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. III.

VERS. II.

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

Annas and Caiphas being High-Priests.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a 1.1 They do constitute two High-Priests at one time. True indeed but they promoted a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Sagan, together with an High-Priest.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 b 1.2 The Sagan, as to his degree, was the same to the High-Priest, as he that was next or second to the King.

They substituted indeed on the Vespers of the day of expiation, another Priest to the High-Priest, that should be in readiness, to perform the office for the day, if any un∣cleanness should by chance have befallen the High-Priest c 1.3.

d 1.4 It is storied of Ben Elam of Zipporim, that when a Gonorrhea had seized the High-Priest, on the day of expiation he went in and performed the Office for that day. And ano∣ther story of Simeon ben Kamith, that, as he was walking with the King on the Vespers of the day of expiation, his Garments were toucht with another's spittle; so that Judah his Bro∣ther went in and ministred. On that day the Mother of them, saw her two Sons High-Priests.

It is, not without reason, controverted whether the Sagan were the same with this deputed Priest; the Jews themselves dispute it. I would be on the negative part; for the Sagan was not so much the Vice-High-Priest, as (if I may so speak) one set over the Priests. The same with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the ruler of the Temple; of whom we have such frequent mention amongst the Doctors: upon him chiefly did the care and charge of the Service of the Temple lye.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 e 1.5 The ruler of the Temple saith to them, go out and see, if it be time to slay the Sacrifice. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Ruler saith, come and cast your lots, who shall slay the* 1.6 Sacrifice, who shall sprinkle the blood, &c. The gloss is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Ruler is the Sagan.

He is commonly called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Sagan of the Priests. Which argues his supre∣macy amongst the Priests, rather than his Vicegerency under the High-Priest.

g 1.7 When the High-Priest stands in the circle of those that are to comfort the mourners, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Sagan, and he that is anointed for the battle, stand on his right hand, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the head of the Fathers house, those that mourn, and all the people, stand on his left hand.

Mark here the order of the Sagan; He is below the High-Priest, but above the Heads of all the Courses.

2 Kings XXIII. 4. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Priests of the second order. Targum. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Sagan of the Priests. And Chap. XXV. 18. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Zephaniah the second Priest. Targum. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Zephaniah the Sagan of the Priests.

Caiaphas therefore was the High-Priest, and Annas the Sagan, or Ruler of the Temple. who, for his independent dignity is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or High-Priest, as well as Caia∣phas; and seems therefore to be named first, because he was the others Father-in-law.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 h 1.8 There was a dissention between Hanan, and the Sons of the chief Priests, &c. It was in a judicial cause, about a Wife, requiring her dower, &c. Where the scruple is, who should these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 these Chief Priests be? Whether

the Fathers, and heads of the Courses, or the High-Priest only, and the Sagan. It was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 i 1.9 a Counsel of Priests: which we have already spoken to, at Matth. XXVI. 3. Now the question is, whether by the Sons of the chief Priests be meant, the Sons of the Fathers of Courses, or the Fathers of Courses themselves, or the Sons of the High-Priest and the Sagan, where the High-Priest in that Court was like 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Prince in the Sanhedrin, and the Sagan 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Father of the Sanhedrin.

k 1.10 Moses was made a Sagan to Aaron. He put on his Garments, and took them off: (viz. on the day of his Consecration.) And as he was his Sagan in life, so he was in death too.

VERS. V.

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

Every valley shall be filled.

THE Jews have a Tradition that some such thing was done, by the cloud that led Israel in the Wilderness. Instead of many instances take the Targumist upon Cant. II. 6. There was a cloud went before them, three days journey 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to take down the hills, and raise the valleyes. It slew all fiery Serpents in the Wilderness, and all Scorpions: and found out for them a fit place to lodge in.

What the meaning of the Prophet in this passage was, Christians well enough under∣stand: the Jews apply it to levelling and making the ways plain for Israel's return out of Captivity, for this was the main thing they expected from the Messiah, viz. to bring back the Captivity of Israel.

l 1.11 R. Chanan saith, Israel shall have no need of the Doctrine of Messiah the King, in time to come; for it is said, to him shall the Gentiles seek, Isai. XI. 10. but not Israel. If so, why then is Messiah to come, and what is he to doe when he doth come? He shall gather together the Captivity of Israel, &c.

VERS. VIII.

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

Of these stones to raise up Children unto Abraham.

