Annotations upon the five bookes of Moses, the booke of the Psalmes, and the Song of Songs, or, Canticles VVherein the Hebrevv vvords and sentences, are compared with, and explained by the ancient Greeke and Chaldee versions, and other records and monuments of the Hebrewes: but chiefly by conference with the holy Scriptures, Moses his words, lawes and ordinances, the sacrifices, and other legall ceremonies heretofore commanded by God to the Church of Israel, are explained. With an advertisement touching some objections made against the sinceritie of the Hebrew text, and allegation of the Rabbines in these annotations. As also tables directing unto such principall things as are observed in the annotations upon each severall booke. By Henry Ainsworth.

Annotations.

A Man] or Woman; Hebr. Adam, used for all mankinde: as in verse 29. meaning all Israe∣lites [unspec 1] and proselites; to whom the law following doth pertaine. So the Hebrew Doctors explaine it; All are defiled by the plague (of Leprosie) though it be a childe of a day old, and servants. But not infidels, nor strangers that sojourne (among the Israelites:) Maimony, treat. of Leprosie, chap. 9. Sect. 1. Here the law is given for the third sort of uncleannesse, which proceedeth outwardly from the bodies, gar∣ments, or houses of men, chastised for their sinnes by the hand of God: for so leprosie was often laid upon men for sinne, as the examples of Marie Mo∣ses sister, Num. 12. of K. Uzziah, 2 Chron. 26. and of Gehazi, 2 King. 5. doc manifest. See the notes on Levit. 11. 2. and 12. 2. a swelling] or rising; in Hebrew Seeth, in Greeke, Oulee, that is, scarrc. Of this he treateth in verse 9. 10. &c. and of the third and last, the Bright-spot, (with the Scab which is neere unto it,) Moses speaketh in the first place. ascab,] or scurfe, named in Hebrew sapachath, that is, acleaving-thing: in Greeke semasia, a signi∣fication. This the Hebr. doctors say is of two sorts, the one neere unto the foresaid Swelling; the other, neere to the Bright-spot after mentioned: between which two, it is therefore here placed, as an ad∣joynt to them both. So Chazkuni here saith, Sapa∣chath is an adjoynt to the Swelling, and an adjoynt to the Bright-spot: it breedeth of the one and of the other. bright-spot] or sore, wheale pimple, which is white and glistering; as both the Hebrew, Greek and Chaldee words signifie. Vnto which the He∣brew doctors adde againe the scab forementioned, which groweth of the bright-spot, as the other did of the swelling: so making two principall, the Bright-spot, and the Swelling; and two secondarie, the scabs arising of the former; foure in all. They say; There are foure appearances (or sorts) of leprosie in the skin of the flesh, which are these: first an exceeding whitenesse, then which there is no greater, which appeareth in the skin of the flesh like snow, and it is called [bahereth] a bright-spot. Secondly, a whitenesse which is a little infe∣riour to that, which appeareth like the cleane wooll of a lambe the first day it is borne; and it is called [Sēeth] a swelling. Thirdly, a whitenesse little inferiour to the swelling, which appeareth like the plaster of the wall of an house; it groweth of a bright-spot, and is called [Sa∣pachath] a scab. Fourthly, a whitenesse little inferiour to the plaster of a wall, which is like the filme of an egge, and groweth of a swelling, and it is also called a scab. Maimony, in treat. of Leprosie, chap. 1. Sect. 2. and Talmud Bab. (in Negagnim. chap. 1. Sect. 1.) accor∣deth hereunto. These sundry sorts of Leprie in the body, figured the many sinnes, which infect and defile mans soule: and for which God plagueth him, till his stripes stinke, and are putrified, because of his foolishnesse: Mark. 7. 21. 22. 23. Psal. 38 6. the skin] Hereupon they say, the places within the eye, and within the eare, and the nostrils, and the mouth, and the wrincles of the belly and of the necke, and under the brest; also the armcholes, and soles of the feet, and the nailes, and the bead and beard which have haire upon them; these places in a man are not defiled with a bright-spot, neither doth the plague spread with∣in them, &c. for these are not the open skin, but some of them have no skin; other some have a skin, but covered, not open. Maimony, treat. of Leprosie, chap. 6. Sect. 1. to the plague] that is, like to, or according to the plague: meaning white. The Greeke saith ab∣solutely, the plague. leprosie] or leprie; which word we borrow from the Greeke lepra: so called of scales like fish scales, which grow upon leprous bodies: in Hebrew it is named Tsaragnath, which is a fretting-sorenesse, or piercing-infectious-scabbedne〈…〉〈…〉 and in colour white, as is noted on Exod. 4. 6. So the Syriak Grab, signifieth Scabbednesse: but the Chaldee Segiruth is so named of Shutting up, be∣cause the disease caused men to be secluded. The Hebrewes say, The leprosie of the skin of the flesh, is that which makes the place whiter then the (other) skin, and the whitenesse is as the filme of an egge, or any thing superiour unto it: but if the whitenesse be inf〈…〉〈…〉∣our to the filme of an egge, it is not the leprosie, but a freckled spot (or morphew, Levit. 13. 39.) Maimony, in treat. of Leprosie, chap. 1. Sect. 1. And if thee be, with any of the foure sorts of whitenesse fore-mentioned, a red colour also mixed: that is like∣wise a Leprosie; as is after observed, on vers. 19. 20.

Verse 3. the Priest shall see] or, looke upon, and consider it; teaching a care to discerne and judge [unspec] rightly. The plagued man is sent to the Priest of God, (not to the Physitian of the body,) that he might acknowledge his chastisement to bee of God for sinne, (the knowledge whereof is by the Law, Romans 3. 20. and 7. 7.) and might by repentance and faith in Christ, be forgiven and healed. Deuteronomie 28. 22. Iob 33. 27. 28. Psalme 39. 11. 12. Numbers 12. 10.—13. Of this the Hebrew canons say, All men may lawfully see the plagues, save hee himselfe that hath the plague: but though all may see them, yet the prono〈…〉〈…〉, uncleane or cleane, depends upon the Priest. A••, when a Priest knowes not to discerne it; a wiseman may see it, and say unto him, pronounce him un∣cleane; and the Priest pronounceth, uncleane: say cleane; and the Priest saith, cleane: Shut him up, then the Priest shutteth him up: as it is written (in Deuteronomie 21. 5.) by their mouth, shall every controversie and every plague be. And though 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Priest be a childe, or a foole; the wise man speaketh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, and he eyther makes him absolutely uncleane, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 freeth him as cleane, or shutteth him up. This is me〈…〉〈…〉 when the Priest relieth upon the words of the wise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but if the Priest looke on it, & relye upon himself 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unlawfull for him to looke on any plague, untill a m〈…〉〈…〉 have taught him, and he be expert in all plagues (〈◊〉〈◊〉 sores) and in the names of them; in all plagues th〈…〉〈…〉 on men, and on garments: and on houses. Ma〈…〉〈…〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

