A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine, Book 4 · Body of book · Chapter 2
THE DESCRIPTION OF MIDIAN, MOAB, AMMON, EDOM. CHAP. 2.
§ 1. BEfore we come to the particular description of the Countreys, something for satisfaction; why Midian first, and why Midian and Moab together. In giving Midian the Precedency, we observe seniority, he being extracted from Abraham the uncle, by Keturah his wife, whilest Moab came from Lot the nephew, by his own daughter. As for putting them together, we are loath to confess our poverty, that lack of larger instructions to furnish forth severall Maps, was any cause of our conjoining them together. The main motive is not onelyonly the vicinity of their habitation, but also correspondency of severall atchievements betwixt them, which makes them often coupled together in Scripture. ThusaGen. 35. 36. Hadad King of Edom smote Midian in the field of Moab. The Elders of Moab andbNumb. 22. 7. the Elders of Midian were jointly imployed to fetch Balaam. ThecCompare Numb. 25. 2. with Num. 25. 18. daughters of Moab and the daughters of Midian enticed the Israelites to whoredome and Idolatry.
§ 2. Midian consisted of two families: one seated southward near the Red-sea, serving the true God, (not so purely but with the mixture of superstitions) where Iethro Moses his father-in…law lived, of whom (God willing) hereafter. The other Idolaters, planted more eastward; the subject of our present discourse. This distance of place and difference of Religions gave probability to their opinions, who fancy them two distinct nations, which is seemingly confirmed, because the former is called Madian in thedAct. 7. 29. new Testament. But though in some cases we confess that the difference of a letter, may make more then a literall difference, yet here it is not enough to make a reall distinction: seeing Hebrew words made Greek often suffer greatermutations then of a vowell, Midian into Madian. Others are startled, because the Midianites areeGen. 37. 25. 27, 28. 39. Iudg. 8. 22. 24. 26. sometimes termed Ishmaelites, whereas the latter come from Hagar, the former from Keturah. But it is probable (surely such as reject our conjecture will substitute a better in the room thereof) that because Ishmael was the eldest son of Abraham, chief of the house, all those eastern people descended from Abraham were denominated by the genericall name of Ishmaelites.
§ 3. It is as difficult precisely to define the bounds, as impossible compleatly to describe the Countrey of Midian. For besides the mixture and conjunction (not to say confusion) of these eastern people, interfering amongst themselves in their habitations, the Midianites especially led erraticall lives, and therefore had uncertain limits. They dwelt most in tents, which we may call moving towns, and extempore cities, set up in a few houres, and in fewer taken down and dissolved. Next morning oft times found them many miles off, from the place where last night left them. And if we wonder at the wildness of their wandring, and rudeness of their roving abroad, they will admire as much at the stilness of our station, and dulness of our constant dwelling in one place. And no doubt they observed a method in their removalls, as there is a regularity as well in the motion of the Planets, as of the fixed Stars.
§ 4. For the generall we dare avouch they had Reuben and Gad on the west, Moab on the south, Ammon on the north, the Ishmaelites or Hagarens on the east.fAdrichom. de Te…. Sanct. in tab. Reub. Some place them more south, hard by the Dead-sea, but therein surely mistake. For whengIug. 7. Gideon had the Midianites in chace out of the land of Canaan, they betook not themselves southward (and surely such Foxes when hunted would hast home to their own kennels) but ran through the Tribe of Gad full east, to their proper habitations. But now what a slender account shall we make of the towns and places in Midian? But I conceive it better to present the Reader with a map without cities, or those cities without names, then those names without truth, or at least wise that truth without certainty, and a fair blank is to be preferred before a full paper blurred over with falshoods.
§ 5. But first we doe behold those castles; and cities of Midian all on a bright fire,hNum. 31. 10. burnt by Eleazer and the twelve thousand Israelites (whereof noiNum. 31. 49. one man slain in the action) wherein they killed all the males of that countrey and females which had known man. What time also they did execution on five Kings of Midian, and Balaam the false Prophet their chaplain, who fell by the sword ofkNum. 31. 8. man, though he had escaped that of thelNum. 22. 31. Angell. Some may think strange, that the Israelites having conquered this countrey possessed not themselves and their heirs thereof. Let such know, first, that this sandy land was barren it self, whose best fruitfulness consisted onelyonly in the largeness thereof: Secondly, God intended an entire territory to his own people, whereas this stragling Countrey was hardly kept, though easily conquered: Thirdly, the Midianites were of the halfe bloud with the Israelites, descended from Abraham, and therefore God would not have them disinherit their kinsmen of their possessions.
§6. If we goe out of their cities to take free aire in their countrey, see how thick their tents are spread over the face of the earth. Whereof, though their coverings might seem course, their courtains (mentioned by the ProphetmHabak. 3. 7.) being both the side walls, and roof of their inward rooms, were most costly and curious. As the Midianites were called the children of the east, so none more orient in their apparell, and gorgeous accoutrements. For if their Camels worenIudg. 8. 26. Collers of gold about their necks, how rich may their riders be presumed to be in pearles, and precious stone?
§ 7. Another great part of their wealth consisted in their cattell, amongst which we must take speciall notice of theiroEsa. 60. 6. Dromedaries, seeing the most or best of this kind were bredhereabouts. A Dromedary is a dwarfcamell, nature recompensing his smalness in his swiftness, so that he will travellan hundred miles a day, and continue at that rate with sparing diet a week together. He hath but one bunch on his back (the Camell having more) the naturall saddle for his Rider to mount upon, generally more used for travell then bearing of burdens, and of as much more refined service above Camells, as Hacknies are above Packhorses. In a word, as in one respect this beast is the commendable character of perseverance, not fleet by fits, at the first; but holding out a constant and equall tenour in travelling: so in another regard, it may pass for the emblem of hypocrisie, pretending to both symptomes of a clean beast, really chewing the cud, and seemingly cleaving the hoof, but onelyonly on the out side, whereaspGesne…. de quadrup. in Dromedar. within it is wholly fleshly, and entirely round like a platter.
§ 8. Yet all their speed could not save their Masters from the pursuit of Gideon, when such a fatall blow was given to the Midianites, that the TextqIudg 8. 28. saith, They lift up their heads no more. Yea, which is memorable scarce, any part of their body appears afterwards in Scripture, or any mention of rMidian mentioned 1 King. 18. relates not to these, but to the southern Midianites, whereof hereafter.Midianites (save with relation to the former defeate) which leads us to this conjecture, that the remains of that nation, which escaped that dismall overthrow, shrowded themselves under the names of some neighbouring people, probably of the Ishmaelites, of whom but a word or two, and so to Moab.
