American Puritan & Colonial

Observations Upon the Old Testament

John Richardson (1580-1654) · 283,550 words · 1260 min

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Exod. XIX. 1. where the Law was given, Exod. XX. And their making and erecting of the Tabernacle, in the next year, first month, first day, Exod. XL. 1. And so the sum of 141 years, and few days doth arise; which contains the whole History of Exodus. Whereof 140 years, within few days, are comprised in the two first Chapters; And one year, and few days are spent in the rest of the Book.

His sister] His sister, [chapter II] [verse 7] that is, Miriam; who was elder then Moses, or Aaron: And Aaron elder then Moses by three years, Exod. VII. 7. All three were the children of Iochebed the daughter of Levi, by Amram the grand-son of Levi, Exod. VI. 16, 18, 20. Num. XXVI. 59. 1 Chron. VI. 3.

Moses] Moses, [chapter II] [verse 11] His age of 40 years when he went to visit his brethren, and flew the Egyptian: As also his skill in all the wisdom of the Egyptian, 3 are not mentioned in the Old Testament: But by Saint Stephen, Acts VII. 22, 23.

Jethro] Jethro who is likewise called Iether, [chapter III] [verse 1] in the Original, Exod. IV. 18. and Hobab, Num. X. 29. Judge. IV. 11. were the names of Moses his father-in-law. And Kenite, Judge. I. 16. seems to be his name Patronymical. And Revel, and Raguel seem to be the names of Jethros father, Exod. II. 18. Num. X. 29.

Horeb] Horeb here, and Sinai, Exod. XVI. 1. and XIX. 11. are the same mountain; or two tops of the same mountain: called Sinai, from the bush, Exod. III. 2. or bushes growing there, and thereabouts in that wilderness, Ch. XIX. 1. As Mount Zion, and Mount Moriah were much alike.

A Token ] This token or sign was to come to pass afterwards; [verse 12] yet is given to confirm a Promiser made afore it. And the like is, Isaiah VII. 14. and XXXVII. 30. Ier. XLIII. 9, 10. and Ch. LI. 63, 64. Among other reasons, to assure there the truth of the Promise, by the quality of the Promise foretelling such events.

No lie ] No lie in this Petition to Pharaoh: [verse 18] nor in that assertion, Ch. V. 3.

Will not ] The foreknowledge of God doth not impeach or trench upon the Free-will of Pharaoh. [verse 19]

Borrow ] No wrong in that borrowing, and spoiling the Egyptians, Exod. [verse 22] III. 22. and Ch. XI. 2. and Ch. XII. 35, 36.

The Magicians ] The Magicians of Egypt, [chapter VII] [verse 11] are none of them named in the Old Testament: yet Jannes and Jambres, the two prime of them are named in the New, 2 Tim. III. 8.

The Red-sea ] And so in the Greek Erythraeum, [chapter X] [verse 19] Acts VII. 36. Heb. XI. 29. signifying red: And so the Latins from them. So called, either from the seeming color of the water from the abundance of reddish bulrushes therein; or the red sand and gravel in it; or red Corall growing in it; or red sandy mountains adjoining to it; or why not from Edom, as the Edomean Sea, 1 King. IX. 26. He being called Red from his red color; and the red Pottage, Gen. XXV. 25, 30. But the likeliest reason is from the Hebrew appellation, calling it the sea of weeds, or sedge, mare algsum, of flag, or rush, or tange, rack or reet, in Latin alga, Jonah II. 5. which reddish weeds in abundance grew in it, being but shoaly; and specially about the bancks of it.

Neither rose ] The Plague of Darkness in Egypt seems to obstruct both Candle-light, and Fire-light. [verse 23]

This month ] The beginning of the year being here changed from the time wherein formerly it was, [chapter XII] to the month wherein the Israelites came out of Egypt; a little before our Easter, and about our Vernal Equinoctial, as it then stood; This argues the Creation of the World to have been at that time when the Jews year formerly began: And the time of Noah's Flood to begin the 17 ^th day of the second month of that year. Which year is known to commence its Beginning from the Autumnal Equinoctial, as it then stood. From whence, even after this Change, the year of Jubile, and Sabbath-year, and year for some Civil accounts did continue still to have and enjoy their former Beginnings; as we see, Levite. XXV. 8, 9, 10. Exod. XXIII. 11, 16. and Ch. XXXIV. 22.

In the evening ] The Paschal Lamb is appointed here to be killed and eaten, [chapter XII] [verse 6] and so the Passover to be kept, at Even; or, as it is in the Hebrew, at or between the two Evenings; And so, Num. IX. 3. Lev. XXIII. 5. And so kept by our Savior at Even, Matth. XXVI. 20. Now the better to know the Even, and two Evenings, we must first know, That the Artificial Day is divided, from Sun-rising to Sun-setting, into twelve hours, John XI. 9. Matth. XX. 6, 12. Acts II. 15. which hours are sometimes longer, sometimes shorter, as the course of the Sun measures them. And again, that day seems to have a division into three equal parts, allotting four hours to each part. Or into four equal parts, allotting three hours to each part. And so the first part is from their Sun-rising, to our ninth hour: the second from our ninth to our twelfth, or Noone, and Mid-day: the third from that, to our three in the after-noon: the fourth from that, to Sun-setting. And sometimes there is taken into the first of these, the time from Day-light to Sun-rising: And into the last of these, the time from Sun-setting to night and darkness, as Matth. XVI. 2. and XXVII. 57. John XX. 19. And both these comprise the whole days Fasting, 2 Sam. I. 12. Now the Even in Scripture is most properly, and usually expressed, and defined strictly by the Going down, or Setting of the Sun. So in the purifying of the Unclean, Levite. XXII. 6, 7. Deut. XXIII. 11. And so in that case of the King of Ai, Josh. VIII. 29. And of Ahab, 2 Chron. XVIII. 34. And of those five Kings in the Cave of Makkedah, Josh. X. 26, 27. And so in Mark I. 32. And so it is expressly for the Passover itself, Deut. XVI. 6. To which acceptation of the Even agrees that, Psal. CIV. 23. Mark XI. 11, 19. Luke XXIV. 29. Acts IV. 3. and XXVIII. 23. Yet in Scripture the Evening is sometimes taken in a larger extent and latitude, for the latter part of the Day, beginning from the declining of the Sun at Mid-day; or from the abating of the heat and force of it, at our three in the after-noon: As may be clearly gathered from Mat. XIV. v. 15,—23. Mark VI. 35, 47. Luke IX. 12. And as it is usual taken with us in our ordinary salutations. Now at, or between the two Evenings, is mentioned, as for the yearly Passover; so for the daily Evening Sacrifice, Exod. XXIX. 39. Num. XXVIII. 4. And for the daily burning of Incense on the Incense -Altar: And for the daily dressing and lighting of the Lamps in the Tabernacle, Exod. XXX. 8. So that in these four cases the meaning of the phrase seems to be the same; Noting out one certain time; and these two Evenings in the larger, or stricter signification, to be contiguous, or continued rather; to be that Communis terminus, which couples the end of the day, and the beginning of the night together; or the two extremities of our Evening-tide, whereof the former belongs to the end and shutting up of the natural day preceding, and the later to the beginning of the night, which leads on, and ushers in the natural or civil day following, as the first part of it. So that this time is a participle of both, or a Borderer betwixt both, as the large Annotations fitly express it.

Two side-posts ] In this first Passover each Head of a family served as a Priest: [verse 7] divers Rites were enjoined, which were not observed or required afterwards; And the second month also allowed for it, Num. IX. 11 And other seven days, 2 Chron. XXX. 23.

No manner of work ] On divers Feast-days of the Jews it was not lawful for them to do any servile work; [verse 16] On others, any kind or manner of work, save that which every man must eat. But on the Sabbath day, (and so likely on the day of expiation ) that itself was unlawful; or to kindle a fire on it, Exod. XII. 16. and Ch. XVI. 5, 23. and Ch. XXXV. 2, 3. And much more, to do any manner of work upon it, Neh. XIII. v. 15,—22. Jer. XVII. 21, 22. though for the making of the Tabernacle itself, Exod. XXXI. 11, 12, 13. or at any time, in earing-time, or harvest, Exod. XXXIV. 21. And that upon pain of death, Exod. XXXV. 2.

For ever ] Many Legal Ceremonies, [verse 17] or Ordinances are enjoined the Jews to be observed throughout their generations forever; all which yet ended at the coming of Christ in the flesh. And some such enjoined in like terms, yet ended in the year of Jubile, Exod. XXI. 6. Levite. XXV. 40. Of this see more in the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.

430 years ] These do commence from the first Promise made to Abram, [verse 40] in Ur of the Chaldees, whence 30 of the years are made up thus; viz: 5. in Haran; 11 in Canaan, when Ishmael was borne, Gen, XVI. 3. And 14 years of Ishmael's age, when Isaac was borne, Gen. XVII. 25. and Ch. XVIII. 10. and XVI. 16. and XXI. 5. And the 400. begin from Isaac's birth; as was shown on Gen. XV. 13.

By day in a Pillar of a cloud ] The Pillar of a cloud by day, and of fire by night, [chapter XIII] [verse 21] may seem to be two Pillars, Exod. XIII. 21. 22. Nehem. IX. 12, 19. Num. XIV. 14. Or rather seem to be one Pillar, Exod. XIV. 19, 20, 24. Spread as a cloud by day, to cover them from heat; and gathered up into a Pillar of fire by night, to guide them. Out of which God spake unto them, Psal. XCIX. 7. Num. XII. 5, 10. Deut. XXXI. 15. See the Annotations on Isaiah IV. 5.

Migdol ] A strong City or Fort, [chapter XIV] [verse 2] situate in the territory of Bethshemesh in Egypt, not far from the Red-sea, Num. XXXIII. 7, 8. Jer XLIV. 1.

Before the Testimony ] This command for Aaron to lay up the Pot of Manna before the Lord, [chapter XVI] [verse 34] was performed by him, in laying it not before the Testimony, not at this time of the Command here; but after the Ark, and two Tables of the Covenant were made, Exod. XXXIII. 29. and Ch. XXXVII, 1, &c.

An Omer ] The Omer and Ephah here seem quite altered in that Visionary New State of Israel, [chapter XVI] [verse 36] Ezek. XLV. 11. Unless Gnomer and Chomer be two several measures; which I rather incline unto; and conceive the truth to be this; That 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Exod. XVI. 36. is the tenth part of an Ephah, as is there set down; whereunto accords that ver. 16. it being the measure of the eating of Manna sufficient for a man by the day. But 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ezek. XLV. contains ten Ephahs or Baths, both being of the same measure, v. 11. and 14. And hereunto accords that, Isaiah V. 10. where one 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (for so the word is there written, as it is in Ezek. XLV.) yields but one Ephah. i. e. the tenth part of the seed, it being a judgment of famine there denounced. See also, Levite. XXVII. 16. And this may serve for the better explication of my Annotations upon that place of Ezekiel, contained in the second Edition of the great Annotations printed 1651.

Rock ] Rocks twice smitten: [chapter XVII] [verse 6] this Rock, Exod. XVII. 6. And that water going likely into the Red Sea; and so failing them in the 32. Station at Ezion-gaber; Upon their new murmuring, another Rock was smitten 39 years after, Num. 20. 1,—13. And both called the waters of Meribah.

Went up] Moses nine or ten times goes up to the Lord on Mount Sinai. [chapter XIX] [verse 3] See Exod. XIX. 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 20, 21, 25. and Ch. XX. 21. and Ch. XXIV. 3, 12, 13, 15, 18. and Ch. XXXII. 7, 15, 30. and Ch. XXXIII. 6, 7, 21. and Ch. XXXIV. 2, 29, 34.

Moses spake ] This speech, [verse 19] not mentioned what it was. But seems to be that recorded, Heb. XII. 21.

Priests ] So, [verse 22] v. 24. These Priests probably seem to be the fathers of the families. The young men, Exod. XXIV. 5. might possibly be of those Primogeniti or First-borne, which God first challenged to himself within one quarter of a year before, Exod. XIII. 2. and Ch. XXII. 29. And for them the Levites were taken in afterwards, Num. III. 12, 13, 40, 41, 45. and Ch. VIII. 18. Or else such as Moses pleased to employ in slaying and dressing at least of these Sacrifices: Called young men likely, as those servants of the King of Assyria are called in the Original young men, 2 King. XIX. 6.

An Altar ] These Altars mentioned in this verse, [chapter XX] [verse 24] and, v. 25, 26. were allowed and appointed for the time: much differing from those by appointment made when the Tabernacle, and Temple, were erected, and built, Exod. XXVII. 1, &c. 2 Chron. IV. 1. Of Altars see more on Levite. XVII. 3.

In the seventh ] In the Seventh and Sabbatical year, [chapter XXI] [verse 2] beginning in September, as the Jubilee did, The Book of the Law was to be read publicly and solemnly in the beginning of that year; The Land was to rest from Culture; Lendings vouchsafed to poor Hebrews, and then due, were to be released, and intermitted, if not clean remitted, Luke VI. 35. Hebrew servants, both men and women, though bought, if not redeemed before, were to go out free, if themselves would, and that liberally furnished, Exod. XXI. 2,—7. and XXIII. 11, 16. Levite. XXV. 4, 5, 6, 7, 20, 21, 22. Deut. XV. 1,—18. Jer. XXXIV. 14.

Who hath betrothed her to himself ] The Hebrew Text hath 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifying Not, [chapter XXI] [verse 8] and so runs thus, Who hath not betrothed her. But the Hebrew Critics commonly called Masorets, put for it in the magin 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , signifying to him; so observing a various reading. And indeed they observe divers readings in sundry places of Scripture; but about no one word so many, as about this; as may be seen, Levite. XI. 21. and Ch. XXV. 30. 1 Sam. II. 3. 2 Kings VIII. 10. 1 Chron. XI. 20. Ezra IV. 2. Job XIII. 15. Psal. C. 3. Isaiah IX. 3. and XLIX. 5. and LXIII. 9. And in many of these, both senses come to one; reading the Negative by way of interrogation. See the Annotations on Job 13. 15.

From mine Altar ] The Tabernacle, [verse 14] and Temple, and Altars there, may seem to pretend to some such Privilege, as the Cities of Refuge had, Exod. XXI. 14. 1 King. 1. 50, 51. and Ch. 11. 28.

An Oath ] An oath is pnt to the Party suspected, to accuse, [verse 11] or clear himself; So, v. 11. Somewhat like an Answer to a Bill in Chancery; or to the oath called ex officio; [chapter XXII] though haply in all things not correspondent.

Males ] Women among the Jews, as not Circumcised; [verse 17] so haply may seem neither to be tied to eat the Passover, [chapter XXIII] Exod. XXIII. 17. and Ch. XXXIV. 23, 24. Deut. XVI. 16. Yet is this no ground to debar women from the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper more then from the Sacrament of Baptism: the partition-wall being now broken down by Christ, and male and female in him are all one, Gal. III. 8.

Thy bounds ] The bounds of the Land of Canaan were

Larger, Ge • . XV. 18. Exod. XXIII. 31. Deut. I. 7. and Ch. 11. 24. Josh. I. 4.
Narrower, [verse 31] Num. XXXIV. 3. &c. Num. XIII. 21. 1 King. VIII. 65. 2 Chron. VII. 8. Judge. XX. 1.

The larger bounds were never possessed and inhabited by the Israelites; at most made Tributary only in the days of David, and Solomon. And the default might be no wise in God; but in the Israelites sinning and breaking with God, Deut. XIX. 8, 9. Yea the narrower bounds, by reason of their sins, were scarce at any time fully possessed.