of Leprie, chapter 9. Section 1. 2. and Talmud Bab. in Negagnim, chap. 2. S. 1. white] this is the cer∣taine colour to discerne the leprie. But the white haire which is the signe of uncleannesse by leprosie, is not lesse then two haires. And they must be white at the roote. And must be in the body of the bright spot. And turned white by the sore, verse 10. (not white before naturally.) The whitenesse of the haires maketh un∣cleane in any of the (foure) sorts, whether it be white as snow, or white in an inferiour degree. Maimony, treat of Leprie, chap. 2. The whitenesse of the haire, (as Chazkuni on this place saith,) was a signe that the flesh was weakened, the naturall vigour ther∣of decayed: for the plague mortifieth the flesh. And so old men when they grow weake, their haires turne white, But if the haire be white, before the plague com∣meth, it is no signe of uncleannesse. It figured the de∣cay of spirituall strength in the soule by the power of sinne reigning therein, Hos. 7. 9. Ezek. 16. 30. Rom. 7. 5. 9. 13. sight of the plague] that is, the plague to see to, (or in sight.) deeper] in Greeke, lower. Sol. Iarchi expresseth it by a similitude, as the appearanee of the Sunne is deeper then the shadow. The nature of the Leprie, is to fret, eat and con∣sume the flesh, as the originall name implieth, and as may bee seene by Marie who was smitten with this plague, Num. 12 12. Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is halfe consumed. And when Naa∣man was cured of his leprosie, his flesh is said to come againe, 2 King. 5. 10. 14. This signified the nature of sinne, and in speciall of heresie, which cateth as a canker, 2 Tim. 2. 17. pronounce him uncleane] or, declare him uncleane: the Hebr. phrase, (as also the Greeke and Chaldee) is, make him un∣cleane, or, pollute him; and in verse 6. cleanse him: which is meant of pronouncing or manifesting him so to be, with power: as Iarchi expoundeth it, be shall say unto him Thou art uncleane. So Ezekiel is said to destroy the citie, when hee pronounced or prophesied the assured destruction of it, Ezek. 43. 3. And the ministers of Christ are said to binde and to loose, to remit sinnes, and to retaine them; when they certainely declare them so to be, by the word of God, Matth. 16. 19. and 18. 18. Ioh. 20. 23. So here, before the Priest may make him uncleane, God (by these signes) saith, it is the plague of lepro∣sie; and so often in this chapter. Accordingly the Hebrew doctors say; A Priest that maketh uncleane, him that is cleane; or maketh cleane, him that is unclean; doth not any thing; for it is said, Hee is uncleane, and the Priest shall make him uncleane, (Levit. 13. 44.) he is cleane, and the Priest shall make him cleane. Mai∣mony, treat. of Lepr. chap. 9. Sect. 3.

Vers. 4. deeper] Any appearance of leprosie in the [unspec 4] skin of the flesh, is not called the plague (of leprosie,) neither defileth it a man, untill the appearance of the plague, be deeper then the skin of the flesh, &c. Maimo∣ny, treat. of Lepr. chap. 1. Sect. 6. shut up the plague] in Greeke, separate the plague: that is, him this hath the plague; or, the plagued man. A figura∣tive speech, often used in the scriptures; as Charge, Ezek. 44. 11. is for such as have charge: and O thou Pride, Ier. 50. 31. for, thou proud man. If the uncircumcision keepe the righteousnesse of the Law, Rom. 2. 26. that is, the uncircumcised man. So Dreams, for Dreamers, Ier. 27. 9. and, wickednesse perverteth sinne, that is, the sinner, Prov. 13. 6. and sundry the like. And that such is the meaning here, appeareth plainely by the 12. verse. This shutting up of the suspected leper, taught a care of righte∣ous judgment according to Gods law, upon cer∣taine knowledge; that nothing be judged before the time, 1 Cor. 4 5. but to exspect till God reveale sinnes, of which some are open before hand, going be∣fore unto judgment, and some follow after, 1 T••m. 5. 24.

Vers. 5. the Priest] This is meant of the same [unspec 5] Priest that saw him before; because he must consi∣der, whether the plague bee as it was before, or changed. So by the Hebrew canons, The Priest that saw the plague at the first; hee is to see it at the end of the first seven dayes, and at the end of the second se∣ven, &c. If the Priest that saw him at the first, be dead, or sicke; an other Priest may looke on him; but this second, may not pronounce him uncleane by the spreading (of the sore) because he knoweth not whether it be spred or no. Maimony, in Lepr. chap. 9. Sect. 4. in the seventh day] except it be the Sabbath: for so they write; On any day, they looke on them that have the plague, except on the Sabbath, and festivall day. If the seventh day fall out to be the Sabbath or feast; they put him off, till the day following. Maimony, treat. of Lepr. chap. 9. Sect. 7. And he saith, in the seventh day; whereupon Chazkuni noteth, Hee d••••h not make him tarie seven full dayes, to teach thee, that a part of the day, is as the whole, standeth in his eyes that is, in the Priests eyes; as the Gr••eke translateth a∣bideth before him: or, standeth in his colours, as after in verse 55. the eye is used for the colour of the plague: and thus the Chaldee expoundeth it, stan∣deth as it was. By standeth, meaning keepes at a stay: being neither whiter, nor spred wider. Therefore the man thus plagued must doe nothing to the sore, whereby to change the naturall state of it. So the Hebrew canons say, He that pulleth off the signes of uncleanesse, either all or some; or that seareth the quick-flesh, all or part of it; or that cutteth out al the spot out of his flesh, or out of his garment, or out of his house: whether it be before he come to the Priest, or in the time of his shutting up, or when he is pronounced uncleane, or when he is freed: loe he transgresseth the commande∣ment, which saith, (in Deut. 24. 8.) Take heed in the plague of leprosie, that thou observe diligently, to doe all that the Priests the Levits shall teach you: as I comman∣ded them, so shall ye observe to doe: that he pull nothing off, nor cut it out. Maimony in Lepr. chap. 10. Sect. 1.

