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.

HEarkening thou shalt hearken] that is, shalt con∣tinually [unspec 1] and diligently hearken to (or obey) the voi••e; which the Chaldee translateth, shalt receive the word of the LORD. As in the former Chap∣ter the Law was confirmed by blessings and curses pro••ounced by the people; so here it is confirmed in like sort, but more largely by God himselfe: that Israel might be kept in due obedience, and finding in themselves the impossibility of doing the Law, they might have recourse unto Christ by faith. to observe to doe] in Greeke, to observe (or keepe) and to doe. give thee to be high] that is, set and stablish thee high: as giving 1 Chron. 17. 22. is ex∣pounded, stablishing, 2 Sam. 7. 24. And highnesse meaneth heavenly dignity given of God, by the high (or heavenly) calling, whereby they were made partakers, Phil. 3. 14. Heb. 3. 1. whereby they were to seeke and minde, the things that are above, Col. 3. 1, 2. and have their conversation in heaven, Phil. 3. 20. For, the way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath, Prov. 15. 24. See also Deut. 26. 19.

Vers. 2. overtake thee] or, take h••ld on thee: The [unspec 2] Greeke translateth, finde thee. It meaneth obtaining of all blessings, and effectuall applying of them, for their good and comfort. The like is said of the curses, in v. 15. 45. and generally of Gods words and statutes, of which the Prophet telleth the Iewes, that they overtooke (or tooke hold) of their fathers, when they were punished for transgressing them, Zach. 1. 6.

Vers. 3. Blessed thou] The first blessing is upon [unspec 3] the person, who must be acceptable to God, before any of his workes are accepted, Gen. 4. 4. and the person being blessed, all things prosper about him. What blessing is, see the Annotations on Gen. 1. 22. and 2. 3. and 12. 2. citie] by this, and the field, all places, and all estates of life are meant.

Vers. 4. fruit of thy wombe] or, of thy belly: the [unspec 4] Chaldee saith, the child of thy bowels. The second blessing is upon a mans possessions, of all sorts for increase, which was at the first by God blessing the creatures, Gen. 1. 22. 28. and so continueth, as it is written, And he blesseth them, and they are multiplied greatly, Psal. 107. 39. So Psal. 128. 1, 3. thy ground] or land, the fruits whereof were also figures of heavenly blessing: see Levit. 26. 4. increase] or young: in Greeke, herds: see Deut. 7. 13.

Vers. 5. basket] whereinto fruits are put when [unspec 5] they are gathered, Deut. 26. 2. dough-trough] or dough, or store: see Exod. 8. 3. and 12. 34. These two are named in stead of all places and vessels, wherein the fruits and commodities which God sendeth, are kept for use and store. Therefore the Greeke for basket, translateth barnes (as Luk. 12. 18.) and for the dough-trough, remainders, or store that is left. So in v. 17. And this is the third de∣gree of blessing upon the commodities which men reape of their poss••ssions.

Vers. 6. comest in] by comming in, and going out, [unspec 6] the Scripture meaneth all imployment and admi∣nistration in any businesse, or office, as in govern∣ment of a kingdome, 2 Chron. 1. 10. of the Church; Act. 1. 21. of a family, Gen. 39. 11. Psal. 104. 23. and generally of all other affaires, as 2 Sam. 3. 25. Act. 9. 28. So this fourth blessing concerneth the whole administration and conversation of the Saints.

Vers. 7. smitten] that is, as the Greeke and Chal∣dee [unspec 7] expound it, crushed, and broken: see an exam∣ple of this in Davids enemies, 2 Sam. 22. 38,—43. And this fift blessing concerneth the safety of Gods people, and their victories over their enemies, of whom the chiefe is Sa••an himselfe, and him will the God of peace crush under the ••••et of his people, Rom. 16. 20. ••lee] a signe of discomfiture and destruction: therefore when one Prophet saith, Wilt thou she before thine enemies? 2 Sam. 24. 13. another explaineth it, to be destroyed before thine enemies, 1 Chron. 21. 12. seven waies] that is, many waies: so signifying a ful conquest over them, for seven is a compleat number, often used for ma∣ny, as is noted on Gen. 2. 2. and 33. 3. Lev. 4. 6.

