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.

CHAP. II.

1. The order of the Tribes pitching about the Ta∣bernacle. 3. On the East side, Iudah, Issachar and Zabulon. 10. On the South side, Reuben, Simeon and Gad. 17. The Tabernacle in the midst of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 campe. 18. On the West side, Ephraim, Man〈…〉〈…〉 and Benjamin. 25. On the North side, Dan, A〈…〉〈…〉 and Naphtali.

ANd Iehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying; The sonnes of Is∣rael shall encamp, every man by his standard, with the ensignes, according to the house of their fathers: over against, round a∣bout the Tent of the congregation, shal the•• encampe. And they that encampe for most

Eastward, shalbe the standard of the campe of Iudah, according to their armies; and the captaine of the sonnes of Iudah, shalbe Na∣asson the sonne of Aminadab. And his ar∣mie, and those that were mustered of them, [unspec 4] were seventy and foure thousand, and six hundred. And they that encampe next un∣to [unspec 5] him, shall be the tribe of Issachar: and the captaine of the sonnes of Issachar, shalbe Nethaneel, the sonne of Zuar. And his ar∣mie, [unspec 6] and those that were mustered thereof, were foure and fifty thousand, and foure hun∣dred. The tribe of Zabulon, and the Prince of the sonnes of Zabulon, shalbe Eliab the [unspec 7] sonne of Helon. And his armie, and those [unspec 8] that were mustered thereof, were seven and fifty thousand, and foure hundred. All that [unspec 9] were mustered, of the campe of Iudah, were an hundred thousand, and eightie thousand, and six thousand, and foure hundred, accor∣ding to their armies: they shall set forward, first.

The standard of the campe of Reuben [unspec 10] shalbe Southward, according to their armies: and the captaine of the sonnes of Reuben, shalbe Elizur the sonne of Shedeur. And his [unspec 11] armie, and those that were mustered thereof, were six and fortie thousand, and five hun∣dred. And they that encampe next unto [unspec 12] him, shalbe the tribe of Simeon: and the cap∣taine of the sonnes of Simeon, shalbe Shelu∣miel, the sonne of Zurishaddai. And his ar∣mie, [unspec 13] and those that were mustered thereof, were nine and fifty thousand, and three hun∣dred. And the tribe of Gad, and the cap∣taine [unspec 14] of the sonnes of Gad, Eliasaph, the sonne of Reguel. And his armie, and those [unspec 15] that were mustered of them, were five and fortie thousand, and six hundred, and fifty. All that were mustered, of the campe of Reu∣ben, [unspec 16] were an hundred thousand, and one and fifty thousand, and foure hundred and fifty, according to their armies: and they shall set forward, second.

And the Tent of the congregation shall [unspec 17] set forward, the campe of the Levites, in the midst of the campes: as they encampe, so shall they set forward: every man in his place, according to their standards.

The standard of the campe of Ephraim, [unspec 18] according to their armies, shalbe Sea-ward: and the captaine of the sonnes of Ephraim, shalbe Elishama the sonne of Ammihud. And [unspec 19] his armie, and those that were mustered of them, forty thousand, and five hundred. And next unto him, shalbe the tribe of Ma∣nasses: [unspec] and the captaine of the sonnes of Manasses, shalbe Gamaliel, the sonne of Pe∣dahzur. And his armie, and those that were [unspec 21] mustered of them, two and thirtie thousand, and two hundred. And the tribe of Benja∣min, [unspec 22] and the captaine of the sonnes of Ben∣jamin, shalbe Abidan, the sonne of Gideoni. And his armie, and those that were mustered [unspec 23] of them, five and thirty thousand, and foure hundred. All that were mustered, of the [unspec 24] campe of Ephraim, were an hundred thou∣sand, and eight thousand, and an hundred, according to their armies: and they shall set forward, third.

