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 ...

§. 28. Of Aar•…•…ns dry Rod.

THe fourth particular type in the most holy place is thus expressed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rod that budded.

Here are three things to be considered.

• 1. The type it self; a rod.
• 2. The owner thereof, Aaron.
• 3. The effect, that budded.

• ...

  1. Both the Hebrew and Greek word translated rod is diversly taken. See Chap. 1. v. 8. §. 11. a 1.1 The Greek word is put for a staffe to walk with, Matth. 10. 10. for a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to beat one with. Rev. 2. 27. for a staffe to measure withall, Rev. 11. 1. For a scepter, Heb. 1. 8. Here it is taken for a Governours staffe. For Governours used to carry long white slaves in their hands. Some take it for a Shepheards crook: which they say, every head of the several tribes of Israel did bear in their hands, in memorial of Israel their father, who was a shepheard under his uncle Laban: yea, and each head of the several tribes, was a shepheard also.

  Of what kinde or fashion soever it were, this is certain, that it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from a* 1.2 〈◊〉〈◊〉, very dry, past sprouting, and springing according to the course of nature: a dry stick, as we say.

  This typified Christ, who came from the stock of man: but as a withered branch. The house of David was not known in the world, when Christ sprang out of it. For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did what he could to destroy that whole stock. The meaness and poverty of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Mary were a means of keeping them from the notice of Herod.

  Christ also in his own person was as a dry withered stick. From his birth, till the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 year of his age, he lived in a private, low, and mean condition. Yea, af∣terwards, though he did such works as might have made him famous, he was ex∣•…•… despised: and at the time of his death, apprehended as a traytor, arraign∣ed, scourged, busfeted, many other wayes most vilely handled, and crucified betwixt two 〈◊〉〈◊〉, dead and buried. He is to the life set forth to be as a dry stick, Isa. 53. This phrase, I am it worm, and no man, a reproach of men, and despised of the people is spoken of Christ, Psal 22. 6.

  Thus God would have him deeply humbled for the greater manifestation of his high 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and of the glory thereof.

  This also may be applyed to the mysticall body of Christ, which by nature•…•… dead in sin, Eph. 2. 1.

  This circumstance is a strong prop to our saith in all seeming impossibilities, for effecting glorious matters.

• ...

• 2. This rod is said to be Aarons for distinctions sake. It is probable that it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the r•…•…ds of the heads of other tribes: because their several names were written •…•…∣on them, Numb. 17. 2.

Thus Christ taking upon him mans nature was as other men: It is said of 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.3 there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Iesse, &c. Isai. 11. 1. He took upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 form of a servant, &c. Phil. 2. 7.

Thus came Christ to be a fit redeemer and saviour.

Thus may we with stronger confidence trust unto him.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Aarons ro•…•… a staffe.
• * 1.2

  Aarons rod ty∣pified Christ.
• * 1.3

  Aaron chosen.