WE do not say the Baptist played with the sound of those two words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Banaia, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Abanaia. He does certainly with great scorn deride the vain con∣fidence and glorying of that Nation (amongst whom nothing was more ready, and usual in their mouths, than to boast that they were the Children of Abraham) when he tells them, that they were such Children of Abraham, that God could raise as good as they, from those very stones.

VERS. XI.

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

He that hath two Coats, let him impart to him that hath none.

IT would be no sense to say, he that hath two Coats, let him give to him that hath not two; but to him that hath none. For it was esteemed for Religion by some, to weare but one single Coat or Garment. Of which more elsewhere.

VERS. XIII.

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

Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

:〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 m 1.12 When the Rabbins saw, that the Publicans exacted too much, they rejected them, as not being fit to give their testimony in any case. Where the Gloss hath it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 too much, that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, More than that which is appointed them. And the Father of R. Zeirah is commended in the same place, that he gently and honestly executed that trust. He discharged the Office of a Publican for thirteen years: when the Prince of the City came, and this Publican saw the Rabbins, he was wont to say to them, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Go my people, enter thou into thy Chambers, Isai. XXVI. The Gloss is, Lest the Prince of the City should see you, and taking notice what numbers you are, should encrease his tax yearly.

VERS. XIV.

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

Neither accuse any falsly.

LEVIT. XIX. 11. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Neither lye one to another. Job XXXV. 9. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The oppressed. See Psal. LXXII. 4. & CXIX. 122.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. n 1.13 The manner of sycophants is, first to load a person with reproaches, and whisper some secret, that the other hearing it, may by telling something like it, become obnoxious himself.

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

With your wages.

A word used also by the Rabbins, o 1.14 The King distributeh 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, wages to his Legions. p 1.15 The King is not admitted to the intercalation of the year, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 because of the Opsonia: That is, lest he should favour himself in laying out the years, with respect to the Souldiers pay.

VERS. XXII.

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

Like a Dove.

IF you will believe the Jews, there sate a golden Dove upon the top of Solomon's Scep∣ter. q 1.16 As Solomon sate in his throne, his Scepter was hung up behind him: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 at the top of which there was a Dove, and a golden crown in the mouth of it.

VERS. XXIII.

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

Being (as was supposed) the Son of Ioseph.

A Parable. r 1.17 There was a certain Orphaness brought by a certain 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Epitropus, or Foster-father, an honest good man. At length he would place her in Marriage. A scribe is called to write a bill of her dower, Saith he to the girl, what is thy name? N. saith she. What the name of thy Father? She held her peace. To whom her Foster-father, why dost thou not speak? Because, saith she, I know no other Father but thee. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 He that educateh the child is called a Father, not he that begets it. Note that Joseph, having been taught by the Angel, and well satisfied in Mary, whom he had espoused, had owned Jesus for his Son from his first birth; he had redeemed him as his first-born, he had cherisht him in his childhood, educated him in his youth, and therefore no wonder if Joseph be called his Father, and he was supposed to be his Son.

II. Let us consider what might have been the judgment of the Sanhedrin in this case, only from this story. s 1.18 There came a certain Woman to Jerusalem, with a child, brought thither upon shoulders. She brought this child up, and he afterward had the carnal knowledge of her. They are brought before the Sanhedrin, and the Sanhedrin judged them to be stoned to death: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 not because he was undoubtedly her Son, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 but because he had wholly adhered to her.

Now suppose we that the blessed Jesus had come to the Sanhedrin upon the decease of Joseph, requiring his Stock and Goods as his heir: Had he not in all equity obtained them as his Son? Not that he was beyond all doubt and question his Son, but that he had adhered to him wholly from his cradle, was brought up by him as his Son, and al∣ways so acknowledged.

III. The Doctors speak of one Joseph a Carpenter t 1.19. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 u 1.20 Ab∣nimus Gardieus askt the Rabbins of blessed memory, whence the earth was first created? they answer him, there is no one skilled in these matters, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 but go thou to Joseph the Architect. He went and found him standing upon the rafters.

It is equally obscure who this Joseph the Carpenter, and who this Abnimus was, al∣though as to this last, he is very frequently mentioned in those Authors. They say, w 1.21 That Abnimus, and Balaam were two the greatest Philosophers in the whole world. Only this we read of him, x 1.22 That there was a very great familiarity betwixt him and R. Meir.

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

Which was the Son of Heli.

