The history of the Old Testament methodiz'd according to the order and series of time wherein the several things therein mentioned were transacted ... to which is annex'd a Short history of the Jewish affairs from the end of the Old Testament to the birth of our Saviour : and a map also added of Canaan and the adjacent countries ... / by Samuel Cradock ...

SECT. I.

IN the year 480 from the coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt in the fourth year of the reign of King Solomon, on the second day of the second Month called Zif, (answering as some think to our 21 of May) the foundation of the Temple was laid in Mount Moriah, (the very place where Abraham was commanded to offer up his Son Isaac, see Gen. 22.2.) and in the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, about the year of the world 2988. This foundation was laid with great and costly hewed stones brought thither by the Kings command, 1 King. 5.17. and this glorious stru∣cture with all things belonging to it took up in the building and finishing of it seven years and an half. The length of this magnificent building was sixty cubits, besides ten cubits allowed for the Porch, which made the whole length to be seventy cubits, 1 King. 6.2, 3. The cubits after which the Temple was built (it's probable) were after the first measure, 2 Chron. 3.3. and double to the ordinary cubits which reached only from the Elbow to the tip of the longest finger) and equal to our English yard. If any shall think this sacred pile to be but little in comparison of other Fanes and Temples, let them consider the stateliness of this Temple did not consist so much in the greatness of it, as the exquisite workmanship, symetry, and costly furniture thereof. 2ly, It was big e∣nough for the uses it was intended for, namely to contain the holy vessels (with suffici∣ent space between them) and to receive such Priests as did officiate therein. For the Holy of Holies was accessible only to the High-Priest, and that but once a year, and into the holy or inward house only such Priests entred as by lot or course came thither to do the service they were appointed unto, (viz. to light lamps, to set shew-bread, to offer in∣incense) as appeareth by Zacharies sole staying therein, whilst the whole multitude of the people were praying without. 3ly, The great latitude and capacity of the Temple consisted in the outward Courts (with the stately buildings and Cloysters about them) which were of such receipt as to entertain multitudes of men sub dio, in the open air, and so it equalled the greatest buildings in the world. But though the covered Temple was not great, yet it was more than twice as big as the Tabernacle made by Moses, which was only thirty cubits in length, ten in breadth, and as many in height.

Both Jewish and Christian writers place the ends or length of the Temple East and West, the sides or breadth North and South, making the Porch or entrance on the East-end, and the Holy of Holies on the West-end, as is gathered from Ezek. 8.16. & Ch. 44.1. & Ch. 47.1.

We shall now describe the parts of this Temple particularly, and shall speak first of the Porch. In the Book of Kings, 1 King. 6.3: we meet with the length and breadth of the Porch, but no height thereof mentioned. In Chronicles we find the length and height thereof, but there the breadth is omitted. Thus we see that by comparing one Scrip∣ture with another, we may come to find out the truth. This Porch was twenty cubits in length (for its length ran parallel to the breadth of the house from North to South) ten in breadth from East to West, and an hundred and twenty in height, being four times as high as the body of the Temple, see 2 Chron. 3.4. not that it was all empty and void to the top, but probably had Chambers in it, and winding stairs ascending up to the roof. The height of the lowest room within might perhaps be equal to the rest of the House, viz. thirty cubits. The battlements on the top might have stately railes of stone, besides other ornaments and Pinacles. There was a magnificent entrance into it

raised by many steps out of the Area of the Priests Court. This Porch, viz. the arched Portal, Solomon overlaid within with pure gold, 2 Chron. 3.4. That is, gilded it all over, it having plates of silver underneath. For David is said to have provided seven thou∣sand talents of refined silver to overlay the walls of the houses withal, 1 Chron. 29.4. Thus it took its denomination of gold from the metal which was most precious, and most visible on the surface of it. And so all the several rooms of the Temple might be overlaid with pure gold. The Porch with leaf, the inward house with plate, the Holy of Holies with the most refined gold of Parvaim.

The Holy or inward House had forty cubits in length, the breadth twenty cubits, adae∣quate to the general dimensions of the Temple. For the wall, the out-side of it which was expos'd to open view, was (as is conceiv'd) of white polisht marble, or made of some excellent stone for strength, and the timber and boards within were all Cedar. The Cedar was curiously carved with the Imagery of Flowers, Palmes and Cherubims, and those figures being outwardly imbossed with visible prominences, the plates of gold being of the purest and most flexible metal, applied themselves so close to each line in the Sculpture, that they set it off and expressed the carved work with advantage, abating nothing of the art, and adding much to the beauty and richness thereof, 1 King. 6.18, 29. And in some select places (as it seems) it was most gloriously adorn'd and gar∣nisht with precious stones, 2 Chron. 3.6. For Solomon intended this Temple should be very glorious, it being built for the honour of the all-glorious God.

