§. 18. Of the Golden Censer.
Which had the golden censer, &c.
IN this and the next verse sundry particular types which were in the most holy* 1.1 place are set down. This phrase, which had, hath reference to that part of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which is called the most holy place.
The first of the types here mentioned is the golden Censer.
The Greek word translated, a 1.2 Censer is ambiguous. It is derived from a b 1.3 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that signifies incense; and signifieth that whereon incense is put or offered up. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this respect some put it for the Altar whereon incense was offered.
Others take it for a Censer, which was an instrument made with a broad pan, fit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hold fier on it, with a steel or handle to hold it by.
Thus have our English translators turned it, Censer, and that most properly. For it* 1.4 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here said to be in the most Holy place: but the Altar of incense was in the Holy place. The Altar was set before the vail, not within: And Incense was to be offered on it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 morning and evening, Exod. 31. 6, 7. but into the most Holy place the High Priest went only once a year, v. 7.
It is therefore here taken for the Censer, which is described, L•…•…vit. 16. 12, 13.
Object. No mention is made by Moses of any such instrument in the most holy place.
Answ. Where it is said that the High Priest shall take a Censer when he entereth into the holy place, Lev. 16. 12. he meaneth this Censer of gold which he took out of the holy place, and with it took fire from off the Altar, and so went into the ho∣ly place again.
I deny not but that there may be other Censers: for there is mention made of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the plurall number, Lev. 4. 14. and of golden Censers 1 Kings 7. 50. But there ought be a special and peculiar Censer appertaining to the most holy place, and there only to be used: which the Apostle may here mean.
About this Censer Moses noteth two points.
- 1. The matter whereof it was made.
- 2. The manner of using of it.
The matter was of gold, for it is here said to be a (c) golden Censer.* 1.5
This typified Christ, and his purity, pretiousnesse and everlastingnesse.
The matter of it is here the rather noted to distinguish this from other Censers, which were of brasse: and were for the oidinary Priests to carry incense up and down the Tabernacle. With such as these, the two hundred and fifty men, which conspired with Korah offered incense.