A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine, Book 3 · Body of book · Chapter 13
Here the Map of Judah is to be inserted.
THE TRIBE OF IVDAH. CHAP. 13.
§ 1. IUDAH, Iudah and his good qualities.fo…rth son of Iacob by Leab his wife, was generally a well-natured man,aGen. 37. 26. endevouring preservation of his brother Ioseph, and an excelle…t speaker, being thebGen. 44. 18. mouth for the rest of his brethren, in his eloquent oration to Ios…h. Not that these his good qualities (which otherwhiles were allayed with lustcGen. 38. 16. & 24. and cruelty) were the causes, bu… rather the effects of Gods preferring him above the rest of his brethren. Of this Tribe, threescoredNumb. 2. 4. and fourteen thousand and six hundred canne out of Egypt; all which deservedly dying in the wilderness for their disobedience, the next generation descended from them, being threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred, possessed the land of Canaan.
§ 2. Iudah (saith thee1 Chron. 5. 2. Scripture) prevailed above his brethren, The Soveraignty of this tribe.and of him came the chiefe rulers, so that he may be traced all along by the footsteps of his soveraignty. Whilest they were in th… wilderness, God ordered, that the standard of Iudah should pitch first o… thefNumb. 2. 3. east side of the Tabernacle towards the rising of the Sun. Perchance, to denote that thegMal. 4. 2. Sun of righteousness arising with healing in his wings, should be extracted from that Tribe. When Ioshua was dead, and the childre… of Israel asked of the Lord, Who shall goe up first for us to fight against the Candanites? It was answered,hJudg. 1. 2. Iudah shall goe up. Othniel the first Judge was hence descended, and David, in whose royall line the Crown lasted for above four hundred years: and after the return from captivi…y, Zorobabel of the Tribe of Iudah is honoured with the style ofiHagg. 1. 1. Governour, which office for some time continued in his family. In a word (besides Princes) so puissant was the Tribe in Generalls, Ioab, Abishdi, Amasa &c. Statesmen, Caleb, Ahitophel; and Prophets, Nat…an, Amos, Micah; that in dignity, as in strength and number it surmounted all the rest. Yea, Napthali's fearfull Hinde durst not bellow; nor Issachars patient. Ass bray; nor Ephraims strong Oxe low; nor Benjamins cruell Wolfe howle; nor Dans cunning Serpent hiss, if Iudah's Princely Lion was pleased to roare, as Commander of all the beasts of the field and forest.
§ 3. However,How the scepter departed not from Iudah. I dare not (with some) interpret Iacobs solemn prophecy, the Scepter kGen. 49. 10.shall not depart from Iudah, nor the Law-giver from between his feet, untill Shiloh come, of a constant Soveraignty immoveably fixed in this Tribe till the birth of our Saviour: a Tenet unteinable with truth, seeing of the many Judges in Israel, but two of this Tribe; Saul, the first King, of Benjamin, and the Maccabees of the Tribe of Levi, who after the captivity attained to Kingly honour amongst the Iews. Rather we understand Iacobs words of the whole nation, (whom he in the Spirit foresaw, should in process of time be called Iews, as the land Iudea, from Iudah) and expound them to be a prediction, that the Iews should never totally, and finally lose the visible being of a kingdome, or commonwealth, with a form of government amongst themselves, (though often changed and altered in the manner, obscured and eclipsed in the lustre, confined and emparied in the power thereof) untill Messiah should be manifested in the flesh. Which came to pass accordingly, when the Iews at our Saviours birth (and more completely at, and after his death) had lost all shadows of a free State, totally inslaved to the Romane Emperour. To whom alone b…longed,
1 The Militia with the Castle, giving martial-law to the Temple it self.
2 Coine, stamped with the image and superscription oflMat. 22. 2. Cesar.
3 Customes, collected, yea extorted by his Publicanes.
4 Power in causes capitall, by the Priests own confession,mIohn 18. 31. It is not lawfull for us to put any man to death.
And the prophecy of Iacob thus expounded, is both clear in it self, and according to the interpretatio… of thenIustin Martyr in dialog… cum Triphone Iudaeo. Ancients.
§ 4. This Tribe had Dan and Simeon on the west,The limits of the Land of Iudea. Benjamin on the north, the wilderness of Paran o… the south, and the Dead-sea on the east. Extending east and west, welnigh fourty miles; but from Cadesh-Barnea to Ierusalem was about sixty six. Where in this countrey was conteined a mountainous land, but fruitfull with all commodities for pleasure and profit. We begin with the Dead-sea, Iudah's eastern boundary, and so shall proceed to …rround it in our description.
§ 5. This wasoGen. 14. 3. once a fruit…ull countrey,The Dead-sea once a fruitfull countrey. called the vale of Siddim, even pGen. 13. 10.as the garden of the Lord, Paradi se it self. Too like indeed thereto, both for the pleasure thereof, and Se…pent therein, the spreading wickedness of the vicious Sodomites. Lot chose to live here, not because the people were well nurtured, but the place well …vatered; though better watered (no doubt) during his living there, with his teares, from a soulq2 Pet. 2. 8. vexed with their filthy conversation. He lost by his dwelling among them, for whose sins he was carriedrGen. 14. 12. captive by Chedorlaomer; They gained by their dwelling so near him, for whose sake they were rescued by his uncle Abraham. Yea, afterwards Abraham endevoured to save the whole city of Sodome, beating down the price of Gods justice as low, as possibly it might consist with his honour, tosGen. 18. 32. ten righteous men: and yet that too high a rate for the piety of Sodome to reach, so general was the wickedness therein. Hereupon, Sodome, with three neighbouring Cities,tDeut. 29. 23. Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, was destroyed with fire and brimstone from heaven, and thereby the whole Countrey turned into a standing stinking lake.
§ 6. Some will say,How fire le…t water behind it it was strange, that fire should beget water, a combustion produce an inundation. More proper it had been, that such an inflammation should have left and Aetna, Hecla or Vesuvius behinde it, fuming, if not burning always. The rather, because next morning this place presented it self to the eyes of Abraham, as the smoke of a uGen. 19. 28.furnace. But such must know, that when the fire was once out:
1 The Countrey by nature was low and levell, being a depressed plain, and so more subject to drowning.
2 Iordan (running through this vale, and there sinking into the ground) had a quality in the first monethmonth towIosh. 3. 15. &c 1 Chr. 12. 15 & Eccles. 24. 30 overflow his banks, and so prone to occasion a deluge.
3 Probably, the river was formerly bridled with artificiall banks, which either were then broken down with that tempest, or afterwards decayed by degrees, when the people were destroyed.
4 Iordan, in the vacancy of the inhabitants, having got violent possession, fenced and fortified himself in the slime-pits, (as in so many castles) whereof greatxGen. 14. 10. plenty in that place, and could not afterwards be ejected.
Thus his title to this plain, though at first an unjust usurpation and incroachment, is made lawfull by the prescription of three thousand years possession.