Of the same curiosity for carving were the two doors with folding leaves (made of firr-tree, and overlaid with gold) which led out of the Porch into the Temple. The work∣manship of these doors and the wall being in all particulars so alike, that when they were shut no breach appeared in them. Posts of Olive-tree, four square were made for these doors to turn upon, 1 King. 6. from the 31 to the 36.

The floor hereof was made of boards of Firr, and they were faced and all overlaid with gold, 1 King. 6.15, 30.

Windows also were made in the Temple, but how many we cannot certainly deter∣mine, 1 King. 6.4. the fewer would serve the turn because of the abundance of arti∣ficial lamps constantly burning therein.

For the form of these windows 'tis probable they were of an oblong square, narrow without, and broad within, and being made as much to let in air as light, and per∣chance more to let out smoke than either, (caused by the constant lamps and purfumes) we may imagine them to be made with gilded lattesses, and so always open without any shutting at all.

For the roof of the Temple probably it was flat, like other houses in Judea, where men might walk upon them according to Gods command, Deut. 22.8.(a) At the sides it was guarded with battlements, and probably adorn'd with pinacles. We read not that it was sustain'd with any Pillars, either of stone or timber. The Covering was of beams, and boards of Cedar; but surely to defend it from the injuries of the weather it was covered with some metal-sheets. Villalpandus (the Scripture be∣ing silent herein) thinks it was covered with tiles of brass, which (squammato opere) in scale-work lay one over another. What if we should conjecture it to be sheeted with silver? seeing a King of France St. Dagobert by name, (far inferiour to Solomon in ri∣ches) is reported to have covered the famous Church of St. Denis with silver. But this we mention only as a conjecture. Let none grudg at this cost, but let them consider that this Temple was built for the Glory of the King of Heaven, and that the chief glory of it was to be hidden from common and profane eyes, and therefore vain osten∣tation surely was no end aimed at by our Royal builder.

The inside of the Cedar-beams of this stately roof was cicled with Firr-trees, and adorned with carvings of Palm-trees and Chains, and overlaid with gold, 2 Chron. 3.5, 6.

It was in fashion four square, the height, length and breadth thereof equally extend∣ing to twenty cubits, (the Holy of Holies in the Sanctuary was of the same form, but only ten cubits square), 1 King. 6.20. Those ten cubits of room above it reaching up to the roof of the Temple, (which that place the 2 Chron. 3.9. seems to speak of) might possibly be for Chambers, to lay up those sacred things of the Holy of Holies which belonged to the Tabernacle, such (I mean) of them as were not used by Solo∣mon.

The Windows narrow without and broad within, were above the Chambers round about both of the Temple and Oracle.

The walls were (as is conceiv'd) of square polisht marble without, the inside was co∣vered with boards of Cedar, wrought with Cherubims, Palm-trees, and open flowers, and all overlaid with fine gold. 1 King. 6.16, 20, 21, 29. 2 Chron. 3.8.

For the entring of the Oracle there were made two folding-doors of Olive-tree, car∣ved with Cherubims and overlaid with gold. The lintel and side-posts thereof being five square of the same matter and metal. The wall on each side had five cubits, and the doors with their Posts ten. The hinges of these doors as also of the holy place were of Gold, 1 King. 6.31, 32.

The floor was covered with boards of Cedar overlaid with Gold, 1 King. 6.16, 20.

The weight of the nails used in this room was fifty shekels of Gold, 2 Chron. 3.9. Possibly they were stiffened with some mixture of Silver or Copper, not for cheapness, but for the greater usefulness; for where the utensils of the Temple are said to be of pure Gold, we must understand it so pure as the end for which they were intended would permit. For some allay of baser metal seems necessary to make them more durable and serviceable for the purposes for which they were made.

The roof of this room as of the whole house was laid with beams or boards of Cedar, and overlaid with Gold, and set as some conceive with precious stones, 2 Chron. 3.8.