Vers. 6. the seventh day the second time.] This the Hebrewes expound to be the thirteenth day, from [unspec 6] the first: because the seventh day goeth to the count of the first weeke, and to the count of the second weeke, in all plagues, whether they be upon men, or on houses, or on garments. In the dayes betweene, what signes so ever fell out, they might doe nothing. Maimony, in Lepr. chap. 9. Sect. 9. 10. And in two weekes, the case was fully tried; for pronouncing him cleane or uncleane; he was to be shut up no longer; so the Talmud (in Nega. chap. 3. Sect. 3.) saith, The skin of the flesh, is made uncleane in two weekes, and by three signes; by white-haire, (Levit. 13. 3.) by

quick flesh, (Lev. 13. 14.) & by spreading, (Lev. 13. 8.) somewhat darke] or dimme, obscure; namely of a more darke colour, then any of those foure sorts of whitenesse, which make it leprosie. The He∣brewes explaine it thus. There are three signes of un∣cleannesse, in the leprie of the skin of the flesh, white haire, and quicke flesh, and the spreading (of the sore) and these three are expressed in the law. As, who so hath a bright-spot grow upon him, and in it white haire, or quick flesh, when the Priest looketh on him, he shall pronounce him absolutely uncleane. If there be no white haire in it, nor quicke flesh: he shall shut him up seven daies; and in the seventh day shall looke upon him, whe∣ther any white haire be growne in the bright-spot, or any quicke flesh, or that it be spred: if there be, then he is to be pronounced uncleane: If no quicke flesh, nor white haire be growne upon it, neither it be spred in the skin, he shall shut him up the second weeke. If any of these three grow upon him in that time, he shall pronounce him un∣cleane; if not, then he is cleane; and he shall set him free; for there is no shutting up, for plagues in the skin of the flesh, more then two weekes. And if after he is freed and cleansed, the plague doe spread, or there grow on it white haire, or quicke flesh; then he is absolutely pronounced uncleane. The bright-spot, that is very white as snow, and after the shutting▪ up, becommeth somewhat darke like the filme of an egge; or, that which was at first like the filme of an egge, and is made like (now; lae this is as it was (before:) for the greater brightnesse of the appea∣rance, is no signe of uncleannesse; neither is the darknesse thereof a signe of cleannesse; except it be become lesser then the foure sorts (forementioned,) and be made somewhat darker then the filme of an egge; so that it be made a freckled spot, and therefore cleane, (Levit. 13. 39.) If it be so, what is that which is said in the Law, (Levit. 13. 6.) if the plague be somewhat darke? &c. It is, that if it be somewhat darker then the foure sorts (of white,) he is cleane. Likewise, ••f it be not somewhat darker, neither be spred, nor have white haire grow on it, nor quicke flesh, behold he is cleane. Maimony, treat. of Leprie, chap. 1. Sect. 10. 11. ascab] in Hebrew, Mispachath, that is, a thing adjoy∣ning, or cleaving: Iarchi saith, it is the name of a cleane plague, (or sore.) wash his clothes] and how much more his body, (saith Chazkuni,) foras∣much as he stood suspected of uncleannesse: and as lar∣chi saith, because he was bound to be shut up, he is called uncleane, and needeth to be washed. This signified, that even upon lesser chastisements for sinne, men should reforme their waies, and by the spirit of sanctification from God, (figured by waters, Ez••k. 36. 25. 26. 27.) should indevour to perfect holinesse in his feare, 2 Cor, 7. 1. Hebr. 10 22. For though the man was pronounced cleane, (namely from le∣prosie,) yet was he to wash, and be cleane: teach∣ing that the righteous man, is not wholly cleane, but needeth still to be washed; repenting, acknow∣ledging and asking mercy of God in Christ, and amending his life; Prov. 20. 9. 1 Ioh. 1. 8. 9. 10. And herewith wee may compare that speech of Christ; He that is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet; but is cleane every whit, Iohn 30. 10.

Vers. 8. spreadeth] The spreading maketh unclean, [unspec 8] wheresoever it is, if it be in any of the appearances (or sorts) of the plague (of leprosie mentioned in Levit. 13. 2.) but if it be in a freckled spot (Levit. 13. 39) it is no spreading. Also, the spreading is no signe of un∣cleannesse, untill it be after the shutting up: but if at his first comming, the Priest seeth the plague that it sprea∣deth and goeth on, he shall not pronounce him uncleane, but shut him up till the weekes end, and then looke up∣on him againe. Maimony, treat. of Leprie, chap. 4. Sect. 1. 2. The change of naturall colour, the deepenesse of the sore, (verse 3.) and the spreading of the same, being the chiefe signes of leprosie▪ signified the malignitie and contagion of sinne, which eateth as the gangrene; 2 Tim. 2. 17. causeth no soundnesse in the flesh, nor peace in the bones, Psal. 38. 4. but changeth the state of man: Lam. 4. 1. 7. 8. pronounce him uncleane] for the spreading sig∣nified that more corruption was still within the bodie, and the inward parts were not sound. And it figured the dominion of sinne in our mortall bo∣dies; which maketh men uncleane in God•• sig••••▪ for such are free from righteousnesse, and not under▪ grace; Rom. 6. 12. 14. 20.

Vers. 9. The plague] to weet, the other principall [unspec 9] plague, that commeth of a swelling, first mentioned in verse 2. but handled here in the second place.

V. 10. and livelines of living flesh] or, quicknes (〈◊〉〈◊〉∣ving) [unspec] of quick flesh; by livelines meaning soundnesse, or recovery; as after in v. 24. & as the Gr. here expoun∣deth it, and in verse 15. living flesh, is in Greeke sound flesh: and in other scriptures when men w〈…〉〈…〉 healed of their wounds or sores, they are said in Hebrew to live, that is, recover health, as in Ios. 5. 8. 2 King. 20. 7. So the Hebrewes, as Sol. Iarchi h••••e saith, Livinesse is Saniment (that is, soundnesse) in o∣ther language, when some of the whitenesse which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 within the swelling is turned like the flesh, that also 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 signe of uncleannesse. The Chaldee translateth it, a marke (or signe) of living flesh. The reason hereof was, that leprosie did mortifie, or make the flesh dead, Numb. 12. 12. The Hebrewes also here take and, for or; saying, It is not necessary that there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them both, the haire, and the living flesh, but either 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them is a signe of uncleannesse: and it is not written, white haire, with the livelinesse of living flesh, &c. Maimony, in treat. of Lepr. chap. 3. Sect. 4.

