[335] במטלת עננין
[336] Theophylact. John 5.
The Sacrifices which were offered these seven daies, are prescribed: Numb. 29. from the thirteenth verse to the thirty fourth, where we shall read every day the like Sacrifice, but only with this difference, that upon the first day they offered thirteen young bullocks, upon the second twelve, upon the third eleven, and so forward, ever diminishing the number by one. The reason of which diminution, the Jews deliver to be this:[337] the whole number of bullocks to be offered at this solemnity was seventy, according to the Languages of the seventy Nations, (for whom, as they teach, these sacrifices were performed) signifying thereby, that there should be a diminution of those Nations, until all things were brought under the government of the Messias who was the expectation and Hope of the Gentiles.
[337] Hospinian. de Orig. hujus fest.
The two and twentieth of the month Tisri, was in truth a distinct feast, as appeareth, Neh. 8. 18. but yet because this immediately followed the Feast of Tabernacles, it hath been always counted the last day of that Feast. And not only the boughs, but the days of this whole feast of Tabernacles were termed[338] Hosannoth, from the usual acclamations of the people, whiles they carried Boughs up and down. And this eighth day was called Hosanna Rabba, the great Hosanna, or the great day of the feast. John 7. 37. Upon this day[339] they did read the last Section of the Law, and likewise began the first, least they might otherwise seem more joyful in ending their Sections, than willing to begin them. Upon this day also,[340] by the Institution of the Prophet Haggæus and Zachary, and such like Prophetical men, they did with great solemnity and joy, bring great store of water from the River Shiloah to the Temple, where it being delivered unto the Priests, it was poured upon the Altar, together with Wine, and all the people sung that of the Prophet Esay. 12. 13. With joy shall ye draw water out of the Wells of salvation. Our Saviour is thought to have alluded unto this, in that speech which he used on this very day, John 7. 38. He that believeth in me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of waters of life.
[338] Talmud. tract. de fest. Tabernaculorum, cap. הלול Vid. Tremel. John 7. 37.
[339] Buxtorf. in abbreviatur. p. 253.
[340] Tremel. Joh. 7. 37. ex Talmud.
It is worth our noting also, that whereas God commanded the Observation of this Feast on the fifteenth of the seventh month Tisri; Jeroboam, that he might work in the people a forgetfulness of the true Worship of God, appointed[341] the celebration of a Feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day thereof, which is thought to be this very feast of Tabernacles.
[341] Hospinian. de Orig. hujus fest. p. 24.