Observations Upon the Old Testament

CHAP. XXXVIII.

Verse 1. AT that time ] Or in that time not of Josephs selling into Egypt. For between that time and Judah's going into Egypt with his father Jacob, were but twenty two or twenty three years. Joseph being sold at seventeen years old; and all coming down when he was forty years old. And within the compass of those twenty two or twenty three years, Judabs marriage with the daughter of Shuah, and the begetting of Pharez upon Tamar his daughter-in-law, and Pharez his begetting of Hezron and Hamul could not possibly be done. Judah 's marriage then must needs precede the story of Josephs sale; and Er his eldest son must needs be about ten years old at that time. Therest, and so the most of the story in this chapter, fell out after the selling of Joseph into Egypt.

went dom • from his brethren ] Not before he left Laban, though some reject not that opinion; but before Dinah's ravishing, yea, speedily upon his first coming into Canaan. They that make Judah to be born in the beginning of the 14th year of the latter seven of Jacob's service, & so but three or four years older then Joseph, and but forty three or forty four when he came with his father into Egypt, they find him by that account to be but ten years old when he first came into Canaan, and thereupon defer his marriage till two or three years after, and so straiten the times for the births of his offspring before they all went into Egypt, which howsoever the great Annotations miscast it upon this place, must needs run thus, viz. that Judah at twelve or thirteen married the daughter of Shuah, two or three years after his coming into Canaan; and in three years after had Er, Onan and Shelah. That Er at twelve married Tamar, that four years were spent in the matters of Onan and Shelah, and Judah's begetting Pharez, and Zerah of Tamar, to the time of the birth of Pharez: that Pharez at twelve married, and in two years had Ezrom and Hamul. All which do make up but thirty three or thirty four years, which is the full time between the first coming of them all into Canaan, and their going down into Egypt, as clearly appears by the several periods of Josephs age; he being six or seven years old when they all left Laban, and forty when they all came down unto him into Egypt. But the other opinion which makes Judah to be borne in the fourth year of the first seven of Jacob's service, and so to be ten years older then Joseph, and fifty years old when he with his father came into Egypt, doth give fairer way to the course and times of the story thus, viz. Judah at sixteen years old, comes into Canaan, and speedily marries the daughter of Shuah. In the next year hath Er. Er marries Tamar at fourteen. After which four years are spent in the matters of Onan, of Shelah, and till the birth of Pharez, begotten by Judah after the death of his wife, upon the body of Tamar, and Pharez at thirteen years old marries, and in two years hath Hezron and Hamul, and then all go down into Egypt. And all this within the fifty years of Judah's age.

Adullamite] Adullam, a city that fell afterwards to the tribe of Judah, Josh. 12. 15. 15. 33, 35. had a King was seated in a valley, David fled to a cave here, 1 Sam. 22. 1. 2 Sam. 23. 13.

V. 2. Canaanite ] Contrary to the wills of his Grandfather and great Grandfather, ch. 24. 3. 27. 46. 28. 1.

Shuah ] The name not of Judah's wife, but of her father, v. 12. 1 Chron. 2. 3.

V. 3. He called ] The man names the child.

V. 4. She called ] The woman names. And so, v. 5.

Chezib ] Likely Achzib, Josh. 19. 29. 15. 44. signifies lying, and thereto the Prophet alludes, Micah. 1. 14.

V. 7. Was wicked in ] What wickedness is not set down, but heinous sure in kind and degree.

slew him ] Shortly after his marriage, how or by what means is not set down, ch. 46. 12. Numb. 26. 19. 1 Chron. 2. 3. In some extraordinary remarkable manner by sudden vengeance.

V. 8. And marry her and raise up seed ] This before Moses time. After a Law made for it, Deut. 25. 5, 7, 9. And in want of a brother, the next Kinsman was to do it, Ruth 3. 9. 4. 6, 7. But forbidden in case the brother left any issue before he died, Lev. 18. 16. 20. 21.

V. 11. Remain a widow at thy fathers house ] Lev. 22. 13. Lest she should entice Shelah.

till Shelah ] Yet he minded it not, v. 14, 26.

lest he die ] Conceiving something amiss of Tamar, upon an evil surmise, as if some unluckinesse followed her.

V. 12. In process of time ] The days were multiplied, yet long it could not be: but surely after the deat • s of Er and Onan, because after his fit of mourning for her death, he soon lies with Tamar.

sheep-shearers ] Then they used to have feasts, 1 Sam. 25. 8, 11. So he went to make merry after his mourning.

Timnath ] A City in the Philistines country, which after fell to the lot of Judah, Josh. 15. 20, 57. There Sampson took a wife, Judge. 14. 1.

V. 14. Widows garment ] Some mournful guise and habit, to notify her estate. An ancient and lawful practice.

in an open place. ] So whores used, Prov. 7. 12. 9. 14. Jer. 3. 2. Ezech. 16. 25.

grown, and she was not given ] Some suitable time must be allowed to this: which will hardly stand with that opinion of Judah 's not marrying till he had been three years in the land of Canaan.

V. 15. Because she had covered her face ] A veil did serve for Modesty, ch. 24. 65. But here it was that Judah might not know her. And likely to the same purpose she used whispering, or changed her voice and tone. See, Annot. on ch. 29. 25

V. 16. What wilt thou give me] Ezech. 16. 33. Deut. 23. 18. Micah 1. 7.

V. 17] Pledge ] Hebrew Eraben, whence the Greek Arrhaebon, and the Latin Arrhabon. This she did for her future security. v. 24, 25.

V. 18. Thy signet] Luke 15. 22. Jer. 22. 24.

came in unto her ] In some secret place by, and near.

conceived by him ] Being now about thirty four years of age. The great Annotators reckon him now to be about thirty years of age; and yet by the grounds of their own reckoning, he must needs be twenty nine at the marriage of Er; marrying himself at fourteen, and his eldest son Er likewise marrying at fourteen; which how they will agree together let the Reader judge. See their Annot. on ch. 38. 1. yet of Judah by this conception come the Jews, who brag they were not borne of fornication, John 8. 41. yea, our blessed Savior sprung from this race, Mat. 1. 3. He will not reject great sinners.

V. 23. Lest we be shamed ] Shameful was the sin of fornication among the Heathen.

V. 24. Let her be burnt ] For adultery, as being betrothed and belonging to Shelah. Thus the Heathens condemned adultery, Jer. 29. 22, 23. And so Moses Law after, Deut. 22. 23, 24. condemned there to be stoned. And a Priests daughter for fornication to be burnt, Lev. 21. 9. Judah here takes upon him, as if he had power of life and death over those that belonged to his family, as Tamar did though now in her fathers house; or at least, he shows the eagerness of his desire against her, if his meaning were, but to have her carried before the Magistrate, and be so punished by burning, according to the Law of the country. However, he was desirous to be rid of her, for his son Shelahs sake: and bewrays his own partiality in his own sin, and inhumane cruelty in thus judging her to fire, and the fruit in her womb yet unborne, and that before he heard what she could say for herself, never minding how unjustly he had dealt with her, in not giving her to Shelah to wise. Thus, 2 Sam. 12. 5, 7. Rom. 2. 1.

V. 25. When she was brought forth ] To execution, or rather to prison or trial.

she sent ] To stay his proceedings, and haply to smother it before it came to a public hearing.

the signet, and bracelet, and staff ] Thus she convicts him by his own seal, and beats him with his own staff.

V. 26. And Judah acknowledged ] His repentance, else he might have pleaded against those tokens many ways, by many excuses, to have freed himself.

more righteous then I ] Aggravates his own fault. In many things both faulty, and in some things each of them more faulty then the other. He was the cause or occasion of her sin.

and he knew her again no more ] It had been incest. His repentance. To sin no more is true repentance, Job 34. 31, 32. Though Judah were young now, yet we read not of anymore of his children after, so that it seems he married not again, or had no children by his second wife, ch. 46. 12. Numb. 26. 19, 20, 21, 22. 1 Chron. 2. 3, 4. Shelah was after married, and likely to Tamar, Numbers 26. 20.

V. • 8. Put out his hand ] Dangerous labor for her sin, ch. 25. 26.

a scarlet thread ] Discerning there were twins, as a skillful midwife might do, and intending to mark the first-borne.

V. 29. This breach be upon thee ] Thou hast made it, and thou shalt bear the name of it. As these twins, so Jacob and Esau may be said to strive for the birth-right in the womb.

Pharez] Ruth 4. 12. Mat. 1. 3.

V. 30. Zarah ] Signifies risen or sprung up, as the Sun is said to rise. In the birth of these two brethren, the state of the two Churches of Jews and Gentiles may be considered, as in a figure, the Jew drawing back his hand by unbelief, Rom. 10. 3. and after the fullness of the Gentiles is broken forth and come in, then he coming forth last of all, Rom. 11. 11, 12, 24, 25, 26.

CHAP. XXXIX.

Verse. 1. TO Egypt ] For their preservation, chap. 45. 5, 7.

V. 2. And the Lord was with Joseph] V. 3, 21. Acts 7. 9, 10 Psal. 91. 15.

in the house of his Master ] God's blessing went along with him. His Master employed him at home in the house, and not in more servile businesses abroad. No doubt he soon got skill in the Egyptian language, to enable him to it.

V. 3. His Master saw ] By the effects. Thus the Heathen acknowledge a divine Providence, ch. 30. 27.

V. 4. Found grace in his sight] V. 21. though none in his brethren, Nehem. 2. 4, 5.

Overseer ] Steward, Prov. 27. 18. 14. 35. 17. 2.

all that he had ] So fully trusted him, his worth and fidelity.

V. 5. For Josephs sake ] The benefit of a religious servant, Psal. 1. 3.

V. 6. Save the bread which he did eat ] A proverbial speech, noting his ease and security, and his trust reposed in • oseph, v. 23. ch. 43. 32. the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews, as being shepherds.

a goodly person ] Here beauty and grace do meet. So in David, 1 Sam. 16. 12.

V. 7. Cast her eyes ] Beauty a dangerous object to a wanton eye, eyes full of adultery, 2 Pet. 2. 14. lustful looks condemned, Mat. 5. 28. Job makes a Covenant with his eyes, Job 31. 1.

lie with me ] Impudency, though haply she spake not so broad at first, Prov. 7. 13, 18. 6. 26.

V. 9. How then can I ] The godly cannot consent to sin, 1 John 3. 9. the wicked cannot cease from sin, 2 Pet. 2. 14.

great wickedness ] Adultery a great wickedness. The suspicion of it raiseth jealousy and rage, Prov 6. 34, 35. It is a kind of sacrilege in a godly person, 1 Cor. 6. 19.

against God ] It had been great ungratefulnes to his kind Master. Yet the fear of God was the chiefest reason to withhold him.

V. 10. Day by day ] Importunity joined with impudency.

he hearkened not ] Perseverance in the resistance of sin.

or to he with her ] Appearances and occasions of sin are to be shunned, 1 Thes. 5. 22. 1 Tim. 5. 14. Prov. 1. 15. 5. 8.

V. 12. Caught him by the garment ] So un • uly a thing is lawless lust: makes such a woman impudently offer to commit a rape upon a man.

he left his garment ] Stayes not to parley with her. got him out] v. 15 Eccl 7. • 6.

V. 14. The men of her house] V. 11. Those few that were about the house.

See ] Showing the garment.

an Hebrew ] She so names him in contempt, chap. 43. 32.

to mock us ] To cause us to be mocked; by his dishonest attempt to cause us to be disgraced. Or she will seem to speak modestly in a pretended attempt of ravishment. And thus raging lust turns to raging hatred, yea, though satisfied, as in Amnon, 2 Sam. 13. 15.

to lie with me ] A loud lie. Thus sin is seconded with sin, and the guilty charge the innocent. Thus the blasphemous Jews charge Christ with blasphemy. Papists call us Heretics, 1 Kings 18. 17.

V. 16. Her Lord ] The sovereignty of husbands, and subjection of wives.

V. 17. Which thou hast brought ] She layeth the fault upon him, that to quit himself to her, he may lay more rigor upon Joseph.

V. 20. Into prison ] Dungeon, ch. 40. 15. 41. 14. Psal. 105. 18, 19. without examining the matter, or hearing Joseph, or at least not believing him, and his true pleading for himself, and not willing to have the blame and shame lie upon his wife, and so upon him.

V. 21. And gave him favor ] After a time, Psal. 105. 18, 19.

of the Keeper of the prison ] Chief Goaler, perhaps under Potiphar, ch. 40. 4. Captain of the Guard. Likely Joseph might declare the matter, and clear his innocence to him, which he might not be suffered to do to his Master. And Potiphar by his officers relation, might begin to be better persuaded of Joseph, and to show him favor.

V. 22. He was the doer of it ] Not as a drudge to do every ones work, but as a Ruler, that all things there were done by him, or his direction. Thus, though many Archers had shot at Joseph, yet his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made firm, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob, ch. 49. 23, 24.

CHAP. XL.

Verse 1. BUtler] V. 13. Nehem. 1. 11.

V. 2. Officers] Hebr. Eunuchs. See, Annot. on ch. 37. 36.

V. 3. Put them in ward ] The fickle state of Favorites and Courtiers.

in the house of the Captain of the guard ] Likely the same Potiphar, ch. 37. 36. 39. 1, 20.

into the prison ] Tower or round prison, dungeon, v. 15. ch. 39. 20. 41. 14.

V 4. Charged Joseph with them] Potiphar, if he be this Captain now thinks better of Joseph, and intrusts him, likely upon that relation of his chief officer, chap. 39. 21, 22, 23.

V. 5. And they dreamed] See Annotations on chap. 20. 3.

according to the interpretation ] No vain dreams, as the interpretation shown, v. 12, 18, 21, 22. 41. 11, 12.

V. 6. Sad ] So dreams sent of God use much to affect men, ch. 41. 4. Dan. v. 1, 3. Mat. 27. 19.

V. 8. We have dreamed a dream ] Each his own dream, not both one.

no Interpreter ] Being prisoners we cannot go to the Sooth-sayers, ch. 41. 8. Dan. 4. 7.

be • ong to God▪ ] Not to your wizards, ch. 41. 16. Dan. 2. 27, 28, 18, 19, 23, 47.

tell me ] He finds by the instinct of God's Spirit that he should be able to interpret their dreams, through an extraordinary gift given him. Though Joseph was bound, yet God's Word and gift to him was not bound, 2 Tim. 2. 9. Before he was a dreamer, ch. 37. 5, 9, 19. Now an Interpreter.

V. 12. They are ] They signify, ch. 41. 26. So, Mat. 26. 26, 28.

V. 13. Within three days] V. 20. The three branches might as well have signified three weeks, months or years, but for God's revelation to Joseph.

lift up thine head ] Sum up and reckon thee, as, Exod. 30. 12. Numb. 1. 2. 26. 2. and promote thee to thy former place of office and honor, as, Jer. 52. 31. This shall Pharaah do when he shall take survey of his family and officers.

V. 14. Think on me ] Therefore Joseph knew not the time, means and manner of his own deliverance. God in his wisdom did not reveal that unto him. So, 1 Kings 13. the man of God knew not his own mishap, by means of the old false prophet, Gen 46. 27.

make mention of me] Joseph is careful to use the means for his delivery.

V. 15. Stollen away ] To conceal his brethren's fault, And yet stolen from his father and sold, Ex. 21. 16.

Land of the Hebrews] Canaan, wherein the posterity of Abraham the Hebrew dwelt, ch. 14. 13. And to whom by God's Promises it belonged, called the Holy Land, Zech. 2. 12. Thus Joseph shows his faith.

have I done nothing ] Innocency protects not against mischief, yet may be pleaded, as here, John 10. 32. Acts 24. 12, 13, 20. 25. 10, 11. Job 31. Psal. 7. 3 26. 1. Dan. 6. 22.