§ 7. This sea is known by severall names. 1. The Dead-sea, Severall names of this sea.either because the Charnel-house of so many dead carcasses then destroyed therein; or, because it kills all creatures coming into it; or lastly, because dull and dead, not enlivened with a tide, or quickned with any visible motion, one main cause of the offensive savour thereof, laziness disposing men to lewdness, and waters to putrefaction. 2. TheyGen. 14. 3. Salt-sea salt indeed, from the sulphurous combustions first occasioning it. 3. By Greek writers it is termed the Asphaltite-lake from foreign, or Bitumen, growing plentifully thereabouts. This Bitumen (we are fain to retain the Latine word, our land neither affording the thing, nor our language the name to signifie it) is a clammy, glutinous substance, usefull in Physick to astringe, in Surgery to consolidate. Used by the rich as morter to build, (as in the tower ofzGen. 11. 3. Babel) by the poor as oile to burn, therfore called foreign in hebrew; quickly kindled, hardly quenched, flaming far and long, as partaking much of pitch, and more of brimstone in the nature thereof. And such as could not goe to the cost of richer spices, used it for imbalming their dead, being a great drier, and so preserver from corruption.
§ 8. This Salt-sea was sullen and churlish,Neithe… ships nor fish in the Salt-sea. differing from all other in the conditions thereof. David speaking of other seas, saith, there goe the ships, aPsal. 104. 26.and there is that Leviathan which thou hast made to play therein: so instancing in the double use of the sea, for ships to saile, and fishes to swim in. But this is serviceable for neither of these intents, no vessels sailing thereon, the clammy water being a reall Remora to obstruct their passage; and the most sportfull fishes dare not jest with the edged-tools of this Dead-sea; which if unwillingly hurried thereinto by the force of the stream of Iordan, they presently expire. Yea, it would kill that Apocrypha-Dragon, which Daniel is said to have choaked with lumps ofbHistor. of the Dragon ver. 27 pitch, fat, and hair, if he should be so adventurous to drink of the waters thereof; so stifling and suffocating is the nature of it. In a word, this sea hath but one good quality, namely, that it entertains intercourse with no other seas; which may be imputed to the providence of nature, debarring it from communion with the Ocean, lest otherwise it should infect other waters with its malignity. Nor doeth any healthfull thing grow thereon, save onelyonly this wholesome counsell, which may be collected from this pestiferous lake, for men to beware how they provoke divine justice, by their lustfull and unnaturall enormities.
§ 9. Heathen writers,Solinus his testimony of the Dead-sea. Tacitus and Pliny, take notice of this lake, with the qualities thereof, but especially Solinus, whose testimony (but with some variations from Scripture) we thought fit to insert, and translate, though the latter will scarcely be done, without some abatement of the native elegancy, and expressiveness thereof. Longo cSolin. Polybist. cap. 38.ab Hierosolymis recessu tristis sinus panditur, quem de coelo tactum testatur humus nigra, & in cinerem soluta. Duo ibi oppida, Sodomum nominatum alterum, alterum Gomorrhum. Apud quae pomum gignitur, quod habeat speciem licèt maturitatis, mandi tamen non potest. Nam fuliginem intrinsecus favillaceam ambitio tantùm extimae cutis cohibet: quae vel levi tactu pressa fumum exhalat, & fatiscit in vagum pulverem. A good way side of Ierusalem lies ope a melancholy Bay, which the black soil being also turned into ashes▪ witnesseth to have been blasted from heaven. In it are two towns, the one called Sodome, the other Gomorrah. Wherein grows an apple, which though it seem fair and ripe, yet cannot be eaten. For, the compass of the outward rinde onelyonly, holds within it an ember-like soot: which being but lightly pressed, evaporates into smoke and becomes flittering dust.
§ 10. But Lot was preserved,Lots wi…e turned into a pillar of salt. and God is said therein to have dGen. 19. 29.remembred Abraham, though he might have seemed to have forgotten him, in refusing to grant to spare Sodome at his request. Thus, though divine providence may denie good mens prayers in the full latitude of their desires, he always grants them such a competent proportion thereof, as is most for his glory, and their good. Lot with his wife are enjoined onelyonly not to look back, wherein she disobeyed the commandement, either out of
1 High contempt: Yet seeing for the main she had been a good woman, accompanying her husband many miles from his native to a strange Countrey, meerly depending on Gods providence, our charity believes her fact proceeding rather from
2 Carelesness, or incogitancy, having for that instant forgotten the command; or
3 Curiosity, to behold the manner of so strange, and suddain a destruction; or
4 Infidelity, not conceiving it possible, so great a City could be so soon overthrown; or
5 Covetousness, when she thought on the wealth she had left behinde her; or
6 Compassion, hearing the whining of swine, braying of Asses, bleating of sheep, lowing of kine, crying of children, shrieking of women, roaring of men, and some of them of her own flesh and bloud.
Were they any, or all of these, back she looked, and was turned into acGen. 19. 26. pillar of salt, which, Saint Hierome saith, was extant in his age-Mean time, how sad a case was Lot in, bearing about him life and death? one halfe of him quick, lively, and active; the other halfe, (his wife, both making but one flesh) so strangely, and suddainly, sensless, dead, and immoveable.
§ 11. Not far off is the City of Zoar (Littleton in English) so named by Lot, Zoar spared at Lots request.whereas formerly it was called Belah. I say by Lot, who was the best benefactor to this place, which otherwise had been sent the same way of destruction, with the other four Cities, had not his importunityfGen. 19. 21. prevailed with God, for the sparing thereof. Yet I finde not any monument of gratitude made by the men of Zoar, to the memory of Lot their preserver; yea, they would not afford him a quiet and comfortable being amongst them, insomuch that he gGen. 19. 30.feared to dwell in Zoar. Either suspecting that they would offer violence to his person, or infect his soul with their bad example, or that he might be involved in their suddain destruction, as a wicked place spared, not pardoned by God, and allowed to himself for his present refuge, not constant habitation. Their ill usage of so good a man, mindes me of Solomons observation,hEccles. 9. 14. 15. There was a little City and few men within it, and there came a great King against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and …e by his wisedome delivered the City, yet no man remembred the same poor man. No more then Lot was remembred in Zoar, though the tutelar Saint thereof. But his clear conscience, in free doing this courtesie, rewarded it self in doing it; whilest mercenary souls, working onelyonly for the wages of thanks, often lose their labour, especially in this ungratefull age.
§ 12. From Zoar, Lots incest with his daughters.Lot removed to a neighbouringiGen. 19. 30. mountain, and dwelt in a cave therein, which is shown to travellers at this day. Now, an hole in an hil could hold him, and all his family, whose substance formerly was so great, the whole Countrey could not afford room for his flocks and heard-men, withoutkGen. 13. 7. striving with those of his uncle Abraham. Here made drunken by his daughters practise upon him▪ with them he committed incest. It is grace, not the place, can secure mens souls from sin, seeing Lot fasting from lust in wanton and populous Sodome, …urfeited thereof in a solitary cave; and whilest he carefully fenced the castle of chastity, even to make it impregnable against the battery of forein force, he never suspected to be surprised by the treachery of his own family.
§ 13. So much for Pentepolis, The utility of crit…cisme in boundaries.once a countrey of five cities, now all turned into one lake. Come we now to survey the particular limits of this Tribe. That Maxime, Qui bene distinguit, bene docet, holds most true herein: the well distinguishing of bounds, conduceth much to the true knowledge of this Countrey; especially, seeing the Holy Spirit hath been so exact in assigning them. Where God is pleased to point, for man not to vouchsafe a look, sheweth, that proud earth valueth his eyes, as more worth then the hand of heaven.