It signifieth also their dispersion, every man his way, whereas they came out joyntly together, all one way.

Vers. 8. will command] that is, will powerfully [unspec 8] send, and effectually procure the blessing. Of this phrase, see Levit. 25. 21. The contrary here∣unto is, hee will send upon thee, v. 20. the bles∣sing] whereunto is opposed the curse, vexation, and rebuke, vers. 20. storehouses] or barnes; in Chaldee, treasures: so in Prov. 3. 10. that thou settest thy hand unto] Hebr. the setting to of thy hand: whereof see Deut. 12. 7. Thus this sixt pro∣mise implieth a generall blessing upon all that the godly hath or doth.

Vers. 9. stablish thee] set thee up firme and sure. This seventh blessing properly concerneth spiri∣tuall [unspec 9] things and heavenly, for the sanctification of the Church, and establishment thereof in that grace, by reason of the covenant and oath of God, whereof he never repenteth, Psal. 110. 4. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance, Rom. 11. 29.

Vers. 10. is called upon thee] that is, thou art cal∣led [unspec 10] by his name: as before Moses said, Yee are the sonnes of Iehovah your God, Deut. 14. 1. Of this phrase, see the Annotations on Gen. 48. 16. Here God enlargeth his former blessings, in causing them to be knowne and acknowledged of all other peoples. afraid of thee] as was fore-promised, Deut. 11. 25. and had come to passe unto Israel, Deut. 2. 25. and unto Abraham, Esay 41. 5. and other particular persons, as Saul was afraid of Da∣vid because the Lord was with him, 1 Sam. 18. 12. 15, 29.

Vers. 11. make thee plenteous] or, make thee to [unspec 11] excell; in Greeke, multiply thee. in good] or, for good things. An enlargement of the blessing promised in v. 4. which all should see by the abun∣dance of good things from beneath.

Vers. 12. treasure] or, treasury, store-house, which [unspec 12] he expoundeth after to be raine from heaven, for so the Scripture elsewhere mentioneth, treasuries of the snow, and treasuries of the haile, and of the winde, Iob 38. 22. Psal. 135. 7. and these were bles∣sings from above, which caused the increase of those good things promised in v. 4, 5. in his season] that is, in due season; meaning the first and latter raine, mentioned in Deut. 11. 14. See the notes on Levit. 26. 4. shalt lend] that is, shalt have such plenty, as that thou shalt lend unto many nations; a signe both of wealth, liberality, and so∣veraignty; for, the borrower is servant to the man that lendeth, Prov. 22. 7. therefore the Greeke giveth here a double interpretation; thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow: and shalt rule over many nations, and they shall not rule over thee: which words are borrowed here from Deut. 15. 6.

Vers. 13. the head] a figure or parable, meaning chiefe in authority and power, (called before, a ru∣ling [unspec 13] over many nations, Deut. 15. 6.) as the taile signifieth inferiority and basenesse, which the Chaldee expoundeth thus, The Lord will give thee to be strong and not weake. This is opened in Esay 9. 14, 15. The Lord will cut off from Israel, head and taile, &c. the ancient and honourable, hee is the head; and the Prophet that teacheth lies, he is the taile. Thus by head here, we may also understand spiritually, the honour of the truth, wherewith the Church of God should bee adorned and exal∣ted. above] in honour and dignity, not earth∣ly onely, but heavenly, as in v. 1. So Christ said to the Iewes, Yee are from beneath, I am from above: yee are of this world, I am not of this world, Iob. 8. 23. Likewise of his Disciples he saith, They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world, Iob. 17. 16. If thou hearken] The condition of the former promises, the first branch whereof is obe∣dience, to doe all that is commanded.

Vers. 14. and thou shalt not] that is, If thou shalt not; for this is the second branch of the condition, [unspec 14] restraining all disobedience against any of Gods words. other gods] which the Chaldee expoun∣deth, Idols of the peoples.