A stately Veil was used as a traverse cross the Holy of Holies, which Solomon made of blew and purple, and crimson, and fine linnen, and wrought Cherubims thereon, 2 Chron. 3.14. This Veil doubtless was within the wall of the Holy of Holies, else the High-Priest might enter within the Veil, and yet not be in the most holy place, if the wall and the door were between the Veil and the Oracle. In the Tabernacle there was no other partition but the Veil, which when the High-Priest had entred through, he was within the Holy of Holies. Arias Montanus thinks that the Chains of Gold that were within the Oracle were to hang the Veil upon, 1 King. 6.21.

There were Chambers round about the Temple and Oracle, excepting only at the East-end where the Porch stood, which was clear having no other buildings to hinder the prospect thereof. Three rows there were of these Chambers. In the lowest each Cham∣ber was five, in the middle six, in the third and highest story seven cubits broad, and each of them five cubits in height, going up from the first to the middle, thence to the highest story with winding stairs. Yet on the outside the stone-work of the Cham∣bers was perpendicularly equal. The beams of these Chambers did not lye in, but did rest on the walls of the Temple, which being narrowed in as they went up higher and higher afforded fit stays for that purpose. For the wall of the Temple for five cubits height above the ground was a cubit thicker than it was in its height above those five cubits. So that at five cubits height there was a seat of stone of a cubit broad, round about the Temple, whereupon one end of the Cedar-beams of the Chambers did rest to bear up the roof of the lowest, and the floor of the second story. Five cubits higher from thence, or at ten cubits height from the ground the thickness of the Temple wall was yet a cubit less, and upon that second seat thus made by a cubits rebatement in the wall rested the Cedar-beams for the roof of the second, and floor of the third story. At fifteen cubits height from the ground the Temple-wall was yet a cubit less, than it was at ten cubits height, which yielded a third seat on which the beams for the roof of the third and highest story were laid. So that as the wall of the Temple abated in thickness, the measure of the Chambers increased in breadth, 1 King. 6.6, 7, 8, 10. Possibly these Chambers were imploy'd for Repositories, wherein the holy vestments and vessels were safely laid up together with those of the Tabernacle, which (though not now used) were here carefully preserved.

A Court consisted of an open space in the middle exposed to wind and weather, and a Covert or Cloysters on the sides thereof, whither in heat or rain men might retire for shade or shelter.

Solomon made two of these on the East of the Temple: 1. The Inner Court or Court of the Priests, 2 Chron. 4.9. built with three rows of hewn stone, and a row of Cedar-beams, 1 King. 6.36. We must understand these three rows as being in height one above another. Probably certain ascents led to them out of the outward Court, as there did also into the Temple; hence the phrase of going up to Gods-house.

But how many these stairs or steps were is uncertain, though some will have them fif∣teen according to the number of the Psalmes of degrees; and these were the steps where∣on (as some conceive) the Levites sang the fifteen Psalmes of degrees. This inner Court was only for the Priests to enter into, yet it seems the Common people made a tu∣multuous incursion into it when they stoned Zachariah at the command of King Joash in the Court of the house of the Lord, even betwixt the Temple and the Altar, 2 Chron. 24.21.

2. The greater or outward Court (of which mention is made, 2 Chron. 4.9.) was of the same form for building with the Inner; this Court was large, an hundred cu∣bits square at the least, yet this seems not large enough to contain all Israel, except the people were successively admitted to this place. Ascents and Stairs did also lead in∣to this Court, but possibly they were but low. This Court was by successive Kings (especially by Hezekiah who cased the pillars thereof with silver, see 2 King. 18.16.) improved to more beauty than it had in Solomon's days, though the covered Temple had no addition made to it. There was a stately ascent from the Kings Palace to this Court. It was at first made by King Solomon, and was then so stately a structure that (a∣mong other things) the Queen of Sheba was ravished with admiration at the sight thereof, when she beheld the ascent by which Solomon went up into the house of the Lord, 1 King. 10.5. and yet afterwards it was made more magnificent, and Terrassed on both sides with Pillasters made of those Almug-trees which were brought from Ophir by the servants of Hiram, 2 Chron. 9.11. and 1 King. 10.11, 12. which if odoriferous (as some will have it) made that passage as sweet to the smell as specious to the sight.

