Moses and Aaron

CHAP. I.

Of the form of the Hebrewes Common-wealth until Christ his coming, and when the Scepter departed from them

The form and state of Government hath been subject to change and variation amongst all Nations, but especially amongst the Jewes, where these changes are observable.

At first, the Fathers of their several Families, and their First-born after them, exercised all kind of Government, both Eclesiastical and Civil, being both Kings and Priests, in their own houses. They had power over their own Families, to bless, curse, cast out of doors, disinherit, and to punish with death, as is apparent by these examples: of Noah towards Cham, Gen. 9. 25. of Abraham towards Hagar and Ismael, Gen. 21. 10. of Jacob towards Simeon and Levi, Gen. 49. 3. and of Judah towards Thamar, Gen. 38. 24.

In Moses his days then did this prerogative of primo geniture cease: and as Aaron and his posterity was invested with the right and title of Priests; so Moses, and after him Joshua, ruled all the people with a kind of Monarchical authority. For Moses was among the righteous as King, Deut. 32. 5.

After Joshua succeeded Judges; their Officers were of absolute and independent authority, like unto Kings, when once they were elected. But there were long vacancies, and chasms commonly between the cessation of the one, and the election of the other: yea for the most part, the people never chose a Judge, but in time of great troubles, and imminent dangers; which being over-past, he retired to a private life. After that Gideon had delivered the people out of the hand of the Midianites, he being offered the Kingdom, replyed, I will not reign over you, neither shall my Child reign over you, Judg. 8. 23. That of Samuel, that he judged Israel all the days of his life, 1 Sam. 7. 15. was1 extraordinary. In this respect, their Judges symbolize with the Roman Dictators. This state of Regiment continued amongst them by the computation of S. Augustine2, three hundred twenty nine years. In these vacancies or distances of time between Judge and Judge, the greater and weightier matters were determined by that great Court of the Seventy called the Senadrin; in which respect the form of Government may be thought Aristocratical. Kings succeeded the Judges, and they continued from Saul unto the Captivity of Babylon, that is,3 about 502 years.

From the Captivity unto the coming of Christ, (which time is thought4 to have been five hundred thirty six years) the state of the Jewes became very confused. Sometimes they were ruled by Deputies and Vicegerents, who had not supream authority in themselves, but as it pleased the Persian Monarchs to assigne them; they were termed5 ‎‏ראשי גליות‏‎ Rasche galiuth, αἰχμαλωτάρχαι Heads of the Captivity. Of this sort was Zorobabel and his successors, who are reckoned in the Hebrew Chronicles6 to be these, Mesullam, Hananiah, Berachiah, and Hosadiah. All which are thought to have reigned under the Persian Monarchy, and to have been of the Posterity of David: as likewise the other succeeding ten chief Governours after Alexander the Great. In the last of these ten, the government departed from the House of David, and was translated to the Macchabees, who descended from the Tribe of Levi. They were called Maccabæi, from Judas Maccabeus,7 and he had this name ‎‏מכבאי‏‎ Macchabæus, from the Capital Letters of this Motto, written in his Ensigne or banner, ‎‏מי כמוך באלים יהוה‏‎ Quis sicut tu inter Deos, O Domine? Where the first letters are, M, C, B, A, I. Among the Maccabees, soveraign authority continued until Herod the Askalonite his reign, at what time our Saviour Christ was born, according to Jacobs prophecy: The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Law-giver from between his feet, untill Shiloh, that is, the8 Messias come, Gen. 49. 10.

For the right understanding of this Prophecy, We must note two things; 1. The time when the Scepter was given to Judah: 2. When taken from him. But first we must observe how these two words, Judah, and the Scepter, are distinguished.

Some take Judah,

1. For the particular Tribe of Judah9: but this seemeth flat contrary to Scripture, for many of the Judges were of other Tribes, and all the Maccabees of the Tribe of Levi.

2. For the Two Tribes10 which cleaved to Rehoboam; because in that division of the People, these Two Tribes alone were called Jews, and that from Judah, and that never before this division.

3. For all the whole body of Israel11, consisting of Twelve Tribes; all which (in the judgment of these men) were afterwards by the singular providence of God, called Jews from Judah.

Some take Scepter,

1. For legal power12, and soveraign authority, residing in one man principally.

2. For the form of government13, and face of a Common-wealth, governed and ruled by its own laws, customes, and rites: signifying as well the rule and authority of inferiour Magistrates, yea of Priests also, as of Kings and Princes.

From these different acceptions of these two words, flow four different acceptions of Jacobs Prophecy.