In the Ark ] In the Ark were the two Tables of the Law and Covenant, [chapter XXV] [verse 16] See also Exod. XL. 20. And nothing else, 1 Kings VIII. 9. 2. Chron. V. 10. which Tables are called the Testimony, Exod. XXV. 16, 21. and Ch. XXX. 6. and Ch. XL. 20. And the Ark is called The Ark of the Testimony, Exod. XXV. 22. and Ch. XXVI. 33. and Ch. XXX, 6, 26. And the Mercy-seat is said to be upon the Testimony, Levite. XVI. 13. By the Ark was laid and kept the Pot of Manna, before the Testimony, Exod. XVI. 34. And Aaron's Rod, before the Testimony, Num. XVII. 10. And that Censer, Levite. XVI. 12. Heb. IX. 4. And the Book of the Law, in the side of the Ark, or on the outside of it, Deut. XXXI. 26. Not only those Pieces of it, Exod. XVII. 14. and Ch. XXIV. 4. and Ch. XXXIV. 27. and Deut. XXXI. 9, 22. But the whole Law and writings, and inspired Books of Moses. And this seems to some to be the Book found in Josiah's time; and to have been lost in the days of wicked Manasseh, and Amon: Though the matters of that Book, when it was read to Josiah, and to all the people, seemed so strange unto them, as if no Copy of it at all, [chapter XXV] or wondrous rare, had been extant among them.

Lamps to burn always ] The Lamps may seem to burn night and day; [chapter XXVII] [verse 20] because we read of no windows for light in the Tabernacle. See also Exod. III. 7, 8. Levite. XXIV. 2, 3. At least some of them in the daytime.

Tabernacle] Moses his Tent is called the Tabernacle. [chapter XXXIII] [verse 7, 8.] And the Tabernacle is called by the name of the Temple, 1 Sam. III. 3. And the Temple diverse times by the name of the Tabernacle, and Sanctuary, and Tents of the Lord, 2 Chron. XXXI. 2.

Fourty days and forty nights] Moses twice fasted 40 days, [chapter XXXIV] [verse 28] and 40 nights, Exod. XXXIV. 28. Deut. IX. 18. and Ch. X. 10. And some conceive thrice out of Deut. IX. 25. Yet this is not likely. Elias once; and our Savior once. Of Fasting, see the Annotations on Joel I. 14.

Skin of his face shone ] By reflexive rays and beams of the Divine splendor: [verse 29] And had not horns, as the Trent Bible renders the word; And Painters commonly picture him. The Hebrew word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a substantive signifies an Horne; but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Verbe signifies to shine. And so Saint Paul interprets it, 2 Cor. III. 7.

Looking-glasses] Looking-glasses made not of Glasses, [chapter XXXVIII] [verse 8] whereof we have no record in Scripture; but rather of steel, or of brass which was much refined, as Ezra VIII. 27. and of much use; and specially for armor inwarre, as Virgil often mentions.

Talents. [verse 24] Shekels ] Shekel comes from Shakal, to weigh; And thence may our English word scale come. A Shekel is 20. Gerahs, Exod. XXX. 13. Ezek. XLV. 12. or two Bekahs, Exod. XXXVIII. 26. The Shekel is half an ounce in silver, or 2 s. 6d. And so the Gerah, 1 d. ob. and the Bekah 1 s. 3 d. The Talent is 3000 Shekels; which appears thus in the Text; The 603550 men are taxed at a Bekah a piece. This makes 301775 Shekels. Now reckoning 3000 Shekels to a Talent; The 301775 Shekels make up 100 Talents, and 1775 Shekels; according to the sum there specified, v. 25, 27, 28. And counting the Shekel at 2 s. 6d, the Talent so comes to 375 l. starling. The Shekel of gold was of the same weight with that of silver; but of far greater value; of ten to one with the Jews, as may be gathered out of 1 Chron. XXII. 14. And so their Shekel of gold comes to 1 l. 5 s. their Talent of Gold comes to 3750. l. But gold now in Christendom is at an higher rate. By silverings, as, 2 Sam. XVIII. 11, 12. Matth. XXVI. 15. usually Shekels are understood. See the Annotations on Ezek. IV. 10. And on Esther III. 9.

Vail of the Covering ] That hanged before, [chapter XXXIX] [verse 34] and covered the Mercy-seat.

Lamps to be set in order ] Dressing them every morning, [verse 37] and lighting them at even, Ch. XXX. 7, 8. if not at morning too: there being no windows in the Tabernacle; and so burning always, Ch. XXXVII. 20. continually, Levite. XXIV. 2.

Blessed them ] The offerers, [verse 43] and the work-men.

Of the Gongregation ] Where Priests, [chapter XL] [verse 2] Levites, and People assembled, according to the several degrees of their approaches.

Everlasting ] That their posterity should not need to be anointed again. [verse 15] Of Everlasting see the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.

A Cloud ] Even that Cloud, [verse 34] Exod. XIII. 21, 22. miraculously removed hither.

Not able ] The manner therefore of the clouds abode, [verse 35] and the Lord's glory appearing at this time, was extraordinary.

Leviticus.

L EVITICUS takes up only the time of one month; viz: the first month of the second year of their coming out of Egypt; whiles yet they stayed at Mount Sinai: Compare together, Exod. XL. 2, 17. Levite. I. 1. and Chap. XXVII. 34. and Num. I. 1. And this was in the 2509 year of the world; thus, 1656. to the Flood. Thence to Abram's birth, in the 130 year of Terah, 352. Thence, to Isaac's birth, 100. Thence, to Jacob's birth, 60. Thence, to Jacob's going down into Egypt 130. Thence to the coming out of Egypt 210: and one year after their coming forth; in all 2509. And not in the year of the world 2455. or 2514. This Book contains principally the Function and Offices of the Levites; And Ceremonials concerning Sacrifices, and Feasts, Rites, and Purifications: Delivered by God to Moses out of the Tabernacle of the Congregation when it was newly reared, Levite. I. 1. And accordingly is that, Levite. XXV. 1. to be expounded.

The month of this Book may seem to be thus spent, taken up, and subdivided, viz:

1. Day; The Tabernacle, Altar, and all other things belonging to the Sanctuary, reared, placed, anointed, Exod. XL. Levite. VIII.

The Consecration of Aaron, and his sons, Commanded, Exod. XXIX. Begun, Exod. XL. fully finished, Levite. VIII. in the space of seven days.

And seven days to make an Atonement for the Altar, and sanctify it, Exod. XXIX. 37.

8. Day; The Princes Offerings of six Waggons, and twelve Oxen, for carriage and service of the Tabernacle. Their Offerings at the Dedication of the Altar; each Prince on his day: which so continued twelve days, Num. VII. And likely during that time of twelve days, Moses received from the Lord, out of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, those Laws for Sacrifices, and Offerings, Levite. Ch. I,—VII.

8. Day; The Consecration of Aaron, and his sons, being ended, Aaron doth first Sacrifice, Levite. IX.

In the sacrifices and offerings Levitically are considerable; Principally, and more
- Generally: The
  - Persons,
    - Offerer or
      - Bringer, Lev. 1. 4. and 3. 2. and 7. 30.
    - Sacrificer,
      - Priests, Lev. 1. 6. 2 Chron. 29. 24. Now wine or strong drink, When, &c. Lev. 10. 9.
      - Levites, in some part, and in some cases, 2 Chron. 29. 34. and ch. 35. 11▪—14.
  - Place, Lev. 17. 3.—9. Deut. 12. 5,—14. and ch. 16 5, 6.
  - Fire
    - Came down from Heaven, Lev 19. 24. See further, 1 Kings 18. 38. 1 Chron. 21. 26. 2 Chron. 7. 1.
    - Must never be suffered to go out, Lev. 6. 12, 13. notwithstanding their journeys in the wilderness, Numb. 4 13.
  - Fat in
    - Sacrifices, always to be burnt, and what fat, Lev. 3. 16, 17.
    - Other cases, when
      - Not to be eaten, Leviticus 7. 23, 25.
      - To be eaten, Leviticus 7. 23, 25. Nehemiah 8. 10.
      - To be used otherwise, Liviticus 7. 24.
  - Oile, L • viticus 2. and 14. Exod. 29. Ezra 7. 22.
  - Salt, Levite. 2. 13. Ezek. 43. 24. Mar. 9. 49. Ezra 6. 9. and 7. 22.
  - Blood
    - Never to be eaten, Gen. 9. 4. Lev. 7. 26, 27. and 17. 10,—14. 1 Sam. 14. 13. Deut. 12. 16 23, 24, 25.
    - In sacrifices,
      - Sprinkled, sometimes
        
        Before the veil of the Sanctuary, and upon the horns of the Altar of incense, Lev. 4. 6, 7, 17, 18.
        
        Upon the horns of the Altar of burnt-offerings, Lev. 4. 25, 30. 34.
        
        Round about upon the Altar of Burnt-offering, Lev. 1. 5, 11. and 3, 2, 8, 13. and 7, 2.
      - Wrung out at the side of the Altar, Lev. 1▪ 15. and 5. 9.
      - Poured out at the side of the Altar, or at the bottom of the Altar, Leviticus 4 7, 18. 25, 30, 34, and 8 15.
- Particularly: The
  - Kinds and sorts of them.
    - Burnt-offering, or Holocaust, Lev. 1.
      - Matter of
        
        Cattle,
        
        Herd, Oxen or Bullocks. Males.
        
        Flock,
        
        Sheep. Males.
        
        Goats. Males.
        
        Fowl,
        
        Tuttle-Doves.
        
        Young Pigeons.
      - Manner and Law of it, Lev. 1 and ch. 6. 9,—13. and ch. 7. 8. Numb. 10. 10. and ch. 15. 5, 8, 11, 12.
    - Meat-offering, Lev. 2.
      - Matter of
        
        Fine flower. No
        
        Honey.
        
        Leaven.
        
        v. 11.
        
        Oile, No
        
        Honey.
        
        Leaven.
        
        v. 11.
        
        Incense. No
        
        Honey.
        
        Leaven.
        
        v. 11.
        
        Salt. No
        
        Honey.
        
        Leaven.
        
        v. 11.
        
        Or of first-fruits in the ear. No
        
        Honey.
        
        Leaven.
        
        v. 11.
        
        No
        
        Honey.
      - Manner, and Law of it, Lev. 2. and ch. 6. 14—18. and 7. 9, 10 and 10. 12, 13. Numb. 15. 1,—16. and 18. 9, 10.
    - Drink-offering.
      - Matter, wine.
      - Manner, Measure and Law of it, Lev 23. 13, 18, 37. Numb. 6. 15, 17 and ch. 15. 5, 7, 10, 24. and ch. 28. 7,—31. and ch. 29. 6, 11,—39. 1 Chron. 9. 29. and 29. 21. 2 Chron. 29. 35. Ezra 7. 17. Ezek. 45. 17. Jer. 44. 17. 2 Kings 16. 13, 15. Deut. 32 38. Ezra 7. 12.
    - Meat and drink-offerings ever joined together, Numb. 16. 35,—12. And joined almost to all other sacrifices, Numb. 6. 15, 17. 1 Chron. 21. 23. and 29. 21. 1 Kings 8. 64. Ezra 7. 17. 2 Chron. 29. 35,
    - Peace-offerings; Or Gratulatory of Thanksgiving, Lev. 3.
      - Matter of
        
        Herd; Ox or Bullock. male or female.
        
        Flock.
        
        Lamb. male or female.
        
        Goat. male or female.
      - Manner and Law of it, Lev. 3. and ch. 7. 11,—34. and 10. 14, 15. and ch. 22. 23, 29, 30. Numb. 10. 10. touching the wave-breast and heave-shoulder. See, Lev. 7. 30,—34.
    - Sin-offering of ignorance, Lev. 4. Of the
      - High Priest; the matter and manner of it, Lev. 4. 1, - 12. and 6. 30. and 10. 16, 17, 18.
      - Whole Congregation; the matter and manner of it, Lev. 4. 13,—21. and 6. 30. Numb, 15. 22,—26.
      - Ruler; the matter (a male) and manner of it, Lev. 4. 22,—26. and ch. 6. 25,—29.
      - Vulgar; the matter, (a female) and manner of it, Lev. 4. 27,—35. and 6, 25,—29. Num. 15. 27, 28. and 18 9, 10
    - Trespass-offering, for sins of
      - Ignorance, Lev. 5. in
        
        Divers things, ch. 51,—13. And therein after confession, both the matter (female) and manner of it.
        
        Holy things Lev. 5. 15.-19. by
        
        Diminution or Sacrilege; matter and manner of it, adding the fifth part, with thy estimation.
        
        Otherwise; matter and manner of it, with thy estimation.
      - Knowledge, by
        
        Weakness in divers cases, with the matter (a Ram) and manner of it, Lev. 6. 1.—8. Numb. 5. 6, 7, 8. adding a fifth part with thy estimation.
        
        Presumption; there is no sacrifice for it but death, Num. 15. 30,—36.
    - As the sin-offering is, so is the trespass-offering; there is one law for them, Lev. 7. 1,—7. And in some things they are hardly distinguishable. And the trespass-offering seems to be for the greater offenses.
  - Times, wherein several sorts of them were to beused. And so some were
    - Voluntary free-will-offerings,
      - At pleasure; as many times the whole burnt-offerings, and peace-offerings; See those at the
        
        Deduction of the Ark, 1 Kings 8. 5. 2 Sam. 6. 13, 17.
        
        Dedication of the
        
        Temple, 1 Kings 8. 63.
        
        Walls of Jerusalem, Nehem. 12. 43.
      - Upon voluntary Promise by Vow, Lev. 22. 23. and Deut. 12. 17, 26. and 23. 21. See here the Law of the Nazarites, Numb 6.
    - Injoyned upon
      - Fixt Times;
        
        Daily, morning and evening, Exod. 29, 38. Numb. 28. 3,—8,
        
        Weekly, on the Sabbath-day, Numb. 28. 9, 10.
        
        Monethly, on the first day, Numb. 28. 11,—15. and 10. 10. Ps. 81. 3 Isaiah 1. 13.
        
        Yearly
      - at
        
        Feasts
        
        3. Solemn, of
        
        Passover, and Unleavened bread Lev. 23.
        
        Weeks. Deut. 16.
        
        Tabernacles. Deut. 16.
        
        Others for one day, viz. of
        
        First-fruits, Lev. 23 9.—15.
        
        Blowing of trumpets, Lev. 23. 24, 25.
        
        Fast of expiation, Lev. 16. and ch 23, 27.—32.
      - Incident occassions; more
        
        Extraordinary; as at the
        
        Consecration of
        
        Aaron, and his sons, Lev. 8. Exod. 29. and ch. 40. See Aaron's first-offerings, Lev. 9.
        
        Levities, Numb. 8.
        
        Dedication of the Altar, Numbers 7. 10,—88.
        
        Ordi ••
        
        Purification and cleansing of
        
        Women after child-birth. Lev. 12. 13, 14, 15. chapters.
        
        Leper. Lev. 12. 13, 14, 15. chapters.
        
        Men, in their issues. Lev. 12. 13, 14, 15. chapters.
        
        Women in their 〈…〉 Lev. 12. 13, 14, 15. chapters.