V. 16. White baskets ] Of which holes, that is made of white twigs, with holes as net-work.

uppermost ] Of the three baskets, nothing mentioned in the two lower baskets.

V. 19. Lift up thine head ] Reckon thee; as, ver. 13, 20.

from off thee ] Likely cut off thy head, and after hang thy body on a tree.

and the birds shall eat ] The Jews were to bury him the same day, Deut. 21. 22, 23. The Egyptians and many Gentiles suffered them to hang many days. Joseph deals truly and plainly with the Baker. So should Physicians do, and such as attend the sick.

V. 20. Birth-day ] So Herod kept his with a feast, Mar. 6. 21. Lawful in itself so it be kept without vanity, excess, superstition and profaneness. And so for Ecclesiastical Festivities, if there be no error committed in the manner and end of their celebrations.

V. 22. Hanged ] On his birth-day, having occasion thereby to take notice of his chief officers.

V. 23. But forgot him ] Forgot his misery, and unthankful for his interpretation, Eccl. 9. 15, 16. Amos 6. 6. Thus Joseph tried still two years longer, ch. 41. 1. until the time his Word came, Psal. 105. 19.

CHAP. XLI.

Verse 1. TWo full years ] After that, ch. 40. 19. There is no certainty how long Joseph was in prison, in what year first put in. He waited patiently upon God in long afflictions for his deliverance.

by the river] Nile, or some river drawn from it, Deut. 11. 10, 11. This waters Egypt, and makes it fruitful without rain, Zech. 14. 18.

V. 2. Out of the river ] Out of Nile comes plenty and dearth, according to the heights of the rising of it. Plin. nat. hist. l. 5. c. 9.

Kine ] Kine and corn are the two chief sustenances of man.

V. 5. Seven cares of corn upon one stalk ] Sign of great plenty.

V. 6. Blasted with the East-wind ] Strong and drying to blast the fruits, Ezech. 17. 10. 19. 12.

V. 7. A dream ] That stuck by him: dreams the occasion of his fall; and dreams the occasion of his rising.

V. 8. His spirit was troubled,] Ch. 40. 6. Dan. 2. 1, 3. God's Power to scare men, even Kings, with dreams, Job 7. 17.

Magicians] Exod. 7. 11. Dan. 2. 2. 5. 7. strong illusions of Satan, that wrought men to such deceits, and strong conceits of the power of Magicians, Dan. 2. 2, 4, 5. If Atheists confess a devil and devilish divinations, there must needs be a God and divine revelations.

wise men] Mat. 23. 34. Philosophers among the Greeks, Acts 17. 18.

none that could interpret ] So, Dan, 2. 10. 5. 8. Thus God maketh the wisdom of their wise men perish, Isaiah 29. 14. 44. 25. 19. 11, 12, 13.

V. 9. I do remember my faults this day ] Courtier-like complements to prevent suspicion in the King, lest he should think he grudge'd as unjustly punished in his imprisonment. This was rather to please Pharaoh, then to pleasure Joseph. God's Providence in it, that he mentions not Joseph, till the Magicians had been tried.

V. 13. Me he restored ] He, that is, the regal Majesty restored me.

V. 14. Brought him hastily] Psal. 105. 20. Dan. 2. 25. The wicked seek to the Prophets and People of God in their necessity.

dungeon ] There haply he was then, as overseeing the rest in that place.

shaved himself ] Polled himself in a seemly sort. He had let his hair grow, it seems, in sign of sorrow, as, 2 Sam. 19. 24. Mephibosheth did. Now he trims himself; being to go before the King. To shave all hair away were unseemly, Jer. 41. 5. 2 Sam. 10. 4, 5. The middle way is commanded the Priests, Ezech. 44. 20.

raiment ] His prison-weeds, Esther 4. 2.

V. 16. Not in me] Dan. 2. 28.

an answer of peace ] So Joseph wished, hoped, and haply foresaw. It is an apprecation of such an answer, as might quiet his troubled mind concerning his dream.

V. 21. Still ill-favored ] Such are wicked men, Isaiah 9. 20. The godly otherwise, Psal. 37. 19. neither earing nor harvest, ch. 45. 6.

V. 26. Are ] Signifie, Joseph before a Dreamer, now an Interpreter.

V. 32. Doubled ] Here God teacheth the reason, why things are sundry times repeated in the Scriptures.

V. 33. Let Pharaoh look out ] Means must be used. Joseph gives this counsel not rashly, but by the guidance of God's Spirit, by this means and occasion to fulfil that, ch 37. 7, 9.

V. 34. Officers ] Overseers, Bishops, so the Bishops of the Army, Numb. 31. 14. 2 Kings 11. 16. Bishops of the works, 2 Chron. 34. 12, 17. So among the Priests and Levites, Numb. 4. 16. Nehem. 11. 9, 14. So, 1 Tim. 3. 1, 2.

the fifth part ] Likely other great men would be buyers and storers, by Josephs example. Thus counsels he to provide against the time of want, as in the example of the Pismire, Prov. 6. 6, 7, 8. Luke 16 9. This fifth part was for the King, ch. 47. 14. Taken up most likely by way of tribute partly, and partly by purchase; and upon his charge put into his granaries. The other four parts were abundantly sufficient in those years of plenty.

V. 37. Was good] Acts 7. 10. Prov 20. 12. Psal. 105. 22.

V. 38 The Spirit of God is] Dan. 4. 6. 5. 11. This Pharaoh grounds upon his Prophetical interpretation. He speaks as an Heathen, naming gods plurally. So, chap. 31. 53.

V. 40. Over my house] Psal. 105. 21 So, Dan. 2. 46, 47. 5. 29. So, 1 Kings 8. 3. 2 Kings 18. 18. Luke 12. 42. Men fitly and fully qualified and gifted should be made Officers, Numb. 11. 17. Acts 6. 3.

according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled ] Hebr. is, At thy mouth shall all my people kiss. That is, at thy Commandment. (So, Job 39. 30. Numb. 9. 20. Luke 19. 22. Gen. 24 57.) they shall kiss or apply the hand to the mouth. (as, Job 31. 27.) in sign of honor and obedience, as, Psal. 2. 12. so Samuel kissed Saul, 1 Sam. 10. 1. 1 Kings 10. 18. Hos. 13. 2. Prov. 24. 26. Thus Joseph was honored and ou • horized, Psal. 105. 22. Acts 7. 10. they kissed the commands that came from his lips, which imports a submission, and that rather of affection and delight then of compulsion and fear.

V. 41. See I have set thee ] See, respecting the ornaments and ceremonious signals, whereby this honor was conferred unto him. Thus God bringeth low, and lifteth up. &c 1 Sam. 2. 7, 8. Psal. 113. 7, 8.

V. 42. Took off his ring ] An Ensign of honor and authority, Esther 3. 10. and 8 2. Luke 15. 22. Hereby to publish under the Kings seal such Orders and Commands as Joseph would.

of fine linen] Egypt was famous for fine linen, Prov. 7. 16. Ezech. 27. 7. it signifies also bysse or silk, Ex. 25. 4. Apoc. 19. 8, 14. The wear of great personages, Prov. 31. 22. Ezech. 16. 10. Luke 16. 19.

a gold chain] Prov. 1. 9. Ezech. 16. 11. Thus, Dan. 5. 7, 16, 29.

V. 43. Second chariot ] 2 Chron. 35. 24. As Mordecai riding on the Kings horse, Esther 6. 8. Thus Joseph the second man in the Kingdom, Daniel made the third, Dan, 5. 29.

Bow the knee ] Abrech. kneel down, as to the father of the King, ch. 45. 8.

V. 44. I am Pharaoh ] I am King, and will be; and assure as I am Pharaoh, so sure without thee, thy advice, and authority, not the least thing shall be done in matter of Government; no man shall do anything, or go any whither.

V. 45. Zaphnath-Paaneah ] A Revealer of secrets, Dan. 1. 7. Gen. 17. 5.

of Poti-pherah Priest of Ou ] To distinguish him from that Potiphar, ch. 37. 36. 39. 1. who dwelt in Memphis the royal City.

Priest ] Or Prince, Exod. 2. 16. 18. 1. Both offices concurred in one person, as was the manner of those times and places. See Annotat. on chap. 14. 18. This name given to the sons of David, 2 Sam. 8. 18. and expounded, 1 Chron, 18. 17.

of Ou ] Called also Aven, Ezech. 30 17. in Greek Heliopolis, the City of the Sun, perhaps now Damiata. Josephs marriage here cannot be an example or rule to us, except where all reasons, and circumstances, and warrants are alike, by reason of the prohibitions and perils set down in Scripture. The Israelites forbidden to marry with the Canaanites, Exod. • 4. 16. Deut. 7. 3, 4. 1 Rings 11. 1. Nehem. 13. 26. Forbidden to Christians, 2 Cor. 6. 14, &c. But for Joseph there was no other in the land, and he might not desert his charge and dignity, whereto God had called him for the preservation of his Church, to go seek a wife elsewhere: neither know we what instinct or dispensation he might have from God. As the like might be in Esther's marrying with Ahasuerus.

V. 46. Thirty years old ] At this age Jesus Christ entered into his public Ministry; so John the Baptist; so the Levites, Numb 4. 3. And David began his reign, but not Ezekiel his Prophecy. This notation of Josephs age, here gives much light to many passages in this history of Jacob and his sons; there are thirteen years since he was sold ch 37. 2.

V 51. And all my fathers house ] My injuries and molestations there; not his filial affection, whereby he might haply privily inquire in the thirteen years afore, and afterwards also of his fathers welfare, ere his brethren came down, and yet wait for the most fit opportunity of fulfilling the dream.

V. 54. In all lands ] Round about, as Canaan, Arabia, &c. So, Luke 2. 1.

V. 55. Cried to Pharaoh ] As the woman, 2 Kings 6 26. Joseph would do but as Pharaoh directed.

V. 56. Sold] Prov. 11 26.

V. 57. And all countries] Neighbouring. to Joseph] Ch. 45. 5. 50. 20. Psal 105. 16, 17.

CHAP. XLII.

Verse 1. SAw ] Heard, v. 2. so the people saw the voices, Exod. 20. 18. Jacob was as much assured of it as if he had seen it. And one eye-witness is of more credit then many ear-witnesses. And likely he saw it too by many Canaanites that bought and brought co • ne out of Egypt, Acts 7. 12.

corac ] The word for corn signifies also breaking.

why ] So negligent, or as men amazed helpless, Acts 7. 11. gaze, as men destitute of counsel. Famine is a terrible thing, 2 Kings 6. 25. Deut. 28. 57. Lam. 4. 10. Isaiah 9. 20. A famine in Canaan in the days of Abram, ch. 12. 10. of Isaac, ch. 26. 1. and now in Jacob's time, and, Acts 11. 28. God's servants subject to common calamities, yet God provides for them, Psal. 37. 19.

V. 2. Get you down] Egypt lay lower then Canaan, ch. 45. 13, 9.

V. 4. But Benjamin] • h. 37. 3. 35. 18. 42. 38.

V. 6. Governor] Ps. 105. 22. Of the Hebrew word Shallet and Shil • on, is made in Arabic Sultan, a title whereby the chief Governors of Egypt and Babylon are still called.

and he it was that sold ] Likely his Officers to the Natives. But himself to Foreigners, that by sifting them he might inform himself of any danger to the land, to prevent it of any means of good to the land, to advance it.

bowed down ] So fulfilling his Prophetick dream, ch. 37. 7, 8, 9. So, ch. 43. 26, 28. 44. 14. 50. 18.

V. 7. He knew them, but ] For many good reasons, he yet dissembles that he knew them, and yet discovers not himself unto them, to prevent sundry inconveniences, and to further good intents and purposes towards them.

spake roughly ] They deserved no better of him. Though Joseph did it in a good intent, to a good purpose.

V. 9. Remembered the dreams So he did before. But now more usefully, he saw the time for the fulfilling of them.

spies, to see the nakedness] Exod. 32. 25. Not by way of lying he speaks thus, but by way of questioning and examining, to bolt out other matters to other good purposes; so▪ v. 12. as a severe Inquisiter.

V. 11. All one man's sons ] And therefore not likely to be spies. The spies were sent one of a tribe, Numb. 13. 2. And they dispersed themselves in all likelihood and reason.

V. 13. One is not ] Is dead, ch. 44. 20. 37. 30. Not in this world, ch. 5. 24. Heb 11. 5.

V. 14. This is it that I spake ] This discovers it; pretending another brother, or why should he alone be left behind? This not likely; and being false in this, ye are but spies sure.

V. 15. By the life of Pharaoh] Pharaoh liveth: a kind of oath or swearing as the like phrase importeth, Jer. 5. 2: But more properly a kind of vehement Asseveration, as, Ezech 33. 11. 1. Sam, 1. 26. 17. 55. 20. 3. 25. 26. and 2 Sam▪ 15. 21. 2 Kings 2. 2, 4. Or it may be a wish, Let, or, so let Pharaoh live, as, &c. No sufficient ground to charge upon Joseph, a sinful oath by the life of Pharaoh, yea, a grievous sin, Deut. 6. 13. compared with Mat. 4. 10. Jer. 5. 7.

Ye ] Ye all, v. 16.

ye shall not] If ye go. The words are suspensive, implying a curse; so, ch. 14. 23.

V. 17. Into ward ] God calls them by tribulation to repentance for their sin, Heb 12. 10.

V. 18. I fear God] Chap. 20. 11. Nehem. 5. 15. Prov. 16. 6.

V. 20. Your youngest brother unto me ] Cares most for him, and hopes his father will conceive no hurt towards him, by his bountiful dealing with them.

V. 21. And they said one to another ] In the absence, or out of the hearing of the Interpreter.

guilty ] Affliction as a rack forceth confession, and a guilty conscience, though likely sleeping afore, yet now upon twenty years after, galleth afresh, Hos. 5. 15. Job 36. 8, 9, 10.

therefore is this distress ] Divers ways Joseph dealt now with them, as they had done with him, Judge. 1. 7, Mat. 7. 2. Jam. 2. 13.

V. 24. And wept] Ch. 43, 30, moved with their self-accusations, and his own natural affection, which was to o strong to be kept in by artificial disguises, but that in secret it must have vent.

Simeon, and bound him ] That eldest of them that were most against him. Reuben most, and Judah next, were for him. And Simeon was chief in that bloody massacre of the Shechemites.

before their eyes ] Though haply when they were gone, he might give him some more liberty, ch. 43. 23.

V. 25. Every man's money ] Lest his father should be in want.

Thus did he unto them] Josoph did so, or his steward at his command. Thus Joseph rewards evil with good, Rom. 12. 17, 19. Mat. 5. 44.

V. 27. And as one of them] V. 35. What Judah saith, ch. 43. 21. as if they had all opened their sacks, and found their moneys in the Inn, • is but a summing and cutting off particulars for brevity sake, to Josephs steward, as not a thing material to their present purpose, with him, and they speaking in haste.

V. 28. Failed them ] Suspecting some plot laid for their ruin, or at least some danger to Simeon by it, Lev. 26. 36.

God hath done ] They rightly acknowledge God's hand and his Providence in it.