§ 14. The borders of Iudah with all their particular flexure are thusThe borders of Iudah. described inlJosh. 15. 3. &c. Ioshua.
| East. | South. | North. | West. |
| The Salt-Sea. | 1 From the south-side of the salt-sea, to the going up of Acrabbin. 2 Thence to the wilderness of Zin. 3 Thence to the south-side unto Kadesh-Barnea. 4 Thence to Hezron. 5 Thence it went up to Adar. 6 Thence fetched a compass to Karkaa. 7 Thence it passed to Azmon. 8 Thence unto the river of Egypt. 9 Thence went out at the Sea. Observe we, that these south bounds of Iudah, are for the main the same with the south limits of the whole land, assigned Numbers 34. | 1 From the end of Iordan at the salt-sea to Beth-hoglah 2 Thence by the north of Beth-araba. 3 Thence it went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. 4 Thence towards Debir from the valley of Achor. 5 So northwards looking to Gilgal, before the going up to Adummin, on the south side of the river. 6 Thence towards the water of Enshemesh. 7 Thence to Enrogel. Thence by the vally of Benhinnom unto the south of Ierusalē. 8 Thence to the top of the mountain at the end of the vally of Rephaim. 9 Thence to the fountain of Nephtoah. 10 Thence to the cities of mount Ephron. 11 Thence to Kiriath-jearim. | 1 From Kiriath-jearim westward it compasseth unto mount Seir. 2 Thence it passeth along to the side of mount Iearim, or Chesalon. 3 Thence went down to Bethshemesh. 4 Thence passed on to Timnah. 5 Thence unto the side of Ekron northward. 6 Thence was drawn to Shichron. 7 Thence passed along to mount Baalah. 8 Thence went out unto Iabneel. 9 Thence the west border ended at the Great Sea. These west bounds of Iudah, were afterwards altered, falling into the middest of the Tribe of Dan. |
Now, as in the body of a man, if an inspection might be made into it whilest he is alive, every nerve, and artery therein (then flushed up with the spirits) is easily to be discerned, which after death shrink almost invisible, past discovering: so each small angle, and turning of Iudah's bounds in Ioshua's time, was then plainly to be perceived, which now adays (the land long since, being in a manner dead, and desolate) are not at all conspicuous, nor fall they under any accurate observation.
§ 15. Amongst all these limitary places,Kadesh-Barnea in the edge of Canaan. Kadesh-Barnea is onelyonly of eminency, whither the children of Israel mNum. 32. 8.came, and where they stayed some time, after their coming out of Egypt, in the very edge and entrance of the land of Canaan. Thus that land was like a rich robe, whose utmost hem the Iews were permitted to touch (onelyonly that their fingers might feel the fineness thereof) but were denied to wear it, and remanded to wander another way many years, for the punishment of their infidelity. And thus many come to the Kadesh-Barnea of common illumination, who never attain to the true Canaan of holiness here, or happiness hereafter.
§ 16. In describing this spacious Tribe,Method propounded. we will begin with the eleven royall Cities therein, whose Kings were destroyed bynIosh 10. 10, &c. Ioshua. These according to their dignities may thus be reckoned up:
1 Ierusalem, whereof largely hereafter.
2 Hebron.
3 Debir.
4 Libnah.
5 Lachish.
6 Adullam.
7 Geder.
8 Iarmuth.
9 Eglon.
10 Arad.
11 Hepher.
These royall Cities, though scattered here and there in this Tribe, need no other Herauld in our map, to proclaime them to the Readers notice, being quickly found out by their coronets graven upon them. From these we shall proceed to other towns of eminency, reserving the rivolets, and wildernesses, to close this our description.
§ 17. Hebron was the principall royall city belonging to Iudah, Hebron anciently Kiriath-Arba.seven yearsoNum. 13. 22. senior in its building to Zoan a City in Egypt; more anciently it was called Kiriath-Arba, that is (saypAdricho. in de…r. of Iudah. num. 145. some) the City of four men, because of four Patriarchs (as they reckon them up) Adam, Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob buried therein. But, I wonder any should delight in their own wild conjectures, when the text tendereth us a certainty herein, assuring us that this Arba (from whom Kiriath-Arba, or Hebron was named) wasqIosh. 14. 15. a great man among the Anakims. This City stood in the vale of Mamre, so called fromrGen. …4. 24. Mamre a person of quality in this place, who with Aner and Eshcol were Abrahams loving associates, and valiant assistants, in conquering Cheder-laomer, and rescuing the captive Sodomites. Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob lived here successively, and from the vale of Hebron, Ioseph wassGen. 37. 14. sent on a loving visit to his brethren, when for his good will they sold him to the Ishmaelites.
§ 18. Hereabouts was that great entertainment made,Entertainment of Angels. wherein the covert of atGen. 18. 8. tree was the dining-room, the ground (probably) the board, Abraham the Caterer, Sarah the Cook, veal and welcome their cheer, Angels in the shape of men, Christ in the notion of an Angel, the guests, and the last promise ofuGen. 18. 10. Isaac the free-offering they gave for their entertainment. Yea, in Hebron Isaac was born, suckled, weaned, persecuted by Ishmael, till at last he mocked both himself, and his mother Ha…gar quite out of his Fathers family.
§ 19. Near Hebron was the cave of Machpelah, The cave of Machpelah.purchased by Abraham of Ephron the Hittite (with the field about it, and all the trees therein) at the price of fourwGen. 23. 16, 17. hundred shekells of silver, for the burying of Sarah, himself, and his family. For, here,
IsaacxGen. 25. 9.
Ishmael
though formerly the one perscuted the other lovingly agreed to bury Abraham their Father.
IacobyGen. 35. 29.
Esau
though formerly the one designed the others death lovingly agreed to bury Isaac their Father.
IosephzGen. 50 13. and his brethren, though formerly they envied and sold him, lovingly agreed to bury Iacob their Father.
And thus, though branglings, and brawlings may happen betwixt brethren when young; all animosities ought to be buried in the grave of their Fathers.
§ 20. In the time of Ioshua aJosh. 10. 37.Hebron had a King, whom he conquered,Royall turned into Sacerdotall Cities. and subdued; and afterwards this place was made a City bJosh. 20. 7.of Refuge, and assigned (with twelve moe in this Tribe, and Benjamin) unto the cJosh. 21. 13.Priests, the sons of Aaron, who were above common Levites, as employed in ordinary attendance about the Tabernacle. Herein God provided not onelyonly for their conveniency, accommodating them with habitations near Ierusalem (as the place hereafter intended for his publick service) but chiefly for their conscience, placing them in these two Tribes, whom he foresaw would alone persevere in, when the others would apostate from the true Religion. Yea the Priests had the best and biggest places in Iudah, as Hebron, Debir, Libnah, formerly Royall, afterwards Sacerdotall Cities: God allowing his Ministers large maintenance; and indeed a beggerly Clergy, is the forerunner of a bankrupt Religion.
