A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine, Book 3 · Body of book · Chapter 10
Here the Map of DAN is to be inserted.
THE TRIBE OF DAN. CHAP. 10.
§ 1. DAN was eldest Son of Iacob by*Gen. 35. 25. Bilhah Rahels maide and his concubine. Of his body but one, [Hushim] went down into Egypt, yet of his Posterity came forth thence no fewer then‡Numb. 1. 39. threescore and two thousand and seven hundred males of twenty years old and upwards: all which falling in the wilderness, for their faithlesness in Gods promises,*Num. 26. 43. threescore and four thousand and four hundred entered the land of Canaan.
§ 2. There passeth a generall tradition taken up by some Fathers,‡Irenaeus lib. 5. Ambros. de benedict. Patriar. cap. 7. August. quaest. 22. in Ioshu. Prosper. de promis. Dei par. 4. Theodoret. quaest. 109. in Gen. Gregor. lib. 31. moralium &c. continued by some middle, to modern Popish writers, that the Antichrist should descend of the Tribe of Dan. And why conceive (or conceit they rather) so uncharitably of this Tribe? Confess we, that Dan hears ill, on severall occasions in the Scripture.
1 Dan, Father of this Tribe, had a foul mouth, which madeaGen. 37. 2. Ioseph bring in a complaint thereof to*So had all the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah. Iacob.
2 The first personall blasphemy recorded amongst the Israelites was committed by a MongrellbL…vit. 24. 11. Danite, being the son of Shelomith, for which he was stoned.
3 The first tribuall defection to idolatry Dan was guilty of, publickly cIudg. 18. …0.setting up*This was Ieroboams not the T…bes act. and worshipping a graven Image.
4 A moity of the nationall apostasie of the Idolatrous Iews was solemnely acted on the theatre of this Tribe, one ofd1 Kin. 12. 29. Ieroboams golden calves being set up at Dan.
5 When twelve thousand of Gods sealed ones are reckoned up out of every Tribe*Rev. 7., Dan is omitted, as consigned to malediction, say some: as formerly in the first of Chronicles, no mention of Dan, *So also is Zebulun, as Simeon is omitted in Moses his blessings, Deut. 33.where the genealogies of all other Tribes are recounted.
The reader may judge whether these roots be deep enough to bring and beare the branches of so far spread report, that therefore the Man of sin must derive his pedegree from this Tribe. Little probability of Antichrist coming from Dan literall (long since carried captive with the rest of his brethren into Africa) but as for Dan mysticall many have sought, and many conceive they have found him in another and nearer place. But leaving the uncertainties of Antichrist, most sure it is, that Samson, one of the liveliest types of Christ, was descended of Dan. And so waseExod. 31. 6. Aholiab that excellent artist: who was joint master of the fabrick of the Tabernacle: as Hiram also in the work of the Temple, was a Danite on the mothers side.
§ 3. The land allotted to Dan, Josh. 15. 1-- 13.seems, for the most part, first to fall to the share of Iudah at the partition of the Countrey. And because the bounds of Iudah were too great, the surplusage thereof by a new grant was made over to the Danites. Some will wonder, that God, who divided Manna so equally, a homer for every man, should part the land so unevenly, that one Tribe should leave and another lack: so that the thirst of Simeon and Dan was quenched with those few drops, which overflowed out of the cup of Iudah. May such remember, Iudah was the Princely Tribe, out of which Messiah was to arise, and his portion cut out in state; leaving the superfluous reversions thereof to others; may typifie Christ himself, who isfPsal. 45. 7. anointed with oile of gladness above his fellows: of whose fulness (not onelyonly of sufficiency and abundance, but even of redundance) we have all received, grace for grace. Nor will the reader be moved when he finds some cities ensuing, sometimes mentioned as belonging to Iudah, other whiles to Dan: because to the former by originall assignation, and to the latter by actuall possession.
§ 4. This Countrey was bounded with Ephraim on the north, Iudah on the east, Simeon on the south, and the Mid-land-sea on the west. From above Lydda to the brook Soreck, some thirty miles; and litle less east and west, from the sea to the edge of Iudah. A land at the best, but half Iudah's leavings, and that not entirely possessed of the Danites. For herein the Amorites did both cut and chuse for themselves, reserving the fat and flesh thereof, (all the fruitfullgIudg 1. 34. valley) for their own use, whilest the Danites were glad to pick the bones, crowded up into the mountains. Besides, three of the Satrapies of the Philistines, are found in this Tribe; A puissant nation, and at deadly fewd with the people of Israel. This put the Danites on the necessity (men over-pent will some way vent themselves) of seeking new Quarters,Iosh. 19. 47. in that their memorable expedition, whereof formerly in Nephthali. If any aske, why they did not endevour the enlargement of their bounds at home against the Amorites and Philistines, before a far adventure, an hundred miles off. Let such know, the designe was conceived easier, suddenly to surprize the secure Leshemites, pursie with long peace, then to undertake those two warlike nations, well breathed daily in military Discipline: And *Gen 49. 17. Deut. 33. 22.sudden surprisals were foretold in this Tribe.
