christ restored the daughter of Jairus to life, and in the way as he went (each Parenthesis of our Savior's motion is full of heavenly matter, and his obiter more to the purpose, then our iter ) he cured the Woman of her flux of blood, with the touch of his garment. But amongst all these and more wonders, the greatest was the ingratitude of the people of Capernaum, justly occasioning our Savior's sad prediction, And thou Capernaum which art exalted to heaven shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Tyre and S • don, they would have repented long • go in sackcloth and ashes. O sad strapado of the soul, to be hoised up so high, and then cast down suddenly so low, enough to disjoint all the powers thereof in pieces! Capernaum at this day is a poor village scarce consisting of seven fishermens Cottages.

§ 16. Some furlongs west-ward from this City stood the Receipt of custom, whence Matthew was called from a Publican to be an Apostle. In Capernaum afterwards the Toll-gatherers did civilly demand of Peter, Doth not your Master pay tribute? It being questionable in point of law, whether Christ were legally liable to such payments. And l • t us inquire whence the doubt did arise.

Was it because he

• 1 Being a Physician, (such persons of public employment for general good were often exempted from taxes) who gave his pains gratis to others, it was but equal he should be privileged from such pecuniary burdens?
• 2 Being poor, was under value in the Excise-book? And where nothing is to be had the Emperor must lose his right. Yea generally Alms folk who live on the charity of others (such the condition of our Savior) are not to be rated.
• 3 Being an inmate or under-tenant in the house of Peter, the question was, whether Peter or Christ was to pay the taxation?

This last is most probable. For our Savior taking order for the discharging of the debt, Give the money (saith he to S ^t . Peter) unto them for me and thee. As rates in London are divided betwixt Land-lord and Tenant. Hence Peter was sent to sea, where a fish, which probably had plundered a piece of money out of the Pocket of some shipwracked fisherman, lost his life for the fact, and the felons goods found in him were justly forfeited to Christ, Lord Paramount both of sea and soil.

§ 17. Going forward along the shore, some will be so positive as to point at the place where after his resurrection, Christ took his repast with his Disciples on bread and broiled fish; yet we find no express mention of his drinking after he rose from the grave; and that, as some will have it, either in reference to his promise to his Disciples, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the Vine until that day, when I drink it new with you in my Fathers kingdom. Or because (though accepting of meat out of voluntary conformity) yet he refrained from moisture, to manifest himself, though no less then a true, yet much more then a mere man: but this we leave with the Authors.

§ 18. Some miles hence towards the north is a mountain of a moderate ascent and pleasant prospect, generally known by the name of Christ's mountain. Here our Savior made that excellent Sermon in the mount, which was the key of the Old Law. And here he chose his twelve Disciples, frequently repairing hither, when he affected retiredness. Here also learned men on good likelihood (Scripture being silent of the particular place) conceive the miracle of loaves multiplied wrought by our Savior. And to avoid confusion, we must carefully observe that this was twice wrought.

Place.	Guests.	Meat.	Fragments:	Gospels.
A desert nigh Tiberias	5000 men.	5 loaves, two fishes	12 baskets full	Mat. 14. 20 Mar. 6. 43. Lu. 9. 16. 10. 6. 23
Christ's mountai ••	4000 men	7 loaves a few little fishes	7 baskets full.	Mat. 17. 37. Mark 8. 1.

Behold in the latter though the meat was the more, & the mouths fewer, yet fewer fragments did remain. And good reason that our Savior in working of miracles, should observe no other proportion then his own pleasure.

§ 19. Following still the Sea shore and going westward, we light on the City Cinnereth, which some conceive gave the name to the lake adjoining, and also to the land thereabouts. For when Benhadad in favor to King Asa, to remove Baasha from besieging Ramah, inroded Israel, he smote all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali. Some five miles westward we meet with Bethsaida of Galilee, in English a hunting house. Nor is it unlikely, that at first it was a Mansion merely made for recreation, the neighbouring Desert (frequently visited by our Savior when desiring privacy) affording the pleasure of the Game. From a house it grew to be a village, so called by Saint Mark, and thence proceeded to be a City so graced in other Gospel's. Nor need learned men so trouble themselves about the difference, seeing in a short time (Hague in Holland may be an instance) a great town with addition of walls, may at pleasure commence a small City. It was the native place of Peter, Andrew & Philip, and another staple City of Christ's miracles, whose ingratitude forced our Savior's expression, Woe unto thee Chorazin, woe unto thee Bethsaida &c.