§ 21. But although the City of Hebron pertained to the Priests,The suburbs of Hebron g… ven to Caleb. the suburbs thereof by Gods appointment belonged todJosh. 14. 13. Caleb and his posterity. This Caleb was that young-old man, whose strength contradicted his years, so able and active ateJosh. 14. 11. fourscore and five, either for advice, or execution. But here he eate not the bread of idleness, being first to clear and conquer Hebron (before he could possess it) from the Giant-Amorite-Anakims dwelling therein. These Amorites, sAmos. 2. 9.though (as the Prophet describes them) high as the Cedars, and strong as the Oakes, had notwithstanding (to follow this Metaphor) much wastfull sap in their mighty big bodies: whilst Caleb (all heart, as his name imports) though less and lower, by Gods assistance easily overcame them. If any demand, How came Anakims hither, seeing Hebron so lately was smitten by Ioshua? A learnedgBon…rerius in locum Ioshu…. author answers, that it is probable, whilest Ioshua afterwards was employed in the north in conquering thehJosh. 11. 7. Canaanites, some remnant of the Anakims which escaped his hand, did in his absence return, possess Hebron, and put Caleb to a new task of a second subduing them.
§ 22. David afterwards made Hebron the Metropolis of this kingdome (as being the most eminent City of his own Tribe of Iudah) and reigned almost seven years therein.Ioabs cruell killing of Abner. In the third year of his reign Abner repaired hither, with full intent to reduce all Israel to his obedience, had not Ioabs sudden murdering him frustrated his design. Probably some mixture of jealousie might put Ioab on this foul action, fearing to be outed of his office, that if Abner made David King, David would make Abner Generall over all Israel. Certainly, revenge of his brother Asahels bloud prompted him thereunto. Ioab sending messengers to fetch Abner back from the well of Siriah, slew him treacherously as he was entering thei2 Sam. 3. 27. gates of Hebron.
§ 23. Forget we not that Hebron, Aggravation of Ioabs murder.in the gate whereof Ioab so basely and barbarously murdered him, was a City of Refuge, *Josh. 30. 7.appointed by God for the saving of such, as had killed one unawares. Did not Ioab therefore, in such a place acting wilfull murder, in an high hand relie on his own greatness to beare him out in so bloudy a deed, as if he neither feared the justice of man, nor needed the mercy of God? No wonder then, if many years after hek1 King. 2. 31. flying to the horns of the Altar, was denyed the protection of that place, who formerly so cruelly, despightfully, and presumptuously had defiled the City of Refuge with innocent bloud.
§ 24. Thus died Abner, very loyall to Saul, Abner and Ishbosheth buried to … ether.whilest Saul was living, and too loving to hisl2 Sam. 3. 7. concubine, when he was dead. Never man was killed more cowardly, or buried more honourably: David himself mIbid. v. 31.following the b…ere, weeping as chiefe mourner at his funerall. In the same sepulcher then2 Sam. 4. 12. head of Ishbosheth was afterwards interred. Though some jars were betwixt them whilest living, their dust well agreed in the same grave. Nor durst the ashes of Ishbosheth cross the others, who when alive (though checked, and chidden by him)o2 Sam. 3. 11. could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him. As for the bodies of Baanah and Rechab the murderers of Ishbosheth, they had, by order from David, their hands and feet cut off, and they hanged up over thep2 Sam. 4. 12. pool in Hebron.
§ 25. After the death of Ishbosheth, Numbers repairing to David in Hebron.all Israel repaired to Hebron to make David their King, whose severall numbers deserve our observation.
1 Out ofq1 Chr. 12. 24. Iudah six thousand, and eight hundred.
2 Simeon, seven thousand & one hundred.
3 Levi, eight thousand & three hundred twenty two.
4 Benjamin, three thousand.
5 Ephraim, twenty thousand and eight hundred.
6 Half Tribe of Manasseh on this side Iordan, eighteen thousand.
7 Issachar, two hundred officers, and all their brethren at ther cōmandment.
8 Zebulun, fifty thousand.
9 Naphtali, thirty seven …housand, besides a thousand Captains.
10 Dan, twenty eight thousand and six hundred.
11 …, fourty thousand.
12 Reuben, G…d, and Manass…h beyond Iordan, an hundred and twenty thousand.
Behold here those Tribes which lived farthest from Hebron, appearing in the highest equipage; as if they endevouring to be revenged on the distance of their habitation, purposely advanced with the greatest number. Here it will be enquired, why Iudah largest in dominion, next in position, nearest in relation, (as Davids native Tribe) made here the slenderest appearance of all the rest, Benjamin alone excepted; the thinness of whose numbers are excused in the text, becauserIbid. v. 29. hitherto the greatest part of them kept the ward of the house of Saul. What! doth it fare with Princes, as with Prophets, that they are notsMat. 13. 57. without honour save in their own Countrey, and in their own house, that David found fewest attendants from his own Tribe? Oh no, he was abundantly loved, and honoured therein. But, Tostatus answers
1 Davids daily attendance (both civill in his Court, and military in his camp, and garrison) hitherto chiefly consisted of the Tribe of Iudah.
2 The rest of Iudah remained at home, to maketSo saith the text (1 Chr. 12. 39.) For their brethren (meaning Iudah) had prepared for them. provision, and give entertainment to this confluence of people from all parts.
Adde hereunto
1 Six thousand eight hundred were a sufficient representation of Iudah, and moe not onelyonly needless, but burdensome for the present, to pester Hebron too populous already. The rest keeping home, and living hard by, were ready (no doubt) on competent warning, to come quickly, if need required, or David commanded their attendance.
2 Iudahs main work was done two years before, when David was solemnly made their King. And they now, rather spectators, then actors at his second Coronation over all Israel.
Now no less politick then thrifty were the other Tribes in bringing theiruIbid. v. 40. victualls along with them, lest otherwise they should be held as occasioners of scarcity in Iudah, and enhauncers of the prices of provisions.
§ 26. Afterwards Absalom, Absalom repaireth to Hebron.when he intended a rebellion against his Father, chose Hebron as the fittest City, from whence he meant to mount into the Throne. Hither he came under pretence to doe sacrifice,w2 Sam. 15. 1. with his chariots, and horses, and fifty men running before him: but, which was most to be pitied, he brought with him from Ierusalem xIbid. v. 11.two hundred men, which were (as one may say) Loyall traitors, coming in the simplicity of their hearts, and meerly drawn-in to treasonable practises. But Hebron proved not a place so succesfull to Absalom the son, as formerly fortunate to David his father. This Traitours soveraignty soon expired, when forsaken of God, Man, and Beast (his own Mule going away from him) he was slain of Ioab, asyIn our description of Gad. Debir a Canaanitish University. formerly related.
§ 27. Some ten miles south of Hebron lay Debir, anciently called Kiriah-Sepher zJudg. 1. 11., the City of a book, conceived a Canaanitish University. And although the Giant Anakims dwelling hereabouts, may be presumed but little bookish, yet civilized Countreys, in all ages, have allowed such places for the education of youth, who are better unborn, then unbred. Caleb profferedaNum. 1. 12. Acsah his daughter in marriage to any one that should conquer this City, which was accordingly performed by Othniel his younger brothers son, and first Judge of Israel. What, were not the glory of God, and good of his Countrey, enough to set an edge on his valour, but the promise of a wife needed also to whet his resolution? No doubt the scales of his resolution went down formerly on the right side, before this match was cast in as overweight. It is no unlawfull Bigamy of the soul, when wedded to Gods glory in the first place, to embrace also therewith thebHeb. 11. 26. recompense of reward: and grand is the difference betwixt ancJohn 10. 13. hireling whose minde is meerly mercenary, and him that works for his hire; with Othniel taking it (not as the main motive, much less as the end, but) onelyonly as a welcome encouragement of his undertakings.