§ 5. But grant the measure in this Tribe but short, the ware thereof was very fine, the Countrey being passing fruitfull in commodities. Herein grew that bunch of Grapes of prodigious greatness, in gathering whereof, by the hand of the spies sent to search the Land, the Israelites took Livery and Seisin of the fruits of the Countrey. Besides, this Tribe did drive some sea-trade (Deborah complains, Why did DanhIud. 5. 17. remain in ships?) though the Iews generally were mean Mariners and Merchants. Partly because the fatness of their soile so stuck by their sides, it unactived them for forein adventures: and natures bounty unto them gave their industry a Writ of ease to sit at home. And partly because, being divided (as an Island from the Continent of the World) in Religion from other Countries, it cut off their comfortable commerce with other nations: though since their wofull Posterity have proved the Capemerchants of the world.
§ 6. First to survey the west side on the sea,Io…. 19. 46. therein we are accosted with Ioppa, a strong City, seated on an high rock, so that Strabo reports, that Ierusalem may thence be discovered: which a moderniSand. his trav. pag. 152. Traveller concludes impossible. At the bottome thereof a haven [formerly] most convenient. So ancient a place, that some make it first founded, and so named from Iapheth before the kAdricho. in theat. Ter. Sanc. pag. 23.floud. But it is utterly improbable that Noah being himself busied about building an Arke, which threatned the worlds destruction, would suffer his son to erect a City, as promising a fixt habitation. Hither all the timber of the Temple, cut down and carved in mount Lebanon, was brought by the Tyrians inl2 Chro. 2. 16. floates, and hence by Carts conveyed to Ierusalem. Hither Ionah fled, and took shipping for Tarshish mIon. 1. 3., conceived by some to be the Countrey of Cilicia; by others the city Tarsus therein. But be it Sea or Land, Countrey or City, sure it was not Niniveh, whither God had sent him. Here charitablenAct. 9. 36. Dorcas which made coates and garments for the poor widows whilest she was with them, (the lanthorn of mens good deeds cast the best light, when carried before them, and done in their life time) lived, dyed, and was revived by Saint Peter. Here he lodged in the house of Simon a Tanner by the seaside, oAct. 3. 43. & 11. 5. 13.water we know is very necessary in that occupation (though salt water onelyonly usefull to wash raw hides) and therein beheld that vision, wherein the Epitome of all creatures were in a sheet represented unto him. Of this great City, at this day onelyonly two old towers doe survive, it being questionable, whether the place be more ruinous, or the poor Moors more ragged, that dwell therein. A bad haven, much obstructed with sands, and exposed to the fury of the north wind. The best commendation of this harbour is, that Iury had no better, scarce another, as if God condemned the seacoasts thereof to danger, as the Continent to barrenness.
§ 7.pAct. 9. 38. 32. 33, 34. Near unto Ioppa is Lydda (some six miles North-west) where Peter cured En…as (truly pious) of the palsie, which eight years had afflicted him. Here Saint George isqGuilel. Tyrius. reported to have been beheaded, and his tombe is shewed in this place. All I will adde is (I hope without offence) this ensuing Parallel,
| In Ioppa. | In Lydda. |
| The valour ofPliny Nat. his. lib. cap. Perseus is celebrated for freeing Andromeda daughter to King Cepheus, Et Pomp. Mela. Ovid. lib. 4. tyed with chaines to the rockes,Metam. from the fury of a sea monster to which she was exposed. | The puissance of Saint George is remembred for delivering the nameless and Ioh. de Vorag. in the golden Legion. onelyonly daughter of a certain King of Libya, from a fiery Dragon, to whom she was tendered by lot, to be devoured. |
It is pity these two stories should be parted asunder, which will both in full latitude be believed together. Hard to say, whether nearer, the two places, or two reports. He that considers the resemblance of their complexions, will conclude, Fancy the father, Credulity the mother of both; though we need not presently reject all the story of Saint George for fictitious for some improbable circumstances appendent thereunto. Nor have I ought else to observe of Lydda, save that in Saint Hieroms time it was called Diospolis.
§ 8. To return to Ioppa, the port of Ierusalem. And let us a little way accompany the Pilgrims in the road thitherwards. Take the character of the Countrey on the credit of a latetMorisons trav. part 1. c. p. 215. eye-witness: A most pleasant plain yeelding Tyme and Hyssope, and other fragrant herbs without tillage or planting, growing so high, that they came to the knees of our Asses. Nor need any wonder at the stature of this ground Hyssope in Iury (different from wall-Hyssope or mosse rather, the last and lowest step of natures storehouse, andu1 King. 4: 33. Solomons study) seeing good*Hugo Groti. in Ioha. 19. 29. Authors have affirmed, that haec planta in Iudaeâ arborescit, hyssope doth tree it in Iudea. And what is called bywMat. 27. 29. Mar. 15. 26. Matthew and Mark Calamus, a reed, cane, or speare, is rendred an Hyssope-stalke byxIoh. 19. 29. Saint Iohn. Because as a learned man concludes, Hyssope here sprouted so high, that thereof an instrument might be made to lift up the sponge to our Saviours mouth hanging on the Cross. And thus we see that as always one of Iob's messengers escaped, to bring the sad tydings of their fellows destruction; so even at this day, some stragling vallies in Palestine, have made hard shift by their own fruitfulness still continuing) to informe the world, how plentifull this Countrey was, before barrenness by Gods appointment, seised on the generality thereof.