Vers. 15. not hearken] in Chaldee, not receive [unspec 15] the Word of the LORD. Here followeth a large commination of the curses that shall come upon the transgressours of the Law: compare herewith Levit. 26. 14. &c. and this condition is opposite to the former in v. 1, 2.

Vers. 16. Cursed thou] The first curse is upon [unspec 16] their persons, opposed to the blessing in v. 3. What the curse meaneth, see Deut. 27. 15. Gen. 3. 14.

Vers. 17. dough-trough] or store; in Greeke, thy [unspec 17] remainders. This second curse is opposed to the third blessing in v. 5.

Vers. 18. fruit of thy wombe] in Chaldee, the [unspec 18] child of thy bowells. This third curse is set against the second blessing in v. 4.

Vers. 19. commest in, &c.] that is, in all thy [unspec 19] waies and administration. The fourth curse, oppo∣sed to the fourth blessing, in v. 6.

Vers. 20. a curse] so God threatneth the Priests, [unspec 20] in Mal. 2. 2. and this fift denunciation is against the sixt promise of blessing, in v. 8. This curse the Greeke expoundeth, lacke, or penury. vexation] or, trouble, tumult and destruction, as Deut. 7. 23. this the Greeke interpreteth, famine; but the word is more generall, implying warres also, and other plagues upon the body, as Zach. 14. 13. 1 Sam. 14. 20. and 5. 9. And this judgement was upon Israel, 2 Chron. 15. 5. rebuke] this is not onely from men, but from God, who is said to rebuke, not onely by words but by deeds, whereupon men perish, Psal. 80. 17. and his rebuke is with flames of fire, Esay 66. 15. Hereupon the Greeke here trans∣lateth it consumption. How this came upon Israel, see Esay 51. 20. and 30. 17. forsaken me] in Chaldee, forsaken my feare.

Vers. 21. the pestilence] The Greeke and Chal∣dee [unspec 21] translate it, death: see the Annotations on Ex. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. and Levit. 26. 25. The fulfilling of this plague is mentioned in Amos 4. 10.

Vers. 22. consumption] of this and the ague fol∣lowing, [unspec 22] see Lev. 26. 16. the sword] or draught: but the Greeke taketh it in the first sense, transla∣ting it slaughter: So in Levit. 26. 25. blasting] of corne and fruits with a dry winde, 2 Kin. 19. 26.

for the originall word signifieth drinesse; and such was the East-winde that blasted in those parts, Gen. 41. 6. Therefore the Greeke translateth it, corruption with winde. The fulfilling of this judg∣ment is shewed in Amos 4. 9. Hag. 2. 17. meldew] which hath the name in Hebrew of pale∣nesse (as Ier. 30. 6.) & so is here translated in Greeke, and is a plague upon corne, through too much moistnesse, (as blasting is with drinesse) whereby the naturall greenenesse is gone before it bee ripe, and the colour faded. So in Amos 4. 9. Hag. 2. 17. 2 Chron. 6. 28.

Vers. 23. thy heavens] in Greeke and Chaldee, the heaven: see the Annotations on Levit. 26. 19. [unspec 23] It meaneth a restraint of raine, whereby the land should be barren.

Vers. 24. powder] or small dust. In stead of raine, your aire shall be filled with dust, which the winde [unspec 24] and other things raise in time of drought. This word is used, when speech is of Gods judgments, in Esay 5. 24. and 29. 5. Ezek. 26. 10. Nahum. 1. 3. Luk. 9. 5. and with dust was Egypt plagued, Ex. 9. 9. from the heavens] that is, from the aire.

Vers. 25. smitten] in Chaldee, broken: this is [unspec 25] opposite to the fi••t blessing, in ver. 7. flee] and consequently fall and perish; as to flee three moneths before the enemie, 2 Sam. 24. 13. is expounded, to be destroyed three moneths, 1 Chron. 21. 12. for a removing] that is, removed, shaken, and disper∣sed; as the Greeke translateth, thou shalt bee in dis∣persion. This word Ieromy useth when the time of their dispersion was come upon them, Ier. 15. 4. and 29. 18. and 34. 17. So in 2 Chron. 29. 8.