V. 35. Were afraid ] Lest also they should be accused of theft, chap. 44. 5. Guilty consciences timorous, Lev. 26. 36.

V. 36. Against me ] Heavy to me, though ye make light of them.

V. 37. My two sons ] That is, slay two of my sons. For he had four, ch. 46. 9. or my two sons here present, or most dear to me. A passionate speech, yet such as might make Jacob conceive he had some reason for his so confident undertaking for Benjamins return.

V. 38. For his brother is dead ] Only brother by the mother, ch. 44. 20, 27, 28.

to the grave ] See Annot. on ch. 37. 35. Here Jacob bewrays too much passion, and too little faith and patience.

CHAP. XLIII.

Verse 1. SOre ] The longer, the sorer.

V. 2. Eaten up ] Near-hand.

a little food ] For present need, not knowing there were five years of famine yet to come, and he had a great family.

V. 3. Solemnely protest] Ch. 42. 15, 20.

not see my face ] With favor and safety.

V. 4. Thee food ] At thy command, for thee and us all, thy family.

V. 5. We will not go ] Because it were vain and dangerous, ch. 44. 26.

V. 7. Asked us strictly ] Many things passed between Joseph and his brethren, which are not so expressly related in the story, ch. 44. 22, 19. They could not upon Josephs questions honestly avoid the telliug of their brother Benjamin.

V. 8. And Judah said ] He now fittest to move, and this the fittest season.

the lad] Benjamin was now about twenty seven years, being twelve or thirteen years younger then Joseph, and borne after Dinah's ravishing, and in the departing from Bethel. See Annot. on ch. 35. 18. And now Benjamin had nine or ten sons, ch. 46. 21. See Annot. on ch. 22. 5. Lad, comparatively, being the youngest.

V. 11. Must be so ] No wisdom to strive against necessity. Better to adventure one to uncertain danger, then to cast the whole family upon certain famine.

a Present] Prov. 18. 16. 21. 14. 17. 8. So Jacob had tried, ch. 32. 20. He useth prudent means as subservient to God's Providence.

nuts ] Of Terebinth, or the Turpentine-tree.

V. 12. Double money ] Because the price of corn increased by the continuance of the famine.

and the money ] This besides. Jacob's just dealing.

V. 14. God Almighty ] Our chief trust must be in him, Prov. 21. 1.

If I be boreaved] Esther 4. 16. Contentation in God's Will, referring all to him with patience.

V. 18. S • ek occasion ] Guilty persons are suspicious.

V. 19. At the door of the house ] Before they went in.

V. 21. Every man's money ] See Annot. on ch. 42. 27, 35. For haste they join together what was done in the Inn, and what was discovered at home.

V. 23. Your God ] It seems Joseph taught his steward and family to fear God.

V. 24. Washed their feet] Ch. 18. 4. 24. 32.

V. 26. They brought him the Present ] Each a part of it, as they had divided it amongst themselves.

bowed] Ch. 37. 9.

V. 28. Thy servant our father] Ch 37. 9.

V. 30. Did yearn] 1 Kings 3. 26.

V. 32. By himself ] As became the Viceroy. Here were three Tables.

Abomination unto the Egyptians ] For the Hebrews were known to be Keepers of sheep, and so to kill, eat and sacrifice such cattle as the Egyptians worshipped, ch. 46. 34 Exod. 8. 26. The Egyptians had flocks of sheep, ch. 47. 6. Oxen, Exod. 9. 3, 19. But not to kill the sheep or kine, or to eat the head of any beast. But for delight and profit by their milk and wool, and for commerce. And haply those that kept them were strangers rather then Egyptians.

V. 33. Youngest ] Hebt. Least in age.

marvelled ] Seeing themselves so seasted, and that Joseph appointed them their places, according to each man's age.

V. 34. Messes ] The custom of those times, to have the meat set before the Lord, and he to distribute to the Guests, 1 Sam. 1. 4, 5. 9, 23, 24. 2 Sam. 6. 19.

five times ] To show his affection to him, and to make trial whether his brethren would envy him for it. 1 Sam. 1. 4, 5.

drank, and were merry ] yet with sobriety, Hag. 1. 6. John 2. 10. Cant. 5 1.

CHAP. XLIV.

Verse 2. PUt my Cup ] To try their affection to his father and to Benjamin: and for the more full verification of the dreams. Josephs case, and place, and person may carry out these practices, which otherwise are not so warrantable, 2 Cor. 1. 12. 11. 3.

V. 5. Is not this it ] Speaking according to the opinion the Egyptians had of him, who by reason of his prophetical skill in interpreting dreams, thought he used divination as their Magicians did.

whereby ] Or in which, or by which, or of which cup. Their fault so made the greater, a kind of sacrilege in stealing such a Cup.

he divineth ] Searching searcheth, maketh trial by experience, as, ch. 30. 27. searcheth thoroughly, 1 Kings 20. 33. or searcheth by divination, and so sinfully using the cup, (as some do a basin and other things) in such an unlawful Art. Thus the steward by Josephs appointment may speak as an Egyptian, as they conceived of Joseph, and as their Magicians used to do. Not yet that Joseph was guilty of such a crime.

V. 7. My Lord ] Thus they call Josephs steward.

God forbid ] Far be it, ch. 18. 25.

V. 8. We brought again ] Therefore would no • steal.

V. 9. Let him die ] So, ch. 31. v. 32. Innocency is confident, yet this is too rash and rigorous. They might have though of their money in their sacks mouth before.

V. 10. My servant ] The steward speaks in his Lord Josephs name.

V. 12. And be searched ] He knew well how not to meddle with that end of the sacks, where he had put their money.

V. 13. Rent their clothes ] See Annot. on ch. 37. 39, 34▪

V. 14. He was yet there ] Expecting their return.

V. 15. What deed] As, ch. 3. 13. 4 10.

can certainly divine] See Annot. on v 5

V. 16. What shall we say ] Their consciences clear, and yet their conviction seems as clear. They knew not what Apology to make.

God hath found out ] So, ch. 42. 28. If we see not evident cause of our affliction, let us look to the secret counsel of God, who punisheth us justly for our sins. A good use of afflictions and crosses, Isaiah 27. 9. Gen. 42, 21, 22. Judah thought this his best argument and way, having no legal excuse or defense to make for the clearing of themselves: though he was sure enough of Benjamins innocence, and could not upon this occasion, but remember the putting of their money in their sacks, yet he durst not accuse any of Josephs family, nor stand out against him, but yields and submits, as an hopeful way to procure favor with a man of a generous spirit.

iniquity ] Our other sins, though free of this.

both we] V. 9.

and he also ] Not die, a • , v. 9. but be servant, as, v. 10. is found ] He forbears to say that he stole it.

V. 17. He shall be my servants] Joseph confirms his stewards dealing, v. 10. In Moses Law, for theft restitution should be made, in some cases double, in some fourfold; if the party not able thereto, then to be sold, or become a slave to him from whom he had stolen, Exod. 22. 31. Here Josephs power and their own yielding binds them.

V. 18. Then Judah came near] Judah before, v. 16. And now Judah more addresseth himself to plead, because he had undertaken for Benjamin, ch. 43. 8. 9.

in my Lord's ears ] But an Interpreter yet still for ought we read.

as Pharaoh ] And so thine anger would be dreadful and deadly, Prov. 19. 12.

have ye a father ] See Annot. on ch. 43. 7.

V. 20. A little one ] Ex enuating his age by an officious lie, to excuse his taking so long a journey. See Annot. on ch. 43. 8.

V. 26. We cannot go down] Ch. 43. 5. We will not go down.

V. 27. My wife bare me] Rachel his wife, by way of eminency, first in his choice, and dearest in his love. Leah but by fraud.

V. 28. Torne in pieces ] Thus Joseph might perceive how they coloured to their father their dealing with him.

V. 30. Bound up in the Lads life ] 1 Sam. 18. 1. If he die, or be thought so, the father cannot live.

V. 33. Instead of the Lad ] A filial affection to his old father. And yet love useth more to descend then ascend.

V. 34. How shall I go ] He would rather remain here a servant or prisoner.

CHAP. XLV.

Verse 1. REfrain himself before ] Upon this supplication of Judah, though hitherto he had refrained, ch. 43. 31.

to go out ] He would not have his brethren's fault divulged, nor his own passion, being a man of his place, so openly discovered, as to weep aloud before others.

V. 2. Wept aloud ] No thought of revenge for their cruel usage of him.

heard it] V. 16.

V. 3. Could not answer him ] Through astonishment at the wonder; and the prick of their guilty conscience.

V. 4. Come near ] They had kept, no doubt at a reverend distance from him so great a Lord.

ye sold ] Tells this, not to upbraid them, but to assure them it is he.

V. 5. not grieved] Ch. 31. 35.

nor angry with yourselves ] He comforts them, 2 Cor, • . 7. Look up to God's Providence, who turns your sin to good.

for God did send] V. 8. Ps. 105. 16, 17.

V. 6. Neither earing nor harvest ] None, till Joseph supplied them with corn for it the last year, ch. 47. 23. or as good as none; few had corn to sow, few would attempt to sow, as being to expect little or no increase by Josephs prediction.

V. 8. But God] Ch. 50. 20. Josph clears not his bre • thren, but he cheers them up in contemplation of God's merciful Providence, who turns their sin to much good. God can and doth bring good out of evil, out Judas sin and others in the death of Christ the salvation of mankind, Acts 4. 27, 28.

a father to Pharaoh] Judges 17. 10, 11. Gen. 41. 40, 44. As a son follows the direction of a father, so did Pharaoh Josephs.

V. 10. Goshen ] A Province between Nile and the red-sea, very fruitful, ch. 46. 28, 29. 47. 1. 6, 27. Another Goshen in Canaan, Josh. 11. 16. 10. 41. 15. 51. This he saith, presuming of Pharaohs assent, ch. 47. 4, 6.

near unto me ] On the City whence he married, and where he most resided was near to Goshen.

V. 12. My mouth ] And not an Interpreters, as, chap. 42. 23.

V. 15. He kissed ] See Annot. on ch. 20. 13.

talked with him ] Having overcome their astonishment and fear, talked of anything he or they desired to know.

V. 16. And his servants ] The Courtiers envied not, but honored Joseph.

V. 19. Thou art commanded ] Thou needest no more authority or instructions from me.

V. 20. Regard not your stuff ] That is not portable. Here you shall be supplied.

V. 22. Changes of raiment ] Such as were used to be given for honor or reward, 2 Kings 5. 22. Zech. 3. 4. Judge. 14. 12. Apoc. 6. 11. 7. 9, 14.

Three hundred ] Shekels▪ See Annotat. on ch. 20. 16. and on ch. 23. 16.

V. 24. Fall not out by the way ] About the selling of me. Reuben's former words, ch. 42. 22. occasioned haply this charge.

V. 26. Heart fainted ] Between hope and doubt, between joy and fear. Unbelief and doubting weakeneth the heart, Rom. 4 19, 20. Mat. 14. 31.

Believed them not ] So he fell into that fainting, swooning fit, Luke 24. 41. They believed not for joy, Jacob might the less believe them, because of their former lie they had told him of Joseph.

V. 27. Revived ] Rose out of that swoon, as it were. His failing of spirit did not altogether take away the use of his sight and senses, but that he saw the wagons.

V. 28. It is enough ] Here is proof enough. And it is enough to me that he is alive, and enough for me, if I may be so happy as to see him once before die. chap. 46. 30.

CHAP. XLVI.

Verse 1. TO Beer sheba ] This was in the way from Hebron to Egypt, the most Southern part of Canaan. Here Abraham and Isaac had much been. See Annot. on ch. 21. 31.

sacrifices ] Of thanks, for the tidings of Joseph. and to consult with God about his going into Egypt, and thereby to worship God.

V. 2. In the visions of the night ] See Annot. on ch. 15. 1. what this vision was, and in what manner is not set down.

Jacob, Jacob ] To rouse him up to attention, and for more certainty, as, ch. 22. 11. 1 Sam. 3. 10. Gen. 41. 32. See Annot. on ch. 32. 28. Here Jacob twice for Israel once. And so v. 5. The name Jacob forbidden but comparatively.

V. 3. Fear not ] It seems he feared it, knowing his father in a famine was forbid it, ch. 26. 1, 2, 3. And knowing the Oracle, that his seed was to be afflicted in Egypt, ch. 15. 13, 14. And, now he and his father and grandfather had been Pilgrims, two hundred and twenty years in Canaan, from the first Promise of Canaan, and he saw now less hope to have it, by his leaving the land with seventy souls, which might seem a kind of forsaking of it; yet by faith as he sojourned in the land, Heb. 11. 9. so now he goes to sojourn in Egypt upon this warrant.

there] Egypt. This not promised before. This wondrously fulfilled, in that of seventy souls going down, in the space of two hundred and ten years, there came up six hundred thousand men, Exod. 12. 37. Deut. 10. 22.

a great nation ] This promised. ch. 28, 14. 35. 11. 15, 13

V. 4. Thee up again ] Thee dead, ch. 50. 5, 13. Thy posterity after, Ex. 12. 37. Josh. 3. A like Promise, ch. 28. 15. his hands upon thine eyes ] Closing them on thy death-bed. An ancient and honorable custom.

V. 6. And came into Egypt ] This journey is often mentioned, Josh. 24. 4. and Isaiah 52. 4. Acts 7. 15. Numb. 20. 25. Deut. 10. 22. Thus that was fulfilled, chap. 15. 13.

V. 7. His daughters, and his sons daughters ] As many as he had. A general kind of speaking, though he had but one daughter Dinah, and one grand-daughter Sarah, v. 15, 17. The like speech, v. 23. and ch. 21. 7. Numb. 26. 8. 1 Chron. 2. 8, 31. His servants, no doubt, went also.

V. 8. These are the names ] To know hereby their wonderful increase, ch. 35. 23. see the order of the tribes on Aaron's breast-plate, Exod. 28. 10, 21.

V. 9. These four were heads of their fathers house, Exod. 6. 14. Numb. 26. 5, 6. 1 Chron. 5. 3. So of the rest that follow.

V. 10. Jemuel] Nemuel, Numb. 26. 12. 1 Chron. 4. 24.

Obad] Omitted, Nu • b. 26. 12. 1 Chron. 4. 24.

Jachin] • areb, 1 Chron 4. 24.

Zohar] Zerah, Numb. 26. 13. 1 Chron. 4. 24.

of a Canaanitish woman] Likely Zerah, Numb. 26. 13. Gen. 28. 1.

V. 11. Kohath ] Grandfather to Moses. Of his family came the Priests. They are reckoned before the Gershonites, Numb. 4. 34.

V. 12. Hezron and Hamul ] Too great violence to the text, to say these were borne after in Egypt. See Annot. on ch. 29. 20. Compare the great Annotations upon this verse, and upon ch. 38. 1.

V. 13. Thola ] He had a rare blessing in multitude of children, 1 Chron. 7. 2. A Judge of this name and tribes, Judge. 10. 1.

Job] Jashub, Numb. 26. 24. 1 Chron. 7. 1.

V. 15. In Padan Aram ] With his Nephews or Grandchildren, bor • e after • e went out of Padan-Aram.

Thirty three ] Reckoning himself in. It seems Leah was dead.

V. 16. Ezbon] Ozni, Numb. 26. 16.

V. 17. Jisvah ] His name and family wanting, Numb. 26. 44.

V. 19. Jacob's wife ] As if Rachel were the sole legitimate wife.

V. 20. Ephraim ] Here the LXX. add a son and a Grandchilde of Manasseh, and two sons and a Grandchilde of Ephraim, taken out of 1 Chron. 7. 14, 20. By reason of that speech, Gen. 50. 23. but this makes too bold with the Hebrew text which wants it.