§ 9. To proceed in the road to Ierusalem (as the best guide to direct us in the survey of the north of this Tribe) It passeth not far from Shaal…im a City ofzIosh. 19. 42. Dan, but in the confines of Ephraim. Where though the Amorites dwelt in despight of the Danites, yet the Tribe of Ephraim aIudg. 1. 35.made them tributaries. A little further, this highway takes its farewell of the Tribe of Dan, but with full intent shortly to visite it again. For having passed over a corner of Ephraim, which baggeth into the south, it returns into Dan, and goes forward by Modin, the City of Mattathias and his sons, where the sevenb1 Macc. 13. 27, 28, 29. sepulchers of the Maccabees (each a high Pyramid on a square basis, and all mounted on a steep hill) are a conspicuous sea-mark to the Mariners many miles distant. Charitable monuments, which being erected for the honour of the dead, are imployed for the safety of the living! Few miles hence this high-way finally leaves this Tribe. And therefore we leave it, onelyonly wishing the passengers therein a prosperous journey to Ierusalem. That such as goe thither about business may dispatch the same to their own contentment; such as travell out of curiosity may have their expectation so satisfied, as to countervaile all their paines and charges: and such as goe thither out of superstitious opinion to merit, may have their erroneous judgements better rectified and informed.
§ 10. Nor doth ought else observable offer it self in this corner of the Tribe, save*Iosh. 21. 24. Iosh. 10. 12. Aijalon, (where Ioshua's *Iosh. 21. 24. Iosh. 10. 12.prayer arrested the Moon to stand still) assigned by God to the Levites. But the Amorites took the boldness to keep possession thereof. Hear the words of thecIud. 1. 34. Scripture, And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountaines: for they would not suffer them to come down into the valley, but the Amorites would dwell in mount Herez, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim. The genuine sense is, that though the Amorites generally pent the Danites up in the mountains; yet in these three places (though mountainous in their situation) they crossed their common custome; not out of necessity, but designe, as sensible of their own profit that these transcended the vallies in fertility, and therefore placed themselves therein. Let others dispute, how it came to pass, that the Priests, whom God intended men of peace, by their profession, had a controversiall City appointed them, incumbred with enemies so that they must win it before they could wear it. As also how the Levites could live, when the Land allotted them, was sequestred in the hand of a forein foe. It will be for enough us to observe, that in all ages the Church being imbarked in the same bottome with the State ran an equall hazard therein, according to her proportion. And when the whole Tribe of Dan, like the Parish in generall, was straitned in its processions, well might the Priests maintenance be abated accordingly.
§ 11. We goe back now to Ioppa, where standing on the rocks, an indifferent fight may easily discern those ships, into which the heathen people of Ioppa, with much courtesie, but more craft, invited the Iews with their wives and their children to goe aboard: for they made them pay their lives the fraight for their voyage, wilfully drowning two hundred of them. Whose bloud Maccabeus revenged with a contrary, but as cruell and2 Macc. 12. 3, 4, 5, 6. Element, burning all their ships in their harbour, with such as were found therein. Hard by is Iamnia, a little haven (which may be rendred Seaton in English) whose mischievous intention against the Iews, Maccabeus punished bye2 Mac. 12. 8, 9. burning their towne by night. Which bone-fire was beheld, two hundred and fourty furlongs off, as far as Ierusalem. A thing not incredible, that fire it self should be seen so far, by the light whereof other things in darkness are discovered, especially when mounted high on its throne, with the advantage of pitch, cordage, and other navall and combustible matter.fSee Moors Mapof Palestine Some doe conceive that this Iamnia is the same with Iabneh, the wall whereof was broken down byg2 Chr. 26. 6. Uzziah the puissant King of Iudah.
§ 12. Hence the sea running southward provides it self to entertain a nameless brook: which Mercator cals Naphtoah, andhAdricho. in theat. Ter. Sanc. pag. 24. num. 59 others (making signes, as unable to speak the true name thereof) the brook of the land of the Philistines, because otherwhiles the northern boundary of their dominion. We had rather give it no name, then a nick-name. And because the course thereof affords us conveniency to visite the middle parts of this Tribe, we will accept of his courtesie, and follow the guidance thereof.