The standard of the campe of Dan, shalbe [unspec 25] Northward, according to their armies: and the captaine of the sonnes of Dan, shalbe Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai. And his [unspec 26] armie, and those that were mustered of them, sixty and two thousand, and seven hundred. And they that encampe next unto him, shal∣be [unspec 27] the tribe of Aser: and the captaine of the sonnes of Aser, shalbe P••giel, the sonne of Ocran. And his armie, and those that were [unspec 28] mustered of them, were one and fortie thousand, and five hundred. And the tribe [unspec 29] of Naphtali, and the captaine of the sonnes of Naphtali, Ahira the sonne of Enan. And [unspec 30] his armie, and those that were mustered of them, were three and fiftie thousand, and foure hundred. All that were mustered, of [unspec 31] the campe of Dan, were an hundred thou∣sand, and seven and fifty thousand, and six hundred: they shall set forth hindmost, ac∣cording to their standards.

These are those that were mustered of the [unspec 32] sonnes of Israel, according to the house of their fathers: all that were mustered of the camps, according to their armies, were six hun∣dred thousand, and three thousand, and five hundred, and fifty. But the Levites were [unspec 33] not mustered, among the sonnes of Israel, as Iehovah commanded Moses. And the [unspec 34] sonnes of Israel did according to all that Iehovah commanded Moses; so they en∣camped according to their standards, and so they set forward, every man according to his families, according to the house of his fathers.

Annotations.

SHall encampe] or, as the Greeke translateth, let [unspec 2] them encampe, that is, pitch their tents, as an ar∣my about the Sanctuary of the Lord of hosts. Here God (having in the former chapter given charge to muster his warriers,) commandeth now to set