Vers. 11. It is an old leprosie] or, The leprosie, i•• [unspec] waxt-old, in the skin. he is uncleane] The He∣brew doctors say; The livelinesse (or, quicknesse of flesh) is no signe of uncleannesse, untill it be as big 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 lentile (or small vetch) square, or bigger thenso. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be scattred abroad, so that the living flesh be as a g〈…〉〈…〉 of mustardseed in one place, and as much in an other place, though all be within the bright-spot, they are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be counted together so big as a lentile, untill it be i•• one place, in the midst of the bright-spot, as big▪ square, or bigger then a lentile. Living flesh defileth, in any ap∣pearance (or colour;) whether it be red or blacke, or white, yea though it be not of those foure sorts of white forementioned. Neither is living flesh a signe of unclea••∣nesse, till it be within the body of the bright-spot, &c. Maimony, treat. of Lepr. chap. 3. Sect. 1. 2. 3.

Vers. 12. of the plague] that is, of him that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [unspec] the plague: as in verse 4. So verse 13. 17. &c. to all the sight of the eyes] that is, wheresoever the Prie〈…〉〈…〉

looketh, with all his heed and diligence. From these words the Hebrew doctors gather, that although a Priest that had Blemishes, might looke on a leper, yet he that was blinde though but in one eye, or, that was dimme ••ighted, might not looke on him that had the sore. Moreover they say, they looked not on the sores, but in the day time, &c. for in all this businesse, (the scripture) saith, IN THE DAY; and, IN THE DAY. They looked not on them in the morning, nor in the evening, nor within any house, nor in a cloudy day, neither at noone day, &c, but in the fourth and fift houre; (that is, at 10. and at 11. of the clocke be∣fore noone,) and in the 8. and 9. houre; (that is, at two and three of the clocke in the afternoone,) whether the plague were on men, or on garments, or on houses, Maimony, in treat. of Lepr. chap. 9. sect. 5. 6. and Thalmud. in Negagnim, chap. 2. sect. 2. This they observed, because in the morning and eve∣ning, the light is not cleare; and at noone, the brightnesse dazeleth, and may cause to mistake the colour.

Verse 13. pronounce the plague cleane] Hebr. make∣cleane [unspec 13] the plague, that is, pronounce him cleane that hath the plague. Hereupon they say; Every uncleane person when the leprosie breaketh out abroad over all his (body,) is cleane. If there appeare upon him, quicke flesh, so much as a lentile, he is uncleane, if againe he be all covered with leprosie, he is cleane. If (quick flesh ap∣peare againe, he is uncleane, though the quicke flesh be∣gin to appeare an 100. times, &c. Maimony, treat. of Lepr. chap. 7. sect. 5. This is explained by Moses himselfe, in the verses following: and the natu∣rall reason hereof seemeth to be; that when the dis∣ease is al driven out, it argueth strength and sound∣nesse in the inward parts.

Verse 15. living flesh] the Greeke translateth it [unspec 15] sound (or whole) flesh: see verse 10. it is a lepro∣sie] This is one of the most remarkable things in all this Law, that quicke or sound flesh in the sore, should be judged leprosie, and the man uncleane: whereas if the leprosie covered all his flesh, he was pro∣nounced cleane, verse 13. And hereby the Holy ghost seemeth to teach, that if we would judge our selves, we should not be judged of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11. 31. If we confesse our sinnes; he is faithfull and just to forgive us our sinnes, and to cleanse us from all unrigh∣teo••snesse; 1 Ioh. 1. 9. But if any quicke or sound flesh▪ any part of health or life be pretended in our sinfull nature, or any whit of righteousnesse by the workes of the Law, (by which no flesh shall be justi∣fied, Galat. 2. 16.) then God pronounceth us un∣deane, for we cannot be justified but by the faith of Iesus Christ, Gal. 2. 16. And by grace we are saved, Eph. 2. 5. so then it is no more of workes, otherwise grace is no more grace, Rom. 11. 6. and whosoever are justified by the law, are fallen from grace, Galath. 5. 4. Wherefore David, that he might finde grace in the eyes of God, acknowledged there was no soundnesse in his flesh: Psal. 38. 4. 8.

Vers. 18. flesh] the Chaldee translateth it a man: [unspec] and ••o the word flesh often signifieth, as is noted on Gen. 6. 12. though here it may be taken pro∣perly. So in verse 24. abile] in Hebrew Shechin, which signifieth an▪ hot-ulcer, or push; which is with inflammation, yet differing from the burning after mentioned, in verse 24. for that is with fire proper∣ly; but this may proceed outwardly of a stroke with a stone, or with wood, and the like; or from inward dis∣eases, inflammations, burning-fevers, and the like, which breake out and corrupt the skin: as the Hebrew do∣ctors doe distinguish them, Maim. treat. of Leprie, chap. 5. sect. 1. Such biles, figured sinnes and pu∣nishments for them, Exod. 9. 9. 10. Deut. 28. 27. Rev. 16. 2. is healed] Abile, or a burning, all the while they are matterie sores, make not a man uncleane at all. But if they have beene fully healed, though the place have a scarre, and be not like the rest of the skin, yet is it as the skinne of the flesh for any thing, and they become uncleane by three signes, and are to be shut up as is before declared. Maimony ibid. chap. 5. sect. 3. The healing of the bile, figured the forgivenesse of sin, and release of punishment for the same: Exod. 15. 26. Matth. 13. 15. with Marke 4. 12. Psal. 41. 5.

Vers. 19. or a bright-spot] the same equitie is, for [unspec 19] the scab of the bright-spot, and the scab of the white swelling, forementioned; as the He∣brewes affirme: Maimony, in Lepr. chap. 1. sect. 4. somewhat-reddish] that hath any red colour, little or much, mingled with it. Which mixed ap∣pearance, the Hebrew doctors disting••••sh, and compare with the foure appearances (or sorts) of white before mentioned, by this similitude, of foure cups full of milke; and in the first cup there are mixed two drops of blood; in the second, foure drops; in the third, eight drops; and in the fourth, sixteene drops. The mixture in the bright spot, hath the appearance of (the milke in) the fourth cup: and the mixture in the swelling, is as the appearance of the third cup. The mix∣ture in the scab of the bright-spot, is as the appearance of the second cup: and the mixture in the Scab of the swel∣ling, is as the appearance of the first cup. All these mix∣ed appearances are accounted as one. Maimony, treat. of Lepr. chap. 1. sect. 4. 5. The Greeke translateth, white or somewhat-reddish, as if they were distinct. So after in verse 42.