§ 13. This brook hath its birth and infancy in the Tribe of Iudah, whence flowing into Dan, he runneth through the desert of Modin, which is full of rocks, and those of holes, and those [once] of men, flying out of the neighbouring Cities from the persecution of the Pagans. Herein a thousand of them were slain by the fury of their enemies, or rather by the fondness of their own superstition, i1 M…c. 2. 38.refusing to make resistance on the Sabbath day. A sad accident. But the parent of a good event, because putting the surviving Iews in a posture of defence, and teaching them more wise and valiant resolutions. Yea not long after, hereabouts they obtained a victory over the numerous army of*1 Macc. 16. 4. Cendebaeus. Nor will any slight this brook as inconsiderable, when they read how it ran in the midst betwixt the armies of the Iews and Pagans, and was so deep, that the hardiest of the former durst not adventure to wade it, before first incouraged by the example of theirk1 Macc 16. 5, 6 Generall. Except any will say, they did not so much fear the depth of the river, as the height of the banks of the other side, to wit, the puissant army of their enemies.
§ 14. Going further on the river, we come into the Countrey of Makats, that is (as learnedlVid. …jus …. in 1 King. 4. 9. Tremelius well observeth) the border or boundary (if you please, the Marches) betwixt this Tribe and their professed enemies the Philistines. It is impossible to define the limits thereof, seeing the Countrey was the constant Cock-pit of war: and the ground thereof, sometimes marched forward, sometimes retreated backward, according to the variety of martiall success. Great is the difference betwixt the same sea, at high and low water mark: and so this Countrey must needs be much disproportioned to it self, when extended in a full tyde, and when contracted in a low ebbe of success.
§ 15. In this Countrey of Makats Bethshemesh was a principall City, belonging to the Levites, and reputed part of Iudah, but (except some Labell of land tacked to Iudah) surrounded about with the Tribe of Dan. A case obvious in the dividing of Countreys. Who knows not how Worcester-shire hath speckled all the adjacent Counties with snips and shreds belonging unto it, though environed with other shires, and that at considerable distance? Hither the kine drawing the Cart, and lowing as they went to their Calves at home, (nature in them was not rooted out, but overruled) brought the Arke, and rested it near a great stone in the field ofm1 Sam. 6. 18. Ioshua a Bethshemite. At what▪ time the Bethshemites were reaping their harvest in the valley. Instantly at so good news, their Sicles lost their edges, and could cut no more corn that day. The Arke-home is to be preferred before Harvest-home. But oh! how hard is it to keep hungry eyes from feeding on forbidden objects! All the Bethshemites were Levites, but not Priests, much less high-Priests: to whom alone (and that onelyonly anniversary) the survey of those mysteries did belong. Besides at this time Bethshemesh from a City, was enlarged to be a Countrey: (such the confluence of Israelites from all places) Otherwise no back of one City might seem broad enough for so great a rode,*1 Sam. 6. 19. whereby fifty thousand and threescore and ten men were destroyed by the Plague, for their Curiosity, in prying into the Arke.
§ 16. Gibbethon is another prime place in Makats: allotted by God to thenIosh. 19. 44. & 21. 23. Levites of Kohath, and no doubt by them peaceably possessed for many years, seeing nothing to the contrary doth appear. But after the days of Ieroboam it is said too1 King. 15. 27 & 16. 15. belong to the Philistines. Probably, when the Levites loyall both to God and their King, upon the idolatrous defection of Israel, willinglyp2 Chr. 11. 14. deserted their own Cities, the Philistines taking advantage thereof (when much good bloud is let out, bad humours are nimble to supply the place) seised on this City. To recover the same, Nadab the son of Ieroboam besieged it: but was so far from taking the City, that before it he lost his own life, by the trechery of Baasha conspiring against him. This siege continued more then twenty years, (no doubt with intervalls of cessation) forq1 King. 16. 15, 16, 17, 18. here Om…i a great Commander was in service, when by the souldiery voted King of Israel. After which election he had not so much minde to take the City, as a Crown, vigorously to prosecute his new title, and to suppress Tib… his Corrivall. So much of the siege, but nothing of the taking of Gibbethon, so that it was still violently possessed by the Philistines.
§ 17. The south-east part of this Tribe is still to survey.Iud. 16. 4. Where the brook Zorek creeps faintly out of the Tribe of Iudah. Not far from whose banks we light on Zorah and Eshtaol: two twin-cities, the one seldome mentioned in Scripture without the other. Except one will call them man and wife: because Machaneh-Dan (betwixt Zorah and Eshtaol) was joint issue of them both. For when six hundred men out of these two cities marched towards the taking of Leshem, here theyrIudg. 18. 2. 8. 11. 12. met (probably by mutuall agreement the most convenient place betwixt them) behind (that is, west) of Kiriath-jearim. These did call this the first place of their station Machaneh-Dan; and the last Dan (both from Dan their Ancestour) without naming any intermediate places. As in all undertaking, the first motion which founds and the last which finisheth it, are most memorable. It seems that afterwards, a town was built in that place, where their tents were pitched, as a fortunate ground handselled with good success, wherefIud. 13. 25. Samson seems to have had his education.
