Some make the difference between the cubit of the sanctuary, and the common cubit, to be thus; The common cubit, they say, contained fifteen inches,[766] the holy cubit eighteen inches.[767] But that the holy cubit contained two common cubits, hath been evidently proved; and it is probable, that those who make the difference to be only three inches, have mistaken the Kings cubit, for the holy cubit.
[766] Quinos palmos.
[767] Sex palmos.
חבל Chebel, Funiculus, a line or rope. The just length thereof is unknown: the use thereof was to measure grounds; whence it is sometimes taken for the inheritance it self. The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places, Psal. 16. 6. That is, mine inheritance.
קנה Kaneh, Arundo, the Reed. The use of this was to measure buildings; the length thereof was six cubits and an hand-breadth, Ezek. 40. 5. The cubits in this place are interpreted[768] Kings cubits: it was less liable to deceipt than the Rope, because it could not be shortened or lengthened, by shrinking or stretching: hence the Canon or rule of the holy Scripture is mystically typed out by this Reed, Ezek. 40. and Revel. 21. 15.
[768] Tremelius in hunc locum.
To these may be added other measures, wherewith they measured their wayes and walks. The least of these was צגד Tsagad, passus, a pace.
Στάδιον, Stadium, a furlong. It is often mentioned in the New Testament, not at all in the Old. It contained one hundred twenty five paces,[769] which is the eighth part of our mile. Some think it to be called so, ἀπὸ τῆς στάσεως, from standing, because Hercules ran so much ground before he stood still.
[769] Isidor.
Milliarium, a mile; It containeth with us a thousand paces, but much more among the Hebrews. Their word ברה Barah, translated often Milliarium, properly signifying a dinner or meal, and being applyed unto journeys, walks or ways, it signified so much ground as usually is gone, or conveniently may be travelled in half a day, between meal and meal, or bait and bait. The word is read, Gen. 35. 16. When there was (כברת הארץ Cibrath haarets) about half a daies journey of ground. The Greek in that place hath an uncouth word χαβραθὰ; doubtless it was made from the Hebrew’s Cibrath, and signifieth half a daies journey.