Some are of opinion14, that the Scepter taken in the second acception, began to be given to Judah, that is, to the Two Tribes cleaving to Rehoboam, at the time of that division of the People: and that their Scepter was not taken from them until the destruction of Jerusalem; because, that after Herods time until then, their Laws remained in force, their Priesthood continued, and their Common-wealth, though it were much defaced, yet not quite overthrown.

Some are of opinion15, that the Scepter taken in the second acception, began to be given to Judah, that is, to the Twelve Tribes, from the time of Moses; and that this Scepter was not taken from them until the Destruction of Jerusalem: not in Herod, because he was a Jew (in that he was a Proselyte) for a Jew is a name, say they, of Profession, not of Countrey or Nation.

Some are of opinion16, that the Scepter taken in the second acception, began to be given to Judah, that is to the Twelve Tribes, from the time of Moses, and that it was taken from them in Herods time: yet so, that in Herods time, this was but begun, and inchoate, and at the destruction of Jerusalem it was fulfilled and consummate.

Some are of opinion17, that the Scepter taken in the first acceptation, began to be given to Judah, that is to the Twelve Tribes, from the time of Moses, and that it was taken from them fully in Herods time. The former opinions make the coming of the Messias to be a fore-runner of the departure of the Scepter: this, makes the departure of the Scepter to be a fore-runner or token of the Messiah his coming, which I take to be the principal thing aimed at in the prophecy. This opinion, as it is more generally received than the others, so upon juster grounds. Now the Scepter was departed and given to a Proselyte, never so before,18 yea now also the Law-giver was departed from between Judahs feet, and now the Messiah born.

CHAP. II.

Of the Publicans

Wee having seen the most remarkable changes in the Common-wealth of the Hebrews; we will note the chief Observations concerning the persons there inhabiting: and first concerning the Publicans, who were, in the latter times, an heterogeneous Member of that Common-wealth. After that the Jews became Tributary to Rome, (which19 was effected by Pompey threescore years before the Birth of our Saviour) certain Offices were appointed by the Senate of Rome, unto whom it belonged, as well among the Jews as in other Provinces, to collect, and gather up such custome-money or tribute, as was exacted by the Senate. Those that gathered up these publique payments, were termed Publicani, Publicans; and by reason of their covetous exactions, they commonly were hated by the People of the Provinces:20 Every Province had his several Societie, or company of Publicanes: Every Society his distinct Governour: in which respect it is, that Zacheus is called by the Evangelists, ἀρχιτελώνης princeps Publicanorum, the chief Receiver of the tribute, or chief Publican, Luke 12. 2. And all the Provincial Governours in these several Societies, had one chief21 Master residing at Rome, unto whom the other subordinate Governours gave up their accounts. These Publicans were hated in all Provinces, because of their exactions; but chiefly in the Commonwealth of the Jews, because though it were chiefly maintained by the Galileans, yet it was generally inclined unto by the Jews, That tribute ought not to be payed by them: this hatred is confirmed by that Rabbinical proverb,22 Take not a Wife out of that family wherein there is a Publican, for such are all Publicans. Yea a faithful Publican was so rare at Rome it self, that one Sabinus for his honest managing of that Office, in an honourable remembrance thereof, had certain images erected with this superscription23; Καλῶς τελωνήσαντι, For the Faithful Publican. And therefore no marvel, if in the Gospel, Publicans and sinners go hand in hand.

It is now generally received as a truth undoubted, that not only Heathen people, but sometimes Jews themselves became Publicanes. Tertullian was of another opinion,24 and thought that all the Publicans were Heathens; but he hath been in that long since confuted by Jerome25, and reason it self perswadeth the contrary. First, Matthew who was a Publican, was afterwards an Apostle, and therefore unlikely to have been an Heathen. Secondly, Zacheus his name was a pure Hebrew name having no affinity with Roman names. Thirdly, the ground or principal argument on which Tertullian built, was meerly26 erroneous.

CHAP. III.

Israelites, Prosylites

The whole Common-wealth of Israel consisted of two sorts of men, Hebrews and Prosylites; he that was born an Hebrew, either by Fathers or Mothers side, was an Hebrew; but he that was born so of both, was an Hebrew of the Hebrews; such a one was Saint Paul, Phil. 3. 5. He that was born a Prosylite either by Fathers or Mothers side, was termed Ben-gar, the son of an he-Prosylite; or Ben gara, The son of a she-prosylite; but he that was by Fathers and Mothers side a Prosylite, was termed27 Bagbag, that is, the son of he and she Prosylites.

