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] or, Ordinances, which taught the ser∣vice of God, (Heb. 9. 1.) as the next word judg∣ments, [unspec 1] are for duties towards men, and punish∣ments of transgressours. These are often joyned together: see Deut. 5. 1. and 6. 1. and 12. 1. Mal. 4. 4. And that Statutes meane the legall services, appeareth by the continuall use of this word, as in Exod. 12. 24. 43. and 27. 21. and 29. 9. and 30. 21. teach] or, am teaching: this sheweth the worke of the law, still urging the conscience to d••••] for, not the hearers of the Law are just before God, but the d••ers of the Law shallbe justified, Rom. 2. 13. may live] Moses describeth the justice which is of the law, that the man which doth those things shall live by them, Rom. 10. 5. possesse] or, in••e∣rit the land; which was a figure of our heavenly inheritance (Gen, 12. 5.) proposed to them that do the Law, but given to them that are of the faith of Christ, Ioh. 1. 17. Rom. 4. 13.—16. and 6. 23.

Vers. 2. not adde] Hereby all doctrines of men are condemned, Matt. 15. 9. and the all-sufficiency [unspec 2] and authority of Gods word, stablished for ever, Gal. 3. 1••. 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17. Adde thou not unto his words, lest hee reprove thee, and thou be found a lier, Prov. 30. 6. diminish] for every word of God is pure, Prov. 30. 5. and profitable for doctrine, for reproofe▪ for correction, for instruction in righte∣ousnesse, 2 Tim. 3. 16. Till heaven and earth passe, one jot, or one tittle shall in no wise passe from the Law, Matt. 5. 18. for to keepe] that is, that you may keepe; understanding the persons forementioned: so in vers. 5. see the notes on Gen. 6. 19.

Vers. 3. Baal-peor] in Greeke, Beel-phegor, the I∣doll [unspec 3] of the Moabites, unto which many of Israel declined, by the counsell of Balaam: see Num. 25. 1, 2.—18. and 31. 16. Psal. 106. 28. The Chal∣dee translateth, against them that served Baal-peor. destroyed] or, abolished: by sending a plague, to the death of twenty foure thousand, Num. 25. 9. This judgment was remembred after, in Ios. 22. 17. Have wee too little for the wickednesse of Peor? &c.

Vers. 4. unto Iehovah] the Chaldee saith, unto [unspec 4] the feare (or religion) of the Lord. Thus they that keepe themselves pure in generall defections, are saved from the common destruction, Ezek. 9. 4, 6. 2 Tim. 2. 19. Rev. 20. 4.

Vers. 6. wisdome] Hereupon the Oracles of God [unspec 6] are often commended, as making wise the simple, Psal. 19. 8. making us wiser than ou•• enemies, and to have more understanding than all our teachers, Psal. 119. 98, 99. and able to make us wise unto sal∣vation, through the faith which is in Christ Iesus, 2 Tim. 3. 15. On the contrary it is said, They have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdome is in them? Ier. 8. 9. Surely] or, Onely. The Greeke turneth it, Behold.

Vers. 7. what nation is there so great] or, what [unspec 7] other great nation is there? meaning, there is not any. So in vers. 8. God nigh] or, Gods ••igh. The Hebrew words are both of the plurall number, yet meaning one God in the plurality of persons; as the like is in Deut. 5. 26. Ios. 24. 19. The Greeke and Chaldee here translate it singularly, God. And he is said to be nigh us, specially when he heareth, and granteth our requests, Psal. 145. 18. So the Chaldee here paraphraseth, nigh unto the same, tore∣ceive the prayer thereof, in the time of the tribulati∣on thereof. Wee likewise are said to draw nigh unto God, when wee call upon him in faith, Psal. 73. 28. Heb. 7. 19. Esa. 58. 2. and both are conjoyned in Iam. 4. 8.

Vers. 9. thy soule] that is, thy selfe: the soule is [unspec 9] often put for the whole man. So where one Evan∣gelist saith, lose his soule, Matth. 16. 26. another saith, Iose himselfe, Luk. 9. 25. diligently] or, ve∣hemently; so vers. 15. and often. The word im∣plieth strength as well as diligence. See Deut. 6. 5. things] Hebr. words, which the Greeke also and Chaldee here keepeth. lest] or, that they depart not: in Greeke, Let them not depart from thy heart. Compare Prov. 3. 1. 3. and 4. 21.

Vers. 10. Horeb] or, Choreb, called also Sina••: see [unspec 10] Exod. 19. Paul calleth it, The mount that might be touched, Heb. 12. 18.