§ 18. But his birth at Zorah. Where he was the son of a long barren mother (a regiment in Scripture of such eminent Persons, Isaac, Iacob, Samuel, Samson, Iohn Baptist &c.) as if (besides higher causes) nature had long thriftily reserved her utmost strength, to expend it at last with more credit. Here an Angel appearing to Manoahs wife, bothtIud. 13. 4, 5. told her that she should be a mother, and taught her how she should be a nurse; with the ceremonious breeding of her son. No Wine must come in, no rasor on him. Hercules the Pagan-Samson in some sort may seem, by the luxury of Poets wits, to ape this Iewish Hercules. Neither of them otherwise mounted, then on their legs: otherwise defensively armed, then with their skin and clothes. A …aw-bone a sword to the one, a Club, to the other. Both of them very like for their valour, and too like for their wantonness, women being the destruction of them both.
§ 19. But as Samsons lustre did rise, so it did set in this Tribe. Hereabouts born anduIud. 16. 31. buried in the grave of his Father Manoah, betwixt Zorah and Eshtaol. Reader, let me invite thee with me solemnly to behold his sepulchre, that therein both of us may bury all our vain thoughts of eternity here. He that hereafter shall presume on his own might as immortall, hath not stronge… brains, but a weak… back then Samson.
§ 20. To goe back to …, *Num. 13. 24, 25. & cap. 32. 9 Deut. 1. 24.which now grows confident and bold with the accession of the brook …, so named (as the vine in Hampshire) from bunches of grapes there growing, whereof one was the load for two men. Surely Bac…hus …id not so drown Ceres in this Countrey, nor did God the wise master of the feast, entertain the Iews his daily guests, with suc… liquid diet, but that we may justly presume the land afforded bread and meat in a plentifull proportion to their wine. But when the spies brought this home to the camp of the Israelites at Kadeshbarnea, they like… the wine, but not the reckoning which was to be paid for it▪ not so pleased with the bigness of the grapes, as frighted at the bulkes of the Giants.
§ 21. Nor is there any other considerable City remaining in this Tribe, save Tim…ah, where Iudah sheared his sheep, and at Pethah-enaim (or the opening of the ways) committed incest with Thamar his unknown daughter-in-law, whom after wards he commanded to be brought forth andwGen. 38. 24. burnt. Thus easier i… …s for one to cause another to be consumed to ashes, then to quench the least spark of lust in our own soul. Afterwards Samson going with his Parents to wooe his wife, killed a young Lion in the vineyards of Timnah, and thexIud. 14. 5, 6. text saith, he told not his Father or …other what he had done. Herein his silence no less commendable then his valour. But indeed true prowess pleaseth it self more in doing then reporting its own atchievements.Verse 8. Not long after the Bees made a hive of the Lions body. And did not this land flow with honey, when it was powred into a carkass for want of other vessells to receive it? Honey which in fine proved gall to the Philistines. For though they read his riddle by plowing with his heifer, Verse 16.he payed his forfeit by killing their Countrey men. Hence afterwards Samson, Iud. 15. 4.to revenge the injuries offered unto him, sent forth his Foxes, which proved incendiaries of the corn and grain of the Philistines.
§ 22. So much for the places of this Tribe, of whose situation we have any certainty from Gods word, or good Authors. On the rest we hang out our conjecturall Flag. Which whilest some censure for the Ensignes of our ignorance; others I hope will approve as the colours of our modesty. Especially having done our best endevour in ranking them; and in default of demonstrations, the most probability hath ever been accounted the next heir apparent to Truth. The best is, such places are onelyonly of name, not of note; but once mentioned inyIosh. 19. 41, 42. &c. Ioshua, without any memorable actions done in them, and so any mistake in the false posture will prove less dangerous. Mountains of eminency this Tribe affords none, savezIosh. 15. 10. mount Seir (puny hills far different from those in Edom) and mountaIosh. 15. 11. Baalah. Both parcels of the south-west bounds of Iudah, as originally they were assigned. But seeing those limits were afterward discomposed by a new division and re-assignment of them to this Tribe (the out-list of Iudah fell into the midst of Dans whole cloth) those antiquated borders are … the less remarkable. And as for other mountains, although this whole was mountainous, yet there was a parity in her hills, none exceeding high▪ one… such advantages of ground swelling above the plain, seemed to be the full breasts and fair nipples of that land, which flowed with milke and honey.