Vers. 20. plague of leprosie] This sore, arising of a [unspec 20] bile after it was healed, verse 18. and now turned to a worse, even to a leprosie; sheweth how sinnes after we are healed of them, when they returne, doe make us worse then before: as the Apostle saith, If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, they are againe intangled therein, and o∣vercome: the latter-end is worse with them then the beginning. 2 Pet. 2. 20. Wherefore our Saviour al∣so said; Behold, thou art made whole, sinne no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. Ioh. 5. 14.

Vers. 21. seven dayes] for the former, they might [unspec 21] be shut up twise seven dayes, verse 5. Moses for this and the next sort, mentioneth but once. So the Hebrew doctors say, The Bile, and the Burning doe make one uncleane, in one weeke, and by two signes; by white haire, and by the spreading. [And there is for them, no shutting up, but one weeke.] Talmud in Negagnim, c. 3. s. 4. Maimony, treat. of Lepr, c. 5. s. 4.

Vers. 22. it is the plague] to weet, of leprosie, as [unspec 22] the Greeke version addeth.

Vers. 23. an inflammation] or, a skarre, a print, as [unspec 23]

the Greeke and Chaldee doe translate it: so in vers. 28. The Hebrewes explaine it thus; If the Bile and the Burning begin to be quicke, and to heale; and there come upon them a rinde like the rinde of garlicke, that is, the Tsarebeth (or inflammation) of the Bile, spoken of in the Law; and the Michjath (or c••red-skar) of the Burning spoken of there, &c. Ma••mony▪ treat. of Lepr. chap. 5. sect. 4. pronounce him cleane] to weet, from the contagion of leprosie. By this was figu∣red, that though the signes and markes of our for∣mer sinnes (which God hath healed by forgive∣nesse) doe remaine in us; yet if they spread not, that is, reigne not in our mortall bodies; they shall not be imputed unto us, but forgiven; for wee are not under the Law, but under Grace. Rom. 6. 12. 14. 1 Ioh. 1. 9. 10. 2 Cor. 12. 9.

Vers. 24. flesh] in Chaldee, a man: as verse 18. [unspec 24] burning of fire] The Hebrewes understand this properly, to be done with coles, embers, red-hot yron or the like: Maimony, in Lepr. chap. 5. sect. 1. This also figured sinne; as, Can one goe upon▪ hot∣coles, and his feet not be burnt? So he that goeth in to his neighbours wife; whosoever toucheth her, shall not be in∣nocent; Prov. 6. 28. 29. Livelinesse] that is, li∣ving or quicke flesh; meaning soundnesse, or the cured-skarre. This seemeth to answere unto the word healed in verse 18. and so the Greeke here translateth it (hugiasthen) a healed-place; and the Chaldee (roshem) a skarre, or print; and to these, the old Latine version agreeth; and the Hebrew doctors, as is before noted on verse 23. The He∣brew also which properly signifieth Living, is used for healing or recoverie, as is shewed on verse 10. be] that is, become, or have in it a bright-spot. or white] that is, onely white, without any red mixed: see the notes on verse 19.

Vers. 25. leprosie] The reason and signification [unspec 25] hereof, was the same before noted on verse 20.

Verse 26. somewhat darke] not so white as any sort of leprosie; see verse 6. seven dayes] to weet, [unspec 26] one seven, not moe; as is before noted on verse 21.

Vers. 28. an inflammation] or, skarre, print, cha∣racter: as the Greeke and Chaldee translate: see [unspec 28] verse 23. where also the meaning hereof is shewed.

Vers. 29. plague] the Greeke addeth, the plague [unspec 29] of leprosie.

Vers. 30. a skall] in Hebrew Nethek which is a [unspec 30] name peculiar to the Leprie on the head or beard, not on other places; and it hath the name of brea∣king or plucking-up. And so the Greeke also nameth it Thra••sma, a broken sore. The Hebrewes describe it thus. The plague of the head or beard, is when the haire that is on them, falleth off by the rootes, and the place of the haire remaineth bare; and this is that which is called Nethek. Maimony, treat. of Lepr. chap. 8. sect. 1. or of the beard] this teacheth that they are counted two severall, saith Maimony, ibidem sect. 14. Haire is both an ornament to the body; and a signe of naturall strength, as proceeding from kindly heat and moisture: which when they faile, and corrupt humors come in place, there breedeth a le∣prosie in the bodie: whereby God figured a like estate in the soule, destitute of the heat of his spi∣rit, and moisture of grace, and replenished with sinfull corruption.

Vers. 31. no blacke haire] for black haire, is a signe [unspec] of healing, vers. 37. as in nature it signifieth health, and strength of bodie: wherefore Christs lockes are in mysterie said to be blacke as a Raven, Song 5. 11. Yelow haire and thin (or small,) is a signe here of the leprie, verse 30. as arguing decay and cor∣ruption of nature. And the yelow haire spoken of in this businesse, (as the Hebrewes say,) is that which is of the colour of gold; and that which is called thin (or small) is that which is short: but if it be long, though it be yellow as gold, it is no signe of uncleannesse▪ Two yellow small haires, are a signe of uncleannesse; whe∣ther they be one hard by another, or one farre from ano∣ther; whether they be in the midst of the skall, or in the edge of it; whether they be there before the skall, or the skall be there before the yellow haire; it is a signe of un∣cleannesse: Maimony, in treat. of Lepr. chap. 8. sect. 4. 5. the plague] that is, him that hath the plague: as verse 4. So in verse 33.

Vers. 33. shave himselfe] The manner hereof, they say, was this; he shaved (the haire that grew) without the skall, and left two haires close by it, that they might discerne whether it spred or no. Maimony in Lepr. chap. 8. sect. 3. the second time] and no more. There is no shutting up for the skall, more the•• two weekes: and if after he be released, there grow yel∣low haire therein, or it spread; he shall then be pr〈…〉〈…〉∣ced uncleane. Maimony, in Lepr. chap. 8. sect. 2. See before on verse 6.

