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.

SECTION VI.

S. LUKE, CHAP. II.

CHRIST born; published to the Shepherds; rejoyced in by Angels; circumcised; presented in the Temple; confessed by Simeon and Anna.

AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a a decree from b Caesar Au∣gustus, that c all the World should be taxed. 2. And that taxing was first made, when d Cyrenius was Governor of Syria. 3. And all went to be taxed every one into his own City. 4. And Joseph also e went up from Galilee out of the City of Nazareth into Judea, unto the City of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the stock and linage of David; 5. To be f taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 6. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and g wrapped him in swadling cloaths, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for him in the Inn. 8. And there were in the same Country Shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock h by night. 9. And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. 10. And the Angel said i Fear not, for behold I bring you good tydings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall find the babe wrapped in swadling cloaths, ly∣ing in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the Angel, k a multitude of the Heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 14. l Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men. 15. And it came to pass, as the Angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the m Shep∣herds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16. And they came with hast, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. 17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18. And all they that heard it, wondred at those things which were told them by the Shepherds. 19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondred them in her heart. 20. And the Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Iesus, which was so named of the Angel, before he was conceived in the womb. 22. And when the days of her purification n according to the Law of Moses were accom∣plished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. 23. As it is written in the Law of the Lord, o every male that openeth the womb, shall be called holy to the Lord. 24. And to offer a Sacrifice according to that which is said in the Law of the Lord, p a pair of Turtle Doves, and two young Pigeons. 25. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the same Man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and q the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26. And g it was revealed to him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord Christ. 27. And he came by the Spirit into the Temple, and when the Parents brought in the Child Iesus to do for him after the custom of the Law. 28. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said: 29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. 30. For mine eyes have seen * thy salvation, 31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33. And Joseph and his Mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his Mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. 35. (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36. And there was one h Anna a Prophetess, the daughter of i Phanuel, of the Tribe of Aser, she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her Virginity. 37. And she was a Widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the Temple, but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38. And she coming in at that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Ierusalem. 39. And when they had performed all things according to the Law of the Lord, they re∣turned into Galilee, to their own City Nazareth.

Reason of the Order.

THE dependence of the beginning of this Section upon the end of that that went before, doth even prove and confirm it self. For after the story of the birth of Christs forerunner, and the relation of what happened and befel at that time, what could be expected to come next in order, but the birth of Christ himself? Especially, since none of the Evangelists mention any thing that came between.

Harmony and Explanation.

Ships shall come from the coasts of Chittim, and shall afflict Ashur, and shall afflict Heber, Numb. 24. 24.

THAT by Chittim is meant Italy, or the Romans, it is not only the general opinion of the Jews, as may be seen in their Targums, and in other writers, but of the most Christians also, yea of the Romanists themselves, whom the latter part of the verse doth so nearly pinch: As see their vulgar Latine, and Lyranus upon the place.

This Prophesie was fulfilled when the power of Rome first set her foot upon the neck of the Hebrews by the conquest of Pompey: but especially when she tyrannized over Christ, the chief child of Eber, even before, and at his birth, as in this story, but chiefly in condemning him to death, as in the story of his passion.

As Jacob had before told that the Jews at Messias his coming should be under the Sub∣jection of a Forain Nation, so doth Balaam in this Prophesie shew who that Nation should be. And this the more ancient and more honest Jews took notice of, and re∣solved that Christ should come in the time of the Roman Empire, and near to the de∣struction of the Temple by it: So in the Talmud they question What is the name of Mes∣sias? Some answer, Hhevara Leprous, and he sitteth among the poor in the gates of Rome carrying their sicknesses, Sanhedrin.

The Chaldee Paraphrast likewise on Esa. 11. 4. readeth thus, With the speech of his lips shall Messias slay Romulus the wicked one: or the wicked Roman, shewing at once his opinion of Christs coming in the time of the Romans, and also of the Romans being 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the wicked one, after a singular manner. Augustus was the second Emperor of the Romans, or rather, the first that was intire Monarch: for Julius Caesar his Uncle and Predecessor, had hardly injoyed any Monarchical government at all, nor did Augustus of many years neither: till he had outed Lepidus, and overcome Anthony, which were co∣partners with him in the dominion.