them in order, and under government: as in the church, all things ought to be done decently and in order, 1 Cor. 14. 40. his standard] or, his banner; which the Greeke translateth his order; and so the Chaldee calleth it Tekes (a word bor∣rowed of the Greeke Taxis.) Order. And this phrase the Apostle useth (from this place) in 1 Cor. 15. 23. every man in his owne order. Here it is properly a standard, banner or flag, such as is used in the warres: which fitly denoteth the state of the Church in her spirituall warfare, said therefore to be terrible as an armie with banners, Song. 6. 4. 10. and it signifieth her victory; whereupon David saith, we will shout, in thy salvation; and in the name of our God, we will set up the banner, Psal. 20. 6. See also Ier. 50. 2. and 51. 27. where the setting up of a standard, is a signe of preparation unto warre a∣gainst Babylon, as here against the Canaanites. with the ensignes] or, with the signes; which were in the standards, for discerning of one from an other. What these were the Scripture sheweth not: it is not unlikely, that they were such colours as the precious stones had on Aarons brestplate, Exod. 28. on which the tribes names were engra∣ved. In the Thargum called Ionathans, upon this place, it is said; The standard of the campe of Iudah, was of linnen of three colours, according to the three precious stones in the Brestplate (of the Chalcedo∣nie, Saphir, and Sardonyx,) and in it were engra∣ved and expressed the names of the three tribes, Iu∣dah, Issachar and Zabulon; and in the midst thereof was written; (from Num. 10. 35.) Rise up Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee, flee before thee; in it also was pourtrayed the forme of a Lion. The standard of the campe of Reuben, was of linnen of three colours, answerable to the three precious stones in the Brestplate, (of the Sardine, Topaz and Amethyst,) and therein were engraved and expressed the names of the three tribes, Reuben, Simeon, God: and in the midst thereof was written, Heare ò Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: (Deut. 6. 4.) Therein also was pour∣trayed, the forme of an Hart, &c. So he proceedeth for the rest. Howbeit, that proportion will not hold in all, seeing Levi (who is not here among the other tribes) was there one of the twelve; and Ioseph, there graved on the Beryl, hath here two tribes, Ephraim and Manasses; unto whom two colours cannot be allowed from the brestplate, as the Thargum here would. Others therefore ex∣plaine it otherwise, having herein no certainty. Chazkuni (on Num. 3.) bringeth this exposition, The pourtraiture of a man, was on Roubens standard, died after the colour of the Sardine set in the brest-plate for his name, in signe of the Mandrakes which he found (Gen. 30. 14.) which are after the fashion of a man. The pourtraiture of a Lion, was on Iudahs standard, who is called a Lion, (Gen. 49. 9.) and it was dyed into the colour of a Chalcedoni. The figure of a Bullocke (or Oxe) was on Ephraims standard, whose father is likened to a bullocke, (Deut. 33. 17.) It was dyed in colour like a Beryl. The figure of an Eagle was on Dans standard, dyed like an Hyacinth: &c. To this Aben Esra (on Num. 2.) agreeth, saying; There were signes in every stand〈…〉〈…〉 Ancestors have said, that in Re〈…〉〈…〉 was the figure of a Man, &c. in Iu〈…〉〈…〉 figure of a Lion, &c. in Ephraims, th〈…〉〈…〉 locke, &c. and in the standard of Dan, the 〈…〉〈…〉 Eagle: so they were like the Ch〈…〉〈…〉 Prophet Ezekiel saw, (Ezek. 1. 10.) Wha••••••∣ever the signes were, (which the holy Ghost 〈◊〉〈◊〉 concealeth,) this ordering of the people under their standards with ensignes, taught all, to abide in that state wherein God placed them; and not to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from tribe to tribe, or from ensigne to ensigne; but to continue every one under his governour: for to stand for an ensigne of the people (as is prophe∣sied of Iesus the root of lesse, Esai. 11. 10.) is 〈…〉〈…〉∣pounded by the Apostle, to rule over the G〈…〉〈…〉 Rom. 15. 12. house] in Greeke, houses. ouer against] or, from before it: whereby is meant, aloo••e, or a farre off, (as this word is ex∣plained in Psal. 38. 12. they stand from b〈…〉〈…〉 stroke: and my neighbours stand a farre off;) ye〈…〉〈…〉 as they should view it, and have their faces tow〈…〉〈…〉 it; as the like phrase sheweth, in 2 King. 2. 7. De••••. 32. 52. Gen. 21. 16. So that the doores of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tents were to be inward towards the T〈…〉〈…〉 cle, to shew due respect thereto; and y〈…〉〈…〉, in reverence of the holy place, (as in Exod. 3. 5. And the distance may be guessed to be two 〈…〉〈…〉 sand cubites, that is, an English mile, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dayes iourney, (whereof see the notes on 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 16. 29.) for such a space was betweene the A〈…〉〈…〉 and the people, in Ios. 3. 4. So R. Solomon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 expoundeth it, Over against, that is, a 〈…〉〈…〉 a mile distance, as it is said in Iosua, yet ther〈…〉〈…〉 a space betweene you and it, about two th〈…〉〈…〉 bits by measure. round about▪ so 〈…〉〈…〉 Lord dwelt in the midst of his people, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tents of the Saints were as a wall round about G〈…〉〈…〉 sanctuarie to guard it. For as in Ier. 50. 2•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 camping against Babylon round about, w•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 none thereof might escape: so here they 〈…〉〈…〉∣ped about Gods sanctuarie, for the safety the〈…〉〈…〉 According to which type, the Christian chu〈…〉〈…〉 described in Reu. 4. 2. 4. &c. where th〈…〉〈…〉 Throne in the middest answerable to the Tab〈…〉〈…〉 cle and Temple called Gods throne, in Ez•••• 〈…〉〈…〉. and round about the throne, are foure 〈…〉〈…〉 thrones; which is double the numb〈…〉〈…〉 twelve tribes here camping, because th〈…〉〈…〉 increased under the gospel, and the pl〈…〉〈…〉 tents enlarged, Esai. 54 2. And be〈…〉〈…〉 throne, and the circuit round about the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are foure liuing creatures full of eyes, &c. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the watchmen or ministers of the church, 〈…〉〈…〉 betweene the Lords Tent and the tents 〈…〉〈…〉 the Levites camped in foure quarters, wher〈…〉〈…〉 Num. chap. 3. and c. 1. v. 50. Her••upon the c〈…〉〈…〉 is described to be those that are 〈…〉〈…〉 Lord, Psal. 76. 12.

