VER. 3, 4, 5.
And after the Vail the Tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the Golden Censer and the Ark of the Covenant overlaid (covered) round about (on every side) with Gold; wherein was the Golden Pot that had Manna; and Aaron's Rod that budded, and the Tables of the Covenant; and over it the Cherubims of Glory shadowing the Mercy-seat; of which (things) we cannot (shall not) now speak particularly.
The Apostle in these verses proceedeth unto the description of the second part of the Tabernacle, with the things contained in it, or the holy fur∣niture thereof. His design is not to give us an exact description of these things, as he declares in the close of the sift verse, but only to declare their use and signification. Wherefore he doth not propose an accurate account of their station and relation one to another, but makes such mention of them in general as was sufficient unto his end, namely, to manifest their use and signification. Wherefore they deal injuriously both with him and the Text, who rigidly examine every word and passage, as though he had designed an exact account of the frame, positure, fashion, and measure of this part of the Tabernacle, and every thing con∣tained in it; whereas the use and signification of the whole is all that lie intends.
A due consideration hereof renders the anxious enquiry, that hath been made about the assignation of holy Utensils unto this part of the Sanctu∣ary, and the placing of them with respect unto one another, which was no part of his design, altogether needless. For with respect unto the end he aimed at, the words he useth are exactly the truth.
He describes this part of the Tabernacle; (1) From its Situation; it was after the second Vail. (2) From its name given unto it by God himself; it was called the Holiest of all, or the Holy of Holies. (3) From its Utensils or Vessels which were, (1) The Golden Censer. (2) The Ark. (3) What was in it or with it. (1) The Golden Pot that had Manna. (2) Aaron's Rod. (3) The Tables of the Covenant. (4) The Cherubims; which he describes, (1) From their Quality; Cheru∣bims of Glory. (2) Their Use; they shadowed the Mercy-seat. (5) The Mercy-seat it self. But this is mentioned as it were only occasional∣ly with respect unto the use of the Cherubims. And this sufficiently manifests that in the rehearsal of these things the Apostle designeth not Accuracy and order. For the Mercy-seat was for glory and significati∣on far above the Cherubims wherewith it was overshadowed.
With respect unto these things among others in another place, he affirms that the ministration of divine worship under the Law was glorious. But withal he adds that it had no glory in comparison of that which doth excel; namely, the spiritual ministration of divine worship under the Gospel. 2 Cor. 3. 1. And this is that which we should always mind in the consideration of these things. For if we yet look after, and value such an outward glory as they did exhibit, we are carnal, and cannot be∣hold the beauty of spiritual things.
The verbal difficulties which occur in this context, have occasioned Critical Expositors to labour greatly about them. That is the Field where∣in they choose to exercise their skill and diligence. But as unto the things themselves, and the difficulties that are in the real interpretation