His name Augustus was given to him for his worthy administration of the Common∣wealth: For before-time he was called a Caepias, and b Thurinus, and Octavianus, and had like to have been named Romulus, as a second founder of the City, but by the advice of Munacius Plancus he was named Augustus, which importeth Sacredness and reverence.

§ That all the world should be Taxed.

To so vast an extent was the Roman Empire now grown, from Parthia to England, and they two also included, that it was a world rather then one dominion: And so did their own Authors boast it in those times: as, Caesar Regit omnia terris: Divisum imperium cum Jove: Totum circumspicit orbem: Terrarum orbis imperium, and such like speeches usual among them, both in Poesie and Prose. This huge and unweldy body, of so large and spacious a dominion, Augustus had now reduced to the healthful temper of peace and quietness: which is the more remarkable, by how much the more wars had been more frequent, and more bloody but a little before. For never had that Empire felt so great distemper within it self, as it had done of latter times, in the civil wars betwixt Sylla and Marius, betwixt Julius and Pompey, betwixt Augustus and Antony: not to mention the continual wars that it had abroad. It had not been very long before this time that the Evangelist speaketh of, when both Rome it self, and the rest of the world was at that pitiful plight that Polybius speaketh of, That the Romans were forced to send to Ptolomy, King of Egypt, for a supply of corn, because there was a great scarcity and dearth among them. For in Italy all their corn was destroyed even to the gates of Rome, by the Souldiers, and abroad there was no help nor supply to be had, there being wars in all parts of the world. But now is there an universal Peace, not only in the Roman Empire [so that the Temple of Janus was shut up, which it never used to be when any wars at all were stirring] but if we will believe Crantzius, even in those parts and Countries, where the Roman power had not yet set her foot; as Denmark, Norway, and those Northern Climates, there was so great a peace, that in some places there, Money and Jewels were hung up by the high way, and there was neither Theif nor Enemy to take them away. Such times became the com∣ing of Shiloh the Peaceable one, Isa. 6. 9. And such a beginning was befitting the Go∣spel of Peace.

Augustus having brought the Empire under this quiet obedience, like a politick Prince will have it all taxed, and brought into the Subsidy Book, that he might know the ex∣tent of his command, of his strength and of his revenues.

And thus we see and may observe Rome come to its intire and absolute Monarchy but at this time, and the state and power that should persecute Christ in his Members to the end of the world, beginning and born as it were, at the very same time when Christ himself.

Augustus, as c Tacitus recordeth of him, did cause an account to be taken of all the Empire, and himself had a Book and Record of it written out with his own hand. Opes publice continebantur: quantum civium sociorumque in armis: quot classes, regna, Provinciae, tributa aut vectigalia, & necessitates ac largitiones, quae cuncta, sua manu perscripserat Au∣gustus: which contained the publick revenue, the number of Citizens or confederates in the Armies: what Shipping: Kingdoms: Provinces: Tributes or Subsidies: and relief money, and beneficences. Dion also in the life of Augustus, and much also about this time, mentioneth a tax laid by him upon those that dwelt in Italy, whose estates were not less then five thousand Sesterces: and poorer then these he taxed not.

Ver. 2. This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governour of Syria.

The Tax is dated by the time of Cyrenius his Governing of Syria: First, Because Ju∣dea was annexed to Syria, as a member of it: and in naming the one, the other is inclu∣ded. Secondly, Hereby the loss and want of the Scepter and Law-giver in the Tribe of Judah is the better seen, for the subjection of the Jews by this is shewed to be in the third degree. They subject to Herod, Herod to Cyrenius, and Cyrenius to Augustus. Thirdly, From Syria had Israel had their greatest afflictions, that ever they had in their own Land; as by Gog and Magog, Ezek. 38. or the house of the North, Dan. 11. And Luke deriving the taxing of the Jews from Syria, calleth those things to mind: and layeth as it were the last verse of Dan. 11. and the first of Dan. 12. together.