Vers. 11. heart] that is, the midst: as the heart [unspec] of the Sea is the midst thereof, Exod. 15. 8. So here, the heart of heaven is the middest of the ai••e. thicke darknesse] or, tempestuous darknesse, gloc••••••••

〈◊〉〈◊〉, as the Greeke version, and the holy Ghost in Heb. 12. 18. implieth. See Exod. 20. 21. Vnto this ••••••ible mount where the Law was given, Paul opposeth mount Sion, or the state of grace by the Gospell, Heb. 12. 18▪22. It noteth the hidden glory of Gods kingly administration in his Church, Psal. 97. 1, 2.

Vers. 12. voice of words] This also Paul men∣tioneth, [unspec 12] Heb. 12. 19. In the next verse Moses cal∣leth them ten words, that is, ten commandements, whereof see the notes on Exod. 34. 28. no simi∣litude] to wit, of God: so after, save a voice, that is, the voice of God, as in verse 33. Hereupon it is said, To whom then will yee liken God, or what like∣n••sse will yee compare unto him? Esa. 40. 18.

Vers. 13. of stone] signifying the perpetuity of [unspec 13] these words, and also the stoninesse of mens hearts, as is noted on Exod. 31. 18.

Vers. 14. statutes] for the worship of God, as [unspec 14] judgments were for the repressing and punishing of vice, Exod. 21. 1. These were spoken to Moses on∣ly, and by him written to Israel: but the ten words were spoken to all the people, and written by the singer of God.

Vers. 19. the sunne] It was a common corrupti∣on, [unspec 15] not onely amongst the heathens, but in Israel, to worship the Sunne, and Starres, and host of hea∣ven, 2 King. 21. 3. and 17. 16. Amos 5. 25, 26. of which sinne Iob cleareth himselfe, Iob 31. 26, 27. driven away] or thrust, to wit, out of the ••ay, as is after expressed in Deut. 13. 5. which is meant by the seduction of others, or of their own hearts. Therefore the Greeke and Chaldee here 〈◊〉〈◊〉 translate it, beest deceived, or made to erre and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, which the Hebrew word implyeth, be∣ing after used for the straying of cattell, Deut. 22. 1. Imparted] or, divided, distributed as a por∣t••••. It noteth Gods bountie in giving all peoples the use of those creatures, (as on the contrary false gods are said to divide or impart nothing unto them Deut. 29. 26.) and the base minde of men, to worship such things as are given for servants un∣to all men.

Vers. 20. fornace of iron] that is, fornace wherein [unspec] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 melted: so Egypt is called for the cruell op∣〈…〉〈…〉 Israel: likewise in 1 King. 8. 51. Ier. 11. 4. people of inheritance,] that is, whom God shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & take for his possession: the Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and inheritance. as this day] under∣〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yee are, or, as yee see this day.

Vers. 21. your sakes] or, your words: as the Greek [unspec] 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the things spoken by you: meaning 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉ring words, Num. 20. 3, 4, 5. where∣〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being grieved, obeyed not the comman∣〈…〉〈…〉 God, Num. 20. 12. Psal. 106. 32, 33. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spake of before, Deut. 3. 26. and now a∣〈…〉〈…〉, to shew Gods severity against all 〈…〉〈…〉.

Vers. 23. stroke] or cut, that is, covenanted or [unspec] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••••es doth often speake of the covenant first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betweene God and them, as that which was 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of all religion, to them and their seed after them: and whatsoever men added, altered, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diminished from it, was to be reputed evill. So Paul reforming abuses in the Churches, calleth them to the first institution, 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24. charged thee] or, commanded thee, that is, com∣manded thee not to doe, or, forbidden thee: so in Deut. 2. 37. for Gods precepts in the Decalogue, are for the most part for bods, or prohibitions; yet u∣sually called commandements. The whole phrase is expressed in Ge. 3. 11. which I commanded thee not to eat of it, that is, which I forbade thee to eat of.

Vers. 24. fire] to consume all his enemies; and [unspec 24] thine, if thou obey him, as Deut. 9. 3. and thee thy selfe, if thou disobey him; as Zeph. 1. 18. Heb. 12. 29. See also Exod. 24. 17. The Chaldee addeth, his word is a consuming fire: which is also true, Ier. 23. 29. Deut. 33. 2. jealous] the former word signified Gods power, this his will: hauing a jea∣lous affection, whereby he will not spare; as Prov. 6. 34, 35. See Exod. 20. 5.