Vers. 26. thy carkasse] that is, carkasses; the Greek [unspec 26] expoundeth it, your dead men: hee meaneth that they should not have honest buriall; but being slain by the sword, should bee eaten by beasts. These words of Moses Ieremy repeateth, Ier. 7. 33. and 16. 4. and 34. 20. And Asaph lamenteth the com∣plement of this plague, Psal. 79. 1, 2, 3.

Vers. 27. boyle of Egypt] or Egyptian ulcer, [unspec 27] whereof see Exod. 9. 9, 10, 11. emrods] or piles, a disease wherewith God smote the Philistines in their secret hinder parts, 1 Sam. 5. 9. Psal. 78. 66. For this disease the Hebrew hath two names, the one in the line Gnaphólim, the other in the margine Techórim; and this latter is used in the line, in 1 Sam. 6. 11, 17. itch] so the Greeke expoun∣deth it: the Chaldee saith, a drie scab. whereof] or, so that thou canst not be healed: and this is con∣trary to the promise made upon their obedi∣ence, in Exod. 15. 26.

Vers. 28. madnesse] or furie; this is properly in [unspec 28] the minde, but manifested by foolish gesture, 1 Sam. 21. 13, 14. And because the Prophets were often moved with extasies, & carried themselves strange∣ly, some in contempt would call them mad men, 2 King. 9. 11. Ier. 29. 26. blindnesse] this is both in body and minde, Esay 42. 19. The con∣trary blessing wee receive by Christ, Esay 42. 7. 16. astonishment] or, amazement, wondring: this is threatned even to the Prophets, in Ier. 4. 9. and other unbeleevers, Habak. 1. 5. Act. 13. 41.

Vers. 29. groping] or, feeling; meant as an effect [unspec 29] of blindnesse of soule, as Paul speaketh of Gods workes to the heathen, that they should seeke the Lord, if haply they might seele (or grope) after him, and finde him, Act. 17. 17. So it is said of the wicked, in Iob 5. 14. They meet with darknesse in the day time, and grope in the noone day as in the night: and in Iob 12. 25. They grope in the darke without light. save thee] that is, as the Greeke translateth it, thou shalt have no belper. So in 2. Sam. 22. 42. they looked, but there was none to save.

Vers. 30. lie with her] or, defile, ravish her. The [unspec 30] Hebrew Shagal signifying the act of generation, as here and in Esa. 13. 16. and Zach. 14. 2. expoun∣ded in the Hebrew margine to bee read Shacab, which is to lie with. make it common] that is, gather and eat the grapes thereof. See Deut. 20. 6. On the contrary, when God promiseth grace, hee saith, the planters shall plant (vines) and shall make them common, Ier. 31. 5.

Vers. 31. not returne] that is, not be returned, or [unspec 31] restored, as the Greeke explaineth it. See the An∣notations on Gen. 2. 20. and 16. 14. to save] in Greeke, no helper: as v. 29.

Vers. 32. faile] or, be consumed, to wit, with long∣ing, [unspec 32] or desire: so it is elsewhere spoken of the eies, in Psal. 119. 82. of the soule, Psal. 84. 3. and of the reines, Iob 19. 27. where Iob speaketh of his desire to see God at the resurrection. no power in thy hand] so the Chaldee expoundeth it, and the Greeke, thy hand shall not be strong (or able) or wee may interpret it, nothing shall bee in the power of thine hand. The contrary is in Mich. 2. 1. Gen. 31. 29.

Vers. 33. eat up] or, devoure: this judgement [unspec 33] came upon Israel by the heathens, Esai. 1. 7. Ier. 5. 17. and 8. 16.

Vers. 34. for the sight] in Greeke, for the sights (or [unspec 34] visions) meaning that they should see such heavy troubles, as should make them mad through feare and sorrow, being without faith, comfort, and pa∣tience. These are the lively and powerfull effects of the Law upon the conscience of sinners, that it bereaveth them of all sense of Gods favour: for the Law is not of faith, Gal. 3. 12.