§ 20. In the confines of Bethsaida Christ by the hand led forth a blind man out of the town, spat on his eyes, so restoring him to a confused and imperfect sight to see men walking as trees, (well might his spittle give half sight, whose breath gave man whole life at the Creation) and then putting his hands upon his eyes completely cured him. But how came it to pass that he, who other whiles healed at distance by the Proxy of his word, Subveniens priùs quàm veniens, curing before coming to his Patients, should here be so long, not to say tedious, in working a miracle? Even so Savior, because it pleased thee. Let us not raise cavils where we should rather return thanks, seeing Christ, that our dull meditations might keep pace with his actions, did not only go slowly on set purpose, but even stayed in the mid way of a miracle, doing it first by halves, that our conceptions might the better overtake him.

§ 21. To clear this Corner before we go hence: north-east of Bethsaida, on a tridented mountain standeth Saphetta, two parts whereof are inhabited by the Turks, and one by the Jews, and is at this day a very considerable Place. Here the Jews live in the greatest liberty (or rather in the least slavery) of any place under heaven: having some tolerable Privileges allowed them by the Turk. So that they who get wealth enough elsewhere, here seem to have some show of a common-wealth. Yea here there is a University of Jews. And though commonly that Nation count their children to have learning enough, if able to cheat Christians in their bargains, here they give them studious education: and the pure Hebrew tongue (as also at Thessalonica, now Salonichi in Greece ) is here usually spoken, but industriously acquired, the Jews being neithe • born to foot of land nor word of language then what they purchase by their pains. What shall we say if this little place be left still to keep possession, as an earnest that God in due time upon their conversion may possibly restore the whole country unto them?

§ 22. Three Cities follow southwest, Naphtali, a city properly so called; Thisbe different from the native place of Elijah; and Naasson; all their credits depending on the two first verses of the book of Tobit. Now as Comoedians, though often they adorn their interludes with fancies and fictions; yet are very careful always to lay their scene right, in a true place, which is eminently and notoriously known: so grant the book of Tobit guilty of improbabilities and untruths, surely the author thereof would be punctual in describing the place, past possibility of confutation. Yet since the same book presents us with the pedigree of the Angel Raphael, with Ananias the great his Father, and Sammajas his grandfather, contrary to our Savior's character, that they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, and so by consequence can neither get, nor can be begotten; we may as justly suspect his Geography, as Genealogy, and conceive him false in the position of towns, who is fabulous in the extraction of Angels. And if Naphtali and Thisbe pass for real places, yet not only doubtful, but desperate is the case of the City Naasson, not being founded on the rock of the Greek text, where no such town appears, but on the quick-sand of the erroneous Vulgar Latin translation.

§ 23. Having thus surveyed the east and south parts of this Tribe, lest the other coasts thereof should justly complain of neglect, we return to mount Libanus to give an account of the remainder. In this Map, though not in this Tribe (no trespass I hope to look over the hedge) behold Heliopolis, in English, the City of the Sun. But how well it brooks the name, they can best tell, who of certain report, that the height of the mountains adjoining shadow it from the Sun the better half of the day. Was it therefore by the same figure, that the mountains are so called from moving, that Heliopolis got this name? Or because the Sun (as all other Blessings are valued) is most worshipped, where it is most wanted. Not far hence, the river Fons hortorum Libani, or the fountain of the gardens of Libanus, (with which the banks thereof on either side are enamelled) fetcheth his original; running thence by Hamah, afterwards called Epiphania, often mentioned in Scripture. Thus far came the twelve spies, sent to search the land; and this place passeth in Scripture from the entering of Hamah for the northern Boundary of the land of Israel, not only before the expression of Dan came into request, but also long after the mention thereof in holy Writ was disused. We shall in due place speak, as of Hamah the great, so named by the Prophet, (since called Antiochia in Coelosyria, and by vulgar unskillfulness often confounded with this Hamah in Naphtali ) so also of Ashimah, the topicall or peculiar Idol of this place.

