SECT. II. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Wilderness of Iudah.
PErhaps I shall be laughed at, if I distinguish between the Wilderness of Judah, and the Wilderness of Judea. And formerly such a distinction did deserve laughter; but when the name of Idumea, as I have shewed, swallowed up a great part of Judea, then it was not only to be born with, but necessary also, to distinguish between the Wilder∣ness of Judah, of which Josh. XV. 61. and the Title of Psal. LXIII. and the Wilderness of Judea where John Baptized.
The Title of that Psalm in the original Hebrew is thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 A Psalm of David when he was in the desert of Judah. But the Greek Interpreters render it, A Psalm of David when he was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the wilderness of Idumea. And the Vulgar, A Psalm of David when he was in the desert of Idumea: acting the part of no good Interpreters, but of no ill Paraphrasts. So Jer. IX. 26. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Upon Idumea, and upon Edom.
If you ask where David was when he composed that Psalm, it is answered, 1 Sam. XXIV. 1. In the wilderness of Eugaddi: and if you search further for the precise place, it was there where the Castel Masada was afterwards built. For I doubt not at all, that that place, as c 1.1 Josephus describes it, was the same with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Rocks of the wild Goats.
I appeal here to the Maps and their Authors, in whom Engedi and Masada (and Lots Cave) are placed not very far from the utmost North coast of Asphaltites; let them say whether Idumea stretched out it self so far. If not, let them correct the Interpreters whom we have named; and though it be so, they might shew by what authority they place those places there, and let them friendly correct me putting them far elswhere.