〈1 page duplicate〉

9. Day; Nadab, and Abihu offer Incense with strange fire; and are slain, Levite. X.
11, 12, 13. Days
- Seeme those Laws given from the Lord, to
  - Moses and Aaron, touching Beasts, Fishes, Fowls, clean and unclean, Ch. XI.
  - Moses, for Purification of Women in child-birth, Ch. XII.
  - Moses and Aaron; for Leprosies, & their cleansings, Ch. XIII. XIV.
  - For issues of men and women, & their cleansings, Ch. XV.
14. Day; Celebration of the Passover, Num. IX. whether the Feast of unleavened Bread, for seven days, was added hereunto, is not expressed.
After the death of Nadab and Abihu, Moses receives Laws from the Lord, touching the
- High Priests coming into the most Holy Place, once a year, to make an Atonement, on the tenth day of the seventh month. And the manner of it, Ch. XVI.
- Place of Sacrificing. And touching Blood, Ch. XVII.
- Unlawful mixtures, and Lusts; and other sins. And the Punishments of them, Ch. XVIII, XIX, XX.
- Priests; their Holiness; Honor: and cleansing, Ch. XXI, XXII.
- Feasts, Ch. XXIII.
- Oile, and Lamps. And Shew-bread, Ch. XXIV. 1,—9.
Shelomiths son blasphemeth, Ch. XXIV. 10,—14.
Thereafter, Moses receiveth Laws from the Lord; touching
- Blasphemy, and Murder, Chap. XXIV. 15—23.
- Sabbath-year: and Jubile; Ch. 25.
- Idolatry, and Religiousnesse: with Blessings and Curses, Ch. XXVI.
- Vowes and Tythes, Chap. XXVII.

For the better understanding, and remembering of this Book; And specially of the Offerings, and Sacrifices therein contained, The Table ensuing, and the Directions thereof, may give some part of help and furtherance; though the same be not in all points perfect and complete.

Sacrifices then are of a Divine Institution. And were indeed practiced by Adam, and his children; and in all ages. But by Moses enlarged with many Observations, Circumstances, and Prefigurations contained in them. Yet not principally commanded; nor so much as Moral duties of Piety, and Honesty, 1 Sam. 15. 22. Psal. L. 5,—16. Mark XII. 33. Hos. VI. 6. Matth. XII. 7. as Joel II. 13. Isaiah I. 11. and Jer. VI. 20. Amos V. 21. Jer. VII. 21, 22, 23.

Of the Cattle] The kinds of Beasts and Birds, [verse 2] for Sacrifices, were Oxen, Bullocks, Sheep, Lambs, Rams, Goats, Turtle-Doves, & young Pigeons. The Sparrow, or living Bird, mentioned, Levite. XIV. 4. in the cleansing of the Leper, was not properly a Sacrifice. These Creatures for Sacrifice, were of common use for man's sustenance & maintenance; And so were lawful to be eaten in civil and common use, Deut. XIV. 4, 26. and Ch. XII. 15, 21. And they were easy to be had. As also Bread, Flower, Cakes, Wafers, Wine, Salt, Oile, Frankincense, used most in the Meat, and Drink-offerings; And such likewise are Water, Bread and Wine, in our Sacraments. See Levite. I, II, III, IV. Ch. and Ch. VII. v. 11, 12, 13.

A Burnt-Sacrifice] In all Burnt-Offerings; [verse 3] and in such Sin-Offerings, whereof any of the Blood was to be brought into the Tabernacle of the Congregation to reconcile withal in the holy place; and also in Meat-Offerings of and for a Priest; all was to be burnt to the Lord; There was nothing left to be eaten by any, Levite. I. and Ch. VI. 22, 23, 30.

In all other Sin-Offerings; and Trespass-Offerings; besides the fat, and kidneys, burnt to the Lord: All the Flesh was the Priests, and to be eaten by him, and his. And so in all other Meat-Offerings, Levite. VI. 16, 17, 18, 26, 29. and Ch. VII. 6, 7, 9, 10, 14.

In the Peace-Offerings, the Wave-breast; and heave, or right shoulder, were the Priests, to be eaten by him, and his: And the rest of the Flesh belonged to the bringer of the Peace-Offering, to be eaten by him and his, Levite. VII. 31, 32, 33, 34. and v. 15,—21.

The Levites had no part in any Offerings.

Burnt-Offerings used for Sin-Offerings, in Jobs time; Job XLII: 8.

At the door] Killed there. Because thither it was lawful for the Offerer or Bringer of it to come, that he might put his hand upon the head of the Sacrifice, Lev. I. 3, 4. and III. 2, 8, 13. and IV. 15, 24, 29, 33.

Leaven] Leaven generally forbid in Meat-Offerings; [chapter II] [verse 11] except in those two mentioned, Lev. VII. 13. and Ch. XXIII. 17.

Confess] [chapter V] [verse 5] This Confession of sin differeth altogether from the Popish Sacramental Confession.

That soul shall be cut off from his people] This Punishment as it is awarded here against the eating of the flesh of the Peace-Offering, [chapter VII] [verse 20] for him who hath any Legal pollution upon him; so it is against such who are not circumcised, Gen. XVII. 14. who eat leavened bread during the Feast of the Passover, Exod. XII. 15, 19. who do any work on the Sabbath-day, Exod. XXXI. 14. who eat of the fat of Beasts of which men offer Sacrifices, Levite. VII. 25. who eat Blood, v. 27. and Ch. XVII. 10, 14. who bring not the Sacrifice to the door of the Tabernacle, to be killed there, not elsewhere, Levite. XVII. 4, 9. who eat of the Sacrifice of Peace-Offering on the third day, Levite. XIX. 8. who give of their Seed to Moloch, Levite. XX. 2, 3. or kill not such a sinner, v. 4, 5. who go a whoring after Wizards, and such as have familiar spirits, v. 6. who commit incest, v. 17. or lie with a woman in her sickness, v. 18. who goeth unto the holy things which the children of Israel hallow unto the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him, Levite. XXII. 3. who doth any work, or is not afflicted on the Fast-day of Atonement, Levite. XXIII. 29, 30. who keep not the Passover, Num. IX. 13. who sin presumptuously, Num. XV. 30, 31. who being unclean, do not purify themselves, Num. XIX. 13, 20. who being idolaters, come to a Prophet to inquire concerning the Lord, Ezek. XIV. 8. This kind of punishment hath variation of phrases in the expressions in Scripture, thus, shall be cut off, utterly cut off, cut off from Israel, from the Congregation of Israel, from among the Congregation, in the sight of their people, from the midst of my people, cut off from the earth; cut off from my presence: which likely do import various kinds, and degrees of punishments, according to the nature of the sins spoken to in them. How far this phrase advanceth the Jewish Excommunication, I leave to further consideration.

The unclean might eat of common meats; as the child-bed-woman, Levite. XII. But in no case of Sacred meats, as, Leviticus VII. 20.

Fat] the Fat of other clean Beasts then of such as were fit for Sacrifice, [verse 25] was allowed to be eaten, Levite. VII. 25. The Fat also of the flesh, or body of the beast sacrificed might lawfully be eaten, Neh. VIII. 10. Isaiah XXV. 6. and LV. 2. But the Fat or Suet that was about the flanck, and the kidneys, or about and upon the entrails, Levite. III. 3, 4. was reserved out of all Sacrifices as God's portion, to be burnt upon his Altar, Levite. III. 15, 16. and IV. 8, 10. and XVII. 6. Deut. XXXII. 38. 1 Sam. II. 15, 16. And is forbidden therefore to be eaten by any, Levite. III. 17. and XVII. 23, 25.

Take Aaron] On the same day, [chapter VIII] [verse 2,—36.] that is, the first day of the first month of the second year, Moses began to consecrate, and anoint the Tabernacle, Altar, and all things belonging to them; As also Aaron and his sons, Exod. XL. 1,—17. Levite. VIII. 1,—36.

Anointed] Aaron and all his sons were at first anointed, [verse 12] v. 30. Num. III. 3. XXXV. 25. Psal. CXXXIII. 2. Not the Levites. And 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉 the High Priest only was anointed afterwards, Exod. XXIX. 29, 30. Levite. XVI. 32. We read oft of the Anointing of Kings, 1 Sam. X. 1. XVI. 13. 2 Sam. 11. 4. 1 Kings I. 39. 2 Kings IX. 6. XXIII. 30. Psal. LXXXIX. 20. But never of Prophets. That of Elisaeus, 1 Kings XIX. 16. seems not to have been done with material oil; see ver. 19. As neither that of Hazael to be King of Syria; compare 1 Kings XIX. 15. with 2 Kings VIII. 13. nor that of Absalom, 2 Sam. XIX. 10. nor that of Cyrus, Isaiah XLV. 1. there being no such custom of oiling Kings in his Country: But anointing in those places is taken simply, without that Ceremony, for designing them to their Offices.

Burned] Moses at the Consecration of Aaron, [verse 1] and his sons, Sacrificed with Common Fire; See ver. 20. 21, 28. But upon Aaron's first Sacrificing, fire came out from before the Lord, out of the Sanctuary, or came down from heaven rather, Levite. IX. 24. which must never after be suffered to go out.

Nadab and Abihu] Nadab and Abihu took Strange or Common Fire, [chapter X] [verse 16] (and not fire from the Altar of Burnt-Offering, which was sent from heaven) to burn Incense therewith before the Lord, on the Altar of Incense; as the daily duty required, at or before the daily morning Sacrifice. But fire from the Lord, as, Num. XVI. 35. that is, from heaven, or the Sanctuary, or from the Altar of burnt-Offering, like lightning, struck them with sudden death; not consuming their bodies, or their coats, Levite. X. 4, 5.

Some Names of some Beasts, [chapter XI] and Birds, and Fishes; as also of some Trees, and Apparel; and some other Hebrew words, having no mate in Scripture, are to us now, and so to the modern Jews, of uncertain signification. See also the Annotations on Isaiah III. 18,—23. and on Jer. XVII. 3.

Hoof] The Beasts, [verse 3] dividing the hoof, that is, into two claws; and also chewing the cud, were clean, and to be eaten; See ver. 26. Deut. XIV. 6.

Fins] Fish (here we meet with a phrase of a flesh of fish, [verse 9] Levite. XI. 11. and, Num. XI. 22. as well as, 1 Cor. XV. 39.) that had Fins and Scales, were likewise clean, and to be eaten, Deut. XIV. 9, 10.

Come not] The High Priest must enter into the most Holy place but once in the year, [chapter XVI] [verse 2] on the tenth day of the seventh month, Levite. XVI. 29, 34. Exod. XXX. 10. Heb. IX. 7. That is, for his Priestly Ministration and Expiation. And then he was to be clothed, not with the glorious garments which were peculiar to the High Priest; but with those which were Common to him with the inferior Priests, Levite. XVI. 4. as being a day of Humiliation and Afflicting the soul, Levite. XVI. 29. Yet upon other necessary occasions, he might enter in at other times, as at the taking down, and setting up of the Tabernacle in their removals and journeys in the Wilderness; And when they took thence the Ark, upon several occasions, as Josh. VI. 4. 1. Sam. IV. 3.

Not to the door] No Sacrifices must be offered, [chapter XVII] [verse 3,—9.] but by Priests; nor killed by any but the Priests; except in some extraordinary Cases, by the Levites: but never by the Bringer for whom it was offered. Nor was it to be offered at any other place, but upon the Altar of Burnt-Offering, at the Tabernacle, Levite. XVII. 3,—9. Yet upon Extraordinary, and necessary Occasions, God commands, Deut. XXVII. 5, 6, 7, 8. And holy men of Prophetical spirits, though not Priests, did Sacrifice; and for a present time and use, did make and use other Altars; as Samuel, 1 Sam. VII. 9, 17. and Ch. XI. 15. and Ch. XVI. 2, 5. And David, 2 Sam. VI. 13. and XXIV. 18, 25. And Solomon, 1 King. VIII. 64. And Elijah, 1 King. XVIII. 32. And Gideon, and Manoah, See Judge. II. 5. and VI. 26. and XIII. 16, 19. and XXI. 4.

Blood] Blood, to make an atonement for their souls, Levite. XVII. [chapter II] 11. As a Type of the Messias his Blood, Rom. 3. 25. Ephes. I. 7. Col. I. 14, 20. Heb. IX. 12, 22. which is the principal cause of the prohibition of the eating of Blood.

Defiled] The dignity and estimation of the Priest, [chapter XXI] [verse 11] and principally of the High Priest. See v. 4, 7, 8, 9—15. and v. 21, 23. is remarkable.

Burnt] The Capitall punishments among the Jews, [verse 9] were Burning, Gen. XXXVIII. 24. Levite. XXI. 9. Josh. VII. 15. Stoning, Levite. XX. 2, 27. and 24. 14, 16, 23. Hanging, Num. XXV. 4. Deut. XXI. 22. And in after-times, by example of the Romans, Crucifying, and Beheading, as in our Savior, and John the Baptist.

Superfluous] In a Freewill-Offering, [chapter XXII] [verse 23] the Sacrifice which had something Superfluous, or lacking in his parts, was accepted.

To the Feasts, [chapter XXIII] Levite. XXIII. are added, the Feasts of the New-Moons, Num. XXVIII. 11,—15. 1 Chron. 23. 31. 2 Chron. II. 4. and Ch. VIII. 13. The Feast of Purim, Esth. IX. 17, 19, 22, 26, 28. And of that Dedication, John X. 22.

Sabbath] Sabbath is called Sabbath of Rest, or Rest of Rest; and so, [verse 3] v. 32. And Sabbath sometimes signifies besides the seventh day weekly, other Feast-days also, as Levite. XXIII. 11, 24, 32, 39. And sometimes the whole week; as Levite. XXIII. 15. Luke XVIII. 12. John XX. 1. Of the Sabbath-day, see the Annotations on Jer. XVII. 21, 22, 24, 27.

The seventh month] The seventh month had as many Feasts in it, [verse 24] as all the year almost beside, Levite. XXIII. Deut. XVI. And the only set Fast-day.

Of blowing of Trumpets] The Feast of blowing Trumpets was the first day of the seventh month; Beside the Feast of the New-Moon, Levite. XXIII. v. 24. And the year of Jubile began with Blowing of Trumpets on the tenth day of that month; which also was the day of Expiation, Levite. XXV. 9. And the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days followed after in the same month.

Twelve Cakes] The twelve Cakes of Shew bread, [chapter XXIV] [verse 5] each of an equal, and of a good bigness, set in two rows, six on a row, seem to be two rows in Longitude upon the Table, one by another; And so the Frankincense upon each Cake; rather then in Altitude one upon another; And so but one Frankincense upon either row; See v. 6, 7. The Table being two Cubits long, and one Cubit broad, Exod. XXV. 23. And the Frankincense being to be burned every Sabbath, Levite, XXIV. 7, 9. yet some make them to be two rows; six upon one another in either row, on heaps in height. In the Temple there were ten Tables of Shew-bread, five on the right hand, and five on the left; 1 Chron. 28. 16. 2 Chron. IV. 8.

A Jubile] The Jubile-year had all the privileges of the Sabbath-year, [chapter XXV] [verse 11] and more besides, Levite. XXV.

Fruit for three years] Viz: [verse 21] the year before the Sabbath-year; and the Sabbath-year; and the year after it, till the plowing and sowing at the end of the Sabbath-year, came to an harvest in the end of the third year, Isaiah XXXVII. 10.

Numbers.

T His Book begins with the year of the World, Not the 2455, or 2544: But the 2514, or rather 2510 and a little over. Thus, 2369, to the end of Genesis, and death of Joseph. Thence 60 to the birth of Moses. Thence 80 to the coming of the Israelites out of Egypt. And thence, 1 year, and one month, to the beginning of this Book; which is the second year, second month, first day of their coming out.

It contains an History, not of 39, years; but expressly of 38. years and 9 months, Num. I. 1. and Ch. XXXIII. 48, 49. compared with Deut. I. 3, 4, 5. That in Num. IX. 1, &c. is but a Rehearsal of what was both given in charge, and was done before. And some other like Repetitions there are.

603550.] [chapter I] [verse 46] From twenty years old, and upwards, besides the Levites. A wonderful multiplication from seventy persons in 211. years: yet fairly possible. Whereas, if they had been in Egypt itself 400 years, then their spawning or multiplying there had been very small; considering that from three persons that came out of the Ark with Noah, within the space of 400 years to the time of Abraham; issued such infinite numbers, and troops of people, in several Kingdoms, and Countries in the world; as out of the Sacred Text and Story, doth plainly appear.