Several fair Gates on all sides gave entrance into the Courts of Solomon's Temple, and the doors or folding leaves were overlaid with brass, 2 Chron. 4.9. the Gates were these: 1. The East-gate where Shelemiah was Porter, 1 Chron. 26.14. this Gate was set in the front leading directly to the Temple. King Jotham rebuilt it, 2 King. 15.35. 2 Chron. 27.3. At this Gate there were six Levites to watch. Some think it was call∣ed the Kings-gate, not that the King went in that way, but because King Solomon built it, in a more sumptuous and extraordinary manner than the rest.

In some one of the Chambers of this Gate sat the Sanedrim, and sometimes also in the East-gate of the Inner or higher Court, as some gather by comparing, Jer. 35.4. & Ch. 36.10. together.

2. The Northgate, where Zachariah (the Son of Shelemiah a wise Counsellor) was Porter; here there were four Levites placed in daily watch, 1 Chron. 26.14, 17.

3. The South-gate, attended on by the Sons of Obed-Edom; here there were four Levites also in constant watch. The house of Asuppim (rendred by Hierom and Pagnine a Council-house, by Tremellius Aerarium the Treasury) was for conveniency united to their charge. A place probably of entrance from the City, but certainly of great con∣sequence as needing constantly a Guard about. Possibly here were two little Gates, and two Porters assigned to each, v. 17.

4. The West-gate where Shuppim and Hosah were Porters, there were also four Porters constantly to attend. It was called Shallecheth from Shalach to cast up; it was so denominated from the famous causey which Solomon cast up or made here to pass from his own house over the valley into the mountain of the Temple. Each side of this Causey was planted with Oaks and Teyl-trees, there were also made stately Rails of Almug-trees, of which before; this was the passage to the house of the Lord from the Kings house.

Lastly, we come to Parbar, 1 Chron. 26.18. seated on the West, but whither Por∣ters Lodg, Priests Vestry, or place where sacrificing instruments were laid up, is not cer∣tain; however it seems to have something of the nature of a Gate, because two Le∣vites daily attended at it.

So that there were four prime Gates (which respected the four Cardinal Winds) and three lesser ones towards the West besides. In all seven, and twenty four Levites in their constant order and course watched at them according to the lot of their Fathers house, and their several divisions.

Both Courts were paved with stones, and adorned with Porches, and Cloysters, and

Chambers, (as 'tis probable) round about them. In the buildings of the outward Court were Chambers and Lodgings for the Levites, especially in those near the Gates where their offices lay. Some places 'tis like were imployed as Treasuries wherein consecrated things were laid up, and Ministerial vessels, and the utensils of the Sanctuary. Other rooms might be for fine Flower, Salt, Wine, Oyl, Frankincense, Spices, &c. 1 Chron. 9. from v. 27, to 32. The Priests also and the Singers and players on instruments (as 'tis like) had their Chambers here. Possibly after the death of Solomon the first Temple might by succeeding Kings have another Court added to it, whereof we find a double intimation in Scripture, one when Jehoshaphat is said to stand in the house of the Lord before the new Court, 2 Chron. 20.5. which probably about his reign was added to the first Fabrick. Another at the Coronation of Joash, at which time Jehojadah gave order that the Priests alone should come into the house of the Lord, (to wit the Inner Court) whilst the people should be in the Courts of the house of the Lord, importing two Courts at least into which the people at that time had free access, 2 Chron. 23.5, 6.

Having thus spoken of the several parts of the Temple, we come now to speak of the Furniture, Ornaments, Ʋtensils and Vessels belonging to them.

In the Porch there were two great brazen pillars set up, for height eighteen cubits a piece, each of them twelve cubits in compass bearing about four cubits in diameter; they were four fingers thick, of solid metal, and hollow within; there is some appear∣ing difference in the measure of their height, it being variously presented unto us, in 1 King. 7. from 15, to 23. and 2 Chron. 3.15. In the first place 'tis said he cast two pil∣lars of brass of eighteen cubits high a piece. In the second 'tis said he made two pillars of thirty and five cubits high. To reconcile this difference some probably conjecture that in Chronicles the height of both pillars are counted together. And whereas 18 and 18 make 36, one cubit more than the number mentioned in the Book of Chronicles, 'tis conceiv'd that each Chapiter did sink half a cubit within the socket of the Cylinder for their fastening. So that only so much as appeared of these pillars is reckoned, each of them having half a cubit of their shaft lost in their height and running in, and hid in his Chapiter grafted upon it.