Vers. 37. stand in his eyes] in Chaldee, stand as it [unspec] was; to weet, at a stay, without spreading: see v. 5. So the Greeke saith, if before him it abide in the place. blacke haire] See the notes on verse 21. The blacke haire, freeth not a man in skalls, unlesse there be at least two haires: neither doe they free a man, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 length be such as the top of them may bow towards the root of them: &c. If two haires grow up, one blacke, and another white or yellow; one long, and another short; they free not a man. The skall that is pronounced ••••∣cleane, for the yellow haire, or for the spreading; if there grow blacke haire in it, and he be pronounced cleane: al∣though the blacke haire goe away, yet is he cleane, un∣till other yellow haire grow in it, or it spread further•• gaine, after the blacke haire is gone: for it is said, i•• skall is healed, he is cleane. When it is healed, he is cle••••, although signes of uncleannesse be in the place. M〈…〉〈…〉∣ny, treat. of Lepr. chap. 8. sect. 6. 7. 8. he is cleane, and the Priest, &c.] Hereupon Sol. Ia••ch•• noteth; Loe the uncleane whom the Priest pron〈…〉〈…〉eth cleane, is not cleane. Teaching that the truth of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mans estate, discerned by the Law and word of God, (which is the truth, Ioh. 17. 17.) made the man cleane or uncleane; and not the sentence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Priest, if it swarved from the Law.

Verse 39. darkish] or somewhat-darke, as in v. 6. So that their whitenesse (saith Sol. Iarchi) is not str••••g•• but somewhat-darke. a freckled-spot] or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 morphew: in Hebrew b••hak, a word not used but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this one place; & it hath the signification of cle〈…〉〈…〉 nesse or whitenesse: and is not a leprosie, but a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 goer of it, and neere thereunto. The Greek call•••• it Alph••s, which is a kinde of white-spot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the skin: for as Corn. Celsus (in l. 5. 〈…〉〈…〉.) 〈◊〉〈◊〉

though it bring no danger with it, yet it is filthie, and commeth of an evill habit of the body. he is cleane] to weet, from leprosie: for though it spotted the skin, yet it fretted not the flesh. God sheweth him-selfe hereby mercifull to the infirmities of his peo∣ple; not esteeming every spot or deformitie in them, as a malignant sin. So in the case following, verse 40. 41.

Vers. 40. hath the haire fallen-off] or, is pilled. bald] to weet, behinde, from the crowne to∣wards [unspec 40] the necke; which baldnesse the Hebrew calleth Karachath; and it is distinguished from the forehead-baldnesse called gabbachath, verse 41. 42. which is, from the crowne of the head, towards the face. And so the Hebrew doctors doe explaine them, as two sorts: Maimony, treat. of Leprie. chap. 5. sect. 8. 10. The Greeke also translateth them by two divers words, Ph••lacroma, the baldnesse-be∣hinde; and anaphalantoma, the baldnesse-before.

Verse 42. the bald head] or, baldnesse-behinde: [unspec 42] Heb. karachath. bald-forehead] or fore-baldnesse: Heb gabbachath. somewhat reddish] the Greek translateth, or somewhat reddish: see the notes on verse 19. [unspec 43]

Verse 43. swelling] by naming this one, he com∣prehendeth also the other, as the bright-spot, the bile, and the burning, spoken of before in verse 2. 18. 24. all which might be upon the bald head, as well as upon the other skin of the bodie: and dis∣cerned as the former, saving by the haire. leprosie in the skin] or, the leprosie of the skin of the flesh. From these words, the Hebrew doctors gather the signes of this kinde of leprosie, according to those forementioned; saying: The bald-head, and the bald forehead, defile by two signes, by quicke flesh, and by spreading And they are shut up for them two weekes: for it is said of them, As the sight of leprosie in the skin of the flesh. And because in them there is no haire, the white haire is no signe of uncleannesse in them. They make one uncleane by two signes, and in two weekes, thus. If there be a bright-spot in the bald head or bald-forehead, and there be quicke flesh therein, he is pro∣nounced uncleane: if there be no quicke flesh, he shutteth him up, and seeth him at the seven dayes end; if there be growne any quicke flesh on it, or if it be spred, he is pro∣nounced uncleane: if not, he shutteth him up seven daies more. If then it be spred, or have quicke flesh growne on it; he is pronounced uncleane: if not, he is set free. If after he is freed, it spread, or quicke flesh grow up; he is pronounced uncleane. The bald, head, or bald-forehead, or the beard whose haire is fallen off; if there be upon them a bile, or a burning; they make a man uncleane, as doe the bile and the burning upon the sk••in of the flesh: for the head or beard whose haire is fallen off, is as the skin of the flesh for every thing, save that they make not uncleane by the white haire, &c. Maimony, treat. of Lepr. c. 5 s. 9. 11. Of these two signes, the quicke flesh, and the spreading; see the notes on v. 8. 10.

Verse 44. utterly uncleane] Hebr. making-unclean [unspec 44] he shall make him uncleane; or, as the Gr. saith, shall pollute him with pollution. This signified, that if un∣to infirmitie, be added malignitie, or presumption; it maketh the sinner a spirituall leper in the sight of God.

Vers. 45. the plague is] to weet, so pronounced by [unspec 45] the Priest: as vers. 4. rent] in signe of sorrow: see Gen. 37. 29. Levit. 10. 6. Chazkuni expoun∣deth it, He shall mourne for his deedes: for because of his evil deedes, the plague is come upon him. bare] or free, to weet, from cutting, that is it shalbe unshorn: for to let the haire grow, was an other signe of sor∣row: see the notes on Gen. 41. 24. and Levit. 10. 6. O. free, from cap or bonnet, that is, as the Greeke translateth uncovered; so the word also signifieth, Numb. 5. 18. yet not bare altogether, but cove∣red with a cloth, after the manner of the mourners, 2 Sam. 15. 30. The Hebrew canons say, It is com manded that the leper pronounced uncleane, doc cover his head all the dayes that he is excluded; and put a co∣vering on his upper lip, as a mourner; and rend his clothes; and make it knowne to those that passe by him, that he is uncleane, Levit. 13. 45. Although it be the high priest that is a leper, he makes his head free, and rends his clothes: for an affirmative precept puts away a prohibitive. A leprous woman makes not her head free, neither rendeth her clothes, nor covereth her upper lip: but she sitteth without the city, and makes it knowne to others, that she is uncleane. Maimony, treat. of Lepr. chap. 10. sect. 6. 8. put a covering] or, cover, wrap over; the Chaldee addeth, cover as a mourner: for as the covering of the head, so of the mouth or lip, was a signe of sorrow and shame as is said, The S••ers shall be ashamed, &c. they shall all cover the up∣per-lip, for there is no answere of God. Mi••h, 3. 7. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Ezek. 24. 17. when he had said make no m••••••∣ning, &c. he addeth, binde the tire of thy head upon thee, and put on thy shooes upon thy feete a••d cover not the upper-lip. Hereby also was implied, as the He∣brewes say, that he might not salute a••y m••n, all the dayes of his uncleannesse, as being a mourner, Ma〈…〉〈…〉 ny, treat. of Lepr. chap. 10. sect. 6. the up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lip] or, the beard of the upper lip, as Sol. Iarch〈…〉〈…〉 preteth it, the haire of the lippes: the Greeke 〈…〉〈…〉∣teth it his mouth▪ unclean unclean] 〈…〉〈…〉, I am, or here is one uncleane: so confessing and 〈…〉〈…〉∣claiming his miserie, and giving oth••rs warning, lest they be defiled by touching him. Therefore Onkelos the Chaldee paraphrast translateth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••e not ye made uncleane, be not ye made uncleane: and Iona∣than, Avoid avoid from the unclean. This is opened in Lam. 4. 15. They cried unto them, Depart, (〈◊〉〈◊〉 am) uncleane: depart, depart, touch not. Likewise in Esa. 52. 11. Depart, depart, goe out from thence; uncleane (it is) touch it not. The Hebrew doctors say, The Leper is the chiefe of all things that are most uncleane, he defileth men and vessels by touching him; and earth••n vessels by the ayre: and defileth men by carying of him, and defileth his bed, and his seat, &c. Maimony, in Lepr. chap. 10. sect. 11. These rites, figured our mortification, confession of sinnes, and suffering of miseries for the same; ••am. 4 8. 9. 10. For, we are all, as an uncleane person; Esa. 64. 6. and David ac∣knowledged himselfe to bee a Leprous sinner, in Psalme 51. where he maketh confession of his mis∣deedes, and desireth to be purged with hysope, as were the Lepers, Levit. 14. 4. And from Solomons words in 2 Chron. 6. 29. when every one shall know his owne plague and his owne griefe: Baal hattu〈…〉〈…〉