V. 3. foremost] or, on the ••••re part, 〈…〉〈…〉 loweth, eastward, or towards the Sun〈…〉〈…〉 the East is said to be before, and the West 〈…〉〈…〉 Esai. 12. the South is called the 〈…〉〈…〉 world, Psal. 89. 13. and the North the 〈…〉〈…〉

which Iob describeth by these names, in Iob 23. 8, 9. So R. Sol. Iarchi noteth on this place, foremost or before, is the east quarter, and the west is called be∣hinde. the captaine] or, the Prince, ruler; as in Num. 1. 16. so after in this chapter. Iudah] the father of our Lord Christ after the flesh, Luk. 3. he as he was most in number of all the tribes, Num. 1. 27. so as a Lion whom none durst rouse up, Gen. 49. 8, 9. he is the chiefe standard-bearer and chiefe captaine of all the captaines of Israel; camping in the first place; as did Moses and Aaron the chiefest of the Levites, in the same quarter betweene Iudah and the sanctuarie, Numb. 3. 38. Also when they marched, Iudah went foremost, Num. 10. 14. And after Iosuahs death, Iudah went first up to fight against the Canaanites, Iudg. 1. 1, 2. He figured Christ the Lion of the tribe of Iudah, who also is Michael, that with his Angels fighteth against the Dragon, and goeth before his heavenly armies; Rev. 5. 5. and 12. 7. and 19. 11. 14.

V. 5. Issachar] and with him Zabulon, vers. 7. [unspec 5] both younger brothers to Iudah, that they might the more willingly be under his regiment: all of them sonnes of Leah the free woman, placed in this first quarter.

V. 7. The tribe of Zabulon] understand from [unspec 7] v. 5. shall encampe next: so the Greeke explaineth it. And they that encampe next, &c. So in vers. 14. 22. 29.

V. 9. an hundred thousand &c.] the greatest [unspec 9] number of warriers, by many, were in this first quarter, where Iudah was standard-bearer; almost thirty thousand moc than in any other quarter. The next in number to him, was the last squadron, where Dan bare the standard: so they that went foremost, and came hindmost, had the greatest ar∣mies, for the more safetie of the Sanctuarie (which matched in the middest) and of all Israel. The number of every one, may be viewed thus:

• 1. In the campe of Iudah, 186400. East.
• 2. In the campe of Reuben, 151450. South.
• 3. In the campe of Ephraim, 108100. West.
• 4. In the campe of Dan, 157600. North.

set forward first] or, march and journey first, when the host removeth, Num. 10. 14. as they en∣camped in the first place, Eastward, before the doore of Gods Tabernacle.

V. 10. Southward] the order proceedeth from [unspec 10] East to South, and so to the West & North; accor∣ding to the course of the Sun, and climates of the world. And this second place is given to Reuben, because he was the first borne, though he lost his first birth-right, Gen. 49. which Iudas and Ioseph had shared betweene them; and he is put downe to the second place.

V. 12. Simeon] Next brother to Reuben, and of [unspec 12] the same mother: with whom is joyned God the first-borne of that mothers maid Zilpha, (vers 14.) both for to keepe them the more easily in subjecti∣on, and to nourish brotherly love.

V. 14. Reguel] in Greeke Rago〈…〉〈…〉: hee was [unspec 14] before called Deg〈…〉〈…〉, Num. 1 14. because the•••• Hebrew letters are like one another, and often changed; as is noted on Gen. 4. 18.

V. 16. second] in the second place: see Num. [unspec 16] 10. 18.

V. 17. Tent of the congregation] in Greeke, the [unspec 17] Tent of the Testimony; the sanctuarie of God: which was to set forward in the midst of the campes, both to shew Gods presence among them; and the honour againe that they should doe unto him As it is written of the church, God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved, Psal. 64. 5. See also Song. 3. 7, 8. The manner and order of carying the Taberna∣cle, is shewed in Num. 10. 17 &c. the campe] the order of the Levites camping, is shewed in Num. 3. their marching in Num. 10.