The Hebrews were of two sorts; some lived in Palestina, and used the Hebrew Text, these were called Hebrews or Jews; others were dispersed in divers places of Greece, they used the Greek translation, and thence were termed Έλληνισταὶ28 Grecists. S. Luke mentioneth both. There arose a murmuring, τῶν Έλληνιστῶν of the Græcists, towards the Hebrews, Acts 6. 1. Where note the difference between Ἕλληνες, and Έλληνισταὶ, the Græcians, and the Græcists. The Græcians are used by Saint Paul, to signifie all the Heathen people, and stand in opposition with Hebrews in the general acception, containing both Græcists, or dispersed Hebrews, and also those of Palestina: the Græcists were both by birth and religion Hebrews standing in opposition with Hebrews; in the strict acception, taken for those of Palestina.

The whole body of Israel was divided into twelve Tribes, and publique Records were kept, wherein every ones Genealogy was registred, to manifest unto what particular tribe he belonged. These records Herod burnt, hoping that in after ages he might be thought originally an Israelite, if those publike Monuments might not be produced against him. Thus much Eusebius29 plainly delivereth of him. I am of opinion, that another reason might be admitted; namely, That no distinction either of Tribe or Family, might appear; but, all being unfounded, and amongst the rest Davids, (unto whose Family by a peculiar right this Scepter belonged) Herod and his posterity might be the better secured of the Kingdom.

Prosylites were those Heathen people, who disclaiming Paganism, became Converts, and joyned themselves unto the Church of the Jews. They were termed Prosylites ἀπὸ τοῦ προσεληλυθέναι, from their coming and adjoyning unto the Jews. Concerning these Prosylites, we will consider these three things. 1. The several kinds of Prosylites; 2. The manner of making them; 3. In what account or respect they lived among the Jews.

First, the kinds of Prosylites were two; ‎‏גר ברת‏‎ Ger berith, Prosylitus fœderis, A Prosylite of the Covenant. He submitted himself unto the Circumcision, and to the whole Mosaical Pædagogy.30 The Rabbies term such a one ‎‏גר צדק‏‎ Ger tsedeck, Proselytum justitiæ, A Prosylite of righteousness. Secondly, ‎‏גר שער‏‎ Ger sahagnar, Proselytus portæ, A Prosylite, or stranger within thy gates, Deut. 14. 21. Of him also we read in the fourth Commandment. He was suffered to dwell amongst them; whence he is also called ‎‏תושב‏‎ Toschab, Incola, an Inhabitant. He was not circumcised, neither did he conform himself to the Mosaical rites, and ordinances, only he was tyed to the obedience of those Commandments, which among the Hebrew Doctors go under the name of Noahs seven Commandments;31 which they reckon thus: 1. Judgements or Punishments for Malefactours. 2. Blessing the name of God; under this is contained the keeping of the Sabbath. 3. Disclaiming of Idolatry. 4. Uncovering ones nakedness. 5. Shedding of blood. 6. Robery. 7. Eating of any member of a beast, taken from it alive. Of this sort, were Naaman the Syrian, the Eunuch, Cornelius, and those of whom we read, That there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews Men that feared God32 of every Nation under Heaven, Acts 2. 5.

Secondly, to the making of one to be a Prosylite of the Covenant according to the difference of sex; and the difference of times the Rites of initiation varied. To the making of33 a Male-Proselyte, at first three things were required. 1. Circumcision.34 2. A kind of purification by water. 3. The blood of Oblation. This oblation was commonly two Turtles or Pigeons. To the making of a Woman Proselyte, were required only purification by water, and Oblation.35 Now because the Jews have neither Altar, nor Sacrifice, they say that for the Males Circumcision, and purification by water sufficeth; and for the Females, only purification by water.36 In Davids time, they say that many thousands of Prosylites were joyned unto the Church without Circumcision, by this purification.

Hence we may observe, that a kind of Initiation by water was long in use among the Jews, though it were not Sacramental until Christ his institution: yea therefore it may seem to have been used by them, because they expected it at the coming of the Messias, as appeareth by their coming unto John, questioning not so much his Baptism, as his Authority, by what authority he baptized: Why baptizest thou them, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that Prophet? John 1. 25.

Thirdly, the respect born by the Jews towards Prosylites, was charitable;37 they used no upbraiding terms towards them, saying Remember thy former deeds. Notwithstanding it was also provided,38 No Prosylite should be eligible into the Court of their Sanhedrim; yea in their common commerce, they had an usual proverb, which admonished them of wariness39 Vel ad decimam usq; generationem a Proselytis cave; Beware of Prosylites to the tenth generation.