§ 23. A fair reserve of land in, not of, the Tribe, is still behind, long expecting our company to come and describe it; namely; Philistia, or a part of the land of the Philistines. These were a warlike people; none of the seven nations of the Canaanites, which God drave out before Israel, but descended frombGen. 10. 14. Mi…zraim, the son of Cham. In the race of military atchievements, they started with the first, ran with the swiftest, and held out with the longest. Having a… King in the days of Abraham, and continuing themselves in a considerable condition till after the captivity. Returning almost as many forcible impressions, as they received from the Israelites. What thoughdIud. 3. 31. Sh…gar smote, Samson …, ande1 Sam. 7. 14. Samuel humbled them? yet they grew so great in the reigne of Saul, that they left all the Israelites f1 Sam. 13. 22.swordles…: though afterwards there was one sword too many in Saul… hand, wherewith he slew himself when overcome by the Philistines. Indeed*2 Sam. 5. 18. & 8. 1. & 21. 15. &c. David brought them, and Solomon kept them under. But in the days of Ioram they so recovered themselves, that they plundered Iudah, rifled the Kings palace,g2 Chr. 21. 17. killed and carried captive the seed royall. Uzziah after ordered them into obedienceh2 Chr. 26. 6.. but under Ahaz they regnined their lost cities, and wan more unto them. In a word; of the heathen people left foriIosh. 23. 13. thornes in the sides of the Iewes, none had sharper prickles*Ezek. 25. 15. or pierced nearer to their hearts then the Philistines. Yea such their puissance, that from them the Greeks and Latinos called all this land Palestina… because the Philistines lived on the sea-coast most obvious to the notice of foreiners. As in deed a small Port makes a greater report in the eares of strangers far off, then a land-locked place though far greater in proportion.
§ 24. The bounds of Philistia are not precisely to be set down. For whilest tame cattell are kept in pastures, beasts of prey (such this warlike people) are onelyonly bounded by their own ravenous appetite. The best way to measure the borders of the Philistines is to behold the sins of the Israelites. For when they were encreased, then the Countrey of the Philistines. was accordingly enlarged. Thus in the days of King Saul they roved, andk1 Sam. 31. 10. ranged as far as Dor and Bethshean in the half Tribe of Manasseh, and had Garisons in the heart of most Tribes of Israel. But their constant habitation (their den, as I may terme it) was atract of ground from Gath in the north to Gaza in the south. Some fifty miles in length and about halfe as broad, in the lands allotted to Iudah, Dan, and Simeon. Their government was a mixture of Monarchy, and Aristocracy. For as their chiefe Cities had Kings over them, which seem absolute in their own dominions; so these kingdomes were but Cantons in relation to the whole, as members making up one entire Commonwealth.
§ 25. There need no other evidence be produced to prove the fruitfulness of their Countrey, then the vastness of their bodies, whereof the rankness of their ground must be allowed a partiall cause. Our English Proverb saith, shew me not the meate, but shew me the man. The well batling of the Giants bred in Philistia (chiefly in Gath their Seminary) being Heteroclites,2 Sam. 21. 20. 21 redundants from the rules of nature, sufficiently attests the fertility of their soil. Some of these Giants had their hands branching out intom1 Chr. 20. 6. six fingers, though they who had one fewer had enough to kill them. Let Naturalists curiously inquire, whether or no this stock of Giants be wholly spent in our age. And if so, what the true causes thereof. Whether intemperance of diet, or over early marriage; seeing every one that is raw to work, count themselves ripe to wed. Let them consult whether nature hath not some other way recompensed in our age that want of strength, by giving them quicker wits; wheras in voluminous men commonly there is much empty margent. However mens lesser strength and stature amounts not to a proof of an universall decay in nature,*Dr. Hakwels apology for divine providence. as a most learned pen hath unanswerably demonstrated.
§ 26. One thing more we must observe of the Philistines, that they are also called Cherethims or Cherethites inn1 Sam. 30. 14. & Ezek. 25. 26 & Zeph. 2. 5. Scripture. Know also that the o2 Sam. 8. 18. & 1 King. 1. 38.Cherethites were a kind of lifegard to King David. Now because it is improbable that so wise a Prince would intrust his Person in the protection of the Philistines his conquered enemies: therefore learned pVid. ejus annota in locum pradicta.Tremellius by Cherethites understands such Israelites as afterwards possessed the Countrey of the Philistines expulsed by David. Which seems to some but a forced interpretation. For what unlikelyhood was it, that David might entertain Proselyte Philistines, converts to the Iewish religion, if there were such, to be attendants about his body? Not to instance in the French Kings double gard of Scots, and Switzars, as improper to this purpose; (because though forein, yet free and friendly nations;) David out of policy might retain such to wait upon him, both for their present encouragement, and future engagements of the fidelity of the Philistines. Whose service might not onelyonly be free from danger, but full of advantage, especially when they were under the conduct of so wise and valiant an Israelite asq2 Sam. 20. 23. Benajah the son of Iehojada placed governour over them. To render this still more probable: Consider how Ittai the Gittite, with six hundred men of Gath, was no native of Israel, as appears by Davids words,r2 Sam. 15. 18, 19. thou art a stranger and an exile; and yet was intrusted with the Command of as2 Sam. 18. 2. Terce of the army, in the battell against Absolom. Wherein he excellently acquitted himself according to his loyall resolution to attend the Kings fortunes whether in life or death.