I. There is neither need, nor reason, nor indeed any foundation at all for us to frame, I know not what, marriages, and the taking of Brothers Wives, to remove a scruple in this place, wherein there is really no scruple in the least.

1. Joseph is not here called the Son of Heli, but Jesus is so; for the word Jesus, viz. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, must be understood, and must be always added in the Reader's mind to every race in this Genealogy, after this manner. Jesus (as was supposed) the Son of Joseph, and so the Son of Heli, and of Matthat, yea and at length, the Son of Adam, and the Son of God. For it was very little the business of the Evangelist either to draw Jo∣seph's Pedigree from Adam, or indeed, to shew that Adam was the Son of God: which not only sounds something harshly, but in this place very enormously, I may almost add, blasphemously too. For when St Luke, Vers. 22. had made a voice from Heaven de∣claring that Jesus was the Son of God, do we think the same Evangelist, would in the same breath pronounce Adam the Son of God too? So that this very thing teacheth us what the Evangelist propounded to himself in the framing of this Genealogy, which was, to shew that this Jesus who had newly received that great testimony from Heaven, this is my Son, was the very same that had been promised to Adam by the seed of the Woman. And for this reason hath he drawn his Pedigree on the Mother's side, who was the Daughter of Heli, and this too, as high as Adam to whom this Jesus was pro∣mised. In the close of the Genealogy he teacheth in what sense, the former part of it should be taken: viz. that Jesus, not Joseph, should be called the Son of Heli, and consequently that the same Jesus, not Adam, should be called the Son of God; indeed in every link of this chain, this still should be understood, Jesus the Son of Matthat, Je∣sus the Son of Levi, Jesus the Son of Melchi, and so of the rest.

And thus the Genealogical stile agrees with that of Moses, Genes. XXXVI. 2. :〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Which words, if you should render, Aholibamah the Daughter of Anah, the Daughter of Zibeon, you emasculate Anah, and make a Woman of him, who was a Man, and the Father of Aholibamah, Vers. 24, 25.

2. Suppose it could be granted that Joseph might be called the Son of Heli (which yet ought not to be) yet would not this be any great solecisme, that his Son-in-law, should become the Husband of Mary his own Daughter. He was but his Son by Law, by the Marriage of Joseph's Mother, not by Nature and Generation.

y 1.23 There is a discourse of a certain person, who in his sleep saw the punishment of the damned. Amongst the rest 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which I would render thus, but shall willingly stand corrected, if under a mistake. He saw Mary the Daughter of Heli amongst the shades. R. Lazar ben Josah saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 That she hung by the gl••ndles of her breasts. R. Josah bar Haninah saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 That the great bar of Hell's gate hung at her ear.

If this be the true rendring of the words, which I have reason to believe it is, then thus far at least it agrees with our Evangelist, that Mary was the Daughter of Heli; and questionless all the rest is added in reproach of the blessed Virgin, the Mother of our Lord: whom they often vilifie elsewhere under the name of Sardah.

VERS. XXVII.

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

The son of Rhesa, the son of Zoro∣babel, the son of Salathiel, the son of Neri.

I. THAT Pedaiah the Father of Zorobabel, 1 Chron. III. 19. is omitted here, is agreeable with Ezra V. 2. Hagg. I. 1, &c. but why it should be omitted, ei∣ther here or there, is not so easie to guess.

II. As to the variation of the names both here and 1 Chron. III. this is not unworthy our observation. That Zorobabel and his Sons, were carried out of Babylon into Judea; and possibly they might change their names, when they changed the place of their dwelling. It was not very safe for him to be known commonly by the name of Zorobabel in Babylon, when the import of that name was, the winnowing of Babel; so that he was there more generally called Sheshbazzar. But he might securely resume the name in Judea, when Cyrus, and Darius had now fanned and sifted Babylon. So his two Sons Meshullam and Hananiah, could not properly be called, one of them Abiud, the glory of my Father, and the other Rhesa, a Prince, while they were in Babylon, but in Judea, they were names sit and suitable enough.

III. Of the variation of names here, and in Matth. I. I have already spoken in that place. To wit, that Neri was indeed the Father of Salathiel; though St. Matthew saith, Jechoniah (who died childless, Jerem. XXII. 30.) begat him: not that he was his Son by nature, but was his heir in succession.

VERS. XXXVI.

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

The son of Cainan.

I Will not launch widely out into a controversie that hath been sufficiently bandied already. I shall dispatch as briefly as I may, what may seem most satisfacton in this matter.