§ 24. Hence that river runneth by Hazor, anciently the Metropolis of the Canaanites, where very many of their Kings met together against Joshua, to his great advantage. Had he sought them in their several Cities, to what expense of time and pains would it have amounted? Whereas now their malice did his work, all of them meeting together, having but one neck in effect, which here they tendered to the Axe of divine justice. Hazor by Joshua was burnt, and more then an hundred years after was probably reedified by Jabin the Second, into whose hand God is said to have sold his people. Not far off this river of Gardens leaveth Naphtali, and vis • teth the Tribe of Asher.

§ 25. But before we leave the river, let this memorandum be entered, that some hold this is the same with the Sabbatariam river mentioned in Pliny; which is said to run six days, and lie still the seventh, whence it gained the name. Were this true; as Solomon sent the sluggard to the Pismire to learn industry, well might profane persons be remitted to this river, thereby to be instructed in the Sabbaths due observation. But most listen to it, as to a fable, and the Hurlers in Cornwall (men metamorphosed into stones, as tradition reports, for playing on the Lord's day) may fitly serve to build a bridge over this river. It much shakes the credit of this report, because Josephus relates it clean contrary, namely that this river lies still six days, and only runs the seventh: adding how Titus the Emperor going from Jury to Antioch took a journey by the way to behold the same. But indeed learned Casaubon not only observeth herein the Copies of Josephus to be corrupted, but also giveth his advice for the amendment of the same. So that by right pointing his words, and some other small alteration, Josephus and Pliny, may be made to agree. However modern travellers bring us no intelligence of such alternation or intermitting course of any river hereabouts, and some perchance will be ready to say, that since the Jewish Sabbath hath been swallowed up in the Christians Lord's day, this river hath discontinued his former custom, lest what anciently was ceremonious, be nowadays censured for superstitious.

§ 26. Let us now traverse this tribe southeast: where we c • not miss Abel a City, sometimes single, sometimes double represented unto us, namely

• 1 ^t . Abel of Bethmaacah; as if the former were but parcel of the latter.
• 2 ^lie . Abel and Bethmaacah; as if different, but bordering Cities.
• 3 ^lie . Abel-Bethmaacah; as if both made up one and the same place.

In this City, Sheba the rebel, pursued by Joab and his own guiltiness, took covert, so that the storm of a furious assault was ready to fall upon it, when the breath of a wise woman blew it clear away, who so ordered it, that Sheba's head was cast over the wall See how his head, which thought to turn all Israel upside down, when whirled in the air, was tossed and tumbled about. And pity it is any bullets should be shot into that city, which would cast such fireballs out of it. We know the wicked man's, not the wise woman's name, and yet when his vertueless name shall rot, her nameless virtue shall remain. But Abel wanted such another wise woman to protect it, when furiously taken by Be •• hadad, and at last finally destroyed by Tiglath-Pilesar.

§ 27. But in the very midst of this Tribe the oak-trees of Zahanaim fair and far spread themselves: For Tremellius reads it Quercetum Zahanaim, The oak-tree place of Zahanaim, where our translations render it the plain of Zahanaim. A difference not so great but that our age can accommodate, which being wasteful in woods hath expounded into plains, many places which formerly were dark with the thickest oak-trees. Here Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite dwelt in her tent, whither Sisera (who went forth with nine hundred chariots, but was glad to come home on two legs) fled for security, having quitted his chariot. Not that he thought himself swifter, but safer without it; seeing his chariot which in fight was the strength to cover, in flight was the mark to discover him. And here Jael w ^th a hammer & nail dispatched him, for w ^ch she was blessed by Deborah.