The Chapiters of these Pillars were curiously adorn'd with Net-work, Chain-work, and rows of Pomegranates, Lilies also were made on the top of these Chapiters. And whereas 'tis said [2 King. 25.17.] that each Chapiter was but three cubits high, it is to be understood of the stately embroidery and ornaments of Net-work, Chains, and Pome∣granates which were at the beginning of the third cubit.

The Pillar that stood on the right hand in the Porch was called Jachin (that is, he will establish) and the other on the left hand, Boaz, (that is, in him is strength, 1 King. 7.21.) both those pillars there set up, signified Gods protection of the place.

1. There were placed there ten Candlesticks of pure gold (the Tabernacle had but one, Exod. 37.17.) five on the right side, and five on the left, each of them no doubt fashioned like that which Moses made, viz. sevenfold, with a great shaft for the body in the midst, and three stemms on each side branching out thereof; in some resem∣blance perhaps of the seven Planets, among which the Sun (the great stock of light) is in the midst, and three of them on each side, above and beneath it, 1 King. 7.49. Besides these ten standing Candlesticks of Gold, there were many more moveable ones, but all those made of silver, which the Priests in the night might carry about with them, 1 Chron. 28.15.

2. The Tables of shew-bread which Solomon made of Gold, his Father David ha∣ving peculiarly provided Gold for that purpose [1 Chron. 28.16.] as he provided sil∣ver for the Tables of silver, of whose use and situation we read not. Possibly they might be used in the Chambers belonging to the Temple. In the 1 King. 7.48. we read but of one Table of shew-bread, but in the 2 Chron. 4.8. we find expresly ten in number, together with their situation, five on the right, and five on the left side of the Sanctuary. The description of Moses's one Table, may be seen in the 25 of Exodus, from 23, to 29. But the dimensions of Solomon's we have not, though perhaps double to Moses's according as the place wherein they were set was double to his in capacity. Some think that Moses's Golden Table was one of these, and the other nine framed ac∣cording to that size. On these Tables the shew-bread was set, on each Table twelve cakes were daily presented unto God. The Priests were allowed by God (when new

was substituted in the room of the former) to eat those loaves which were taken a∣way.

3. The most eminent utensil in the Sanctuary was the Altar of Incense standing before the Oracle, [1 King. 6.22.] on which was daily burnt the perfume, see Exod. 30.34, &c. The Altar of Incense which Moses made was made of Shittim-wood, and overlaid with pure gold round about. David prepared refined Gold on purpose for the making of this Altar, [1 Chron. 28.18.] and Solomon made his altar of incense of Cedar, and overlaid it with Gold, 1 King. 7.48. 2 Chron. 4.19. 1 King. 6.20. Besides for the services of the Golden Altar, the Tables and the Candlesticks there were made by Solo∣mon many other excellent vessels of pure Gold, which were appointed by his Father, as as an hundred basons of gold, bowls, censers, cups, flowers, lamps for the Candlesticks, snuffers, spoons, tonges, all of pure gold, besides some basons of silver. 1 King. 7.49, 50. 1 Chron. 28.13, 17. 2 Chron. 4.8, 20, 21, 22.

Be it premised that both the Sanctuary and the Oracle were adorned on all sides within with Cherubims, and Palm-trees carved in Cedar, and overlaid with Gold. But though Solomon altered and enlarged the utensils in the Sanctuary and outward Courts, yet in the Holy of Holies he made use of the very same that Moses had made, only for the more magnificence he added two extraordinary Cherubims, of which more presently. But to speak of the sacred things in the Oracle or Holy of Holies more particularly.

First, The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord was set in this most holy place, under the wings of the Cherubims, the very same that Moses made in the Wilderness, of which see more, Sect. 21. of Chap. 4. pag. 132. In this Ark there were the two Ta∣bles of stone which Moses put therein at Horeb, whereon were engraven the Ten Com∣mandments on all the four sides of them, being the work of God himself, and writ∣ten with his own finger. It seems they were not very ponderous and large, because Mo∣ses carried them both in one hand. They were call'd the Tables of the Covenant, (and the Ark wherein they lay, the Ark of the Covenant) because they contained the Ten Commandments, which if they kept, God made a Covenant with them to bless them. There was nothing else put within this Ark or holy Chest, 1 King. 8.9. 2 Chron. 5.10.

2. Over this holy Chest there was laid a covering of pure beaten Gold called the Mercy-seat or Propitiatory, equal in its measures of length and breadth to the Ark, Exod. 37.6.