The Order of the Camp, [chapter II & III] and march of the Israelites in the Wilderness, Ch. II. and III. is thus; viz:

The Tabernacle in the midst and Center of all the Hoast.

Round about the Tabernacle, the Levites camped and marched, viz: On the

West, the Gershonites; Num. III. 23.
South, the Kohathites, Num. III. 29.
North, the Merarites; Num. III. 35.
East, Moses & Aaron, & his sons, Num. III. 38

Males from a month old and upwards

7500.
8600.
6200.

22300.

Round about the Levites; at a good distance, ( Josh. III. 4.) Camped, and Marched, on the

East -side, Judah; and in his Camp Issachar, and Zebulun; likely on either side, or each hand of Judah; he being in the midst. And so in the other Camps following.
South -side, Reuben; and in his Camp, Simeon and Gad.
West -side, Ephraim; and in his Camp, Manasseh, and Benjamin.
North -side, Dan; and in his Camp, Asher, and Naphtali. Num. II. and X. Chap.

In all, 603550. And this is the same number of Males, from twenty years old and upwards, when they gave a Bekah, or ten Gerahs each man, that is half a Shekel, after the Shekel of the Sanctuary, to the building of the Tabernacle, Exod. XXXVIII. 26. As was commanded, Exod. XXX. 11,—16. In the last numbering in the wilderness, in the fortieth year, after the death of Aaron, and the death of that Generation, for their rebellion, and murmuring, Num. XIV. 29,—35. The males from 20 years old and upwards, all that were able to go to war, were 601730. The Levites still numbered, not with them, but by themselves, Num. XXVI. 51.

22000.] [chapter III] [verse 39] 300 Male-Levites are omitted in this sum, as appears out of ver. 22, 28, 34. which make up 22300. being all the males from a month old and upwards. And the First-born males of all the children of Israel in the twelve Tribes, from a month old, and upwards, being 22273. Ch. III. 43. (which argues at least twenty seven males in each family): And the surplusage of 273. verse 46. being redeemed at five Shekels apiece, amounting to 1375. Shekels, verse 50: All this argues the foresaid 300. male-Levites to be wittingly left out in the casting up of the sum; most likely omitted so, Because they were such First-born of the Levites, as were born from the time of the coming out of Egypt to the time of this reckoning; and in that regard were sanctified to God as his own, by his Law and challenge, Exod. XIII. 2. and so could not come into the number of the other Levites which were to be changed for the First-borne of the other Tribes, and in their stead to be substituted, and appropriated to God and his service.

This number of the Levites was very far less then were of each other Tribe, Ch. III. with Ch. I. The number of the least Tribe, from twenty years old and upward, males able to go forth to war, being 3200. Of the greatest, 74600. And the number of the male-Levites from a month old and upwards, being only 22300.

The charge of Aaron, [chapter III & IV] and his sons, jointly; and of Eleazar, and Ithamar, distinctly; and of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, severally, is prescribed in the taking down, and carrying, and setting up of the Tabernacle. See Ch. X. 17, 21.

From thirty] The Levites at the age of thirty years, [chapter IV] [verse 3] entered into the full possession of their Offices, to wait upon the service of the Tabernacle, Num. IV. 3. At the age of twenty five they entered, or might enter upon them, as Novices, and subservients in some secondary, or inferior administrations, as Probationers, and Proficients, Num. VIII. 24. And when the Temple should be built, they were ordered to begin and enter at twenty years of age, 1 Chron. XXIII. ver. 24—27. Ezra III. 8. And that by David's appointment together with the Prophets, Gad and Nathan, 2 Chron. VIII. 14. and Ch. XXIX. 25.

They continued in their Offices till fifty. Num. IV. 3, 47. At fifty they ceased waiting upon the service of the Tabernacle, but were Overseers there, Ch. VIII. 25, 26. And in their several Cities, as being well experienced in the Judicial Laws, they judged of matters brought before them. The Levites Offices distinct from the Priests, are set down in many particulars, 1 Chron. XXIII. 28,—32.

David in his time by divine warrant doth distribute them, for the service of the Temple, into three sorts, to three several Functions, and Offices. One was to Attend the Priests, and to be helpful and subservient unto them in their several Services. Of these there are sundry Orders set down, 1 Chron. XXIII. and XXIV. Chapters. A second to solemnize the Service of God, with all manner of Music; by Voice; and Instruments, both winded, and stringed. The third sort was to be Porters. Of whom, 1 Chron. XXIII. 5. and Ch. XXVI. and 2 Chron. XXIII. 4, 5, 6, 19. and XXXV. 15. Their Orders are set down, 1 Chron. XXV. These three Sorts being divided by Lot into twenty four Orders, or Courses, as the Priests were; That the first Course of these might attend with the first Course of the Priests; and leave the Temple, when they left it.

The Levites also had other Offices, over the Treasures of the house of God; and of the Dedicate things; and for the outward business over Israel for officers, and Judges, in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the King, 1 Chron. XXVI. 20,—32. over divers Tribes. See further, 1 Chron. XXIII. 28,—32.

Even those] Levites numbered, males from thirty years old to fifty, are 8580. Upon which reckoning there was then one such Levite for every seventy such males in Israel. In David's time, the Levites (besides the Priests) from thirty years old to fifty, were 38000. 1 Chron. XXIII. 3.

She] The Blessing of conceiving Seed, [verse 28] seems to be promised to the innocent Wife, [chapter V] though barren before, upon the trial of her innocence, in the case of her Husbands jealousy. We read not that the man in like case was subject to like trial: yet we find that the Wife could divorce her Husband, Mar. X. 12.

Woman] Women might be Nazarites, [chapter VI] [verse 2] Num. VI. 2. And such likely was Samson's mother, Judge. XIII. 4.

The word Nazarite signifieth one that is separate: And the name Pharisee is of the same signification. And of these Nazarites, some were for a certain time, of months, or years, at their own choice, by their own special vow; as Acts XVIII. 18. and Ch. XXI. 24. Of whom these Laws here are chiefly to be understood. Some for term of life; as Sampson, Judge. XIII. 5. and so Samuel, 1 Sam. I. 11, 28. And John the Baptist, Luke I. 15. Our Savior was not a Nazarite, as hath been commonly mis-conceived, out of a mis-translation, and mis-understanding of that text, Matth. II. 23.

Offered ] At the Consecration of the Tabernacle, [chapter VII] [verse 1,—9.] there were two Waggons, and four Oxen given to the Gershonites, for carriage.

Four Waggons and eight Oxen, to the Merarites, Num. VII. 7, 8. as they had the more need.

The Kohathites Levites were to carry upon their shoulders, Num. VII. 9. 2 Sam. VI. 6. 1 Chron. XV. 2, 13, 15. And what it was, see Num. III. 31. and IV. 15.

The Priests, Aaron and his sons being so few, were not then to Carry, but to Cover, Num. IV. ver. 5,—15. Deut. XXXI. 25. But afterwards growing more in number, they only were to carry the Ark, as Josh. III. 3, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 17. and IV. 3, 9, 10, 11, 18. and ch. VI. 4, 6. and 2 Sam. XV. 29. and not very rarely; as some writing on Josh. III, 3. and on 1 Chron. XV. 15. do conceive.

Altar ] The Altar of Burnt-Offering had seven days spent for the Consecration and Expiation of it to sanctify it, [verse 10] as it was appointed by God, Exod. XXIX. 37. (As likewise for Ezekiel's Altar, Ezek. XLIII. 18,—27.) Yet twelve days spent at the Dedication of it, Num. VII.

Silver charger ] The silver Vessels of Chargers and Bowles, [verse 13] were for the Altar of Burnt-offerings. All Vessels of, and in the Sanctuary, were of Gold, Exod. XXXVII.

From off the Mercy-seat] Moses hears the voice of one speaking to him from off the Mercy-seat, Num. [verse 89] VII. 89. As the Lord promised, Exod. XXV. 22. Whereas formerly the Lord spake out of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, Levite. I. 1. Num. I. 1.

Take the Levites ] The Consecration of the Levites was done in one day. [chapter VIII] [verse 6,—22.] That of the Priests, in seven days. Which was so appointed, Exod. XXIX. 35. and so executed, Levite. VIII. 33, 35.

Certain men ] [chapter IX] The Passover of the second month is extended to more days then are here mentioned, [verse 6] or v. 10. As in Hezekiah's time, 2 Chron. XXX. 2. 15.

Priests ] The blowing of Trumpets is to be used by the Priests alone, [chapter X] [verse 8] Num. X. 8. 2 Chron. XXIX. 26. And that, in Convocating Assemblies; in journeying through the wilderness; in going forth to war, Num. X. 2,—9. and Ch. XXXI. 6. 2 Chron. XIII. 12, 14. in the first day, and tenth day, of the seventh month, Num. XXIX. 1. Levite. XXV. 9. in the New Moons, Num. X. 10. Psal. LXXXI. 3. In all their solemn Feasts; over their Burnt-Offerings, and Peace-Offerings, Num. X. 10. And upon Extraordinary Occasions, of Fasts, and Humiliations. Joel II. 1, 15, Or of Joy and Gladness, Num. X. 10. as when David brought in the Ark to the place which he had prepared for it, 1 Chron. XV. 24, 28. And appointed Priests to minister before it, 1 Chron. XVI. 6, 42. And when Solomon brought the Ark into the Oracle, he mightily had multiplied the number of Trumpets, and had 120 Priests sounding them at that Solemnity, 2 Chron. V. 12, 13. And at the Dedication of the Temple, the Priests sounded Trumpets, 2 Chron. V. 12. and VII. 6. As also at the laying of the foundation of the second Temple by Zerubbabel, Ezra III. 10. And the Dedication of the Walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah, chapt. XII. 35. And in Hezeki • h's joyful Reformation, 2 Chron. XXIX. 26, 27, 28. Besides, there were civil Trumpets for civil use, sounded by others then Priests; As in War, Judge. VII. 2 Sam. II. 28. At the Coronations of Kings, as of Solomon; Jehu; and Joash. And upon other occasions.

The Levites used other Instruments of Music, and not Trumpets, 1 Chron. XV. 19, 20, 21. and Ch. XVI. 5. 2 Chron. V. 12. and Ch. VII. 6. and Ch. XXIX. 25, 26, 27, 28. And used them, and song, at the daily Sacrifices, and all Festival Sacrifices, 1 Chron. XXIII. 30, 31. And haply in the night, 1 Chron. IX. 33. Psal. CXXXIV. 1.

On the ] The Israelites journeyed from Mount Sinai, [verse 11] in the second year, second month, twentieth day, (having stayed there in that their twelfth Station, a year within thirteen days, Exod. XIX. I.) See v. 12. Deut. I. 6, 7.

Hobab] Jethro, or Hobab, [verse 29,—32.] a Kenite, the son of Revel or Raguel, a Midianite, and father-in-Law of Moses, comes to Moses to Horeb, and brings to him his wife, and two sons. And Moses upon his counsel, appointing very many Rulers, and Judges over the people, Jethro returns into his own Land, Exod. XVIII. Deut. I. 9,—18. He (rather then his supposed son Hobab, the supposed brother-in-law of Moses) being come again, as it seemeth, thither towards the end of that year, and entreated there by Moses to stay and go along with them, refuseth to do so; Yet being again prayed and pressed by Moses thereunto, in this Text he either yieldeth, (no reply being mentioned); or not long after, both he, and his house, and kindred, return to Moses; (It may be, warned by Moses to come then; as Saul in his time warned them to depart from the Amalekites, 1 Sam. XV. 6) and so were saved from that destruction of the Midianites, Num. XXXI. which return is plainly gathered out of Num. XXIV. 21. Judge. I. 16. and IV. 11. and 1 Sam. XV. 6. 1 Chron. II. 55. Jer. XXXV. 6. compared with 2 King. X. 15, 23.

Seventy men] These LXX. [chapter XI] [verse 16] Elders, were appointed about a year after those many Rulers, and Judges, Exod. XVIII. They prophesied, and did not cease for the time; like whereunto was the case of Saul, 1 Sam. X. 10. God by this sign sealing so, and at first honoring their Vocation; though this extraordinary Gift ceased afterwards. These LXX. are added to assist Moses in the Government of 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉 this People in the Wilderness. Yet it seems from hence in afterages the Jews took their rise of Constituting their Sanhedrin or Synedrion of LXX. Elders for their Senate, and Supreme Court of Judicature in that Nation. Of LXX. see Ezek. VIII. 11. Exod. XXIV. 1, 9. Luke X. 1, 17.

Quails] Quails given the second time, [verse 31] above a full year after those, Exod. XVI. 13. those being at their eighth Station, in the Wilderness of Sin, and before they came to Sinai. These at the thirteenth Station, and after they left Mount Sinai▪ in Kibroth Hattaavah: And continuing for a full month, Psal. LXXVIII. 26, —31.

Ethiopian] Zipporah called an Ethiopian or Cushite, [chapter XII] [verse 1] from that Eastern Ethiopia, or part of Arabia, wherein Midian stood or bordered with it; Arabia containing other Nations also lying Northward upon the Arabic Gulf, or Red-Sea. Miriam her sister-in-law, seems to envy her, and fall foul upon Moses: and being first and deepest in the fault more then Aaron, is exemplarily punished.

The man Moses ] The commendation of Moses, [verse 3,—8.] God inspiring his pen, Num. XII. 3,—8.

Kadesh] Kadesh is Kadesh-Barneah in the Wilderness of Paran, [chapter XIII] [verse 26] and South-Confines of Canaan, in a Mountain of the Amorites, Deut. I. 19, 20. nigh to Mount Seir, ver. 44. whence Moses sent the Spies, Num. XII. 16. and Ch. XIII. 26. and XXXIV. 4. Josh. XV. 3. Being the fifteenth station of the Israelites, Deut. I. 2, 19. and II. 14. and IX. 23. Josh. XIV. 6, 7. and XV. 3. The Israelites abode at Kadesh-barneah, and compassed Mount Seir about the space of thirty eight years, compared with Deut. I. 2, 46 and II. 14.

Another Kadesh was a City in the uttermost border of Edom, or Idumea towards Ezion-Gaber, and the Red Sea, Num. XXXIII. 36. Deut. II. 8. and in the Wilderness Sin, by the waters of Meribah, and the 33. Station of the Israelites. Thither they came in the fortieth year, first month. And there Miriam died, four months before Aaron, who died in the next Station at Hor. Hence Moses sent Messengers to the King of Edom, Num. XX. 1, 14, 15, 16, 22, and XXVII. 14. and XXXIII. 36, 37, 38. Deut. XXXII. 51. Judge. XI. 17.

Fourty years] These forty years wandering in the Wilderness, [chapter XIV] [verse 33] are not to be reckoned from the sending of Spies to search the Land; but from their coming out of Egypt, Num. XXXIII. 3, 38. Josh. IV. 19. Deut. VIII. 2. This appears also out of the ages of Moses and Aaron, Exod. VII. 7. compared with Num. XXXIII. 39. and Deut. XXXIV. 7. After the Return of the Spies, the Israelites continued in the Wilderness but thirty eight years, and odd months; which yet are said to be forty years, as the next full number. So Gideon's seventy sons, Judge. VIII. 30. are said to be slain, Ch, IX. 5, 18, 56. though Jothan one of them escaped. And so the Disciples are called 11. to whom Jesus appeared on the day of his Resurrection at Evening, when yet Thomas was absent, Mark XVI. 14. Luke XXIV. 33,—40. John XX. 19,—25. compared together. And so the LXX. Elders are said to be gathered, and set round about the Tabernacle, when yet Eldad and Medad came not, Num. XI. 24. And not unlike is that of David's reign forty years, 2 Sam. V. 4, 5. when yet six months were over and above. And Solomon's Building the Temple in seven years, 1 King. VI. 30. when yet six months are to be added, by comparing v. 1. and last.