inferreth, that at first it is needfull that a man know his plague, and be cleansed from it by repentance, be∣fore he pray.

Vers. 46. dwell] or sit alone, as the Greeke trans∣lateth [unspec 46] separated, from other, cleane mens societie. So King Azarias being a leper, dwelt in a severall house, 2 King. 15. 5. And Marie striken with lepro∣sie, was shut out of the campe, Num. 12. 14. as all le∣pers were to be, Num. 5. 2. So that dwelling alone, debarreth him not from conversing with other le∣pers, but with the cleane onely. By the Hebrew canons, If a leper came into any house, all that was in the house, was uncleane, both men and vessels, although he touched them not. If he were standing under a tree, and a cleane person passed under that tree, he became uncleane. If he came into a Synagogue, they made for him a distinct roome apart, ten handbredths high, and and foure cubits broad, and he came in first, and went out last; that his situation might be by himselfe alone, and be might not stand among the people, and defile them. Maimony, treat. of Leprie, c. 10. s. 12. The Lepers were thus to be secluded, that they defiled not their campes, in the midst whereof the Lord dwel∣led, Num. 5. 3. figuring the putting of polluting sin∣ners out of the Church, lest others by them, be le∣vened and defiled, 1 Cor. 5. 6. 7. 13. Heb. 12. 15. and the abstaining from familiaritie with them; 1 Cor. 5. 11. that they might be ashamed and hum∣bled for their offences, 2 Thes. 3. 14. Lam. 1. 1. 8. and 3. 1. 28. &c. The Hebrew doctors also, have thus understood these figures; they say; When a man considereth this thing, he will be abashed and ashamed for his iniquitie: for every iniquity, is a plague & a blemish in his soule. &c. And as it is written of the Leper, his clothes shall be rent, and he shall put a covering on his up∣per-lip, and shall cry uncleane, uncleane, and it is said, he shall dwell alone, without the campe, shall his dwelling be: so the pollution which is in the soule, and removeth farre from the holinesse that is on high, that causeth the body beneath to be likewise removed farre from the campe of Israel: And if a man turne by repentance, to clense his spots, by receiving chastisements upon him; loe he is clensed from his leprosie; otherwise, his leprosie clea∣veth to his soule; and in this world and in the world to come he is removed farre from all the Campe that is on high, untill he be made cleane. R Elias, in Sepher Re∣shith ch••chmah, treat. of the Feare of God: c. 9. These ordinances for lepers, shewed also the effect of the Law in sinners, which driveth them from the com∣munion of God and his people: till by repentance and faith they come unto Christ, who then will touch and heale them, as Matth. 8. 2. 3. & 11. 28. As for the Law, it leaveth them in their uncleannesse, and to mourne for the same: but meanes to heale them it sheweth none; that grace was reserved for Christ to give, Matth. 11. 5. and 8. 16. 17.

Vers. 47. woollen garment] Hebr. in a garment of [unspec 47] wooll, or in a garment of flaxe. These things the He∣brew doctors understand strictly, of the wooll of sheepe, and of flaxe only, not of hempe or the like: saying, No garments are made uncleane by plagues (or spots) but garments of wooll and of flaxe onely; and all vessels (or instruments) of skin, &c. Camels haire and sheepes wooll, that are sp••••n (or twisted) one with ano∣ther, if the most part be of camels haire, it is not made uncleane by plagues; but if the most part be of sheepe: wooll, it is made uncleane: or if halfe to halfe, it is made uncleane. And the same law is for flaxe and hempe one with another. And if the warpe be flaxe, and the woofe hempe; or the warpe hempe, and the woofe flaxe: it is not made uncleane by plagues. Likewise if the warpe, or the woofe be flaxe, or wooll, and the residue, goats haire, or the like, it is not made uncleane. Maimony, treat. of Leprie, chap. 13. sect. 1. 3. and Talmud Bab. in Ne∣gagnim. chap. 10. sect. 2. The Law, which shewed no way to cure the Leper, but left him in his un∣cleannesse, sorrow and solitarie estate: proceedeth here to shew the contagion of this sicknesse, how it defileth not onely the bodies of men, and separa∣teth them from the campe of God and his people; but polluteth also their garments and instruments, so making them unfit for any use, save for the fire, verse 52. Hereby the nature of sinne was signified, and the increase of the strength thereof by the Law.