§ 28. The mention of her blessing minds us of the curse of Meroz, and consequently to inquire, where the same was seated. Well may we look for it in any Tribe, which we find in no Tribe. Yea learned men do so differ in their verdict, that some will have Meroz to be, 1 The Devil himself, as Nicholas Lyra, whose opinion is rejected and refuted by all that mention it. 2 A potent Person in these parts having many Tenants and Reteiners. 3 A Country full of populous inhabitants. 4 A City near the place where the battle against Sisera was fought Grant the last as most probable, new Quaere's are engendered; whether a City of Caananites or Israelites; and where to be placed. For the exact position whereof we refer the reader to those our learned Divines, which in these unhappy dissensions have made that Text so often the subject of their Sermons. We have placed it in this tribe not far from Kedesh, whence Barak first went forth with his men, in the place where Mercators Maps have a city called Meroth (a rush-candle is better then no light) our only motive for the situation thereof. Mean time consider, that as the Disciples observed that the fig tree cursed by our Savior, was in their return withered away; so this city after Deborah's execration so dwindled by degrees, that nothing is left of Meroz, but Meroz, nothing surviving of the thing but the name. Which name, let the reader behold in our Map as the mast of that ship, whose keel is swallowed up in the quicksands. A Sea-mark to all posterity to beware, and not to be negligent when they are called to be auxiliaries to God's cause in distress.

§ 29. And now our hand is in about conjectural places, we must not forget Madon once a royal city, certainly hereabouts, because, Iobab the King thereof, was conquered by Joshua at the waters of Merom, though all our industry cannot discover the particular position thereof. Happy our condition that in things concerning salvation we have Christ's gracious promise, Seek and ye shall find, though in these meaner maters our search often wanteth success. We are bold to place it near Dan one of the fountains of Jordan, the rather because Brocard finds a place thereabouts called Medan by the Turks at this day. Where I pray let it stand till better information, for rather then with Adrichomius we should leave it out of our Maps, it is better to put it under any penthouse, then quite shut it out of doors. Let Dan-javan, the third station where Joab pitched his tent when he numbered the people, be joined unto it.

§ 30. To return to the place where Meroz is set, with far more certainty we place Harrosheth of the Gentiles, the native City of Sisera. But if the reader should chance to overlook the low situation thereof, he cannot oversee Kedesh Naphtali the habitation of Barak, and a city of refuge belonging to the Levites; for observable it is that all the cities of refuge on this side Jordan were advantaged on very high foundations. And they appointed K • desh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba (which is Hebron) in the mountain of Judah. Whether because those towns were to typify Christ himself, who like the brazen Serpent was to be listed up, or to comfort the flying and fainting offender, whose eyes were at his journeys end long before his feet, which could not but much revive his spirits. Say not, that it damped them again when his tired legs after a long and tedious journey must at last • limb up a steep mountain to the city of refuge: For (as hath been observed before) if the offender got but within the verge of the suburbs on either side of the city, he was secured from the Avenger of blood.

§ 31. Kedesh was attended on each side with two smaller cities, Bethshemesh on the west, Beth-anath on the southeast, both assigned to, yet neither possessed by the Naphtalites, because the Canaanites though tributaries dwelt therein. Much is pretended in the excuse of the Israelites why generally they drove not these heathens out of their Country.

• 1 None can act above their strength, and they were not able to drive out the Canaanites.
• 2 Had they strength, it had been cruelty, not valor, in cold blood to kill quiet enemies.
• 3 God gave them a kind of toleration being only to drive them out by degrees.
• 4 Much good accrued by this remnant of Canaanites being touchstones to prove the Jews faith to their God.

But these and many more palliations notwithstanding, inexcusable was the Jews connivence at them contrary to God's flat command, and the foresaid pleas of no validity. For

• 1 The weakness of the Jews chiefly consisted in their want of industry, and uniting themselves against those heathen their common enemy.
• 2 It is only cruelty to a man's own soul to disobey God's positive command.
• 3 What's to be done by degrees, is to be done. Whereas the Jews not only reprieved these Canaanites for a time according to God's permissiō, but finally pardoned their lives contrary to his injunction.
• 4 The good accidentally accruing from the remains of the Canaanites, argues not the innocence of the Israelites, but the exceeding goodness of God, ordering their negligence to his own honor.

Yea the sad success shown God's displeasure with his people herein; these Canaanites eftsoons rousing themselves from being couchant under tribute to be rampant in tyranny, and the mixture of their persons infected the Israelites with their Idolatrous practices. Nor know I anything else considerable in this tribe except Karthan or Kiriathaim, a city of the Levites Gershonites, of whose posture we are not so well assured as we could desire.