§ 9. Nor need the Reader be afraid to adventure amongst them, suspecting the Ishmaelites, like Ishmael their Father, to besGen. 16. 12. wild men, Whose hands were against every man, and every mans hand against them; seeing their fierceness and fury had been well tamed by the Reubenites, Gadites, and half Tribe of Manasseh in that memorable victory, wherein no fewer then ant1 Chr. 5. 2…. hundred thousand of them were taken captives, and those Tribes dwelt in their tents even unto the riveru1 Chr. 5. 9. Euphrates. Conceive it in a cursory condition, onelyonly grazing their cattell during the season, which amounted not to a constant and settled habitation.
§ 10. The Ishmaelites were descended from Ishmael, otherwhiles called Hagarens, wherein the difference not great; their former name being fetched from their Father, the latter (but one degree further) from Hagar, their grandmother. Of this Ishmael it was foretold, first that he should dwell wGen. 16. 12.(as also he didxGen. 25. 18. die) in the presence of all his brethren, that is, he should not hide his head in holes, or creep into corners, as afraid of the force of his neighbours, but should justifie and avouch his Right in open habitations, daring and defying all pretenders to his possessions. Secondly, it is said he should beyGen. 21. 12. Onager homo or a wild-ass-man; in which similitude (the holy Spirit not using casuall but choice comparisons) surely very much is folded up of the Physiognomy both of him and his posterity. Wild asses are said to carry a bow in their heels, and to finde arrows in the sandy ground where they goe, wherein if hunted they doe bestirre themselves with flinging the gravell behind them, that therewith they pierce the breasts, yea sometimeszAmmian. Marcellinus. split the heads of such as pursue them: as the Ishmaelites excellent archers laid about them with their arrows to kill and slay such as opposed them.
§ 11. Large were the bounds alotted to Ishmael, and divine providence which staked them down within certain limits, allowed them a very long teddar, TheyaGen.25.18. dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is from before Egypt till as thou goest towards Assyria: a spong of ground somewhat nigh a thousand miles, (perchance not so entire but interrupted with other nations) and not bearing a proportionable breadth, consisting generally of the Sandy and stony Arabia, so that a span of Isaacs was worth a stride of Ishmaels possession. However, in relation to Ishmaels posterity that Prophecy, he shall dwell in the presence of his brethren, admits also of this interpretation, that the land alotted him ranged out so far, that the bounds and borders thereof abutted on all his kindred, Edomites and Israelites his nephews or brothers sons, Moabites and Ammonites his cousins once removed, Midianites descended of his half brother by Keturah, and Egyptians his near kinsmen both by his wife and mother.
§ 12. In this large countrey did dwell the twelvebGen. 25. 13, 14, 15, 16. 1 Chron. 1. 29, 30, 31. sons of Ishmael, which I may call the twelve tribes of the Ishmaelites.
1 Nebaioth.
2 Kedar.
3 Adbeel.
4 Mibsam.
5 Mishma.
6 Duma.
7 Massa.
8 Hadar.
9 Temah.
10 Ietur.
11 Naphish.
12 Kedemah.
A learnedcVid. Tremel. in locum. man from the allusion of letters and similtude of sounds hath found out in stony, desert, and happy Arabia some places symbolizing with these names; and I commend his industry, not daring altogether to concur with his judgment; conceiving the subject in hand to want a bottome for any to build with certainty thereupon. Sooner shall Chymists fixe quick-silver, then Geographers place these people in a setled habitation. Indeed mention is made of somedGen. 25. 16. Townes and Castles (no cities) they had, (perchance some strength to retire to) but generallyeComment in Isaiam li. 5. cap. 21. Saint Hierome tells us, they had neither doors nor bolts, but lived in tents in desert places. Wherefore, as foreiners, for matter of clothes, paint an Englishman with a pair of sheares in his hand, taxing therein his levity in following fashions, continuing constant to no kind of apparell; so we may present the Ishmaelites (besides a bow at their backs) with a staffe in their hands, to intimate their ambulatory and ever-moving condition. Here we may remember how Hagar being with child with Ishmael, wasfGen. 16. 7. found by the Angell wandering in the wilderness, and as if the pregnant mothers condition had made an impression on her child and his posterity, we find their home to be in a constant roving and wandering in a desert Countrey. Leave we these Ishmaelites, and come to men of a milder temper, and more fixed habitations, I mean the Moabites.
§ 13. MOab Son and Gran-child of Lot, was incestuously begotten on his edest daughter, in hisaGen. 19. 37. drunkenness; after which act, no more mention of Lot or what befel him in the history of the Bible: (drunkenness makes men to forget and to be forgotten, drowning their memories in neglect and obscurity): onelyonly after this, the new Testament epithets himb2 Pet. 2. 7. Righteous Lot. That Spirit of meekness naming good men, not from the obliquity of some acts, but habituall integrity of their hearts. Yea, for love to Lot God granted many great favours to the Moabites, assisting them to conquer the GiantscDeut. 2. 10. Emims, and peaceably possessing them of their Countrey, with specialldDeut. 2. 9. Jud. 11. 15. 17, 18. command to the Israelites not to disturb or molest them in this enjoiment thereof.
§ 14. Yet the Moabites ill requited Israels kindness unto them. That falling out which was first begun betwixt the servants, andeGen. 13. 7. heardsmen, was afterwards continued and increased betwixt the Sons and posterity of Lot and Abraham. Yea upon all occasions the Moabites were backfriends to Israel; witness Balak, who barked at, and Eglon who bit them, whom Israel servedfIudg. 3. 14. eighteen years. Note by the way, that under the Judges all the heathen which bordered on Israel (Edom almost onelyonly excepted, the cause whereof hereafter)gIudg. 3. 8. Aramites, hIudg. 10. 7.Ammonites, iIudg. 6. 1.Midianites, kIud. 13. 1. &c.Philistines &c. did all successively …yrannize over Israel. No shrub growing about on the banks of Canaan was so little, but it was big enough for God thence to gather a Rod to whip his wanton children. Now if it be any ease to the sick…man, to have his bed, not disease often altered, Israel had the favour of exchange of tyrants and variety of oppressors; amongst whom I dare say the Moabites were none of the mildest. More might be said of their malice to the Iews, but I spare them for good Ruth, their Countreywomans sake; who, when all her sister Orpha's complementall Religion came off with a kiss,lRuth. 1. 14. persevered to wait on Marah her mother-in-law (formRuth. 1. 20. so she desired to be called) into the land of Canaan.