The taxing is said first to be made in his time: As first, Denying that ever there was such an universal taxation in the Empire before, for the Empire was never in that case of universal quietness to be taxed before: And secondly, Importing the taxes of that Coun∣try that followed after: [Augustus at this very time laying the platform, subjection and submission of the Empire for succeeding posterities:] And here, [let it be said again] in exact propriety beginneth the Roman Monarchy: and is far from being any of the four mentioned, Dan. 2. or 7.

Josephus (c) mentioneth Cyrenius his coming into Syria, after Archelaus his death, To do justice and to assess and tax every mans goods, and he came into Judea, which was now annexed to Syria, and did so there: Now Archelaus reigned after Herod, Matth. 2. and reigned till

Christ was about ten years old, for ten years he reigned, as saith the same d Josephus: and therefore either Cyrenius came twice into Syria to lay taxations, as Funccius conclu∣deth, or else Josephus faileth here, as he doth not seldom elsewhere in Chronology.

Ver. 3. And all went to be taxed.

This taxing was first by Kingdoms and Countries, then by Cities and Towns, and then by poll: First, Kingdoms and Provinces were divided one from another. Secondly, Ci∣ties and Towns in every Kingdom and Province, were also particularized, and notice gi∣ven that every one should repair to the place to which by stock and descent they did be∣long. Thirdly, The people being thus convened in their several Cities, their names were taken and inrolled, and so the Greek word here used doth signifie in the nearest pro∣priety. Then did they make profession of Subjection to the Roman Empire, either by some set form of words, or at least by payment of some certain sum of money which was laid upon every poll.

And now, first, are the Jews entring under the yoke of that subjection which they ne∣ver cast off again, but it pressed them into a final desolation even to this day. Secondly, They had voluntarily brought this misery upon themselves in calling in the Romans in their civil wars. Thirdly, No spark of their former freedom and authority is left among them, for their King and Law-giver is clean gone. Fourthly, They are now to be inrol∣led, and registred for vassals to all succeeding generations. Fifthly, They must now leave their own occasions, and many of them their own houses to attend their own bondage and misery: And thus It is in the words of our Rabbins, if thou see a generation that hath many afflictions, then look for the Redeemer: from Isa. 59. 17, 18. Jer. 30. 6, 7, &c. D. Kimch. in Isa. 59.

Ver. 4. And Ioseph also went up from Galilee, &c.

Whether it were for the fear of Herod that had a murderous spite at the stock of Da∣vid, or for the more commodiousness for his trade, or for whatsoever else it was that Joseph a Bethlehemite became a resident in Galilee, surely it was the wondrous disposal of the Lord that a decree from Rome should bring him now from Galilee to Bethlehem, that the Prophesie of Christs being born in that place might take effect.

Ver. 7. She brought forth his first born.

This is to be understood according to the propriety and Phrase of the Law, agreeable to which it speaketh. Now the Law speaking of the first-born, regardeth not whether any were born after or no, but only that none was born before. As Hur is called the first∣born of Ephrata, 1 Chron. 2. 5. and yet no mention of any child that she had after: So Christ is here called the first-born, not as though she had any children besides, but to shew that in him was fulfilled what was typified by the first-born under the Law, who was as King, Priest, and Prophet, in the Family, and holy to the Lord.

And so likewise in that speech of Matthew, chap. 1. 25. He knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born: it implieth not that he knew her after, for the word till in∣forceth no such thing, as see the Geneva notes upon the place; but the Evangelists inten∣tion is to clear the birth and generation of Christ from any carnal mixture of Joseph and Mary, before he was born.

And here it is not unseasonable to look a little narrowly into the time of our Saviours birth, namely, the time of the year, at which he was born, as we have done into the year it self, or the time of the world, heretofore.

The year of the world, as we observed then, was, 3928.