3. At the two ends of this Mercy-seat stood the two Cherubims of Moses's making, both of beaten Gold; their faces were opposite one to the other, and made looking down upon the Mercy-seat with their wings over-shadowing it. Between whose wings upon the Mercy-seat the Majesty of God is said to sit. The Mercy-seat signified Jesus Christ the Mediator between God and man, interposing betwixt Gods wrath and our persons, who have broken the Commandments which lay within the Ark, Exod. 37.7, 8, 9. 1 Sam. 4.4. Isa. 37.16.

Secondly, There were besides Moses's Cherubims standing on the Ark two other Che∣rubims made by Solomon standing on the ground, or Golden floor, and each of them was ten cubits or thirty foot in height; they were made of Olive-tree within, but overlaid with Gold, and their faces were towards the Sanctuary or holy place. Each wing of these Cherubims was five cubits long. All their four wings were extended to the length of twenty cubits, which was the whole breadth of the Oracle. Their two inward wings touched each other, and the two ends of their outward wings touched the wall of the house. Under their two inward wings stood Moses's Ark and Cheru∣bims. These Cherubims were so made as the parts of them might be taken asunder. See 2 Chron. 3.10. and they were the most splendid ornament of the whole Temple, and carried away (as 'tis probable) by the rapacious Babylonians at the taking of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. 1 King. 6. from 23. to 29. 2 Chron. 3. from 10. to the 14.

These four Cherubims in the 1 Chron. 28.18. are likened to a Chariot of four wheels, whereon the Divine Majesty did sit or ride, and uttered intelligibly his Sacred Oracles. See Psal. 99.1.

Thirdly, Besides the Ark and these glorious Cherubims it appears from Heb. 9.4. that within the Holy of Holies was placed Aaron's Rod that budded, and the pot of Manna, [Numb. 17.10.] and the Golden Censer of Aaron.

Lastly, In the time of Moses there was also the Book of the Law (call'd by some Deuteronomion) laid on the side of the Ark, see Deut. 31.26. But whither it was

placed there in Solomon's days we do not, yet we find in Josiah's reign when the Temple was purged, the Book of the Law was found in the Temple by Hilkiah the Priest, though no express mention is made that it was found in the Oracle.

So that by the side of the Ark or before the Testimony in Solomon's Temple were pla∣ced (as it seems) the pot of Manna, Aaron's Rod, the Golden Censer, and the Book of the Law, as they had formerly been in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle.

1. There we find the Altar of Brass which was twenty cubits in length, twenty in breadth, and ten in height, 2 Chron. 4.1. Its situation was before the Porch, whereon the Sacrifices were daily offered to God, 2 Chron. 8.12.

As for the Sacrifices we read of many instruments that were used about them, as flesh-hooks of Gold, [1 Chron. 28.17.] also pots, shovels and basons of bright brass, 1 King. 7.45.

2. The next vessel to be considered was the molten Sea, a most rare and admirable piece of solid brass cast in the clay ground in the plains of Jordan. It was five cubits high, and ten over from side to side, being round, and thirty cubits in compass, con∣taining two thousand baths, namely as they usually filled it for ordinary use, but if it had been filled up to the brim it would then contain three thousand, viz. a third part more, 1 King. 7.23.26. 2 Chron. 4.5. therefore 'twas called a Sea for the large∣ness thereof. It's brim was wrought about with Lilly-work, under the brim thereof were brazen knobs round about, resembling the heads of oxen. These were cast toge∣ther with the vessel. It stood upon twelve brazen oxen, which by four several Threes re∣spected the four quarters of the world.

The use of this vessel was for the Priests to wash in [2 Chron. 4.6, 10.] that is, by water derived to them by a pipe and cock out of it they did wash their hands and feet, for that they did wash their whole bodies in it seems not very probable(a). 'Tis like the Gibeonites or Nethinims, (whose office it was to be drawers of water for the Con∣gregation, Josh. 9.27.) did out of the fountain of Siloam or pool of Bethesda hard by fill this Sea, and furnished all other Lavatories with water about the Temple.