§ 15. But because the Moabites could not be perswaded to love, David was the first who forced them to fear the Kings of Israel; nPsal. …. 8.Moab is my washpot, that is, one condemned to servile imployments: yea such was Davids absolute command over this countrey, that heo2 Sam. 8. 2. 1 Chron. 18. 2. measured the Moabites with a line, casting them down to the ground, even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. At the first sight he may seem to have killed two, and saved one: A merciless proportion. But on better consideration it may possibly be, that the preservative might equal both the destructivelines, though not in number, in measure; as one overflowing cup may contain as much as two sparingly filled. What caused this severity in David against the Moabites the Scripture is silent, and I had rather be so too then affirm with the presumptuous Rabbins without warrant, that it was because the King of Moab had slain Davids Father and Mother,p1 Sam. 22. 3. whom he had left there for protection whilst Saul persecuted him.
§ 16. If any object, this Act of David was a breach of GodsqDeut. 2. 9. command, Distresse not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battell, it is answered,
1 This prohibition was temporary to Moses conducting the Israelites, that they should not molest Moab in their passage by his countrey out of Egypt.
2 Israel might not begin with offensive war to provoke them; but being stricken might strike again, and follow their blow as David did.
3 Moab might be distressed to subjection, not to ejection; might be brought into obedience, not dispossessed of their countrey.
After the defection of the ten Tribes from the house of David, Moab remained tributary to the Kings of Israel till the death of wicked but valiant Ahab. After which time, Moab r2 King. 1. 17.rebelled, and thoughs2 King. 3. 6. attempted was never reduced into obedience by the Kings of Israel.
§ 17. Moab had the river Arnon on the north, the Dead-sea on the west, Edom on the south, and Arabia on the east. It contained about a square of an hundred miles, fit for grazing; and the peoples industry following Natures guidance to their own profit, principally imployed it to that use. Yea Mesha their King is tearmed at2 King. 3. 4. sheep-master. Husbandry doth no more eclipse the resplendent beams of Majesty, then the oile in the Lamp hindreth the bright shining thereof. Guess the greatness of the Grist by the Toll, the multitude of Moabs flocks from the Tribute he rendered to the Kings of Israel, au2 King. 3. 4. hundred thousand Lambs, and a hundred thousand Rams with the wooll.
§ 18. To come now to the particulardescription of Moab, let it not be censured for a needless Tautology in this Map, that therein all the cities of Reuben are again represented, being done deliberately on a double consideration.
1 Formerly that land belonged to Moab before Sihon King of the Amorites had forcibly wrested it away from them.
2 After the Reubenites were carried away captive by Tiglath-Pileser, the Moabites reassumed their ancient possessions, as appears by thewEsay 15. ler. 48. Prophets.
As for the particular description of those cities, we remit the Reader to what formerly hath been written in the Tribe of Reuben.
§ 19. In the north-east bound of Moab towards Midian in the border of Arnon,xNum. 22. 36. which is in the utmost coasts, stood a nameless city, where Balak met Balaam, standing as it were on his tiptoes on the very last labell of his land, to reach forth welcome to that false Prophet, who hither rode in state with hisyNum. 22. 22. two men to attend him, whilst many Ministers of the Truth are forced to be slaves to others, and servants to themselves. But that these two men of Balaam were Iannes and Iambres the …gyptian enchanters, the Chaldee Paraphrase shall never perswade me, whilst the distance of time and place; protest against the possibility thereof. Not to say that it is likely that the sorcerers, so frequent in the presence of Pharaoh, had long before waited on their Master through the red sea to another world. Hence Balak conducted Balaam tozNum. 22. 39. Kiriath-huzoth or the city of streets, which at that time seems to be the Metropolis of Moab.
§ 20. Mizpah of Moab followeth, where the Father and Mother of David reposed themselves whilst their Son was persecuted by Saul. Ar of Moab, and Rabbah of Moab were also places of great note in this land, and besides these, many other cities of inferiour note. But as many mean men living obscurely, so that the world takes no notice of them, if surprized by some unusuall and strange mortality, become remarkable for their deaths, who were never memorable for their lives: so some cities of Moab, whereof no mention in Scripture for any action done in, or by them, are onelyonly famous in holy writ, for their strange ruine and destruction, by the Prophet sadly foretold, and therefore certainly accomplished. Such arebRead Isa. 16. & Ier. 48. Misgab, Horonaim, Luhith, Baith, Eglaim, Ber-elim, Holon, Kirioth, Kirherez andcIer. 48. 2. Madmen. The last as I conceive is note-worthy, not for its own merit, but others mistake. For in the Bibles, and those numerous, printed Anno Dom. 1625. the verse in Ieremy is thus rendered, O Maiden the sword shall pursue thee; where the Corrector of the Press conceiving it incongruous to join Thee a singular pronoune, with Madmen (which he mistook for an appellative, no proper name) ran himself upon that dangerous errour.
§ 21. But Kirharasheth seems the Metropolis of Moab. Near to this three Kings, Iehoram of Iudah, Iehosaphat of Israel, and the nameless Kingdeputy of Edom, marched on a designe to chastise Mesha the rebellious King of Moab into subjection. But wandring in the wilderness of Edom they encountred a worse enemy, Thirst it self, wherewith all of them were ready to saint. But happily it happened that Elisha, d2 King. 3. 11.who powred water on the hands of Eliah, by the same Element seasonably refreshed the hearts of the distressed armies, respecting Iehosaphat for his own goodness, the other two Kings for his company. How many generall benefits doe the very Tares enjoy, because inseparably mingled with the Wheat in the field of this world? Yea, Elisha was an instrument to give them, not onelyonly water, but victory (heavens favours goe commonly by couples) after this miraculous manner.
