Moses and Aaron.
The first Book
Treateth of Persons.
CHAP. I.
Of the form of the Hebrewes Common-wealth until Christ his coming, and when the Scepter departed from them.
The form and state of Government hath been subject to change and variation amongst all Nations, but especially amongst the Jewes, where these changes are observable.
At first, the Fathers of their several Families, and their First-born after them, exercised all kind of Government, both Eclesiastical and Civil, being both Kings and Priests, in their own houses. They had power over their own Families, to bless, curse, cast out of doors, disinherit, and to punish with death, as is apparent by these examples: of Noah towards Cham, Gen. 9. 25. of Abraham towards Hagar and Ismael, Gen. 21. 10. of Jacob towards Simeon and Levi, Gen. 49. 3. and of Judah towards Thamar, Gen. 38. 24.
In Moses his days then did this prerogative of primo geniture cease: and as Aaron and his posterity was invested with the right and title of Priests; so Moses, and after him Joshua, ruled all the people with a kind of Monarchical authority. For Moses was among the righteous as King, Deut. 32. 5.
After Joshua succeeded Judges; their Officers were of absolute and independent authority, like unto Kings, when once they were elected. But there were long vacancies, and chasms commonly between the cessation of the one, and the election of the other: yea for the most part, the people never chose a Judge, but in time of great troubles, and imminent dangers; which being over-past, he retired to a private life. After that Gideon had delivered the people out of the hand of the Midianites, he being offered the Kingdom, replyed, I will not reign over you, neither shall my Child reign over you, Judg. 8. 23. That of Samuel, that he judged Israel all the days of his life, 1 Sam. 7. 15. was[1] extraordinary. In this respect, their Judges symbolize with the Roman Dictators. This state of Regiment continued amongst them by the computation of S. Augustine[2], three hundred twenty nine years. In these vacancies or distances of time between Judge and Judge, the greater and weightier matters were determined by that great Court of the Seventy called the Senadrin; in which respect the form of Government may be thought Aristocratical. Kings succeeded the Judges, and they continued from Saul unto the Captivity of Babylon, that is,[3] about 502 years.
[1] Zepper lib. 3. leg. Mos. cap. 6.
[2] Aug. de Civ. Dei, l. 18 c. 22.
[3] Zepper. leg. Mosaic. l. 3. c. 6.
From the Captivity unto the coming of Christ, (which time is thought[4] to have been five hundred thirty six years) the state of the Jewes became very confused. Sometimes they were ruled by Deputies and Vicegerents, who had not supream authority in themselves, but as it pleased the Persian Monarchs to assigne them; they were termed[5] ראשי גליות Rasche galiuth, αἰχμαλωτάρχαι Heads of the Captivity. Of this sort was Zorobabel and his successors, who are reckoned in the Hebrew Chronicles[6] to be these, Mesullam, Hananiah, Berachiah, and Hosadiah. All which are thought to have reigned under the Persian Monarchy, and to have been of the Posterity of David: as likewise the other succeeding ten chief Governours after Alexander the Great. In the last of these ten, the government departed from the House of David, and was translated to the Macchabees, who descended from the Tribe of Levi. They were called Maccabæi, from Judas Maccabeus,[7] and he had this name מכבאי Macchabæus, from the Capital Letters of this Motto, written in his Ensigne or banner, מי כמוך באלים יהוה Quis sicut tu inter Deos, O Domine? Where the first letters are, M, C, B, A, I. Among the Maccabees, soveraign authority continued until Herod the Askalonite his reign, at what time our Saviour Christ was born, according to Jacobs prophecy: The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Law-giver from between his feet, untill Shiloh, that is, the[8] Messias come, Gen. 49. 10.
[4] Vide Funcii Chronol.
[5] Maimon. in Iad. lib. vit. tract. Sanedr. in c. 4. sect. 13.
[6] Seder Olam minus.
[7] Carion chron. lib. 2. p. 144.
[8] Targum Uziel. eadem pæne verba habet Targum Jerosolym.
For the right understanding of this Prophecy, We must note two things; 1. The time when the Scepter was given to Judah: 2. When taken from him. But first we must observe how these two words, Judah, and the Scepter, are distinguished.
Some take Judah,
1. For the particular Tribe of Judah[9]: but this seemeth flat contrary to Scripture, for many of the Judges were of other Tribes, and all the Maccabees of the Tribe of Levi.
2. For the Two Tribes[10] which cleaved to Rehoboam; because in that division of the People, these Two Tribes alone were called Jews, and that from Judah, and that never before this division.
3. For all the whole body of Israel[11], consisting of Twelve Tribes; all which (in the judgment of these men) were afterwards by the singular providence of God, called Jews from Judah.
[9] Origen. hom. 17. in Genes. Epiphan. contra Ebionæos, &c. maxima Hebræorum pars.
[10] Cunæus de rep. Hebr. lib. 1. cap. 5. p. 81.
[11] Euseb. demon. lib. 8. cap. 1. Montacut. in Analect. p. 72. Casaub. contra Baron. pag. 16.
Some take Scepter,
1. For legal power[12], and soveraign authority, residing in one man principally.
2. For the form of government[13], and face of a Common-wealth, governed and ruled by its own laws, customes, and rites: signifying as well the rule and authority of inferiour Magistrates, yea of Priests also, as of Kings and Princes.
[12] Patres plerique omnes.
[13] Casaubon advers. Baron. p. 19. It. p. 23. Justinus Mart. in Dialog. cum Tryphone. Cunæus lib. 1. de rep. Heb. c. 9. p. 82.
From these different acceptions of these two words, flow four different acceptions of Jacobs Prophecy.
Some are of opinion[14], that the Scepter taken in the second acception, began to be given to Judah, that is, to the Two Tribes cleaving to Rehoboam, at the time of that division of the People: and that their Scepter was not taken from them until the destruction of Jerusalem; because, that after Herods time until then, their Laws remained in force, their Priesthood continued, and their Common-wealth, though it were much defaced, yet not quite overthrown.
[14] Cunæus lib. 1. de rep. Heb. cap. 11. pag. 96.
Some are of opinion[15], that the Scepter taken in the second acception, began to be given to Judah, that is, to the Twelve Tribes, from the time of Moses; and that this Scepter was not taken from them until the Destruction of Jerusalem: not in Herod, because he was a Jew (in that he was a Proselyte) for a Jew is a name, say they, of Profession, not of Countrey or Nation.
[15] Joseph. Scal. ex quo Casaub. advers. Baron. p. 19. It. p. 39.
Some are of opinion[16], that the Scepter taken in the second acception, began to be given to Judah, that is to the Twelve Tribes, from the time of Moses, and that it was taken from them in Herods time: yet so, that in Herods time, this was but begun, and inchoate, and at the destruction of Jerusalem it was fulfilled and consummate.
[16] Montacut. in Analect. p. 74.
Some are of opinion[17], that the Scepter taken in the first acceptation, began to be given to Judah, that is to the Twelve Tribes, from the time of Moses, and that it was taken from them fully in Herods time. The former opinions make the coming of the Messias to be a fore-runner of the departure of the Scepter: this, makes the departure of the Scepter to be a fore-runner or token of the Messiah his coming, which I take to be the principal thing aimed at in the prophecy. This opinion, as it is more generally received than the others, so upon juster grounds. Now the Scepter was departed and given to a Proselyte, never so before,[18] yea now also the Law-giver was departed from between Judahs feet, and now the Messiah born.
[17] Augustin. contra Manich. lib. 12. cap. 47. Euseb. demonst. l. 8 Carion. Chron. pag. 143.
[18] P. Galatin. l. 4. cap. 6. p. 203. ex. Talmud. Jerusol.
CHAP. II.
Of the Publicans.
Wee having seen the most remarkable changes in the Common-wealth of the Hebrews; we will note the chief Observations concerning the persons there inhabiting: and first concerning the Publicans, who were, in the latter times, an heterogeneous Member of that Common-wealth. After that the Jews became Tributary to Rome, (which[19] was effected by Pompey threescore years before the Birth of our Saviour) certain Offices were appointed by the Senate of Rome, unto whom it belonged, as well among the Jews as in other Provinces, to collect, and gather up such custome-money or tribute, as was exacted by the Senate. Those that gathered up these publique payments, were termed Publicani, Publicans; and by reason of their covetous exactions, they commonly were hated by the People of the Provinces:[20] Every Province had his several Societie, or company of Publicanes: Every Society his distinct Governour: in which respect it is, that Zacheus is called by the Evangelists, ἀρχιτελώνης princeps Publicanorum, the chief Receiver of the tribute, or chief Publican, Luke 12. 2. And all the Provincial Governours in these several Societies, had one chief[21] Master residing at Rome, unto whom the other subordinate Governours gave up their accounts. These Publicans were hated in all Provinces, because of their exactions; but chiefly in the Commonwealth of the Jews, because though it were chiefly maintained by the Galileans, yet it was generally inclined unto by the Jews, That tribute ought not to be payed by them: this hatred is confirmed by that Rabbinical proverb,[22] Take not a Wife out of that family wherein there is a Publican, for such are all Publicans. Yea a faithful Publican was so rare at Rome it self, that one Sabinus for his honest managing of that Office, in an honourable remembrance thereof, had certain images erected with this superscription[23]; Καλῶς τελωνήσαντι, For the Faithful Publican. And therefore no marvel, if in the Gospel, Publicans and sinners go hand in hand.
[19] Joseph Locutus de Pompeio l. 1. de bello Jud. c. 5. p. 720.
[20] Harum societatum frequens mentio facta est apud Ciceron. in orat. pro. Sex. Ros. Muræna, in Cn. Plancio.
[21] Sigon. de Antiq. jure civium Rom. lib. 2. c. 4.
[22] Is. Casaubon exercit. 13. 37.
[23] Suet. in Flav. Vespas. cap. 1.
It is now generally received as a truth undoubted, that not only Heathen people, but sometimes Jews themselves became Publicanes. Tertullian was of another opinion,[24] and thought that all the Publicans were Heathens; but he hath been in that long since confuted by Jerome[25], and reason it self perswadeth the contrary. First, Matthew who was a Publican, was afterwards an Apostle, and therefore unlikely to have been an Heathen. Secondly, Zacheus his name was a pure Hebrew name having no affinity with Roman names. Thirdly, the ground or principal argument on which Tertullian built, was meerly[26] erroneous.
[24] Tertul. de pudic. c. 9.
[25] Jeronym. epist. ad Damasum.
[26] Fraudi fuit acutissimo Pœno Hebraicæ linguæ ignoratio, nusquam enim occurrit in fonte spurius ille textus, quo Tertullianus potissimum nititur, non erit vectigal, pendens ex filiis Israel. Deut. 23.
CHAP. III.
Israelites, Prosylites.
The whole Common-wealth of Israel consisted of two sorts of men, Hebrews and Prosylites; he that was born an Hebrew, either by Fathers or Mothers side, was an Hebrew; but he that was born so of both, was an Hebrew of the Hebrews; such a one was Saint Paul, Phil. 3. 5. He that was born a Prosylite either by Fathers or Mothers side, was termed Ben-gar, the son of an he-Prosylite; or Ben gara, The son of a she-prosylite; but he that was by Fathers and Mothers side a Prosylite, was termed[27] Bagbag, that is, the son of he and she Prosylites.
[27] Magni quidam nominis Rabbi apud Judæos fuit, quem ex Paganismo ad Judaismum conversum בגבג per sigla appellarunt. i. filiis Proselyti, filius proselytæ, Pirk. Aboth. cap. 5.
The Hebrews were of two sorts; some lived in Palestina, and used the Hebrew Text, these were called Hebrews or Jews; others were dispersed in divers places of Greece, they used the Greek translation, and thence were termed Έλληνισταὶ[28] Grecists. S. Luke mentioneth both. There arose a murmuring, τῶν Έλληνιστῶν of the Græcists, towards the Hebrews, Acts 6. 1. Where note the difference between Ἕλληνες, and Έλληνισταὶ, the Græcians, and the Græcists. The Græcians are used by Saint Paul, to signifie all the Heathen people, and stand in opposition with Hebrews in the general acception, containing both Græcists, or dispersed Hebrews, and also those of Palestina: the Græcists were both by birth and religion Hebrews standing in opposition with Hebrews; in the strict acception, taken for those of Palestina.
[28] De Judæis Græciensib. vid. Scal. animad. Euseb. 124. 1. & in Can. Isag. 278.
The whole body of Israel was divided into twelve Tribes, and publique Records were kept, wherein every ones Genealogy was registred, to manifest unto what particular tribe he belonged. These records Herod burnt, hoping that in after ages he might be thought originally an Israelite, if those publike Monuments might not be produced against him. Thus much Eusebius[29] plainly delivereth of him. I am of opinion, that another reason might be admitted; namely, That no distinction either of Tribe or Family, might appear; but, all being unfounded, and amongst the rest Davids, (unto whose Family by a peculiar right this Scepter belonged) Herod and his posterity might be the better secured of the Kingdom.
[29] Euseb. Eccles. hist. li. 1. cap. 8.
Prosylites were those Heathen people, who disclaiming Paganism, became Converts, and joyned themselves unto the Church of the Jews. They were termed Prosylites ἀπὸ τοῦ προσεληλυθέναι, from their coming and adjoyning unto the Jews. Concerning these Prosylites, we will consider these three things. 1. The several kinds of Prosylites; 2. The manner of making them; 3. In what account or respect they lived among the Jews.
First, the kinds of Prosylites were two; גר ברת Ger berith, Prosylitus fœderis, A Prosylite of the Covenant. He submitted himself unto the Circumcision, and to the whole Mosaical Pædagogy.[30] The Rabbies term such a one גר צדק Ger tsedeck, Proselytum justitiæ, A Prosylite of righteousness. Secondly, גר שער Ger sahagnar, Proselytus portæ, A Prosylite, or stranger within thy gates, Deut. 14. 21. Of him also we read in the fourth Commandment. He was suffered to dwell amongst them; whence he is also called תושב Toschab, Incola, an Inhabitant. He was not circumcised, neither did he conform himself to the Mosaical rites, and ordinances, only he was tyed to the obedience of those Commandments, which among the Hebrew Doctors go under the name of Noahs seven Commandments;[31] which they reckon thus: 1. Judgements or Punishments for Malefactours. 2. Blessing the name of God; under this is contained the keeping of the Sabbath. 3. Disclaiming of Idolatry. 4. Uncovering ones nakedness. 5. Shedding of blood. 6. Robery. 7. Eating of any member of a beast, taken from it alive. Of this sort, were Naaman the Syrian, the Eunuch, Cornelius, and those of whom we read, That there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews Men that feared God[32] of every Nation under Heaven, Acts 2. 5.
[30] Rabbi Solomon, Deut. 23. 14.
[31] Sheindler in pentaglot. p. 1530.
[32] Ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς.
Secondly, to the making of one to be a Prosylite of the Covenant according to the difference of sex; and the difference of times the Rites of initiation varied. To the making of[33] a Male-Proselyte, at first three things were required. 1. Circumcision.[34] 2. A kind of purification by water. 3. The blood of Oblation. This oblation was commonly two Turtles or Pigeons. To the making of a Woman Proselyte, were required only purification by water, and Oblation.[35] Now because the Jews have neither Altar, nor Sacrifice, they say that for the Males Circumcision, and purification by water sufficeth; and for the Females, only purification by water.[36] In Davids time, they say that many thousands of Prosylites were joyned unto the Church without Circumcision, by this purification.
[33] Moses Kotsen. fol. 40. col. 2.
[34] במילה ובטבילה ובהוצאת דמים של קרבן.
[35] Drusius de trib. sect. 2. p. 102.
[36] Moses Ægyptius, in Assurebiah, Perek. 13. fol. 137. vide Serarium trihæres, l. 2. c. 1.
Hence we may observe, that a kind of Initiation by water was long in use among the Jews, though it were not Sacramental until Christ his institution: yea therefore it may seem to have been used by them, because they expected it at the coming of the Messias, as appeareth by their coming unto John, questioning not so much his Baptism, as his Authority, by what authority he baptized: Why baptizest thou them, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that Prophet? John 1. 25.
Thirdly, the respect born by the Jews towards Prosylites, was charitable;[37] they used no upbraiding terms towards them, saying Remember thy former deeds. Notwithstanding it was also provided,[38] No Prosylite should be eligible into the Court of their Sanhedrim; yea in their common commerce, they had an usual proverb, which admonished them of wariness[39] Vel ad decimam usq; generationem a Proselytis cave; Beware of Prosylites to the tenth generation.