Vers. 48. woofe] so named of weaving in: the He∣brew [unspec 48] word, properly signifieth mixture; because the woofe is mixed with and woven into the warpe or threeds that run along. These are thus distingui∣shed, because if the plague appeare in the warpe onely, the woofe is cleane: or if it appeare in the woofe onely, the warpe is cleane. Maimony, in Lepr. chap. 13. sect. 9. Moreover they say, Garments that are died (or colou∣red) are not defiled by plagues; whether they be died by the hand of man, or by the hand of God; unlesse they bee white. If the warpe of a garment be died, and the woofe white; or the woofe died, and the warpe white: the whole goeth after that which appeareth. A garment that hath many pieces sowed on; some died, and some white: if there appeare a plague in the white, they shut it up: if it abide two weekes it is all uncleane, and to be burnt. If it be all died, and there be but one smal white piece in it, & there appeare a plague thereon; he shutteth it up: if it conti∣nue so two weekes, it shall be burnt. Ibidem chap. 12. sect. 10. 13. of linnen] Heb. of flaxe and of wooll. worke of skin] that is, any vessell, or instrument made of skin, for any worke or use; as is after explained in verse 51. 52. Here the Hebrew doctors except the skinnes of the creatures in the sea, that they receive no uncleannesse by plagues. But if any thing that liveth on or groweth out of the land, be joyned unto them, though it be but a threed of wooll or of flaxe, or of other skin of beasts, and so any vessell be made of them; they are made uncleane by plagues. Talmud in Negagnim: chap. 10. sect. 1. Maim. in Lepr. chap. 13. sect. 5.

Vers. 49 greenish] or very greene: and so after, very [unspec] red. The Hebrewes say, Three signes of uncleannesse are in garments; greennesse, rednesse, and spreading. Greennesse, is such a colour as is in greene hearbs, which is very much greene. And the red, is very much red, like fair-crimsin. And for both these colours, they shut up the garment: and if it abide in this colour, two weekes, they pronounce it uncleane, and burne it. Likewise if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spread, they pronounce it uncleane, and burne it. As, if in a garment there appeare a greene spot, or a red, they shut it up 7. daies: and in the seventh, he looketh 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉; if it be spred, hee pronounceth it uncleane, and bur∣neth all the garment. And if it abide in the colour,

b•••• sp••••ad not; or if it be spred, but be dimmor then the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉lours wherein it was shut up: or if the colour bee gr〈…〉〈…〉e more red, or more greene, but not spred; they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the spotted place, and shut it up seven daies more. And in the end of those 7. daies, which is the 13. day, he 〈…〉〈…〉eth if it be dimmer in colour the third time, then is be bound to wash it, and it is cleane. And if the colour be ch••••ged from that it was; as if it was greene, and is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or was red, and is become greene: hee ren∣deth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the spotted place, and burneth that which is rent 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and soweth a piece into the rent place: and the residue of the garment is free, and washed all over the second time, and is cleane. But if it abide in the colour wherein it was shut up at the first; he pronounceth it un∣cleane, and burneth it all. A garment out of which the spot is rent, at the end of the second weeke; if any spot come again into it, it is burnt. Likewise if the spot spread in a garment, after it is freed; it is burnt. Maim. treat. of Leprosie, chap. 12. sect. 1. 2. 4.

Vers. 50. shall shut up] in Greeke, shall separate [unspec 50] the plague; meaning the thing that hath the plague of Leprosie on it: see vers. 4.

Vers. 51. fretting] or rankling: this word is not [unspec 51] used, but in this case of leprie, and in Ezek. 28. 24. where it is applied to a pricking or ranckling briar. The Greeke translateth it a continuing leprosie, the Chaldee a diminishing; because that which fretteth, both continueth long, and wasteth the thing wherein it is. So in chap. 14. 44. it is un∣cleane] it is one of the maine uncleane things, and as the Hebrewes write, it maketh uncleane by touch∣ing it, or by bearing it, or by comming in where it is. As, a leprous garment, or warpe, or woofe, or any vessell of skin plagued (with leprosie:) if but so much as an olive of them come into a cleane house; all that is in the house, is made uncleane, both men and vessels, and are all made principall uncleane things, &c. The leprous thing is like unto the dead, as it is said, Let her not be as one dead, Num. 12. 12. How doth the dead (defile?) by so much as an olive: so these things also, by so much as an olive. Maim. in Lepr. chap. 13. sect. 13. 14.

Vers. 52. in woollen] Hebr. in wooll, or in flaxe; that is, made of wooll or of flaxe. This burning of leprous [unspec 52] garments, signified the abhomination which all should have of sinne; for the consuming and aboli∣shing of it, and of all instruments and moniments thereof: as by comparing scriptures for some par∣ticular evils, may bee gathered. See Deut. 7. 25. Esa. 30. 22. Iude verse 23. Act. 19. 19.

Vers. 54. command, that they wash] the com∣mandement, [unspec 54] is by the Priest; the washing, by any man: as Baal haturim here observeth.

Vers. 55. his colour] Hebrew, his eye: the colour [unspec 55] is so called, because it is discerned by the eye: so in Numb. 11. 7. Ezek. 1. 16. and 8. 2. fret-inward] or, a deepe-fret, that diminisheth and consumeth it: the Chaldee translateth it, a breaking: the Greeke thus, it is confirmed, (or fast-setled) in the garment, or in the warpe, or in the woofe. bare-inside] He∣brew, the fore-baldnesse thereof, or in the hinder-bald∣nesse thereof. The words before used in verse 42. for the baldnesse of the head before or behind, are here applied to the garment; which when the wooll or stuffe is eaten off in the out side or in the inner, with the fretting leprie; is thereupon called bald. The Greeke translateth them the warpe and the woofe; as before is noted: the Chaldee, in the worne (or old) part thereof, or in the new part thereof: and so other the Hebrew doctors explaine it, say∣ing, Karachath, is the old-worn places: and gabbachath is the new. Maim. treat. of Lepr••, c. 12. s. 9.

Vers. 56. rend it] rend the place of the plague, out of the garment, and burne it. saith Sol. Iarchi. But if [unspec 56] it were still seene in the garment after this, then the whole garment was burnt; v. 57.

Ver. 57. a plague breaking out-abroad] or, a sprea∣ding [unspec 57] (as the Chaldee saith an increasing) leprosie. In Greek, a flourishing leprie.

Vers. 58. washed the second time] Chazkuni ex∣plaineth [unspec 58] it, the second time, for to clease it, and the first time, for to put away the plague of it. These legall washings were carnall ordinances, imposed on them, untill the time of reformation, Hebrew. 9. 10. but our washing is by the blood and spirit of Christ, wher∣by he hath washed us from our sinnes, Revel. 1. 5. so that we draw neer unto God, with a true heart, and full assurance of faith; having our hearts sprinkled from an evill conscience, and our bodies washed with pure wa∣ter, Heb. 10. 22. and clensing our selves from all fil∣thinesse of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holinesse in the feare of God, (2 Corinth. 7. 1.) in us may be fulfilled that which is written, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white, in the blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7. 14.