3. In this Court also were placed ten lavers appointed for the washing of the Sacri∣fices; in the Tabernacle there were none of these; that single laver made by Moses for the Priests service answering only to the molten Sea. These lavers of brass contained forty haths apiece, each set op his basis with wheels for their more convenient removal (if need were) though generally their station was five on the one side, and five on the other in the Court of the Priests, and East of the covered Temple; they were adorn'd with brazen borders engraven with Lions, Oxen, Cherubims and Palm-trees, had pillars and wheels, and other curiosities which we cannot well here describe. 1 King. 7. from v. 27, to 40.

In the outward Court or Court of Israel, (many no doubt) were the utensils there used; Tremellius thinks the brazen scaffold made by Solomon for himself to stand and pray upon, 2 Chron. 6.12, 13. with the Kings pillar, was placed in this Court. Also Pulpits and Desks wherein the Priests expounded the Law to the people.

The Chambers in the outward Courts were severally imployed for sundry uses, as for laying up of Tythes, First-fruits, Wood, Salt, and other requisites for the Sacrifices. Of Salt a mass was spent in the Temple, seeing no Offering was acceptable without it, Mark 9.49. Some rooms ('tis like) were imployed to contain the Musical Instruments, whereof thirteen sorts are mentioned and explained by Mr. Fuller, Ch. 10. Book 3.

In other Chambers (undoubtedly) the standards of all measures were carefully kept; for we find that the inferiour Levites (among other services) had a superintendency over all manner of measures and sizes, [1 Chron. 23.29.] It belonged to their office to set out the pars quota, the exact quantity of the meal, oyl and wine that was to be used in their several sacrifices; therefore they were highly concerned to be skilful in mea∣sures. 'Tis likely that the Book of the description of the land into several parts by lot, as being of publick concernment and use, was preserved in some room of the Temple. See Josh. 18.9.

Some Chambers, 'tis like, were for lodgings for the Priests and Levites that attend∣ded on the holy service in the Temple, and others for refectories and rooms wherein the Priests had their repast or hallowed food as on shew-bread, &c. which though shifted but once a week by Gods command, Lev. 24.8. yet by his Providence was doubtless pre∣served,

that it lost nothing of its goodness. There was also as it seems an Armory in the Temple furnished with weapons to guard the Treasure there kept. David provided Spears and Bucklers, and Shields for that purpose; and Joash by the assistance of those weapons recovered the Crown.

Many other Ʋtensils were added to the Temple after Solomon's death by succeeding Kings as occasion did require; as particularly that Chest which in the reign of King Jehoash was made by Jehoiada to receive the peoples free offerings for the repair of the Temple. A Chest with an hole in the lid thereof, 2 King. 12.9. In after ages it was called Corban, which signifies sometimes the gift it self, sometimes the vessel receiving it, see Mark 7.11.

Having spoken of the Ornaments of the Temple, it will not be amiss to speak some∣thing also of the Temple-Officers.

The Temple-Officers were

• ...Priests.
• ...Levites.
• ...Nethinims.

The Priests were distinguished into

• ...Chief Priests.
• Inferiour Priests of the twenty four Courses.

1. The chief Priests were two, the High Priest and his second. The High Priest was (by Gods appointment) that person who was the right heir in Aaron's line, or the El∣dest that descended in a direct line from his loyns. One great part of his office was, upon the day of expiation to perform the solemn rights of that service in entring into the Holy of Holies with blood, and to perfume the Oracle, Exod. 30.10. Levit. 16.34. Heb. 9.7.

2. The second Priest was the most eminent among the rest, who in case of the sick∣ness or pollution of the High Priest, or any other emergency did supply his place,(a) 2 King. 25.18.

3. The ordinary Priests were such as sprang from the loyns of Aaron, and were in a Collateral line of kindred, allied to the High Priest; they were all Levites, as descending from Levi the great Grandfather of Aaron. But the Priests were separated from the rest of the Levites for the more immediate service of God, and the term Levite is restrain∣ed to all others of the posterity of Levi, besides the line of Aaron.