[37] P. Fag. Exod. 22. 21.
[38] Moses Ægypt. lib. ult. Iad. tract. Sanhedr. c. 2.
[39] Casaub. advers. Baron. 27.
CHAP. IV.
Of their Kings.
We shall read of three sorts of Kings in the Old Testament. Melchisedeck was King and Priest; David King and Prophet; others simply Kings. Melchisedeck was King and Priest, David King and Prophet. The concurrence of Princely Sovereignty, and Holy Orders, in the same man, intimates that supreme Authority should alwayes be accompanied with care of Religion: In which respect Joash, when he was anointed King, received the Testimony, or Book of the Law, 2 King 11. 12. Neither did these two meet only in Melchisedeck & David, but the same man among the Heathens[40] was oftentimes King and Priest. And the Trismegistus had his name Ter maximus,[41] because he was Philosophus maximus, Sacerdos maximus, & Rex maximus. All Kings were not anointed, but onely those in whom succession was broken; and there the first of the family was anointed for his Successor, except in case of dissention, where there was required a renewed unction, for the confirmation of his Authority. For this reason it was, that Solomon was anointed as well as David, because of the strife between him and Adonijah.
[40] Rex Anius, Rex idem hominum, Phœbique Sacerdos. Virg. Æneid, lib. 3.
[41] Alex. Neopolit. lib. 2. Cap. 6.
Furthermore, Saul and Jehu were anointed בפך Bepac, with a cruse of Oyl, to shew the short continuance of their Kingdoms. David and Solomon were anointed בקרן Bekeren, with an horn of Oyl; that is, in a plentiful measure, to shew the long continuance of their Kingdoms.
As Kings were distinguisht from the People by many Ensigns of Honour, by their Crown, their Scepter, their Throne, &c. so likewise were they distinguished by their Apparel; that was the reason that Ahab entring into battel, changed his apparel, 1 Kings 22. 30. Though purple and white colours were not appropriated unto Kings,[42] yet these colours were in chief esteem, and principally used by them,[43] yea Purple above others was affected by the Emperours and Nobility of Rome; and white by the Nobility of the Jews: whence the Hebrews term their Noble men, and such as were of best rank חורים Chorim, Albatos, men clad in white; and on the contrary, men of meaner rank, חשוכים Chaschucim, Sordidatos, men clad with a foul garment. Hence is that of Saint James; If there come a man with a gold ring, and in goody apparel ἐν ἐσθήτι λαμπρᾷ, in a white garment, and there come also a poor man, ἐν ῥυπαρᾷ ἐσθῆτι, in a vile or foul raiment, James 2. 2. This may be the reason, why, when the Jews accused Christ of treason, Pilate his Souldiers clad him in purple, atth. 27. 28. and Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee put on him a white garment, Luke 23. 11. both therein applying themselves to the customs of their own Country, and in derision clothing him as a King.
[42] Valer. Max. lib. 1. cap. 6.
[43] Alex. ab. Alex. lib. 1. cap. 20.
CHAP. V.
The High-priest, Priests, Levites, and Nethinims.
There were three ranks and degrees of Ministers about the Temple; Priests, Levites, and Nethinims; they may be paralleld with Ministers, Deacons, and Sub-Deacons, in the Primitive Church: Over all these, the High-priest was chief.
In Aaron and his posterity was continued the succession of the Priests; the High-Priesthood was tied to the line of his first-born; all the rest of his posterity were Priests, simply so called, or called Priests of the second Order, 2 Kings 23. 4.
Except Aaron, and those that issued from his loines, (in whom the series of Priests was continued) all the rest of Levi his posterity were called Levites.
Both in the High-priest, and the second or Inferiour Priests, there are two things considerable. First, their Consecration. Secondly, their Office. In both these, somewhat they differed, in somewhat they agreed.
In their Consecration they differed. First,[44] The High-priest was anointed: the materials of this Chrism or oyntment are prescribed, Exod. 30. 23. It was poured upon Aarons head, Levit. 8. 12. It ran down to his beard, and to the border of his garments, Psalm. 133. 2. The Second Priests were only sprinkled with this oyle, mixed with the blood of the Sacrifice, Levit. 8. 30. In this was typed out the unction of our Saviour, who was anointed with the oyl of Gladness above his Fellows, Psal. 45. 8. He was anointed above his Fellows, Extensive, and Intensive, Extensive, for though Aaron was anointed Priest, Saul anointed King, Elisha anointed Prophet, Melchisedeck King and Priest, Moses Priest and Prophet, David King and Prophet; yet none save only Christ, King, Priest, and Prophet. Intensive, he was anointed, we sprinkled. He was full of grace and truth, John 1. 14. And from his fulness we received grace for grace, ver. 16. And all Christians, especially Ministers, are unto God the sweet savour of Christ, 2 Cor. 2. 5.
[44] Hinc Sacerdos summus in fonte legitur Sacerdos unctus, Levit. 4. 5. Jonathan habet, Sacerdos magnus vel summus. Desertè Aben Esra, Sacerdos magnus ipse est Sacerdos unctus. Lyranus adhuc clarius Sacerdos unctus est Sacerdos magnus, quia inferiores Sacerdotes non ungebantur, &c.
Secondly, they differed in their Garments, which were a necessary adjunct to their Consecration. The High-Priest wore at the time of his ordinary ministration in the Sanctuary, eight Garments, Exodus 28. First, Breeches of linnen, put next upon his flesh. Secondly, A Coat of fine linnen put over the breeches. Thirdly, A girdle embroidered, of fine linnen, blew purple, & scarlet, wherewith the coat was girded. Fourthly, A Robe all of Blew, with seventy two bells of Gold, and as many Pomegranates of blew purple, and scarlet, upon the skirts thereof; this was put over the coat and girdle. Fifthly, An Ephod of gold and of blew purple, scarlet, and fine linnen curiously wrought; on the shoulders thereof were two fair Beryl Stones, engraven with the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. This Ephod was put over the Robe, and girded thereto with a curious girdle made of the same. Sixthly, A Breast-plate wrought of gold, blew, purple, scarlet, and fine linnen, which being a span square, was fastened by gold chains and rings, upon the Ephod: herein were set twelve several Stones, on which the names of the twelve Tribes were engraven: Moreover, in this Breast-plate were the Urim and the Thummim placed. Seventhly, A Miter of fine linnen, sixteen cubits long, wrapped about his head. Eighthly, A plate of purple gold, or holy Crown two fingers broad, whereon was engraven Holiness to the Lord: this was tyed with a blew lace upon the fore-front of the Miter.
These eight Garments the High-Priest used in his ordinary ministration, and they are termed by the Rabbies, בגדי זהב, Bigde Zahab, Vestimenta aurea, Golden Vestments, because of their richness in comparison of other extraordinary Garments, which he wore onely once a year, when he entred into the Holy of Holies, upon the Propitiation day, Lev. 15. 4. 23. These latter are called בגדי לבן Bigde Laban, Vestimenta alba, White Garments; there were in number four. 1. A linnen breeches. 2. A linnen coat. 3. A linnen girdle. 4. A linnen Miter, Levit. 16. 4.
In the time of the Second Temple,[45] because the Chrism or holy Oyl could not be found, therefore, as formerly in respect of his unction, the High-Priest was called by the Talmudists, מתרבה משחה Mithrabe Mischa, Auctus unctione, The anointed; so when the Oyl was lost in regard of his Garments, he was termed, מתרבה בגדים Mithrabe Begadim, Auctus Vestibus, The cloathed. Those forementioned Garments[46] the High-Priest might not wear abroad in the City, unless some urgent occasion compelled him, as Simeon the just did, when he went forth to meet Alexander the Great.
[45] Cunæus lib. 2. de rep. Heb. cap. 7. pag. 222.
[46] Moses Kotsensis. præcept. affir. 173. f. 212. col. 3.
In his apparel the threefold Office of our Saviour Christ was shadowed: the Crown signified his Kingly Office; the Urim and Thummim, and likewise his Bells and Pomegranates, his Prophetical Office: by Urim and Thummim, he answered as from an Oracle; by the Bells was typed the sound of his Doctrine; by the Pomgranates, the sweet savour of an Holy Life; the Names of the twelve Tribes engraven on the Ephod, and the Brest-plate, signified his Priestly Office, presenting unto God the whole Church, for which he maketh intercession. He knoweth his own sheep by Name, John 10. 3.
The inferiour Priests had onely four Garments, which they used in their ministration. 1. A linnen breeches. 2. A linnen coat. 3. A linnen Girdle. 4. A linnen bonnet, Exod. 28.
Thirdly they differed in their marriage. The High-priest might not marry a Widow, nor a divorced Woman, nor a Harlot, but a Virgin, Levit. 21. 14. From a Widow he could not expect the first love: from a divorced Woman he could not expect the first, or just love: from an Harlot, neither first, just, nor only love: all which Christ (whom the High-Priest did herein represent) expecteth from his Church. The other Priests might lawfully marry a Widow, Levit. 21. 7.
The High-priest, and the Inferiour Priests agreed in their consecration in these particulars. It was required first, that both should be void of bodily blemish, Levit. 21. 17. Secondly, that both should be presented unto the Lord at the door of the Tabernacle, Exod. 29. 4. Thirdly, that both should be washed with water, Exod. 29. 4. Fourthly, that both should be consecrated by offering up certain Sacrifices, Exod. 29. Fifthly, that both should have of the blood of the other Ram, put upon the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the great toe of the right-foot, Exod. 29. 20.
In the time of their Consecration, certain pieces of the sacrifice were put into the Priests hand, Exod. 29. 9. The ceremony in the Christian Church, used by the Bishop unto the Minister in time of Ordination, that the Bishop giveth the Bible into the hands of the Minister, doth much resemble this. And both may signifie, that no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron, Heb. 5. 4. Hence Consecration in the Hebrew phrase is termed, Filling of the hand. And contrary to this did Jeroboams Priests, whosoever would, he Filled his own hand, 1 King. 13. 33. that is, He thrust himself into the Priesthood.
In the discharge of their offices, the High-Priest differed from the other Priests: First, because he onely, and that but once a year, entred into the Holy of Holies, Exod. 16. 34.
Secondly, the High-Priest might not mourn for the death of his neerest kin, Levit. 28. 10, 11. The phrases used there to express mourning are two. First, uncovering the Head. Secondly, Renting the Cloaths: Of both these somewhat is spoken in the Chapter of Burial; but concerning the latter it will not be amiss to note, that the Talmudists determine the matter thus; saying,[47] That it was lawful for the High-Priest to tear the skirt, or neither part of his Garment, but from the bosom downward it was unlawful: which if it be true, then it doth not necessarily follow, that Caiaphas did contrary to the law in renting his clothes, Matth. 26. 65. The inferiour Priests might mourn for these six; Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, Brother, and Sister, that had no Husband. Levit. 21. 2.
[47] Vide Cunæum de rep. Heb. lib. 2. cap. 3.
In the discharge of their Offices, the High-Priest, and other Priests agreed in these Particulars: First, they both burnt incense and offered sacrifices, 1 Chron. 6. 49. Secondly, they both sounded the Trumpets, the use whereof was two-fold; sometimes to sound an alarm in the war, sometimes, to assemble the people and their Rulers, Numb. 10. Thirdly, they both slew the sacrifice, 2 Chron. 29. 22. Fourthly, they both instructed the people, Malac. 2. 7. Fifthly, they both judged of leprosie, Levit. 13. 2.
For the more orderly performance of these offices, the High-Priest had his Suffragan,[48] called סגן Sagan, who in case of the High-Priest’s pollution, performed his office. Of this sort was Zephaniah, Jer. 52. 24. And of this sort Annas is thought to have been, when Caiaphas was High-Priest.[49] In this sense they interpret Annas and Caiaphas to have been High-Priests the same year, Luk. 3. 2. The High-Priest and his Sagan, resembled our Bishop and his Suffragan: The Patriarch of Constantinople and his Primore termed Protosyncellus, and amongst the Romans, the Centurion and his Optio: for the Lieutenants in war, who in case of necessity supplyed the Centurions place, were termed Optiones.
[48] Elias Thisbit.
[49] Casaub. adver. Baron. p. 242. It. Joseph. Scaliger in Proleg. ad Eus.
That every one of the inferiour Priests might equally serve in his order, King David distributed the whole company of them into twenty four ranks or courses, called ἐφημερίαι Turmæ, vices. Nadab and Abihu being dead, there remained onely two sons to Aaron, namely, Eleazer and Ithamar; now as the succession of Priests was preserved in these two families, so did David at this time according to the number of people in each family, make his division. Eleazers family he divided into sixteen ranks, and Ithamars into eight: the division was by Lot; the first Lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, the third to Hairim, &c. 1 Chron. 24. Every rank or course served weekly in the Temple by turn, and the ranks received their names from those who at that time were the heads of the several families, and ever after retained the same names. The chief of every rank was called, Summus Sacerdos istius Classis: The chief Priest of that rank. Hence it is, that we read of many High-Priests assembled together, Mark 14. 1. Furthermore we are to note, that as the weekly course fell out by lot, so did they by lot determine each particular Priests service; namely, who should burn incense, who slay the beasts, who lay them on the Altar, who dress the lamps, &c. Zacharias was of the course of Abia, Luke 1. 5. that is, of the eighth course, and his lot was to burn incense, Luke 1. 9.
The office of the Levites was to pitch, to take down, to bear up and down the Tabernacle, and the vessels thereof. Levi had three sons, Gershon, Cohath, and Merari: and accordingly the whole company of the Levites were distinguisht into 3 orders, Gershonites, Cohathites, and Merarites. The Gershonites charge was to carry the coverings, and hangings of the Tabernacle. The chief things within the Sanctuary were committed to the Cohathites. The Wood-work, and the rest of the instruments were committed to the charge of the Merarites, Num. 3. This was the office of the Levites, in Moses his time, whiles they were on their journey, in the Wilderness; but afterward when they were setled in the promised Land, then David changed their office, appointing them, some to have the charge of the Treasures of the Temple, 1 Chron. 26. 20. others to be Over-seers and Judges, others to be Porters, others Singers, 1 Chron. 23. 4. The Singers in time of singing were clad in linnen Robes or Surplesses, 2 Chron. 5. 12. The Singers were divided into twenty four orders or courses, 1 Chron. 25. 8. And the Porters into as many, 1 Chron. 26. that both might supply their turns weekly by lot, as the Priests did. In Moses time also, their consecration began at the five and twentieth year of their age: In Davids at the twentieth, 1 Chron. 23. 24. Ezra 3. 8. Here we may note the liberty granted unto the Church in changing Ceremonies: the Office of the Levites in Davids time, was not the same as in Moses: and again, Moses and David agreed not in the time of their consecration. Again in the Christian Church we shall find in Matthias his election, the use of Lots; not so in Pauls, or any other of the Apostles: In their meetings, use of an holy-kiss; and at the Lords Supper, use of their Love-feasts: both now antiquated thoroughout Christendom.
Moreover, there are certain degrees observable among the Levites: First, their Initiation, when they were a month old, they were Initiated and presented unto God, Numb. 3. 15. Secondly their consecration, they were consecrated by imposition of hands, when they were five and twenty years old, Numb. 8. 24. From thence for five years following, they learned their Office. Those that imposed hands on them are said in the Text, Numb. 8. 10. to be the sons of Israel, Ghazkuni interpreteth that place, the First born of Israel. They were the Representive Church; and in allusion to this, the Church of Christ is called the Church of the First-born, Heb. 12. 23. At the same time the Levites were waved by the Priests, that is, as the Greek reads it,[50] Separated, which word is used for the Ministers of Christ,[51] Separate me Barnabas and Paul, Act. 13. 2. Thirdly, their Ministration, to carry up and down the Tabernacle, and this was at the thirtieth year of their age, until the fiftieth, Numb. 4. 3. Lastly, their vacation, or discharge from that laborious service of carrying the Tabernacle; notwithstanding even then they were to serve in their charge, to encamp round about the Tent, to sing, and to beware that no stranger came into the Temple,[52] and likewise to over-see and instruct younger Levites in the manner of Bishops. Unto these degrees the Apostle seemeth to have respect: They that have ministred well, get themselves a good degree, 1 Tim. 3. 13. The like kind of[53] degrees are observable among the Vestal Virgins: they remained in their Nunnery thirty years. Ten years they learned the Mysteries of their Profession; Ten years they exercised them; and Ten years they taught them others. From this custome of Imposing hands on the Levites hath flow’d the like custom, used by the Apostles in conferring Orders, Acts 6. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 22.
