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 ...

§. 27. Of the golden pot wherein Manna was kept.

THe vessel is here said to be a pot, yea, a golden pot. Into this was the Manna put, that it might remain as a memorial for future generations.

About this circumstance, we are to consider.

• 1. The matter of this pot, It was of Gold.
• 2. The quantity of it, so much as would hold an Omer full.
• 3. The place where it was set, before the Lord.
• 4. The end, to be kept for generations.

Most of these points are expresly set down, Exod. 16. 33.

In generall the Lord would have a pot, to hold it; for that was the fittest vessel to* 1.1 keep the grain together from scattering. It was a small and round grain, and might soon have been scattered and lost, if it had not by some such means been kept toge∣ther.

This vessel sets out the ordinances of God, wherein Christ and the precious things appertaining unto him, are kept together. In them is Christ to be found.

• ...

  1. The matter of this pot is not set down in the history: but expressed by the A∣postle, who was guided by the same Spirit tha•…•… Moses was, and therefore to be taken for truth, as if Moses himself had expressed it.

  It was of the same matter the Candlestick was, and for the same ends. See v. 2. §. 8.

  It set forth the purity and continuance of Gods ordinances.

  It sheweth also that things presented before the Lord must be pure: and such as are indeed precious, and may well be so accounted. Thus will they be also lasting, as Gold.

• ...

• ...

  2. The quantity being an Omerfull shewed the plenty of Gods provision. For an* 1.2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 held about three pintes, which is a plentifull allowance of bread for one per∣son every day: and so much had every man every day, Exod. 16. 16. Thus Christ is a plentifull portion: So as we may well rest therein.

  God would have this measure in particular reserved, that his plentifull provisi∣on for those of whom he taketh care, might be the better considered.

• 3. The place, before the Lord, was before the Ark, which was a speciall represen∣•…•…* 1.3 of Gods presence.

There it was put,

• 1. Because this was a solemn and sacred monument, and therefore put in a sacred 〈◊〉〈◊〉 solemne place.
• 2. To put them in mind of this evidence of Gods providence, so oft as they ap∣peared before God: for it is very usefull when in prayer we appear before God, to •…•…ll to mind Gods memorable and mercifull workes.
• 3. To demonstrate that Christ our spiritual food, is to be found before God.
• 4. The end was that future generations might have knowledge of this evidence of* 1.4 Gods providence. Hereof see Chap. The Churches Conquest on Exod. 17. 15. §. 76.

Thus God will have Christ to be remembred throughout all generations. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but a set time on earth, and in that time tlid and endured what was requisite for mans eternal salvation: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the memorials thereof remain thorowout all ages.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Manna was put in a gol∣den pot.
• * 1.2

  An Omerful of Manna was kept.
• * 1.3

  A por of Man∣na set before the Lord.
• * 1.4

  Manna pre∣served for fu∣ture ag•…•…s.