V. 18. Ephraim] he the younger brother, is [unspec 18] standard-bearer before his elder, Manasses: as Ia∣kob prophesied his superioritie, Gen. 48. 14. 20. sea-ward] that is, as the Chald•••• expounds it, Westward: see the notes on Gen. 12. 8.

V. 20. Manasses] and next him Berjamin, v. [unspec 20] 22. so all Rachels sonnes encamped together, on the west quarter of the Sanctuarie.

V. 24. an hundred thousand, &c.] this was the [unspec 24] smallest number of all the armie••; almost 80 thou∣sand fewer than in the standard o•• Iudah, v. 9.

V. 25. Dan] He was the first borne of the [unspec 25] handmaids children, and Iakobs fist sonne; Gen. 30. 6. and by prophesie he was to judge his people, as the other tribes, Genes. 49. 16. so God here ap∣pointeth him the standard; and hee hath the grea∣test number of warriers, saving Iudas.

V. 27. Aser] the youngest sonne of the other [unspec 27] handmaid Zilpha; yet set next unto Dan, as is no∣ted on Num. 1. 15. with whom Naphtali Dans brother is joyned, v. 29. so the three handmaids children, were in the Northerne and hindmost quarter: that in Gods ordering of the Tribes, his wisdome might appeare. We may behold the or∣der of the Lords armies, as they encamped, thus:

1. IVDAH, Isachar, and Zabulon: in whose camps were 186400 warriours.

[illustration]

The Sanctuary and the Courtyard about it, were in a long square, twice so long as they were broad; as their description in Exod. 26. and 27. sheweth. But in what forme the campe of Israel was, the Scripture expresseth not, save that it was round a∣bout the Tabernacle, Num. 2. 2. It is likely there∣fore to be in a square; and so many thousand tents as Israel had, could not be pitched in a little roomth. Iosephus (in Antiq. Iud. l. 3. c. 11.) saith, that betweene every tribe, in the foure quar∣ters, there was a distant space, and like a mart or fayre, to buy and sell in their boothes, with artifi∣cers in their shops, as if it had beene a citie. Iona∣than in his Thargum on Num. 2. 3. saith, The campe of Israel was twelve miles long, and twelve miles broad. Vnto this forme of the Church in the wildernesse the Scriptures after have reference, both in the name, calling the beloved Citie, the Camp of the Saints, Rev. 20. 9. (as in 2 Chron. 31. 2. the Temple is called the Campes of the LORD:) also for the manner of situation, the heavenly Ieru∣salem is fouresquare, the length as large as the bredth, Revel. 21. 16. which forme was likewise shewed in vision to Ezekiel, Ezek. 48. 20. and is the most firme and setled, against all troubles. And as here, Gods sanctuarie is walled about with the twelve tribes of Israel: so the new Ierusalem hath a wall with twelve gates, and names written thereon, of the twelve tribes of the sonnes of Israel: and the wall hath twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lambe, Rev. 21. 12. 14. As here there were three tribes on every quar∣ter; so Ierusalem hath three gates on the East, three on the North, three on the South, and three on the West, Rev. 21. 13. Ezek. 48. 31.—34. As these twelve tribes, (the walls of Gods Tabernacle,) had their fathers names graven on twelve sundrie precious stones, Exod. 28. so the foundations of the wall of the heavenly citie, is of the like stones, Rev. 21. 19, 20. As here betweene the Sanctuary and the Tribes of Israel, were foure companies of Levites, to watch and ward the holy place: so betweene Gods Throne, and the foure and twentie Elders compassing it, there are foure Liuing creatures full of eyes, glorifying God night and day; after whom, the twentie foure Elders fall downe and worship God, Revel. a. 6.—10. Finally, as into this campe of the Lord in the wildernesse, no un∣cleane persons might enter, but were shut out, Num. 5. 2, 3, 4. so into the new Ierusalem, there may in no wise enter any thing that defileth &c. Rev. 21. 27. And the earthly Ierusalem (called the

