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.

STatutes] Here Moses entreth into the explica∣tion [unspec 1] of the second commandement, concer∣ning the manner of Gods worship, when Israel should come into Canaan; and proposeth in the 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 chapters, Statutes for the service of God; and afterwards Iudgments for the repressing of evils.

Vers. 2. destroying] that is, yee shall speedily [unspec 2] and utterly destroy; as the Greeke translateth, de∣stroy with destruction. In the Hebrew canons it is said, Wee are commanded to destroy the Idoll, and the ministring vessels thereof, and whatsoever is made for the same, Deut. 12. 2. And in the land of Israel we are commanded to persecute it, untill it bee destroyed out of all our land: but without the land wee are not commanded to persecute it. But every place which wee shall subdue, wee are to destroy every Idoll that is therein, as it is written (in Deut. 12. 3.) and yee shall destroy the names of them out of that place. Maimony in Misneh, treat. of Idolatry, ch. 7. sect. 1. places] as houses, high places, temples, and the like. Hereupon the house of Baal, 2 King. 10. 27. the high places which Solomon and Ieroboam had builded for idolatry, 2 King. 23. 13. 15. were destroyed. But if an house were built for use, and Idols afterwards set up in it, the He∣brewes say, When hee had brought in the Idoll into the house, so long as it was there, the house was un∣lawfull for any use; when it was taken out, the house was lawfull, Maim. treat. of Idola••y, ch. 8. sect. 4. shall possesse] that is, shall subdue and have do∣minion over them, as the word often signifieth; see Levit. 25. 45, 46. Ier. 49. 2. Psal. 82. 8. gods] that is, as the Chaldee explaineth it, Idolls: there are gods (so called) many; but into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there is but one God, 1 Cor. 8. 5, 6. mountaines] in such high places, all nations for the most part used to serve their gods: into which corruption Israel sometime fell, 2 King. 17. 10, 11. Ier. 3. 6. Ezek. 20. 28, 29. Hos. 4. 13.

Vers. 3. pillars] or statues, standing Images: of [unspec 3] these see Exod. 23. 24. Levit. 26. 1. greves] which were wont to bee as temples unto the hea∣then, as is noted on Exod. 34. 13. See also the an∣notations on Deut. 7. 5. gods] in Chaldee, Ima∣ges of ther Idols. names] whether in speech, (for the name of other gods might not bee heard out of their mouths, Exod. 23. 13.) or imprinted in bookes, graven on pillars, imposed on places, or any other the like. So the Reubenites changed the names of cities, that carried Idoll names, Num. 32. 38. As the beginning of true religion is repen∣tance from dead workes, Heb. 6. 1. so in the consti∣tuting

of Gods true service, Moses beginneth with the abolishing of all idolatrous monuments; for What agreement hath the temple of God with Idols? 2 Cor. 6. 16.

Vers. 4. not doe so] in any of the former parti∣culars, or such like: as not to destroy or doe evill [unspec 4] to Gods sanctuary or synagogues, Psal. 74. 3, 6, 7, 8. not to breake downe his Altars, 1 King. 19. 10. nor to deface any holy writings, or monuments of his name, Ier. 36. 23. The Hebrews say, Whosoe∣ver destroyeth any name of the holy pure names, wher∣by the blessed God is called, is by the law to be beaten; for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Idols hee saith. And thou shalt destroy the names of them, &c. Thou shalt not doe so to the Lord thy God. Hee that takes away but one stone (by way of destroying) from the Altar, or from the Temple, or from any other part of the Court, is to be beaten. Like∣wise he that burneth any of the wood of the sanctuary, &c. All the holy Scriptures, and expositions of them, it is unlawfull to burne any of them, or destroy them with hand, except they be such as are written by here∣tickes, &c. But holy Scriptures when they are old, are to be laid up. Maimony in Iesudei hatorah, ch. 6. sect. 1. 7. 8.