[50] Ἀφοριεῖ ἀαρὼν.
[51] Ἀφορίσατε.
[52] Francisc. Jun. Analyt. Expos. Numb. 8.
[53] Dionys. Halycarnass. lib. 2.
Observe the difference of these three phrases, Χειροθεσία, the imposition of hands. Χειροτονία, the holding up of hands, in token of elivation or ordination, Act. 14. 22. And ἔκτασις χειρῶν, A stretching forth of the hands. Both the first gestures were used in Ordination, or conferring Orders. The first of all, namely, imposition of hands, was borrowed from the Hebrews. The second, namely, the holding up of hands, was taken from the[54] Athenians, who had two sorts of Magistrates, Κλήρωται, Magistrates chosen by lots: and Χειροτόνηται, Magistrates chosen by holding up of hands. The third gesture of the hands, called ἔκτασις χειρῶν, A stretching forth of the hands,[55] sometimes is termed τῆς χειρὸς νεῦμα, the beckning with the hand, a gesture used in craving silence; so Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself, Acts 26. 1.
[54] Æschines contra Ctesiphont.
[55] Herodian, p. 45.
There were[56] another sort of holy persons termed אנשי מעמד Ansche Magnamad, Viri stationarii; the Law requiring, that whosoever offered either gift or sacrifice, he should present it unto the Lord with his own hands, and stand by during the time of his oblation. Now, because all Israel could not stand by, for the narrowness of the Place, hence when an offering was made for all the people, certain selected Persons, chosen for that purpose, supplied the stead of all the People. They were divided, as the Priests and Levites, into twenty four ranks and orders, weekly to minister in the Temple, but the choice was not restrained to the Tribe of Levi, but was indifferently made out of the people. Every rank had one fore-man, chief above the rest, termed[57] Stationum Princeps, the Fore-man of the Station. The Nethinims office was to be hewers of wood, and drawers of water for the house of God, they were not Levites, no nor Israelites, but Gibeonites, whom because of their fraudulent dealing, Joshua made in this manner tributary, Josh. 9. 23. They were afterward called Nethinims, Ezra 2. 43. from נתן Nathan, which signifieth to give, because they were given to the service of the Temple. Their Office was vile and base, as appeareth by that proverbial speech; From the hewer of thy wood, unto the drawer of thy water. Deut. 29. 11.
[56] Moses Kotsen. fol. 211. col. 4.
[57] ראש מעמד
CHAP. VI.
Of the Prophets.
There are divers names given unto the Expositors of the Law; and although the Particular year or time when each name began, be not clearly evidenced by Monuments of Antiquity, yet in general we may conceive three distinct periods of time; in which the names altered. First from Adam until Moses; Secondly, from Moses, till the peoples return from Babylon. Thirdly, from their return, until the dayes of Christ, and after. In the first period, as Adam was Prophet and Priest in his family, so afterward every first-born supplyed these two offices together with the princely office in their several families. That they ruled their families as Kings and instructed them as Prophets, is clear to any acquainted with Scripture; the greatest doubt is, what sufficient proof there is for their Priest-hood, Adams Priest-hood, is gathered hence,[58] because that Gen 4. 3. and 4. Abel and Cain are said to have brought their sacrifices: to have brought them, namely, unto Adam, who offered them unto God in their name. The Priest-hood of the first-born is gatherable hence, because the Levites were appointed to the service of the Altar, instead of the first-born, and as the λύτρον or price of redemption, Num. 3. 41. In the second period, though a private Catechetical exposition of the Law belonged to the Masters of Families, yet the publick Ministerial exposition thereof was appropriated to Priests and Prophets. In the third period, when Prophecy ceased, then the office of expounding Scripture was more common, and instead of Prophets came in a multitude of other Expositors; In general we may call them teachers of Israel, Joh. 3. 10. We may distinguish them into three several sorts. 1. Wisemen. 2. Scribes. 3. Disputers. The Apostle compriseth them all, 1 Cor. 1. 20. Where is the Wise? Where is the Scribe? Where is the Disputer? Unto any of these, or whatsoever other Doctor eminently gifted above others, the title Rabbi was prefixed. First, of their Prophets. Secondly, their Wisemen. Thirdly, their Scribes. Fourthly, their Disputers. Fifthly, their Rabbies.
[58] Bertram. Polit. Jud. c. 2. p. 17.
To prophesie, or to be a Prophet, hath divers acceptions in Scripture. First, it is taken for the books and writings of the Prophets. They have Moses and the Prophets, Luk. 16. 29. Secondly, for the whole Word of God: no Prophesie in the Scripture is of any private motion, 2 Pet. 1. 20. Thirdly, those unto whom God vouchsafed familiarly to reveal himself, they are called Prophets: Abraham was a Prophet, Gen. 20. 7. and Miriam a Prophetess, Exod. 50. 20. Fourthly, ordinary Interpreters of the Word are called Prophets. He that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet, Mat. 10. 14. Lastly, it is taken for those, who are enabled by Divine Revelation, to lay open hidden secrets, transcending all possibility of humane search. Hence it is that Prophets in old time were called Seers, 1 Sam. 9. 9. And their Prophecy was termed a vision, Esay. 1. 1. because God extroardinarily enlightned their minds with the knowledge of these secrets.
There are three observable names applied to prophecy in Scripture. 1. Verbum Domini: 2. Visio: 3. Onus, The Word of the Lord: Vision: A Burthen. The first importeth the Lord speaking, or revealing his secrets; the second implyeth the Prophets attending, or beholding them; the third being applyed onely to Judgements, signifieth the burthensomness of them on that people against whom they came forth.
For the propagation of Learning, Colledges and Schools were in divers places erected for the Prophets; their Scholars were termed[59] Filii prophetarum, children of the Prophets, 2 Kin. 6. 1. unto which phrase there is allusion, Matt. 11. 19. Wisdom is justified of her children: by reason of this Relation the Prophet sometimes is called a Father; Elisha cryed out, My Father, my Father, 2 King. 2. 12. The Targum[60] expoundeth that place, Rabbi, Rabbi; as much as to say, my Master, my Master: And in truth the Rabbies grew very ambitious of the name Father, which was the reason of our Saviours speech, Matth. 23. 6. Call no man Father upon earth.
[59] Eodem sensu Græci appellant artis medica candidatos ἰατρῶν παῖδας Eras. Ep. dedicatoria Hilario præfix.
[60] Targum. 2 Reg. 2. 12.
The Scripture[61] sometimes joyneth to the name of the Prophet, the name of his Father, as Hosea the son of Beeri, Hos. 1. 1. And such a one the Hebrews confess to be both a Prophet, and the son of a Prophet. Sometimes it mentioneth the Prophets name, but not the Fathers; such a one they confess to be a Prophet, but not the son of a Prophet: Sometimes it mentioneth with the Prophet, the name of the City where he prophesied, and then it followeth, that he was a Prophet of that City. When a Prophet is mentioned without the name of the City, then he is thought to be a Prophet of Jerusalem.
[61] Kimchi in præfat. ad Hoscham.
2. Wisemen: This title though in it self it be general and common to all Doctors, and Teachers of the Law; yet for many years before our Saviours Incarnation,[62] it was either arrogated by the Pharisees, or else by the ignorant multitude appropriated unto them, for an opinion of their extraordinary wisdom, in teaching of Traditions, which they preferred beyond the Law. Hence the Pharisees were called[63] Masters of the Traditions: And hence was that councel of R. Eleezer to his Scholars,[64] that they should forbid their children from the study of the Bible, and place them between the knees of their wisemen. Likewise[65] hence, when any of their Doctors did read Lectures, their saying was, οἱ σοφοὶ ἡμῶν δευτεροῦσι, Our wisemen do teach traditions. The like ambition we shall find among the Grecians, all of them striving to be intituled Σοφοὶ, Wisemen: and hence, whensoever the chief of them had pleased the people in performance of their Orations, or any other publick business, they were honoured with a Grand Σοφῶς, that is, with a loud acclamation of σοφῶς, σοφῶς, Well done, or wisely done; until Pythagoras, in dislike of such swelling Titles, stiled himself Philosophus, a Lover of wisdom; which kind of modesty was afterward practised by the Hebrew Doctors; for they in after times, to avoid the suspicion of arrogancy, refused the name of חכמים Chacamim, Wisemen,[66] and stiled themselves, תלמידי חכמים Discipuli sapientium, Learners of wisdom.
[62] Gorionid. lib. 4. cap. 20.
[63] Drus. de trib. sect. 86.
[64] Buxtorf. Recens. operis Talmud, p. 155.
[65] Hieronym. ad Algasiam. quæst. 10.
[66] Elias Thisbit.
3. Scribes: This name was given to two sorts of men, some meerly Laicks, others Clergy-men. The body of the Laick Scribes, were those, to whom was committed the instruction of young children in their minority, especially to teach them to write; we may English them Scriveners. This office was appropriated to the Tribe of Simeon. In this sense we read not of Scribes in the Scripture, although the ground of their first institution hath been taken thence, namely, from those words which Jacob used unto Simeon and Levi; I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel, Gen. 49. 7. So that as Levi had no portion, but lived dispersed among the other Tribes, by the benefit of the Altar.[67] In like manner Simeon had no portion in the judgement of the Hebrews, but lived scattered among the other tribes, getting their maintenance by teaching and schooling little children: Whether this office of teaching children was appropriated to them, I leave to the inquiry of others; certain I am that the Simeonites had their own inheritance by lot, Josh. 19. 1. And the prophecy concerning their being scattered is thought to have been accomplished in this, that the inheritance of the Simeonites, was taken out of the portion of the children of Judah, Josh. 19. 9. Furthermore it is certain, that if not all Scriveners, yet those publick Notaries, who were imployed in drawing Deeds, and writing Contracts (be they of what Tribe they will) they were called by the name of Scribes. Unto this there is allusion, Psal. 45. 1. My tongue is as the pen of a swift Writer, or ready Scribe. Out of the body of these I conceive certain choice men to have been elected for publick imployments; some to attend the King, as his Secretaries, termed, γραμματεῖς βασιλέως, the Kings Scribes, 2 Kin. 12. 10. Such were Sheia, 2 Sam. 20. 25. And Shaphan, 2 Kin. 22. 3. Others to attend the publick Courts and Consistories: they much resembled our Clarks of Assizes, these were termed, γραμματεῖς λαοῦ the Scribes of the people, Mat. 2. 4. It. 1. Mac. 5. 42.
[67] Solom. Jarchi. Gen. 49. Vide Ambros. Tom. 4. cap. 2. & Targum Hierosol.
The second sort of Scribes belonged to the Clergy; they were Expositors of the Law, and thence are they called γραμματεῖς τοῦ νόμου, νομικοὶ, & νομοδιδὰσκαλοι, Scribes of the Law, Esra. 7. 9. Expounders of the Law, Luk. 7. 30. and Doctors of the Law, Luk. 5. 17. Their Office was to write, read, and expound the Law of Moses to the people. The name was a name of Office, not of Sect. Of this sort was Esdras, Esra 7. 6. who though he were a Levite, yet[68] others there were of the Tribe of Judah, and, as it is thought, they might indifferently be of any Tribe. The name was of the like esteem among the Hebrews as the Magi were among the Chaldeans; the Quindecemviri among the Romans, for expounding Sybilla’s Oracles: Or the Canonists in the Church of Rome. The word סופרים Sopherim, translated Scribes signifieth Numberers, or Computers, and is applyed to the Masorites, because they spent their time in reckoning, and numbring, not onely the verses, but the words also, and letters of each Book throughout the Bible; which, as it is an argument of their industry,[69] so likewise of Gods providence, in the preservation of his truth inviolable. As the Wise men in their Preaching pressed Traditions; so the Scribes clave to the written word, whence they were termed[70] Text-men, or Masters of the Text. And to this purpose it is worth our observing, that whereas both the Scribes and the Pharisees sought to fasten accusations upon our Saviour, Mat. 9. The Scribes accused him of blasphemy, v. 3. The Pharisees of eating with Publicans and sinners, v. 11. The Scribes accusation was a breach of the Law; the Pharisees a breach of Traditions.
[68] Drus. de tribus sectis, l. 2. c. 12. ex Chald. Paraphast.
[69] Augustin. in Psal. 40.
[70] Drusius de trib. sectis l. 20. cap. 13.
3. The Disputer.[71] He insisted upon Allegories, and searched out mystical interpretations of the Text. Hence himself was termed Durschan, and his exposition, or Homily, Midrasch; and their School, Beth Hammidrasch: They were counted the profoundest Interpreters, whence that of the Psalmist, Psal. 84. 7. They go from strength to strength, is interpreted,[72] from their Temple to their Beth-Hammidrasch, from an inferiour to an higher School. Hereby we see the difference between those three sorts of Predicants mentioned by Saint Paul. The Wise men were teachers of Traditions, the Scribes teachers of the Text according to the literal interpretation, and the Disputers teachers of Allegories and Mysteries; which fabulous expositions, because they breed questions and disputations ζητήσεις παρέχουσι, 1 Tim. 4. Hence is it, that such an expositor is termed συζητητὴς, A Disputer. These three sorts of Preachers, which S. Paul termeth, the Wiseman, the Scribe and the Disputer, 1 Cor. 1. 20. are by the Hebrews named חכם Ghacham, סופר Sopher, דרשן Darschan.
[71] Vide Thisbit. in דרש
[72] Targum, Ps. 84. 7.
CHAP. VII.
Of their Title Rabbi.
About the time of our Saviour Christ his Nativity, Titles began to be multiplied; and amongst the rest, these of Rab, Ribbi, Rabbi, and Rabban, were in especial use: they all are derived from רבב Rabab, signifying, multiplicatus fuit, and they sound as much as πολυμαθέστατος, that is, a Master, or Doctor eminently gifted with variety of Knowledge. Concerning these titles, they write thus,[73] that Rabbi is a more excellent title than Rab, and Rabban more excellent then Rabbi; and the simple name without any title, as Haggai, Zachary, Malachy, was more excellent than Rabban. About this time they used a set form of Discipline in their Schools. The Scholar was termed תלמיד, Talmid, a Disciple, in respect of his Learning; קטן Katan, a Junior, in respect of his minority; בחור Bachur, that is, one chosen, or elected in respect of his election, or cooptation, into the number of Disciples; After he had proved a good Proficient, and was thought worthy of some degree, then was he by imposition of hands made a Graduate חבר Chaber, a Companion to a Rabbi. This imposition of hands, they termed סמכה, vel סמיכות, Semicah, or Semicuth, which Ceremony they observed in imitation of Moses towards Joshua. The Lord said unto Moses, Take thou Joshua the son of Nun, in whom is the Spirit, and put thine hand upon him, Numb. 27. 18. At which time he that imposed hands on him, used this form of words,[74] I associate thee, and be thou associated. After this when he was worthy to teach others, then was he called Rabbi, and whereas in his minority, his own name being suppressed, he was called onely by his Fathers name, the son of N. When he was made Graduate by imposition of hands, then was he called by his own name, N. the son of N. And afterward when he was thought worthy to teach, then was the Title Rabbi prefixed, after this manner; Rabbi N. the son of N. For example, Maimonides; at first was termed onely Ben Maimon, the son of Maimon; after his degree, then was he called by his own name, added to his fathers, Moses Ben Maimon, Moses the son of Maimon: at last being licenced to teach, then was he called רמבם Rambam, which abbreviature consisting of Capital Letters, signifeth, Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon, Rabbi Moses the son of Maimon. So Rabbi Levi, the son of Gersom, in his minority was called the son of Gersom, afterward Levi the son of Gersom at last, רלבג Ralbag, Rabbi Levi the son of Gersom. This distinction of Scholars, Companions, & Rabbies, appeareth by that speech of an ancient Rabbi, saying,[75] I learned much of my Rabbies, or Masters, more of my companions, most of all of my Scholars. That every Rabbi had Disciples, and that his own Disciples, and other well-wishers stiled him by the name of Rabbi, in the dayes of our Saviour, needeth no proof. Judas came to Christ and said, God save thee Rabbi, Mat. 26. 49. In like manner Johns Disciples came and saluted John by the name of Rabbi, John 3. 26. and Christ by the name of Rabbi, John 1. 38. But whether there was such a formal imposition of hands then in use, I much doubt. The manner of their meetings, when Disputations were had in their Synagogues, or other Schools, was thus.[76] The chief Rabbies sate in reserved Chairs; these are those chief seats of the Synagogues, which the Scribes and Pharises so affected, Mat. 23. 6. Their Companions sate upon Benches or lower Forms; their Scholars on the ground at the feet of their Teachers. Saint Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, Act. 22. 2. And Mary sate at Jesus feet, and heard his word, Luk. 10. 39. The positure of their body differed according to their degrees. The Rabbi is described[77] to be יושב Joscheb, one that sitteth: the Companion, מוטת Muteth, the word signifieth a kind of leaning upon a bed or bench, ones head lying in the others bosome, in manner of the ancient sitting at table; and it was a deportment of the body, inferiour to that of sitting: The Scholar was termed[78] מתאבק Mithabek, one that doth lie along in the dust, and this was a token of the Scholars humility, thus humbling and subjecting himself even to the feet of his Masters: This same custom it is thought,[79] Saint Paul laboured to bring into the Christian Church, 1 Cor. 14. Their Scholars were not all of equal capacity, whence they said,[80] some had conditionem spongiæ, others clepsydræ, others sacci fæcinacei, and others cribri. Some resembled the Sponge, and suck’d in all that they heard without judgment; others the Hour-Glass, they took in at one ear, and let out at the other; others the Winesack, through which Wine is so drained from the dregs, that only the dregs remain behind: Lastly, others the Rying-sieve, which in winnowing lets out the courser seed, and keepeth in the corn.
