[481]. Midrash, fol. 52; Yaschar, pp. 1265-1274.
[482]. These were two of his seven names.
[483]. It may be noticed in this as in several other instances, such as those of Rebekah and Rachel, the Rabbis have invented stories to explain the circumstance of the damsels watering the flock, which they supposed derogated from their dignity. This indicates the late date of these traditions, when the old pastoral simplicity was lost.
[484]. Pirke R. Eliezer, c. 40; Yaschar, p. 1274.
[485]. The Targum of Palestine, “ten years;” i. p. 448.
[486]. Beer, pp. 42-62; Pirke R. Eliezer. The Targum of Palestine says the rod was in the chamber of Jethro, not in the garden; i. p. 448. Yaschar, pp. 1277, 1278.
[487]. Rabbot., fol. 120 a. It is possible that our Blessed Lord’s parable of the Good Shepherd may contain an allusion to this popular and beautiful tradition.
[488]. Gen. iii. 4. It was the angel Zagnugael who appeared and spoke to him from the bush. (Targum of Palestine, i. p. 449; Abulfeda, p. 31.)
[489]. Exod. iv. 14.
[490]. Tabari, i. c. lxxiii. p. 24.