The works of the Reverend and learned John Lightfoot D. D., late Master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge such as were, and such as never before were printed : in two volumes : with the authors life and large and useful tables to each volume : also three maps : one of the temple drawn by the author himself, the others of Jervsalem and the Holy Land drawn according to the author's chorography, with a description collected out of his writings.

CHAP. XCIV. Gamala. Chorazin. (Book 94)

THESE things determine the situation of Gamala. 1. It was a 1.1 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in lower Gaulon, in which, as we have seen, Beth-saida was. 2. It was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪] upon the lake (of Gennesaret.) 3. It was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Over against Tarichee. Compare the Maps, whether in their placing of it they agree with these passages. b 1.2 Here was Judas born, commonly called Gaulonites, and as com∣monly also, the Galilean. So Peter, and Andrew, and Philip, were Gaulonites; of Beth∣saida, Joh. I. 44. and yet they were called Galileans.

While we are speaking of Beth-saida, Chorazin comes into our mind, which is joyned with it, in the words of Christ, Matth. XI. 21. as partaking with it in his miracles, and being guilty of equal ingratitude. If you seek for the situation of this place, where will you find it? Some Maps place it on this side Jordan, and others beyond Jordan: but on what authority do both depend? It is meer conjecture, unless I am deceived. Let me also conjecture.

The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chorashin, denotes Woody places, both in the Holy Bible, and in the Rabbinical writings. Hence we suppose the Chorazin that is now before us, is called, namely, because it was seated in some Woody place. For such places the land of Nephthali was famous above the other Tribes: to which the words of Jacob have re∣gard, Nephthali is an Hind let loose, Gen. XLIX. that is, Nephthali shall abound with Venison; as Asher (of whom mention is made in the words going before) shall abound in bread, and royal dishes: those words also of the Talmudists refer to this, c 1.3 It is lawful for cattle to feed in common, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Woods, yea for the Tribe of Judah to feed in the Tribe of Nephthali. Hence Harosheth of the Gentiles hath its name, Judg. IV. 2. which was in that Tribe. Led by these rea∣sons, I suppose our Chorazin to have been in Galilee, rather than in Perea, where most Maps place it.

But when this place seems to have been so famous for the frequent presence and miracles of Christ, it is a wonder, that it hath no where else so much as a mention in the Gospel story, but in the bare remembrance of it in those words of Christ, Wo to thee, Chorazin, &c. Whereas Beth-saida and Capernaum, places that he mentioneth with it, are spoken of elsewhere. What if under this name, Cana be concluded, and some small Country adjacent, which from its situation in a Wood might be named Chorazin, that is, The Woody Country? Cana is famous for the frequent presence and miracles of Christ. But away with conjecture, when it grows too bold.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Jos. de bell. lib. 4. cap. 1.
• b 1.2

  Id. Antiq. lib. 18. cap. 1.
• c 1.3

  Hieros. Rava Bathra, fol. 15. 1