The year of Augustus is neither so necessary to seek, nor so easie to find: partly, be∣cause there is some difference among Historians about the number of the years of his Reign, and partly because there may be some about the year of Tiberius, in which Christ was Baptized, from which we should count backward: For though it be said that John came Baptizing in his fifteenth year, Luk. 3. 1. yet may it be questionable, whether he Bapti∣zed Christ in that year or no: But not to swarve from the most common consent of Roman Historians, that say that Augustus Reigned six and fifty years, and of Christians that hold that Christ was baptized in the fifteenth of Tiberius, then may it be readily concluded that he was born in the forty second of Augustus.

The time of the year at which he was born, hath been much mistaken, being conclu∣ded upon, at the latter end of December: This mistake did first arise by another: for it being misunderstood that Zacharias was the High Priest, and that he was in Sancto Sancto∣rum, on the expiation day, when the Angel Gabriel appeared unto him, they could do no

less then conclude, that John was born in the middle of Summer, and Christ in the middle of Winter. A time very unfit for people to travail to their several Cities to be taxed, but far more unfit for Shepherds to lye abroad in the fields all night.

For finding out therefore the true and right time of his Nativity, these things are to be taken into consideration.

First, That the time that Christ lived here upon the earth, was two and thirty years and a half, exactly: And so long did David reign in Jerusalem, 2 Sam. 5. 4, 5.

This time was divided into two unequal parts: twenty nine years compleat he spent as a private man before he was baptized, for it is said, he began to be thirty, or was entring upon this thirtieth at his Baptism, Luke 3. 23. And three years and an half from his Ba∣ptism to his death: This sum was precisely told of by the Angel Gabriel, Dan. 9. 27. In half that week shall he cause sacrifice and oblation to cease: And is plainly parcelled out by Passovers and other circumstances of time, Matth. 4. 2. Joh. 1. 29. 35. 44. & 2. 1. 13. & 5. 1. & 6. 4. & 13. 1.

Secondly, That the time of Christs death was at Easter, or their Passover, as is most plain by all the Evangelists.

Thirdly, That he living just two and thirty years and a half, and dying at Easter; it must needs follow that he was born about the middle of the month Tisri; which answer∣eth to part of our September: And it is not only probable, but also necessary, if he lived thirty two years and a half exactly; that then as he died upon the fifteenth day of the month Abib, or at the Passover; so that he was born about the fifteenth day of Tisri, at the Feast of Tabernacles: a month and a Feast, that had been exceedingly renowned in ancient times. In this month the World had begun, and sin had entred into it. In this month were all the Fathers born before the Flood, as the Jews aver, and reason confirms it. From this month began the circle of the year from the Creation, to the redemption out of Egypt. From this month began the typical year of Jubile in the ages after. And in this month were the three famous Feasts of Trumpets, of Expiation, and of Taber∣nacles. And like glorious things may be observed upon the Feast of Tabernacles it self: At that very time did Israel fall upon the making of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, Exod. 35. At this very time was the consecration of the Temple, 1 King. 1. 8, 2. And at this very time was our Saviour born, and began to carry the Tabernacle of his flesh; and at this very time was he Baptized, and began the Ministery of the Gospel. So that here appeareth one addition more to the present misery and subjection of the Jews at the time of this tax; that not only they must leave all their occasions, to wait upon their own taxing, and promote their own bondage, but that they must neglect a main part of the service of God, the Feast of Expiation, and the Feast of Tabernacles, as Zech. 14. 16, 17. to attend the Conqueror, and their own thraldom.

And now, it being considered that John the Baptist was but half a year older then our Saviour, it will be observable how the four points of the year, as it may be so said, were renowned with their conception and nativity. John conceived at the Summer Solstice, and our Saviour at the Winter. John born at the vernal Equinox, and our Saviour at the Autumnal.

§. And wrapped him in swadling cloaths.