Vers. 5. to put his name there] that is, to have it consecrated unto him, and his divine service. Such [unspec 5] was the Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple of So∣lomon, the Citie Ierusalem, after God had chosen it; for of them God said, My name shall be there, 1 King. 8. 29. and his Name was called upon them, Dan. 9. 18. and put there, 2 King. 21. 4, 9. 1 King. 14. 11. The Chaldee here expoundeth it, to cause 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Majestie (or divine presence) to dwell there. Now Christ hath abolished the earthly Ierusalem, and requireth worship in spirit and truth every where, Ioh. 4. 11, 23. shall yee seeke] for answers and oracles, which from the mercie-seat, and by Vrim and Thummim, were given to the people, Numb. 7. 89. Exod. 25. 22. Numb. 27. 21. All other places were forbidden; as, Seeke not Bethel, nor en∣ter into Gilgal, &c. Amos 5. 5. shalt thou come] at all times, when thou wilt offer sacrifice, Levit. 17. 8, 9. but three times in the yeare by expresse commandement, Exod. 23. 14.—17. And there the Lord promised to come unto them and blesse them, Exod. 20. 24.

Vers. 6. sacrifices] of all sorts, as sinne-offerings, [unspec 6] peace-offerings, and whatsoever pertained to the Alter Sacrifices have their name of slaughter, which were staine, offered, and eaten before the Lord: the Chaldee here expoundeth it, the slaughter (or sacri∣fice) of your holy things. tithes] the tenth of the h••••d and of the flocke, which bo••h Priests and people were to bring and slay before the Lord, and eat them in Ierusalem: whereof see Levit. 27. 32. and the tiches of cor〈…〉〈…〉, &c. whereof see vers. 17. and Deut. 14. 22, 23. heave-offering of your hand] the Greeke translateth, the first-fruits, and in v. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. the first-fruits of your hands: These are the first-fruits spoken of in Deut. 26. 2. &c. which with their hands they brought into the Sanctuary. See the annotations there. vowes, and your vo∣luntaire offerings] such as for Gods blessings they willingly gave unto him. The difference of these voluntarie oblations from vowes, is shewed on Le∣vit. 7. 16. firstlings] which were given to the Priests, for them to eat, after the blood was sprink∣led, and the fat burned on the Altar: see Numb. 18. 15, 17.

Vers. 7. Yee shall eat] to wit, such things as were [unspec 7] lawfull for the people to eat: for of all the things forementioned, they might not eat. Some were for the Priests to eat before the Lord; some for the people. rejoyce] God is to be served with glad∣nesse, Psal. 100. 1, 2. and the holy things of God might not be eaten with mourning, Deut. 26. 14. Hos. 9. 4. yee put your hand] Hebr. the putting to (or sending forth) of your hand. This, though it may be applied to that which they might take and eat, of the holy things, as in Gen. 3. 22. yet it see∣meth to be more generall, for all things that they should doe, and all blessings that they should re∣ceive, as by comparing this phrase in Deut. 15. 10. and 23. 20. and 28. 8. 20. may appeare. So after in vers. 18. houses] that is, housholds, children and such like; as the Chaldee expoundeth it, men of your houses: and so Moses explaineth it in vers. 12.

Vers. 8. which wee doe] the Greeke expoundeth [unspec 8] it, which yee doe. Israel committed idolatry in the wildernesse, Act. 7. 42, 43. Howbeit this speech of Moses seemeth rather to meane the true service of God, which was not as yet perfected, neither could be in their travels; as it was after in Canaan. right in his owne eies] that is, which liketh or pleaseth him: so the phrase meaneth, in 2 Sam. 19. 6. 1. Chron. 13. 4. and is often spoken of the corruption of men, as Iudg. 17. 6. and 21. 25. un∣to which Moses opposeth that which is right in the Lords eies, vers. 25, 28. and chap. 13. 18. There is a way which is right before a man, and the end thereof are the waies of death, Prov. 14. 12.

Vers. 9. the rest] in Chaldee, the house (or place) [unspec 9] of rest: meaning the land of Canaan, and in speciall, Ierusalem there, 1 Chron. 23. 25. where af∣ter their travels and warres, the Lord gave rest un∣to his people, as vers. 10. and 1 King. 8. 56. But David being there, speaketh of another rest, which remaineth for people of God, Psal. 95. 11. into which rest, wee that beleeve doe enter, and ••••ase from our owne workes, Heb. 4, 3, 8, 9, 10.

Vers. 10. in confident safety] or, in security; it [unspec 10] meaneth without feare, Iudg. 8. 11. and 18. 7. and without danger of evill, Psal. 78. 53. See the like promise in Levit. 25. 18, 19. This promise is ful∣filled in Christ, by whom wee are delivered out of the hands of our enemies, that we might serve God without feare, Luk. 1. 74.