§ 28. Thus all parties were pleased;The south of Iudah called Caleb. Israel recovered Debir, Othniel got Acsah to wife, she gained a blessing from her Father, that blessing brought the possession of the upper, and nether springs along with it. Know also, in after ages the south part of Iudah was called Caleb, probably from the large inheritance, Caleb obtained in these parts, and puissance of his posterity therein. Thus the Egyptian giving an account of the passages of the army of the Amalekites, confesseth they had been roving upon the coast that belonged to Iudah, and upon the south ofd1 Sam. 30. 14 Caleb.
§ 29. Libnah is the third in honour,Libnah a rebellious city. of the nine royall Cities in the days of Ioshua, assigned afterwards for the Priests habitation. Long it continued loyall to the Crown of Iudah, untill in the days of Iehoram (that ungodly, unmercifull, unsuccesfull, unbeloved, unlamented King) Edom revolted from under the hand of Iudah, unto this day, then Libnahl2 King. 8. 22. revolted at the same time. Was it casualty, or confederacy (by mutuall intelligence) that both thir defections bare the same date? Surely, breach of faith is a catching disease, yea infectious from one to another. But, how could the inhabitants of Libnah, being Priests, (whose best livelyhood depended on their personall officiating in the Temple at Ierusalem) subsist, being cut off from their service, and the salary thereof? Yea, did they not thereby necessarily apostate from their religion to God, desert his Temple and their own profession? Except any will say (easier spoken, then proved) that at this present, not the Priests, but some other persons were possessours of Libnah. We finde not this City afterwards reduced to the Kings of Iudah, whereupon somemDr Heylyn Microc. in Palest. p. 571. Libnah how it might subsist a free State. conceive, that henceforward it stood on its own bottome, as an absolute Common-wealth.
§ 30. If any object it impossible, that Libnah so small a City, should subsist here as a free State against all the powers of the Kings of Iudah; let such look on little Lucca, in Italy, and less Geneva, in France, defended by their foes from their foes; environed with enemies on all sides, yet so, that rather then any one shall subdue them, all the rest will assist them. Such probably, was the position, and politick State-poizing of Libnah, seated in the vicinity of the Kings of Iudah, Israel, and the Philistines, (not to say, Egypt, though far off, might come in as a protectour thereof) that it might make a Cordiall of a self-subsistance, from the Antidotes of its enemies. Afterwards we finden2 King. 19 8. Sennacherib fighting against Libnah (whence he sent a railing message to Hezekiah) but read nothing of the taking thereof; yea, probably here the*2 King. 19. 35. Angel by night did that memorable excution, slaying an hundred fourscore and five thousand of his numerous army.
§ 31. Lachish must not be forgotten,Lachish an Idolatrous one. whoseoIosh. 12. 11. King was destroyed by Ioshua. King Amaziah conspired against by his subjects in Ierusalem, fled hither in vain; for, They sent after him to Lachish, and slew himp2 Kin. 14. 19. there. It was a leading City in Idolatry, infected from Israel, and infecting of Iudah. qMicah 1. 1.Micah prophesied in particular against this City, warning it to prepare for speedy captivity from its enemies.rMic.1. 13. O thou inhabitant of Lachish, binde the charet to the swift beast; she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee. And although we finde not Lachish taken by Sennacherib whosIsa. 37. 8. warred against it, yet it escaped not the fury of Nebuchadnezzar, though one of thetIer. 34. 7. last Cities by him subdued.
§ 32. But Ad…llam, Adullam Davids retra…ing.another regall City in Iudah, was more ancient; whereuGen. 38. 1. Hirah, Iudah's fast friend, dwelt, though employed by him but as a pandar post factum, to carry Tamar the hire of her whoredome. In a cave hereabouts repaired tow1 Sam. 22. …. David, every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, and he became a Captain over them. Was this well done of him to be Protector Generall of Out-laws, thereby defying justice, defrauding creditours, defeating Gods command, which provided, that the deb…er, if not solveable, should bexExod. sold for satisfaction? Alas, his need is all that can be alleadged in his excuse. Sure I am David yPsal. 101. ad Sinem.promised (when in power to make his own choice) that his houshold, or Court, should consist of persons better qualified. However these men freely resorting to him, were better then those hired by Abimelech, zIudg. 9. 4.vain and light persons, and as far to be preferred before them as want is more excusable then wickedness. Yea, we may charitably believe Davids consorts impoverisht not by their own carelesness, but their creditors cruelty.
§ 33. As for Gedar it hath formerly been described in Simeon, Baal-Hanan inverted Hannibal.onelyonly we will adde, thata1 Chr. 27. 28. Baal-hanan the Gederite was of this place, Davids Overseer over the Olive trees, and Sycamore trees in the low plain. This name of Baal-hanan inverted is the same with Hannibal that great Generall of the Carthaginians. See here the affinity of the Hebrew, with the Phoenician, or Carthaginian tongue. Wonder not that Baal-hanan, or Hannibal was a fashionable name for potent persons in these parts, (we finde also a King of Edom bGen. 36. 38.so called) seeing it signifieth a Lord in grace, or, favour; and our Saviour hath told us, such as exercise authority over others are calledcLuk. 22. 25. Gracious Lords. As for I…rmuth, Eglon, and Arad, we read nothing of them remarkable, since their severall Kings were destroied by Ioshua. Of Hepher we shall speak more properly in the close of this Description.
§ And now,Carmel Naboths Manor. what a fall must our Description have, from the Cities of Kings, to the Manor of a clown; the fruitfull Carmell not far from the Dead-sea? Here folly, and wisdome dwelt under the same roof, sate at the same table, slept in the same bed, Nabal and Abigail. Are matches made in heaven, and was Abigail so ill beloved there, to be condemned to such a choice? Surely, God saw it most for his own glory and her good, for the emprovement of her patience. This Nabal proved himself a perfect Miser, both by his niggardliness to David, and prodigality of thed1 Sam. 25. 36. King-like dinner he made to his shepheards. But both he and his family had been utterly destroyed by David, had not the discreet mediation of Abigail been seasonably interposed.
§ 35. After his gluttonous supper Abigail next morning serves Nabal with a thrifty breakfast,The death of Nabal. telling him of the great danger he so narrowly had escaped. HereuponeIbid. v. 37. his heart dyed within him. Thus some drunkards have been said to have swooned when sober, at the serious review of such perils they so neerly escaped in the fits of their distemper. Probably feare encreased his sadness, suspecting to fall into a relapse of Davids disfavour, and that his anger might revert to give him another visite hereafter. Thus the wrath fProv. 19. 12.of a King (though but in reversion) is as the roaring of a Lion. Yea, Nabal became as a stone, and no wonder, being little better then a stock before, such his senseless stupidity. But, though he was a churl in his miserable living, he was bountifull in his seasonable dying, freeing Abigail from an unequall yoke, and fitting her with an husband better suiting with her deserts, even David himself.
