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.

VERS. XXV.

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

Simeon. The same man was just and devout.

I. SImeon the just, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of whom the Jewish Histories tell so many and great things, hath nothing to do here. For as it is certain that Simeon died long be∣fore: So as it very uncertain whether he deserved the title of just so well as our Si∣meon did. a 1.1 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. He was called just both for his Piety toward God, and his Charity toward his Country∣men. Grant he was so, yet is it a far greater testimony that is given of our Simeon.

II. Rabban Simeon, the Son of Hillel, was alive, and at Jerusalem, in those very times wherein our Evangelist wrote, his Father Hillel also, still living: whom the Son suceed∣ed, upon the decease of the Father, as President of the Council. But as to him, there is nothing famous concerning him, amongst Jewish Authors, but his bare name. b 1.2 Rab∣ban Simeon the Son of old Hillel, a Prince of Israel, as his Father had been. As you may see in cap. 1. Schabb. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 There is no mention of him in Mishneh. He was therefore no Father of Traditions, neither were there any things recited from him in the Mishneh, Which indeed was very extraordinary: but how it should come to pass I can∣not tell. Whether he had a sounder apprehension of things, or was not well seen in Traditions, or was this very Simeon, the Evangelist mentions, and so looked higher than the mere Traditions of men. This is all the hindrance, that Rabban Simeon lived a great while after the birth of our Saviour, and had a Son Gamaliel, whom he bred up a Pharisee.

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

Waiting for the consolation of Israel.

That is, believing the consolation of Israel was nigh at hand. The whole Nation waited for the consolation of Israel, insomuch that there was nothing more common with them than to swear by the desire they had of seeing it.

c 1.3 R. Judah ben Tabbai said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 So let me see the consolation [of Israel] if I have not put to death a false witness. Simeon ben Shetah saith to him, so let me see the consolation, if thou hast not shed innocent blood.

d 1.4 R. Eliezer ben Zadok said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 So let me see the consolation, if I did not see her gleaning Barley under the Horses heels.

e 1.5 R. Simeon ben Shetah said, Let me see the consolation, I saw one pursuing another with a drawn sword.

f 1.6 Those which desire the years of consolation that are to come.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Joseph. Antiq. lib. 12. cap. 2.
• b 1.2

  Juchas. fol. 66. 2.
• c 1.3

  Chagigah, fol. 16. 2. & Mac∣coth, fol. 5. 2.
• d 1.4

  Chetubb, fol. 67. 1.
• e 1.5

  Shevnoth, fol. 34. 1.
• f 1.6

  Targ. in Je∣rem XXXI. 6.