Vers. 35. evill boyle] sore, or, malignant ulcer: [unspec 35] such a plague spirituall God sendeth on the Anti∣christians, Rev. 16. 2. And in body Iob was affli∣cted with such from the sole of his foot unto the top of his head, for the triall of his faith and patience, Iob. 2. 7.

Vers. 36. bring] or lead, make goe into captivity. [unspec 36] This foretelleth the overthrow of their state, which was accomplished by Assyria and Babylon, 2 King. 17. 6. and 25. 1. &c. thy King] in Greeke, thy Princes: both were fulfilled, 2 King. 24. 14, 15. other gods] as in their owne land they served other Gods, that is, Idols of wood and of stone, Ier. 2. 27. so God threatneth to send them as slaves into other lands, where they would doe the like, though by his Prophets hee warned them not to doe so, Esay 44. 8, 9. &c. Ier. 10. 2, 3,—11. So for making an Idoll in the Wilder∣nesse, God had before given them up to worship the host of heaven, Act. 7. 41, 42. The Chaldee here

translateth; thou shalt serve peoples that serve idols of wood and of stone: So after in v. 64.

Vers. 37. a by word] a sharpe or ••••tting taunt: [unspec 37] this God threatned againe immediatly before it came to passe, Ier. 24. 9. and before that in Solo∣mons daies, 1 King. 9. 7. and it came upon them, as Psalm. 44. 14, 15. &c.

Vers. 38. the Locast] that is, Loc••sts: see the judgements here threatned, fulfilled in Ioel 1. 4. [unspec 38] Amos. 4. 9. and 7. 1, 2. H••g. 1. 6, 11.

Vers. 42. Grash••pper] called in Hebrew Tselat∣sal, [unspec 42] a word here onely used; the Greeke transla∣teth it eris••bee, which is a blasting, or m••••dew, that spoileth corne.

Vers. 44. the head] or, for the head, that is, the [unspec 44] chiefe, which the Chaldee expoundeth strong; as the taile is in Chaldee the weake: see v. 13.

Vers. 46. for a signe] the Greeke and Chaldee [unspec 46] translate plurally, signes and wonders. thy seed] Chaldee, thy sonne••.

Vers. 47. goodnesse of heart] the Greeke trans∣lateth [unspec 47] it, a good heart; the Chaldee, truth of heart: it meaneth also gladnesse, as in Esay 65. 14. it is opposed to sorrow. Of this the Iewes made con∣fession when they were returned from Babylon, Nehem. 9. 35. of all] Greeke, of all things; and Thargum Ionathan addeth, of all good: and so in v. 48. want of all good.

Vers. 48. yoke of iron] that is, hard servitude [unspec 48] under heathen Rulers; as Ier. 28. 13, 14. for ser∣vants are said to be under the yoke, 1 Tim. 6. 1.

Vers. 49. as the Eagle] that flieth swiftly and [unspec 49] violently, therefore the Greeke translateth, like the violence of an Eagle. This is a prophesie of the Ba∣bylonians, the Lion with Eagles wings, Dan. 7. 4. So Nebuchadnezzar is likened to a great Eagle with great wings, &c. Ezek. 17. 3. 12. not heart] that is, not understand: see the notes on Gen. 11. 7.

Vers. 50. of a strong face] that is, bold, fierce, [unspec 50] cruell, and (as the Greeke translateth) impudent. This title is given to Antiochus Epiphanes, the great afflict••r of the Iewes▪ Dan. 8. 23. not re∣gard] not respect or honour any person.

Vers. 51. fruit of thy cattell] thy young beasts▪ See [unspec 51] the fulfilling of this mentioned before the captivi∣ty, Esay 1. 7. corne] The enemies devouring of these earthly blessings in Canaan, the holy land, figured also that Israel should for their sinnes bee deprived of Gods heavenly blessings, till God should turne them againe to himselfe by the faith of the Gospell: and then hee sweareth, If I give (that it, surely I will not give) any more thy corne to be meat for thine enemies, and the sonnes of the stran∣ger shall not drink thy wine, for which thou hast la∣boured: but they that have gathered it, shall eat it, and praise the Lord, and they that have brought it to∣gether, shall drinke it in the Courts of my holinesse; E∣say 62. 8, 9.