V. 21. The sons of Benjamin, ] These ten might well be borne to him now. He being now twenty seven years old at least, and twelve or thirteen year younger then Joseph. See Annot. on ch. 35. 18.

Belah ] The eldest son, 1 Chron. 8. 1.

Becher ] Seems to be the fourth son, called Nohah, 1 Chron. 8. 2. Neither is his name or family reckoned, Numb. 26. 38. but his children are named, 1 Chron. 7. 8.

Ashbel ] The second son, Numb. 26. 38. 1 Chron. 8. 1. called also Jediael, 1 Chron. 7. 6.

Gera ] By the LXX. made the son of Balah, and so the Grand-child of Benjamin from a seeming ground of 1 Chron. 8. 3. But Benjamin was too young now to be a Grandfather, Numb. 26. 38. There is no mention of Gera, neither was he Benjamins third son, but Aharah.

Naaman ] Another of his name, son of Belah, 1 Chron. 8. 4. Numb. 26. 40.

Ehi] Aharah, 1 Chron. 8. 1. third son, Numb. 26. 38.

Rosh ] Likely Rapha the fifth son▪ father to Palti one of the spies, Numb. 13. 10. none of his family reckoned, Numb. 26.

Muppim ] Called also Shuppim, 1 Chron. 7. 12.

Ard ] Seemeth to be the son of Belah, and Grandchilde of Benjamin. And such a one thing there was, Numb. 26. 40. But this Ard was brother to Belah.

V. 22. Fourteen ] The Septuagint say elghteen, adding Josephs Grandchildren, as is noted on v. 28.

V. 23. Sons ] One son, change of numbers is oft in the Hebrew, v. 7. 1 Sam. 9. 21. Gen. 21. 7. Numb. 26. 42. 2 Chron. 24. 25. Thieves for one of them, Mat. 27. 44. Ass for an Asses, Zech. 9. 9. Mat. 21. 5. sat upon them, Mat. 21. 7. for which in Mark 11. 7. it is, he sat upon him.

Sixty six ] So the LXX. here. Jacob is not reckoned in here: nor Joseph and his two sons which were now in Egypt.

V. 27. Seventy] So Exod. 1. 5. and Deut. 10. 22. counting in Jacob, Joseph and his two sons, Acts 7. 14. the number is seventy five, which will arise if we reckon in all that are here named, viz. the four wives of Jacob, and Er, and Onan that were dead, and take out Jacob, as distinguished from them. The LXX. have here seventy five, raising the number of five out of the p • ste • ity of Ephraim and Manasseh, (see the notes on v. 20.) And St. Stephen in that, Act. 7. 14. seems to follow the LXX. as St. Luke doth, likewise in the matter of Cainan. See Annot on Gen. 11. v. 12. And see the late lea • ned and large Annotat. upon this text, where this doubt is fully discussed and determined.

V. 28. To direct his face unto Goshen ] That Joseph might meet him there, and by his authority settle him there, without grievance to the native inhabitants.

V. 29. Presented himself ] With lowly reverence to his father.

fell on his neck ] While Joseph bowed before him.

and wept ] With tears of joy, ch. 45. 1.

V. 30. Let me die ] I am willing to die, as, Luke 2. 29, 30. ch. 45. 28. here that desire is accomplished.

V. 31. Unto him, my brethren] Joseph in his greatness not ashamed of them, yea, though shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians, v. 34. chap. 47. 7. Hebr. 2. 11.

V 32. Shepherds ] Not ashamed of their base trade in the account of the Egyptians.

V. 34. That ye may dwell in the land of Goshen ] The nearest part to Canaan a fruitful pasturage for cattle. That thus living by themselves they might be least corrupted with the Egyptians idolatry and superstition, and less offensive to them by their trade of shepherdy. Joseph though in that favor, and of that power, ch. 45. 19. yet would not do it without the Kings express consent.

Goshen ] See Annot. on ch. 45. 10.

for every shepherd ] See Annot. on ch. 43. 32.

CHAP. XLVII.

Verse 1. GOshen ] See Annotat. on chap. 45. 10. 46. 28.

V. 2. Five men ] Not set down which five, and therefore guesses here are but idle and curious.

V. 3. Occupation] Ch. 46. 33. Jonah 1. 8. 2 Thes. 3. 10. Good Magistrates inquisitive against idlen • sse, as the bane of a Common-wealth.

shepherds ] Everyone a shepherd, v 6. ch. 46. 34.

V. 4. To sojourn ] For a time, duri • g the famine. This likely their intent at first, and not to leave Canaan. Though afterwards for Josephs sake, and his great accommodations afforded them, they continued their abode there. And afterwards the following Kings against the Laws of Hospitality, kept them as bond slaves.

no pasture ] It failed sooner in Canaan, then in Egypt and Goshen, Canaan being an higher land.

let thy servants dwell] Pharaoh made a frank offer, ch. 45. 18, 20. Joseph intended this place for them, ch. 45. 10. His brethren here requested it, and no doubt by Josephs direction, ch. 46 34. Thus by this means, Joseph in his modesty, would gain Pharaohs • onsent to this particular place.

V. 6. Of Activity ] Men of fit and able parts are to be chosen to places and offices.

Jacob blessed Pharaoh ] Saluted him with prayer for his welfare; and thanks, and praise for his bounty to Joseph, to him and his children, 2 Kings 4. 29. Numb. 6. 23, 24. Mat. 26. 26. with Luke 22. 19. so again, when Jacob left Pharaoh, v. 10.

V. 9. Of my pilgrimage ] Pilgrims here, seeking after a better country, an heavely, Heb. 11. 9, 13. 13. 14. 1 Chron. 29. 15. Psal. 39. 12. 119. 19. Jacob's flittings from Labai roi to Gerar, to the valley of Gerar, to Rehoboth, to Beersheba to Bethel, to Haran in Mesopotamia, to Gilead, to Mahanaim, to Succoth, to Shalem in Shechem, to Bethel, to Ephrath, to Mamre, to Beersheba, to Egypt, to Pharaohs Court.

one hundred and thirty years ] Therefore Jacob was ninety when Joseph was borne, and seventy six when he came to Laban, v 28.

and have not attained] Abraham lived to one hundred seventy five. Isaac to one hundred and eighty.

V. 11. Ramases] Exod. 12. 37. The City built after by the Israelites, Exod. 1. 11. After the Israelites multiplied and spread further, and had Egyptian families among them, and about them, whence their doors were distinguished by the blood, Exod. 12 7, 23. and, v. 35, 37. they soon borrowed jewels of them.

V. 12. According ] As a child is nourished by the nurse, ch. 45. 11. 49. 24. 50. 21. lovingly, tenderly, carefully.

V. 13. Fainted ] Yet now among strangers God satisfies his Church with fullness.

V. 14. All the money into Pharaohs house ] His treasury. Josephs fidelity.

V. 15. Money failed ] Generally, for the most part, • almost totally.

give us bread ] Yet ask it in an humble manner, v. 17. 18, 19, 25.

V. 18. The second year ] Namely after their cattle was sold, which seems to have been the sixth year of the famine, the second of their extremity.

V. 19. And our land ] Die, become desolate. As trees while they bear fruit are said to live; when not, to die, so may the ground.

and give us seed ] This is the seventh year of the famine,

V. 21. He removed them ] So to gain the right of propriety and possession, from the people to Pharaoh. The people mutiny not in all these extremities, nor break open the granaries of Pharaoh: but by Josephs prudence, and God's over-ruling Providence keep their loyalty and obedience. Thus Chams posterity was brought into bondage, ch. 9. 25.

V. 22. Only the land of the Priests ] Or Princes, Pharaohs chief Officers and Lord's, as, ch 41. 45. See Annos. on that place, ch. 14. 18. if it be here understood of Priests, as the Chaldee and LXX. translate it. This shows Pharaohs care, (not Josephs, for he favored not idolatrous Priests) to preserve their rights and revenues, to save their lands from alienation, to maintain them; so Jezebel, 1 King. 18. 19. These shall rise up in judgment against many Christian Kings and people, who neglect the maintenance of the Ministers of the Gospel.

V. 24. The fifth part ] He might have required the half, or have allowed them but the fifth part. Here then he deals not with them injuriously, or uncharitably, making his best advantage of their necessity: But mercifully, as themselves confess, v. 25. and yet faithfully, as became the steward of Pharaoh, whose corn he sold. This fifth part was no more then was laid up in the years of plenty, ch. 41. 44.

V. 25. Pharaohs servants ] His Farmers and Tenants.

V. 27. Multiplied exceedingly ] So God fulfilled his Promise, ch. 46. 3.

V. 28. Seventeen years ] So long Joseph nourished his father in Egypt, as his father had nourished him at home.

V. 29. Thy hand under my thigh ] See Annot: on ch. 24 2. Jacob requires this oath, not so much doubting Josephs obedience herein, but that he might allege it to Pharaoh, ch. 50. 5. and so decline the envy of the Egyptians, and their surmising of his scorning their land, and that it might be a testimony of his faith in God's Promises for possessing the land of Canaan, & that as a type of Heaven, Heb. 11. 9, 10, 14, 15, 16. and for a strengthening of the faith of his seed, that they should return thither. And for this also Joseph lays his bones, as it were at stake, ch. 50. 25. Heb. 11. 22. Thus being dead they teach and preach faith to them.

V. 30. But I will lie ] Lie down and sleep. Such is death, lie in burial.

with my fathers] Abraham and Isaac. See, v. 29.

V. 31. Bowed himself ] Unto God with thankfulness, Heb. 11. 21. His religious thoughts, now near his end, took up his mind with matter of praying to God, and praising of God. And though weak and bed • id, yet he would not do it without some outward expression of devout reverence. This bowing then was not to Joseph, (ch. 48. 12.) nor yet towards the East or Canaan, but to God, so David, 1 Kings 14.

upon the beds head ] The LXX. read it leaning upon the top of his staff. The Hebrew word without pricks or vowels serves both. Mittch is a bed, Matteh is a staff. The LXX. sure had a copy without pricks. The Apostle follows the LXX. in Heb. 11. 21. See Annot. on ch. 46. 27. and on ch. 11. 12. Jacob turning his face to the bed, and so rearing himself upon the bolster at his beds head, he then bowed himself and worshipped the Lord, ch. 48. 2. 1 Kings 1. 47, 48. And it well may be, that to help himself herein in his great weakness, he might lean upon the top of his staff which he had in his hand, being an old man; and the Apostle knowing this also to be true, did not therefore stick to allege the place, according to the Translation of the LXX.

CHAP. XLVIII.

Verse 1. WIth him his two sons ] To receive the blessing of their venerable Grandfather, at his farewell from the world.

V. 2. And sat upon the bed] Ch. 47. 31.

V. 3. At Luz ] Or Bethel, and that twice, ch. 28. 13, 19. and, ch. 35. 6.

V. 4. A multitude ] Thirteen populous tribes.

for an everlasting possession ] Literally, if his seed keep Covenant with God, spiritually to his spiritual seed, he will give the heavenly Canaan for an everlasting possession.

V. 5. Ep • raim and Manasseh] Jacob still prefers Ephraim, v. 19.

are mine ] My sons by adoption, and shall have the privilege of my sons; have either a twelfth share and be heads of tribes, as Reuben and Simeon. Thus Joseph had the double portion, that right of the first-borne, 1 Chron. 5. 1. A Law for this to the first-borne after, Deut. 21. 17. So the Sabbath, Circumcision, raising up seed to the brother, and many such more before Moses Law.

V. 6. begettest after them ] Therefore he had no more at this time.

the name of their brethren ] Therefore he had more children after; which were sorted and counted to the stock and tribe of Ephraim or Manasseh, as if they were their sons not their brethren: as all Jacob's other Grand-children likewise were.

V. 7. Rachel died ] Thy mother, and my dear and only true wife, if I had been fairly dealt withal, and so thou hadst been my right first-borne: and therefore in thy sons I give thee a double portion, yet she was soon taken from me.

in the way of Ephratah ] Even there, rather then to bury her among idolaters in Bethlehem, ch. 23. 9.

V. 8. Who are these ] Named them before, yet knew not that they were present, or did not well discern them for the dimness of his sight, v. 10.

V. 9. I will bless them ] Not by a mere apprecation of prosperity, for so the less may bless the greater; but in the Name and Authority of God, guided with an especial energy or operation of God's Spirit, and so ratified by God, as ordinary blessings were not; so, ch. 27. 33. See Annot. on ch. 27. 4. Gen. 49. 26.

V. 10. Dimme] Ch. 27. 1.

V. 11. I had not thought ] God's blessings are beyond our expectations and imaginations.

V. 12. From between] Jacob's knees rather then Josephs, for Jacob embraced and kissed them, v 10.

he bowed ] In reverence and thankfulness for the former Adoption.

V. 13. Ephraim in his right hand ] In a fit posture, as he thought, to receive the Patriarchal blessing, which it seems was usually done with Imposition of hands. And in this punctual order, as fearing haply Jacob might mistake their age and persons, naming Ephraim first, v. 5.

towards Israel's right hand ] The right hand hath the preeminence of the left, 1 Kings 2. 19. Mat. 25. 33. Ps. 20. 6. 110. 1. 118. 16. Isaiah 62. 8. Eph 1. 20. in strength and honor. To which the Scripture hath reference, in speech also of God.

V. 14. And laid it upon Ephraim's head ] Here is the first express mention of Imposition of hands, used after in benediction, Mat. 19. 13. Mar. 10. 16. at secrifices, Lev. 1. 4. as witnessing, Lev. 24. 14. in extraordinary giving of graces, Acts 8. 17. in miraculous cures, Mar. 6. 5. in ordination of Ministers, Numb. 8. 10. Acts 6. 6. 1 Tim 4. 14. so now Moses laid his hands upon Joshua, Deut. 34. 9. in prayer, Acts 13. 3.

Ephraim's head ] Of him came Joshua, and the Kings of the ten tribes. And the tribe of Ephraim is called the tribe of Joseph, Numb. 1. 32, 34. Apoc. 7. 6. 7. 8. The name of Ephraim is taken for the whole Kingdom of Israel, Isaiah 7. 2. They both had a double lot, Josh. 17. 14.

wittingly ] And therefore crossed his arms to that purpose, as a sign, not of Christ's Cross, but of that which afterwards he foretold, by the special revelation of the Spirit of God, he being so dim of sight, that he could not thereby so well distinguish between them.

V. 16. the Angel which ] Christ. See Annot. on ch. 31. 11. Exod. 14. 19. 13. 21.

my name be named on them ] As, v. 5. no invocation of Saints departed; they shall be in the same state and degree as my other sons, my adopted children; so God's Name is said to be called on us, Deut. 28. 10. 2 Chron. 7. 24. Jer. 14. 9. that is, we are called the sons of God, and the husbands name is called upon the wife, Isaiah 4. 1. And the Lord's Name upon the City Jerusalem, Dan. 9. 19. and upon the Temple, 1 Kings. 8. 43. Jer. 7. 10, 11.

grow into a multitude ] Spawn like fishes. There were eighty five thousand two hundred men of war of these two in Moses time, Numb. 26. 28, 34, 37. Thus Moses blesseth them, Deut 33. 17. Josh. 17. 17.