[73] Aruch in voce אביי
[74] אני סומך אותך תהיה סמוך Id est Scaligero interprete: Ego tibi impono manum & manus tibi imposita esto. Trihær. c. 5. p. 264. vide etiam Cunæum de Rep. Heb. cap. 12.
[75] Vide P. Fagium in Scholiis suis ad cap. 4. Pirke Aboth.
[76] Philo Jud. Quod omnis probus, p. 679.
[77] Scaliger in Trihæres. cap. 5. Ex. c. 1. Beracoth.
[78] Pirke Aboth. cap. 4.
[79] Ambros. 1 Cor. 14.
[80] Pirke Aboth. cap. 5.
CHAP. VIII.
Of their Nazarites and Rechabites.
There are two sorts of Votaries mentioned in the Old Testament; Rechabites, Jerem. 35. and Nazarites, Numb. 6. I find scarce any thing warrantable concerning these two, more than what the Scripture delivereth in the fore-quoted places: therefore concerning the matter of their Vows, I refer the Reader to the aforesaid Texts of Scripture; here only we will note the distinction of Nazarites. The first are these Votaries, termed so from נזר Nazar, to separate, because they separated themselves from three things; First, from Wine, and all things proceeding from the Vine. Secondly, from the Razor, because they suffered no Razor to come upon their head, but let their hair grow all the dayes of their separation. Thirdly, from pollution by the dead: this separation again was twofold, either for a set number of days, or for a mans whole life; that they termed Naziræatum dierum, this, Naziræatum seculi: of that sort was Paul, and those four with him, Acts 21. 24. Of this sort was Sampson Judges 13. and John Baptist. The just number of days, how long the former of these two separated themselves, is not expressed in Scripture, but the Hebrew Doctors[81] determine them to be thirty, because it is said, Num. 6. 5. Domino sanctus, יהיה erit; which word (say they) containing thirty, expresseth the just number of days to be observed in this voluntary separation. The second sort of Nazarites, were so termed from נצר Natsar, from whence cometh Natsareth, or Nazareth, the name of a certain Village in Galilee; where Christ was conceived and brought up: Hence our Saviour himself was called a Nazarene, or Nazarite, Mat. 2. 23. and those that embraced his Doctrine, Nazarites, Acts 24. 5. Afterward certain Hereticks sprung up, who as the Samaritanes joyned Jewish ceremonies with Heathenish Rites: so[82] they joyned together Christ and Moses, the Law and the Gospel; Baptism and Circumcision: of the beginning of these we shall read, Acts 15. 2. Then came down certain from Judæa, and the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. These Hereticks were called Nazarites, either of malice by the Jewes, to bring the greater disgrace upon Christian religion; or else because at first they were true, though weak Nazarites, that is, Christians mis-led by Peters Judaizing at Antioch, Gal. 2. 11. And hence it is[83] that the Church at Antioch, in detestation of this new-bred heresie, fastened upon them by the name of Nazarites, forsook that name, and called themselves Christians, Acts 11. 26. Symmachus, that famous Interpreter of the Old Testament, was a strong Defender of this heresie, and[84] from him in after times they were named Symmachiani. The Jews had them in as great hatred as the Samaritanes; whereupon[85] three times every day, at morning, noon-tide, and evening, they closed their Prayers with a solemn execration, Maledic Domine Nazaræis. Lastly, another sort of Nazarites there were, so termed from נזר Nazar, signifying to abolish or cut off;[86] because they did abolish and cut off the five books of Moses, rejecting them as not Canonical.
[81] Sheindler, in Pentaglot.
[82] Hieronym. Isai. 8. Idem refert Epiphanius. l. 1. Tom. 2. hær. 29.
[83] Francisc. Jun. paral. lib. 1. 8.
[84] August. l. 19. contra Faustum Manichæum. c. 4.
[85] Epiphan. l. 1. Tom. 2. hæres. 29.
[86] Epiphan. l. 1. Tom. 1. hæres. 18.
CHAP. IX.
Of the Assideans.
It is much controverted, whether the Assideans were Pharisees or Essenes, or what they were. Were I worthy to deliver my opinion, or, as the Hebrews Proverb is, To thrust in my head among the heads of those wise men; I conceive of the Assideans thus: Before their captivity in Babylon, we shall find the word חסידים Chasidim, (translated Assidæi, Assideans) to signifie the same as, צדיקים Tsaddikim, Just, or good men: both were used promiscuously, the one for the other, and both stood in opposition to the רשעים Reschagnim, that is, ungodly or wicked men. At this time the whole body of the Jews were distinguished into two sorts, Chasidim, and Reschagnim, good, and bad.
After their captivity, the Chasidim began to be distinguished from the Tsadikim.[87] The Tsadikim gave themselves to the study of the Scripture. The Chasidim studied how to add unto the Scripture.[88] Secondly, The Tsadikim would conform to whatsoever the Law required. The Chasidim would be holy above the Law. Thus to the repairing of the Temple, the maintenance of sacrifices, the relief of the poor, &c. they would voluntarily add over and above, to that which the Law required of them. Whence it is noted, that those were Chasidim who would say, What is mine, is thine; and what is thine, is thy own: those Reschagnim, which would say, What is thine is mine; and what is mine, is my own. And it is probable, that the middle sort mentioned in the same place, who would say, what is mine, is mine; what is thine, is thine own, were the very Tsadikim.
[87] D. Kimchi. Psal. 103. 17.
[88] Pirke Aboth. c. 5.
At this time the body of the Jews were distinguished into three sorts, in respect of holiness. First, Reschagnim, ἀσεβεῖς, Wicked and ungodly men. Secondly, Tsadikim, δίκαιοι, Just and righteous men. Thirdly, Chasidim, who are sometimes translated ὅσιοι, Holy men, and that for the most part:[89] but sometimes also ἀγαθοὶ, Goodmen: These of all others were best reputed, and beloved of the people. The Apostle shewing the great love of Christ, dying for us, amplifieth it by allusion unto this distinction of the people: Christ died for the ungodly. Scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die, Rom. 5. 6, 7. The gradation standeth thus; Some peradventure would die, for one of the Chasidim, a good man: scarcely any, for one of Tsadikim, a just, or righteous man; for the Reschagnim, or ungodly, none would die: Yet Christ dyed for us ungodly, being sinners, and his enemies.
[89] Assidæi, de quibus agitur 1 Machab. 7. 13. vocantur à Josepho. lib. 12. cap. 16. ἀγαθοὶ καὶ ὅσιοι τοῦ ἔθνους.
Now as long as these Works of supererogation remained arbitrary, and indifferent, not required as necessary, though preferred before the simple obedience to the Law; so long the heat of contention was not great enough to breed Sects and Heresies: But when once the Precepts and Rules of supererogation were digested into Canons, and urged with an opinion of necessity; then from the Chasidim issued the brood of Pharisees;[90] and also from them (as it is probably thought) the Heresie of the Essenes, both obtruding unwritten Traditions upon the People, as simply necessary, and as a more perfect rule of sanctity than the Scripture. At this time the Tsadikim in heat of opposition rejected not only Traditions, but all Scripture, except only the five books of Moses; for which reason they were called Karaim. Some are of opinion,[91] they rejected only traditions, and embraced all the books of Scripture: Which opinion soever we follow; they had their name קראים, Karaim, Textuales, Scriptuarii, i. Text-men, or Scripture-readers, because they adhered to Scripture alone, withstanding and gain-saying Traditions with all their might. And if we follow the latter, then all this while the Karaim were far from Heresie: but in process of time, when from Sadock, and Baithus, these Karaim learned to deny all future rewards for good works, or punishment for evil, or resurrection from the dead; now the Karaim became compleat Sadduces, and perfect Hereticks, taking their denomination from their first Author Sadok. The time of each Heresies first beginning, shall be more exactly declared in their several Chapters.
[90] Joseph. Scalig. Trihæres. c. 22.
[91] Joseph. Scalig. ib.
CHAP. X.
Of the Pharisees.
There are[92] three Opinions concerning the Etymology of the name Pharisee. The first are those which derive it from פרש Parash, Expandere, Explicare; either from the enlarging and laying open their Phylacteries, or from their open performance of good works in publick view of the People, as being ambitious of mans praise. Secondly, from פרש Parasch, Exponere, Explanare; because they were of chief repute; and counted the profoundest Doctors for the exposition of the Law, so that they were termed[93] Peruschim, quia Poreschim; Pharisees, because they were Expounders of the Law. Thirdly, others derive the name from the same Verb, but in the conjugation Piel, where it signifieth dividere, separare, to separate.[94] In this acception, by the Greeks they were termed ἀφωρισμένοι, we may English them Separatists. Their separation is considerable, partly in the particulars unto which, partly in those from which they separated.
[92] Quartam etymologiam (cujus fundus & autor putatur Hieronymus, Præfat. in Amos) refellit Scriptura Hebraica; si enim Pharisæus diceretur a verbo פרץ Dividere, scriberentur Pharisæi פריצים non פרושים.
[93] Gorionides. c. 22.
[94] Suidas.
First, They separated themselves to the study of the Law, in which respect they might be called, ἀφωρισμένοι εἰς τὸν νόμον, Separated unto the Law. In allusion unto this, the Apostle is thought[95] to have stiled himself, Rom. 1. 11. ἀφωρισμένον εἰς εὐαγγέλιον, Separated unto the Gospel: when he was called from being a Pharisee, to be a Preacher of the Gospel; and now not separated unto the Law, but to the Gospel.
Secondly, They separated themselves, or at least pretended a[96] separation to an extroardinary sanctity of life above other men. God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, Extortioners, Unjust, Adulterers &c. Luke 18. 11.
[95] Drusius de trib. sectis, l. 2. c. 2.
[96] Suidas.
The particulars, from which they separated themselves, were these.
First, From commerce with other people, as afterward will appear in their Traditions: whence they called the common people, by reason of their ignorance, עם הארץ populum terræ, the people of the earth. In the Gospel of Saint John 7. 49. they are called ὄχλος. This people who knoweth not the Law are cursed.
Secondly,[97] From the apparel and habit of other men: for they used particular kinds of Habits, whereby they would be distinguished from the vulgar. Hence proceeded that common speech, Vestes populi terræ, conculcatio sunt Pharisæorum.
[97] R. David. Sophon. 1. 8.
Thirdly,[98] From the customs and manners of the world. This heresie of the Pharisees seemeth to have had its first beginning in Antigonus Sochæus. He being a Pharisee, succeeded Simon the Just; who was Coetanean with Alexander the Great: he lived three hundred years before the birth of Christ.
[98] Thisbites.
The Pharisees were[99] not tied to any particular Tribe or Family, but indifferently they might be of any; S. Paul was a Benjaminite; Hyrcanus was a Levite.[100] Each Sect had its Dogmata, his proper Aphorisms, Constitutions, or Canons: so the Pharisees had theirs. My purpose is, both concerning these and the other Sects, to note onely those Canons, or Aphorisms, wherein chiefly they were heretical, and one differing from the other.
[99] Chrys. Mat. 15.
[100] Flavius Jos. lib. 13. c. 18.
First, The Pharisees[101] ascribed some things to Fate, or Destiny, and some things to mans Free-will.
[101] Joseph. l. 13. c. 9.
Secondly, They confessed that there were Angels, and Spirits, Acts 23. 8.
Thirdly, Concerning the resurrection of the dead, they acknowledged it, and taught[102] that the souls of evil men deceased, presently departed into everlasting punishiment; but the souls, they say, of good men, passed by a kind of Pythagorean μετεμψύχωσις into other good mens bodies. Hence it is thought[103] that the different opinions concerning our Saviour did arise; Some saying that he was John Baptist; others, Elias; others, Jeremias, Matth. 16. 14. As if Christ his body had been animated by the soul either of John, Elias, or Jeremias.
[102] Joseph. de bello Judaic. l. 2. cap. 12.
[103] Serar. Trihæres. l. 2 c. 3. It. Drus. in præter.
Fourthly, They did stifly maintain the Traditions of their Elders. For the better understanding what their Traditions were, we must know that the Jews say the Law was twofold,[104] one committed to writing, which they called תורה שבכתב Thorah schebitchtah, The written Law; the other delivered by tradition, termed by them, תורה בעל פה Thorah begnal pe. They say both were delivered by God unto Moses upon Mount Sanai, the latter as an exposition of the former, which Moses afterward delivered by mouth to Joshua, Joshua to the Elders, the Elders to the Prophets, the Prophets to those of the great Synagogue, from whom successively it descended to after-ages. These Traditions were one of the chief Controversies between the Pharisees, and the Sadduces.[105] The Pharisees said, Let us maintain the Law which our fore fathers have delivered into our hands, expounded by the mouth of the wise men, who expounded it by tradition. And lo, the Sadduces said, Let us not believe or hearken to any tradition or exposition, but unto the Law of Moses alone. The Traditions which they chiefly urged, were these;
[104] Moses Kotsen. in præf. lib. præcept.
[105] Gorionides, c. 29.
1. They would not eat until they washed their hands, Why do thy Disciples transgress the Tradition of the Elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread, Mat. 15. 2. This washing is said to have been done πυγμῇ Mar. 7. 3. that is, often, as some translate the word, taking πυγμῇ in this place, to signifie the same as πύκα in Homer, frequenter. Others translate the word accurate, diligenter, intimating the great care and diligence they used in washing: with this the Syriack Text[106] agreeth. Others[107] think that there is, in the phrase, allusion unto that rite or manner of washing in use among the Jews, termed by them נטילת ידים Netilath iadaim, the lifting up of their hands. The Greek word πυγμὴ is thought to express this rite, because in this kind of washing, They used to joyn the tops of the fingers of each hand together with the thumb, so that each hand did after a sort resemble τὴν πυγμὴν i. a fist. This Ceremony was thus performed: First, they washed their hands clean. Secondly, they composed them into the fore-mentioned form. Thirdly, they lifted them up, so that the water ran down to the very elbows. Lastly, they let down their hands again, so that the water ran from off their hands upon the earth.[108] And that there might be store of water running up and down, they poured fresh water on them when they lifted up their hands, and poured water twice upon them when they hanged them down. Unto this kind of washing Theophylact seemeth to have reference, when he saith, that the Pharisees did[109] cubitaliter lavare, wash up to their elbows. Lastly, others[110] interpret πυγμὴ, to be the fist, or hand closed, & the manner of washing thereby denoted to be by rubbing one hand closed in the plain or hollow of the other. All imply a diligent and accurate care in washing: the ceremonious washing by lifting up the hands, and hanging them down, best expresseth the superstition, which only was aimed at in the reproof, though all the sorts of washing, to the Pharisee were superstitious, because they made it not a matter of outward decency and civility, but of religion, to eat with washt or unwasht hands, urging such a necessity hereof,[111] that in case a man may come to some water, but not enough both to wash and to drink, he should rather chuse to wash than to drink, though he die with thirst. And it was deemed amongst them as great a sin to eat with unwasht hands, as to commit fornication. This Tradition of washing hands, though it were chiefly urged by the Pharisees, yet all the Jews maintained it, as appeareth by the places quoted.