§ 32. Ahimaaz was Solomon's Purveyer in Naphtali, and had Basmah his daughter to wife. Say not it was poor preferment for the daughter of so mighty a Monarch to marry her Fathers subject. For God's law forbad, heathen matches, and hereby she might keep a clear conscience and lead a comfortable life. Kings children too often wed where they neither affect nor are affected, to foreign Princes (strangers as well in their lands as loves unto them) whilst here Solomon's daughter, might have a softer Pillow, though not so sumptuous curtains in her home-marriage. By the way observe, we find an army of Solomon's wives and concubines, and but three scattered scouts of his children, a son and two daughters. Multiplying wives in man's sin, children, God's blessing, and Solomon laid too many foundations at once, to build much posterity upon them.

§ 33. The usual Arms of Naphtali are Vert a Hind trippant proper according to Jacob's prediction: Naphtali is a Hind let loose; he giveth goodly words. But how this character conforms to the Tribe, learned men much disagree; Luther finds the analogy in Deborah, where in deed both her feminine sex is proper, as also because she was an excellent spokeswoman; all the error is, she was rather extracted from Ephraim then Naphtali.

§ 34. Others read the resemblance in Barak, because Hindelike he was so fearful to come out to war. But surely these blessings were givē by prophetical Jacob to his children as future badges of their honor, not brands of their infamy, and therefore the similitude is to be sought not in the disgraceful but commendable qualities of a Hind, and more probably to be fetched not from their fear but fleetness in several performances. Besides some conceive it too restrictive an interpretation of Jacob's blessing to confine it to any particular (though eminent) person, which speaks rather the general disposition of the whole Tribe, and may thus more largely be expounded Naphtali is a Hind. No ravenous or beast of prey (cruel like the Benjamites, churlish like the Ephraimites ) but a quiet creature: intimating the Naphtalites nature disposed to peacefulness. Let loose. Not pent within the pales of a Park, but having room enough to range in: implying the large and spacious possessions of this Tribe. He giveth goodly words. They were men of fair speech and loving discourse, not querulous, nor captious, but preferring friendly compliance before brawls & contentions. The Standard of Naphtali in the Israelites pitching about the Tabernacle, was the last in the Reare on the northside thereof.

Here the Map of Asher is to be inserted.

[illustration]

THE TRIBE OF ASHER. CHAP. 5.

§ 1. ASher youngest Son of Jacob by Zilpah his Concubine, carrieth blessedness in his name, and was so prospered in his posterity, that forty one thousand and five hundred were reckoned of this Tribe in the general rendezvous at mount Sinah. All which punished in the wilderness with death, for provoking God with their disobedience, their sons being fifty three thousand four hundred entered the land of promise. Many no doubt were the eminent Grandees extracted from Asher, though we me • with none of them in Scripture, save one, and that a woman in the New Testament, Anna the Prophetess, that property of the Temple, as constant therein as the pillars thereof, she departed not thence but served God with fasting and prayer night and day.

§ 2. Asher had mount Libanus on the north, Naphtali on the east, Zebulun on the south and southeast, the sea on the west containing well nigh forty miles in length, the breadth not exceeding sixteen. A fruitful country, Ashers bread shall be fat (so hearty as if it were bread and flesh too) and he shall yield royal dainties. Moses foretold that he should be wetshooed in oil, he should dip his foot therein. Adding moreover that his shoes should be iron and brass. Not that the ground in this Tribe parched by drought proved impenetrable, and rebellious to the commands of the plough, (as elsewhere God threatens the disobedient Jews, the earth that is under thee shall be iron ) but that this land should afford plenty of those metals, according to the testimony of Eumaeus in Homer,

Besides the great commodities of the sea, with the convenient havens thereof, Deborah complains that when Zebulun and Naphtali (most concerned as nearest danger) engaged themselves against Sisera, Asher continued on the Seashore, and abode in his breaches. And no wonder if being Merchants they preferred profit before peril, especially being in a safe place where the iron chariots of Jabin King of Canaan could not approach them.

