A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 38. Of the difference betwixt Commandement and Law.

THe manifestation of that honour and prerogative which the foresaid sons of Le∣vi had, is in their power to receive tithes: thereupon it is added that they had a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to receive tithes.

That receiving tithes argued a superiority was shewed, v. 4. §. 33.

The ground of their receiving tithes, is set down in this word, Commandement, and also in the other word following, Law.

Of the derivation of these * 1.1 two Greek words. See v. 16. §. 80.

These are two of those ten words, which are used to set out the Law or word of* 1.2 God: and are all of them set down in the 119. Psalm.

In tha•…•… Psalm, they are set down in this order.

• 1. a 1.3 Way, v. 1. whereby is meant that course which God hath set before us to walk in.
• 2. b 1.4 Law. v. 1. Whereby the will of God is made known unto us, and we en∣joyned to conform our selves thereto.
• 3. c 1.5 Testimony, v. 2. Whereby testimony or witnesse is given of that which is good or evill.
• 4. d 1.6 Precepts, v. 4. The Hebrew * 1.7 verb from whence the Hebrew noun tran∣slated, precepts, is derived, among other things, signifieth to require. The Rabbins say that those precepts especially which are written in mans heart, are intended un∣der this word.* 1.8
• 5. e 1.9 Statutes, v. 5. These do especially intend those ceremoniall Lawes to which the Jewes were bound.
• 6. f 1.10 Commandement, v. 6. Under this word such Commandements as declared the power and authority of God over us, is declared.
• ...

• 7. g 1.11 Iudgements, v. 7. By these that mutuall equity, or righteous dealing which should be betwixt man and man is taught.
• 8. h 1.12 Righteousnesse, or justice, v. 7. By this what is due to every one is mani∣fested.
• 9. i 1.13 Word, v. 9. There is also another noun which we translate k 1.14 〈◊〉〈◊〉, v. 11. These two last words are oft attributed to the whole Law. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 signifieth the intent of the mind, expressed by words. The latter a promise expres∣sed; and it is oft translated promise, Psal. 77. 8.

The difference betwixt these two words, Commandement, Law, here used by the* 1.15 Apostle, I take to be this: that Law is here in generall taken for a statute and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that was set down unto them, that so much should be dedicated and given to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lord: and Commandement for a particular warrant and direction to the sons of L•…•…∣vi, to receive such a part, as by Law was dedicated to God: as when a Law or S•…•…∣tute is made, that such subsidies shall be given to the King, the King there•…•…pon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 command to such and such to receive the same.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.2

  Ten words put every of them for the Law of God.
• a 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 vi•…•….
• b 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 lex
• c 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 te∣stimonium.
• d 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Precepta.
• * 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 requi∣sivit.
• * 1.8

  1 Sam. 14. 17.
• e 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sta∣tuta.
• f 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 mandatum.
• g 1.11

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 judici•…•….
• h 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ju∣s•…•…itia.
• i 1.13

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ver∣bum.
• k 1.14

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 promissum.
• * 1.15

  Difference be∣twixt com∣m•…•…ndement and Law. See v. 16. Sect. 80.