Hormah] This History at Hormah is another, [chapter XIV] [verse 45] and divers from that at Hormah, Num. XXI. 1, 2, 3. See another Hormah, Judge. I. 17.

And all the men ] Compared with Ch. [chapter XVI] [verse 32] XXVI. 11. yet doth show that the Children of Korah were not swallowed up of the earth, likely miraculously saved: Or rather, they departing from their fathers tent, according to that command of God, and Moses, ver. 24, and 26. And of their race came such as made some of our Psalms, or at least were famous Singers in the Temple; and Samuel also, the great Prophet, and Judge in Israel, 1 Chron. VI. 33,—38.

Broad plates ] The Altar thus covered twice with Plates of brass; [verse 38] Here, and Exod. XXXVIII. 2.

Altar ] The Levites might not approach to the Altar to minister at it, [chapter XVIII] [verse 2,—7.] nor eat of the Sacrifices.

The First-fruits] First-fruits seem to be of many sorts; [verse 12] First, A Sheaf of the first ripe Corn, or an Homer of it, presented the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Levite. XXIII. 10. Secondly, Two Wave-Loaves, of two tenth deals, at the Feast of Pentecost or weeks, Num. XXVIII. 26. Levite. XXIII. 15, 16, 17, 20. Thirdly, A Cake of the first of their doughs, for an Heave-offering, Num. XV. 20, 21. Fourthly, brought in a Basket, in the seventh month, when all their fruits were gathered in, as most understand that place, Deut. XXVI. 1,—11. First-fruits enjoined without any set or certain proportion or stint, Deut. XVIII. 4. Of these, and other kinds of First-fruits, see more in this Text, And Exod. XXII. 29. and XXIII. 19. and XXXIV. 22, 26. Levite. II. 12, 14, 15, 16. Deut. XVIII. 4. Ezek. XLIV. 30.

The tenth ] So, [verse 24] ver. 21. Tythes, and their kinds and sorts; thus; Tythes of the yearly increase of all things in the Land paid to the Levites, after the First fruits had been first deducted, and brought to the Priests, Exod. XXXIV. 26. Levite. XXIII. 10. Out of the nine parts remaining, there seems another Tenth taken, set apart for their Journeys, Sacrifices, and Feastings, thrice a year at Jerusalem; and therefore brought up thither, and there eaten by the owners, their families, and the Levites, as most probably appears out of Deut. XII. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 17, 18, 26. and Ch. XIV. 22,—26. And this second Tythe seems every third year to be distributed to the poor. Or rather a third Tythe every third year, not carried to Jerusalem, and eaten there; But gathered for these charitable uses only, and to be eaten anywhere throughout the Land, Deut. XIV. 28, 29. and XXVI. 12, 13. And this third year is therefore called the year of Tything, Deut. XXVI. 12. Amos IV. 4.

Of Tythes see more, 2 Chron. XXXI. 4,—19. Nehem. X. 32, —39. and XII. 44, 47. and XIII. 5, 12, 13. Mal. III. 8, 10. Luke XI. 42. and XVIII. 12. Heb. VII. 2,—9.

The great maintenance of the Levites, appears in that the whole Tribe of Levi being three or four times less in number then any other Tribe, yet had they distinguished from all the Priests, the Tythes of all the Tribes, and so more then any one other Tribe; Besides their thirty five Cities and Suburbs, whereof five were Cities of Refuge; Josh. XXI. one belonging to the Kohathites Levites; two to the Gershonites, and two to the Merarites. In all twice at least more Cities then some other Tribes had that were twice their number. See also that, Num. XXXI. 30, 47.

The greater maintenance of the Priests appears, in that being but three persons at first, at least of ripe and mature age, yet they had the Tythes yearly of all the Levites Tythes, which were at first 8580 of thirty years old, and upwards; and so about the hundred part of all the fruits and increase of all Israel. And as the numbers of the Priests multiplied afterwards, so did in all probability the number of the other Tribes. They had also all the First-fruits of all things, from all persons, throughout the twelve Tribes, even of their doughs and bakings, Deut. XVIII. 4. Num. XV. 20, 21. which, as some think, exceeded their Tythes aforesaid. They had also all the First-borne of Oxen, Sheep, and Goats, which were given to them in kind; And the Redemption money of the First-borne of Men, and of unclean Beasts and cattle, Num. III. 46—52. Exod. XXXIV. 19. 20, and Ch. XXII. 29, 30. Deut. XV. 19. They had also all Oblations, both Voluntary, and by Vow; And the Redemption of Things, and of Persons, Devoted to God: And all Sacrifices for Sins and for Trespasses, and the Meat and Drink Offerings, and Heave-offerings; And the Breast and Shoulder in Peace-offerings, Deut. XVIII. 3. And the Skins of the whole Burnt-offerings. And all their Tythes, First-fruits and Oblations were to be of the best and choicest sorts, Num. XVIII. 12, 29. Besides these they had thirteen Cities, and Suburbs, and Privileges belonging to them, whereof one was a City of Refuge, Josh XXI. 13. See Num. XVIII. 8,—19. And that also Num. XXXI. 28, 29, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50. Levite. X. 12, 13, 14, 15. and Ch. XXVII. 21, 28. See the Annotations on Num. XVIII. 29.

Rock ] At Rephidim by Mount Sinai, [chapter XX] [verse 8.—13.] Exod. XVII. 1,—7. being the eleventh Station of the Israelites, Num. XXXIII. 14. Moses with his miraculous Rod, struck the Rock in Horeb, in a due obedience to God's commandment, and waters came forth: And he named the place Massah, and Meribah, Exod. XVII. 5, 6, 7. But at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, where Miriam died, being the thirty third Station, Num. XXXIII. 36. Moses, with Aaron's miraculous Rod (for he took it from before the Lord, as he commanded him), having his spirit provoked by the rebellious people, smiles the Rock twice without any such command, or commission to smite at all. And he, and Aaron likewise, speak unadvisedly with their lips, uttering words of passion and incredulity, and so rebelling against God's commandment. And thereupon they not sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of the children of Israel; He was sanctified in them, by his excluding them from entrance into the Land of Canaan. And this also is called the water of Meribah, or Strife; as here, so Ch. XXVII. 14. Psal. CVI. 32, 33.

Aaron] Aaron, [chapter XX] [verse 28] whose name may seem to signify an Ark or Chest, dies seven months and seven days before Moses, at Mount Hor, (the Place called Mosera, Deut. X 6.) in the thirty fourth Station. For Aaron dying in the fortieth year, fifth month, first day, Num. XXXIII. 38. And that compared with the months mourning for Moses, Deut. XXXIV. 8. and three days preparation to pass over Jordan, Josh. I. 1. and Ch. III. 2. And their coming out of Jordan, on the first month, tenth day, Josh. IV. 19. Do show that Moses died in the twelfth month, seventh day: And so seven months, and seven days after Aaron. In which short interval of time, many, and mighty things were done and achieved; as among other things, Sihon, and Og, and their Kingdoms conquered; the Midianites almost destroyed; among whom Balaam was slain, Josh. XIII. 22. and the book of Deuteronomy written, Num. XXI. and XXXI. Deut. I. 1, 3.

Fiery Serpents only in the later part of the fortieth year, [chapter XXI] [verse 6] after Aaron's death.

Heshbon] Heshbon a chief City in Moab; [verse 26] afterwards of Sihon King of the Amorites, Deut. I. 4. afterwards of Gad; and out of that Tribe, given to the Merarites, Josh. XIII. 26. and XXI. 38, 39, 40. 1 Chron. VI. 80, 81. Afterwards recovered by the Moabites; and wasted by Shalmanesar, Isaiah XV. 4. and XVI. 8, 9. and after by the Babylonians, Jer. XLVIII. 45. There may seem to be another Heshbon of the Ammonites, Jer. XLIX. 2, 3. And one in the Tribe of Reuben, Num. XXXII. 37. Josh. XIII. 15, 17. Heshbon signifies Devises; And an allusion is made to the name, Jer. XLVIII. 2. in the judgment there denounced against it; like to this is English, There is mischief devised against the Devises, the name of a town with us.

Balak] Balak needed not to have hired Balaam, [chapter XXII] [verse 2] and feared Israel, Num. XXII. and XXIII. and XXIV. if he had known the prohibition of God to Israel, Deut. II. 9. which they obeyed, Judge. II. 15, 17, 18, 25. 2 Chron. XX. 10. Yet that part, which was great, of the Lands of Moab, which Sihon had lately conquered from Vehab, King of Moab, as Tremellius translates, Num. XXI. 26. the Israelites conquering Sihon, in that right possessed it, Num. XXXIII. 49. Deut. I. 5. and XXXIV. 1, 5, 6, 8. and it was given to the Reubenites, and Gadites, Josh. XIII.

Unicorne ] So Deut. [chapter XXIII] [verse 22] XXXIII. 17. Job XXXIX. 9, 10. Psal. XXII. 21. and XXIX. 6. and XCII. 10. Isaiah XXXIV. 7. Yet the translation of the word is doubted of; or at least the nature of the beast, such as the Pensil of our Painters doth portray out unto us; because no such beast was known or seen by any man. And the Unicornes horn so deemed, is of some strange Fish, not of any known Beast. Some learned render the word Bufale, or Buff; or else the wild Ox called by the Latins Urus; eminent for bigness, strength, horns, and untamable fierceness.

Advertise thee] Balaam called a South-sayer, [chapter XXIV] [verse 14] Josh. XIII. 22. and a Prophet, 2 Pet. II. 16. gives this advertisement to Balak, which seems to have a relation to that which follows in the residue of that Chapter. Yet besides he gives counsel to Balak, or at least after to the Midianites to draw the Israelites into sin, Num. XXXI. 16. which coming so to pass, He himself in his return, is slain by the sword amongst the Midianites, Num. XXXI. 8. in that Expedition, wherein Joshua, though not named, may seem to be the General, and Phineas chief of the Priests, sounding Trumpets in that war, wherein 12000. Israelites, not having one man slain, did yet slay five Kings of Midian, (or Dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the Country; as it is, Josh. XIII. 21.) and all the males of that populous Nation (save such as escaped by flight, whose posterities in the days of Gideon came to prevail against Israel, Judge. VI. 1, 2.) And they took a mighty prey and booty; whereout, after Purifications of themselves, and the Prey, there was paid a tribute and portion to the Priests, and a portion to the Levites; and a voluntary Oblation after made by the Captains to the Lord, Num. XXXI.

Of the 24000. [chapter XXV] [verse 9] that died in the Plague and stroke of God's vengeance; the 23000. mentioned, 1 Cor. X. 8. likely were the vulgar sort that died in the slaughter, Num. XXV. 5. and the other thousand were the heads of the people hung up, ver. 4. without supposing any Pestilence at that time. Or if by Plague, Num. XXV. 9. Psal CVI. 30. we understand the Pestilence, then most probably, the 23000. died of it; and the other thousand by Hanging, and Slaughter.

22200.] [chapter XXVI] [verse 14] In this last numbering of the people in the Plains of Moab; in the fortieth year of their wandering in the Wilderness, Simeon was far the least in number, and Judah the most. And the whole number of fighting men of the twelve Tribes, after that generation died in the Wilderness, upon that judgment, Numb. XIV. 29,—35. and upon sundry other judgments besides, was now 1820. less in number, then in the former numbering at Mount Sinai, thirty nine years before.

23000.] And so but 700 more then they were in the former numbering at Sinai, Ch. III. [verse 62] Being likely not altogether free from that sin and punishment, Num. XIII. and XIV.

Sin ] This Wilderness differs from Zin, [chapter XXXIII] [verse 11] ver. 36. This being the eighth Station of the Israelites: that of Zin the thirty third, which is Kadesh, where Miriam died, as was said, Num. XXXIII. 11, 36.

Rephidim ] See the Observations on Ch. [verse 14] XXVIII. 8.

Abarim ] Pluraly; [verse 47] Mountains; being a continuation of Mountains or Hills, Num. XXXIII. 47. in the Confines of the Amorites, and Moabites; whereof the tops had several names, as Nebo, Pisgah, Pehor: But Mount Sinai was none of them, being far enough of.

Salt Sea ] Is not that Lake of Genesareth. [chapter XXXIV] [verse 3] But only that Dead Sea, and Salt Sea, where formerly Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim had stood, Deut. XXIX. 23. Hos. XI. 8.

Riblah] Riblah in the Land of Hamath, part of the East border of Canaan, near the North quarter. Here Pharaoh-Nechoh put Jehoahaz in bonds, 2 Kings XXIII. 33. And Nebuchadnezzar put King Zedekiah in bonds, and put out his eyes, 2 King. XXV. 6, 7. And slew the High Priest, and second Priest, and the sons of Zedekiah, and other prime men, ver. 18,—21. Jer. LII. 10, 27. This Riblah seems to be that which was afterwards called Antiochia in Syria. Of this see my Annotations on Ezek. XI. 10, 11.

Chinnereth] Num. XXXIV. 11. Deut. III. 17. Josh. XI. 2. and XII. 27. and XIX. 35. is called in the New Testament Genezareth. Luke V. 1. which Lake is also called the Sea of Galilee, Matth. IV. 18. Mark I. 16. And the Sea of Tiberias, Josh. XXI. 1. And absolutely the Sea, Matth. XVII. 27.

Suburbs ] The Suburbs of the Cities of the Priests, [chapter XXXV] [verse 4] and Levites were 1000. Cubits from the Cities on every side: And so 2000. in the limits and utmost Bounds and Borders of each Quarter, East, West, North, and South.

Fourty eight Cities ] See Josh. [verse 7] XX. and XXI. and 1 Chron. 6. compared together; and the Great Annotations upon the said sixth Chapter.

Shall not be guilty ] The innocent man, [verse 27] that by mere accident, against his will slew a man, might yet, as it seems, be lawfully slain by the revenger of blood, if he took him without the City of refuge. Which the more shows the wrath of God against murder.

Only to the family ] Israelites might marry wives of other Tribes, [chapter XXXVI] [verse 6] so that they were not inheritrixes of Land, Num. XXXVI. Yea, of other Nations if they were Proselytes; and not of those Nations which God expressly devoted to destruction, Deut. VII. 3. and XXI. 10, —13. Of their marriages with Heathens, and mixing the holy seed, See Ezra IX. and X. Ch. Neh. IX. 2. and X. 30. and XIII. 3. 23,— 30.

Deuteronomy.

D EUTERONOMIE was written in the year of the world, not 2493. But in the year 2553. or rather 2548. thirty eight years, and odd months, from the time of the beginning of the Book of Numbers. And about 1450 years before Christ's time.

It contains to the fifteenth Verse of the last Chapter, an History of one month, and seven days, viz: From month eleven, day one, to month twelve, day seven; at which time Moses died; as hath been formerly gathered upon Aaron's death. See and compare together Deut. I. 3. and XXXIV. 8. and Josh. IV. 19. In which short time the Book was written by Moses; And, besides sundry Repetitions, and Explications, other new Laws given; A second Edition, as it were, of the Covenant made with the new Generation; with some other Consequences, and last Acts of Moses.

The last Chapter of Deuteronomy was written after Moses his death. As likewise the Conclusion of the Book of Jeremiah, was written after his Death, Jer. LI. 64. and LII. 31, 34. And that XXXIV. Chapter contains one month more, of the Israelites mourning for the death of Moses.

This Book of Deuteronomy, and that of the Psalms, are of chief note in the Old Testament, for the Life of Religion, the spiritual power of Worship and Obedience in the inner man.