§ 36. But,Giloh the po… …ession of Ahithophel. Carmel had not such a fool, but thatg2 Sam. 15. 12. Giloh hard by had as wise a man for the owner thereof, even oraculous Ahithophel. This was he that gave the wholesomest, but Hushai the toothsomest counsell to Absalom, best pleasing the palate of a vainglorious traitour. Ahithophel advised as a cruel hunter, that David should presently beh2 Sam. 17. 2. pursued, not giving him any breath, but either running him down outright, or killing him in the form, where they should finde him: Hushai iIbid. v. 11.counselled to prolong the sport for their greater pleasure; and, seeing all the game was surely in their own hand, to give David the larger law, to shift away a while for himself, that so he might be put to death in the greater state, and with more ceremonious magnificence. Ahithophel seeing his counsell neglected at Court, and foreseeing (in the causes) Absaloms ruin, and Davids return, to prevent farther shame, and save the executioner the paines, fairly went home, set his house in order, andkIbid. v. 23. hanged himself.
§ 37. Tekoah is not far off,Tekoah the birth place of Amos. where a wise woman once lived (the subtilest subtilestl2 Sam. 14. 2. manager of Ioabs design to David, for the bringing back of Absalom) and a wiser manmAmos. …. 1. Amos, called from an heardsman, and a gatherer of wild figs to be a Prophet. Near Tekoah Iehosaphat obtained a memorable victory against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, though at the first hearing of their coming, Iehosaphat is said to have been n2 Chr. 10. 2.affraid. Did he not discover much cowardice herein, considering what multitudes of men Iehosaphat at that time did command? Namely,
1 Under o2 Chr. 17. 14.Adnah the chief of Iudah three hundred thousand mighty men of valour.
2 Next to himpIbid. v. 15. Iehohanan captain over two hundred and fourscore thousand.
3 Next himqIbid. v. 16. Amaziah with two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.
4 And of BenjaminrIbid. v. 17. Eliada with two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield.
5 Next himsIbid. v. 18. Iehoshabad with an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.
What need then Iehosaphat fear (except as in Gideons case suspecting he had tootIudg. 7. 2. many for God to give victory by) having an Army (if well disciplined with advantage of time and place) able to to encounter all mankind, especially on the defensive side, to make good their own Countrey against any invasion?
§ 38. It is answered,Why Iehosaphat might justly fear. the suddenness of the news might adde much to his fright, that an enemy was come into the bowels of his Countrey u2 Chr. 20. 2.[Behold they be in Hazeron-Tamar, which is Engedi] before the first intelligence was brought thereof. Secondly, Iehosaphat feared not so much his foes, as his faults, guilty to himself of great offences, (good men the less sinfull; the more sensible thereof) and chiefly of his matching at home, and marching abroad with the Idolatrous family of Ahab. Lastly, those vast numbers of his souldiers lately specified, were not all at anywSir Walter Rayleigh li. 2. par… …. pa. 440. one time, but severally, and successively, during the five and twenty years of Iehosaphat his reign. Wherefore those words in the list of Iehosaphat's Generalls thrice repeated, Next him, Next him, Next him, imply not a gradation in honour, as if all of them, though subordinately, were extant together, but import a succession of time, the latter entering with his men on the office of a Generall, after the displacing, or death of the former.
§ 39. However,Iehosaphats admirable victory. Iehosaphat puts his people into a penitent posture, falling to fasting and prayer, and obtains a memorable conquest, which was purely heavens Donative, Sine cura, without mans care, cost, or charge to atchieve it. Prince and people stand still, look on, believe God, sing Psalmes, accounting their conquest gotten, because promised by the Prophet. Mean time, their enemies amazed withx2 Chr. 20. 22. ambushments of Gods setting, fall foul one on another, till Moab, and Ammon had destroyed, first the Edomites, then themselves. Three days are the men of Iudah employed in gathering the spoile, and so return to Ierusalem with wealth in their hands, joy in their hearts, musick in their mouths, having left behind them the name ofyIbid. v. 26. Berachah, or blessing, imposed on the place, where this celestiall victory was bestowed upon them.
§ 40. But now it is high time that we enter on the severall Stages and removalls of David in or near this Tribe,Davids severall removals. after that he (having formerly suffered much from Saul as a private person) began to Prince it, and to stand on his guard. The text saith he and his men wenta1 Sam. 23. 13 wheresoever they could go. David herein being like the Son and Lord of David, whobLuk. 9. 58. had not where to lay his head. Indeed David confesseth that God made the stony rocks for the cPsal. 104. 18.Conies, but yet he himself was glad to be their In-mate, and share with them in theird1 Sam. 23. 25. habitations; and yet his soul was never so discomposed in any hole or cave, but that in the darkest of them he could see to make Psalmes, and praise his Maker. No place came amiss to his pious soul, above or under ground, all alike to him to serve his God therein. Now seeing it is Davids expression of himself, that he was hunted as a e1 Sam. 26. 20.Partridge on the mountains: Partridge, a bird innocent whose fine flesh is its greatest guilt, and importent, (not armed with beak or talons) whose chiefe might consisteth in the flight thereof: Now whilest Saul followed him, we will follow Davids Metaphore in our ensuing description. But be it premised, that Saul was no fair Faulconer, who more desiring the prey then the sport, came with his nets and setting dogs, with full intent to kill David wherever he might catch him.
§ 41. We begin at the cave of Adullam (which we may call his nest) wherein he composed the fifty seventh,From Adullam to Mizpah. and the hundreth fourty second Psalme. Hence he made wing, taking a long and strong flight to Mizpah in the land of Moab. Here the Partridge shewed much of the Stork in him, feeding his parents, and taking order with the King of Moab for the maintenance of hisf1 Sam. 22. 3. Father and mother.
§ 42. Hence (by the advice of the Prophetg1 Sam. 22. 5. Gad, To Keilah.not to trust himself again in the cave of Adullam) by the forest of hIbid.Hareth to the City of Keilah. The Inhabitants whereof David had lately obliged to himself, by saving them from the Philistines, notwithstanding which favour, God assured him of their intentions toi1 Sam. 23. 12. betray him to Saul. If a skilfull Gardiner can in the depth of winter, by beholding the bare root, and knowing the kind thereof, foretell when and what flowers the same will bring forth many moneths after, well may the God of heaven, the searcher of hearts, know menskPsal. 139. 2. thoughts afar off, and infallibly conclude what they will be, before they have any being. Base Keilites, who had rather pick thanks with Saul, then pay thanks to David to whom they were due! Thus deliver an ungratefull man from a danger, and he will be the first to bring you into the same condition. This sad occasion did spring the Partridge hence.
§ 43. To Hachilah hill in a wood in the wilderness of Ziph,To Hachilah hill. south of Iesimon. l1 Sam. 23. 16.Here Ionathan came and renewed his amity with David. Behold how they two is embracing one another, (Reader my phrase trespasseth on the rules of Grammar, no… of friendship) and made a Covenant before the Lord Nor was it a small comfort to David, (though Saul, and Doeg, and Keilites, and Ziphites were against him) that, besides his own innocence, he had the Prince, the Priest, and the Prophet, Ionathan, Abiathar, and Gad, good mens prayers, and Gods providence on his side. Here the Ziphites, Sauls setters, having winded David; Saul; to catch him, comes with his net, but either made too much noise, or too little speed, for before he came thither the Partridge was flown.