§ 22. The Moabites beholding water miraculously brought in that place, where never any was seen or known before, and the same at distance appearinge2 King. 3. 22. red unto them, (guilded with the beames of the Sun) concluded it to be bloud, and that that Paroyall of Armies had smitten one another. Wonder not that their conjecture was so wide and wild, for well might the Comment be out of the way of Truth, when the Text was out of the Rode of nature, and the Moabites on the suddain not capable to suspect a miracle. Hereupon the word is given,f2 King. 3. 23. Moab to the spo…le, which in some sense was true, that is, not to take but become the spoile of others. For the tents they assaulted, being lined with armed men, quickly overcame them. And it is worth our observing, that this victory was bestowed on Iehosaphat (my eyes are onelyonly on him, on whom alone theg2 King. 3. 14. looks of Elisha reflected) just in the morning when theh2 King. 3. 20. Meatoffering was offered, as procured by the Propitiatory virtue thereof; all favours being conferred in and for the merits of Christ the truth of all sacrifices.
§ 23. God gave, man used this conquest. Improving their success, theyi2 King. 3. 25. beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land, cast every man his stone, and filled it, and stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees. This was contrary to Gods expresskDeut. 22. 19. command; but none could better dispense with the Law, then the lawgiver, who in detestation of the rebellion of Moab against Israel l2 King. 3. 19.enjoined this severity. OnelyOnly the City of Kirharasheth was left, and that they besieged, untill the King of Moab therein took and sacrificed his eldest Son,*Some conceive him (being ambiguous in the text) son to the King of …d…m, grounding it on Amos 2. 1. who was to succeed him: either out of a bad imitation of Iephthah; (and their Idols we know were adored with sacrifices of men) or to give assurance to the besiegers, that they were men resolved to endure all extremities, so that they might presume he that would sacrifice his Son would not spare to spend his souldiers on any desperate adventure. Hereupon the foresaid three Kings surceased their siege: either out of policy, perceiving the same desperate, and unlikely to prevaile; or out of a royall sympathy, that it was revenge enough to distress, though not destroy a King or (which is most probable) out of a religious horrour (the trembling whereat made their swords fall out of their hands) as unwilling to provoke the besieged any further to such impious, and unhumane performances; lest heaven should arraign them as accessary thereunto, by giving the occasion thereof: whatsoever was the cause, home they returned, content with the spoiling, without the finall conquering of the Countrey.
§ 24. Many are the invectives of the Prophets against Moab for their sins. The people thereof are charged to have been at ease from their youth, and setled on theirmIer. 48. 11. less, because not emptied from vessell to vessell, neither carried into captivity (whilest poor Israel was posted from Canaan to Egypt, from Egypt to Canaan, from Canaan to Babylon, from Babylon to Canaan, backward, and forward) God therefore threatneth, because they had not been emptied from their vessell, tonIer. 48. 38. break them in their vessell, and foretelleth that Moab should be madeoIer. 48. 26. drunk (haply alluding to his geniture seeing he was begotten in a fit of drunkenness) and wallow in his vomit; and come to utter destruction. Thus never to be acquainted with any affliction in youth, is a certain prognostick of finall confusion in old age. So much for Moab, leaving it to learned men to dispute, what is intended by thepIer, 48. 47. restauration of Moab foretold in the latter days; as also let them enquire whether that passage inqDan. 11. 41. Daniel, that after a generall overthrow, Edom, Moab &c. should escape, must not mystically be meant of the enemies of the Church, in which sense we may be sure, the devill will have a Moab, as long as God hath any Israel in the world.
§ 25. AMmon another base Son of Lot, had Midian on the east, Moab on the south, Gad on the west, and Syria on the north: a circular countrey extending about sixty miles every way. The ancient inhabitants hereof were the GiantsrDeut. 2. 20. Zamz…mmims. These were conquered and cast out by the Ammonites, who afterwards dwelt in their countrey, being a fruitfull land, and too good for these Ammonites that bare an inveterate malice to the people of Israel, manifested in many particulars.
1 In their oppressing themsIudg. 10. 8. eighteen years till Iephthah gave them deliverance.
2 In their cruell conditions (such Ravens and birds of prey first peck out the eyes) tendered to the men oft1 Sam. 11. 8. Iabesh-Gilead.
3 In their barbarous abusing Davids u2 Sam. 10. 4.ambassadours.
4 In ripping*Amo. 1. 3. up the bellies of the women with child in Gilead.
5 In their Clapping wEz…k. 25. 6.their hands, stamping with their feet, and rejoycing in their heart at the sacking of Ierusalem by the King of Babylon.
6 In their contriving the destruction ofxIer. 40. 14. Gedaliah, and the poor remnant of the Iews left behind in the land by the Babylonians.
7 InyN…he. 4. 7, 8. retarding the building of the Temple after the Iews return from captivity.
And although David and some other Kings, amongst whom Uzziah most remarkeable, forced the Ammonites to give themz2 Chr. 16. 8. gifts; yet we may justly beleeve the same were presented rather with their hands then their hearts, bearing a cordiall grudge against Israel.
§ 26. Rabbah was the Metropolis of Ammon, called in Scripture the tity of waters, a2 Sam. 12. 27.because low and plashy in its situation, conducing much to the strength thereof, rendering all undermining of it uneffectuall. But perchance it is so termed from the extraordinary populousness thereof, Waters being often used for People in Scripture phrase, both being at all times unstable and unconstant, and when they get a head implacable, neither speaking nor hearing reason; both usefull servants, but intolerable Masters. Here the Iron-bed of Og was preserved for a Relick, being bDeut. 3. 11.nine cubits high and four broad. Now though Alexanders souldiers are said to have left shields in India, far greater then those which they did or could weare in war, onelyonly to possess posterity with a false opinion that his men were mightier then they were, yet we may presume this bed of Og was not unproportionably greater then he necessarily used for his ordinary repose. No doubt Og confident of his own strength certainly concluded, that as he did often lie in health upon that bed, so he should quietly die on the same, whereas contrary to his expectation he was slain in the field, and now his bed served him for a Cenotaph or empty monument.
§ 27. This Rabbah was besieged by Ioab, to revenge Hanun King of the Ammonites his despitefull usage of Davids Ambassadours. Here Uriah engaged in battell was killed, though not conquered, by the treacherous retreat of*2 Sam. 11. 15. his own countreymen. What a deal of doe was here to bring one innocent man to his grave? Davids wicked designe, Ioabs unworthy compliance, Ammons open force, Israels secret fraud, and yet all too little, had not Uriah's own credulous simplicity, unspotted loyalty, undaunted courage rather to die then to fly, concurred to hasten his own destruction. Afterwards Ioab having brought the city to terms of yeelding, politickly sends for David solemnly to take his place, to decline all envy from himself, and invest all honour on his Soveraign. Here the glorious Crown of this kingdome was taken, and set on Davids c2 Sam. 12. 1.head: and I dare boldly say it became David better, then him from whom… it was taken. But (oh!) what a Bridewell or house of correction was provided for the people of this place! They wered2 Sam. 12. 31. put under saws, and under harrows of Iron, and under axes of Iron, and made to passe through the brick kilne. See here Davids patience provoked into fury. And was it not just that they who would not civilly, like men, use Davids *2 Sam. 10. 4.Ambassadours, should by Davids men be barbarously used, like beasts, in slavish imployments?