Yet this Book of Deuteronomy seems not to be that which was to be written very plainly upon great stones plastered, in Mount Ebal; For that was the Decalogue only, or those Blessings and Curses, only, Deut. XXVII. 2,—26. Josh. VIII. 30, 35. Nor seems it to be this book of Deuteronomy only that was to be Copied out by the King, and He to read therein all the days of his life, Deut. XVII. v. 18, 19, 20. Not yet seems it to be this book only, that was to be solemnly read by the Priests, every seventh or Sabbatical year in the Feast of Tabernacles, in the audience of all the people, Chapt. XXXI. 9,—13. As in the three foresaid particulars some would have it. Nor yet is it this Book only; or that Song only, Deut. XXXII. that was to be put and placed by the Priests, in, at, or by the side of the Ark of the Covenant, Deut. XXXI. 25, 26. But the whole book of the Law, the five Books of Moses were to be Copied out by the King, read in every Sabbath-year, and laid up and preserved safe by the Ark of the Testimony.

The Judicial Laws, most of all mentioned in this Book, and peculiarly belonging to the Country and People of the Jews, are grounded upon an equity of Right Reason for that Country and People. And so far are useful to all others.

The ten first Chapters are most-what of precedent Passages, Repetitions of what things were formerly done; with Exhortations to Obedience intermixed. Moses yet herein not binding himself to an exact order in observation of the times, and places.

These ] Is an Inscription of the whole book, [chapter I] [verse 1] and an accurate description of the Place, where Moses delivered, and did, what in this book is contained.

Eleven ] The eleven days journey end either at Kadesh-barneah; [verse 2] or, compassing about by the way of Mount Seir, and Kadesh-barneah, it ends at, and in the Plaines of Moab. Both which ser •• to show how soon they might have come from Horeb or Sinai to Canaan; had they not provoked God by their sin, Num. XIV. instead of that eleven days journey, to keep them wandering in the wilderness 38. years after.

Horeb] Horeb and Mount Sinai are taken for the same, Exod. III 1. See on that Text, Deut. I. 2, 6, 19. and IV. 10, 15. and V. 2. and IX. 8. 1 King. XIX. 8 Mal. IV. 4. They being close neighbors, or rather two tops of the same Mount. The Israelites abode almost a year there, Deut. I. 6. Exod. XIX. 1 Num. X. 11.

Og that dwelt at Ashteroth, [verse 4] was slain in Edrei, another of his royal Cities, Ch. III. 1. Num. XXI. 33. Josh. XIII. 12, 31. and XII. 4.

Angry ] God's anger at Moses here mentioned, [verse 37] was not in the second year, when and where the Spies were sent from Kadesh-barnea, Num. XIII. and XIV. But in the fortieth year at that other Kadesh, when and where Miriam died, Num. XX. 1, 2, 12.

Many days ] The Israelites abode in Kadesh many days. [verse 46] And they compassed Mount Seir many days: The space in which they came from Kadesh-barnea, till they came over the brook Zered, or pitched in the Valley of Zared, in Moab, being their thirty ninth Station, was thirty eight years; which was in the beginning of the fortieth year of their coming out of Egypt, Deut. II. 1, 2, 3, 7, 14. some take thirty seven years and a half of this time to be spent at Kadesh-barnea: And sure the most of it was spent there; and the lesser and later part of it in compassing Mount Seir: And the other half year spent in coming from Mount Seir to Zered. See Deut. II. 7.

Distress not ] And so, [chapter II] [verse 9] v. 19. The Israelites forbidden to distress the Moabites, and Ammonites; or to possess their Lands. Yet what Sihon had lately conquered from them, and possessed; which was no small part of their Countries, all that, the Israelites conquering Sihon, by right of that Conquest, did fairly possess, Josh. XIII. 15,—25. Judge. XI. 12,—27.

Giants ] There are mentioned Anakims, [verse 11] Emims, Zanzummims, Rephaims, as several races of Gaints, Deut. II. 11, 20. and Ch. III. 11, 13. Num. XIII. 33. See further, Gen. VI. 4, 1 Sam. XVII. 4. and 2 Sam. XXI. 16,—22.

Mount Zion, [chapter IV] [verse 48] which is Hermon ] Called by the Sidonians Syrion, by the Amorites Shenir, in the Valley of Lebanon, Deut. III. 9. and IV. 48. Josh. XI. 17. and XIII. 5. and XII. 5. 1 Chron. V. 23. And Mount Zion, that strong hold, in the City of David, being the South-part of Jerusalem, and not seated on the North-side of it, 2 Sam. V. 7, 9. 1 King. VIII. 1. Psal. II. 6. and IX. 11. and XLVIII. 2. (upon which Text see the Annotations) are two differing Mountains, and far asunder. They differ also in their Original Characters and letters; the former being written 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and the later 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; though the New Testament write the later also Zion, Rom. IX. 33 〈◊〉 XI. 26. As likewise the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is written Sidon; And 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is written Tyre, Matth. XI. 21, 22.

Called ] We may not conceive a miracle in Moses voice, [chapter V] [verse 1] as some do on this place.

My Commandments ] So it is in the Masorets marginal reading. [verse 10] But in the Text it is his Commandments: And may import the words of Moses, expounding the sense and meaning of God's words that went next before,

Seventh day ] Some words are added by Moses to those uttered by God on Mount Sinai, [verse 14, 15.] Exod. XX. 10, 11. as an Explication of them. And also a Reason is given of the fourth Commandment differing altogether from that Reason in Exod. XX. 11. which Reason here yet evinceth not, that therefore God brought the Israelites out of Egypt on the Sabbath-day. But the putting of Wife before House, ver. 21. contrary to that order of House before Wife, in Exod. XX. 17. confounds the late Papists silly shift in dividing the last Commandment into two, to make up ten, Deut. IV. 13. to color thereby their taking away the second Commandment; or shufling of it into the first: so that by them is not known which is the ninth, and which the tenth Commandment.

Seven Nations ] So many are here reckoned. [chapter VII] [verse 1] And so, Josh. III. 10. Six in Exod. XXXIII. 2. Deut. XX. 17. Judge. III. 5. In many places fewer. In Gen. XV. 19, 20, 21. ten Nations are reckoned. And among them the Philistines are never mentioned. Yet all the inhabitants of the whole Land go many times under the names of Canaanites, and Amorites; as Gen. XXIV. 3. and Ch. XV. 16.

Utterly destroy them ] Such is God's Command; [verse 2] And such his Promise of assistance, v. 16. See Exod. XXXIV. 11, 12. Deut. IX. 3. and XX. 16, 17. Yet this was not a thing to be done in one year, or in Joshua's Life-time, Josh. XXIII. 4, 5, 13. Judge. l. 9, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34. But by little and little, Exod. XXIII. 29, 30. Deut. VII. 22. Yet God justly threatens and blames them for their neglect in Conquering and Expelling them, Num. XXXIII. 55, 56. Josh. XXIII. 13. Judge. II. 3, 21, 22, 23. And he never gave them the possession of their full Bounds, as of Tyre, Sidon, and of all the Land of the Philistines, because they kept not for their part the Condition of their Covenant with him, Judge. II. 20, 21.

Neither shalt thou ] Marriage forbid with the Canaanites strictly. [verse 3] Yea also forbid with the Ammonites, Moabites, and Egyptians, Ezra IX. 1, 2. Neh. XIII. 23. A reason is given, Deut. VII. 4. Neh. XIII. 26. Exod. XXXIV. 16. The mischief of that marriage between Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat King of Judah, and Athaliah the daughter of Ahab King of Israel, is recorded, 2 King. VIII. 18. Yet in case they became Proselytes, Converts to the true Religion; the marriage with all of them seems lawful: as in that case, Deut. XXI. 10, 13. And in the case of Rahab, and Ruth; of the wife of Joseph in Egypt: of the wife of Moses; of Maacah the daughter of the King of Geshur with David; and of Pharaohs daughter with Solomon. And this made Jacob's sons propound or pretend the condition of Circumcision to Shechem, and the Shechemites, Gen, XXXIV. 14, 15, 16. In the New Testament, we read the prohibition, 2 Cor. VI. 14. And the precept, 1 Cor. VII. 12—16. which rules touching Infidels seem to serve for the case of gross Heretics, and Apostates. Against unlawful marriages see more, Judge. III. 6, 7. and XIV. 2, 3. 1 King. XI. 2. Ezra IX. and X. Chapters, Neh. X. 30. and XIII. 3, 30.

Rayment ] The raiment waxing not old on the Israelites in the Wilderness, [chapter VIII] [verse 4] was a Miracle sufficient, though it grew not greater still with the growing children, Deut. XXIX. 5. Neh. IX. 21.

This day ] Is taken sometimes properly: sometimes as for a short time; here. Somtimes for a longer time indefinitely, as Hester I. 18. And the Phrase since yesterday, and the third day, is sometimes taken properly, or for a short time, Gen. XXXI. 2, 5. Exod. IV. 10. and XXI. 36. 2 Sam. III. 17. Job. VIII. 9. Sometimes for a long time, 1 Sam. XIV. 21. and XIX. 7. 2 King. XIII. 5. 1 Chron XI. 2. (As likewise tomorrow is taken, sometimes for a short time, as 1 Sam. XXVIII. 19. Sometimes for a long time, as Josh. IV. 6, 21.) Sometimes for never. Josh. III. 4. 1 Sam. IV. 7. Of today, and tomorrow, see Josh. XXII. 18. and IV. 6, 21. Isaiah XXII. 13. Matth. 6. 30. 1 Cor. XV. 32.

Ark ] Besides that famous Ark for the Tables of the Covenant, [chapter X] [verse 1,—4.] Exod. XXXVII. 1, &c. There seems here one formerly made, for present use, wherein the Tables by God's commandment were first put. And possibly this Ark with the Tables might be put into that famous Ark built afterwards, Exod. XXXVII. Deut. X 5.

Journey ] These verses seem to be as a Parenthesis inserted by Moses: [verse 6,—9.] And their journeys summarily mentioned, v. 6, 7. are more distinctly and orderly recorded, Num. XXXIII. 30,—39. without any coming or returning, again and again, to one and the same place.

Altars ] Idolaters had their Priests, [chapter XII] [verse 3] Temples, Altars, Tables, Lavers, Pillars, Groves, Oaks, Statues, Images of wood, stone, and metals, carved, graven, molten; in Cities, and Towns, in streets, in fields, and gardens, in houses, and on their tops, in God's house, in chambers, behind the doors, by rivers, and rocks, and caves, upon high mountains, and hills, and valleys, and under green trees: with their several sorts of Scrifices, and burnings, even slaying their children to them, Jer. VII. 31. XIX. 5. Ezek. XVI. 20, 21. and XX. 26, 31. Feasts, Incense, costly clothes, and other services of them. See Deut. VII. 5. and XII. 31. and sundry other places, as Isaiah I. 29. and LVII. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. and LXV. 3, 4, 11. and LXVI. 3. Amos II. 8. 1 Cor. VIII. 10. and X. 21. Jer. X. 9. XVII. 2. And see their eager rage after idolatry, Ezek. XVI. 15, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31.

A poor man ] Private poor rather then public beggars were, [chapter XV] [verse 7,—11.] and still will be among God's people, Matth. XXVI. 11.

For ever] Ever, hath reference, [verse 17] sometimes to a long time, indefinitely, Exod. XXI. 6. 1 Sam. I. 22. and XXV II. 12. 2 King. V. 27. 2 Chron. XIII. 5. Psal. XXXVII. 18, 27. and LXXXIX. 1 Isaiah XIII. 20. and XIV. 20. and XXV. 8. and XXXIII. 20. and XXXIV. 10. Jer. VII. and XVII. 4, 25. and XXV. 5. and XXXI. 40. and XXXV. 19. and L. 39. and LI. 26, 62. Lam. V. 20. Sometimes to the term of a man's life. 1 Kings I. 31. Dan. III. 9. Josh. 8. 28. Gen. XLIII. 9. 1 Sam. I. 22. 1 Chron. XXVIII. 4. Psal. XXXVII. 27, 29. and CXIX. 44, 98. Isaiah XXXII. 17. Sometimes to the year of Jubile, As in this Text, and Exod. XXI. 6. compared with Levite. XXV. 40. Sometimes to so long as the conditions annexed to a thing are observed, 2 Chron. XX. 7. 1 Sam. II. 30. Sometimes to the continuance of a State of polity, Num. X. 8. See the Annotations on 1 Kings VIII. 13. Sometimes to the Time and Coming of the Messiah, 1 Chron. XV. 2. and XVII. 12, 14, 22, 23, 27. and in many places of the Prophets. Sometimes to eternity, Exod. III. 15. and XV. 18. Deut. XXXII. 40. Luke I. 33. And so never is taken sometimes for a long time: sometimes for almost all times of a man's life, Luke XV. 29. Sometimes for a man's life, 2 Sam. XII. 10. Sometimes for eternity.

The flock and the herd ] Oxen, [chapter XVI] [verse 2] Kids, Sheep, and Bulloks were used in the Feast of the Passover, that is, in the Feast of Unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, for seven days, Exod. XIII. 6, 7. Num. XXVIII. 16,—24. 2 Chron. XXXV. 7, 8. 9. and Ch. XXX. 24. All which Festival time is called the Passover, and so Joh. XVIII. 28. A Lamb, or a Kid, might be used for the Passover properly so called, on the fourteenth day, at the going down of the Sun, Exod. XII. 5. Deut. XVI. 6.

A matter too hard ] As Judges and Officers were to be appointed in all Cities in Canaan, [chapter XVII] [verse 8,—13.] Deut. XVI. 18, 19, 20. So here the highest Court of Judicature over the whole Land, in difficult Causes, and for matters of Appeal, was appointed to be in that one place which the Lord should choose; which in after-times appeared to be the City Jerusalem. And here it is not sure and evident whether this Supreme Court were to be one, mixed of the Priests, and the Civil Judge jointly; Or (though this not so likely) two distinct Courts, Ecclesiastical, and Civil; both Supreme in their kind. Judgment of death was awarded upon presumptuous disobedience to their Sentence. And more of this Supreme Court Moses doth not deliver. Yet upon this, the Jews in after-ages grounded their great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem; and not upon the LXX. Num. XI. For those were only added to assist Moses in his troublesome government of that unruly Campe of the Jews in the Wilderness; as likewise those Rulers and Judges, Exod. XVIII.

The Priests due ] Of the very great maintenance of the Priests, [verse 3] see on Num. [chapter XVIII] XVIII. 24.

Three Cities more ] Three other Cities of Refuge, [chapter XIX] [verse 9] over and above the six, here allowed, and conditionally enjoined. Yet we never read more of them, that they were separated and set out. And that because the Jews by their sins and breach of Covenant with God on their part, never got possession of the utmost Bounds of the Lands by God conditionally promised to them.

To Battle ] The Law of war, [chapter XX] [verse 1] Deut. XX. 1, 10,—18. and Ch. VII. 2, 3, 16, 23, 24. and Exod. XXXIV. 11,—16. enjoined by God to the Israelites, was various, according to the several Cities and Nations against whom, whether near, or very far off, Deut. XX. 15, 16, 17. and according to the several Causes and Occasions, whereupon they were to wage it: And is best expounded by their Practices in Scripture recorded.

Against the Amalekites, see the injunction, Exod. XVII. 14, 16. Deut. XXV. 17, 18, 19. Against the Midianites, see that, Num. XXXI. Where they slew all the males they could, even to the malechildren; and every woman that had known man, and took the spoil, and all their cattle, flocks, and goods, as a prey to themselves.

Against the Amorites, Sihon, and Og, (included in the seven Nations, or in the same condition with them) See Num. XXI. and Deut. II. 34, 35. and Ch. III. 6, 7. where they slew the men, women and children. But all the Cattle, and spoil, they took for a prey to themselves.