I. There is no doubt, and indeed there are none but will grant, that the Evangelist hath herein followed the Greek Version. This in Genes. XI. 12, 13. relates it in this man∣ner: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Arphaxad lived an hundred and five and thirty years, and begat Cainan; and Cainan lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat Salah: And Cainan lived, after he had begot Salah, three hun∣dred and thirty years.

Consulting z 1.24 about this matter, I cannot but observe of this Author, that he partly follows the Greek Version, in adding to Arphaxad an hundred years, and partly not, when he omits Cainan: for so he, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Arphaxad when he was an hundred and thirty five years of age, begot Salah. Nor can I but wonder at him that translates him, that he should of his own head insert, Arphaxad was an hundred and thirty five years old, and begat a son named Cainan. Cainan was an hundred and thirty years old and begat Salah. When there is not one syllable of Cainan in Theophilus. A very faithful Interpreter indeed!

1. I cannot be perswaded by any arguments, that this passage concerning Cainan was in Moses his Text, or indeed in any Hebrew Copies which the Seventy used; but that it was certainly added by the Interpreters themselves, partly, because no reason can be given how it should ever come to be left out of the Hebrew Text; and partly because there may be a probable reason given, why it should be added in the Greek: especially when nothing was more usual with them, than to add of their own, according to their own will and pleasure.

Huic uni forsan poteram succumbere culpae.

I might perhaps acknowledge this one slip, and be apt to believe that Cainan had once a place in the original, but by I know not what fate or misfortune left now out; but that I find an hundred such kind of additions, in the Greek Version, which the Hebrew Text will by no means own, nor any probable reason given to bear with it. Let us take our instances only from proper names, because our business at present is with a proper name.

Gen. X. 2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Elisa is added among the sons of Japhet. And Vers. 22. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, another Cainan among the sons of Shem.

Gen. XLVI. 20. Five Grand-children added to the sons of Joseph, Malach. IV. 5. The Tishbite.

Exod. I. 11. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the City On, is added to Pithon, and Raamses.

2 Sam. XX. 18. the City Dan is added to Abel. Not to mention several other names of places in the Book of Josua.

Now, should I believe that these names ever were in the Hebrew Copy? when as some of them are put there without any reason; some of them against all reason (particu∣larly Dan being joyned with Abel, and the Grand-children of Joseph) and all of them with no foundation at all.

II. I question not but the Interpreters, whoever they were, engaged themselves in this undertaking, with something of a partial mind, and as they made no great Consci∣ence of imposing upon the Gentiles, so they made it their Religion to favour their own side: And according to this ill temperament and disposition of mind, so did they ma∣nage their Version; either adding, or curtailing at pleasure, blindly, lazily and audaciously enough: sometimes giving a very foreign sense, sometimes a contrary, oftentimes none: And this, frequently to patronize their own Traditions, or to avoid some offence they think might be in the Original, or for the credit and safety of their own Nation. The tokens of all which, it would not be difficult to instance in very great numbers, would I apply my self to it: but it is the last only that is my business at this time.

III. It is a known story of the thirteen places which the Talmudists tell us were altered by the Seventy two Elders, when they writ out the Law (I would suppose in Hebrew) for Ptolomey. They are reckoned up a 1.25, and we have the mention of them sprinkled up and down b 1.26; as also, c 1.27 where it is intimated as if eighten places had been altered.

Now if we will consult the Glosses upon those places, they will tell us that these al∣terations were made, some of them, lest the sacred Text should be cavill'd at; others,

that the honour and peace of the Nation might be secured. It is easie therefore to imagine that the same things were done by those that turned the whole Bible. The thing it self speaks it.

Let us add, for example's sake, those five souls which they add to the Family of Ja∣cob: numbering up five Grand-children of Joseph, who as yet were not in being, nay se∣ven, according to their account, Genes. XLVI. 27. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Children that were born to Joseph in the Land of Egypt, even nine souls.

Now, which copy do we think it is most reasonable to believe, the Greek, or the Hebrew? and as to the question, whether these five, added in the Greek, were antient∣ly in Moses his Text, but either since lost by the carelessness of the Transcribers, or rased out by the bold hand of the Jews, let reason and the nature of the thing judge. For if Machir, Gilead, Sutelah, Tahan and Eden, were with Joseph, when Jacob with his Fa∣mily went down into Egypt (and if they were not, why are they numbred amongst those that went down?) then must Manasseh at the age of nine years, or ten at most, be a Grand-father; Ephraim at eight or nine. Can I believe that Moses would relate such things as these? I rather wonder with what kind of Forehead the Interpreters could impose such incredible stories upon the Gentiles, as if it were possible they should be believed.