Vers. 25. waxen old] that is, continued long, as the [unspec 25] Greeke explaineth it, and become ancient inhabi∣tants. Gods blessings were by Israel abused to sin, as is here foretold, and againe in Deut. 32. 15.

Vers. 26. perishing yee shall perish] that is, surely [unspec 26] and speedily perish: in Greeke, perish with perditi∣on: so in Deut. 30. 18, 19. where againe hee cal∣leth heaven and earth to witnesse.

Vers. 27. few men] Hebr. men of number; that is, [unspec 27] soone numbred for your fewnesse; as the Greeke translateth, few in number; and in Iob 16. 22. yeeres of number, are a few yeares: see Gen. 34. 30. This is contrary to that promised blessing in Gen. 15. 5.

Vers. 28. serve gods] being given over to your [unspec 28] owne lusts, as it is written, God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, Act. 7. 42. This same God threatned afterward, in Ier. 16. 13. But the Chaldee here turneth it, yee shall serve peo∣ples that serve Idols, the worke of mens hands. nor smell] the vanity of Idols is after this sort described in Psal. 115. 4.—7. Ier. 10. 3.—9.

Vers. 29. seeke Iehovah] the Chaldee transla∣teth, [unspec 29] seeke the feare of the Lord; meaning his true service. Here Moses annexeth promises, to com∣fort repentant sinners: as also in Deut. 30. 1, 2, 3, &c. all thy heart] see an example of this in 2 Chron. 15. 15.

Vers. 30. finde thee] that is, come upon, or befall [unspec 30] thee, as the Chaldee explaineth it.

Vers. 31. thy fathers] Abraham, Isaak, and Ia∣cob. [unspec 31] See Levit. 26. 42. &c.

Vers. 32. of the heavens] that is, from one utmost [unspec 32] part of the world unto the other. By the heavens are meant the parts of the world under the heavens: and the holy Ghost openeth this phrase; for in Mat. 24. 31. it is written, from the utmost parts of the heavens, unto the utmost pa••ts of them: for which in Mark. 13. 27. is said, from the utmost part of the earth, unto the utmost part of the heavens. By which it is evident, that the heavens in this speech, is put for the earth under the heavens; for hea∣vens comprehendeth the Aire also, wherein wee breath, as is noted on Genesis 1. 8. great thing] Hebr. great word. Moses hereby would teach, that Gods words and works unto his Church are more great and marvellous than all

his actions to other peoples whatsoever; and ther∣fore ought the more seriously to be considered.

Verse 33. voice of God] the Chaldee saith, the [unspec 33] voice of the word of the Lord: the Greeke, of the li∣ving God. and lived] As at the apparitions of God, men were wont to feare they should die, Iudg. 13. 22. and 6. 22. So at the giving of the law, all Is∣rael desired that they might heare the voice of God no more, lest they died, Exod. 20. 19. Deut. 18. 16. which manifested the power of the law, and the weaknesse of men, Heb. 12. 19. So no man can see the face of God, and live, Exod. 33. 20. when God giveth his voice the earth melteth, Psal. 46. 7.

Verse 34. hath God] or, hath any God; speaking of the true God, and his workes unto Israel, above [unspec 34] all other people: or of the reputed gods of the Gentiles, none of which ever did such a thing. assaied] or, tempted. This is spoken not of God trying his owne strength, but proving the obedi∣ence of his people, and trying the strength of his adversaries. The Chaldee translateth, Or the ten∣tations, (or signes) which the Lord hath made to re∣veale himselfe, &c. tentations] Moses here rec∣koneth seven things, about Israels deliverance; Tentations, whereby God, propounding his will, tried their obedience: (as when God tempted A∣braham, Gen. 22. 1.) Signes, which many times are of ordinary workes and naturall, as Exod. 3. 12. Wonders, which are of extraordinary, and superna∣turall workes, as Exod. 4. 21. and 7. 9. Warre, up∣on the refusall and resistance of the enemie, Exod. 8. 1, 2. Strong hand, not by cunning policies and stratagems, as men often use in wars; but by force, compelling the enemie to yeeld, Exod. 6. 1. Stret∣ched out arme, by open manifesting his power, and plagues continually upon the resisters, Esay 9. 12, 17. Exod. 6. 6. and Great terrours, which woun∣ded the hearts of the very enemies, Exod. 9. 20, 27, 28. and 10. 7. and 12. 30. terrours] or feares, the Greek and Chaldee translate, visions, or, sights, which are oftentimes fearefull; but the Hebrew for fears and visions, are one much like another, which might cause the mistaking. So in Deut. 26. 8.