[106] כטילאית μετὰ σπουδῆς. Luke 1. 39.
[107] Joseph. Scalig. Tribær. c. 7.
[108] Munster. in Deut. 8.
[109] Theophylact. in Marc. 7. 3.
[110] Beza in majoribus suis annotationibus. Marc. 7. 3.
[111] Drusius præterit. Mat. 15. in addend. & Buxtorf. synag. Judaic. c. 6. p. 93. ex Talmud.
We may observe three sorts of washing of hands in use among the Jews. 1. Pharisaical and superstitious, this was reproved. 2. Ordinary, for outward decency; this was allowed. The third, in token of innocency; this was commanded by the Elders of the neighbour-Cities, in case of murder, Deut. 21. 6. It was practised by Pilate, Matth. 37. 24. and alluded unto by David, I will wash my hands in innocency, so will I compass thine altar, Psal. 26. 6.
2. When they came from the Market they washt, Mar. 7. 4. The reason thereof was, because they there having to do with divers sorts of people, unaware; they might be polluted. The word used by Saint Mark, is, βαπτίσωνται, they baptized themselves: implying the washing of their whole body. And it seemeth that those Pharisees who were more zealous than others, did thus wash themselves alwayes before dinner. The Pharisee marvelled that Christ had not first washed himself before dinner, Luke 11. 38. Unto this kind of superstition St. Peter is thought to have inclined, when he said, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands, and my head, John 13. 9. Thus finding his modesty disliked, when he refused to have his feet wash’d by his Lord and Master; now he leapeth into the other extream, as if he had said, Not my feet only, but my whole body. Hence proceeded that Sect of the Hemerobaptistæ, i.e. Daily baptists, so called[112] because they did every day thus wash themselves.
[112] Epith. l. 2. Tom. 1. c. 17.
3. They wash’d their cups, and pots, and brazen vessels, and tables, Mark 7. 4.
4. They held it unlawful to eat with sinners, Mat. 9. 11. yea, they judged it a kind of pollution to be touched by them, Luke 7. 39. If this man were a Prophet, he would surely have known who, and what manner of woman this is which toucheth him, for she is a sinner. Of such a people the Prophet speaketh: They said, stand a part, come not near to me, or (as the words may be rendred)[113] Touch me not, for I am holier than thou, Esay. 65. 5. The like practice was in use among the Samaritanes,[114] who if they met any stranger, they cryed out, μὴ πρόσψαυσον, Ne attingas, Touch not.
[113] אל תגע בי Ne attingas me.
[114] Scalig. de emend. temp. lib. 7. Idem refert Epiphan. lib. 1. Tom. 1. cap. 13.
5. They fasted twice in the week, Luke 18. 12. Namely,[115] Mundays and Thursdays. Because Moses (as they say)[116] went up into the Mount Sinai on a Thursday, and came down on a Munday.
[115] Theophylact. in Luke 18. 12. It. Epiph. hær. 16.
[116] Drusius in Luc. 18. 13.
6. They made broad their Phylacteries, and inlarged the borders of their garments, Matth. 23. 5. Here three things are worthy our consideration. First, What these Phylacteries were. Secondly, What was written in them. Thirdly, Whence they were so called. Epiphanus[117] interpreteth these Phylacteries to be πλατέα σήματα πορφύρας, purple studs, or flourishes, woven in their garments: as if Epiphanius had conceived the Pharisees garment to be like that which the Roman Senators were wont to wear, termed, by reason of those broad-studs and works woven in it, Laticlavium: but seeing that these Phylacteries were additaments and ornaments, whereof there were[118] two sorts, the one tied to their Fore-heads, the other to their Left-hands; hence it followeth, that by these Phylacteries could not be meant whole garments, or any embosments, or flourishings woven in the cloth. Generally they are thought to be schedules or scroles of parchments, whereof, as I noted, there were two sorts; Phylacteries for the Fore-head, or Frontlets, reaching from one Ear to the other, and tied behind with a thong; and Phylacteries for the hand, fastned upon the Left-arm above the Elbow on the inside, that it might be near the heart. Both these sorts were worn, not by the Pharisees only,[119] but by the Sadduces also, but with this difference; The Pharisees, haply for greater ostentation, wore their Hand-Phylacteries above their Elbows: the Sadduces on the palms of their Hands.[120] Nay, all the Jews wore them, our Saviour Christ not excepted. The command was general, Exod. 13. 9. It shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes. So that it is not the wearing of them which our Saviour condemned, but the making of them broad, whereby they would appear more holy than others.
[117] Epiph. lib. 1. Tom. 1. cap. 15.
[118] Moses Kot. præcept. affirm. 22.
[119] Maimon. in Tephillim. c. 4. sect. 3.
[120] Scal. Trihæres. p. 258.
In these Parchments they wrote[121] only the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, in the opinion of Chrysostome and Hierome: but generally, and upon better grounds, it is thought they wrote these four sections of the Law.
[121] Chrysost. & Hieronym. in Mat. 23.
1. The first began, Sanctifie unto me all the firstborn, &c. Exod. 13. 2. to the end of the 10. verse.
2. The second began, And it shall be when the Lord shall bring thee, &c. Exod. 13. 11. to the end of the 16. verse.
3. The third began, Hear O Israel, Deut. 6. 4. and continued to the end of the ninth verse.
4. The fourth began, And it shall come to pass; if you shall hearken diligently, &c. Deut. 11. 13. to the end of the one and twentieth verse.
These four Sections written in scrols of Parchment, and folded up, they fastned to their fore-heads and their left-arms: those that were for the fore-head, they wrote in four distinct pieces of parchment[122] especially, and if they wrote it in one piece; the length of every Section ended in one column, and they did put them into one skin, in which there was the proportion of four houses or receptacles, and not into four skins: every receptacle was distinct by it self; and those that were for the hand, were written in one piece of Parchment principally, the four Sections in four columns; but if they wrote them in four pieces, it was at length, and they put them in a skin that had but one receptacle.[123] In time of persecution when they could not openly wear these Phylacteries, then did they tye about their hands a red thread, to put them in mind of the blood of the Covenant of the Law.
[122] Moses Kotsen. fol. 104. col. 3.
[123] Munster. de præcept. affirm.
Touching the name Moses calleth them טוטפות Totaphot, which word hath almost as many Etymologies, as Interpreters; the most probable in my opinion, is, that they should be so called per Antiphrasin, from טטף Incedere, to go or move, because they were immoveable: Hence the Septuagint translate them, ἀσάλευτα Immoveable ornaments. The Rabbins call them Tephillim, Prayer ornaments:[124] others call them Pittacia, & Pittaciola, from πιττάκιον, which signifieth a piece or parcel of Cloth. In the Gospel they are called φυλακτήρια, Phylacteries, from φυλάττω, to conserve or keep. First, because by the use of them, the Law was kept and preserved in memory. Secondly, because the Pharisees superstitiously conceited, that by them, as by Amulets, Spells, and Charms, hanged about their necks themselves might be preserved from dangers. The word φυλακτήριον signifieth a Spell; and Hierome testifieth, that the Pharisees had a such a conceit of these ornaments: In which place he compareth the Pharisees with certain superstitious women of his time, who carried up and down, upon the like ground, pervula evangelia, & crucis ligna, short sentences out of the Gospel, and the reliques of the Cross. The same superstition hath prevailed with many of latter times, who for the same purpose hang the beginning of[125] Saint John’s Gospel about their necks. And in the year of our Lord 692. certain Sorcerers were condemned for the like kind of Magick, by the name of[126] φυλακτήριοι, that is, Phylacterians.
[124] Hieronym. in Mat. 23.
[125] Scalig. Tribær. cap. 70.
[126] Concil. quini Sexti, Canon 61.
Thus much of their Phylacteries: In the same verse is reproved the inlarging of their borders.[127] That which we read borders in the Gospel, is called, Num. 15. 38. ציצות Tsitsith, Fringes: and גדילים Gedelim, Deut. 22. 10. which word we likewise translate in that place, Fringes. They were in the fore-quoted places commanded, and our Saviour Christ himself did wear them, Luk. 8. 44. The latter Hebrew word signifieth a large Fringe, which agravateth the superstition of the Pharisees, in making their Fringes larger, when the Law had allowed them large. This literal exposition I take to be most agreeable with the Text, though to inlarge in Greek and Latine[128] sometimes, signifieth to boast, vaunt, or brag of a thing; and in this sense it may very well fit a Pharisee. The reason of this command was, to put them in mind of the Commandments, Numb. 15. And for the furtherance of this duty,[129] they used sharp thorns in in their Fringes, that by the often pricking of the Thorn, whether they walked or sate still, they might be the more mindful of the Commandments.
[127] Vide D. Kimchi. Radic.
[128] Τὸ μεγαλύνεσθαι, apud Euripidem in Bacchis, valet, Magnifice jactare, Efferre. Magnificare apud Varronem & Plinium eadem significatione usurpatur, Theodor. Beza in Mat. 23.
[129] Hieron. in Mat. 23.
There were[130] seven sorts of Pharises. 1. Pharisæus Sichemita. He turned Pharisee for gain, as the Sichemites suffered themselves to be circumcised.
[130] Talmud. tract. Suta. cap. 3.
2. Pharisæus truncatus, so called, as if he had no feet, because he would scarce lift them from the ground when he walked, to cause the greater opinion of his meditation.
3. Pharisæus inpingens. He would shut his eyes when he walked abroad, to avoid the sight of Women, in so much that he often dash’d his head against the walls, that the blood gush’d out.
4. Pharisæus, Quid debeo facere, & faciam illud. He was wont to say, What ought I to do? and I will do it. Of this sort seemeth the man in the Gospel to have been, who came unto Christ, saying, Good Master, what shall I do? &c. and at last replyed, All these I have done from my youth upward, Luke 18.
5. Pharisæus mortarius; so called because he wore a hat in manner of a deep Mortar, such as they use to bray spice in, in so much that he could not look upward, nor of either side; onely downward on the ground, and forward or forthright.
6. Pharisæus ex amore; Such a one as obeyed the Law for the Love of Vertue.
7. Pharisæus ex timore; Such a one obeyed the Law for fear of punishment. He that conformed for fear had respect chiefly to the negative Commandements; but he that conformed for love, especially respected the Affirmative.
CHAP. XI.
Of the Sadduces.
To omit other Etymologies of the name, there are two onely which have shew of probability. Some[131] derive it from Sedec, Justitia; as if they had been Justitiaries, such as would justifie themselves before Gods Tribunal. There are[132] that derive it, and that upon more warrantable grounds, from Sadoc, the first Author of the heresie; so that the Sadduces were so called from Sadoc, as the Arrians from Arrius, the Pelagians from Pelagius, the Donatists from Donatus, &c.
[131] Epiphan. l. 1. cap. 14.
[132] ἀπὸ αἱρεσιάρχου Σαδὼκ ὀνομάζεται. Theophylact.
This Sadoc lived under Antigonus Sochæus, who succeeded Simeon the Just. He was Antigonus his scholar, and by him brought up in the Doctrine of the Pharisees, but afterwards fell from him, and broacht the heresie of the Sadduces; which heresie, because it had much affinity with that which the Heretique Dositheus taught, hence are the Sadduces said to[133] be a branch or skirt of the Dositheans, though in truth Dositheus lived not till[134] after Christ; and although these two heresies did agree in many things; yet in a main point they differed.[135] Dositheus believed the Resurrection, the Sadduces denyed it; and by consequence the Dositheans believed all other points necessarily flowing from this.
[133] Epiph. hæres. 14. It. Tertul. de præscript. c. 5.
[134] Origen. contra Celsum. l. 2.
[135] Epiph. hæres. 13.
The occasion of this heresie was this.[136] When Antigonus taught, that we must not serve God as servants serve their Masters, for hope of reward, his scholars Sadoc and Baithus understood him, as if he had utterly denied all future rewards or recompence attending a godly life, and thence framed their heresie, denying the resurrection, the world to come, Angels, Spirits, &c.
[136] Aboth. cap. 1.
Their Dogmata, Canons, or Constitutions, were, 1. They rejected[137] the Prophets, & all other Scripture save only the five books of Moses. Therefore our Saviour when he would confute their errour, concerning the resurrection of the dead, he proves it not out of the Prophets, but out of Exod. 3. 6. I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, Mat. 22. 32.
[137] Joseph. Antiq. lib. 13. c. 18.
2. They rejected[138] all traditions. Whence, As they were called מינין Minæi, i. Heretiques, in respect of the general opposition between them and Pharisees. First, because the Pharisees were in repute the only Catholicks. Secondly, because in their Doctrine, the Pharisees were much nearer the truth than the Sadduces: so in this respect of this particular opposition, in the ones rejecting, the others urging of traditions, the Sadduces were termed[139] קראים Karaim, Biblers, or Scripturists.
[138] Elias de שרק.
[139] Drusius de trib. sect. c. 8. l. 3 p. 130.
3. They said there was no reward for good works, nor punishment for ill, in the world to come. Hence Saint Paul perceiving that in the Councel the one part were Sadduces, the other Pharisees, he cried out, Of the hope of the reward expected, and of the resurrection of the dead, I am called in question, Act. 23. 6.
4. They denied the resurrection of the body, Act. 22. 8. Matth. 22. 23. Luke 20. 27.
5. They said the souls of men are annihilated[140] at their death.
[140] Joseph. de bello Judaic. lib. 2. c. 12.
6. They denied Angels and spirits, Act. 23. 8.
7. They wholly denied[141] Fate or Destiny, and ascribed all to mans Free-will.
[141] Joseph. l. 13. c. 9.
The Samaritanes and the Sadduces are of near affinity: but yet they differ. First[142] The Samaritanes sacrificed at the Temple built upon Mount Gerizim, but the Sadduces sacrificed at Jerusalem. Secondly, The Samaritanes allowed no commerce with the Jews, John 4. 9. yea, the mutual hatred between the Samaritans and the Jews was so great, that it was not lawful for the Jews to eat or drink with the Samaritans. How is it that thou being a Jew, askest drink of me which am a woman of Samaria, Joh. 4. 9. Nay, whereas liberty was granted unto all Nations of the earth to become Proselites to the Jewes, so did the Jews hate the Samaritanes, that they would not suffer a Samaritan to be a Prosylite. This appeareth by that solemn Excommunication,[143] termed Excommunicatio in secreto nominis tetragrammati: the form thereof: as it was applyed (say they) by Ezra and Nehemiah unto the Samaritanes, was thus, They assembled the whole Congregation into the Temple of the Lord, and they brought 300 Priests, and 300 Trumpets, and 300 books of the Law, and as many boys, and they sounded their Trumpets and the Levites singing cursed the Samaritanes by all the sorts of Excommunication, in the mystery of the name Jehovah, and in the Decalogue, & with the curse of the superiour house of judgement, and likewise with the curse of the inferiour house of judgement, that no Israelite should eat the bread of a Samaritane, (whence they say, he which eateth of a Samaritans bread is as he who eateth swines flesh) and let no Samaritane be a Prosylite in Israel, and that they should have no part in the resurrection of the dead. R. Gersom[144] forbade the breaking open of the Letters, under the penalty of this Excommunication. This proveth what formerly was said; namely, that between the Jews and the Samaritanes there was no commerce; but the Sadduces familiarly conversed with the other Jews, even with the Pharisees themselves; yea, both sat together in the same Council, Acts 23. 6. Now the Samaritanes and Sadduces agree. 1. In the rejection of all the others traditions. 2. In the rejection of all other Scriptures, save only the five Books of Moses. 3. In the denial of the Resurrection, and the consequences, as future punishments, and rewards according to mens works. But the Samaritanes held that there were Angels, which the Sadduces denied. For the proof of these agreements and disagreements between them, read Epiphanius, hæres. 9. & 14.
[142] Epiphan. Tom. 1. l. 1. hæres. 14.
[143] Drusius de trib. sect. l. 2. cap 11. ex Ilmedenu.
[144] Buxtorf. Epist. Heb. p. 59.