This passage is one ground-work whereupon Expositors conclude that Christ was born without pain to his mother: for that she performed the Midwives part her self, and none to help her. A second is this, That he was born without his Mothers pain, because he was con∣ceived without her pleasure. A third Argument may be fetched from the blessing of pro∣pagation given to our first Parents in the Garden. And a fourth from the example of the delivery of the Hebrew women in Egypt: For first, When God gave this blessing to Adam and Eve in their innocency, increase and multiply, Gen. 1. 28. it inabled them to beget children agreeable to their own perfection; that is, holy, righteous, and without any symptoms or consequents of sin, either in themselves, or in the mothers. But they never begat any child thus, because of their sudden fall. What, did this first blessing then ut∣terly fail, and never take effect, in its proper sense and full extent? Could such empha∣tical words of God to man in innocency, fall to the ground without performance? No, they took place in the second Adam, who was born according to the full extent and in∣tent of that blessing to our innocent parents; in perfect holiness and righteousness, and without pain to his mother. Secondly, If the Hebrew women in Egypt had so quick and easie a delivery, as that they were not like to other women: much more may we think the travail and delivery of the Virgin to have been quick, lively, miraculous and painless; as Esa. 66. 7. Before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.

§. Because there was no room for them in the Inn.

At the return out of Babylon, the children of Bethlehem were a hundred twenty three persons, Ezra 2. 21. Now that being four hundred and fifty years past, and somewhat above; to what a multitude might the stock or breed of that City be grown by this time of Christs birth? This multitude pressing together to their own City, according to the Emperors edict, the weakest go to the walls, and Joseph and Mary are excluded out of the Inn: and thus the free-woman and her Son, are cast out of doors, as the bond-wo∣man and her Son had been, Gen. 21.

Vers. 8. And there were Shepherds, &c.

The Patriarchs to whom Christ was more especially promised, were of this vocation, Gen. 47. 3. especially Abraham and David, to whom the promise was more clearly made; peculiarly David who was feeding Sheep near to Bethlehem, when he was taken a Father and type of Christ, 1 Sam. 16. 11, 12. And it doth illustrate the exactness of the perfor∣mance the more, and doth Harmonize with the giving of it the better, when to Shep∣herds it is first revealed, as to Shepherds it was first promised. Compare this with the Vi∣sions of Jacob and Moses with their flocks, Gen. 31. 10. Exod. 3. 3. and of Sampsons mother in the field.

§. Keeping watch over the flock by night.

Greek, [Keeping the watches of the night.] For the night was divided by the Jews in∣to four watches of three hours a piece. The first, or beginning of watches, is mentioned, Lam. 2. 19. The second, and third, Luke 12. 38. The fourth, Matth. 14. 25. this was called also the morning watch, Exod. 14. 24. Howbeit, the Talmud, from Judg. 7. 19. divideth it only into three. Be it the one or the other, these Shepherds it seemeth observed such an order, as that they watched by course, while others slept: or not to take it so very strictly, they lay now in the fields, and watched their flocks all night, which had been in a manner impossible to have done, in the deep of winter, at which time our Kalendar hath placed Christs Nativity.

Vers. 9. The glory of the Lord shone, &c.

That is an exceeding great glory, for so do the Hebrews heighten their expressions, as Cedars of the Lord, that is, goodly Cedars: Such an exceeding great glory shone about Paul, Act. 26. 13. That at noon day, this in the dead of the night.

Vers. 13. A multitude of the Heavenly host, &c.

It might not unproperly be rendred, The multitude; as importing that all the Quire of Angels, or the whole multitude of that Celestial Militia, was now knit together in a consort, for the praises and acknowledgment of Christ: according to that of the Apostle, Heb. 1. 6. When he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the Angels of God worship him. And thus as all the Angels sang at the beginning of the old World, or at the Creation, Job 38. 7. So do they at the beginning of the new, and of the redemption.

Angels are called the Heavenly host, 1 King. 22. 19. Joh. 25. 3. And in this sense, Rab. Menahem understandeth, Gen. 2. 1. Thus were the Heavens and the Earth finished, and all their Host, that is, saith he, the Angels whose Creation Moses nameth not else∣where.

Vers. 14. Glory to God in the Highest, &c.

The last words of this verse, the Vulgar Latine readeth, to men of good will; contrary to the Syrian, Arabick, and to the ancient Greek Copies, as appeareth by Greg. Nazian∣zen, Orat. 42. Andreas Jerusolomitanus, in Orat. de Salutatione Angeli, &c.