IV. It is plain enough to any one that diligently considers the Greek Version through∣out, that it was composed by different hands, who greatly varied from one another both in stile and wit. So that this Book was more learnedly rendred than that, the Greek reading more elegant in this Book than in that, and the Version in this Book, comes nearer the Hebrew than in that: And yet in the whole, there is something of the Jewish craft, favouring and patronizing the Affairs of that Nation. There is something of this nature in the matters now in hand, the addition of Cainan, and the five souls to the Se∣venty that went down into Egypt.

How mightily the Jewish Nation valued themselves beyond all the rest of mankind, esteeming those Seventy souls that went down with Jacob into Egypt, beyond the Se∣venty Nations of the world; he that is so great a stranger in the Jewish Affairs and Writings, that he is yet to learn, let him take these few instances, for it would be need∣less to add more.

d 1.28 Seventy souls went down with Jacob into Egypt, that they might restore the Seventy Families dispersed by the confusion of tongues. For those Seventy souls were equal to all the Families of the whole world. And he that would be ruling over them, is as if he would usurp a tyranny over the whole World.

e 1.29 How good is thy love toward me O thou Congregation of Israel? 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 It is more than that of the Seventy Nations.

f 1.30 The Holy blessed God created Seventy Nations, but he found no pleasure in any of them, save Israel only.

g 1.31 Saith Abraham to God, Didst thou not raise up seventy Nations unto Noah? God saith unto him, I will raise up that Nation unto thee, of whom it is written, how great a Nation is it? The Gloss is: That peculiar people, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 excelling all the Seventy Nations, that holy Nation: as the holy language excells all the seventy languages.

There are numberless passages of that kind: Now, when this arrogant Doctrine and vain-gloryiny, if familiarly known amongst the Gentiles, could not but stir up a great deal of hatred, and consequently danger to the Jews, I should rather think the Inter∣preters might make such additions as these, through the caution and cunning of avoid∣ing the danger they apprehend, than that ever they were originally in the Text of Moses. To wit, by adding another Cainan, and five souls to those Seventy in Jacobs retinue, they took care that the Gentiles should not in the Greek Bibles find exactly the Seventy Nations in Gen. X. but seventy two (or seventy three if we reckon 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Elisa also) as also not Seventy, but Seventy five souls that went down into Egypt.

It was the same kind of craft they used in that Version Deuter. XXXII. 8. whence that comparison between the Seventy Souls, and the Seventy Nations took its rise. Moses hath it thus, When the most high, divided the Nations, when he separated the Sons of A∣dam, he set the bounds of the people 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 according to the number of the Chil∣dren of Israel. But they render it thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 He set the bounds of the Nations, according to the number of the Angels of God. A sense indeed most foreign from that of Moses, yet what served to obscure his meaning so far as might avoid any danger that might arise from the knowledge of it. Making the pas∣sage it self so unintelligible that it needs an Oedipus to unridle it: unless they should al∣lude to the Jewish Tradition (which I do a little suspect) concerning the Seventy Angels set over the Seventy Nations of the world.

V. But now if this Version be so uncertain, and differs so much from the original, how comes it to pass that the Evangelists and Apostles should follow it so exactly, and that even in some places, where it does so widely differ from the Hebrew fountain?

Answ. I. It pleased God to allot the Censers of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, to sacred use, because they were so ordained and designed by the first owners. So doth it please the Holy Ghost to determine that Version to his own use, being so primarily ordained by the first Authors. The minds indeed of the Interpreters, were not perhaps very sin∣cere in the Version they made, as who designed the defence and support of some odd things: So neither were the hearts of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram sincere at all, but very perverse in offering their Incense; but so long as their Incense had been dedicated to sacred use, it pleased God to make their Censers holy. So the Greek Version designed for sacred use, as designed for the Holy Bible; it was so kept and made use of by the Holy Ghost.