V. 17. it displeased him ] Thinking his father was mistaken, he seeks to mend the error, and likely before that blessing, v. 15, 16. was uttered.

greater then he ] In number of issue and power, though the birth-right remain with Manasseh, Josh. 17. 1. So, Numb. 1. eight thousand three hundred men more of Ephraim then of Manasseh, and, Deut. 33. 17. See Annot. on v. 14. Num. 2. 18, 20. yet sometimes Ephraim was at a loss, 1 Chron. 7. 20, 21, 22. less in number then Manasseh, Numb. 26. 28.

V. 20. In thee] Joseph using thy name and for thy sake, or taking thee for an example, as, Ruth 4. 11. and so for cursing, Jer. 29. 22.

Israel ] My posterity.

I have given ] Thus Prophetically bequeathing, as by Will and Testament to the posterity.

one portion ] That bought, ch. 33. 19. nigh unto Shechem after called Sychar, John 4. 5. Not all the City Shechem, and all its territories, as some would have it out of Josh. 17. 7. This portion, though little, was all he had by purchase, and so he designs him as it were his heir; Shechem was the inheritance of the Ephraimites, Josh. 16. 1. 20. 7. John 4. 5. And thither were Josephs bones carried and buried, Josh. 24. 1, 25, 32.

have taken ] Shall take. So, Isaiah 9. 6. Thus Jacob in faith disposeth of it as already taken, Heb. 11. 21. or rather have taken it out of the hands of those neighbouring people, that seised upon it among the rest, after the slaughter of the Shechemites, and would not restore it till Jacob by force of arms took and recovered it. Though this be not elsewhere mentioned in Scripture.

my sword ] Of my children, Josh. 17. 14, to 18.

CHAP. XLIX.

Verse 1. GAther yourselves ] Repeated, v. 2. Some present were to call and gather the absent. By this joint injunction he intimates the union that should be amongst them, Psal. 133. 2, 3. 33. 3.

that I may tell you ] By the Spirit of prophecy. Men on their death-beds should give their last and best counsels to their children, and family, and friends.

you ] Altogether, what I have to say to everyone particularly, that so everyone may reap benefit also of what shall be said concerning his brethren.

in the last days ] In long time to come, 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Tim. 3. 1. Acts 2. 17. with Joel 2. 28. Your last state in this land, your state in Canaan, & til Christ's coming, v. 10. The time of the Gospel may be called the last time, because after that there will be no change of the Church from Christianity, no change of doctrine or Sacraments to the worlds end, Heb. 1. 1. This foretelling things to come so long after, shows that Jacob now was inspired and assisted with a divine Spirit.

V. 3. Reuben, thou art my first-borne ] And so many honorable privileges belonged to him: headship of the family, a double portion to maintain the honor of the Headship. This practiced among the Patriarchs, as many like other things were put into a Law afterwards, Deut. 21. 17. See, Gen, 35. 2. 48. 5.

my might] Deut. 21. 17. Psal. 105. 36. 78. 51. 127. 4, 5. They are the principal stay and pillar of the family also. Thus and thus thou shouldest have been but for thy sin.

V. 4. Unstable as water ] That is, easily moved with the winds, still ebbing or flowing, never standing still, nor easily contained in its own bounds & place, inconstant, light, treacherous, Zeph. 3. 4. Such were the divisions and grudgings of Reuben amongst themselves, Judge. 5. 15, 16. Such was he in his sin, such shall he be in his downfall from the dignity of his birth-right, as waters roll down from high places; or Reuben's posterity shall be weak as water, ( Ps. 22. 14. Josh. 7. 5.)

thou shalt not excel ] We read not that this tribe ever came to any excellency among the other tribes, excelled not in number, Deut. 33. 6. valor, or any excellent archievement.

because thou wentest up ] For a pang of lawless lust he lost all, So doth sensuality besot and befool men, Prov. 7. 7, 22. This fact, above forty years ago done, soon after the birth of Benjamin, ch. 35. 22. is here doomed and punished in Reuben and his posterity. Forbearance is no acquittance.

he went up ] As out of an indignation of the fact, he turns his speech from Reuben to his brethren, and shows how just cause there was to pronounce this sentence against him. Such changes are often in Scripture, Deut. 5. 10. love me, and keep his Commandments, Dan. 9. 4. that love him, for that love thee, Mar. 11. 32. If we shall say of men they feared the people, for we fear. Jacob would have this censure of him, to be a caution to his brethren. And now dying, without malice sure to Reuben, is yet thus zealous against sin. So David, 1 Kings 2. 9.

V. 5. Simeon and Levi are brethren ] In birth, in evil, Prov. 18. 9. It may haply be also in conspiracy against Joseph. Thus impartially Moses sets by his relation, & a brand of infamy upon Levi, his great grand-father.

instruments of cruelty ] Cruel weapons, Ch. 34. 25.

in their habitations ] Or in their agreements and conventions with the Shechemites, ch. 34. 13, 15.

V. 6. my sou • e ] By this pathetical Apostrophe, he shows his zealous detestation of their out-ragious fact, and clears himself of suspicions and aspersions of his favoring it, which otherwise after his death might have been cast upon him for it.

come not thou into their secret ] He protests against his least knowledge of, much less consent unto their secret (to him) and cursed plot, contrivance and execution of it. q. d. God forbid that ever my soul should join in such a villainy.

secret] Psal. 64. 2, 4. Jer 15. 17.

my glory ] My soul, which is man's glory. Or, my tongue, Ps. 16. 9. my glory is rendered by the Apostle, my tongue, Acts 2. 26. Jacob would not suffer in his honor and reputation for their sakes.

they slew a man ] The singular is often put for the plural, 1 Chron 10. 1. They slew Hamor, Shechem, Citizens and subjects.

self-will ] Not in sudden wrath, but upon a willful settled resolution and deliberation, plotting and acting.

they digged down a wall ] We read not of this, ch. 34. yet haply they might do so to the house of Hamor or Shechem, where their sister was. The words may well, yea, best be rendered thus, they houghed an ox; so relating to the prey of cattle they took, and houghing such as would not drive.

V. 7. Cursed be their anger ] It was likely to be to the ruin and extirpation of him and his, ch. 34. 31. he curseth not their persons, but their sin; so David not against Ahitophels person, 2 Sam. 15. 31. Psal. 109. 17, 18, 19, 20. is a prediction rather then an imprecation, or imprecation conditional, not absolute. Or if absolute, then by the immediate guidance of God's Spirit, and so not lawful to those that want it. The rule for all is, Prov. 20. 22.

I will divide them] Jacob speaks as in the person of God: as Prophets usually do. Or he would do it by his prediction and prophesy, as it were passing his word, they should be divided. As Ezekiel is said to come to destroy the City, Ezech. 43. 3. Levi was thus divided and scattered, yet God, after their zealous execution, Exod. 32. 26, 29. turned it to a blessing to his people and to them, Deut. 33. 9, 10. The Levites are first mentioned to be taken in, Numb. 1. 47. and 3. 12, 45. and ch. 4. and ch. 7. 5, 6, 7, 8. and ch. 8. for the first borne, which were by their birth the Priests before Moses time, and again due to the Lord, upon his sl • ying the first-borne when he brought Israel out of Egypt, Exod. 13. 2. Simeon likewise was not planted apart by himself, as the other tribes were, but had their inheritance intermingled with that of Judah, out of whose lot in several places here and there Simeonites had certain cities and villages, Josh. 19. 9. And that not so much for Simeon's sake, as because Judah had too much. So Simeon was but an Inmate to Judah, and under him. Till afterwards upon their multiplying they were forced to seek further for new habitations in Mount Seir, and Mount Gedor, driving out the Amalekites, 1 Chron. 4. 39, 41, 43. And so they were scattered in their habitations. And all this wrath of Jacob, and detestation of Simeon and Levies massacre of the Shechemites proves the book of Judith to be Apocryphal, which so highly commends this fact of Simeon, ch. 9. 2, 3, 4. Moses omits the blessing of Simeon, Deut. 33. And thus their union in evil was punished with this division and scattering among the tribes.

V. 8. Judah thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise] Judah signifieth praises, ch. 29. 35. as if Jacob should say, thou art so by name, and shalt be so indeed; praised for Regal Government, praised for that Christ shall come of thee, Heb. 7. 14. See, Hos. 11. 12. of Judah all the children of Israel were called Jews; not Reubenites of Reuben, not Simeonites, nor of any other son. Judah's sin with Tamar is omitted; Judah therein only intended single fornication.

in the neck ] This was fulfilled, Numb. 10. 14. 7. 11, 12. Judge. 1. 1, 2. 20. 18. 3. 9. in Othniel, David, Solomon, and perfectly in Christ, 2 Sam. 22. 41. Psal. 78. 68. 89. 20.

thy fathers children ] By all his wives, chap. 27. 29. thy mothers sons, because Isaac had but one wife.

shall bow down before thee ] Thy Regal power. Every knee to Christ. Phil. 2. 10. the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Apoc. 5. 5.

V. 9. Lions whelp ] True in Judah's Kings, most true in Christ. Lions are kingly beasts, stout, bold, strong, terrible. Lions in Kings arms. Lions were stays for the steps of King Solomon's throne.

he couched ] Varies the person as the Prophetick Spirit moved him. After victories he shall lie down and rest securely. So in Solomon's days after David's victories, 1 King. 4. 25. Numb. 23. 24.

V. 10. The Scepter ] Or tribe, so the word signifieth, v. 16, 28. after once the regal dignity should be settled in this tribe, 1 Chron. 5. 2. (as in David ) the Government should never be taken from him, at least so far, but that there should be a Law-giver from between his feet; nor his Kingdom and Common-wealth be utterly ruined, and the distinction of his tribe taken away and confounded, till the coming of Shiloh. There were no more Kings of that tribe after Jeconiah and Zedekiah, Jer. 22. 30. Ezech. 21. 27. After their return from that captivity, the principality was in Zerubbabel, and likely in others of the tribe of Judah, And when some while after, the Maccabees of the tribe of Levi got the rule; yet then the Sanhedrin, or great counsel of LXX. Elders, consisted of the tribe of Judah And the Maccabees had th • ir supreme power by the choice and appointment of the people of Judah, and continued therein till a little before the birth of Christ, when Herod a mere stranger was King, and rooted them quite out, in the thirtieth year of his reign. And if that Sanhedrin were not all chosen out of the tribe of Judah though most of them doubtless were: yet the Maccabees themselves of the tribe of Levi, were of the Kingdom of Judah, as distinct from the Kingdom of Israel, or of the ten tribes, the tribes of Benjamin and Levi, were amongst the tribe of Judah, and adhered to them; yet were but as incorporated into the tribe and Kingdom of Judah, which is therefore said, 1 Kings 11. 1 • , 32, 36. three times to consist but of one tribe, viz Judah only; so also, 1 Kings 12. 20. And when they returned out of captivity, the greatest part by far that returned were of that tribe, yea, and after their return out of captivity, they were all chiefly planted in the lot and territory that appertained to the tribe of Judah, and the People, Kingdom and Commonwealth were still called by the name of Judah; and therefore still the Government may be said to be in Judah. where as those of the ten tribes once carried into Assyria, never returned to become a Kingdom or Commonwealth, as before, and had also their tribes, confused and confounded.

Shebet ] Signifies a rod, a rod of iron, a rod of authority, a Mace or Scepter of Kings, a Kingdom, Isaiah 14. 5 a tribe, Judges 18. 19.

shall not depart ] When once come to it. It was long ere it came to it. Moses was of the tribe of Levi; Joshua of the tribe of Ephraim; of the fifteen Judges only two, Othniel and Ibzan were of the tribe of Judah; Saul was of Benjamin, David the first King of this tribe Therefore Jacob saith not when Judah should begin to sway the Scepter, but having begun, how long it should hold on.

from Judah ] Not his person, v 1. in the last days, but the tribe of Judah, or the Nation of the Jews with relation to that tribe.

nor a Law-giver ] Ps 60. 7. or Scribe, writing Laws for Rules.

from between his feet] Deut. 28. 57.

until ] And then it should. The authority of the Synedrion in their Synagogues in our Savior Christ • time, was but preca • io under the Romans, and restrained in capital crimes, Mat 23 34. Acts 5. 17. 9. 1, 2. 23. 5. John 18. 3 • . 19. 7. Acts 7 59. Ananias was deposed from the High Priesthood, for stoning James the brother of Jesus, Joseph. antiq l. 20. c. 8. The Jewish Scepter was much weakened by Pompey, much shaken by Herod's intrusion; finally broken and abolished at the destruction of Jerusalem. After which they had no form nor face of a Common-wealth. Therefore it is evident against the Jews, that the Messiah is come.

until Shiloh come ] The Prosperer, Safe-maker, or his Son, viz, of a Virgin, i. e. Christ, Heb. 7. 14. secundae ejus, the tunicle or skin wherein the child is wrapped in its mothers belly, and so taken for the child itself, the continent for the thing contained in it. Then it shall depart. God appoints the periods of Kingdoms and States, and so the p • uses and stops by rebellions and insurrections; wherein God's Providence is not asleep, but his Justice awake.

shall the gathering] Jews and Gentiles shallobey him, Is. 11. 10. 42. 4. Mat. 12. 21. Rom. 15. 12. He is the desire of all Nations, Hag. 2. 7. Isaiah 2. 1, 2.

V. 11. Binding his foale unto the vine ] Wondrous fruitful, for wine especially should Judah's lot in Canaan fall out to be, full of vines, and abounding in pastures▪ lying all in the South-part of Canaan.

V. 12. Red with wine] Prov. 23. 29, 30. No allowance to drunkenness, no more then to theft in that saying, Apoc 3. 3.

white with milk ] Through plenty of pasturage and kine.

V. 13 Zebulun ] Before Issachar, so his lot before him in the division of the land, Josh. 19. 10, 17. though Issachar the elder. So, Deut. 33. 18.

at the Haven of the sea ] The Ocean westward, near Mount Carmel, and the sea of Gal lee Eastward, Josh. 19. 10. Isaiah 9. 1. Thus the lot for Zebulun fell out, not by chance, but by God's Providence according to Jacob's prediction so many ages before. Nazareth was in this tribe, and Mount Tabor, and here Christ began to preach, Mat. 4. 15.

unto Zidon] Josh. 19. 10. to the 16. the coa •• s of it were over against Zidon, and fit for easy commerce with Zidon.

V. 14. Issachar is a strong Ass ] Of strong force, but small courage, Deut. 33. 18. Judges 5. 16.

between two burdens ] Or bounds, borders. In a fertile and fat soil, loving husbandry and a quiet life: and not trafficking abroad as Zebulun.

V. 15. And bowed his shoulder ] Rather servilely subject themselves to toile and tribute, then forego their quiet peaceable kind of life. Yet some of Issachar were of more noble and heroic spirits, Judge. 5. 15. 1 Chron. 12. 13, 32.

16. Dan shall judge] Ch. 30. 6. Alludes to his name of judging; as, v. 8. and ch. 9. 27. He shall enjoy the privilege of a tribe, as well as his free-born sons. And as other tribes had their Heads and Elders to judge and decide causes amongst them, so should they, Numb. 1. 4, 16. And Sampson of Dan was an extraordinary Judge. And the like is implied concerning the rest of the sons of the handmaids.

V. 17. Dan shall be a serpent ] More by cunning, then by force shall they prevail, so did the Danites with Laish, Judges 18. 27. And Sampson used craft as well as strength, Judges 15. and 16. Moses compares him to a Lions whelp, Deut. 33. 22. haply for the suddenness of his leap, when he seeth the advantage of his prey. Dan is omitted in the sealing of the tribes, Apoc. 7. And so is Simeon omitted in Moses his benediction, Deut. 33. Likely Simeon for his cruelty against the Shechemites. And Dan for his notorious idolatry, Judge. 18. 20. 1 Kings 12. 29. Not because Antichrist should come of the tribe of Dan.