The whole Verse is but one Proposition or Axiom, in which the last clause of all is the subject, and the two former are predicated of it. And it lieth in this sense, The good will of God to men shewed in the Incarnation of our Saviour, when God himself disdained not to take the nature of man, is glory to him in the Highest, and is peace upon the Earth: And that this is the genuine and proper meaning and posture of the words, may be ob∣served; First, By the conjunction 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 And, put between, Glory to God, and Peace on

Earth, and none between them, and good will. And secondly, the very sense and matter it self inforceth this construction: For first, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 beareth the same sense here, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doth, Matth. 3. 17. & 17. 5. of Gods good-will, or well-pleased∣ness with men. Now, secondly, this well-pleasedness of his with men, was expressed and evidenced at this time, in the birth of our Saviour, in that God had assumed the nature of men, and it had never been so cleared and demonstrated before. So that, third∣ly, the birth of Christ being the occasion of the Angels singing this song, the good will of God towards men revealed, in this his birth, must needs be the subject of their Song. And then fourthly, the other two things expressed in the two other clauses, glory on High, and peace on Earth, must needs be understood as Predicates; seeing that being laid, to this expression of God of his good will towards men, they are but as fruits and consequences of it. And this reading and construction, how facil and plain is it, in comparison of these intricacies and obscurities, that those readings bring with them, that either break the verse into three distinct axioms, or into two, or that read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the Genitive case, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the Dative, as may be seen in Expositors.

Now how the good-will, and well-pleasedness of God towards men, exhibited and shew∣ed in the incarnation and birth of our Saviour, did glorifie God in the highest, in all his attributes, of wisdom, truth, justice, power, mercy, &c. And how it wrought peace on earth, betwixt man and himself, and man and Angels, and man and man, and man and his own conscience, might be shewed at large, if we were common-placing in stead of com∣menting.

Ver. 21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising, &c.

It was necessary that Christ should be circumcised, that he might both bear the badge of a child of Abraham, and have upon him an obligation to the keeping of the Law: For he that was circumcised was a debtor to the whole Law, Gal. 5. 3.

Ver. 22. And when the days of her purification, &c.

At forty days old, Levit. 12. 1, 2, 3, 4. the Lord cometh to his own Temple: and by an old man, and an old woman, is proclaimed both to young and old, that expected redem∣ption. Herod had heard no tidings of him as yet, by the Wismen, for otherwise this had been an opportunity for him to have put in practice his bloody and malicious intent. Ma∣ry is purified according to the custom of the Law, although she had contracted no pollu∣tion, by her childing and bringing forth; partly, that Christ in nothing might be wan∣ting to the Law, and partly, that this might be an occasion, for the first publick declara∣tion of him, by Simeon and Anna.

Ver. 25. A man whose name was Simeon.

This Simeon seemeth to be he whom the Jewish Authors name for the son of Hillel: and who was the first that bare the title of Rabban, the highest title that was given to their Doctors, and which was given but to seven of them.

Hillel was the famous head or principal of that School that is so renowned in the Jew∣ish Authors by the name of Beth Hillel. Out of which [as they relate] there came thou∣sands of Scholars, but fourscore especially of most renown. Hillel the old they are the words of the Talmud) had fourscore Scholars. Thirty of them were fit, in whom the divine Majesty should rest, as it did on Moses: Thirty of them were worthy for whom the Sun should stand still, as it did for Joshua: and twenty were of a middle rank between. The greatest of them all, was Jonathan ben Uzziel, that Paraphrased the Prophets in the Chaldee Tongue, and the lowest of them was Johannan the son of Zaccai.

Such a Father had this our Simeon, and so renowned, but himself infinitely more re∣nowned, in the thing that is now in hand, and in his having the Saviour of the world in his arms and heart: Now this is the Genealogy of this man, as it is Recorded by the Jews themselves: Hillel begat Simeon, who was first titled Rabban. Rabban Simeon begat Rabban Gamaliel, the Tutor of Paul. Rabban Gamaliel begat Rabban Simeon the second. Rabban Simeon the second, begat Rabban Gamaliel the second. Rabban Gamaliel begat Rabban Simeon the third. Rabban Simeon the third, begat Rabbi Juda the holy. Rabbi Juda be∣gat Rabban Gamaliel the third.