§ 27. Come we now to describe the Countrey Philistia, where in the north part thereof, we finde Gath a regall City:*1 Sam. 21. 10. before Achish the son of Maoch the King whereof, David to save his life counterfeited himself mad. But whether guilty or no in so doing, Divines have not yet determined. It would incline me to the more charitable side, that he had good warrant for what he did, because at the same time (understand it immediately before or after) he composedtPsal. 34. & 56 two Psalmes. Which shew his soul not out of tune solemnly to serve God. But David went to Achish a second time, with sixe hundred men; (it seems upon better assurance before-hand, then formerly) and was with great kindness entertained by him, dwelt with him in Gath, and after obtained Ziklag from him; and by Achish his minde should have been the*1 Sam. 27. 2, 3 5, 6. & 2. 82. keeper of his head. Achish the son of Maachah (tributary no doubt to Solomon) was King of Gath. For Shimei confined to Hierusalem by Solomons command, and his own consent, did fetch fromu1 King. 2. 39. him his fugitive servants. Time was when Shimei's w2 Sam. 16. 7.tongue ran too fast in railing on David his Master, and now his feet moved too far in running after his servants, so that breaking the Tedder of his Commission, of the pieces thereof a Halter was justly made for his execution. This City of*2 Chr. 11. 8. Gath was afterwards fortified by Rehoboam, and many years after takenx2 Kin. 12. 17. by Hazael King of Syria, and in the next age had the wall thereof broken down by Uzziah King ofy2 Chr. 26. 6. Israel.
§ 28. Betwixt Gath and Ekron (lying thence south west) we are as certain there were Cities as ignorant how to call them. For the present let them pass by the name of Samuels Cities: because by his devotion, the Cities, which the Philistines had taken from Israel, were restored to Israel fromz1 Sam. 7. 14. Ekron even unto Gath. See the difference betwixt Priest and Priest, both in service and success. Vicious Hophni *1 Sam. 4. 4.brings forth the Arke into the field, fights, falls, loseth his own life, and part of Israels Land to the Philistines. Pious Samuel stays and prays at home; the Arke is brought back to him: he both saves himself, and as a bountifull benefactor regaineth the former loss of his Countrey.
§ 29. Ekron was a stately City; and commendable was the discretion of her Inhabitants, who learning wit from their neighbours woe, would not keep thea1 Sam. 5. 10. Arke and Gods anger therein, but with the speediest conveniency returned it home to Bethshemes. Of these Ekronites, David afterward killed two hundred, and tendered their Foreskins a Dowry for Michal Sauls daughter. For, though by the condition of his Espousals he contracted but for anb1 Sam. 18. 25. hundred Foreskins, yet such was the supererogation of his valour (Love and Loyalty never give scant measure) that hec1 Sam. 18. 27. doubled the number. And what injustice was it that he that paid her dowry double should enjoy her but halfe? seeing Saul afterwards took her away, and gave her tod1 Sam. 25. 44. another. Beelzebub was the grand Idoll ofe2 King. 1. 2. Ekron, whose name importeth a Lord of flies. Scaliger conceiving it to be a nick-name which the Iews gave it in derision, so that the terming it a God of flies, was in effect to say, a flie for your God. In the new Testament Beelzebub passeth for thefMat. 12. 24. Prince of the Devills. It seems that Hell it self, that place of confusion, would wholly be confounded, if some superiority were not therein observed.
§ 30. More south we again come to the river Sorek, on whose banks grew Grapes of goodly greatness; yea the Hebrews report them to have been without anygHieron. in 5 tom. cap. Isa. kernels. But that hereabouts Lust did not grow without shame and sorrow to attend it, Samson will sadly witness. For in the house of Dalilah by the brook ofhIudg. 16. 4. Sorek, he betrayed his strength to her, she his person to the Philistines. Thus those that sleep on a harlots lap for their Pillow, are overtaken with destruction before they dream thereof. Hence they carried Samson toiIudg. 16. 21. Gaza, which is welnigh fourty miles off. And why so far? Partly to render their triumph more glorious, baiting him with all eyes gazing on him, and partly the more safely to secure him, bringing him far from his friends, and beyond the reach of any rescue.
§ 31. But as here was the place where Samsons purity was polluted, so hard by was the the fountain or water wherein the Ethiopians pollution was purified. This was he, who being Treasurer to Candace Queen of Ethiopia, rode in his chariot and read Isaias, when, (always some unexpected good surprizeth such as are studious in the Scripture)kAct. 8. 29. Philip was sent to expound it unto him. Can alIer. 13. 23. Blackamore change his skin, saith the Prophet? But see here the virtue of baptismall water, washing away the black hue, and vicious habits of his naturall Corruption, and making him a true Christian convert.
§ 32. But Philip was found at Azotus: and Azotus or Ashd…d hardby is easily found, (for a City seated on a Hill cannot be hid.) This was the third Satrapie of the Philistines, in our definition, but first in honour, as famous for Dagon an Idol there adored: who yet had the manners in homage to the Arke to put off his head and hands, and fall flat on the ground; And hither first they brought the Arke of God*1 Sam. 5. 1. & 6. 17.. This was allotted to the Tribe of Iudah †Iosh. 15. 47.; but left unconquered by Ioshua. King Uzziah brake down the wall of it: and built Cities in the coast of it*Chap. 13. 3. … 2 Chr. 26. 6.. And soon after Tartan sent by Sargon King of Assyria, took it†Isa. 20. 1.. The Maccabees had divers battells near Azotus. Here Iudas overthrows Gorgias *1 Macc. 4. 15., And spoiles Azotus †Chap. 5. 6….; And again pursues Bacchides. But himself is slain*Cha. 9. 15. 18.. Here Ionathan overcomes Demetrius the younger, and burns Azotus; and the Temple of Dagon †1 Mac. 10. 78. 84.; And hereabouts Iudas and Iohn prevaile against *1 Mac. 16. 10.Cendebeus. As for Dagon here adored, some make him Patron of grain, (and he is translated foreign by Philo Biblius) others the President of the sea; and we may safely beleeve his Power as much over the one as the other. His shape (save that it was masculine for sexe) resembled the Antick laughed at by the Poet.