Vers. 11. And there shallbe] or, And it shall bee [unspec 11] that the place, &c. See vers. 5. the choice] that is, the best, or fairest, as the Chaldee translateth.

Vers. 12. your gates] the Chaldee explaineth it, [unspec 12] your cities: so the Hebrew text sometime explai∣neth it selfe, as is noted on Exod. 20. 10. no part] of the spoiles or inheritance in the division of the land, but the Lord is his part and inheritance. See Deut. 10. 9. Num. 18. 8.—21.

Vers. 13. lest thou offer] that is, that thou offer [unspec 13]

not. This precept is often and carefully urged, be∣cause the people were prone to fall into the trans∣gression of it, as the histories of Scripture manifest, 1 King. 12, 28, 29, 30. 2 King. 17. 9. 11. And it taught men the unitie of the faith of Christ, and the band of love and peace, to be kept in the hea∣venly Ierusalem, whither all people should resort, Rev. 21. 24, 25, 26.

Vers. 14. that I command thee] the Greeke ad∣deth, [unspec 14] this day. So not the place only, but all other things in Gods service, were to be according to the word of God, because the naturall man (not rege∣nerate by Gods word and spirit) receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, neither can he know them, 1 Cor. 2. 14. and in the things which he knoweth he corrupteth himselfe, Rom. 1. 21. and God would have obedience to his word, rather than sacrifice, 1 Sam. 15. 22.

Vers. 15. Notwithstanding] or Only, as the word [unspec 15] signifieth in vers. 16. 26. It is a libertie granted for civill things, but with a limitation. in all the desire of thy soule] the Greeke translateth, in all thy desire, the soule being put for the whole person. It meaneth, whatsoever thou, or thy soule desireth. maist slay] this word is the same that is used for sa∣crificing, (which also was with slaughter of the creature,) but applied here, and often, to the slay∣ing for ordinary food. Of this the Hebrewes say, It is lawfull to slay (for common food) in any place without the court (of the Sanctuarie;) for they slay in the court none but the holy things of the Altar only. But it is unlawfull to slay common things in the court, either cattell, beast, or bird. And so it is said (in Deut. 12. 21.) If the place be farre from thee, which the Lord thy God shall chuse, &c. then thou shalt slay &c. and eat within thy gates. Here thou art taught, that they slay not flesh for ones desire, but without the place which the Lord hath chosen. And that which is slaine without the place, is lawfull to be eaten within all gates. But he that slaieth common things in the court, that flesh is pure, and unlawfull to be used; but they burie it, &c. Maimony tom. 2. in Shechitah, ch, 2. sect. 1, 2. to the blessing] that is, the liberalitie, or bounteous gift: so restrai∣ning all profuse rio••, and keeping men within the limits of their abilitie. thy gates] in the Chal∣dee, thy cities; and so the Greeke, in every citie. may eat] or shall eat. God would have no diffe∣rence of persons, nor of places, nor of cleane beasts, (as after followeth) lest there should grow any re∣spect of holinesse in such civil things, which might turne to superstition.

Vers. 16. Only] as the Greeke saith, But the bloud, [unspec 16] to wit, of beasts and o•• fowles, Lev. 7. 26. this was absolutely forbidden even in civill diet; the reason hereof is noted on Levit. 17. poure it] or shed it on the earth, and cover it with dust, Levit, 17. 13. see the annotations there.

Vers. 17. Thou maist ••ot] that is, it is not per∣mitted [unspec 17] or lawfull forthee, as the Chaldee explai∣neth it. gates] in the Greeke and Chaldee, ci∣ties; so in vers. 18. and 21. The second tithe which the owners did eat, was holy, and might not be ••a••en but in the place where Gods Sanctuarie was: see the notes on Deut. 14. 22, 23. heave-offe∣ring] in Greeke, first-fruits; in Chaldee, the se∣paration, that is, the separated thing: see vers. 6. Maimony in Biccurim (or treat. of First-fruits) chap. 3. sect. 3. saith, The heave-offering of thine hand is the first-fruits; and, The Priest that eateth of the first-fruits out of Ierusalem, after that they are brought within the walls, is by the Law to be beaten; for it is said, Thou maist not eat within thy gates, &c. See more on Deut. 26. 2. 4.

