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. XXV. (Book 25)

VERS. I.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Ten Virgins.

THE Nation of the Jews delighted mightily in the number ten, both in sacred and civil matters. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 A Synagogue consisted not but of ten at the least: which we have observed before, when we spoke about Synagogues. This also was current among them, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 An order or ring of men, consisted not but of ten at the least. * 1.1 The Text is speaking of a company to comfort mourners: which, the Gloss thus describes, when the company was returned from burying a dead body, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 they set themselves in order about the mourners, and comforted them: But now such an order or ring, consisted of ten at the least. To this commonly received number, there seems to be an alluding in this place: Not but that they very frequently exceeded that number of Virgins in weddings of greater note, but rarely came short of it.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

To meet the bridegroom.

To go to a wedding, was reckoned among the works of mercy.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 z 1.2 The shewing of mercy implies two things. 1. That one should assist an Israelite with ones wealth, namely by Alms and redeeming of Captives. 2. That one should as∣sist him in ones own person; to wit, by comforting the mourners, by attending the dead to bu∣rial, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and by being present at the Chambers of Bridegrooms. The pre∣sence of Virgins also adorned the pomp and festivity of the thing. Marriages are called by the Rabbins 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Receivings, &c. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The introducing of the Bride, namely, into the house of her husband. There were no marriages, but of such as had been before betrothed: and after the betrothing, the Bridegroom might not lye with the Bride in his father in Laws house, before he had brought her to his own. That bringing of her, was the consummation of the marriage. This parable supposeth that the Bride was thus fetched to the house of her husband, and that the Virgins were ready against

her coming. Who yet, being either fetched a great way, or some accident hapning to delay her, did not come till midnight.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Took Lamps.

The form of Lamps is described by Rambam, and R. Solomon a 1.3 whom see. These things are also mentioned by R. Solomon. It is the fashion in the Country of the Ismaelites, to carry the Bride from the house of her father to the house of the Bridegroom, before she is put to bed; and to carry before her about ten wooden staves, having each of them on the top, a ves∣sel like a dish, in which there is a piece of cloth with oyl and pitch: these being lighted, they carry before her for torches. The same things saith the Aruch in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

VERS. II.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Five wise.

Five foolish.

A Parable, not unlike this, is produced by Kimchi. b 1.4 Rabban Jochanan ben Zaccai saith, as he hath it, This thing is like a King, who invited his servants, but did not appoint them any set time. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Those of them that were wise, adorned themselves, and sat at the gate of the Palace; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Those that were foolish, went about their own business. The King on a sudden called for his servants: Those went in adorned; these undrest. The King was pleased with the wise, and angry at the foolish.

VERS. V.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

They all slumbred and slept.

:〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Talmudick Language. c 1.5 If some sleep (while they celebrate the Paschal supper) let them eat; if all, let them not eat. R. Josi saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Do they slumber? Let them eat. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Do they sleep? Let them not eat. The Gemarists enquire, whence a man is to be reputed as a slumberer (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) R. Ishi saith, He sleeps and doth not sleep, he wakes and is not awake. If you call him, he answers; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 But he cannot answer to the purpose. The Gloss, If you speak to him, he will answer 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 yes, or no; But if you ask any thing that hath need of thinking; as for instance, where such a vessel is laid up? He cannot an∣swer you.

VERS. XV.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

And unto one, he gave five talents, &c.

YOU have a like, and almost the same, parable Luke XIX. yet indeed not the very same; for (besides that there is mention there of pounds being given, here, of talents) that parable was spoke by Christ going up from Jericho to Jerusalem, before the raising up of Lazarus; this, as he was sitting on Mount Olivet three days before the Passover. That, upon this account, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the Kingdom of God would immediately appear, Luke XIX. 11. and that he might shew, that it would not be long before Jerusalem should be called to an account for all the priviledges and benefits conferred upon it by God. (See verse the fourteenth and seventeenth:) But this, that he might warn all to be watchful, and provide with their utmost care concerning giving up their accounts at the last Judgment.

VERS. XXVII.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

Thou oughtest therefore to have put my mony to the Exchangers, &c.

THE Lord did not deliver the Talents to his servants with that intent that they should receive the increase and profit of them by Usury; but that by Merchandise and some honest way of Trade, they should increase them. He only returns this answer to the slothful servant, as fitted to what he had alledged, you take me for a covetous, griping and ••ordid man; why then did you not make use of a manner of gain agreeable to these qualities, namely interest or usury, (since you would not apply your self to any honest traffick) that you might have returned me some increase of my money, rather than nothing at all? So that our Lord in these words doth not so much approve of usury, as upbraid the folly and sloth of his servant.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Exchangers, answering to the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 very usual among the Tal∣mudists. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 * 1.6 An Exchanger (Trapezita) sells mony, and be∣cause a Table is always before him, upon which he buys and sells, therefore he is called Men∣sarius, one that stands at a Table.

Of the same employment was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The shopkeeper, of whom is as frequent mention among them. He exercised the employment of an Usurer in buying and changing of fruits, as the other in mony: for in these two especially consisted usury. Of which you may see, if you please, the Tract Bava Mezia.* 1.7

Notes

• * 1.1

  Gloss. in Bab. Berac. fol. 16. 2.
• z 1.2

  Rambam on Peah, fol. ••. 1.
• a 1.3

  In Kel••m, Chap. 2. hal. 8.
• b 1.4

  On Esa. LXV. 13, 14.
• c 1.5

  Pesachin, cap. 10. hal. 8.
• * 1.6

  Aruc.
• * 1.7

  Cap. 5.