§ 28. The most populous part of the Kingdome of Ammon lay betwixt Aroer and Minnith, containing no fewer then twenty Cities, (so many represented in our Map) and had I found their names in Scripture, I had imparted them to the Reader. All theseeIudg. 11. 33. cities were smote by Iephthah that most valiant Judge of Israel. For he passed over to the enemy to fight with them, other Judges onelyonly expelling them out of Israel, and pursuing them to their own countrey. An action of very much prowess in Iephthah to rowze those wild beasts in their own den, and no less policy, preventing the spoiling of his native soil, and translating the Seat of the war into the land of a forein so. Here if any demand how the wheat of Minnith comes to be reckoned by thefEz…k. 27. 17. Prophet, amongst the staple commodities of the land of Iudah, wherewith she bartered with Tyre, when Minnith wasgIudg. 11. 33. undoubtedly a city of the Ammonites; it is answered. 1 This fine wheat might first be denominated from Minnith as originally growing there, though afterwards as good and more of that kind grew generally in Iudea. Thus some flowers, and fruits, Province-Roses, Burgamo peares &c. are as full and fair in other countreys as in that place whence they take their name. 2 By Minnith-wheat may be meant, wheat winnowed, cleansed, and dressed after the fine and curious fashion of Minnith. Thus they are called Hungar-dollars, which are refined to the standard of Hungarian gold, in what place or by what Prince soever in Germany they be coined.
§ 29. We must not forget that after the Tribe of Gad was carried away captive by Tiglath-pileser, the Ammonites seised on and dwelt in the cities of that Tribe. For which reason so many of them are set down in this our Map. This caused the complaint of thehI…r. 49. 1. Prophet; Hath Israel no sons? Hath he no heire? Why then doth their King inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities? Sure I am that Ammon double barred with bastardy and incest, though somewhat allied, could never legally succeed to the possessions of Israel. But in such cases, the keenest sword is next to the kin. Not to say that Ammon had a title to that kingdome, before that Sihon King of the Amorites took that land away from them, whereof largely before in the description of Gad. If any aske me what became of the Ammonites in after ages; I answer with David, he iPsal. 37. …6.passed away, and loe he was not, yea I *No mention of Edom, Moa… or Ammon, in the new Testamentsought him, but he could not be found. Yea the less there appears of Ammon, the more there appears of Gods justice, and divine truth, foretold by the mouth ofkEz…k 25. 7. Ezekiel, I will cut thee off from the people, and will cause thee to perish out of the countreys.
§ 30. Esau eldest Son of Isaac was red and hairy at his birth; the one shewing his irefull nature, the other his hardy constitution. He was highly beloved of his Father (whilest Iacob was Gods and his Mothers darling) chiefly for providing himlGen. 25. 28. Venison: a consideration beneath so good a man, and for which Isaac smarted afterwards, sawcing each morsell of his Sons venison in his own teares, caused by Esaus unhappymGen. 26. 5. matches, and undutifull demeanour. This Esau is as generally known in Scripture, by the name of Edom given him on this occasion. Coming one day hungry from hunting he sold his birthright to his brother Iacob fornGen. 25. 30. red pottage, red being Edom in Hebrew. I confess many flaws may be found in this bargain and sale, as namely,
1 It was no faire but fraudulent dealing for Iacob to surprize his brother, taking advantage of his hunger.
2 The contract was not made on a valuable compensation; not to say it was Simoniacall to sell or buy such heavenly priviledges.
3 The heires of Esau, (as yet in his loines) concerned therein, but not consenting thereto, might justly question their Fathers grant in passing away what by nature was intailed upon them.
Wherefore it is safest to turn all our excusing of Iacob into our admiring of Gods wisdome, who makes mens crooked actions to tend in a streight line to his own glory. And yet we must not forget, that even after Esau had satisfied himself with food, the text saith, Thus oGen. 25. 34.Esau despised his birthright. It seems thereby, that what his hast and hunger had conveyed his profaneness did deliberately confirme, and by that his neglect and contempt, he acknowledged a Fine, cutting off his heires from any recovery thereof. Indeed afterwards Esau made it a main matter ofpGen. 27. 36. quarrell with his brother, but never a matter of conscience in himself. But enough hereof: onelyonly I will adde the crossing of the common rule, Caveat venditor, let here the seller beware, for God took Esau at his word, and accordingly deprived him of his birthright.
§ 31. But Esau set a greater valuation on his Blessing, wherein being prevented by Iacob, he sought it with teares, though they were not a kindely showre of repentance, but onelyonly some heate drops of anger and indignation, not so much grieved that he had lost, as vexed that Iacob had gotten the Blessing. At last his importunity got from his Father a Blessing though not the blessing, the severall clauses whereof we are seriously to consider, because thereon dependeth the right understanding of the conditions of the people and countrey of Edom, which we are now to describe.
BeholdqGen. 27. 39. thy dwelling shall be the fatnesse of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above.
Earth is by Isaac first mentioned because by Esau most minded. But oh the difference betwixt the dew of heaven insGen. 27. 28. Iacobs and Esau's blessing! In the former it signified Gods favour with an undoubted right unto, and sanctified use of divine promises, service and Sacraments: whereas in this blessing of Esau, heavenly dew, was in effect, but earthly dew, temporall terrestriall fertility allowed to this mountainous land of Edom, whose lean hils were larded with many fruitfull vallies interposed. Heathen Authors confesse no less;
Dulce nemus florentistStatius sylv. lib. 3no. Idumes.
The fair grove of flourishing Idumea.
Quicquid nobile Ponticis nucetis
Foecundis cadit aut jugisuIdem lib. 1. in Satu… Kal. Decemb. celebrante. Idumes.
What ever noble worth destils
On Pontus nut-trees, or what fils
The fruitfull Idumean Hils.
However, divine providence seems to have suited the Countreys to the conditions of Isaacs children, giving plain-dealing Iacob a more low and levell Land, and fitting the haughty minde of aspiring Esau with high-swelling and ambitious mountains, though he who was nearest to heaven, was farthest from God.