Against Jericho, see Josh. VI. 17,—26. where the City, the first that withstood them in the Land of Canaan, was singularly accursed, and all therein, ver. 17, 18, 24, 26. 1 King. XVI. 34. And accordingly they slew man and woman, young and old, and Ox, and Sheep, and Ass: Only the silver and the gold, and the vessels of brass and iron, they put into the Treasury of the House of the Lord, as God commanded; keeping nothing to themselves: And as Achan, with his, and all he had, perished; They being first stoned, and then burnt for the transgression: So Rahab, her parents, brethren, and all that she had, were saved, upon the special cause and occasion of her Faith in hiding the Spies.

Against Ai, See Josh. VIII. 2, 26, 27. where they slew all, as at Jericho: only the spoil, and cattle thereof, they took as a prey to themselves.

Against the five Kings of the Amorites: And against seven; See Josh. X. 10, 28, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40. where they slew all the souls that breathed; as they did at Jericho: But for the spoil, and cattle, they did as at Ai and took them as a prey to themselves.

Against all those Kings at the waters of Merom, and presently after, they did the like, Josh. XI. 11, 12, 13, 14.

The Gibeonites, upon a crafty contrivance, got to be spared, and obtained a league to live. And though all the congregation murmured against the Princes for it, yet because of the oath, Joshua and the Princes only adjudged them to bondage, to be hewers of wood, and drawers of water for the House of God forever, Josh. IX. 13,—27. And Saul afterwards in a wrong zeal, slaying many of them, was punished for it, in his sons, 2 Sam. XXI. 1,—9.

Many other of the seven Nations were not conquered, Or so conquered, as brought only under Tribute, See Deut. VII. 22. Josh. XIII. 1,—6. and XIII. 3. and XV. 63. and XVI. 10. and XVII. 12, 13. Judge. I. 1, 19, 21, 27,—36. For which yet the Israelites were reproved, Judge. II. 1, 2, 3. And doomed so, as we read, Judge. II. 21, 22, 23. according to that Prediction, Num. XXXIII. 55. and Threatening, Josh. XXIII. 13. And of the Race of the seven Nations, see that in the days of Solomon, 1 King. IX. 20, 21.

And if that Law of war, Deut. XX. 10,—15. should be extended to the seven Nations also; yet they deprived themselves of the benefit of it, in not yielding to conditions of peace; or staying to be besieged; But engaging first, and beginning the war upon the Israelites; as appears mainly in Josh. Ch. X. and XI.

The Captive • , [chapter XXI] [verse 10,—14.] a beautiful woman ] Seemes a permission and Indulgence, in case of war; rather then an Allowance; As appears by the displeasing Rites before the marriage; and the slight dismission. It is not much unlike that Bill of Divorce, Deut. XXIV. 1. Matth. XIX. 8. And the case of Usury; as some accompt that, Deut. XXIII. 20.

Two wives] Moses supposing the practice of having two wives together, [verse 15] though in it self unlawful; or rather of having two one after another; taketh order for the right and double portion of the man's first-borne, Deut. XXI. 15, 16, 17.

Hanged is accursed ] That Curse seems not to be for the kind of punishment; [verse 23] but for the Crime sake, acted by such Malefactors here mentioned. And so Num. XXV. 4. John XVI. 26. 2 Sam. XXI. 6. It is true of Christ, Gal. III. 13. Josh. XIX. 31. by reason of all our horrible sins laid upon him, I mean the debt of our sins; He becoming our Surety; and so sin for us, 2 Cor. V. 21. that is, a Sacrifice for sin; as Sacrifices for sin in the Levitical Law are termed sometimes by the name of sin. The imputation of Guilt would seem to make him a sinner.

Not wear ] That difference of Apparel, [chapter XXII] [verse 5] to distinguish the Sexes, must be observed, and never broken; except in case of necessity, and for some present pinch, some weighty and urgent occasion, as to evade and avoid a sudden mischief; and the like.

If a man ] Is understood of an unmarried man, [verse 28] and a Virgin not betrothed: as likewise that is, Exod. XXII. 16, 17. The difference is in enticing her there; and in laying hold on her here, though not violently to ravish her. And therefore the Offender is ordered and punished somewhat less there; and more here.

An Ammonite ] The Israelite was to respect more, [chapter XXIII] [verse 3,—9.] and hate less, the Edomite, and the Egyptian; then either the Moabite, or the Ammonite: The two former in their third generation, after they became Proselytes, might be, as it were, endenized and made free among the Israelites; as well as if they were native • Israelites: As those that were honored to be made Citizens of Rome, by birth, or purchase Acts XVI. 37, 38. and XXII. 25,—28. were thereby invested with the Privileges of Romans. The Moabite, and Ammonite were not to be so privileged in their tenth generation: which yet must be understood, either of the men only, or else with exception of some such singular Cases, as was that of Ruth, Ch. IV. 10.

Upon Mount ] The Tribe of Levi was to stand on Mount Gerizim, [chapter XXVII] [verse 12,—26] in the Tribe of Ephraim by Shechem, with five other Tribes, whereof Joseph is one: And the six other Tribes to stand on Mount Ebal. And so the Priests called Levites, Deut. XXVII. 14. may seem to stand with the Ark in the narrow valley between both: And there turning to Mount Ebal, to pronounce the Curses, whereunto all the people and Tribes on Mount Ebal were to say Amen. The other part concerning the Blessings is not expressed; but in all points, and circumstances easily to be gathered and understood, Deut. XI. 26,—30. and XXVII. 12,—26 This was done in the first year of their coming over Jordan Josh. VIII. 32,—35. when, and where were read likewise all the words of the Law of Moses, before all the Congregation of Israel.

With ships ] Ships, besides the Ark of Noah, [chapter XXVIII] [verse 68] are first mentione in Jacob's blessing of Zebulun, Gen. XLIX. 13. and in Moses his threatening the Israelites in this place.

Not given] God's hand in giving and working of Grace. [chapter XXIX] [verse 4] See Ch. XXX. 6. Jer. XXIV. 7. and XXXI. 33. and XXXII. 39. Ezek. XI. 19, 20. and Ch. XXXVI. 26, 27. Heb. VIII. 10, 11. John VI. 44, 45, 65 Phil. I. 29. and II. 13. Ephes. II. 8. 2. Tim. II. 25. And he gives grace to the remnant which is according to the election of Grace, Matth. XI. 25. and XIII. 11. Mark IV. 11, 12, John XII. 39. Rom. XI. 7. Ephes. I. 5. 2 Chron. XXX. 12.

Mount ] This Mount Hor, [chapter XXXII] [verse 50] where Aaron died, Num. XX. 25, 26. was South of Judea. And Mount Hor, on the North-bounds of Judea, Num. XXXIV. 7. are far differing and distant mountains.

King in Jeshurum] Moses King in Ieshurum, [chapter XXXIII] [verse 5,—25.] in Blessing the twelve Tribes, doth omit Simeon, if we accompt him not included in Judah, as his Lot in the division of Canaan fell within the Lot and Tribe of Judah; and their expeditions against their enemies in conquering their own shares were joint, and undertaken together, Josh. XVIII. and XIX. Judge. I 3.

Dwell between his shoulders ] That is, [verse 12] In Jerusalem. For though the Southerne, and Superior part of Jerusalem, where Mount Zion was, and which was called the City of David, did belong to the Tribe of Judah; yet the Northern, and inferior part of it, where Mount Moriah was, whereon the Temple was built, belonged to the Tribe of Benjamin. The huge deep valley of Mello between the two Mountains, being filled up and levelled by Solomon; so that thence afterward, Zion, and Moriah, might be called two tops of one Mountain, Zion the higher top, and Moriah the lower.

Died ] The time of Moses his death was in the fortieth year, [chapter XXXIV] [verse 5] twelfth month, seventh day of their coming out of Egypt; and one hundred and twentieth year of his age. See upon Aaron's death, Num. XXXIII. 38.

No man knoweth ] The reason of concealing the place of the Burial of Moses; [verse 6] And Michael the Archangel his contending with the Devil, and disputing about the body of Moses, Jude ver. 9. was not revealed in the Scripture of the Old Testament. And this dispute might be, lest the Israelites knowing it, might carry it with them (as Joseph's bones) into Canaan, into which God had said, That he should not enter; or rather, That the people might not idolize it.

Joshua.

T HE Book of Joshua was not probably written by him; though of, and concerning him; For besides some things contained in it, which are deemed by some, to be done after his death; As that concerning Caleb and his daughter Achsah, Ch. XV. 16,—19. And most surely the Conquering of Leshem or Laish by the Danites, Ch. XIX. 47. Judge. XVIII. 7.—29. And those things recorded, Ch. XXIV. 29,—33. Some other things seem to plead, That it was written by some Prophet Long after his death. Whence that phrase remains unto this day, is so frequently used, Ch. IV. 9. and Ch. VI. 25. and VII. 26. and VIII. 29, and IX. 27. and X. 27. and XIII. 13. and XIV. 14. and XV. 63. And the Book of Iasher is named, Ch. X. 13. which seems written at soonest in David's time, as recording an Act of his, 2 Sam. I. 18. unless we say, This Book of Iasher in Joshua 's time, to be continued on, and enlarged in after-times, by adding and inserting memorable acts in after-ages; And so in David's time. And further the Mountains of Judah, and the Mountains of Israel are mentioned, Josh. XI. 21. Which many possibly seem to intimate the Book to be written after the division of the Nation into the two Kingdoms of Judah and Israel.

Joshua was the Tribe of Ephraim, Num. XIII. 8. 1 Chron. VII. 27. And he lived one hundred & ten years, Ch. XXIV. 29. and was six full years in conquering the Land; and in the seventh fell to the Dividing of it by Lot; as is gathered out of the age of Caleb, Josh. XIV. 7, 10. And divers years Joshua lived and governed after that time; but how many, it doth not appear out of this Book: yet is gathered out of other places to be ten years more: and so this Book to contain an History of seventeen years, from the Beginning of his Government to his Death. The truth of this account stands upon this computation; from the coming out of Egypt, to the fourth of Solomon, are four hundred and eighty years, 1 King. VI. 1. which are made up thus; forty years in the Wilderness; seventeen of Joshua; two hundred ninety nine of the Judges; counting in the twenty of Sampson, as coincident and concurring with the first twenty years of Eli; twenty years more of Eli; twenty of Samuel; forty of Saul; forty of David; four of Solomon: In all, 480.

Within three days ] This Edict and Proclamation of three days, [chapter I] [verse 2] for preparation to pass over Jordan, set down here, doth begin and commence after the History of the two Spies, and their return to Joshua; which History yet is recorded after in the Chapter following. And thereupon the mention of the said three days is taken up again the second time, Ch. III. 2. when new directions are given for their Passage, and the manner of it.

Rahab] Rahab, [chapter II] [verse 1] an Harlot, because at least she had been so, though now a believing Convert, ver. 9, 10, 11. Heb. XI. 31. James II. 25. She had her house on the wall of Jericho, ver. 15. which fell not when the rest of wall fell, Ch. VI. 20, 22.

In framing her excuses for the Spies sake, she bewrays her infirmity, in making equivocations, or untruths rather, ver. 4, 5. In transacting with the Spies, some speeches seem to pass between them after they were let down the wall, ver. 18.

In pleading for her family, she makes no mention of an Husband, ver. 13. and Ch. VI. 23.

She was after married to Salmon, eldest son of Nahshon, which Nahshon was great-grand-child to Hezron or Esrom that went down with Jacob into Egppt, Gen. XLVI. 12. And was Prince of Judah, at the numbering of the people, Num. I. 7. at the marshalling of the Camps, Num. II. 3. at the Dedication of the Altar, Num. VII. 12. and at the setting forward in their journeys, Num. X. 14. But died in the Wilderness, Num. XIV. 29. This marriage of Rahab to Salmon, now Prince of Judah, is not recorded in the Old Testament: But mentioned, Matth. I. 5. in the Genealogy of our Savior; wherein, as Rachab; so Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba, are mentioned. Now there being four hundred and eighty years from the coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt to the Building of the Temple, in the fourth year of Solomon, 1 Kings VI. 1. whereof forty years were spent in the wilderness, and seventy in David's life time, 2 Sam. V. 4. and four in Solomon's reign; The Remaining time between Rahab's receiving the Spies, and David's Birth must be 366. which may, and must be made up in some such reckoning as this; viz. Supposing Rahab to be eighteen years old when she received the Spies; and sixty six when she did bear Boaz to Salmon; then of necessity must Boaz beget Obed, and Obed beget Jesse, and Jesse beget David, each about the age of 106. Which well considered, evidenceth and evinceth these two things. 1. That the years of the six Oppressors in the times of the Judges, Ch. III. 8, 14. and IV. 3. and VI. 1. and X. 8. and XIII. 1. which amount to 111. years, cannot be reckoned distinct and apart; But are to be included within the years of the Judges, and of the Rest of the Land. For otherwise the years between Rahab's receiving the two Spies, and David's birth, would rise to 477. which cannot be true. And secondly, that the years 480. which is that famous Link of time, 1 King. VI. 1. cannot possibly be forced to anymore then 480. much less to 580. as some learned men of late would have it; and contrary to that sacred text, 1 King. VI. 1. which never received any veri •• s Lection; and contrary to the clear evidence and notation of pa ••• cular times set down in Scripture, which exacty make up that sum of 480. as was now shown: viz. forty in the Wilderness; seventeen in Joshua's Government; 299. in the Judges times, eighty in Eli, Samuel, and Saul's times; forty in David's; and four in Solomon's.

Ark ] The Ark here leads the way before the host, [chapter III] [verse 3] into Jordan and Canaan; without anymore mention of the Pillar of Cloud and Fire.

Two thousand Cubits ] The distance of two thousand Cubits from the Ark, [verse 4] Josh. III. 4. was on either side of it; and seems to be the same distance that was kept from it, in their Campings or Pitchings, and in their Journeyings in the Wilderness: And may well be deemed to be the Sabbath-days journey mentioned, Acts I. 12. Comparing together John XI. 18. and Luke XXIV. 50.

Rose up upon an heap ] When the Israelites passed through Jordan, [verse 16] the waters were not as a wall unto them, on the right hand, and on the left; as likely they were when Elias, and Elisha divided them with a mantle, 2 King. II. 8, 14. And as certainly the waters of the redsea were, Exod. 14. 21, 22. But God stopped the waters of the river that came down from above, and they stood and rose upon an heap, very far from the City Adam: And thereupon those waters that came down from Adam to the Salt and Dead Sea, and Lake of Sodom and Asphaltites, did run away, failed, were cut off.

Midst ] The often mentioning the midst of the river of Jordan to be the place where the Priests feet stood bearing the Ark of the Lord; [verse 17] the place where twelve stones were erected; and the place whence twelve stones were taken to be set up in Gilgal, Josh. III. 17. and IV. 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 18. doth induce me to take the word midst in its proper signification, having no manner of inconvenience in it for so doing, rather then to transfer it to the Channel close by the further side and banck.

Passed over ] The place of their passage over Jordan, [chapter IV] [verse 1] may seem to be called afterwards Beth-barah, in the Tribe of Reuben, beyond Jordan, Judge. VII. 24. And Bethabara, John. I. 28. (not Bethania, as the Trent -Bible erroneously there hath it) where John baptized Jesus; as well as others. And Betharabah seems to be a City not far from the Passage on the other side, a City of Benjamin, bordering upon Judah, Josh. XV. 6. 61. and XVIII. 22. Though some not so rightly place the foresaid town higher upon the river more then twenty miles above Adam; and far off from the border of Judah. At this Passage the Altar Ed seems to be built in the Tribe of Reuben, Josh. XXII. 11.

Twelve men] Reuben, [verse 2] and Gad, are here included in the twelve; though their Possessions were beyond Jordan. And of these two Tribes, and half Manasseh, about forty thousand armed men passed over Jordan to the war, ver. 13. which were yet but a few more then one third part of their military men, Num. XXVI. 7, 18, 34. The rest stayed behind for their many necessary occasions.