§ 44. To the wilderness of Maon. To the rock of Division.Here onelyonly a mountain was betwixt David and Saul, and that not long likely to keep them asunder, seeing Sauls men, being many in number, began to compass David round about. But seasonable ill news was brought that them1 Sam. 23. 27 Philistines had invaded the land, which made Saul turn his forces another way against a forein foe. Commendable his ingenuity, that he preferred rather to oppose an enemy of another Religion, then to dispatch a domestick adversary, whom he now had at advantage. However judicious eyes behold not this as an act of Sauls pity, but Gods providence: hereupon David called the place Sela-hammahlekoth, or the rock of Division.
§ 45. Hence he fled to the holds at Engedi: To the cave in Engedi.Here he had Saul in a cave, and was seemingly courted by heaven, certainly urged byn1 Sam. 24. 4. men to destroy him, and yet he refused. O why is a golden opportunity put into a leaden hand, which wants activity to make use of it? What hard heart could have thrust away so fair an advantage? But oh, (though all things else were here) one thing was wanting, a Lawfull command. A Crown is over bought which costs a sin. David durst not kill him, onelyonly he cut off the skirt of his garment, and withall felt a greater gash in hiso1 Sam. 24. 5. conscience, then he made in Sauls clothes, for being too bold with Gods Anointed. This courtesie of David in sparing his life, made Saul half a convert, drawingp1 Sam. 24. 16. tears from his eyes, fair words from his mouth, but what intentions from his heart, He onelyonly knows, that knew the secrets thereof. It is suspicious that Sauls truth therein was not much, because Davids trust therein was none at all; who (notwithstanding the Court-holy-water of Sauls tears) gat him and his men again up into the q1 Sam. 24. 22.hold.
§ 46. Hence David took a voluntary flight unto Carmel. To Carmel.Here the Partridge was like to turn Hauke, and become a Bird of prey, to kill all the the innocent family ofr1 Sam. 25. 22. Nabal, (as we have already observed) had not that God who formerly protected him from Sauls, here preserved him from his own sword, and from s1 Sam. 25. 33.avenging himself with his own hand.
§ 47. Hence he fled back again to Hachilah hill,Again to Hachilah-hill. which is before Iesimon. Here the Ziphites bring Saul second tidings of his being there. So boundless was the stock of their malice, no danger of breaking, who though they failed at their first return, would adventure again. OnelyOnly thei… malice did this good, that it gave David the occasion to make the fifty fourth Psalme. Here he had Saul at a second advantage, finding him with Abner and his men round about him fast t1 Sam. 26. 7.asleep, even as still as the Spear and Cruse of water that stood at his head. These David took away, but with intent truly to restore them after he had kept them a while … monuments of his own integrity. Hereupon Saul▪ a second Convert, clears David, chargeth himself, prayeth for pardon, and promiseth amendment, whilest David having had experience of his former falshood, gives him the hearing, not the beleeving. For
§ 48. Hence he flew to Gath in the land of the Philistines, To Ziglag.andu1 Sam. 27. 4. Saul sought no more again for him, leaving off his pursuit now the Partridge had took Covert in an enemies Countrey; whence he removed to Ziglag, and thence made many incursions against thew1 Sam. 27. 8. Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites▪ but withall telling King Achish that he matched the clean contrary way against Iudah and the friends thereof. Here the Partridge had in him too much of the Lapwing, which by its hypocriticall fluttering pretends its nest far distant from the true place thereof. Such dissimulation in David cannot be excused, must not be imitated. From Ziglag he marched along with Achish King of Gath to Aphek in the Tribe of Issachar, where he was dismissed andx1 Sam. 29. 3. cashiered by the Philistines from any further service. Returning home he found Ziglag his nest spoiled, yea all his Covie therein (wives and children) catched in a snare, as hath formerly been described in the Tribe of Simeon. After the recovery of his losses, from Ziglag
§ 49. He flew to Hebron▪ Lastly to Hebr….Here the Partridge turned Eagle, being solemnly made Soveraign first of Iudah, then of all Israel. And now being quietly setled in his Throne, he may joyfully sing, Many are the afflictions of the yPsal. 34. 19.righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
§ 50. But besides these eminent and noted Gests of David he had many more which were obscure and intermediate,Davids other haunting places. as appears by the list of the placesz1 Sam 30. 31. where he haunted, and to whom he sent part of his spoils taken from the Amalekites, viz.
1 Bethel in Benjamin.
2 South Ramoth in Simeon.
3 Iattir in Iudah a Levites City.
4 Aroer in the tribe of Gad.
5*Possibly the same with Si… ma in the tribe of Reuben. Siphmoth.
6 Eshtemoa a Levites City in Iudah.
7 Rachal.
8 Cities of the Ierahmeelites, (descended from Iarahmeel ana1 Chr. 2. 26. eminent man in Iudah.)
9 Cities of the Kenites.
10 Hormah in Simeon.
11 Chorashan in Simeon.
in Iudah.
12 Athach.
13 Hebron, eminent in Iudah.
As for Siphmoth, Rachal, and Athach, because they appear not again in Scripture, their position is unknown, but may be presumed in or near the Tribe of Iudah. The best is, though our tracing of Davids travels may be imperfect, and we fail in the reckoning thereof, yet Gods Arithmetick is exact, and what is defective in our's, is supplied in his observations: bPsal. 56. 8.Thou tellest my wanderings, put my tears in thy bottle, are they not written in thy book?
§ 51. Now besides the Cities mentioned in our description▪ The totall sum of Iudah's Cities.many more remain which were obscure, without any memorable act atchieved in them: and are thus reckoned up in Ioshua.
1 Towards the coast of Edom south-ward,cJosh. 1…. 21. twenty nine.
2 In the vale,
dJosh. 15. 36.Fourteen in the first▪
eIbid. v. 41.Sixteen in the second,
fIbid. v. 44.Nine in the third,
Catalogue.
3 On the Sea two,gIbid. 46. Ekron and Ashdod.
4 In the mountains,
hIbid. 51.Eleven in the first,
iIbid. 54.Nine in the second,
kVers. 57.Ten in the third,
lVers. 59.Six in the fourth,
Catalogue.
5 Two by themselves, Kiriath-Baal and Rabbah.
6 In the wilderness, Six.
In all an hundred and fourteen.
So that the Tribe of Iudah alone had more Cities then all the Island of Crete, which had but just an hundred, and therefore called Hecatompolis. But many of these Cities were small, and a good share of them was given to the Tribes of Dan and Simeon, as formerly hath been observed. But amongst such as remained to Iudah let not*Josh. 15. 44. Maresha be forgotten, (in the north-west part of this Tribe) both because thereby, in the valley of Zephathah, Asa conquered†2 Chr. 14. 9. Zerah the Ethiopian, whose army consisted of more then a million of men, and because the Prophet*Micah 1. 1. Micah was born therein.
§ 52. In Saint Hieromes time somewhere in Iudah flourished a fair City called Eleutheropolis: Eleutheropolis uncertain in situation.from which thatmIn his book de loci… H… braicis. Father measureth the distance of most southern places in Palestine; as he computeth the northern from Legion a City in Galilee. But (the more the pity) that Father hath not acquainted us with the exact location of either of these two places. Whilest Adrichomius and others condemn Saint Hieromes carelesness herein, it better befits us to condole our own unhappiness, who cannot read the accurate distance of places in his book of that subject, because though he have lent us his Characters, he hath not left us the true Key thereof.