II. Whereas the New Testment was to be wrote in Greek, and come into the hands chiefly of the Gentiles, it was most agreeable, I may say, most necessary for them to fol∣low the Greek Copies, as being what the Gentiles were only capable of consulting; that so they examining the Histories and quotations that were brought out of the Old Testa∣ment, might find them agreeing with, and not contradicting them. For instance, when they consult their Greek Bibles for the names from David backward to Adam and there find Cainan the Son of Arphaxad. If St. Luke should not also have inserted it, how rea∣dily might they have called his veracity in question, as to the other part of the Genealo∣gy, which had been extracted out of Tables and Registers, not so familiarly known?

III. If there be any credit to be given to that Story of Greek Version which we meet with in Aristeas and Josephus, then we may also believe that passage in it, which we may find in Aristeas. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. When the Volumes of the Law had been read through, the Priests, and interpreters, and Elders, and Governours of the City, and all the Princes of the people standing by, said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Foras∣much as this Interpretation, is rightly, religiously, and in every thing so very accurately fi∣nished, it is fit that all things should continue as they are, and no alteration should be made. When all had by acclamations given their approbation to these things, Demetrius commanded 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. that according to their custom, they should impre∣cate Curses upon any that should by addition, or alteration, or diminution, ever make any change in it. This they did well in, that all things might be kept intire and inviolate for ever.

If this passage be true, it might be no light matter to the Jew when quoting any thing in Greek, out of the Old Testament, to depart in the least from the Greek Version; and indeed it is something a wonder, that after this, they should ever dare to undertake any other. But supposing there were any credit to be had to this passage, were the sacred Pen-men any way concerned in these Curses and Imprecations? who saith they were? But however, who will not say, that this was enough for them to stop the mouths of the cavilling Jews, that they, following the Greek Version had often departed from the truth of the original, to avoid that Anathema, at least if there were any truth in it?

Object. But the clause that is before us (to omit many others) is absolutely false; for, there was neither any Cainan the Son of Arphaxad, nor was Jesus the Son of any Cainan that was born after the flood.

Answ. I. There could be nothing more false as to the thing it self, than that of the Apostle, when he calleth the preaching of the Gospel 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, foolishness, 1 Cor. I. 21. and yet according to the common conceptions of foolish men, nothing more true. So neither was this true in it self, that is asserted here, but only so in the opinion of those for whose sake the Evangelist writes. Nor yet, is it the design of the Holy Ghost to indulge them in any thing that was not true, but only would not lay a stumbling∣block at present before them. I am made all things to all men, that I might gain some.

II. There is some parallel with this of St. Luke, that in the Old Testament, 1 Chron. I. 36. The sons of Eliphaz, Teman and Omar, Zephi and Gatam, Timnah and Amalek. Where, it is equally false that Timnah was the Son of Eliphaz, as it is that Cainan was the Son of Arphaxad. But far, far be it from me to say that the Holy Ghost was either deceived himself, or would deceive others! Timnah was not a man but a Woman, not the Son of Eliphaz, but his Concubine, not Amaleck's Brother but his Mother, Gen. XXXVI. 12. Only the Holy Ghost teacheth us by this shortness of speech to recur to the original story from whence these things are taken and there consult the determinate explication of the whole matter: which is frequently done by the same Holy Spirit, speaking very briefly in Stories well known before.

The Gentiles have no reason to Cavil with the Evangelist in this matter, for he agrees well enough with their Bibles; And if the Jews, or we our selves should find fault, he

may defend him from the common usage of the Holy Ghost, in whom it is no rare and unusual thing, in the recital of stories and passages well enough known before, to vary from the original, and yet without any design of deceiving, or suspition of being him∣self deceived; but according to that Majesty and Authority that belongs to him, dicta∣ting and referring the Reader to the primitive story, from whence he may settle and determine the state of the matter, and inquire into the reasons of the variation. St. Ste∣phen imitates this very custom while he is speaking about the burial of the Patriarchs, Acts VII. 15, 16. being well enough understood by his Jewish Auditory, though giving but short hints in a story so well known.

III. It is one thing to dictate from himself, and another thing to quote what is dicta∣ted from others, as our Evangelist in this place doth. And whenas he did without all question write in behalf of the Gentiles, being the companion of him who was the great Apostle of the Gentiles, what should hinder his alledging according to what had been dictated in their Bibles?