Came up ] They came over Jordan, [verse 19] on the tenth day of the first month; were Circumcised the eleventh; And did eat the Passover on the fourteenth, Ch. V. 2, 10. Both which were omitted in the wilderness; at least since the Return of the twelve Spies, and after that Passover at Mount Sinai, Num. IX. 5. See Josh. V. 5, 7. And on the XVI. day Manna ceased, ver. 12.

The second time ] Not that these were Circumcised once before. [chapter V] [verse 2] See ver. 7. It was neglected, or omitted many years for some reasons. And at this time upon many reasons renewed, and again enjoined by God. See the Annotations upon this text.

Gilgal ] Of this place, [verse 9] see the Annotations on Hos. IV. 15.

A man ] This Captain of the Lord's host, [verse 13] was not Gabriel, or any other created Angel; but Michael the Archangel, Jude 9. Michael the great Prince of God's people, Dan. X. 21. and XII. 1. the Angel of the Covenant, Mal. III. 1. Christ the Son of God; Appearing here, and sundry other times, in the shape of man, as a foregoing presage and prologue, to typify his future Incarnation. And this appeareth, by Joshua's Adoration of him, as his Lord Jehovah, Ch. VI. 2. and by His acceptance of it, which an Angel would have refused, Apoc. XIX. 10. by his Commanding Joshua to put off his shoes, because the place was holy; like to that, Exod. III. 5. Not that the Place was capable of any inherent holiness in itself, but hallowed by God's holy presence in it, and in that relation only so esteemed; and which ceased so to be when his Presence was withdrawn from it. This Captain instructs Joshua about the manner of besieging, and conquering Jericho, Ch. VI. 2,—5.

Seventh day ] [chapter VI] The Sabbath-day must needs be one of the seven wherein the Camp of Israel did march round about the walls of Jericho; [verse 4] if not the seventh wherein they compassed the City seven times, and took it. And this by the command of him who is the Sovereigne Lord of the Sabbath.

Priests shall blow with the Trumpets ] Priests, not Levites. And Priests, not Levites carry the Ark. See the Observations on Num. X. 8. and on Ch. VII. v. 1,—9.

Achan] Achan is called also Achar, [chapter VII] [verse 1] 1 Chron. II. 7. which signifieth a Troubler; and the Place of his execution is called the Valley of Achor, v. 26., that is trouble. He was Grand-child of Zabdi; otherwise called Zimri, 1 Chron. II. 6.

Ai] Ai is called Hai, [verse 2] Gen. XII. 8. and Aijah, Neh. XI. 31. in the tribe of Benjamin, very near to Bethel, Ezra II. 28. Neh. VII. 32. and differs from that Ai, situate between Heshbon and Rabbah, in the tribe of God; yet taken by the Ammonites; whereof see Jeremiah XLIX. 3.

Bethaven] Bethaven, and Bethel, two distinct towns, not far asunder, near the North bounds of the Tribe of Benjamin. Yet Hosea calls Bethel by the name of Bethaven, the house of vanity, and vain Idols, in scorn and derision, for Jeroboams golden Calf there set up, Hos. IV. 15. and V. 8. and X. 5. See the Observations on 1 King. XII. 29, 32. [verse 14]

Taketh ] By Divine instinct and command Lots are here used; In which case their judgment is infallible. Of Lots, see my Annotations on Jonah. I. 7. [verse 24]

And his sons ] God's severe judgment upon his whole family, ver. 24, 25. is warranted by Him, who is sole Dispensor, and Sovereigne Lord over his own Law, Deut. XXIV. 16. And at the most, his Sacrilege, was but the Occasion, not the Cause of God's judgment upon his family; They having sin enough in themselves otherwise, for God's justice to work upon, though they had no hand in this sacrilegious act. [chapter VIII] [verse 2]

Ambush ] God appoints both the End, and the Means, 1 Chron. XIV. 14, 15. And God's people having the assurance of God's Particular Promises, do yet carefully use the Means; as Josh. XI. 7. and X. 9. Acts XXVII. 24, 31. Judge. XX. 28, 29. Stratagems in war are lawful. [verse 3]

Chose out ] Not likely that the 30000. did lie in wait behind Ai Westward, between Ai and Bethel; but only 5000. ver. 12, 17.

Gibeon] Gibeon was a great City, [chapter IX] [verse 3] a royal City of the Hivites, and all the men mighty, Ch. X. 2. and XI. 19. allotted afterwards to Benjamin; and out of that Tribe to the Priests, Ch. XXI. 13, 17. The Tabernacle, and Altar were here in David's and Solomon's time, 1 Chron. XXI. 20. 2 Chron. I. 3. David orders the service of it here, 1 Chron. XVI. 30. Solomon sacrificeth at this High Place: God appears to him here: And he brings the Tabernacle, and Altar thence, to the Treasuries of the Temple, 1 King. III. 4. Here Joshua vanquished the five Kings of the Amorites, Ch. X. And had the Sun stand still upon his prayer. Here David smote the Philistines, 1 Chron. XIV. 16. By the pool of Gibeon was that mortal fight between twelve of Abner's, and twelve of Joab's men; whence the place was called the field of strong men in Gibeon. Here Abner in his flight slayeth Asabel the brother of Joab; And Joab pursueth Abner by the way of the Wilderness of Gibeon, 2 Sam. II. 12, 16, 24. and Ch. III. 30. At the great stone in Gibeon Joab slew Amasa, his Cousen-german, 2 Sam. XX. 8. And by the great waters that are in Gibeon, Johanan fighteth, and puts to flight Ishmael, Ier. XLI. 12. The Gibeonites were Hivites, Josh. IX. 7. yet called also by the more general name of Amorites, 2 Sam. XXI. 2. They were those which in after-times were called Nethinims, &c. that is, Deodands, given and devoted to that Drudgery, ver. 23, 27. Of whom see 2 Sam. XXI. 2. 1 Chron. IX. 2. Ezra II. 43, 58, 62, 70. and VII. 7, 24. and VIII. 17, 20. Neh. VII. 46, 60, 73. and X. 28. and XI. 3, 21. Something like to these were those other of these Nations, on whom Solomon did raise a tribute of Bondage, 1 King. IX. 20, 21. Of whom see more on that place.

The Oath and League made with the Gibeonites, and their Cities, ver. 17. though surreptitiously and fraudulently gotten, and also rashly granted, yet seems in the substance of it to be lawful; otherwise an unlawful Oath should be broken: whereas this was kept with all faithfulness; Joshua fighting in their defense, and that by the Lord's approbation and encouragement, Ch. X. 7, 8. And this seems lawful, because they sued for Peace before they were besieged; and willingly submitted to all Conditions, without any reservation of their Lands, Goods, Laws, Liberties, much less of their superstitions and idolatries, (which otherwise might have ensnared the Israelites); but of their Lives only, and they to be employed in the Israelites service. Cities, and People of other Nations then these, very far off, might be received upon far easier terms and conditions. But upon all these Conditions, others of these Nations themselves might have been spared their lives. Yet God in his providence so ordered, That there was not a City that made peace with the Israelities, saving these Hittites of Gibeon only, and their Cities: All other they took in battle; for it was of the Lord so to harden their hearts, that they might be destroyed, Ch. XI. 19, 20. And therefore, the Congregation here murmured unjustly (haply through ignorance) against Joshua, and the Princes, for this League and Oath: And Saul was justly punished, and that grievously, in his posterity; and the Land also with famine, many ages after this, because he sought to slay and destroy them from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, contrary to this League and Oath; though Soul did it in a pretended or wrong zeal to the children of Israel and Judah, 2 Sam. XXI. 1,—6.

Adoni-Zedek seems, [chapter X] [verse 1] in after-ages to have succeeded that Melchizede • , Gen. XIV. 18. But Adoni-bezeck, Judge. I. 7. seems not any successor to this Adonizedeek, much less himself; He himself being slain; ver. 23, 26. But Adoni-bezeck was Lord or King, not of Jerusalem; but of Bezeck, in the Tribe of Judah; where Saul numbered against Nahash 330000. men, 1 Sam. XI. 8.

Jerusalem, is called also Jebus, Judge. XIX. 10. 1 Chron. XI. 4, 5. of Jebusi the son of Canaan, Gen. X. 16. And Salem, Gen. XIV. 18. Psal. LXXVI. 2. The name seems composed of them. If not; then of Jireh, and Salem, the place Salem [Gen. XIV. 18. Psal. LXXVI. 2.] where God appeared [ Gen. XXII. 14.] Or, Jiereh Shalem, signifying the Vision of Peace, or Possession of Peace, or Peace shall be seen or provided, a place of providence, Gen. XXII. 14. See Hebr. VII. 1, 2. And it is of the Dual number, being a double City, belonging to two Tribes, Judah, and Benjamin; Josh. XV. 8, 63. and XVIII. 28. Judge. I. 8, 21. Jer. XXXIX. 3. The Southern and higher part belonging to Judah, wherein the strong hold of Zion was; taken at last by David presently after his anointing King over all Israel; and built and called his City, 2 Sam. V. 6,—9. 1 Chron. XI. 4,—8. And became the Burial-place of the Kings of Judah. And David's Sepulcher continued there till the Apostles times, Acts II. 29. near 1100. years. And the Ark for a time, was placed there, 2 Sam. VI. 12,—17. whereupon Zion is called the City of God, God's holy Hill. The Northern, and lower part, belonging to Benjamin; wherein the Temple stood, on Mount Moriah, 2 Chon. III. 1. Honorable things are spoken of this City, Psal. LXXXVII. 2, 3. This City is called the City of God, of the Lord of Hosts, of the great King; the holy place of the Tabernacles of the most High, Psal. XLVI. 4. and XLVIII. 8. The Throne of the Lord, Jer. III. 17. Jehovah-Shammah (in that visionarie Description) Ezek. XLVIII. 35. It is called the City of Solemnities, Isaiah XXXIII. 20. a City of Righteousness, Isaiah V. 26. a City of Truth, Zech. VIII. 3. a Faithful City, Isaiah I. 26. a City sought out, and not forsaken, Isaiah LXII. 12. The walls thereof are called Salvation; and her gates Praise; and they are ever in God's sight, Isaiah XLIX. 16. and LX. 18.

Hoham ] These other four Kings were all South of Jerusalem: [chapter X] [verse 3] And all five did after belong to the Tribe of Judah.

Lachish ] Of this City see the Annotations on Micah I. 13.

The Lord said ] The Lord spake to Joshua; [verse 8] sometimes immediately by himself; sometimes being consulted with by Urim and Thummim.

Hailestones ] God's two Miracles in this battle. [verse 11] I. By wondrous Hailestones; like those in Egypt, Exod. IX. 18,—25. which killed more Amorites then were slain by the sword; braining likely the body of their host, as they fled, where they were thickest, and those that were foremost in the flight; and not hurting the Pursuers, who were intermingled, yet likely mostly in the Reare of the enemy. II. By the miraculous standing still (upon Joshua 's Prayer, first privately made, and granted; after publicly pronounced in the sight of Israel ) of the Sun, and of the Moon; and with them of the whole frame of Heaven; about a whole day, till the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies.

Jasher ] The Book of Jasher records the Miracle. [verse 13] No Heathen History being so ancient. This Book seems to be carried on, and enlarged still with the story of things acted in after-ages. For there is mention of it in David's time, 2 Sam. I. 18. And this Book being no part of Canonical inspired Scripture; but a Civil Chronicle or Annals among the Jews, is since perished; as divers others of like nature; Among which are those books of Chronicles, not Canonical, but Civil, so often cited in our two books of the Kings.

No day ] That day in Hezekiah 's time, [verse 14] was in some things like this, 2 King. XX. 11. But that, not till many ages after; And this book first written.

Returned ] If Joshua here resolved to return to Gilgal, [verse 15] Yet many other victories, in the Southern parts, even from Kadesh-barnea, unto Gaza, in a short time, intervened, ver. 16,—42. before he actually returned thither, ver. 43.

Joshua ] And c. XI. [verse 36] 31. Joshua took Hebron, or Kiriath-Arba, and Debir, or Kiriath-Sepher, and cut off the Anakims. Yet under the conduct of Caleb this was perfected; Joshua assigning him, out of his army, the Tribe of Judah, for his assistance therein, Ch. XIV. 6,—15. and Ch. XV. 13,—19. which thing seems to be repeated, Judge. I. 10,—15. rather then a new Conquest made again after the death of Joshua.

Goshen ] And Ch. XI. [verse 41] 16. and Ch. XV. 51. This Goshen in Canaan; differing from that in Egypt.

Sand ] Hyperbolees much used in Scripture. [chapter XI] [verse 4] So Gen. XXII. 17. and XLI. 49. Judge. VII. 12. and Ch. XX. 16. 1 Sam. XIII. 5. 2 Sam. I. 23. 1 King. I. 40. and IV. 20, 29. 2 King. XIX. 24. 1 Chron. XII. 8. and XVI. 33. 2 Chron. I. 9. and XXVIII. 9. Job. XX. 6. and XXII. 24. and XL. 23. Psal. VI. 6. Isaiah XXXIV. 3, 5, 7, 9. and XLVIII. 19. Jer. IV. 24. and XV. 8. Joel. III. 18. Amos II. 9. and IX. 13. John XXI. 25.

A long time ] After the battle at the waters of Merom, [verse 18] Joshua did make war a long time with all those Northern Kings in Canaan: about six years; as is gathered out of Ch. XIV. 6,—15.

Arnon] Arnon the River, [chapter XII] [verse 1] ariseth not far from the head-spring of the River Iabbok; and both from rocky Mountains that lie in the East part of the Tribe of Gad. It runneth Southward, and falls into the North-East corner of the Dead Sea. It is the border between Sihon, or Reuben on the West, and Ammon on the East; and between Sihon or Reuben on the North, and Moab on the South.

Iabbok] Iabbok the River, [verse 2] ariseth as Arnon; but runneth North a little; and after turneth his stream West; and falleth into Jordan a little below the Sea of Galilee. It divided the Land of Gilead between Sihon and Og; and afterwards between Gad, on the South, and half Manasseh on the North.

Remaineth yet ] The Land both Conquered, [chapter XIII] [verse 1] and Unconquered, was to be divided by Lot among the nine Tribes and a half; so Josh. XXIII. 4, 5. Begun at Gilgal, Ch. XIV. 6. and Ch. XV. and Ch. XVI. and Ch. XVII. Resumed, and Perfected at Shiloh, Ch. XVIII. and XIX. But we never read, That they did Conquer the whole Land, and all their several Shares and Lots; through their own default and breach of Covenant with God, by Disobedience, Chapt. XXIII. 13.

Aroer ] The City Aroer was near the Rise of the River Arnon; [verse 16] and in the confines between the Reubenites and Gadites; as also Heshbon, Dibon, and Ataroth; which being bordering Cities, are said to belong to them both, sometimes to the one, sometimes to the other; To Reuben, Josh. XIII. 16, 17. Num. XXXII. 37. To Gad, Josh. XXI. 39. Num. XXXII. 34. 1 Chron. VI. 81.

Distributed ] The whole Country, [chapter XIV] [verse 1] seems to be divided into so many parts as there were Tribes to possess them. Yet so, as that the Bounds of every part or Province were not so precisely limited before the Tribe had drawn the Lot, but that afterwards they might be enlarged or lessened, according to the greatness or smallness of the number that belonged to it, Num. XXVI. 53,—56. and Chap. XXXIII. 54. which last point of division was left to the wisdom of the High Priest, Joshua, and the Elders, whom God had appointed to divide it, ver. 1. and Ch. XVII. 14,—18.

By lot ] Lots fell out providentialy to the twelve Tribes,