V. 18. I have waited] Psal, 130. 5. Isaiah 26. 8. Motions of the Spirit, and ejaculations of a dying man, are not tied to rules of method, and yet may have good coherence with silent and smothered thoughts, whence their expressions burst out.

for thy salvation ] Foreseeing the troubles of his posterity, and of the tribe of Dan in special, Judge. 1. 34. he breaks out into this passionate expression, of longing after their deliverance and salvation by Shiloh specially, Luke 2. 30.

V. 19. Gad, a troop] Ch. 30. 11 An Allusion, as, v. 16. See the Annotations upon it. Gad was situate beyond Jordan Eastward, and so the more subject to incursions of the bordering enemies, Judge. 10. 7, 8. Jer, 49. 1. He comforts him against his dangers by sudden inroads of troops, that at last he shall overcome them, Deut. 33. 20. Fulfilled, 1 Chron. 5. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. Judge. ch. 10. and 11.

V. 20. Asher his bread shall be fat ] Rich soil for corn and wheat specially, and for oil, Deut. 33. 24, 25. and royal dainties, and minerals, Josh. 19. 24, &c. Fat signifies the best of anything, chapter 4. 4. 27. 28.

V. 21. Naphtali is an Hind let loose] Deut. 33. 23. with scope and liberty in choice of pastures, in plenty and peace. And also of cunning and active nimbleness in dealing with their enemies, and light-footed to pursue them, and to escape danger, Psal. 18. 34. Judge. 4. 10, 15, 16. Josh. 19. 32, to 39. Judah a Lion, Issachar an Ass. Dan a Serpent, Naphtali an Hind. All these were absurd in a literal sense. And so the words in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in a literal sense.

he giveth goodly words ] Faire and courteous, prevailing by that means, and words also of praises and blessings, Judge. 5.

V. 22. Joseph is a fruitful bough ] In his two branches Ephraim and Manasseh, which multiplied exceedingly, and became two tribes.

by a well ] Moisture is a means of fruitfulness, Psal. 1. 3. Ezech. 19. 10.

whose branches ] Hebr. Whose daughters. As bough was called by the name of son, and whatsoever cometh of or from another, is called in Hebrew a son, as the young of birds, beasts, &c. arrows are called the sons of the bow, ch. 18. 7. Job 41. 28.

run over the wall ] Abundantly increase, Josh. 17. 17.

V. 23. The archers ] His brethren that sold him, his Mystris that accused him, his Master that imprisoned him, and haply the Magistrates of Egypt, and the Courtiers of Pharaoh.

V. 24. But his bow ] His innocence, patience, faith, chastity, Psal. 18. 34.

by the hands of the mighty] Joseph ascribes his strength to God, Psal. 44. 6, 7, 8.

from thence ] From the mighty God of Jacob, from his Power and Providence it was that Joseph became the shepherd, the stone of Israel, to feed them in famine, and to be a rock of refuge, stay and strength unto them. And herein Joseph may be as a type of Christ, the true shepherd and corner-stone, Act. 4. 11. Isaiah 28. 16.

V. 25. With blessings of Heaven ] Influences of the startes, rain and dew, Deut. 33. 14. Ezekiel 34. 26.

blessings of the deep ] Springs and rivers, if not minerals too, ch. 7. 11. Deut. 33. 13.

of the beasts ] Ten thousands of Ephraim, and thousands of Manasseh, Deut. 33. 17. A contrary curse is that, Hos. 9. 14.

V. 26. The blessings of thy father ] Wherewith I do bless thee and thy brethren.

have prevailed ] Or do prevail, are stronger, of greater efficacy and excellency.

above the blessings of my Progenitors] Abraham and Isaac, I have blessed thee in thy two sons, more then my father or grand-father blessed their two sons. Abraham gave way that Ishmael should be cast out. And Isaac gave the blessing to me from my brother Esau. But I bless thy two sons, and make them two tribes, and keep them within the Church. Or I have more expressly, and with more tenderness of affection blessed thee, then my Progenitors blessed their children. I do strive to out-bless my forefathers, in multiplication of blessings upon thy head. Or referring the words to all Jacob's children, he prefers his blessing above that of his Progenitors, as being more particularly explained and applied; and should be more suddenly, clearly, fully and effectually accomplished in them; by their multiplication in Egypt, &c. And by including them all in the Covenant of grace, making them all heirs of the Promise, not one of them being excluded.

unto the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills] Deut. 33. 13, 15. This sets forth the riches of that portion of land in Canaan, which should by lot fall to Ephraim and Manasseh. Or, the blessings on Joseph shall be eminent and excellent in extent, and in quality and quantity; and perpetual in duration, as the everlasting hills, intimating so spiritual blessings, Psal. 54. 10.

on the head of Joseph ] Poured as oil (wherewith Princes are anointed) on his head.

separated ] By his selling away from them, and being by God so advanced in Egypt.

V. 27. Benjamin shall ravine ] Be strong, fierce, warlike, going forth mornings and evenings to take his prey, vanquishing and spoiling his enemies. So did Saul the King of this tribe, 1 Sam. 11. 6, 7, 11. 14. 13. 15. 47, 48. Paul was of Benjamin, Warlike they were, as appears in those bloody battles, Judges 20. 15, 16, 17. Ehud was of Benjamin, Judge. 3. 15. Mordecai and Esther were of Benjamin, Esther 8. 7. &c and ch. 9. 5.

devour the prey] 2 Sam, 2. 26.

V. 28. Twelve tribes ] Distinguished into twelve tribes afterward. And in them, rather then in the persons of his twelve sons, we are to look for the meaning and the accomplishing of these prophetical blessings. They were thirteen counting in Levi, and Ephraim and Manasseh instead of Joseph. But Levi had no portion in dividing the land, Deut. 10. 9. And so they were still called the twelve tribes. For their order they are reckoned sometimes accordi • g to their birth, chap. 29. and 30. Exod. 28. 10. sometimes with reference to their mothers, as, chap. 35. sometimes with relation to their dignity; so is Judah first, Numb. 2. 3. Apoc. 7. 5. sometimes to their lot in dividing the land of Canaan. And so is Zebulun placed before Issachar here; sometimes withoot regard had of any order, as here, and Deut. 33. and Apoc. 7. 5. and Numb. 1. 5. 2. 5.

• and blessed them ] To Reuben, Simeon and Levi, it might seem rather a curse then a blessing; yet the denomination may be from the greater and better part. And their fathers reprehension might prove a blessing to their further repentance. He concludes them within the number of the tribes, and so comprehendeth them within the Covenant, gives them a right to Canaan the type, and so by faith to the heavenly Canaan. And likely he dismissed them all with a general benediction, praying for them all. And as those three became tribes, and had their shares and portions in Canaan, so they had their names in Aaron's breast-plate on twelve stones, Exod. 28. 21. and on two Onix-stones upon the shoulders of the Ephod, Exod. 28. 10, 11, 11. Levi likely, because they were the Priests and holy Ministers themselves, being left out in the precious stones. And as many of their tribes are sealed, Apoc. 7. 5, 7. as of the rest.

everyone according ] The blessings applied to every tribe, according to the several references to his twelve sons; such blessings as were meet for every of them, as God's Spirit did allot.

V. 29. Gathered into my people ] His soul to the Saints, Heb. 12. 23. His body to the grave. See Annot. on ch. 25. 8. and on ch. 47. 9. to my holy fathers by death, v. 33.

bury me with my fathers ] See Annotat, on chap. 47. 30.

• in the cave ] This a ground of Josephs request to Pharaoh, ch. 50. 5. And lest in seventeen years absence question might be made of his right to the place, evidences by writings being not then in use.

of Ephrou ] Bought of him, v. 30. ch 23. 9, 10, &c. and ch. 47. 30.

V. 31. I buried Leah] Ch. 47, 30. 48. 7. Of the death and burial of Rebekah and Leah, we have nothing elsewhere set down in Scripture.

V. 33. He gathered up his feet ] Which haply hung down before, as he sat on the beds side. And so composed himself to a quiet rest and sleep of death, enjoying the use of memory and speech unto the last, Psal. 37. 37. The gesture, ch. 47. 31. was for reverence and thankfulness to God, and haply to Joseph 100.

CHAP. L.

Verse 1. ANd Joseph fell upon his face ] Exceeded his brethren, as in Piety toward God, so in filial affection and duty to his father. Religion rejects not, but regulates natural affections.

wept upon him ] Not womanish weakness to weep, Men of excellent spirit and valor have been noted for it; David, Hezekiah, Ne hemiah, Joseph seven times, Christ himself thrice. John. 11. 3. Luke 19. 41. Heb. 57. Paul, Acts 20. 19, 31. 2 Cor. 2. 4. Lawful in Funerals, if mixed with faith, and exceed not a just measure. The want is a fault, Isaiah 57. 1. Acts 8. 2. Jer. 22. 18.

and kissed him ] To touch the dead was after forbidden, Numb. 19. 11, 12. yet in Josephs time not forbidden. Filial affection in a good son dieth not with a good father, but surviveth.

V. 2. His servants the Physicians ] The Antiquity of Physic, Physicians, and embalming the dead. Luke a Physician, Col. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 10, 11.

embalmed ] Embalmed bodies are transported from Egypt into other parts of the world, at this day to be used for medicine. Hence the Jews had the custom of embalming; so they embalmed King Asa, 2 Chron. 16. 14. 21. 16. and our Savior, John 12. 7, 19, 39, 40. Mar. 14. 8. Though his body needed it not, being secured from corruption, Psal 16. 10. Act. 2 31. 13. 35. yet they that embalmed him knew not so much. Jacob's body was to be kept long and carried far.

V. 3. Seventy days ] To honor him, as, 2 Chron. 32. 33. The Hebrews time of mourning was thirty days, Numb. 20. 29. Deut. 21. 13. 34. 8. And the Egyptians time for embalming was forty days. These two might make up the seventy days; much time taken in the very ceremonies of mourning.

V. 4. Joseph spake unto the house ] Useth the mediation of Egyptian Courtiers, to testify his modesty in a business concerning himself, to prevent all suspicion of his not returning, and to decline their envy, and endear himself to them the more. And perhaps also Mourners were not to come into the presence of Princes, Esther 4. 2.

V. 5. Made me swear ] Lest he should seem to disdain to have his father buried in Egypt, he alledgeth this tie upon him by the dead.

which I have digged for me ] So spacious was the place, that they might dig themselves several Repositories or Cells for their dead bodies in it; where his Progenitors and wife were buried. The manner of men to build sepulchers while they were alive. So Absalom, so Asa, 2 Chron. 16. 14. so Joseph of Arimathea, Mat. 27. 60. so Shebna, Isaiah 22. 16.

bury me ] Some bodies are embalmed and not buried; most buried without embalming; some embalmed with Aromatick spices put into their bodies, some only had spices upon them and about them; some had sweet odors burnt at their burials, 2 Chron. 16. 14. 21. 19. Jer. 34. 5. some had their dead bodies themselves burnt, 1 Sam. 31. 12. sundry other manners amongst Heathen. Want of burial is a calamity bewailed, Psal. 79. 3. and a judgment threatened, Jer. 7. 33. 22. 19.

V. 6. As he made thee swear ] Very infidels would have oaths performed.

V. 7. All the servants ] A very great multitude of them. So, Mat. 3. 5. All Judea; and so again many is put for all, Rom. 5. 19. Such was Josephs prudence, and sweetness of disposition, that he kept the height of honor still without envy, which Court-favorites seldom do.

and all the Elders ] Senators, Governors, Officers, Counselors, Ezech. 7. 26. Psal. 105. 22.

V. 10. Valley of Atad ] Signifies a bramble or thistle. Likely not far from Hebrou or Machpelah.

beyond Jordan ] As Moses stood when he wrote this, Deut. 1. 1. 3. 25. being now in the plains of Moab. Else in a direct journey from Egypt to Hebron, Mamre or Machpelah, their way was not to pass over Jordan.

seven days ] So long in Moses Law they were unclean, the touched the dead, Numb. 19. 11. See Annot. on v. 3.

V. 13. And buried him in the cave which] Acts 7. 15, 16. saith Stephen, to Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were carried over into Shechem, and laid in the Sepulcher that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emor, the father of Shechem. The case is clear, that the two places which Abraham bought, ch. 23. and which Jacob bought, ch. 33. are not one and the same but divers; as appears by the place or situation, by the name, use, price and persons, buyers and sellers. And yet these two purchases seem to be confounded in the speech of Stephen. Again, Stephen might have a failer in memory, in his long and sudden speech, as not being then infallibly guided as an Inditer of Scripture, though full of the Holy Ghost, Acts 6. 5. 7. 55. For so it is said of the other Deacons, Acts 6. 3. of Peter, Act. 4. 8. of Paul, Acts 9. 17. yet Peter erred, Acts 10. 14. Gal. 2. 11, &c. and all the Apostles erred in the point of Christ's Resurrection, and of his Kingdom, Acts 1. 6. and of the calling of the Gentiles. And St. Luke might do right in recording it as it came from Stephen. As the like is in ch. 27. 19, 24. and, 1 Kings 13. 18. Josephs bones were buried in Shechem, the place his father bequeathed to him and his on his death-bed, and likely the rest of his brethren, in conformity to his example, would be buried there, have their bones likewise carried thither; and this, though not mentioned in Scripture, might by other Records or Revelation be made known to Stephen, as the names of • annes and Jambres to Paul, 2 Tim. 3. 8. the Prophecy of Enoch to Jude, v. 14. the Genealogy to Luke, ch. 3. v. 23, to 31. Jacob himself was certainly buried in Machpelah, as is here recorded: and though he be joined together with his sons in a state of mortality, Acts 7. 15. yet the sixteenth verse of their burial may well be confined to his sons as the next Antecedent without taking him into the number. And that Jacob bought the field of the sons of Emor or Hamor, Shechems father, is likewise certain. By Abraham then, Acts 7. 16. we must understand Abraham's Grand-Child Jacob; And so expound it, which is a very harsh Exposition, the whole text considered, and could not be so apprehended by the multitude of his hearers. Or rather we may say, that Stephen mistook the story, and named Abraham instead of Jacob, which may be done without any great offense, as hath been shown, and so Luke relates what rightly he should; for to lay an error upon the sacred text, by saying Jacob should be put in the text instead of Abraham, and that Abraham came into it by the error of the transcribers, mistaking the one name for the other, or whereas neither was in the Original, and Abraham error being put in the margin, that from the margin they put it into the text, all this is not so likely, nor any way so safe. That Emor or Hamor was father to Shechem, not son to Shechem, appears, Josh. 24. 32. Gen. 33. 19. and therefore it is so to be supplied in Acts 7. 16. so is the word mother supplied, Luke 24. 10. out of Mar 15. 40. That Zohar, Gen. 23. 8. was not otherwise called Hamor, not had a son called Shechem, but called Ephron, the Scripture-Story declares. And Shechem of Hamors sons is only mentioned, because he was more honorable then all the house of his father, and so it is most probable, that in the sale of the ground to Jacob he had most to do, and the rest consented to his transaction. They that would make a reconciliation, by saying that the two places and sepulchers, that Abraham bought, and that which Jacob bought were near one another, presuppose what is not sound, for Hebron and Machpelah were in the tribe of Judah, and Shechem or Sychar a city of Samaria in the tribe of Ephraim, above twenty miles distant. And if granted, yet helps nothing to answer the other difficulties of the text.

of the field ] Places for burials have been very various. Fields as here. Moses in a valley, Deut. 34. 6. Uzziah in the field of the burial which belonged to the Kings; in the same field; but apart from the corpses of the Kings, 2 Chron. 26. 23. The Potters field was bought to bury strangers in, Mat. 27. 7. Manasseh was buried in the garden of his own house, 2 Kings 21. 18. Our blessed Savior in a garden, Joh. 19. 41. Among Christians, after they had peace from persecutions, and Churches for divine service, they soon buried in the Church yards, and afterwards came to bury in the Churches themselves, which grew in time into a superstition among many, and to be an annoyance to the living through the commonness of it.