These Priests for the more easie carrying on of Temple-service were divided into twenty four Courses by lot as we have shewed before; each Course ministred to the Lord for eight days together, viz. from Sabbath to Sabbath. The work of the Priests was,

• 1. The Government of the Sanctuary and house of God, 1 Chron. 24.5.
• 2. Sacrificing, with all its rites on the Altar of Burnt-offering, 1 Chron. 6.49. 2 Chron. 29.22.
• 3. They set the new prepared shew-bread on the Golden Tables within the Sanctu∣ary every Sabbath, and removed the old.
• 4. They ordered the lamps of the Golden Candlesticks.
• 5. They kindled the daily incense to make a sweet perfume in the Temple.
• 6. They were the Judges of Leprosie and jealousie betwixt man and wife, Levit. 13.2, 3.
• 7. They blew the Trumpets to the Solemn feasts, also before the Ark at its removals, and were also to accompany the Captains of the host in war with their silver Trumpets. Joel 2.15. 2 Chron. 13.12. 1 Chron. 15.24. & Chap. 16.6. Numb. 10.8. & Chap. 31.6.
• 8. They were to look to the burning of wood continually upon the brazen Altar, that the fire that descended from Heaven might not be extinguished, Levit. 6.12, 13.
• 9. They were to make the holy ointment with the appointed spices, Exod. 30.22. 1 Chron. 9.30.
• 10. They were to instruct the people in the Law of God, Mal. 2.7.

2. Of the Levites.

The Levites strictly taken were all such as came from the root of Levi, (excepting the children of Aaron) they were divided into four ranks, and accordingly appointed to four sorts of work.

1. Some of them were appointed to wait on the Sons of Aaron in the Courts of the Temple, and in the Chambers, and in the purifying of all the holy things belonging to the service of the house of God, 1 Chron. 23. from 28, to the end.

They were at first to enter upon their office at the age of thirty years, but after the days of David at twenty, because then they did not carry the Tabernacle, nor the ves∣sels thereof, 1 Chron. 23. from 24, to 28.

Their number in the latter end of David's reign was computed at thirty eight thou∣sand, whereof twenty four thousand were appointed for the work and service of the house of God; six thousand to be Officers and Judges; four thousand to be Porters, and four thousand to be Singers and players on Instruments, 1 Chron. 23.3, 4, 5. 2 Chron. 8.14. 1 Chron. 16.4.

So that out of the Levites were taken their Judges, Lawyers, Scribes, Recorders, Genealogists, and the greatest dignities and offices, (excepting only the Royal dignity of the Tribe of Judah) were enjoyed by those of this Tribe. They were the only per∣sons that preferred learning and knowledg, the Schools of the Prophets being under their Institution.

3. Of the Nethinims.

These were the most inferiour sort of persons that were imployed in any Temple-ser∣vice, being the race of the Gibeonites [Josh. 9.17.] and called Nethinims, because they were given and delivered over to that service. Some think that David a little before his death did dispose them into their set courses as he did other Officers of the Temple, [see Ezra 8.20.] but of this we shall not determine.

Concerning the Priests garments, their solemn times of worship, their various Sacrifices and Offerings, with their appendant rites, and the revenues and profits assigned to the Priests and Levites, we have spoken before when we went over Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, and shall not need here to repeat them.

Notes

• 1. The Porch.
• 2. The Sanctu∣ary or inward house, or mid∣dle part be∣tween the Porch and the Oracle.
• V. 30. The floor of the house he over∣laid with gold within and without; that is, within and without the veil of the O∣racle.
• 3. The Win∣dows of the Temple.
• 4. The roof of the Temple.
• (a)

  Preach you (saith our Sa∣viour) on the house-tops, Mat. 10.27.
• See the Lear∣ned Mr. Lee's Temple of Solo∣mon pourtrayed, pag. 25.
• 5. The Oracle or Holy of Ho∣lies.
• 6. The side-Chambers about the Temple.
• 7. The Courts, Buildings and Cloysters about the Temple.
• In Solomon's days we read but of these two Courts, but in the days of the succeed∣ing Kings some think there were added two Courts more, viz. the Court of the wo∣men, and the Court of the Gentiles.
• 8. The Gates of the outward great Court, and the Porters belonging to them.
• 1. Of the Porch.
• 2. The Furni∣ture of the Sanctuary or Inner Temple.
• 3. The Orna∣ments of the Oracle or Holy of Holies.
• See the A∣postolical Hi∣story on Heb. 9.4.
• 4. Of the Ves∣sels in the Priests Court.
• A Bath con∣tained about 8 gallons, 4 baths made a barrel, so that there were usually put into this Sea 500 bar∣rels of water, and if filled up to the brim it would contain 750.
• (a)

  See Mr. Lee, pag. 86:
• 5. Of the Fur∣niture, Utensils and Chambers in the outward Court.
• (a)

  So Annas and Caiphas are called the High Priests, Luk. 3.2. not that there were two in that great of∣fice at once, but the one was a substi∣tute to the other.