Touching the Samaritanes, there are three degrees of alteration in their Religion observable. First, the strange Nations, transplanted by Salmanesar into Samaria, when Israel was carried away captive into Assyria, worshipped every one the God of their own Countries, 2 King. 17. Secondly, when they saw they were devoured by Lyons, because they feared not the Lord, the King of Assyria sent one of the Priests which was taken captive, to instruct them in the true worship of God: which manner of worship though they received, yet they would not lay aside their former Idolatry, but made a mixture of Religions, worshipping the living God, and their own dumb Idols. Thirdly, Manasses, brother to Jaddus the High priest, in Jerusalem, being married to Sanballat, the Horonite’s Daughter, by reason of Nehemiah’s charge of putting away their strange Wives, being driven to that exigent, that he must either put away his Wife, or forgo the hope of the Priest-hood; by Sanballat’s means he obtained leave from Alexander the Great, to build a Temple[145] upon Mount Gariazim, one of the highest Mountains in Samaria, whither many other Apostated Jews fled, together with Manasses being made their High-Priest; and now the Sect of the Samaritanes (between whom and the Jews there was such hatred) began, now all those fore-mentioned errors were maintained: And of this Hill it is, that the woman of Samaria speaketh John 4. 20. Our Fathers worshipped in this Mountain, &c.
[145] Joseph. Antiq. lib. 11. cap 8.
By comparing the Dogmata of the Pharisees, with these of the Sadduces, we may perceive a manifest opposition between them; yet both these joyned against Christ, Mark 12.
This heresie, though it were the greatest amongst the Jews, yet was it imbraced and maintained by some of the High Priests themselves:[146] Joannes Hyrcanus was a Sadducee, so were his sons, Aristobulus and Alexander,[147] and likewise Ananus the younger; so that Moses Chair was not amongst them exempted from error; no nor heresie.
[146] Gorionides, cap. 29.
[147] Euseb. hist. l. 2. c. 23. Ex Joseph. Antiq. lib. 20. cap. 8.
CHAP. XII.
Of the Essenes.
The Etymologies of the names Essæi, or Esseni, i.e. Essenes, are divers, that which I prefer is from the Syriake אסא Asa, signifying θεραπεύειν to heal, or cure Diseases. Hence[148] are the men so often termed, θεραπευταὶ and the women amongst them, θεραπευτρίδες, that is, Physicians. For though they gave themselves chiefly to the study of the Bible yet withal they studied Physick.
[148] Joseph. de bello Judaic. lib. 2. c. 12. p. 786.
Of these Essenes there were two sorts, some Theoricks, giving themselves wholly to speculation; others Practicks, laborious and painful in the daily exercise of those handy-crafts, in which they were most skilful. Of the latter, Philo treateth in his book entituled, Quod omnis vir probus: Of the former, in the book following, entituled, De vita contemplativa.
Their Dogmata, their Ordinance, or Constitutions, did symbolize in many things with Pythagoras his, where they do agree. Therefore my purpose is, first to name Pythagoras his; and then to proceed on with the Essenes. They follow thus.
The[149] Pythagoreans professed a communion of goods: So the Essenes.[150] they had one common purse or stock, none richer, none poorer than other; out of this common treasury, every one supplyed his own wants without leave, and administred to the necessities of others: only they might not relieve any of their kindred without leave from their Overseers. They did not buy or sell among themselves, but each supplyed the others want, by a kind of commutative bartring: yea, liberty was granted to take one from another what they wanted, without exchange. They performed Offices of service mutually one to another; for mastership and service cannot stand with communion of goods: and servants are commonly injurious to the state of their Masters, according to that saying of R. Gamaliel,[151] He that multiplyeth servants, multiplieth thieves. When they travelled, besides weapons for defence, they took nothing with them, for in whatsoever City or Village they came, they repaired to the Fraternity of the Essenes, and were there entertained as members of the same. And if we do attentively read Josephus, we may observe that the Essenes of every City joyned themselves into one common Fraternity or Colledge. Every Colledge had two sorts of Officers: First, Treasurers, who looked to the common stock, provided their diet, appointed each his task, and other publick necessaries. Secondly, Others, who entertained their strangers.
[149] Aul. Gell. l. 1. c. 10. It. Laer. in Pythag. Κοινὰ τὰ φίλων εἶναι.
[150] Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 2.
[151] מרבה עבדים מרבה גזל Marbe gnabadim. Marbe gezel, Pirke Aboth. cap. 1.
2. The Pythagoreans shunned pleasures.[152] So did the Essenes:[153] to this belongeth their avoiding of oyl, which, if any touched unawares, they wiped it off presently.
[152] Justin. lib. 20.
[153] Joseph. de bello Judaic. lib. 2. c. 12.
3. The Pythagoreans garments were white:[154] So were the Essenes white also,[155] modest, not costly: when once they put on a suit, they never changed it till it was torn, or worn out.
[154] Suid. It. Ælian. de varia hist. l. 18. cap. 32.
[155] Joseph. de bello Judaic. lib. 2. cap. 12.
4. The Pythagoreans forbade Oaths.[156] So did the Essenes;[157] they thought him a noted lyar, who could not be believed without an oath.
[156] Laert. in vita Pythagoræ.
[157] Philo Judæus.
5. The Pythagoreans had their Elders in singular respect.[158] So had the Essenes.[159] The body, or whole company of the Essenes, were distinguisht εἰς μοίρας τέσσαρας into four ranks, or orders, according to their Seniority; and if haply any of the superior ranks had touched any of the inferior, he thought himself polluted, as if he had touched an Heathen.
[158] Suidas. It. Laertius.
[159] Joseph. de bello Judaic. lib. 2. cap. 12.
6. The Pythagoreans drank water.[160] So did the Essenes only water,[161] wholly abstaining from wine.
[160] Suidas.
[161] Philo de vita contemplativa.
7. The Pythagoreans used θυσίαις ἀψύχαις inanimate Sacrifices.[162] So did the Essenes:[163] they sent gifts to the Temple, and did not sacrifice, but preferred the use of their holy water before sacrifice, for which reason the other Jews forbad them all access unto the Temple.
[162] Laertius in vita Pythag.
[163] Joseph. Antiq. lib. 18. cap. 2.
8. The Pythagoreans ascribed all things to fate or destiny.[164] So did the Essenes.[165] In this Aphorism all three Sects differed each from other. The Pharisees ascribed some things to Fate, and other things to Mans Free-will. The Essenes ascribed all to Fate, nothing to mans free will. The Sadduces wholly deny Fate, and ascribed all things to the free will of man.
[164] Suidas.
[165] Joseph. Antiq. lib. 13. cap. 9.
9. The Pythagoreans the first five years were not permitted to speak in the School:[166] but were initiated per quinquennale silentium,[167] and not until then suffered to come into the presence of, or sight of Pythagoras. To this may be referred the Essenes silence at Table straightly observed, so that Decem simul sedentibus, nemo loquitur invitis novem; Drusius[168] renders it, that ten of them sitting together, none of them spake without leave obtained of the nine. When any did speak, it was not their custome to interrupt him with words, but by nods of the head, or beckenings, or holding their finger, or shaking their heads, and other such like dumb signs and gestures, to signifie their doubtings, disliking, or approving the matter in hand. And to the time of silence amongst the Pythagoreans, that it must be for five years, may be referred the initiation of the Essenes; for amongst them none were presently admitted into their society, with full liberty, but they under went four years of tryal and probation. The first year they received Dolabellum,[169] Perizoma, & vestem albam, a spadle, with which they digged a convenient place to ease Nature; a pair of breeches, which they used in bathing or washing themselves; a white garment, which especially that Sect affected. At this time they had their commons allowed them, but without, not in the common dining Hall. The second year they admitted them to the participation of holy matters, and instructed them in the use of them. Two years after they admitted them in full manner, making them of their Corporation, after they had received an Oath, truly to observe all the Rules and Ordinances of the Essenes. If any brake his oath, an hundred of them being assembled together, expelled him, upon which expulsion commonly followed death within a short time; for none having once entred this Order, might receive alms or any meat from other; and themselves would feed such a one, only with distastful herbs, which wasted his body, and brought it very low: sometimes they would re-admit such a one being brought near unto death; but commonly they suffered him to die in that misery.
[166] Quinquennale hoc silentium â Pythagora auditoribus suis indictum vocabant ἐχεμυθίαν à cohibendo sermone.
[167] Laertius in Pythagor.
[168] Drusius de trib. sect. l. 4.
[169] Joseph. de bello Judaico lib. 2. cap. 12.
10. The Essenes worshipped toward the Sun rising.[170]
[170] Philo item Joseph.
11. The Essenes bound themselves in their oath, to preserve the names of Angels:[171] The phrase implyeth a kind of worshipping of them.
[171] Joseph. de bello Judaic. lib. 2. cap. 12.
12. They were above all others strict in the observation of the Sabbath day;[172] on it they would dress no meat, kindle no fire, remove no Vessels out of their place; no, nor ease Nature, Yea, they observed[173] ἑβδομάδων ἑβδομάδας, every seventh week, a solemn Pentecost; seven Pentecosts, every year.
[172] Joseph. ib.
[173] Philo de vita contemplat.
13. They abstained from marriage, not that they disliked marriage in it self, or intended an end or period to procreation: but partly, in wariness of womens intemperance; partly, because they were perswaded that no woman would continue faithful to one man. This avoiding of marriage is not to be understood generally of all the Essenes, for they disagreed among themselves in this point. Some were of the opinion before noted: others married for propagation. Nihilominus autem cum tanta ipsi moderatione conveniunt, ut per triennium explorent valetudinem fœminarum; & si constanti purgatione apparuerint idoneæ partui, ita eas in matrimonia asciscunt. Nemo tamen cum prægnante concumbit, ut ostendant, quòd nuptias non voluptatis, sed liberorum causa inierint. Thus the latter sort preserved their Sect by the procreation of children: the former sort preserved it by a kind of adoption of other mens children, counting them as near Kinsmen, and tutoring them in the Rules of Discipline, as Josephus witnesseth. Pliny[174] addeth also, that many other of the Jews, when they began to be struck in years, voluntarily joyned themselves unto them, being moved thereunto, either because of the variable state and troubles of the world, or upon consideration of their own former licentious courses, as if they would by this means exercise a kind of penance upon themselves.
[174] Plin. hist. l. 5. cap. 17.
Concerning the beginning of this Sect, from whom, or when it began, it is hard to determine. Some[175] make them as ancient as the Rechabites, and the Rechabites to have differed only in the addition of some rules and ordinances from the Kenites, mentioned Judg. 1. 16. And thus by consequence the Essenes were as ancient, as the Israelites departure out of Egypt: for Jethro, Moses father-in-law, as appeareth by the Text, was a Kenite: but neither of these seemeth probable. For the Kenites are not mentioned in Scripture, as a distinct order or sect of people, but as a distinct family, kindred, or Nation, Numb. 24. 21. Secondly, the Rechabites, they neither did build houses, but dwelt in Tents; neither did they deal in husbandry, they sowed no seed, nor planted Vineyards, nor had any, Jer. 55. 7. The Essenes, on the contrary, they dwelt not in tents, but in houses;[176] and they imployed themselves especially in husbandry. One of the Hebrew Doctors[177] saith, that the Essenes were Nazarites: but that cannot be, because the Law enjoyned the Nazarites, when the time of the Consecration was out, to present themselves at the door of the Tabernacle or Temple, Num. 6. Now the Essenes had no access to the Temple. When therefore, or from what Author this Sect took its beginning, is uncertain. The first that I find mentioned by the name of an Essene, was one Judas,[178] who lived in the time of Aristobulus the Son of Joannes Hyrcanus, before our Saviours Birth about one hundred years: Howsoever the Sect was of greater antiquity;[179] for all three, Pharisees, Sadduces, and Essenes, were in Jonathan’s time, the brother of Judeas Macchabeus, who was fifty years before Aristobulus. Certain it is, that this Sect continued until the daies of our Saviour, and after; for Philo and Josephus speaks of them as living in their times. What might be the reason then, that there is no mention of them in the New Testament? I answer; First, The number of them seemeth not to have been great, in Philo and Josephus his time,[180] about four thousand, which being dispersed in many Cities, made the Faction weak: and haply in Jerusalem when our Savior lived, they were either few or none. Secondly, if we observe histories we shall find them peaceable and quiet, not opposing any, and therefore not so liable to reproof as the Pharisees and Sadduces, who opposed each other, and both joyned against Christ. Thirdly, why might they not as well be passed over in silence in the New Testament, (especially containing themselves quietly without contradiction of others) as the Rechabites in the Old Testament, of whom there is mention only once, and that obliquely, although their Order continued about three hundred years before this testimony was given of them by the Prophet Jeremy; for between Jehu (with whom Jonadab was Coetanean) and Zedekiah, Chronologers observe the distance of many years. Lastly, though the name Essenes be not found in Scripture,[181] yet we shall find in S. Paul’s Epistles many things reproved, which were taught in the School of the Essenes. Of this nature was that advice given unto Timothy, 1 Tim. 5. 23. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine. Again, 1 Tim. 4. 3. Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats is a Doctrine of Devils; but especially Coloss. 2. in many passages the Apostle seemeth directly to point at them, Let no man condemn you in meat and drink, v. 16. Let no man bear rule over you, by humbleness of mind, and worshipping of Angels, vers. 18. τί δογματίζεσθε; Why are ye subject to Ordinances? ver. 20. The Apostle useth the word δόγματα, which was applyed by the Essenes to denote their Ordinances, Aphorisms, or Constitutions. In the verse following he gives an instance of some particulars, Touch not, taste not, handle not, vers. 21. Now the Junior company of Essenes might not touch their Seniors. And in their diet, their taste was limited to bread, salt, water, and hyssop. And these ordinances they undertook, διὰ πόθον σοφίας saith Philo, for the love of wisdom: but the Apostle concludeth, vers. 23. That these things had only, λόγον σοφίας, a shew of wisdom. And whereas Philo termeth the Religion of the Essenes, by the name of θεραπεία, which word signifieth religious worship, the Apostle termeth in the same verse, ἐθελοθρησκείαν, Voluntary-religion, or will-worship: yea, where he termeth their Doctrine πατρίαν φιλοσοφίαν, a kind of Philosophy received from their Fore-fathers by Tradition, Saint Paul biddeth them beware of Philosophy, vers. 8.
[175] Serarius Trihæres. l. 3. cap. 5.
[176] Joseph. Antiq. lib. 18. c. 7.
[177] Scalig. in Trihær. cap. 23.
[178] Joseph. l. 13. c. 19.
[179] Joseph. l. 13. c. 9.
[180] Philo. lib. quod omnis probus, p. 678.
[181] Vide Chemnit. exem. conc. Trident. part. quart. pag. 120.
We formerly observed two sorts of Essenes; Practicks and Theoricks: both agreed in their Aphorisms, or Ordinances; but in certain circumstances they differed.
1. The Practicks dwelt in the Cities; The Theoricks shunned the Cities, and dwelt in Gardens, and solitary Villages.
2. The Practicks spent the day in manual Crafts, keeping of Sheep, looking to Bees, tilling of Ground, &c. they were τεχνίται, Artificers. The Theoricks spent the day in meditation, and prayers, whence they were by a kind of excellency, by Philo termed, ἱκέται, Supplicantes.
3. The Practicks had every day their dinner and supper allowed them; the Theoricks only their supper.
The Practicks had for their Commons every one his dish of Water-gruel, and bread; The Theoricks only bread, and salt: if any were of a more delicate palate then other, to him it was permitted to eat Hyssop; their drink for both, was common water.
Some are of Opinion, that these Theoricks were Christian Monks; but the countary appeareth, for these reasons:
1. In that whole Book of Philo, concerning the Theoricks, there is no mention either of Christ, or Christians, of the Evangelists, or Apostles.
2. The Theoricks, in that Book of Philo’s, are not any new Sect of late beginning, as the Christians at that time were, as is clearly evidenced by Philo his own words. First, In calling the Doctrine of the Essenes πατρίαν φιλοσοφίαν, A philosophy derived unto them by tradition from their fore-fathers. Secondly, in saying, Habent priscorum commentarios, qui hujus sectæ autores, &c.
3. The inscription of that Book, is not only περὶ βίου θεωρητικοῦ but also περὶ ἱκετῶν. Now Philo[182] elsewhere calleth the whole Nation of the Jews, τὸ ἱκετικὸν γένος, which argueth, that those Theoricks were Jews, not Christians.
[182] Philo in Prin. lib. de legat. Caium.
CHAP. XIII.