These six Rabbans were of the line of Hillel, besides whom there was a seventh, that bare the same title, of another stock, Rabban Johanan ben Zaccai.

But it may be justly questioned, if Simeon were the man we suppose, namely the Son of Hillel, and the Father of Gamaliel, and if he were so holy and devout a man, and con∣fessed Christ, as this Evangelist relateth of him, how came it to pass that his Son Gamaliel

was so far contrary, as appeareth by the education of Paul, in Pharisaical righteousness, and persecution of the Truth?

Answ. First, It is no strange thing for holy Fathers to have wicked Children: witness Eli, David, Josaphat, and common experience.

Secondly, It was thirty years from Simeons acknowledging of Christ, to Gamaliels education of Paul, or little less, and so much time might wear out the notice of his Fa∣thers action, if he had taken any notice of it: especially, his Father dying shortly after he had made so glorious a confession.

§. Waiting for the consolation of Israel.

It is an Article of the Jewish Creed, To believe the coming of the Messias, and to wait and wait for his coming, although he defer it: which foolishly they do even to this day, af∣ter sixteen hundred years expired since he came. But Simeons expectation is neither so vain nor so uncertain: For, besides the general expectation of the whole Nation, that the Messias should appear about that time, Luke 19. 11. he had it by a special and assured revelation, ver. 26.

The coming of Christ, is called The consolation of Israel, from Isa. 49. 13. & 52. 9. & 66. 13. Jer. 31. 13. Zech. 1. 17. and such like places, which the Jews do not only apply to the coming of the Messias, but also in their Talmud, questioning what his name should be when as he came, some conclude it to be Menahem, The Comforter, from Lam. 1. 16. In Sanhedr.

Ver. 26. That he should not see death before he had seen the Lords Christ.

This was the time when the Nation expected that Messias should appear, Luke 19. 11. and began to look for redemption near at hand, Luke 2. 38. The Angel Gabriel to Daniel, and he to the people had so determinately pointed out the time, Dan. 9. 26, 27. that not only Jews of all Nations are gathered to Jerusalem, against the expiring of that Prophesie, Act. 2. but also all the East was possessed with an opinion of a Prince to rise about these times, of supereminent honour, glory, and dominion. Baron. in Appar. &c. Sueton. Virgil, &c.

Simeon having learned the time with the rest of the studious of the Nation, out of the Scripture, hath the certainty of it sealed up to him by the spirit of Prophesie, which assured him that the time of so great expectation was so near at hand, that he though he were old, yet should not die, till he had seen what he desired: And thus Prophesie, that was departed from Israel so long ago, is returning and dawning to it again, to be as the morning Star, to tell that the Sun of righteousness would rise ere long.

Ver. 35. Yea a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also.

These words seem to be of the same tenor and intent with those of our Saviour to Pe∣ter, Joh. 21. 18. and to tell Mary of her suffering martyrdom for Christ and the Gospel, as those do of his. For Simeon having in the preceding verse related, how Christ both in his person and in the Gospel, should be as a sign to be spoken against, persecuted, and opposed, yea, saith he, and thou his Mother also, for his and the Gospels sake, shalt drink of the same cup, and partake of the same lot, for the sword of persecution shall go through thy life also (for so the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doth often signifie.)

§. That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

This clause is linked to the latter end of the verse preceding, and reacheth beyond the Parenthesis that lieth before it, and in conjuncture with the clause before that, it maketh this sense, that Christs being set up for a sign to be spoken against, or persecution for the Gospels sake, should detect many mens tempers and affections, which were not descried nor revealed before, and discover what malignity, or sincerity to him and to his cause, is in their hearts, as Matth. 13. 21. and as it is at this day.

Vers. 36. The daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe of Aser.