When the Apostle names the Magicians of Egypt, Jannes and Jambres, 2 Tim. III. 9. he doth not deliver it for a certain thing, or upon his credit assure them, that these were their very names, but alledgeth only what had been delivered by others, what had been the common tradition amongst them, well enough known to Timothy, a thing about which neither he nor any other would start any controversie. h 1.32

So when the Apostle Jude speaks of Michael contending with the Devil about the body of Moses, he doth not deliver it for a certain and authentick thing, and yet is not to be charged with any falshood, because he hoth not dictate of his own, but only ap∣peals to something that had been told by others, using an argument with the Jews, fetcht from their own Books and Traditions.

IV. As it is very proper and even necessary toward the understanding some sentences and schemes of speech in the New Testament, to enquire in what manner they were un∣derstood by those that heard them from the mouth of him that spoke them, or those to whom they were written: So let us make a little search here, as to the matter now in hand. When this Gospel first appeared in publick amongst the Jews and Gentiles; the Gentiles could not complain that the Evangelist had followed their Copies; if the Jews found fault, they had wherewithal to answer and satisfie themselves. And that particu∣larly as to this name of Cainan being inserted, as also the five souls being added to the re∣tinue of Jacob: The learned amongst them knew from whence he had it: for what rea∣son this addition had been made in the Greek Version, and that St. Luke had faithfully transcribed it thence: So that if there were any fault, let them lay the blame upon the first Authors, and not him that transcribed it.

V. To conclude: Before the Bible had been translated for Ptolomy (as is supposed) in∣to the Greek tongue, there were an infinite number of Copies in the Hebrew. In Pa∣lestine, Babylon, Egypt, even every where in every Synagogue: and it is a marvellous thing that in no antiquity there should not be in the least hint or mention of so much as one Hebrew Copy amongst all these, that agrees with the Greek Version. We have va∣rious Editions of that Version which they call the Septuagint, and those, pretty much disagreeing among themselves, but who hath ever heard or seen one Hebrew Copy, that hath in every thing agreed with any one of them? The Interpreters have still a∣bounded in their own sense, not very strictly obliging themselves to the Hebrew Text.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Hierosal. San∣hedr. fol. 29. 1.
• b 1.2

  Juchasin. fol. 57. 1. out of Rambam.
• c 1.3

  Joma▪ ca••▪ 1▪
• d 1.4

  Hieros. H••∣raioth, fol. 47. 4.
• e 1.5

  Joma, cap•• hal. 1.
• * 1.6

  f Tamid. cap. 3. hal. 1.
• g 1.7

  Sanhedr. fol. 19. 2.
• h 1.8

  Chetub. fol. 88. 2. & fol. 105. 1.
• i 1.9

  Cap. 1. of the same Treatise, hal. 5.
• k 1.10

  Pesikta, fol. 11. 4.
• l 1.11

  Beresh. rabb. fol. 110. 3.
• m 1.12

  Sanhedr. fol. 25. 2.
• n 1.13

  Dion Cass. lib. 58. a little from the be∣ginning.
• o 1.14

  Midr. Schir. fol. 5. 3.
• p 1.15

  Sanhedr. fol. 18. 2.
• q 1.16

  Bemidb. rabh. fol. 250. 1.
• r 1.17

  Schemoth rab∣ba, fol. 160. 4.
• s 1.18

  Kiddushin, fol. 80. 1.
• t 1.19

  Sect. 13. of the same Trea∣tise.
• u 1.20

  Shemoth rab∣ba, fol. 128. 4.
• w 1.21

  Beresh. rabba. fol. 73. 4.
• x 1.22

  Midr. Ruth. fol. 43. 2.
• y 1.23

  Hieros. Cha∣gigah, fol 77. 4.
• z 1.24

  Theophil. ad Autolych. lib. 3.
• a 1.25

  Hierosol. Me∣gill. fol. 71. 4. Bab. Migillah, fol. 9. 1. Mas∣sech. Sopherim, cap. 1.
• b 1.26

  In Beresh. rab. fol. 10. 3. and fol. 12. 4. and fol. 41. 4. and fol. 110. 1.
• c 1.27

  Shemoth, rab. fol. 123. 1.
• d 1.28

  Zohar. in Ex∣od. Col. 22.
• e 1.29

  T••rg. in Can∣tic. IV. 10.
• f 1.30

  Remidb. rab. fol. 210. 3.
• g 1.31

  Beresh. rab. fol. 43. 2.
• h 1.32

  See Menacoth fol. 85. 1. Targ. Jonath. Exod. I. Aruch. in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and Nu∣menius ••n Eu∣seb. praeparat. Evangel. lib. 8. cap. 8.