Of the Gaulonitæ, and the Herodians.
Other Factions there were among the Jews, which are improperly termed Sects. Of these there were principally two. First, Gaulonitæ. Secondly, Herodiani. The Gaulonitæ had their names from one Judas, who sometimes[183] was called Judas Gaulonites, sometimes[184] Judas Galilæus, of whom Gamaliel speaketh, Acts 5. 37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the daies of the tribute. The tribute here spoken of, was that made by Cyrenius, sometimes called Quirinius: the name in Greek is one and the same, but differently read by Expositors. This Cyrenius was sent from Rome by Augustus, into Syria, and from thence came into Judæa, where Coponius was President, and there he raised this Tax; which taxation is unadvisedly by some confounded with that mentioned, Luke 2. 1. Both were raised under Augustus, but they differed. First, this was only of Syria and Judæa; that in Saint Luke was universal, of the whole world. Secondly, this was, when Archelaus, Herods son, was banished into Vienna, having reigned nine years; that, under Herod the Great: Whence there is an observable Emphasis, in that Saint Luke saith, it was the first taxing, having reference unto this second.
[183] Joseph. Antiq. lib. 8. cap. 21.
[184] Jos. l. 18, c. 21.
The occasion[185] of this Faction was thus: When Cyrenius levied this Tax, and seized upon Archelaus, Herod’s sons goods; then arose this Judas opposing this Tribute; and telling the people, that Tribute was a manifest token of servitude, and that they ought to call none Lord, but only him who was Lord of Lords, the God of heaven and earth. Whence those that adhered unto him were called Gaulonitæ; they were also called Galileans.[186] It was their blood that Pilate mixed with their sacrifices, Luk. 13. 1. For Pilate had not authority over the Nation of the Galileans. The reason of this mixture is thought[187] to be, because the Galileans forbad sacrifices to be offered for the Roman Empire, or for the safety of the Emperour; whereupon, Pilate being incensed with anger, slew them whilst they were sacrificing.[188] To this faction belonged those murderers, termed Σικαριοὶ, mentioned, Acts 21. 18.
[185] Joseph. loco superius citato.
[186] Oecumenius. Act. 5. 37. Theophylact. Luc. 13. 1.
[187] Theophylact. in Luc. 13.
[188] Joseph. l. 7. de bello Judaic. cap. 28. p. 985.
Concerning the Herodians, those that number them among Hereticks, make the heresie to consist in two things: First, in that they took Herod the Great for the promised Messias; because in his Reign, he being a stranger, the Scepter was departed from Judah; which was the promised time of the Messiah his coming. Secondly, they honoured him with superstitious solemnities annually performed upon his Birth-days. Of Herod his Birth-day the Poet speaketh,
—— —— —— Cum
Herodis venere dies, unctaque fenestra,
Dispositæ pinguem nebulam vomuere lucernæ,
Portantes violas, rubrumque amplexa catinum,
Cauda natat thynni, tumet alta fidelia vino.
Pers. Sat. 1.
Now whether this latter may be referred to Herod the Great, I much doubt; because I find not any Author among the Ancients to speak of Herod the Great his Birth-day: It was another Herod, Tetrarch of Galilee, otherwise called Antipas, whose Birth-day we read celebrated, Mark 6. 21. The former point, that the Herodians received Herod as their Messiah, though it hath many grave Authors[189] avouching it, yet others[190] justly question the truth thereof; for if the Herodians were Jews (as most think) how then could they imagine, that Herod, a stranger, could be the Messiah, seeing that it was so commonly preached by the Prophets, and known unto the People, that the Messiah, must be a Jew born, of the Tribe of Judah, and of the house of David?
[189] Epiph. hæres. 10. & Theophyl. Mat. 22. 16. & alii plures.
[190] Hieron. Mat. 22. 17.
Others say,[191] that the Herodians were certain flatterers in Herod his Court, varying and changing many points of their Religion with Herod their King.
[191] Theodor. Beza, Mat. 22. 16.
To omit many other conjectures utterly improbable, I incline to Saint Hierom, whose Opinion is,[192] that the Herodians were those who stood stifly for tribute to be paid to Cæsar. It concerned Herod, who at first received his Crown from Cæsar, to further Cæsar’s tribute, not only in way of thankfulness, but also in way of policy, to prevent a possible deposing or desceptring; for it was in Cæsar’s power to take away the Crown again when pleased him. Now, in respect that Herod saught to kill Christ, and the Herodians with the Pharisees took counsel against him; unto this our Saviour might have reference, saying, Mar. 8. 15. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. Viz. Of their contagious Doctrine, and fox-like subtleties.
[192] Hieron. Mat. 22. 17.
THE SECOND BOOK
TREATETH OF PLACES.
CHAP. I.
Their Temple.
When the Israelites came out of Ægypt, Moses was commanded to build a Tabernacle for the place of Gods publick worship. Afterward, when they were settled in the promised Land, then Solomon was commanded to build a Temple.
These two shadowed the difference between the Jews Synagogue, and the Christian Church. The Tabernacle was moveable, and but for a time: The Temple fixed, and permanent: the state of the Jews vanishing, to continue in their generations; the state of Christians durable, to continue unto the worlds end. More principally it shadowed forth the state of the Church Militant here on earth, and triumphant in heaven: Unto both the Prophet David alludeth; Lord, Who shall sojourn in thy Tabernacle? who shall rest in thine holy Mountain? Psal. 15. 1.
There were in the same tract of ground three hills, Sion, Moria, and Mount Calvary. On Sion was the City and Castle of David; on Moria was the Temple, and on Mount Calvary Christ was crucified. But[193] all these three were generally called by the name of Sion; whence it is, that though the Temple were built on Moria, yet the Scripture speaketh of it commonly, as if it were upon Mount Sion.
[193] Genebrard in Chron. lib. 1. Anno mundi 3146.
In their Temple there are these three things considerable: First, the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Holy of Holies; answerable to our Quire in the Cathedral Churches. Secondly, the Sanctum, the Sanctuary; answerable to the Body of the Church. Thirdly, the Atrium, the Court; answerable to the Church-yard.
In the Holy of Holies there were the Golden Censer, and the Ark of the Testament, Heb. 9. 4.
In[194] the Ark there were three things: First, the pot of Manna; secondly, Aaron’s rod that budded; thirdly, the Tables of the Testament, Heb. 9. 4. Thus they were in Moses his time; but afterwards in the days of Solomon, onely the Tables of the Law were found in the Ark, 1 King. 8. 9.
[194] Sunt qui illud ἐν ᾗ apud Apostolum, Heb. 9. 4. referunt ad τὴν σκηνὴν ut dicunt in Tabernaculo secundo, quod appellent Sanctum Sanctorum, fuisse urnam mannæ & virgam Aaronis, tabulam fæderis videl. urnam, & virgam ante arcam: (ita Moses Kotsensis 210. 1.) tabulam autem in Arca.
The cover of this Ark was called ἱλαστήριον, the Propitiatory, or Mercy-seat, because it covered and hid the Law, that it appeared not before God to plead against man. It was a type of Christ, who likewise is termed ἱλαστήριον, our Propitiation, Rom. 3. 25. and ἵλασμος, a Propitiatory, John 2. 2. At each end of the Mercy-seat stood a golden Cherub, each Cherub stretched forth his wings; and from between them, as from an Oracle, God gave his answer, Exod. 25. 22. Hence it is, that the Lord is said to sit between the Cherubims, Ps. 99. 1. The positure of the Cherubims was such, that their faces were each towards the other, but both looking down towards the Mercy-seat; they fitly shadowed out the people of the Jews and Christians, both looking toward each other, but both expecting salvation in Christ only.
In the Sanctuary, there was the Incense-altar in the middle, and the Table, with the twelve Loaves of Shew-bread on it on the one side, and the Candlestick on the other. The incense-altar was a type of our prayers, Psal. 141. 2. And that this altar must be once every year sprinkled with the blood of the Sacrifice by the High-priest, Exod. 30. 10. It teacheth that our very prayers, except they be purified by the blood of Christ they are unavailable before God. The twelve loaves were a type of the twelve Tribes, and the Candlestick a type of the Word of God. In them all, we may see the necessity of both Ordinances required, Prayer and Preaching, if we would be presented acceptable unto the Lord: The Candlestick was a type of Preaching; Incense, of Prayer.
In Moses his Tabernacle there was but one Table, and one Candlestick: In Solomon’s Temple there were ten Tables, and ten Candlesticks; as likewise in the Court of the Tabernacle, there was but one brazen Laver, in the Court of the Temple there were ten, and another great Vessel wherein the Priests washed: in the Tabernacle there were but two silver Trumpets; in the Temple there were an hundred and twenty Priests sounding Trumpets.
The Courts of the Temple at the first were but two, Atrium Sacerdotum, the Priests Court; and Atrium populi, the Peoples Court.
In the Priests Court were the brazen Altar for Sacrifices, and the Laver for the washing, both of the Priests and the Sacrifices. The Laver, and the Altar scituated in the same Court, signified the same as the water and blood issued out of Christ’s side; namely, the necessary concurrence of these two Graces in all that shall be saved, sanctification, justification; sanctification intimated by the Laver and blood: justification by the Altar and blood.
The Court for the Priests, and the Court for the people were separated[195] each from other; by a wall of three Cubits high.
[195] Joseph. l. 8. c. 13.
The Court for the people was sometimes called the outward Court, sometimes the Temple, sometimes Solomon’s Porch, because it was built about with Porches, into which the people retired in rainy weather: It had Solomon’s name, either to continue his memory, or because the Porches had some resemblance of that Porch which Solomon built before the Temple, 1 King. 6. 3. Jesus walked in the Temple, in Solomon’s Porch, John 10. 23. All the people ran unto the Porch which was called Solomon’s, Acts 3. 11. That is, this outward Court.
In the midst of the peoples Court, Solomon made a brazen Scaffold for the King, 2 Chron. 6. 13.
This Court of the people went round about the Temple, and though it was one entire Court in the days of Solomon, yet afterward it was divided by a low wall, so that the men stood in the inward part of it, and the women in the outward. This division is thought to have been made in Jehosaphat’s time, of whom we read, that he stood in the House of the Lord, before the new Court, 2 Chron. 20. 5. that is, before the Womens Court.
There was an ascent of fifteen steps or stairs between the womens Court and the mens,[196] upon these steps the Levites sung those fifteen Psalms immediately following the one hundredth nineteenth, upon each step one Psalm, whence those Psalms are entituled, Psalmi graduales, Songs of degrees.
[196] R. David Kimchi. Psal. 120.
In the Womens Court stood their Treasuries, or Alms-box, as appeareth by the poor Widows casting her two Mites into it, Luk. 21. 1. In Hebrew it is termed קרבן Korban, the Chest of Oblation; the word signifieth barely, an Oblation, or Offering, and accordingly S. Luk. 21. 4. saith, they all of their superfluities cast into the offerings; that is into, the Korban, or Chest of offerings. In Greek it is termed γαζοφυλακεῖον whence cometh the Latine word, Gazophylacium, a Treasury. That set up by Jehoiada, 2 King. 12. 19. seemeth to have been different from this, and to have been extraordinary, only for the repairing of the Temple; for that stood beside the Altar in the Priests Court; and the Priests, not the parties that brought the gifts, put it into the Chest. Sometimes the whole Court was termed Gazophylacium, a Treasury. These words speak Jesus in the Treasury, John 8. 20. It is worth our noting, that the Hebrew word צדקה Tsedaka, signifying Alms, signifieth properly Justice; and thereby is intimated, that the matter of our alms should be goods justly gotten: And to this purpose they called their Alms-box קופה של צדקה Kupha-Sehel-Tsedaka, the Chest of Justice; and upon their Alms-box they wrote[197] this abreviature מביא, A gift in secret pacifieth anger, Prov. 21. 14.
[197] Buxtorf. de abbrev. in מביא
In Herod’s Temple there were[198] four Porches; the meaning is, four Courts, one for the Priests, another for men, another for women, and a fourth for such as were unclean by legal pollutions, and strangers. This outmost Court for the unclean and strangers, was separated from the womens Court, with a stone wall of three Cubits high, which wall was adorned with certain pillars of equal distance, bearing this Inscription:[199] Let no stranger enter into the holy place.
[198] Iosep. l. 2. contra Apion. 1066.
[199] Μὴ δεῖ ἀλλόφυλον ἐντὸς τοῦ ἁγίου παριέναι. In locum sanctum transire alienigena non debet. Joseph. de bel. Jud. lib. 6. c. 6.
The Temple at Jerusalem was thrice built. First, by Solomon: Secondly, by Zorobabel: Thirdly, by Herod. The first was built in seven years, 1 King. 6. 37. The second in forty six years: It was begun in the second year of King Cyrus, Ezra 3. 8. It was finished in the ninth year of Darius Hystaspis.[200] The years rise thus;
| Cyrus reigned | 30 } | Years. |
| Cambyses | 08 } | |
| It was finished in the year of Darius Hystaspis | 09 } |
One year deducted from Cyrus his Reign, there remains 46.
[200] Joseph. Antiq. lib. 11. c. 4.
Herod’s Temple was finished in eight years.[201] It is greatly questioned among Divines, of which Temple that speech of the Jews is to be understood, John 2. 20. Forty and six years was this Temple in building. Many interpret it of the second Temple, saying, that Herod did only repair that, not build a new: but these disagree among themselves in the computation; and the Scripture speaketh peremptorily, that the house was finished in the sixth year of the Reign of King Darius, Ezra 6. 15. and Josephus speaketh of Herod’s building a new Temple, plucking down the old.[202] It seemeth therefore more probable, that the speech is to be understood of Herod’s Temple, which, though it were but eight years in building, yet, at that time, when this speech was used, it had stood precisely forty six years,[203] for so many years there are precisely between the eighteenth year of Herod’s Reign, (at which time the Temple begun to be built) and the year of Christ his baptisme, when it is thought that this was spoken; all which time the Temple was more and more adorned, beautified, and perfected, in which respect it may be said to be so long building.
[201] Ioseph. Antiq. lib. 15 cap. ult.
[202] Vide Hospini. de Orig. Templ. c. 3.
[203] Vide supputationem Funccianam. an. 3747.
The ancient men are said to weep, when they beheld the second, because the glory thereof was far short of Solomon’s, Ez. 3. 12. It was inferiour to Solomon’s Temple: First, in respect of the building, because it was lower and meaner.[204] Secondly, in respect of the Vessels, being now of brass, which before were of pure gold. Thirdly, in respect of five things, lost and wanting in the second Temple, all which were in the first. First, there was wanting the Ark of God.[205] Secondly, Urim and Thummim; God gave no answer by these two, as in former times. Thirdly, Fire, which in the second Temple never descended from heaven to consume their burnt offerings, as it did in the first. Fourthly, the Glory of God appearing between the Cherubims, this they termed שכינה Schecina, the habitation, or dwelling of God, and hereunto the Apostle alludeth, In him dwelleth the Fulness of the Godhead bodily, Coloss. 2. 9. Bodily; that is, not in Clouds and Ceremonies, as between the Cherubims, but essentially. Lastly, the Holy Ghost; namely, enabling them for the gift of Prophecy; for between Malachy and John the Baptist, there stood up no Prophet, but only they were instructed per filiam vocis, which they termed בת קול Bath Kol, an Eccho from heaven; and this was the reason why those Disciples, Act. 19. 2. said, We have not so much as heard whether there be an Holy Ghost.
[204] Hospinian. ex Talmudistis, de Orig. Templ. c. 3.
[205] D. Kimchi in Hagg. 1. 8. Eadem scribit Rabbi Solomon ibid.
Here it may be demanded, How that of the Prophet Haggai is true; The glory of this last house shall be greater then the first, Hag. 2. 10. I answer, Herod’s Temple which was built in the place of this, was of statelier building than Solomon’s, and it was of greater glory, because of Christ his Preaching in it.
Herod’s Temple was afterwards so set on fire by Titus his souldiers,[206] that it could not be quenched by the industry of man: at the same time[207] the Temple at Delphos, being in chief request among the Heathen people, was utterly overthrown by earth-quakes and thunder-bolts from Heaven, and neither of them could ever since be repaired. The concurrence of which two Miracles evidently sheweth, that the time was then come, that God would put an end both to Jewish Ceremonies, and Heathenish Idolatry; that the Kingdom of his son might be the better established.
[206] Genebrard. Chro. l. 2. anno Christi 69.
