according to the order set, in Exod. 18. 22. 26. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Shelmoith] in Greeke, Salomith, daughter of Dabrei: she being an Hebrewesse, had maried an Egyptian whiles she dwelt in Egypt; whose sonne now blasphemed God.
Vers. 12. in ward] or, in prison. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he might declare] meaning, that Moses might declare, or, that [unspec 12] it might be declared unto them. The Hebrew phrase to declare (or expound) may be expressed both these wayes, as is noted on Gen. 6. 19. 20. The Chal∣dee explaineth it thus, untill it was declared (or ex∣pressed) unto them, by the decree of the word of the Lord; to weet, what punishment the blasphemer should have: therefore the Greeke translateth, to judge him, by the commandement of the Lord. For as men judge not for man, but for the Lord, 2 Chron: 19. 6. so are they to judge, according to his judge∣ments, Ezckiel 44. 24. which if they be not mani∣fest, are to be inquired; the cause being brought unto God, Exod. 18. 19. So Moses did in other hard cases, Numb. 27. 1. ••5. and 15. 34.
Vers. 14. out of the campe] or, to (a place) without [unspec 14] the campe: because the campe of Israel was holy, and all uncleane persons were to be put out of it, Num. 5. 2. 3. much more the flagitious. lay their hands] both to signifie the truth of their testi∣mony, and that his blood should be on his owne head. Wee finde not this rite of imposing hands, commanded for any other malefactors; and the Hebrewes hold it to bee peculiar unto this sinne. All the witnesses and the Iudges every one lay their hands on the blasphemers head, and say unto him, Thy blood (be) upon thine head, for thou hast occasioned it unto thy selfe. And of all that are killed by the Syne∣drion, there is none upon whom they impose hands, save the blasphemer onely, (Levit. 24. 14.) Maimony treat. of Idolatrie, chap. 2. sect. 10.
Vers. 15. Anyman] or Every man: Hebr. Man [unspec 15] man: which Targum Ionathan expoundeth yong man or old man. Vpon this particular occasion, a generall law is here given, for punishing of blas∣phemers. beare his sinne] that is, the punishment due for his sinne.
Vers. 16. blasphemeth] in Chaldee, expresseth, in [unspec 16] Greeke, nameth: see vers. 11. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 name of Iehovah] Hereupon some of the Heb ewes gather, that the blasphemer is not to be stoned, unlesse he expresse that sacred name IEHOVAH, but the wiser of them justly mislike that restraint, though them∣selves doe overmuch restraine it. There be some that expound it, that he is not guiltie (of death) save for the name IHVH, that is, Iehovah:) but I say that for Adonai ••lsa (that is, LORD) he is to be stoned; saith Maimony treat, of Idolatrie, chap. 2. sect. 7. And they are long since come unto this, that they hold the name of Iehovah unlawfull to be pro∣nounced in 〈…〉〈…〉ading of the scripture, or otherwise; except in the Sanctuarie when the Priest blessed the people according to the Law in Numb. 6. 23. 27. there (they say) he pronounced the name as it is written with IHVH, but out of the Sanctuarie they pronounced it Ad〈…〉〈…〉: for they mentioned not the name as it is written, but in the Sanctuarie onely. And after that Simeon the just, was dead, the Priests ceased from blessing by the name as it is written (IHVH, though it were in the Sanctuarie; to the end th〈…〉〈…〉 man should learne it, which was not of good esteeme, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 meet (for to learne it.) And our first wife men, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not learne it their disciples, or their children, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were meet (or honest;) save once in seven 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Maimony treat of Prayer, chapter 14. section 10. By this it appeareth, that this custome was taken up of themselves, not commanded of God: the sanctifying of whose name, standeth not in letters and syllables; but in faith and obedience, Numb. 20. 12. and 15. 30. See the annotations on Exod. 6. 3. and Numb. 6. blasphemeth the name] see verse 11. the Greeke translateth, nameth the name 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lord: meaning with blasphemie and cursing, as did this Egyptians sonne.
Vers. 17. shall smite] that is, as the Chaldee trans∣lateth, [unspec 17] shall kill. See the notes on Gen. 14. 17. soule] that is, life: see Gen. 19. 17. and 37. 21. and for putting murtherers to death, see Exod. 21. 22. shall surely be put to death] or, shall bee put to dye the death; and Targum Ionathan explaineth it, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be killed with the sword.
Vers. 18. the soule of a beast] that is, the life of it: [unspec 18] which the Greeke explaineth thus, hee that sm〈…〉〈…〉 a beast and it dye. soule for soule] or, life for l〈…〉〈…〉, that is, one living beast for another; as oxe for oxe, sheepe for sheepe, and the like.
Vers. 19. so shall it be done] by the Magistrate, [unspec 19] according to the rigour of justice: except he buy it off with money. For unlesse it were mu〈…〉〈…〉, (which God forbade to bee bought off with any ransome, Numb. 35. 31.) the Hebrewes hold 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blemishes and hurts might be redeemed with mo∣ney. Which seemeth also to be warrantable by the Law, in Exod. 21. 18. 19, And for that in some ca∣ses it could hardly be done, or not at all. For if a man had smitten his neighbour on the eye, and made him lose halfe or a fourth part of his sight, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if a blinde man had smitten out another mans eye. how should the like bee done againe unto him? The Hebrew canons say; He that hurteth his neigh∣bour, is bound to pay unto him five things; to weet, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his dammage, and for the paine, and for his healing, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for his resting (from his affaires,) and for the s〈…〉〈…〉 and these five things must all bee recompenced with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 best of his goods. How for the dammage? If he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cut off his neghbours hand, or his foot; they looke on him, as if he were a servant to bee sold in the ma••ket, him much he was worth, and how much he is worth 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and what is abated of his price, hee must pay; 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉, EYE FOR EYE; which wee have b〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉got to be meant of paying for it with his goods. That what is said in the Law, (Levit. 24. 20.) As he hath given a blemish upon a man, so shall it be given upon him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not meant that he should be hurt, as his neighbour 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hurt, &c. Maimony ••om 4. in Chobel, chap. 1. sect. 1. 2. 3. See also the annotations on Exod. 21.
V. 10. Breach for breach] Targum Ionathan saith, [unspec 10] The price of ba••ach, for breach, the price of an eye for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eye, &c. As there are severall sorts and degrees of hurts and blemishes, so were the penalties rated; which the Hebrewes lay downe thus; Her that cutteth off his neighbours hand or foot, or finger, 〈◊〉〈◊〉