Desinit in piscem, mulier formosa supernè.
Upwards man-like he ascended,
Downwards like a fish he ended.
And yet this Fish had alsomSee the S…ptuagint. feet under the taile thereof,foreign. which feet of a fish seem not to stand with any proportion. But what shall we say? The uglier his shape, the handsomer for an Idol; and to keep a Decorum, it was fit that he should be as mishapen in his form, as monstrous in his worship. Far handsomer no doubt were the women of Ashdod, or else the Israelites would never have been so enamoured with them, as after their return from the captivity, by marrying with them to beget a mongrell off-spring, whose tongues (as if divided Parte per Pale) spake halfnNche. 13. 24. Ashdod and half Hebrew. But surely God was afterwards better pleased with the Iews solemn submission, and fair putting away of their wives, then with the cruelty of the Britons (if true whatoNennius Elvodug. reported) which marrying French women in Armorica (now called little Britain) out of a zeale to preserve their native Language, they cut out their wives tongues for fear they should infect their children with a mixture of French. As forp2 Sam. 8. 1. Metheg-Ammah in Philistia, because the learned are not resolved whether thereby a place be designed; and if so, many take it for Gath; or else that thereby is signified, that David took the Bridle of Power, from the hand of the Philistines; see it signed with an Asteriske, enough to tell the Reader, that we doe not shew, but seek a certainty therein.
§ 33. So much for the land in this Tribe.Ionah on the sea. If we look on the sea, bounding it on the west, see Ionah in his ship, flying as fast as he could,qIonah 1. 3. from the presence of the Lord, that is, from the performance of his Propheticall function in Niniveh. Otherwise he was better principled then to conceive it probable, in any place to avoid Gods presence; and (if so erroneously opinioned) made the worst of choices,rPsal. 107. 23. to goe down into the sea, where Divine power most effectually appears. Many carnall reasons might cause his flight; as, fear to he murthered for delivering so unwelcome a message to thatsNahum 3. 1. bloody City; suspicion, that his preaching little regarded in Israel, would be less in Niniveh; zeal to his Countrey, as perceiving the conversion of the Gentiles, would prove the rejection of the Iews; and a Iealousie (as himselftIonah 4. 2. confesseth) his Prophesie should be disproved on the peoples repentance.
A terrible tempest persuing the ship,… wonder working tempest. works wonders in the mariners:
1 Out of the bold came fear; They wereuIonah 1. 5. afraid.
2 Out of the profane came piety; Cryed every man to his God.
3 Out of the covetous prodigality; Cast their ware into the sea.
Mean time Ionah was fast asleep in the botome of the ship. It is hard to make sense of his actions, his flight spake fear, his sleeping shewed security; formidat & audet. How doth sin distract men, making them as contrary to themselves, as to Gods commandements!
§ 34. At last, the Master of the ship (now vassall to the winds) awakes him; and Ionah detected by lot, and his guilty▪ conscience, is cast as a peace offering into the sea, where a Whale is provided, after three days to bring him safe to the shore; who amongst many Land-types, was the onelyonly Sea-type (as thewIohn 3. 14. Serpent the Aire-type) of ourxMat. 11. 39. Saviour.
§ 35. The son of Dekar was Solomons y1 King. 4. 9.purveyour in Machats, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elon-Bethanan, all places in or near this Tribe. The Armes vulgarly assigned to Dan, are Vert a Snake or adder argent nowed, b…ting, as some adde, (let Heralds translate it into the proper terms of Blazonry) the heels of an horse, whereby the Cavalier mounted on him falls down backwards. All grounded on thezGen. 49. 17. Blessing of Iacob; intimating the slie and subtile disposition of the Danites, whose sleight was above their might, policy more then their power, verified in their sodain and unexpected surprisall of the City of Laish. Nor know I how herein to reconcile the particular fancy of Aben Ezra to this received opinion, who allots an Eagle for the armes of Dan: a creature of most contrary posture and practise to a Snake: (nothing creeps lower then the one, or soares higher then the other) except agreeing in the generall qualities of quick-sight and subtilty. Here if some say that the Eagle might have been the crest of Dan, they will quickly retract their opinion, considering crests a modern device, and could not be born in that age, which was scarce conceived three hundred years since. The standard of Dan aNumb. 2. 25.was erected formost of the three on the north side of the Tabernacle.