[207] Theodoret. l. 3. c. 11. Sozomenus, l. 5. c. 19. 20, 21.
CHAP. II.
Their Synagogues, Schools, and Houses of Prayer.
The word Synagogue is from the Greek, συνάγω to gather-together; and it is applyed to all things whereof there may be a collection, as συναγωγὴ γάλακτος, copia lactis, συναγωγὴ πολέμοιο; collectio quæ sunt ad bellum necessaria. God standeth in Synagoga Deorum, the Assembly of Judges: but Synagogues are commonly taken for houses dedicated to the worship of God, wherein it was lawful to pray, preach, and dispute, but not to sacrifice. In Hebrew it was called, בית הכנסת Beth Hacneseth, the House of Assembly. The Temple at Jerusalem was the Cathedral Church; the Synagogues, as petty Parish Churches belonging thereunto.
Concerning the time when Synagogues began, it is hard to determine. It is probable that they began when the Tribes were settled in the promised Land. The Temple being then too far distant from those which dwelt in remote places, it is likely that they repaired unto certain Synagogues instead of the Temple. That they were in David’s time appeareth; They have burnt all the Synagogues of God in the land, Psal. 74. 8. And Moses of old time had in every City, them that preached him, being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day, Act. 15. 21.
In Jerusalem there were[208] four hundred eighty Synagogues, besides the Temple; partly for Jews, partly for strangers: one for strangers was called the Synagogue of the Libertines, Act. 6. 9. Whence it had that name, whether from the Roman Libertines, such as had served for their freedom, being opposite to the Ingenui, those that were free-born; (for many of those Libertines became Proselites, and had their Synagogues[209]) or whether it were from Lubar,[210] signifying an high-place; (for as their Temple, so their Synagogues and Schools were built on hills and high-places) because it is said, Prov. 1. 21. Wisdome calleth in high-places: I leave to the judgment of the Reader.
[208] Sigonius de rep. Hebr. l. 2. cap. 8.
[209] Philo in legat. ad Caium.
Out of Jerusalem, in other Cities and Provinces, were many Synagogues: there were Synagogues in Galilee, Mat. 4. 23. Synagogues in Damascus, Acts 9. 2. Synagogues at Salamis, Act. 13. 5. Synagogues at Antiochia, Acts 13. 14. Yea, their tradition is that[211] Wheresoever ten men of Israel were, there ought to be built a Synagogue.
[210] Vide Tremel. Acts 6. 9.
[211] Maimon. in Tephilla. c. 11. Sect. 1.
Their Synagogues had[212] many Inscriptions; over the gate was written that of the Psal. 118. 20. This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous shall enter into it. In the walls, these and the like sentences; Remember thy Creator, & enter into the house of the Lord thy God in humility. And prayer without attention is like a body is like a body without a soul. And silence is commendable in time of prayer.
[212] Buxtorf. de abbreviatur. pag. 23. 81. 174.
As the Courts of the people before the Temple were distinguished by a wall into two rooms, the one for men, the other for women: so in the Synagogues, the women were separated from the men,[213] by a partition of Lattice, or wire-work.
[213] Talmud in tract. Suta cap. ult. vi. Buxtorf. Synag. c. 9. p. 240.
In the Synagogues the Scribes ordinarily taught, but not only they, for Christ himself taught in them, &c. He that gave liberty to preach there, was termed ἀρχισυναγώγος. The Ruler of the Synagogue. There was also a Minister who gave the book unto the Preacher, and received it again, after the Text had been read. Christ closed the book, and gave it again unto the Minister, Luke 4. 20. This is probably he, whom they called שליח צבור Sheliach Tsibbur, the Minister or Clerk of the Synagogue.
Their Schools were different from their Synagogues. Paul having disputed for the space of three months in the Synagogue, because divers believed not, but spake evil of that way, he departed from them, and separated his Disciples, disputing daily in the School of one Tyrannus; Act. 19. 8, 9, 10.
Their School sometimes is called בית Beth, an house, simply, as appeareth by that saying;[214] Octodecim res de quibus contentio fuit inter domum Sammai, & domum Hillel, ne Elias quidem abolere posset. Those 18 matters controverted between the house of Sammai, and the house of Hillel, Elias himself could not decide; that is, between their two Schools. Sometime it is called בית המדרש Beth Hammidrasch, an house of subtle and acute exposition. Here points were more exactly and punctually discussed, than in the Synagogue, or Temple; whence they held it a profounder place for exposition, than the Temple: To this purpose tend those sayings,[215] They might turn a Synagogue into a School, but not a School into a Synagogue, for the sanctity of a School is beyond the sanctity of a Synagogue. And that groweth from Vertue to vertue, Psa. 84. 7. they interpret[216] a kind of promotion, or degree, in removing from their Temple to their School. In their Temple, their Sermons were, as it were, Ad populum; in their Schools, Ad Clerum.
[214] Drusius de tribus sect. l. 2. c. 10.
[215] Maimon. Tephilla. c. 11. Sect. 14.
[216] Paraphrast. Chal. in hunc locum.
As they had Synagogues, so likewise Schools, in every City and Province; and these were built also upon hills. There is mention of the hill Moreb, Judg. 7. 1. that is, the hill of the Teacher.
The Masters when they taught their Scholars, were said to give: Give unto the wise, and he will be wiser, Prov. 9. 9.
The Scholars when they learned any thing, were said to receive it: Hear my Son, and receive my words, Prov. 4. 10. Hence is that of the Apostle: This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received, 1 Tim. 1. 15. that is, learned. The like phrase of speech are in use among the Latines.[217]
[217] Da, si grave non est. Hor. l. 2. Satyr. 8. Sed tamen iste Deus qui sit, da Tytere nobis Virg. Bucol. Accipe nunc Danaum insidias. Virg. Æneid l. 2.
Whether their Oratories or places of prayer called Proseuchæ, were different places from their Schools, or Synagogues, I have not yet learned. That some of these were without the City, that proveth nothing, for so might Synagogues and Schools too. Epiphanius treateth of those Oratories,[218] but there he speaketh not one word to shew the lawfulness of civil businesses to be done in them: could that be proved, a difference would easily be shewn. Some say[219] they were Synagogues, others[220] Schools. Of this house of prayer, mention is made, Acts 16. 13. in which S. Paul sate down and spake unto the woman: which gesture intimateth rather preaching than praying: true, all gesture was in use for prayer; standing, kneeling, sitting: Abraham stood before the Lord, Gen. 18. 22. that is, he prayed. The Publican stood afar off and prayed, Luke 18. 13. Whence by way of Proverb they say,[221] Sine stationibus non subsisteret mundus; Were it not for standing, the World could not stand, Stephen kneeled, Acts 7. 60. David sate before the Lord, and said, 2 Sam. 7. 18. Yet sitting, when the speech is to the people, not to the Lord, implieth preaching, not prayer. It is probable, that as at the gate of the Temple, so at the gate of these Oratories, the poorer sort of people assembled to expect alms: Whence some use the word[222] Proseucha, to signifie an Hospital.
[218] Epiphan. Tom. 2. l. 3. c. 80.
[219] Beza. Act. 16. 13.
[220] Philo Jud. de vita Mosis, p. 530.
[221] R. Juda. in lib. Musar. vide Drus. præs. Matth. 6. 5.
[222] Qua te quæro Proseucha? Juven. Sat. 3.
The[223] Talmudists taxed the peoples negligence in prayer, saying they used three sorts of Amen, and all faulty. A faint Amen, when they prayed without fervency. A hasty Amen, when they said Amen, before the prayer was done. A lazy Amen, when they pronounced it at length, as if they were asleep, dividing the word A-men. The first they termed יתומה Jethoma, pupillum. The second חטופה Chetupah, Surreptitium. The third, קטועה Ketugna, Sectile, quasi in duas partes sectum per oscitantiam.
[223] Caninius de locis N. Testam. cap. 5. p. 38.
CHAP. III.
Of the Gates of Jerusalem.
The gates of the whole circuit of the[224] wall about Jerusalem were nine: The Sheep-gate, Neh. 3. 1. This was near the Temple, and thorow it were led the Sheep which were to be sacrificed, being washed in the Pool Bethsada near the gate: The Fish-gate Nehem. 3. 3. before this Judas is thought to have hanged himself. Some[225] think that these two Gates, and likewise the Horse gate, Nehem. 3. 28. were so called, because they were in manner of three several Market places, and at the one Gate, Sheep, at the other, Fish, and at the third, Horses were sold. The Old gate was so called, because it was supposed to have remained from the time of the Jebusites, and not to have been destroyed by the Assyrians; it was near Calvary, and without this Gate Christ was crucified. Concerning the other Gates little is spoken.
[224] Scheindler pentaglot.
[225] Stukius conviv. l. 2. c. 11.
Touching the Gates of the Temple, there were[226] two of principal note, both built by Solomon, the one for those that were new married, the other for mourners and excommunicate persons. The mourners were distinguished from the excommunicate persons, by having their lips covered with a skirt of their garment; none entered that gate with their lip uncovered, but such as were excommunicate. Now the Israelites which one the Sabbath days sate between those Gates said unto the new married: He, whose Name dwelleth in this house, glad thee with children. Unto the mourner, He, which dwelleth in this house, glad and comfort thee. Unto the excommunicate, He, which dwelleth in this house, move thy heart to harken to the words of thy fellows.
[226] R. Juda in l. Musar. vid. Dru. præterit. Joan. 9. 22.
Among the Jews, the gates were places of chiefest strength, so that they being taken or defended, the whole City was taken, or defended: and they were chief places of Jurisdiction, for in them Judges were wont to sit, and to decide controversies. Hence proceeded those phrases: The gates of Hell shall not prevail against thee, &c. And, Thy seed shall possess the gates of his Enemies.
CHAP. IV.
Of their Groves, and high Places.
The ancient Heathens did not only not build Temples,[227] but they held it utterly unlawful so to do. The reason of this might be, because they thought no Temple spacious enough for the Sun, which was their chief God. Hence came that saying,[228] Mundus universus est Templum Solis; The whole world is a Temple for the Sun. Moreover, they thought it unfit to straiten, and confine the supposed Infiniteness of their fancied Deities within walls; and therefore when after-times had brought in the use of Temples, yet their God Terminus, and divers others of their Gods were worshipped in Temples open roofed, which were therefore called ὕπαιθρα. This I take to be the reason why they made choice of Hills and Mountains, as the convenientest places for their Idols. These consecrated Hills, are those high places which the Scripture so often forbids. Afterwards, as the number of their Gods encreased; so the number of their consecrated hills was multiplied, from which their Gods and Goddesses took their names; as Mercurius Cyllenius, Venus Erycina, Jupiter Capitolinus. At length to beautifie these holy hills, the places of their idolatrous worship they beset them with trees, and hence came the consecration of Groves, and Woods, from which their Idols many times were named.[229] At last some choice and select Trees began to be consecrated.[230] Those French Magi, termed Dryadæ, worshipped the Oak, in Greek termed Δρῦς, and thence had their names. The Etrurians worshipped an Holm-tree; and[231] amongst the Celtæ, a tall Oak was the very Idol or Image of Jupiter.
[227] Hospin. de Ori. Templ. pag. 1.
[228] Alex ab Alex. lib. 2. cap. 2.
[229] Populus Alcidæ gratissima, vitis Iaccho. Formosæ myrtus Veneri, sua Laurea Phœbo Virg. Eclog. 7.
[230] Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 16. c. 44.
[231] Maximus Tyrius, Ser. 38. fol. 225. edit. Steph.
Among the Israelites, the Idolatry began under the Judges, Othniel and Ehud, Judg. 3. 7. and at the last it became so common in Israel, that they had peculiar Priests, whom they termed Prophets of the Grove, 1 King. 18. 19. and Idols of the Grove; that is, peculiar Idols, unto whom their Groves were consecrated, 2 King. 21. 7. 2 Chron. 15. 16. As Christians in the consecration of their Churches, make special choice of some peculiar Saints, by whose name they call them, as Saint Peter’s Church, S. Paul’s, S. Andrews, &c. So they consecrated their Groves unto particular Idols; whence in prophane Authors we read of Diana Nemorensis, Diana Arduenna, Albunea Dea; all receiving their names from the Groves in which they were worshipped: yea, the Idol it self is sometimes called by the name of a Grove: Josiah brought out the Grove from the House of the Lord, 2 King. 23. 6. It is probable, that in this Idol was pourtraited the form and similitude of a Grove, and thence it was called a Grove, as those silver similitudes of Diana’s Temple made by Demetrius, were termed Temples of Diana, Acts 19. 24.
CHAP. V.
The Cities of Refuge.
These places of Refuge, appointed by God, differed from those of Hercules, and Romulus, and other Heathens; because God allowed safety only to those, who were guiltless in respect of their intention: but the others were common Sanctuaries, as well for the guilty as the guiltless. If any man did fortuitously or by chance kill another man, in such a case liberty was granted unto the offender to fly; at first, unto the Altar for refuge, as is implied by that text of Scripture, If any man come presumptuously unto his Neighbour, to slay him with guile, thou shalt take him from mine Altar, Exod. 21. 14. Yea, we may conjecture this custome of refuge to have continued in force always, by the practice of Joab, 1 King. 2. 28. Notwithstanding, lest the Altar might be too far distant from the place where the fact might be committed, it is probable that therefore God ordained certain Asyla, or Cities of Refuge, which for the same reason are thought to have been[232] equally distant one from the other in Canaan: The Cities were in number six; Bezer of the Reubenites Country, Ramoth of Gilead, in the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites: these three Moses separated beyond Jordan, Deut. 4. 41, 43. The other three, appointed by Joshua in the Land of Canaan, were Cadesh in Galilee in Mount Naphthali; Schechem in Ephraim, and Kiratharba (which is Hebron) in the Mountain of Judah, Josh. 20. 7. There are other Cities of like nature: God promised the Israelites, upon condition of their obedience, after their Coasts were inlarged; but it seemeth that disobedience hindred the accomplishment thereof, for the Scripture mentioneth not the fulfilling of it.
[232] Rab. Salom. Iarchi. Deut. 19.
Concerning these Cities, the Hebrews note from these words, Thou shalt prepare the way, Deut. 9. 3. That the Senate, or Magistrate in Israel, were bound to prepare the ways to the Cities of Refuge, and[233] to make them fit, and broad, and to remove out of them all stumbling-blocks and obstacles: and they suffered not any Hill or Dale to be in the way, nor water-streams, but they made a Bridge over it, that nothing might hinder him that fled thither. And the breadth of the way to the Cities of Refuge, was not less than two and thirty Cubits, and at the partitions of the ways, they set up in writing, Refuge, Refuge: that the man-slayer might know and turn thitherward. On the fifteenth of the moneth Adar, or February, every year the Magistrates sent messengers to prepare the ways.
[233] Maimon. in Rotsach. cap. 8. sect. 5.
Furthermore it was provided, that two or three wise men should be imployed, to perswade the Avenger of blood, if haply he did pursue the man-slayer on the way, that he should offer no violence, until the Cause were heard and examined. The manner of examination was thus; The Consistory or Bench of Justices, who lived in that quarter where the murder was committed,[234] placed the party being brought back from the City of Refuge, in the Court, or Judgment-Hall, and diligently enquired and examined the cause, who if he were found guilty of voluntary murder, then was he punished with death, but if otherwise the Fact were found casual, then did they safely conduct the party back again to the City of Refuge, where he enjoyed his liberty, not only within the walls of the City, but within certain Territories and bounds of the City, being confined to such and such limits, until the death of the High Priest, that was in those days, at what time it was lawful for the offender to return and come into his own City, and unto his own house, even unto the City from whence he fled, Josh. 20. 6. By this means the offender, though he was not punished with death, yet he lived for the time a kind of exile, for his own humiliation, and for the abatement of his wrath, who was the avenger of blood. The Areopagitæ[235] had a proceeding against mans slaughter not much unlike, punishing the offender ἀπενιαυτισμῷ, with a years banishment: Why the time of this exilement was limited to the death of the High Priest at that time, is not agreed upon by Expositors. But it is most probably thought, that the offender was therefore confined within that City as within a Prison, during the High Priest’s life,[236] because the offence did most directly strike against him, as being amongst men, ἄρχηγος, Ac princeps sanctitatis, The chief God on earth.
[234] Paul. Fag. Num. 35. 6.
[235] Masius in Jos. cap. 20.
[236] Masius ibid.