Vers. 52. thy gates] in Greeke and Chaldee, thy [unspec 52] cities: so vers. 55. See this fulfilled, 2 King. 17. and 25.

Vers. 53. the fruit of thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉] in Chaldee, the children of thy bowels. The like threatning is [unspec 53] in Levit. 26. 29. Ier. 19. 9. fulfilled, 2 King. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 29. Lam. 4. 10.

Vers. 54. eie shall be evill] that is, he shall grudge [unspec 54] and envy: see Deut. 15. 9. The Greeke translateth, he shall be witch with his eie. So in v. 56. of his bosome] that is, which lieth in his bosome, as Mic. 7. 5.

Vers. 57. her after-birth] and so her little one [unspec 57] therein; as the Chaldee expoundeth it, the least of her children.

Vers. 58. fearefull] in Greeke, marvellous. [unspec 58] [unspec 59]

Vers. 59. thy plagues] or, every of thy plagues, as the forme of the Hebrew word implieth. thy seed] Chald. thy children. permanent] or, firme, faithfull, and continuing long: as Tharg. Ionath. ex∣plaineth, which shall dure long upon your bodies.

Vers. 60. disease] or sicknesse; in Greeke, sorrow. [unspec 60] Of the plagues of Egypt, see Exod. 8. &c.

Vers. 62. with a few men] Greeke, in a short (or [unspec 62] small) number: Chald. a people of number, that is, soone numbred. See this fulfilled, Esay 1. 9. hearkenedst not] Chaldee, receivedst not the word

Vers. 63. will rejoyce] although the destruction [unspec 63] of the wicked is to themselves miserable, yet Gods judgements upon them are unto him, his Angels, and all the Saints, joyfull, Rev. 18. 20. Ps. 58. 11, 12. Ier. 51. 48. for, when the wicked perish, there is shouting joy, Prov. 11. 10.

Vers. 64. and unto the end, &c.] that is, from one [unspec 64] end of the earth to another. A like phrase is, from the end of the heavens unto the end of them, Matt. 24. 31. Mark. 13. 27. This dispersion of the Iewes is visible even to this day. serve other gods] the Chaldee expoundeth it, serve peoples that serve idols: but it implieth Gods judgment in gi∣ving them over to further sinne: see the notes on vers. 36.

Vers. 65. not finde ease] or, not have quietnesse. [unspec 65] Vnto this curse of the Law for sinne, is opposed the promise of grace in Christ, Ier. 31. 2. a trem∣bling heart] in Greeke, a faint (or discouraged) heart. See Levit. 26. 36. Esay 1. 5. failing of eies] in Greeke, failing eies, that shall looke for deliverance, but not see it. pining of soule] in Greeke, a mel∣ting soule, that is, sorrowfull and fearefull. See Lev. 26. 16. 1 Sam. 2. 33.

Vers. 66. hanging in doubt] that is, uncertaine, [unspec] as after followeth. So the Greeke, thy life shall bee hanging before thine eies. not have assurance of thy life] or, not beleeve in thy life; in Greeke, not beleeve thy life; that is, have no assurance of it, but alwaies feare death.

Vers. 67. Who will give] that is, O that it were [unspec 67] evening: see Deut. 5. 29. A lively description of misery, wherein every houre by night or by day seemeth long and tedious. Compare Iob 7. 3, 4.

Vers. 68. to Egypt] the house of bondage, Exod. [unspec] 20. 2. and figure of spirituall bondage under sinne and Satan: in which estate the Law leaveth all men, till they be redeemed by grace in Christ. So ano∣ther Prophet saith, They shall not dwell in I••ho∣vahs land; but Ephraim shall returne to E∣gypt, and they shall eat uncleane things in Assyria, Hos. 9. 3.