V. 15. And will certainly require us ] The unquietness of guilty consciences now after forty years, Lev 26. 36.

V. 16. Sent a messenger ] And after went themselves, v. 18.

thy father did ] Most likely that they feigned this.

V. 17. So shall ye say unto Joseph ] They use arguments from his fathers command, their relation as brethren, their Penitencie, his Piety.

wept ] As pitying their perplexity, and grieving at their doubt of his good will.

V. 18. Fall down before his face ] Wittingly confirming the prediction, ch. 37. 7. and yielding themselves his servants, whom they had sold for a slave.

V. 19. Am I in the place of God?] Ch. 30. 2. Am I in God's stead to revenge myself; or to cross God's purpose, turning it to your hurt, which he turned to your preservation? or fear ye me more then God? am not I under God?

V. 20. But God] Joseph ] ascribes nothing to himself, but all to God, whose goodness over-masters man's malignity and badness, chap. 45. 5. Acts 3. 12, 13. Psal. 119. 71.

much people ] Them, Egyptians and others.

V. 21. I will nourish you ] Doing good for evil, Mat. 5. 44. Rom. 12. 21.

V. 23. Third generation ] So soon was Jacob's blessing begun to be accomplished in Josephs life-time, ch. 48. 19. 49. 22.

of Machir] Numb. 32. 39. 1 Chron 7. 16.

V. 24. Surely visit] Ch. 15. 14. 46. 4. Heb. 11. 22.

V. 25. Took an oath] V. 5.

of the children of Israel ] His brethren haply were now dead, many of them; yet was Levi alive, who lived one hundred thirty seven years, Exod. 6. 6. and so out-lived Joseph some sixteen years. Therefore the oath was taken of the children of Israel: and it may be renewed by the succeeding generation, that they in whose time the deliverance should be brought to pass, should perform this oath.

from hence ] Mean while his body was interred in Egypt to the contentment of the Egyptians, and to the comfort of his family and kindred, to have his body and bones among them; and so to have them there the more preserved for their good. And Josephs bones were carried thence. And not kept as relics to be worshipped. but were buried at Shechem, Josh. 24. 32. Jacob's purchase, and Josephs sons heritage. And this, to testify his own, and confirm his brethren's faith, in the belief of the Promises of Canaan, and that as a type or pledge of the heavenly Cannan. There were the other Patriarchs Jacob's sons and Josephs brethren also buried, Acts 7. 16. Their bones likely being carried with his bones.

V. 26. An hundred and ten years old ] Eighty years after his advancement. At that age also died Joshua, who was of his race, Josh. 24. 29. Joseph died in the two thousand three hundred sixty ninth year of the world; sixty years before the birth of Moses, and one hundred and forty years before the Israelites coming out of Egypt, as may be gathered out of Gen. 15. 13. and Exod. 12. 41. See Annot. on ch. 15. 13.

Genesis.

G ENESIS Containns an History of 2369 years; from the Creation of the World, and Adam; to the death of Joseph.

The Day of 24 hours, [book I] called Day, [verse 5] Numb. 8. 17. begins here at Evening, Chap. I. v. 5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31. And so Exod. XII. 18. and Levite. XXIII. 32. And hence, in Daniel's time, it is called the Evening-Morning. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Dan. VIII. 14, 26. 2 Cor. XI. 25. Yet the Account sometimes seems to begin in the Morning: as vulgarly with us, and many other Nations. And may seem so also, in some kind of reckoning with the Jews; out of Num. XXVIII. 3, 4. And so in the days of our Savior, out of Matth. XXVI. 17, 20. and XXVIII. 1. Mar. XVI. 1, 2. Luke XXIV. 1. John XX. 1, 19. Unless we take the day there for the time of Light contradistinguished to Darkness; as it is, 2 Sam. I. 12. Divers other Nations did begin their day diversely; Some with Sun-rising; some at the setting; some at mid-night, as Astronomers with us usually do. And whereas our Savior seems to some to keep his last Passover a day before the Jews, out of John XVIII. 28. and XIX. 14. Unless by Passover there we understand the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately succeeded the Passover, or Paschal Lamb, Levite. XXIII. 5, 6, 7, 8. and not the Passover itself; or both, as Luke XXII. 1. yet supposing he did so; both upon the former diversities of accounts, may be said to keep it on the XIV. day at Even: Our Savior rightly reckoning the Beginning of the day, from the Evening: And the Jews then reckoning it amiss, as vulgarly, and the Romans then did, from the morning following. But all this is only tendered to consideration. And yet this rather then that Jesus should not be said to eat the Passover at that time; But only a like thing, which they please to conceive, and call, without all ground save their own imagination, a commemorative Passover, commemorative of that which was to be kept the next day.

Eden ] A Region in Mesopotamia or Chaldea, [chapter II] [verse 8. 3.] Acts VII. 2, compared with Gen. XI. 31. It signifies Delicacy or Delight, Psal. XXXVI. 8. Isaiah XLVII. 8. In the Eastern part whereof, and not only Eastward from Jury was this Garden planted. See Isaiah XXXVII. 12. Ezek. XXVII. 23.

Ethiopia] Heb. Cush, Called so from the son of Cham, [verse 13] or Ham, ch. X. 6. 1 Chron. I. 8, 10. The Ethiopians or Cushites seem first to inhabit some parts of Arabia, on the North-side of the Red Sea: And after to settle themselves on the South-side of it, and South of Egypt; whence we read in Authors of the Asian and African Ethiopians. And in Scripture we read of Zerah their King, who came out against Asa, with the hughest host that God's Word doth mention, 2 Chron. XIV. 9. And of Tirhakah that came forth against Sennacherib, Isaiah XXXVII. 9. Of Candace the Queen, Acts VIII. 27. Of those two great and good Eunuchs, Proselytes; the one Jeremiah's deliverer, Jer. XXXVIII. and the other baptized by Philip, Acts VIII. 27,—39. And of Zipporah the wife of Moses Num. XII. The Ethiopians were kinsmen and allies to the Egyptians; coming both of Cham; near neighbors and confederates, Isaiah XVIII. 1. and XX. 4. Jer. XIII. 23. and XLVI. 9. Ezek. XXX. 9. See more in the Annotations on Jer. XIII. 23.

A Tree is mentioned, and the Fruit of it. [verse 16] And so, v. 17. and ch. III. 1, 2, 3, 6. But the Apple-tree, or what kind of Tree, is not specified.

Cherubims ] And so, [chapter III] [verse 24] Num. VII. 89. 1 Sam IV. 4. 1 King. VII. 29. Isaiah. XXXVII. 16. Ezek. X. throughout that Vision; and ch. XLI. 18. Heb. IX. 5. and in sundry other places. And in like sort we have the word Seraphims, Isaiah VI. 2, 6. And this for expression-sake of our English plural by the letter ( s ): whereas the words might have been rendered Cherubs and Seraphs, or Cherubim and Seraphim; that being the termination plural in the Original Hebrew; as also in the Chaldee, and Syriac. And so is rightly left out in the word Baalim, in all places. Of Cherubin see my Annotations on Ezek. IX. 3. and X. 1, 3,—10, and v. 14,—22. and XI. 22.

Offering] Offering is here mentioned. [chapter IV] [verse 3] And so v. 4. Called Sacrifice, Heb. XI. 4. And as this; so other nominated Mosaical and Levitical Rites and Ceremonies, were in use before the times of Levi, and Moses. As,

2. Beasts, and Fowls, clean and unclean; at the time of the Flood; ch. VII.

3. Priests, Altars, Burnt-Offerings, Drink-Offerings, VIII. 20. and XIV. 18. and XXII. 13. and XXXV. 14.

4. Eating of Blood forbidden, ch. IV. 4.

5. Oile in use for Consecration; XXVIII. 18. and XXXV. 14.

6. Marrying the brothers widow, to raise up seed to the brother deceased; ch. XXXVIII. 8, 9, 26.

Called his name ] Names afterwards usually imposed at the time of Circum • sion; [verse 25] as appears, partly in Abraham; plainly in John the Baptist, and others. By the Jews some of God's Titles were many times inserted into the Composure of the names of their children, as plentifully appears. And the manner of many Heathens was to impose, or insert the names of their Idols and Pagan Deities upon, or into the names of their children, and of their Kings and Favorites, Rom. XVI. 1, 14, 15. 1 Cor. I. 12. 1 Thess. I. 1. And hence we have among the Babylonians, from their Idols, Bel, Nebo, and Merodach, these Names, of Belteshazzar, Dan. I. 7. and IV. 8. and Belshazzar, Dan. V. 1. And Merodach-Baladan, Isaiah XXXIX. 1. and Evil-Merodach, 2 Kings XXV. 27. And Nebonatsar Na • opolatsar, and Nebuchadnetsar. And in the same names are many times a change of letters, like letters put sometimes one for another; as Merodach is called Berodach, 2 King. XX. 12. As Dibon the name of a City, Numb. XI. 30. is called Dimon, Isaiah XV. 9. And Nebuchadnezzar is written also in Scripture Nebuchadnetsar, Ier. XXII. 25. and Nebuchadrezzar, and Nebuchadretzer, Ier. XXI. 2. and XXIV. 1. Sometimes letters, or syllables are transposed, and left out, and added: And so there is much variation in one and the same name: Isaiah is called also Ieshajah, and Ieshajahu; Hezekiah is called and written Hezekiah, Chiskijah, 2 King. XVIII. 1. Chiskijahu, XXXVI. 1. Jechiskijab, Micah I. 1. Iechiskijahu, Isaiah I. 1. Iehojacin is called also Iechoniah, Jeconiah, Coniah, Conijahu. I omit others not much unlike. Yea sometimes in Scripture divers men have divers dissonant names; some 2, some 3, as 1 King. XV. 2, 10. compared with 2 Chron. XI. 20. and Ch. XIII. 2. And as further may be seen at large in the Great Annotations upon 1 Chron. III. 1, 15, 16. and VI. 1, 20, 24. and VIII. 5, 33. and Ch. XI. and Ch. XVIII. 10, 16. and Ch. XX. 7. And divers places have two several names; as in 2 Sam. VIII. 8. compared with 1 Chron. XX. 4. And many others.

Adam] [chapter V] [verse 3] Adam lived to the 243 year of Methuselah.

Seth] Seth was borne in the 130 ^th year of Adams age, And so likely soon after the murder of Abel by Cain. In which space of near 130 years, so many might be borne, as might justly occasion that speech of guilty Cain, Everyone that findeth me shall slay me.

Enoch] Enoch lived so many years before his Translation, [verse 23] as we have days in our year, viz. 365. And his Prophecy mentioned, Jude v. 14, 15. is not intimated in the Old Testament.

Methuselah] Methuselah lived to the 98 year of Shem. [verse 27]

Methuselah] Methuselah the longest liver, [verse 27] died in the beginning of the year of the Flood, as appears by the Chronology of the times and years of those ten Patriarchs; Ch. V. and VII. 6.

Noah ] Of Noah's sons, [verse 32] Japheth was the eldest, Shem the second, and Cham the youngest, Gen. VII. 1. and IX. 24. and X. 21. and XI. 10.

Shem] Shem was two years younger then Japheth, [verse 32] Ch. V. 32. and VII. I. and Ch. XI. 10. and lived to the fiftieth year of Isaac. And so Shem is the only person in Scripture that lived to see his posterity of the tenth generation. And seems to be Melchizedek, Gen. XIV. 18. Heb. VII. I. &c.

These 120 years, [verse 3] c. VI. 3. begin 20 years before Noah had any children.

Cubits ] Of Cubits, [chapter VI] [verse 15] which measure the Ark, see my Annotations on Ezek. XL. 5.

Flood ] These 150 days c. [chapter VII] [verse 24] VII. 24. from the begnning of the Flood on the second month, 17 day, c. VII. 11. to the Resting of the Ark on the seventh month, 17 day, XIII. 4. do show those month to consist of 30 days apiece. And the number of the months cannot be doubted of. Here is mention made of the 1, 2, 7, 10. Which shows the year to differ little from ours now.

Noah] Noah lived 950 years, [chapter IX] [verse 29] c. IX. 29. being born in the 1056 year of the World; and dying in the year 2006. two years before Abraham was born; He so lived to see his children or posterity of the ninth generation.

Isles] Isles are taken, [chapter X] [verse 6] not only for Islands properly, compassed about with Sea, or water; but for Countries also lying on the Seacoasts, as Jer. XXV. 22. Ezek. XXXVII. 3, 15. Isaiah XX. 6. And sometimes for Islands likewise, being remote and transmarine parts, as Isaiah XLII. 1, 5. and XLII. 4, 10. and XLIX. 1. and LI. 5. and LX. 9.

Babel ] See my observations on Dan. [verse 10] IV. 30.

Sidon] Sidon, in Hebrew Tsidon, [verse 19] called the great City, Josh. XI. 8. and Ch. XIX. 28. Ancienter by much then Tyre. See my Annotations on Zech. IX. 2.

Arphaxad ] Mans life halfed, [chapter XI] [verse 13] or thereabouts, at the time of the flood, XI. 11. &c. compared with Ch. V. And again shortened about another half at the building of the Tower of Babel, X. 25. and XI. 19. And well-nigh the third time, between the times of Abraham and Moses, XXV. 7. Psal. XC. 10.

Abram] Abram borne, [verse 26] not in the 70, but in the 130. year of Terah, Gen. XI. 32. and XII. 4. Acts VII. 4.

Ur] Ch. XI. 31, 32. [verse 31] and Acts VII. 2, 3, 4. show Ur to be in Mesopotamia, and Abram to be called there. And after Terah’s death at Haran, then he had a new Call, Gen. XII. 1. And else the Hebrew Perasha upon Terah’s death, Ch. XI. 32. had been unfit.

Egypt] Egypt, [chapter XII] [verse 10] In Hebrew Mitzrajim, or Misraim. So called from the son of Ham of that name, Gen. X. 6. whence also it is called, the Land of Ham, Psal. CV. 27. and CVI. 22. It is called also Rahab, Isaiah LI. 9. from her pride and power, Isaiah XXX. 7. Ezek. XXX. 6. It is the ancientest Kingdom that we read of; except it be the Kingdom of Assyria, by Cush, the other son of Ham, Gen. X. 8.—12. The Kings of Egypt mentioned in Scripture, are Pharaoh (which after seems to be a common name to their Kings; as Ptolemy, whence Bartholomew that is Bar-Ptolemy, the son of Ptolemy, was to them in the times of the Macedonian or Greekish divided Empire) or many Pharaohs; as in the days of Abraham, Gen. XII. 15. Of Jacob and Joseph, Gen. XXXVII. 36. and Ch. XLI. 1. and XLVI. 5. & L. 4. Of Moses, Exod. I. 11. and Ch. XVIII. 10. Heb. XI. 24. Of Solomon, 1 King. III. 1. Shishak is the name of the King of Egypt in Solomon's time, and in Rehoboams time, 1 King. XI. 40. and Ch. XIV. 25. 2. Chron. XII. 2, 9. So, a Kings name of Egypt in Hoshea's time, 2 King. XVII. 4. Pharaoh in Hezekiah's time, 2 King. XVIII. 21. Pharaoh Necho (deemed to be the son of Psammetichus ) in Josiah his time, and in Jehojakims time, 2 King. XXIII. 29. and Ch. XXIV. 7. Jer. XLVI. 2. Pharaoh. and Pharaoh-Hophra, in Zedekiahs; and in the Prophet Ezekiel's time, Jer. XXXVII. 5, 7, 11. and XLIV. 30 Ezek. XXIX. 2, 3. and Ch. XXX. 21. and Ch. XXXI. 2. and Ch. XXXII. 2, 31.