Vers. 35. so know] that is, that thou mightest know, and acknowledge. The end of all Gods [unspec 35] workes was the manifesting of his glory, to the in∣formation and salvation of his people. This Mo∣ses often urgeth in this booke.

Vers. 36 to instruct] or, to nurture, chastise: by restraining from vice. So Gods chastening, and [unspec 36] teaching out of his law, are joyned together, in Ps. 94. ••2. Though chastening bee often with workes (as Levit. 26. 18, 28. Deut. 8. 5.) yet is it also with words: is here, (where the Chaldee translateth it teach) and Prov. 9. 7. and 31. 1. Ezek. 23. 48. Iob 4. 3. the fire] before, he said, out of heaven; and now, out of the middest of the fire: for though the voice came out of heaven, Israel perceived it not, but onely out of the fire, saith R. Menachem on Deut. 4.

Vers. 37. therefore he chose] or, and chose (that is, loved) his seed after him, therefore he brought thee [unspec 37] out. Gods love, and election out of love, is the cause of mans redemption and salvation. his seed] that is, the seed of thy fathers, every one par∣ticularly; as the promise was made to Abraham, then to Isaac, and after that to Iacob severally. The Greeke and Chaldee translate it plurally, their seed (or sonnes) after them. in his sight] or, with his face (or presence) The Greeke saith, he brought thee out himselfe; the Chaldee, he brought thee out by his word. Thus the face or presence of God, may imply Christ, the Word, the Angell of Gods face, Esa. 63. 9. He it was that brought Israel out, as 1 Cor. 10. 1, 9. and the signe of his presence was in the pillar of the cloud and fire, Exod. 13. 21. and 14. 19, 20.

Vers. 38. to drive out] to wit, out of possession (as [unspec 38] the originall word implyeth) or, to disinherit; the Greeke saith, to destroy, (or, root out.) as it is] the Greek addeth, as thou hast this day. Meaning of the land of Sihon and Og, which they had now in pos∣session, a signe of further victorie, Deut. 3. 21.

Vers. 39. And thou shalt know] or, know (and [unspec 39] acknowledge) therefore: see vers. 35. The know∣ledge of, and obedience unto God, is continually urged, upon the remembrance of his former mer∣cies. So 1 Chron. 28. 9. cause it to returne] or, bring againe, reduce, that is, call to minde, and con∣sider, that not onely for the present, but alwaies af∣ter, Gods true feare might continue in them. So in Deut. 30. 1. where this phrase is used: see the an∣notations there.

Vers. 40. all daies] this may be referred both to [unspec 40] the latter, the possessing of the land; and to the former, the welfare and length of life. In Mat. 28. 20. all daies, is explained, unto the end of the world.

Vers. 42. unwittingly] or, without knowledge ther∣of, [unspec 42] unawares. See the law for this, in Num. 35. 9, 10, &c. and after in Deut. 19. 2. in times past] or, in former daies; Hebr. from yesterday, and the third day. See Gen. 31. 2.

Vers. 43. Bezer] in Greeke, Bof••r: see Ios. 20. [unspec 43] 8. and 21. 36. 38. 27. 1 Chron. 6. 78, 80. Go∣lan] in Greeke, Gaulon.

Vers. 44. this is] He meaneth, that which here∣after [unspec 44] followeth; so this belongeth to the next chap∣ter, where the repetition of the lawes beginneth.

Vers. 45. after they came forth] Hebr. in their [unspec 45] comming forth: but In is often used for After, as is noted on Exod. 2. 23. so againe, in vers. 46.

Vers. 46. Beth-peor] in Greeke, the house of [unspec 46] Phogor, an Idoll Temple: see Deut. 3. 29. A∣morites] Hebr. Amorite: in Greeke, Amorreans. smote] that is, killed, as is noted on Gen. 14. 17. This victorie is here again touched, the more to stir up the hearts of the people, to obey Gods law, who had begun to shew them his power and goodnesse.

Vers. 48. banke] Hebr. lip. Sion] in Greeke, Seon. This is not that which usually the Scrip∣ture calleth mount Zion, in Ierusalem; but other∣wise written, and called Hermon: see Deut. 3. 9.

Vers. 49. sea of the plaine] the sea of salt, Deut. 3. 17. the lake of Sodome, or dead sea. Ashdoth Pisgah] or, the springs of Pisgah: see the notes on Deut. 3. 17.