CHAP. IV.

Of their Kings

We shall read of three sorts of Kings in the Old Testament. Melchisedeck was King and Priest; David King and Prophet; others simply Kings. Melchisedeck was King and Priest, David King and Prophet. The concurrence of Princely Sovereignty, and Holy Orders, in the same man, intimates that supreme Authority should alwayes be accompanied with care of Religion: In which respect Joash, when he was anointed King, received the Testimony, or Book of the Law, 2 King 11. 12. Neither did these two meet only in Melchisedeck & David, but the same man among the Heathens40 was oftentimes King and Priest. And the Trismegistus had his name Ter maximus,41 because he was Philosophus maximus, Sacerdos maximus, & Rex maximus. All Kings were not anointed, but onely those in whom succession was broken; and there the first of the family was anointed for his Successor, except in case of dissention, where there was required a renewed unction, for the confirmation of his Authority. For this reason it was, that Solomon was anointed as well as David, because of the strife between him and Adonijah.

Furthermore, Saul and Jehu were anointed ‎‏בפך‏‎ Bepac, with a cruse of Oyl, to shew the short continuance of their Kingdoms. David and Solomon were anointed ‎‏בקרן‏‎ Bekeren, with an horn of Oyl; that is, in a plentiful measure, to shew the long continuance of their Kingdoms.

As Kings were distinguisht from the People by many Ensigns of Honour, by their Crown, their Scepter, their Throne, &c. so likewise were they distinguished by their Apparel; that was the reason that Ahab entring into battel, changed his apparel, 1 Kings 22. 30. Though purple and white colours were not appropriated unto Kings,42 yet these colours were in chief esteem, and principally used by them,43 yea Purple above others was affected by the Emperours and Nobility of Rome; and white by the Nobility of the Jews: whence the Hebrews term their Noble men, and such as were of best rank ‎‏חורים‏‎ Chorim, Albatos, men clad in white; and on the contrary, men of meaner rank, ‎‏חשוכים‏‎ Chaschucim, Sordidatos, men clad with a foul garment. Hence is that of Saint James; If there come a man with a gold ring, and in goody apparel ἐν ἐσθήτι λαμπρᾷ, in a white garment, and there come also a poor man, ἐν ῥυπαρᾷ ἐσθῆτι, in a vile or foul raiment, James 2. 2. This may be the reason, why, when the Jews accused Christ of treason, Pilate his Souldiers clad him in purple, atth. 27. 28. and Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee put on him a white garment, Luke 23. 11. both therein applying themselves to the customs of their own Country, and in derision clothing him as a King.

CHAP. V.

The High-priest, Priests, Levites, and Nethinims

There were three ranks and degrees of Ministers about the Temple; Priests, Levites, and Nethinims; they may be paralleld with Ministers, Deacons, and Sub-Deacons, in the Primitive Church: Over all these, the High-priest was chief.

In Aaron and his posterity was continued the succession of the Priests; the High-Priesthood was tied to the line of his first-born; all the rest of his posterity were Priests, simply so called, or called Priests of the second Order, 2 Kings 23. 4.

Except Aaron, and those that issued from his loines, (in whom the series of Priests was continued) all the rest of Levi his posterity were called Levites.

Both in the High-priest, and the second or Inferiour Priests, there are two things considerable. First, their Consecration. Secondly, their Office. In both these, somewhat they differed, in somewhat they agreed.

In their Consecration they differed. First,44 The High-priest was anointed: the materials of this Chrism or oyntment are prescribed, Exod. 30. 23. It was poured upon Aarons head, Levit. 8. 12. It ran down to his beard, and to the border of his garments, Psalm. 133. 2. The Second Priests were only sprinkled with this oyle, mixed with the blood of the Sacrifice, Levit. 8. 30. In this was typed out the unction of our Saviour, who was anointed with the oyl of Gladness above his Fellows, Psal. 45. 8. He was anointed above his Fellows, Extensive, and Intensive, Extensive, for though Aaron was anointed Priest, Saul anointed King, Elisha anointed Prophet, Melchisedeck King and Priest, Moses Priest and Prophet, David King and Prophet; yet none save only Christ, King, Priest, and Prophet. Intensive, he was anointed, we sprinkled. He was full of grace and truth, John 1. 14. And from his fulness we received grace for grace, ver. 16. And all Christians, especially Ministers, are unto God the sweet savour of Christ, 2 Cor. 2. 5.