§ 53. The Tribe of Iudah had no great river therein,Rivolets in Iudah. saving a little piece of gasping Iordan now ready to expire in the dead-sea; but with rivolets it was sufficiently stored, lending the brooks of Sorek and Bez…r to Dan and Simeon; borrowing Kedron from Benjamin, whence it fetcheth its fountain▪ and keeping the brook before the wilderness of n2 Chr. 20. 16.Ieruel wholly for its own use, as rising, running, and falling entirely in this Tribe. Nor must that brook be forgotten, which I may call the brook of David, because being to encounter Goliah, he took thenceo1 Sam. 17. 4…. five smooth stones (store is no sore, especially not being sure, but his first might faile) and furnished his scrip therewith.
§ 54. This was that Goliah whose strength was equall to his stature, Bit…ell betwixt David and Goliah.his armes sutable to his strength, but his Pride above all. Betwixt him and David first passed a tongue-combate. The one discharging ostentation, and presumption, which the other as quickly returned with faith and confidence in Gods promises. Come they then to encounter: see the lower man had the longer arme, who with his sling could reach death at distance to his adversary. The beaver of Goliahs helmet was open: not that he thought his brazen brow sufficiently armed with its own impudence, but either that he might see, breath, and boast the more freely, or because he disdained to buckle himself against so unequall a match: The stone from Davids sling flies directly to his forehead, whereby the Giant is mortally wounded, and notwithstanding his speare was as great as a p1 Sam. 17. 7.weavers beame, his life was swifter then a qJob. 7. 6.weavers shuttle; so soon passed it away and he was gone, David cutting off his head with his own sword.
§ 55. Many were the wildernesses in this Tribe,Many wildernesses in Iudah. as those of rJosh. 15. 1.Zin, s1 Sam. 23. 14.Ziph, t1 Sam. 23. 24.Maon, u1 Sam. 24. 1.Engedi, w2 Chr. 20. 16.Ieruel, xIbid. v. 20.Tekoa, andyJudg. 1. 16. Iudah lying south of Arad. Now as once it was the question of the Disciples to our Saviour, From zMark. 8. 4.whence can a man satisfie these men with bread here in the wilderness? So here it may materially be demanded, Where did the men of Iudah finde food to sustain themselves, whose countrey seems a heap of wildernesses cast together? Here we must know that the whole land of Palestine was drest and kept like a garden plot, and inclosed into Olive-yards, Vine-yards, and arable fields, save some extravagant places which lay common, where wild beasts did harbour in the woods, commonly called Wildernesses. Such notwithstanding were full of fruitfullaJoel 1. 19. pastures, and had fairbIosh. 15. 61. towns, though more thinly inhabited then other parts of the Countrey; so that this Tribe was more frighted then hurt with the multitude of Wildernesses therein.
§ 56. Paramount over them all was The wilderness, Iohn Baptist preaching in the wilderness.having six Cities therein, and was part of the cMark 3. 1.wilderness of Iudea, (extending also into Benjamin) wherein Iohn the Baptist preached: feeding here on Locusts (flying insects,dLevit. 11. 22. whereof four kindes were clean, and permitted the Iews to eate) and wilde honey. Either such as fell down ine1 Sam. 14. 26. dews from heaven, or was made by wild Bees, not civilized in hives, but nesting on the ground or in hollow trees. In a word, he was content with such course fare as the Countrey afforded, his rough clothes being suited to his homely diet, and both to his hard doctrine of Repentance. Hereupon scandalous tongues condemned him for having a *Mat. 11. 18.Devill, as afterwards they belyed our Saviour (using a more liberal diet) to be a Winebibber, so impossible it is to please affected frowardness either full or fasting.
§ 57. Some make Iohn Baptist the first founder of Eremites. Nothing befriendeth the Eremites.But how little his precedent befriendeth their practise, who, not out of any impulsion, but meer election, delight to dwell in deserts, will appear by the ensuing Parallel.
Hee,
1 By immediate command from God to fulfill the prophecy offIsa. 40, 3. Isaiah.
2 Went into a wilderness; a place more thinly peopled then the rest of the land.
3 Where he daily busied himself with preaching to multitudes of people repairing unto him.
4 And at last did end his life in a place of greater concourse, even thegMark 6. 20. Court of King Herod himself.
They,
1 By dictates of their own fancy, following the principles of will-worship.
2 Goe into a wilderness indeed, conversing with solitariness, and shunning all society.
3 Where they bury themselves alive in laziness with the talents God hath bestowed on them.
4 And binde themselves with a vow to live and dye in that solitary condition.
Behold here the large difference betwixt him and monking Eremites. Who, if men of parts, ought to help others with their society; if of no parts, need to be helped by the society of others. Yea whatsoever their endowments were, this running into the wilderness was but a Bank-rupt trick, to defraud the Church and Common-wealth their Creditours, to both which they stood bound by specialty of Gods command to discharge all Civill and Christian relations to the utmost proportions of their abilities. In a word, though we stedfastly beleeve, that Iabal was the father of all such as dwell in tents, because the ScripturehGen. 4. 20. affirmeth the same, yet for the reasons aforesaid, we utterly deny Iohn Baptist the founder and Author of all those which live wilfully in hills and holes an eremiticall life.
§ 58. The Son of Hese… was Solomons Purveyor in*1 King. 4. 10. Aruboth, to him belonged Sochoth, Iudah for the ma…n freed from Solomons Purveyours.and all the land of Hepher. A land which lay, as we gather by other proportions, in the north-west part of this Tribe. And indeed we finde a King of Hepher amongst those which Ioshua iJosh. 12. 17.destroyed, but dare not confidently averre him to have been of the Tribe ofkSee more hereof in our objections against the tribe of Iudah. Iudah. However, it appears that for the main, the whole body of the Tribe of Iudah (with Simeon lying therein) fell not under any of Solomons Purveyour-ships. The reason whereof, if inquired into, may perchance be reduced into some of these considerations.
1 It was referred to defray extraordinaries, on casuall entertainments, and occasionall solemnities; or
2 It was kept for the expences of the thirteenth, or intercalary monethmonth (the product of the eleven supernumerary days) which commonly was every third year inserted into the HebrewlVide Kalendarium Hebrai cum Munsteri. pag. 62. Kalendar.
3 Iudah might by speciall indulgence be exempted from such taxations; either because Ierusalem, the royall City, was principally seated therein; and therefore to prevent scarcity of victualls in so populous a place, the Court-purveyours went further off, that the City might be better provided; or, because Solomon did ease, and favour that Tribe, whence he himself was extracted.
This very probably was some cause, why, when the other ten Tribes, grinded with grievous oppressions, deserted the house of David, Iudah alone, as having formerly tasted of his Fathers favour, entirely clave to Rehoboam.
§ 59. The armes of Iudah are Gules, a Lion couchant Or, The armes of Iudah.according to Iacobs prediction, Iudah he stooped down, he couched as amGen. 49. 9. Lion, and as an old Lion, who shall rouze him up? This is a posture which that princely beast is pleased to accept for his own ease: otherwise no chastisement shall impose it on him, no force but his own free pleasure can make him to crouch. The Analogy is obvious to every eye, the Lion being the nProv. 30. 30.strongest amongst beasts, which turneth not away for any. As Iudah was the chief of Tribes for number, strength and largeness of possessions, and the Tribe of Chiefes, so many Kings, yea Christ himself according to the flesh deriving his extraction from the same.