holy Citie, Mat. 4. 5. Luke 4. 9.) was in the ages following (when Israel dwelt in Canaan) answe∣rable in holinesse to this campe of Israel, as the Hebrewes record, saying; As was the Campe in the wildernesse, such was the Campe in Ierusalem. From Ierusalem (gates) to the mountaine of the House (of the Lord:) the campe of Israel. From the Mountaine of the House, to the gate of Nicanor (which was the East gate of the Temple,) the campe of Levi. From thence and forward, the campe of the Diuine Majestie; answerable to the tapestrie-hang∣ings (of the Lords court) that were in the wilder∣nesse. Thalmud Bab. in Zebachim. ch. 14. in Gema∣ra. See also the annotations on Exod. 40. 33. In the second Temple, the East gate of the court was called the gate of Nicanor; as the comment on the foresaid place of the Thalmud sheweth. And Mai∣mony in Misn. tom. 3. in Beth habchirah, ch. 5. sect. 5. saith of it thus; Every of the gates was ten cubits broad, and twentie cubits high, and had doores cove∣red with gold, except the East gate, which was covered with brasse, like gold, and that gate was cal∣led the high gate [2 Chron. 27. 3.] and that was the gate of Nicanor.

V. 29. And the tribe] in Greeke, And they that campe next, shall be the tribe of Naphtali. See [unspec 29] vers. 7. Thus God adjoyned to every of the foure standards, two tribes; and those the next of bloud inferiour unto them, for to maintaine order, and nourish love, and to afford mutuall helpe. Our Sa∣viour also ordained among his Apostles a kinde of combination and fraternitie, as is to be seene by the rehearsall of their names, in Mat. 10. 2, 3, 4.

• 1. Simon Peter, and Andrew his brother.
• 2. Iames (or Iacob) sonne of Zebedee, and Iohn his brother.
• 3. Philip, and Bartholmew.
• 4. Thomas, and Matthew the Publican.
• 5. Iames sonne of Alpheus, and Lebbeus (or Iudas his brother, Luk. 6. 16. Iude v. 1.)
• 6. Simon Kananites (or the zealous,) and Iu∣das Iscariot.

And these did Christ send forth by two and two, Marke 6. 7. to warre the warfare of his Gospell; (as 1 Tim. 1. 18) And when Iscariot lost his of∣fice, Matthias was chosen in his place, Act. 1. 26. Afterward there were added Paul and Barnabas, Act. 13. 2.

Vers. 32. These are those mustered] in Greeke, [unspec 32] This is the muster (or visitation.) the house] that is, as the Greeke saith, the houses: so in vers. 34. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 600. thousand &c.] the summe that was mentioned before, in Num. 1. 46. See the notes there.

V. 34. so they camped] or, pitched their tents. [unspec 34] The holy Ghost commendeth unto us the obedi∣ence of Israel, as before in the making of the San∣ctuarie, Exod. 39. 42, 43. so here in their orderly camping about, and marching before and after it. That as Order in all things is beautifull, and dele∣ctable; so especially in the Church, and things per∣taining to the service of God: wherefore the Apo∣stle joyed to behold the order of the Church in Colosse, and the stedfastnesse of their faith in Christ, wherein he exhorted them still to walke in him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Coloss. 2. 5, 6. And Balaam when hee beheld this Campe of Israel, from the top of the Rockes, did not onely admire the multitude of them, and the pre∣sence of the Lord among them; but said, How goodly are thy Tents, ô Iakob; thy Tabernacles, ô Is∣rael! As the vallies are they spred forth, as gardens by the rivers side &c. Num. 23. 9. 10. 21. and 24. 5, 6. And Solomon describeth the church to be beau∣tifull, as Tirzah, (a pleasant place where the King of Israel dwelt, 1 King. 14. 17.) comely as Ierusalem, (which was also beautifull for situation, Psal. 48. 2. and compact together, Psal. 122. 3.) terrible as an armie with banners, Song. 6. 4.