Sarai] Sarai fair; [verse 11] and the more accounted so, going among the Egyptians, XII. 11, 12. And she the only woman, whose whole age is recorded in Scripture, XXIII. 1.

That Prophetical promise, [chapter XV] [verse 13] Gen. XV. 13. makes not the Israelites to be 400 years in Egypt; But rather is thus rightly understood; That Abraham's Seed, that is, Isaac and Jacob, should be strangers in a Land that was not theirs; that is, in Canaan 190; years from the birth of Isaac, to Jacob's going down into Egypt, XXV. 26. and XLVII. 9. And Jacob's posterity were strangers in Egypt, from his going down thither, till their bringing forth by Moses, 210 years; not 400 years there: Moses himself being the son of Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, Num. XXVI. 59. and grandchild of Kohath; And Levi, and Koath went down into Egypt with Jacob, XLVI. 11. And Machir the son of Manasseh: And Jair the grandchild of Hezrom, living in Moses his time, Num. XXXII. 40, 41. And Achan the third from Zarah living in Joshuas time, Josh. VII. 1. 18. 1 Chron. II. 6, 7. And thus 190 and 210 make up those 400 years, in this Prophetical promise mentioned. And the Samaritan Bible or Text here; and the LXX. in Exod. XII. 40. do thus declare this point; though their insertion and addition there be of their own mind and meaning; and no part of the sacred Text.

Name ] Names changed, [chapter XVII] [verse 5] as Abram's, and Sarai's here; so Jacob's, Josephs, Naomi’s, Pashurs, and others. See the Annotations on Isaiah LXII. 4. and on Jer. XXIII. 6. and XXXIII. 16.

Abram] Abram signifies an high or lofty Father; Abraham, a Father of a great multitude. He is called, The Friend of God, 2 Chron. XX. 7. Isaiah XLI. 8. Jam. II. 23.

Sarai] Sarai signifies my Lady, [verse 15] or my Princesse: Sarah a Lady, or Princesse, without restriction; The Title being so enlarged.

Ishmael] Ishmael was 13 years old when he was circumcised, [verse 25] XVII. 25. And so above 15. or rather 17 at Isaac's weaning, when he and his mother were cast out of Abraham's family, XXI. 5, 8, 14, 15.

Three measures ] [chapter XVIII] [verse 6] The Hebrew measures of Capacity mentioned in the Old Testament, are these 10. viz. 1 Log. Lev. XIV. 10. the least measure. 2 Cab, 2 King. VI. 25. 3 Hin, Exod. XXIX. 40. Levite. XXIII. 13. Ezek. IV. 11. 4 Omer or Homer, or Gnomer, being the quantity of a man's daily eating of Manna, and the tenth part of an Ephah, Exod. XVI. 16. 36. 5 Seah, translated measure or Satum, in this Text, Gen. XVIII. 6. and 2 King. VII. 1. 6 Ephah, containing ten Omers, Exod. XVI. 36. 7 Bate or Bath, containing likewise ten Omers; and being both the tenth part of a Cor, and Chomer, Ezek. XLV. 11, 14. 8 Lethec, translated half an Omer, or rather half a Chomer, Hos. III. 2. 9 Cor, and 10 Chomer, each equal, and containing ten Bates or Ephahs apiece, Ezek. XLV. 11, 14. Thus far Scripture. The particular assignations of their several Capacities are usually made thus, viz: The Log to contain the quantity of six hen-eggs-shells of Palestine, the same with Sextarium Romanum, and is about our half pinte (yet some make it a pinte.) The Cab to contain four Logs, i. e. a quart of our measure, or 24 egs-shells; (yet some say a pottle) The Hin to contain six Logs, i. e. 36. egs-shells (some say 12 Logs, or 72. egs-shells) or about three quarts. An Omer to contain one Cab and an half, and a fifth part, about our three pintes and an half, or a pottle, the tenth part of an Ephah. Seah to contain two Hins, or six Cabs, i. e. a gallon and an half, or Modius Romanus, the third part of an Ephah. Ephah to contain ten Omers or Pottles, i. e. four gallons and an half; or about three Seahs; and to be Medimnus Atticus, (yet some make it to contain eight gallons; and so four Ephahs to contain our barrel; some to contain near ten gallons: or about the measure of our bushel, or half a bushel and a pottle.) Bate or Bath is of the same measure for liquid things, as Ephah is for dry things. Lethec to contain five Ephahs, or fifteen Seahs, or Sata, or Modii, that is, two bushels, six gallons, and one pottle; or half a Chomer. Chomer, and Cor are both of the same measure, either equal; and contains certainly, as was said, ten Bates or Ephahs apiece, or two Lethecs. Cor is oft translated Measures. And thus uncertain are we for the grounds of these measures of Capacities.

Abimelech ] And XXVI. [chapter XX] [verse 2] 1. This seems to be a common name to the Kings of Palestine; as Pharaoh to the Kings of Egypt; Benhadad to the Kings of Syria; Candace to the Queens of Ethiopia; Caesar to the Roman Emperors.

Hebron] Hebron called also Kiriath-Arba, [chapter XXIII] [verse 2] the City of Arba, the the father of Anak, where Anak lived, and his sons and the Anakims, all Giants. Here Abraham, Isaac and Jacob dwelled, and were buried here in the Cave of Macpelah, before Mamre, the same is Hebron. Here Sarah died, and was buried in that Cave: And Rebekah, and Leah were likewise buried here. Hence Joseph was sent to see the welfare of his brethren. And hither the Spies came that were sent by Moses to spy out the Land. Hoham the King of Hebron was one of the five Kings hid in the Cave, and slain and hanged up by Joshua: And it seems another King of Hebron soon after slain by him. And he and Caleb slew the Anakims dwelling here. This City fell to the Tribe of Judah; and was seated in a mountain of Judah: and together with the Suburbs of it, was given to the Priests; and to be a City of refuge: But the Fields, and Villages of it were given to Caleb that good Spie. To the top of an hill before Hebron, Sampson carried the Gate of Gaza. David having sent to them of Hebron a Present of the spoil which he got of the Amalekites, in the rescue of Ziklag, was commanded by God to go hither. And here at Hebron he was made King, and reigned seven years and six months: had six sons borne him here, of six several wives. Hither Abner cameto David; and being murdered by Joab, was by David mournfully buried here. Hither Ishbosheths head was brought, and buried in Abner's grave; and his murderers by David hanged here. Hither came all Israel to make David King over all Israel. And afterwards Absalom being borne here, pretended a vow to be performed here; and rebelling against his father made himself King here. This City was first built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. And in King Rehoboams time was repaired and fortified by him.

Abraham] Abraham alive when Jacob was 15 years old, [chapter XXV] [verse 7] XXI. 5. and XXV. 7, 26. And so Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were living at the same time, Heb. XI. 9.

Esau ] Esau sold his Birth-right for bread and pottage, [verse 34] XXV. 34. for one morsel of meat, as it is, Heb. XII. 16.

Isaac] Isaac blind above 43 years. [chapter XXVII] [verse 1] He being 60 at the birth of Jacob, XXV. 26. And blind at the blessing of Jacob, XXVII. 1. And Jacob was then 77. years old, as appears by his age of 130 when he stood before Pharaoh, XLVII. 9. And the age of Joseph being then 39 or 40, viz. 30 when he was advanced by Pharaoh, XLI. 46. And after that, seven years of plenty, and two of famine passed ere Jacob came down, XLV. 6. And Joseph was borne in the 14 year after Jacob's coming to Laban, XXX. 25. and XXXI. 41. And Jacob came to Laban presently after the foresaid blessing, XXVII. 42. &c. XXVIII. 1, 2. And so the 14 years before Joseph was borne, and 39 of Joseph's age after, being taken out of Jacob's 130. leaves him to be 77. when Isaac blessed him. And Jacob's 77. being added to Isaac's 60 when Jacob was borne, makes Isaac to be 137. when he was blind, and blessed Jacob. And Isaac dying at 180, XXXV. 28. must so needs be blind 43 years at the least.

Esau] Esau could not prevail with Isaac to bring him to repent of his blessing Jacob, [verse 33] and to recall the blessing, though Esau sought it of Isaac with tears, XXVII. 33, 34. Heb. XII. 17.

Jacob] Jacob being 77 years old, [chapter XXIX] [verse 27] marries both Leah and Rachel, in the first year of his coming to Laban, [Laban by inversion of the letters is Nabal ] and at or before the beginning of the 14 years service for them. This appears by his twelve children; Dinah being one: and by the Sequence of their births, within those 14 years, Ch XXIX. and XXX. which are not possible to be, in that manner, and order borne, within the compass only of the last seven years: And having seven of them by Leah herself; who yet left bearing a while after her fourth son: and Reuben her eldest son being so old to gather Mandrakes in the field a year before Issachar, her fifth child, was borne by her. And this is further evidenced by the age of Judah, being but fifty upon this account itself, that is, 10 years elder then Joseph, when yet he, and his grandchildren by Tamar, both Hezron and Hamul came down with Jacob into Egypt, XLVI. 12. whereby it also appears, that Judah marrying at 17 years of age, which was the first year of Jacob's return from Laban the Syrian into Canaan, XXXVIII. 1, 2, 3. Then both Er, and Onan, and Pharez must needs marry each when they were about 12 or 13 years old, which was rare in that age of the world. And this truth of the time of Jacob's marriage will stand well with the computation of time by the ages and acts of Judah, and his posterity; and with a right rendition of those texts, Gen. XXIX. 20, 21, 25, 27, 28, 30. which should be somewhat altered in our English translations. Here then those large Annotations 1651. making Jacob to marry both Leah and Rachel at the end of the first seven years service: And the twelve children to be borne within the compass of the seven later years: And Judah to be but three years elder then Joseph; And to marry at fourteen years of age: And Er and Onan to marry at fourteen apiece: And Hezron and Hamul, to be borne in Egypt, and to come down with Jacob only in the loins of their father Pharez; (wherein yet there remains a contradiction in them, as appears by comparing together their Annotations on Gen. XXXVIII. 1. and XLVI. 12, 27. do in all the said particulars seem to me to miss the right; and at least to require a more serious review and consideration. See the said Annotations on Gen. XXIX. 27, 30. and XXXVIII. 1, 2, 6. and XLVI. 12.

Sacks] Sacks, [chapter XLII] [verse 25] saccus; and Amen are the words that hold most, in most languages.

Benjamin] Benjamin not 24 years old when he came into Egypt, [chapter XLVI] [verse 21] but hard upon 30. Yea some conceive him to be conceived in Padan-Aram, out of Gen. XXXV. 24, 26. and so to be 33 years old at that time; yet is he called a Lad, Gen. XLIII. 8. and XLIV. 22, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34. and a little one, v. 20. And yet at that time said to be the father of ten sons, Gen. XLVI. 21. And two of them, Naaman, and Ard, (if not more) seem to be his grand-children, Num. XXVI. 40. But not borne in Egypt: no more then Hezron and Hamul were borne there. And so both Benjamin, and his eldest son Belah must marry very young: as the like was observed in Er, Onan, and Pharez, before.

The number ] The number of the souls that came out of Jacob's loins, and came down with him into Egypt, [verse 26] are truly told and reckoned to be 66. Gen. XLVI. 26. And this is the exact number. For Joseph and his two children came not down with Jacob into Egypt, but were in Egypt before. And leaving out Er and Onan, that were dead before in Canaan; and reckoning in Hezron and Hamul, the grand-children of Judah by Tamar; as the express letter of the Text doth in both points require, the said number of 66. doth rightly arise. And to imagine otherwise, that Hezron and Hamul were borne in Egypt, and did go down thither with Jacob only virtually in the loins of their father Pharez, it doth not only contradict the Text, as was said; but also doth overthrow the whole intent and drift of the Record, Catalogue, and Genealogy in that chapter; which is to show the small number that went down personally with Jacob into Egypt, Deut. XXVI. 5. That thereby wonderful multiplication of their posterity in Egypt, Exod. XII. 37. and in little more then a year after, Num. I. 45, 46. by God's blessing might the more gloriously appear. And if some; or any of those mentioned in the said Catalogue, went down only virtually in the loins of their parents; in that sense as well might 46000; yea 600000. be said to have descended with Jacob into Egypt.

Again, the number of the souls of the house of Jacob which came into Egypt, are truly told to be 70. Gen. 46. 27. Exod. I. 5. Deut. X. 22. So justly reckoning Jacob himself, and Joseph with his two sons, who were then in Egypt already. And so these 70. are made up of those sums, 33. 16. 14. 7. set down in Gen. XLVI. 15, 18, 22, 25.

Again, the number is told to be 75. by Stephen, and Luke recording Stephens speech, Acts VII. 14. Here, denying any corruption of the Text; some would lay a failer of memory upon Stephen; as the like again in v. 16. as not being so privileged in this sudden Speech, as the holy Pen-men were inspired for the writing of Scripture: And thereupon say, That Luke dealt tfaihfully in relating what Stephen spake. Others say, That Stephen herein did wittingly and willingly follow the Translation of the LXX. Interpreters on Gen. XLVI. 27. and Exod. I. 5. As in divers citations the holy Writers of the New Testament do; That Translation being then in high esteem, and almost only in use. Yet the five persons superadded by them seem not to be those which the LXX. fetch out of 1 Chron. VII. 14, 20. But rather all those that are named, Gen, XLVI. namely Jacob's four wives, and Er, and Onan; which make up 75. in all, leaving out Jacob himself.

Exodus.

E XODUS Containes an History of 141 years, and some few days over; And not of about 146 years. This truth appears thus; From the death of Joseph, to the birth of Moses were 60. years, and either 56. or 65. or 72. or 80. And this assertion of 60. years is thus gathered. The Israelites being in Egypt, from the going down of Jacob thither, till Moses brought them out thence, 210 years; as hath been shown on Gen. XV. 13. And Joseph being 40 years old when his father Jacob came down; as being 30 when Pharaoh advanced him, Gen. XLI. 46. And after that, seven years of Plenty passing, and the third year of Famine in being, when Jacob came down. And Joseph living 110 years, Gen. L. 22. So leaves 70 of his life to be spent in Egypt, after Jacob's coming down thither. And Moses being 80 years old when he brought the Israelites out of Egypt, Exod. VII. 7. So leaves just 60 years, between Joseph's death, and Moses his birth. For those three numbers, of Joseph's 70. and the said interval of 60, and Moses his 80. make up the said sum of 210 years. Now to those 60 years before the Birth of Moses, add those 80 years of his age, Exod. VII. 7. And the time spent about getting leave of Pharaoh for their departure, Exod. Ch. III. to the XII. which was some small part of year, viz: within one month: And their coming forth on the first month, the 15 day, Num. XXXIII. 3. And their coming into the Wilderness of Sinai; in the third month, Exod.