Vers. 19. lest thou forsake] that is, that thou for∣sake [unspec 19] not, or neglect not, either by erecting a new ministerie, as did Ieroboam, 2 Chron. 13. 9. or by with-holding thy offerings, the meanes of their livelihood, which is in speciall here intended. So in Neh. 10. 39. we will not forsake the house of our God; where mention is made of bringing up their offerings. The same sinne is called the spoiling of God, Mal. 3. 8. See also Deut. 14. 27. upon thy land] the land of Canaan, out of which in speciall, tithes, first-fruits, and the like were to be paid. The Greeke translateth, all the time that thou shalt live upon the land (or earth.)

Vers. 20. Because thy soule] or, as the Greeke [unspec 20] translateth, if thy soule desireth.

Vers. 22. as the Roe-bucke] that is, as common [unspec 22] and profane meats, without any respect of holi∣nesse. So after, in Deut. 15. 22, 23.

Vers. 23. Only be sure] or, be strong: the Greeke [unspec 23] translateth, Take heed strongly: it meaneth a full and firme purpose of heart, not to eat it at any time. Of this Law, see the notes on Lev. 17. 10. &c. is the soule] figuratively spoken, because the soule (or life) is in the bloud, as is expressed, Lev. 17. 11. not eat the soule] because God gave them that upon the altar, to make an atonement for their soules, Lev. 17. 11, 12.

Vers. 26. holy things] Hebr. holinesses: the Chal∣dee [unspec 26] applieth it to their tithes.

Vers. 27. the flesh and the bloud] both of them [unspec 27] were wholly brought to the altar, Levit. 1. The Greeke translateth, the flesh thou shalt offer upon the altar. sacrifices] to wit, peace-offerings, for the flesh of them was eaten by the owners, Levit. 7. 15. upon the altar] the Greeke translateth it, at the base (or foot) of the altar.

Vers. 28. in the eyes] that is, as the Greeke and [unspec 28] Chaldee expound it, before the Lord.

Vers. 29. to possesse them] or, to disinherit them; [unspec 29] as the Chaldee saith, to cast them out: the Greeke translateth, to inherit their land. God having gi∣ven direction for the place of his worship, now proceedeth with the things and manner of service which they should performe unto him.

Vers. 30. lest thou be ensnared] that is, deceived [unspec 30] in thy minde, and so fall into sinne and destructi∣on, by following their religion. The Greeke trans∣lateth, that thou seeke not to follow them. See Exod. 23. 33. As the nations were to be destroyed, so their idolatrous service was to be abolished, that none of their customes should be retained in Israel. How did] Heb. How will, that is, how use they to serve. Hereupon the Hebrewes say, Thou maist not inquire (or aske) concerning the way of the

service of an idoll how it is, although thou serve it not; for this thing 〈…〉〈…〉 to turne after it, and to doe as they doe. Maimony treat. of Idolatry, ch. 2. sect. 2. will I doe] not unto idols, but to the Lord, as the next verse manifesteth. So not onely the worship of false gods, but false or idola∣trous worship of the true God, is here forbidden; and all imitation of Idolaters is condemned. So in Levit. 18. 3.

Vers. 31. every abomination] the Chaldee ex∣poundeth, [unspec 31] every thing that is abominable before the Lord: in Greeke, the abominations which the Lord hateth. to their gods] the Chaldee expounds it, to their idols. This one particular of burning their children, is named, (all other being implyed) because herein they shewed most zeale and love; as Abraham for sacrificing his sonne at Gods com∣mand, is highly commended, Gen. 22. 12. and Is∣rael, when they would shew themselves most stu∣dious to please the Lord, inquired about giving the fruit of their body for the sinne of their soule, Mich. 6. 7. and sometime practised this abomi∣nation, Psal. 106. 37, 38. Ezek. 23. 37, 39. But God here condemneth the most fervent devotion of Idolaters.

Vers. 32. Every word] or thing: in Chaldee, eve∣ry [unspec 32] commandement. Hereby God appointeth his owne word and law, to bee the onely rule of his service, without imitating the customes of others, or devising any thing of their owne. So in Levit. 18. 4. Deut. 4. 1, 2.