§ 3. The worst mischief in this Tribe was, that after the death of Joshua, the Canaanites quartered so hard on the men of Asher, that they detained no fewer then seven great cities from them. Yea perchance something may be picked out of the expression of the holy Spirit, for whereas the Canaanites are said to dwell amongst those of Zebulun, the Asherites (the phrase being altered) in the following verse are said to dwell among the Canaanites, as if those pagans were the principal Land-lords (ingrossing all memorable places in this Tribe to themselves) whilst the Asherites lived amongst them as Tenants at will by the others leave. Nor was this fully remedied until the victorious reigns of David and Solomon.

§ 4. In the north-west part of this Tribe near the sea side, we first meet with Misrepothmaim, that is, the boiling of waters, though uncertain whether done artificially by fire, or naturally by the Sun. Here great plenty of salt was made in brine-pits, a necessary, and gainful commodity. However, Tremellius rendereth Misrepothmaim fornaces vitrarias, Glass-furnaces; and we know, store of the best sort of that brickle ware was made hereabouts. Joshua having foiled the Kings of Canaan at the waters of Merom, pursued them thus far to the shore of the Mediterranean, where his foes had the free choice, whether they would be killed with the sword, or drowned in the sea. Hard by is Mearah, which signifieth a cave, (and so some translations render it, though others retain the Hebrew word) being the northern boundary of the land of Canaan, and an impregnable underground fortification of the Zidonians. Yea many hundred years after in the Holy War, when the Christians possessed Palestine, they manfully defended it until the garrison therein corrupted with money, basely betrayed it unto the Saracens.

§ 5. Observe by the way, that the hills in Palestine generally had in their sides plenty of caves, and those of such laxity and receipt, that ours in England are but conny-boroughs if compared to the palaces which those hollow places afforded. Neither wonder that the cave of Makkedah could contain five Kings together, or that Obadiah could hide an hundred Prophets by fifty & fifty in a cave, or that about four hundred men abode with David in the cave of Adullam, or that six hundred Benjamites lurkit, for four months, in the rock of Rimmon, when Strabo hath reported, that towards Iturea, (which beginneth not far off) there be sharp mountains, having deep de • s in them, whereof one is able to receive four thousand Men. These caves (being only a cellar by nature) were by Art contrived into several rooms, and by industry fortified even unto admiration. So well man'd, they could not be stormed, well victualled, they could not be starved, and (not having any combustible matter about them) fire-free they could not be burned, so thick, they could not be battered, so high, they could not be scaled, and so low, they could not be undermined. But these Inns gave entertainment to any guests, and as sometimes they gave shelter to pious people in persecution, so often they afforded harbor to thieves and vagabonds. The Psalmist glanceth on such places, in that his expression, Thou art of more honor and might then the hills of the robbers; and our Savior directly pointeth at them, when he complaineth, that they had turned the house of God into a den of thieves.

§ 6. To proceed, hereabouts we can quickly discover an ancient City, wrongfully placed by the presumption of Authors, namely Enoch, built by Cain in the land of Nod, which one tells us was at the foot of mount Libanus, and that vast foundations thereof are at this day to be seen. Surely Cain's wandering humor (bloody hands are always attended with roving feet) seems to have possessed these Authors brains, straggling in the position of this place so far from the truth, and the text, which describeth it east of Eden. But we may seek the City Enoch with more probability to find it amongst the Henochii, a people seated by Pliny near the Bactrians in the east country.

§ 7. But before we go farther, we will alter our former method, (hoping such variety will prove the more pleasant) and because most memorable Places in Asher, are mentioned in Joshua, where the Possessions of this Tribe were first allotted him; we will briefly comment on those verses, wherein the Bounds of his Inheritance are described.

To prevent all Quarrels, the Land on this side Jordan was divided by lot, betwixt the nine Tribes and an half, much of providence being couched under the seeming casualty thereof; for although their Portions fell not to them in such seniority as they sat down at Pharaoh 's Table, the first-born according to his Birth-right, and the youngest according to his youth, yet an excellent method was observed therein: For,

• The first Lot fell to Judah the Tribe Royal, of whom the Chief Rulers and Christ himself was to descend.
• The second, to the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, to whom (on Reuben's forfeiting thereof) the Birth-right belonged.
• The third to Benjamin, Jacob's youngest, but next best beloved son, by Rachel his dearest wife.
• The fourth, fifth and sixth for Simeon Zebulun and Issachar, his sons by Leah, so that all Jacob's children by his wives were provided for first, before those he had by his Concubines received any Possessions.
• The seventh for Asher Jacob's son by Zilpah handmaid to Leah his first wife, and therefore her child in seniority preferred, Gad his elder brother being already provided for on the other side Jordan.
• The eight and ninth for Naphtali and Dan born of Bilhah handmaid to Rachel, the younger sister, and Jacob's second wife.