And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt be thy Brothers Servant.
It is observable, that though God in the time of the Judges, made use of almost all other heathen nations, bordering on the Iewes, successively to oppress that his own people (Midianites, Ammonites, Moabites, Philistines &c.) Yet he never permitted the Edomites at any time to Lord it over Israel, because (according to Isaacs Blessing) subjection to Iacob, not soveraignty over him belonged to Esau, and his posterity. This prophecy of Esau's serving Iacob was fully accomplished in the days of David, 1 King. 11. 14. 18.when he put a w2 Sa… 8. 14.Garison in Edom, throughout all Edom put he souldiers, and all they of Edom became Davids servants; and so remained tributaries to the Kings of Iudah and governed by their deputies for one hundred and fifty years and upwards.
But it shall come to passe, when thou shalt get the mastery, that thou shalt breake his yoke from thy neck.
This was fulfilled when the Edomites rebelling against Kingx2 King. 8. 22. 2 Chr. 21. 8. Iehoram, finally recovered their liberty, whilest he (more cruell to kill his brethren at home, then valiant to conquer his enemies abroad) could never after reduce them into subjection, nor his successors after him.
§ 32. The Horims first inhabited this Countrey of Mount Seir; whose Dukes are reckoned up byyGen. 30. 28. Moses, of whom Duke Anah is most remarkable for his first finding out of Mules, zGen. 36. 24.as he fed his Father Zibions Asses: A creature (or rather a living beast) which may be called a reall fallacy in nature, whose extraction is a conclusion unduely inferred from the premises of an Hee-asse and a Mare joined together. Yet this is commendable in Mules; they imitate rather the virtues then vices of their Sire, and Dam, having in them, the dulness of the Asse, quickened with the metall of the Mare, and the Mares stubbornness corrected with the Asses patience. Barren they are (as to whom God never granted the Charter of increase) and yetaNat. hist. li. 8. cap. 44. Pliny reports (but it is Pliny who reports it) that in Rome Mules are often recorded to beare young ones, but then always accounted ominous. Let others dispute whether Anah was the Inventour, or onelyonly the Repertour of Mules, the industrious Founder, or the casuall Finder of them: Let them also discuss whether such copulations be lawfull, for men of set purpose to joine together severall kinds, which God hath parted asunder; yea they may seem to amount to a tacite upbraiding of Gods want of wisdome or goodness, in not providing sufficient Creatures for mans service, without such monstrous additionals in nature. If they be concluded unlawfull, let them argue whether the constant use of Mules,1 King. 1. 33. Ezra 2. 66. be not continuing in a known sin; and yet some good men in Scripture, rather then they would goe on foot, used to ride on them, though our Saviour*Ma…th. 21. 5. himself accepted of a plaine Asse for his own Saddle.
§ 33. ThesebDeut. 2. 2…. Horims were at last conquered and ex…irpated by the Edomites, who succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead. The civill government of the land of Edom was sometimes Ducall, sometimes Regall. Moses reckoning upcGen. 36. 40. eleven Edomite Dukes, leaveth it doubtfull, whether they were successively one after another, or went all a brest, as living at the same time, (which is most probable) and so the land divided into Eleven Dukedomes. This is most certain that eight severall Kings reigned in Edom one after another, and alldGen. 36. 31. before there reigned any King over the children of Israel. Thus the wicked as they have their portion in this world; so they quickly come to full age to possess the same, whilest Gods children are long children, long kept in nonage, and brought up in the School of affliction. Now it is recorded ineGen. 36. 31. 1 Chr. 1. 43. Scripture that every Edomite King had successively a severall city of his royall residence, namely
| Kings | Parentage | Royall-city. |
| Bela | The son of …eor | Dimhabah. |
| Iobab | The son of Zerah | Bozrah. |
| Husham | of the land of Temani | Teman. |
| Hadad | The son of Bedad | Avith. |
| Samla… | Masr…kah. | |
| Shaut | R…hoboth by the river. | |
| Baal-banan | The son of Achbor | |
| Hada… | Pan. |
It is plain those Kings were not by succession, and probably they were not by election, but onelyonly by strength and power as they could make their parties, according to Isaacs prediction,fGen. 26. 40. By thy sword shalt thou live. Now this their frequent removall of their royal City was politickly done.
1 To declare the fulnes and freedome of their power and pleasure, that they were not confined to follow the footsteps of their predecessours.
2 To disperse and communicate civility and courtship into all the parts of their kingdome.
3 To honour and adorne the place of their birth, for probably their native, was their royall city.
4 To cut off from one place the occasion of suspicious greatness; Politicians having found in their theory, and Princes perchance felt in their practise the danger thereof.
§ 34. And now we come to the particular description of the Land of Edom called also Mount-Seir, Dumah, and Idumea in the Scripture. Mount Seir is as much as Mons hispidus, or hirsutus, a rough and rugged mountain. So called some conceive from Esau, who Satyr-like had a quickset of hair on his body, though it seems the place was sogGen. 14. 6. & 36. 20, 21. named long before he came to possesse it as brisling with bushes and overgrown with wood, in the famous wilderness thereof, namely of
1 Teman. The inhabitants hereof were, or were accounted (of themselves or others) very wise. Is hIer. 49. 7.wisdome no more in Teman? Yet all their carnall policy could not preserve them from utter destruction there threatned unto them. Eliphaz one ofiIob 2. 11. Iobs friends was of this Countrey.
2 Dedan. Such as dwelt therein were merchants,kIer. 49. 8. & Ez…k. 25. 13. and did drive a land trade with Tyrus, bringing thither precious clothes, for chariots; or, in chariots.
3 Edom, l2 King. 3. 8.foreign. Herein the three Kings wandered and were distressed for want of water, till Elisha relieved them.
As for the other two names of this Countrey Dumah and Id…mea, formerly largely thereof.