Hannah a Widdow indeed, as 1 Tim. 5. 3, 5. that is, not by divorce, but by the death of her husband, and now of above an hundred years of age, is chosen also, and actuated by the Holy Ghost, to give testimony of Christ as Simeon had done, that out of the mouth of two such witnesses, of either sex one, the thing might be established, and the party witnessed unto, might be the more taken notice of. Her Father Phanuel is named, as

either being a noted and well known man in those times, or for the significancy of his name, made good in her, in that she now beholdeth the Lord face to face, as Gen. 32. 30, 31. And thus the New Testament doth by this Prophetess, as the Old Testament doth by di∣vers of the Prophets, in naming her and her Father with her, as Isa. 1. 1. Jer. 1. 1. Joel 1. 1. &c. Phanuel her Father was a Galilean, for in Galilee lay the Tribe of Aser, and from thence cometh a Prophetess now, to declare and publish the great Prophet, that must once appear thence to the wonder of the Nation.

Ver. 37. Which departed not from the Temple.

Her constant continuance there might be, either because she was a poor Widow, and so maintained upon the foundation, or because she was a Prophetess, and so lodged in some of the buildings or chambers belonging to the Temple. For so might women do, as 2 Chron. 22. 11, 12.

Notes

• a

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Greek: in Dan. 6. 8, 12.
• b

  C••sar, the common name of the Roman Emperors; as Abimelech of the Philistims Kings, Ols. 34. in tit. and Pha∣raoh of the E∣gyptians: from Julius the first Emperor, who was of this name; but the name Caesar was long be∣fore him, see Plin. l. 7. cap. 9.
• c

  As Ezr. 1. 2.
• d

  In the Ro∣man Historians he is called Quirinus.
• e

  Taking a journy in Scri∣pture, be it whither soever it will, is called indifferently, a going up, or going down, as Numb. 16. 12, 14 Jer. 21. 2. Judg. 16. 18. Gen. 42. 3. Judg. 15. 8. 1 Sam. 26. 10.
• f

  This word here, and in vers. 1. 3. hath various transla∣tions. That they might be enrol∣led, Syr. Arab. Rhem. That they might pro∣fess, Vulg. Eras. That they might be taxed, Erasm. again, and our English: All these laid to∣gether, make up a compleat description of the manner of their taxing. First, They were taken notice of, who were in every Town and Ci∣ty, and were Inrolled; upon their inrolling they professed subjection to the Roman State; and upon this profession they payed some money, at which they were assessed.
• g

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: See the Gr. in Job 38. 6. and Ezek. 16. 4. some deriving the word from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, To re••d, conceive that, is meant, that his swaddles were poor and ragged, and that this is expressed as a particular of his abasement.
• h

  Christ born by night, for if he were born by day, why should the revealing of it be forborn till night?
• i

  This message of the Angel, as it was full of comforts, so also was it of plainness, according to the condition of the men to whom he spake.
• k

  Or the multitude.
• l

  Or the good will of God towards men, is glory to God in the Highest, and peace on the earth.
• m

  It hath been held that these Shepherds were about the Tower of Edar, Gen. 35. 21. and that this was about a mile from Bethlehem.
• n

  Levit. 12.
• o

  Exod. 13. 1.
• p

  Maries poverty in that her hand could not reach to a Lamb, which was the proper offering that the Law required, Levit.
• q

  The spirit of Prophesie. It had been long a stranger among the Nation, even ever since the death of Zachary and Malachy, but is now begun to be restored, to speak of the great Prophet near at hand.
• g

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This word is used again in this sense. Mat. 2. 12 22. Act. 10. 22. Heb. 11. 7. and by the LXX. 1 King. 18. 27. and in another sense, Act. 11. 26.
• h

  Compare 1 Sam. 1. & 2.
• i

  In Hebrew it would be written Penuel, as Gen. 32.
• a

  Dion.
• b

  Sueton.
• Virgil, Ovid, Florus.
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, cap. 2.
• c

  Annal. lib. 1
• (d) Antiq. lib. 18. cap. 1.
• d

  Antiq. lib. 17. cap. 15.
• As Psal. 89. 48 and to see cor∣ruption. Psal. 16. 10.