We know who said in another case, I sleep, but my heart awaketh. So see here, though drowsy Chance in the Lot is commonly challenged to have slept out her eyes, and to become stark blind, yet is there a concealed vigilancy therein, ordered by divine Providence.

In expounding these words for the main we follow learned Masius, though loath to err with any, willing to venture sooner on his then any other Authors judgment herein. May the Reader find out Helkah in our Map (in the South-east part thereof, not far from the Sea) thence let his eyes start, and with good success (following the names in the Text, and the pricks in our Map for his direction) surround the Borders of this Tribe. Helkah was afterwards given to the Levites Gershonites, to be one of their four Cities in this Tribe, had Achshaph and formerly been a Royal City of the Canaanites whose King had been conquered by Joshua .

Mishael or Mashal was another City of the Levites. By this the Border of Asher ran Southwestward to Carmell; understand thereby not the mountain so called (lying more South in Zebulun ) but the Plain lying under the same, more towards the North. Shihor Libnah, that is, the white River. Now for streams to take their names from their colors, is no news to them that have heard of Albis in Germany, Melas in Thracia, and two Rivers called Blackwater, the one in the South, the other in the North of Ireland. But whether this River in Asher took the whiteness from the foaming water therein, or Chalk-banks (like our Albion ) on both sides, or from the materials of glass or crystall growing there, let others dispute, whilst we only observe that Album Promontorium or the white Promontory, is by Pliny placed hereabouts.

The Map will make all these flexures plain. Beth Dagon, that is, the Temple of Dagon; but how came this Idol of the Philistines to travel thus far almost to Phoenicia? Surely it never came hither on its own legs, as the Psalmist observes, Feet have they, but they walk not, but was brought by the Superstition of the Canaanites, which borrowed this Idol from their neighbors. Concerning Cabul, quaere whether it were the name of a particular place, or the same with the Land of Cabul, which I conceive lay more Northward, which Solomon afterward bestowed on Hiram King of Tyre.

Hebron differing from a greater City of the same name in the Tribe of Judah. Rehob, that is, large or spacious, this name speaking it a City of great receipt. Unto this place came the twelve Spies sent to discover the Land, and this City was afterwards bestowed upon the Levites. This Kanah the great is conceived by some the birth place of Simon the Canaanite, the disciple of Christ. Great Zidon was given to, never gained by this Tribe, whose Borders reached to Zidon exclusively, so that Ashers lips might touch the cup, but not taste the liquor of so sweet a City.

Turneth, namely towards the South; Rama • , that is, an high place, as the name importeth, therefore seated by us on a Mountain; Such Maps as place Ramah in a valley are guilty of as great a Solecisme in Geography, as he in gesture, who speaking, O Heavens, pointed to the Earth. Wonder not that in Palestine we meet with so many Ramahs (Towns seated on a rising or advantage of ground) seeing it was so mountainous a Country: Equivalent whereunto we have the frequent name of Upton in England, whereof I have told, (Smile good Reader, but do not jeer at my curiosity herein) no fewer then three and thirty in the Alphabetical names of Speeds descriptions. Tyre like Zidon was never possessed by the Asherites, neither was Achzib near to Helkah where we first began our preambulation about this Tribe, and now redit labor actus in orbem, we have walked the Round, and encompassed the Bounds thereof.

All the former were limitary places in the Tribe of Asher, these three last were more Inland Cities in the heart of the Country. To avoid tautology, • ehob here, must be allowed a distinct City from that mentioned before.