§ 35. Edom had the Dead-sea and Moab on the north-east, Arabia deserta on the east, the wilderness of Paran on the north-west, and the Red-sea on the south-west. A sea not so called from the redness of the water thereof, (yet I know not how it may appear, when beheld with bloudshot eyes) nor from a King Eruthraeus, (for what makes a Greek name so long since in these eastern parts?) but frommNic. Full… Mis…el. Edom, or Rufus the red son of Iacob, commanding in this countrey, so that Red sea is all one with the Edomite or Idumean Sea. In Hebrew it is termed Iam Suph or the flaggy sea, because of the plenty of flags, reeds and weeds found therein, though of the last never so many, as when the wicked Egyptians were drowned therein. Ezion-gaber is a fair haven of great commerce on this sea. Here Solomon n1 King 9. 26. 2 Chr. 8. 17.had his navy royall, which jointly with the ships of Hiram, brought four hundred and twenty talents of gold from Ophir. This it seems was the sum paid de claro into the Kings Exchequer, otherwise thirty talents more are mentioned,*2 Chr. 8 18. probably expended in defraying the cost of the voyage. Long after Iehosaphat joining with Ahaziah, hence set forth ships for the same purpose, to the same place, but they o1 King. 22. 48.went not, for they were broken. Why the seas which smiled on Solomon, should frown on godly Iehosaphat, I durst not conjecture (lest my adventuring in guessing, prove as unsuccessefull as his in sailing) had notp2 Chr. 20. 37. Scripture plainly told me, that the winds and the waves forbad the Banes of matching Gods children with Idolaters in the same designe. Yea the breath of Eliezer the Prophet, may be said to have sunk those ships, threatening their destruction. Thus those shall never reap good harvest, who plow with an Oxe and an Asse, contrary to Gods flatqDeut. 22. 10. command. Afterwards, wicked King Ahaziah requested again of Iehosaphat, r1 King. 22. 49.Let my servants goe with thy servants in the ships, but the other refused, having foundas bad success with the son at sea, as lately he had had on land with Ahab his Father. Besides, Iehosaphat being sensible how his infant-designe was strangled in the wombe, and his ships broken at Ezion gaber in the very haven, would not renew his voyage, it being a bold defying of divine power, to water that project from earth, which one plainly sees blasted from heaven.
§ 36. Other remarkable places in Edom were, first Mount Hor (haply so called from the Horims ancient inhabitants thereof) where Aaron put off his clothes the covering of his body, and hissNum. 20. 28. body the clothes of his soul, and Eleazar his son both buried and succeeded him. Thus though for his disobedience forbidden the entrance of the land of Canaan, yet he came to the selvedge or out-skirt thereof, for hard by, the Tribe of Iudah with a narrow spong confined on the kingdome of Edom. 2ly The valley of salt, at the south end of the Dead Sea, where God twice seasoned the Edomites, with two sharp and smart overthrows, when Abishai t1 Chr. 18. 12.killed eighteen thousand, and afterwards whenu2 King. 14. 7. Amaziah killed ten thousand of them in the same place. 3ly w2 King. 8. 21, 22. 2 Chr. 21. 8Zair is not far off; where King Ioram of Iudah gave the Edomites a great blow, though he could not bring them again into a full subjection. 4ly More south, Bozrah the metropolis of Edom. The name thereof signifieth a muniment or fortification, (hence so many of them in these parts) and it was a place of great strength and renown. The Prophet speaking of Christ returning in triumph from overcoming his enemies: Who is this (saithxIsa. 63. 1. he) that cometh from Edom, with red garments from Bozrah? But oh the difference (though the colour be the same) betwixt the manner of the die, when Christ came red a sufferer, and red a conquerour, the latter from Bozrah, but the former from Ierusalem!
§ 37. Yet Bozrah carrieth it not so clear to be chiefe in this Countrey, but that Sclah is a stiffe corrivall with it for the same honour. This Hebrew name signifies a Rock, in which sense it is called Petra in Greek and Latine, (I say not that Arabia is thence denominated Petraea) standing on a steep hill, from the precipice whereof, Amaziah threw ten thousand Edomites, and theyy2 Chr. 25. 12. all burst to pieces; whereof before; a cruell act, yet admitting of a better excuse, then another he committed in this kingdome in adoring the captive Idolsz2 Chr. 25. 15. of Edom, and setting them up to be worshipped in Iudah: Did he think that as some trees gain more strength by being transplanted; so these Gods would get new vigour by being removed into another countrey?2 King. 14. 7. Petra was by Amaziah named Ioktheel, and is called Crach at this day, having lately been used for a place, therein to secure the treasure of the Sultan.
§ 38. So much of Edom: whose ancient antipathy against Israel continued and increased to the last. Witness, their standing in the cross ways toaObad. 14. cut off them of Iudah which should escape, and shut up the remnant in the day of affliction. God in conclusion was even with them: for as they had castbObad 11. lots upon Ierusalem, so at last they drew such a blank for themselves, that notwithstanding theircObad. 4. Eagles-nests and starry-dwellings (wherein they placed their confidence) they were brought to destruction, their high habitations being so far from saving them, that they onelyonly contributed to make their fall more visible to others, and dangerous to themselves.
§ 39. East of Edom lay the Land of Uz, where Iob dwelt, so renowned for his patience, when the devill heaped afflictions upon him, allowing him no lucid intervalls. OnelyOnly the more deliberately to torment him, measured unto him, so much space betwixt his severall stripes, that Iob might be distinctly sensible of the smart thereof. Yea this father of confusion observed a methodicall gradation in doing mischief, that still the hindmost was the heaviest affliction.
1 ThedIob 1. 15. Sabeans, a people of Arabia the happy, took away his Oxen when plowing, and Asses when feeding besides them.
2 Fire of hell falling from heaven (of Satans sending, and Gods suffering)eIob 1. 16. consumed his sheep and servants.
3 The Chaldeans coming in three bands fell on his Camels, and carriedfIob 1. 17. them away. If any object that Chaldea was many miles hence; it is answered that roving crafty theeves have long strides, and commonly fox-like, prey farthest from their den. Besides, probably the Chaldeans driving a land-trade from Arabia to Babylon with Spices, being Merchant-pirates, did light on this prize in their passage.
4 A winde smote the fourgIob 1. 19. corners of the house wherein his seven sons were feasting with their three sisters: Nor will any wonder at this wild Hericano blowing at once from all points of the Compass, when he remembers that Satan is styled theh1 pho. 2. 2. Prince of the power of the aire.
5 His body became an Hospitall of diseases, equally painfull, shamefull, loathsome. How quickly is Dives turned into Lazarus? as if his heards of cattell were turned intoiIob 2. 7. boiles, and flocks of sheep into so many Scabs on his body.
6 His wife persecuted him with her badkIob 2. 9. counsell. When the physick which should help, traiterously sides with the disease; Oh the dolefull condition of the Patient!
