[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