Commentary on Genesis and Exodus, Part 2 · Chapter 19 · Analysis – Diverse readings
1. The Method and Argument.
THis Chapter containeth a description of the preparation of the people, to receive the Lawes afterward given them: which preparation is both generall to vers. 9. then particular to the end of the Chapter.
In the generall preparation, first the circumstances are set downe, both of time, place, and persons, when they removed, from whence and whither, and who, the whole host of Israel, vers. 1, 2.
Secondly, the generall preparation followeth. 1. Here is set downe the Lords loving invitation of Israel to be his people, propounded to Moses, consisting both of a rehearsall of the benefits, which the Lord had done for them, vers. 4. of the condition of their obedience required, vers. 5. of a most ample promise, to make them his peculiar people above all the earth, vers. 6. 2. Then is shewed the acceptance by the people of this gratious offer, propounded unto them by Moses, vers. 7. thankfully received by the people, vers. 8.
The particular preparation sheweth partly what was done the two dayes before the Law was given, to vers. 16. and what upon the third, to vers. 25.
In the first, there is: 1. The Lords prescription to Moses, both how he will talke and commune with him, vers. 9. the… that he should sanctifie the people, vers. 10. with the end thereof, vers. 11. that they may be ready: thirdly, the interdict followeth, of not comming neere the mountaine, vers. 12. with the perill and danger thereof, vers. 13.
2. The obedience of Moses, and the people to the Lords commandement, vers. 14, 15. Upon the third day are declared, 1. the manner of the Lords appearing in mount Sinai, with thunder and lightning, vers. 16.18. 2. The placing and disposing of the people, vers. 17. 3. The communication of the Lord with Moses, First in generall, vers. 19, 20. Then in particular: which containeth the Lords charge to Moses, concerning the people and Priests, vers. 21, 22. The exception of Moses and Aaron, vers. 24. interposed by occassion of Moses answer, vers. 24. Then the execution hereof by Moses, vers. 25.
2. The divers readings.
Vers. 1. In the third new m…ne. I. better than, in the third monethmonth. ca…er. for he saith afterward,I. in the same day, that is, when the new monethmonth began.
Vers. 6. A kingdome of Pr…sts. B. G. A. that is, a Priestly kingdome. V. L. P. that is, a sacred and holy kingdome: not, a royall Priesthood. for the latter substantive is put for the adjective, not the first.B.G.A.
Vers. 7. Proposed all these words. B.V. cum cater. all these things. G. debharim, words.B. cum cat▪
I.….Vers. 9. After Moses had reported, &c. or, for Moses had reported G. better than, and Moses reported. V. A.P. or, Moses therefore reported. L. or, but Moses reported. S. It is better read in the preterpluperfect tense: for Moses had reported their words before, vers. 8.
B.G. cum cater. V.I.A.P.Vers. 19. God answered him by voice. B.G. cum caeter. God answered him. L. Here these words, by voice, are omitted.
Vers. 25. Lest he breake in upon them. V.I. or, make a breach upon them. A.P. better than, lest hee destroy them. B.G.L. or, destroy of them. S. bam, signifieth in or upon them.