7 Lastly, his friends proved his greatest enemies. Others onelyonly despoiled him of his goods, they sought to deprive him of his goodness. And whereas Iob was onelyonly passive in his other losses, (plundered of all his wealth against his will) they endevoured to perswade him voluntarily to resigne and surrender his innocence and integrity, and to confess himself an hypocrite; For to this purpose tended their large discourses containing true Doctrines, but false Uses, as applied in relation to Iob.
All these crosses Iob bare with invincible patience. Insomuch that some Moderns accounting such patience impossible, have turned it all into a Parable, denying the historicall, and onelyonly making an Allegoricall truth of all his sufferings; dealing worse with Iob, then the devilidid, whose commission extended not to take away hislIob 2. 6. life; whereas these men utterly destroy his beeing, denying such an one ever to have been in Rerum natura. See the baseness of our degenerate days, being so far from following the worthy example of former Heroes, that mens laziness takes a more compendious way, in stead of imitating their virtues, practise to abolish their persons. And yet what clearer demonstration can there be of the historicall truth of Iob, then that his own name, the name of the place of his dwelling are set down, with the names of his foes, friends, and daughters; and the whole History as largely recorded in the old, as briefly repeated in the new mIam. 5. 11.Testament? On the other side we listen as little to those who lessen Iobs sufferings, because he lost nothing with in doors, his Coin, Jewels, Plate, and houshold-stuffe (presumed in a considerable equipage to the rest of his substance) remained entire for any thing we finde to the contrary. But the wealth of that age chiefly consisted in their stock, so that one may call their cattell their coin, (Grammarians derive Pecunia à pecudibus) bargains in those days not being driven with money in specie, but by bartering of commodities.
§ 40. But Comicall was the end of Iob, and all things restored double to him:nIob 42. 10. so that it had been better for him to have lost more; for then he should have had twice as much restored: onelyonly the same number of children were given him, seven sons and three daughters, because his former children, non amissi, sed praemissi, were not foregone, but gone before. Parents may account on their pious children departed, and reckon, not that once they had, but still have them; though not here, in heaven. Yea in some sort Iobs children were doubled also, because he lived to see his sons sons to the fourth oIob 42. 16.generation. As for the friends of Iob: Eliphaz the Temanite (of whom formerly) lived in Edom: Bildad the Shubite dwelt hereabouts, as descended frompGen. 25. 2. Shuah one of Abrahams sons by Keturah: Zophar the Naamathite from Naamah a City after allotted to Iudah, on the south of Iudea bordering in Edom qIosh, 15. 41..
§ 41. Here I omit the Countrey of Temah with some other petty territories, all parcels of Arabia deserta. Yea the Reader may stand on the edge of this Map, and there smell the fragrancies of Arabia the happy, so called on good reason. Misers measure Paradise by their profit, Epicures by their pleasure: both met here. And it is hard to say whether the spices or the gold of the countrey are more renowned. But if heaven should commence an action against Arabia the happy for usurping his priviledge, Arabia would non-sute it self, and confess her unhappiness in the midst of all her felicity. For in default of other fuell they are fain to burn and dress their meat with Aromaticall wood, which so stupefieth the senses of the people, that they are forced withrPlim. lib. 12. cap. 17. Bitumen and the sent of Goates (where perfumes are too frequent, a stink is a perfume) to qualifie their suffocating sweetness. Thus no heaven out of heaven, and no earthly felicity will fall out even measure to content us, but either too much or too little.
§ 42. It remaineth now that we observe the severall stations of the children of Israel coming out of Egypt, which cross this map in fashion of a Belt. We begin at mount Hor their thirty fourth stage in the edge of the land of Edom. Hence Moses sent messengers to request a peaceable passage through the kingdome of Edom, but could not obtain it. No doubt they were jealous of Israels greatness, and being carnally suspicious of them (because Power generally performeth promises, no further then it complies with its profit) conceived it easier to keep, then cast them out of their countrey. IfaGen. 32. 6. Iacob was frighted with Esau's coming to meet him with four hundred men, Esau was now no less afraid of Iacob accosting him with six hundred thousand men.
§ 43. However, God commanded his people not to force this, but finde another passage. It was well more ways then one led to Canaan, else Israel had been at a losse. But wicked men may for a time retard, not finally obstruct our access to happiness. It is but fetching a compass, making two steps for one; a little more pains and patience will doe the deed. Israel surrounds the land of Edom, and next sets down at Zalmona.
§ 44. Here they want water, and fall a muttering, and God sends them more fire in lieu thereof,bNumb. 21. 6. Fiery Serpents to destroy them. Humble praying is the onelyonly means to remove; peevish muttering, the ready way to double our distress. Yet afterwards by the setting up of the brazen Serpent, their malady was remedied. Suddain wound, to be hurt with a touch; and as quick a cure, to be healed with a look! Oh lively type of our Saviours death! Here is both Christ and his Cross; both his Person, and the manner of his Passion, he must be lifted up. Zalmona in Hebrew signifieth the shadowing of a portraicture; probably so named from the Effigies of the Serpent set up in this place. As for the five following, cNum. 33. 42.Phunon, Oboth, Iie-abarim, Dibon-gad, and Almon-diblathaim, we finde no memorable accident happening at them.
§ 45. These solemn Gests were, as I may say, the full points, which distinguished the severall sentences of the Jewish Peregrination. But besides these there were certain Comma's or Colons, I mean intermediate subordinate Stages, where they did baite, not lodge; or perchance lodge for a night, not live any time. Thus after Iie-abarim, their 88th. Stage, they pitched successively in
1 The valley ofdNum. 21. 13. Zared.
2 By the stream of Arnon.
3 At Beer.
4 Mattanah.
5 Nahaleel.
6 Bamoth.
Betwixt Kadesh-barnea and the valley of Zared the space of time waseDeut. 2. 13, 14. thirty and eight years, and at Beer was that famous well, which the Princes digged with their staves (Ensignes of authority are not degraded,fNum. 21. 18. if sometimes used as instruments of industry) except any will say, that with their staves they onelyonly pointed out the place, and gave direction to others. As for the reasons why the Israelites were a long time in going so little way, insomuch that that beast in Brasile, which in fourteengPet. Heyl. Microcos. days goes no further then a man may throw a stone (therefore called by the Spaniards Pigritia) might overtake them; the reasons hereof in the following Map shall be presented us.
Here the Map of the wilderness of Paran is to be inserted.