§ 8. But of all these Cities, Aphek was most remarkable, whose King was killed by Joshua, and near whereunto Benhadad (lately beaten by Ahab on the Mountains of Samaria ) with his new modeled Army in a new place hoped for new success. For instead of the thirty two Kings, of more pomp then puissance to his Army, he placed so many Captains, seeing it is not the shining of the hilt, but the sharpness of the edge of the sword must do the the deed. And resolved to fight in the Plain, conceiving the God's of the Israelites (though by Benhadad's swelling words & lofty language one might rather have collected the Syrian God's to have been) the God's of the Moūtains. Then appeared he with a mighty Host, against whom the Israelites marched forth like two little flocks of Kids. Behold here a wonder, the Kids kill the Wolves, and a hundred thousand Syrian footmen were killed in one day. From the field they fly into the City of Aphek. What, was it to try whether the God of Israel (concluded now God of the Country, be it hilly or plain) were God of the City also? They found it so by sad experience, when the wall of the City fell on twenty and seven thousand of them that were left, which wall if cruel to kill, was charitable to bury them.

§ 9. Yet Ahab afterwards lost the advantage of this victory, when contrary to God's flat command, on Benhadad's feigned submission he indulged life unto him, which caused his own death and destruction not long after. Thus foolish pity, instead of breaking, whets the knife for it's own throat: and they who only take out the teeth and sting of such serpents which they should kill outright, shall find the very stumps and tail remaining enough to bite and sting them to death.

§ 10. Baanah the son of Hushai was Solomon's purveyor in Asher and in Aloth; What this Aloth should be, a deep silence is in all Comments. I conceive it a hilly Country, appendent to Asher, ascending with mountains, according to the notation of the Hebrew word. Herein our guess is seconded by plenty of Gradati montes, Staired mountains, which go up by degrees, found in these parts, and one most eminent, whereof Josephus takes especial notice, being an hundred furlongs north of Ptolemais, called scala Tyriorum, or the Tyrians Ladder. How near our conjecture is bowled to the mark I know not, but hope the Reader before he knocks this away will lay a better in the room thereof. So much of Asher, whose country was much straitened by the Phoenicians, their mortal enemies (lying within his bounds, though never subdued) which we now come to describe.

§ 11. Phoenicia is often mentioned in Scripture, and is so called as some will have it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , from plenty of palm trees growing therein; as others 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from the many slaughters formerly made in that warlike Nation. To omit other antiquated deductions thereof, prettiest (because newest) is that of a modern Author from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 bhene-Anak, Pheanak, Phoenik, the sons of Anak, as the fathers and founders of the people of this Country. A long slender Country it is, having the bounds thereof by several Authors variously assigned; but generally extended from the Sea to Mount Libanus in breadth, and in length from Carmel to the River Canis in the north; a tract of an hundred miles and upwards.

§ 12. The inhabitants hereof were transcendently ingenious; whose wits (like the gold wire they so much dealt with) were ductile and pliable to all inventions. From a pin to a pillar, nothing was so small but their skill could work, nothing so great but their industry could achieve. Whatsoever was pretty for children to play with, or neat for women to wear, or necessary for man to use, in any one of these the Phoenicians were so expert, nature might seem to design them for that alone, and so dextrous in all of them, it were hard to say wherein they excelled. They could weave clothes with the smallest thread, dress them with the finest work, die them with the freshest colors, embroider them with the richest cost, and then either sell them to others to their great profit, or wear them with as much pride themselves. They were excellent Architects; Solomon himself (who well knew the most cunning workmen in every craft) confessing to Hiram, There is not amongst us any that can skill to he • timber like the Sidonians. They are also conceived the first founders of Letters, Arithmetic, Astronomy, with the working in glass, and several other rare devices.

§ 13. Tyre was the chiefest city in Phoenicia, situate at the entrance of the Sea. Elegantly the Prophet termeth the harvest of the river her revenue: an harvest lasting all the year long, every day sowing at the setting forth, and reaping at the return of her Ships. Tyre said of herself, I am of perfect beauty, which coming out of her own mouth was rather proudly then falsely spoken. If it be accounted one of the stateliest sights in the world, to see a stout Ship under sails, how beautiful was it to behold the Tyrian Gallies with all their accoutrements; Planks of the Fir-trees of Senir, Masts of the Cedars of Lebanon, Oares of the Oaks of Bashan, Hatches of the ivory of Chittim, Sails with broidered work (oh vanity top and top gallant!) out of Egypt, blue and purple Carpets for covering from the Isles of