The Annals of the World, History 1 · Age of the world 3
The third Age of the World.
ABram, after his fathers decease, was called again by God, out of his own country, and from his kindred, and from his fathers house; with a further promise, and Evangelical covenant of blessing him, that is, in his blessed seed, our Lord Jesus Christ, all the nations of the earth, [Gen. 12. 1, 2. and Acts 7. 4.] from which promise, and Abrams departure, which immediately followed, are to be deduced those 430 years which Abram and his posterity spent in forreign lands, [Ex. 12. 40, 41. and Gal. 3. 17.] placing the first and last day of this their pilgrimage and sojourning, upon the 15 of the month Abib, which this year falls upon the 4 day of May, being wedensday, according to the Julian Calendar; by our accompt.
On this day therefore, Abram when he was 75 years old, following the call of God, took Sarai his wife, and Lot, his brother Harans son, with all the substance, which he had gotten, and souls which God had given him in Carran, and took his journey, and at length came into the land of Canaan: passing through it, till he came to a place called Sichem, to the oake of Moreah, [Gen. 12. 4, 5, 6.] of which mention is afterward made, [Gen. 35. 4. Ios. 24. v. 25, 26. and in Judges 9. 6.] where God promised Abram. that to his seed he would give that land, and he there built an Altar to the Lord, which had there appeared to him. Afterward removing from thence he went into the hill-country, called Luz, and in after times, known by the name of Bethel, toward the east, [Gen. 28. 19.] where again he built an altar, and called upon the name of the Lord: and from thence holding on his journey, he came into the fourth part of that countrey, which looketh towards Egypt, [Gen. 12. 7, 8, 9.]
Abram, compelled by a famine, from thence went down into Egypt, where Sarah his wife (who to eschew a danger, Year of the World 2804. a. went there by the name of his sister) was taken into Pharaoh, (Apophi) his house: but was not long after, with great gifts and presents, sent back unto him again untouch't; and, with a safe passe, were both dismissed to depart out of Egypt, [Gen. 12. 10, 20.]
Then Abram, with Lot returned into Canaan, where when the country which they pitched upon, was not sufficient to feed both their heards of cattle, they parted; and Lot went into the country of Sodome; after whose departures, the promise both of the possession of that land of Canaan, and also of his numberlesse posterity was again renewed unto him: and then removing from the place between Bethel and Hay, where he had formerly built an Altar, he dwelt in the plain of Mamre, near unto Hebron, & there built an Altar unto the Lord, [Gen. 13]
Then did Bera K. of Sodom, Year of the World 2091 with the rest of the petty kings of Pentapolis rebel, The Julian Period 2801 & shook off the yoke of Chedorlaomer K. of Elam, Year before Christ 1913 in the 13 year of their subjection unto him, [Gen. 14. 4.]
And in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer, Year of the World 2092. c. with other confederate Princes, Amraphel of Shinar, Arioc of Ellasur, and Tidal K. of the nations, joyning their forces against those petty kings which had revolted from him, first destroyed the Raphaeans, the Zuzaeans, the Aemaeans and Choraeans, who inhabited all that region, which afterward was possessed by the Amalekites, and the Ammorites, and after that putting to flight the Kings of Pentapolis in the valley of Siddimor, carried away Lot prisoner with all the plunder of Sodome and Gomorrah: whereof, when tidings came to Abram, he armed his own servants to the number of 318. and with his confederates Haner, Eshcol, and Mamre, overtaking Chedorlaomer and his army with the prey they had gotten at Dan, there they defeated and slew them, and pursued them to Hoba, lying on the left hand of Damascus: and thereby rescued Lot, and the rest of the prisoners out of the enemies hand, and brought them back again with all that they had lost. And when Abram returned from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the other Kings, Melchisedech the K. of Salem met him, and blessed him, being himself a Priest of the highest God; and Abram, on the other side offered him the tithe of the spoile, which he had taken, yet kept he nothing thereof to himself, but restored to every man his own again; leaving what was not owned to his companies in that service, [Gen. 14.] And now God, finding Abram grieved for that he had no issue, promised him a posterity equal to the stars of heaven in number, which after 400 years sojourning and affliction in a land that was none of theirs, he promised to bring into the land foretold unto him, and bound that promise with a covenant to perform it, [Gen. 15.]
Sarai longing for that blessed seed, Year of the World 2093 and seeing now ten years spent since their coming into the land of Canaan, The Julian Period 2803 gave him to wife Hagar her servant, Year before Christ 1911 an Egyptian born, who being great with child of her Mr. Abram; and being evil entreated by her Mrs. for her insolent carriage toward her, fled from her; but being warned of God by his Angel, she returned, and submitted her self to her dame [Gen. 16. 13, 14.]
Hagar, Year of the World 2094. b. bare unto Abram, Ishmael, when he was 86 years old, The Julian Period 2804 [Gen. Year before Christ 1910 16. 25. 16. and 17. 24, 25.]
Arphaxad the third from Noah, Year of the World 2096. d. died 403 years after the birth of Salem, [Gen. 11. 13.]
God making a covenant with Abram, Year of the World 2107. c. when he was now 99 years old touching the seed of Isaac, who was to be born of Sarah that time twelve month, gave him the seal of Circumcision (changing both their names, Abram into Abraham, and Sarai into Sarah) for a sure pledg & testimony of his promise, promising also to favour Ishmael the eldest born, for the fathers sake, which promises; Abraham entertaining and embracing with a lively faith, & true obedience, caused himself, being now 99 years of age, and his son Ishmael then thirty years old, and all his houshold, to be circumcised, the self-same day wherein it was enjoyn'd him. [Gen▪ 17. 21. to 26.]
Abraham invites Angels coming like men travelling upon the way unto his house: and feasts them, who reiterating the promise of the birth of Isaac, in favour of Sarah declared, with all the judgment of God, intended upon the 5 cities, for their utter destruction; and Abraham fearing what would become of Lot, and his family in Sodome, made intercession to God for the sparing of that place, [Gen. 18, and 19. v. 29.] Sodome therefor; and Gomorrah and Aadmah, and Seboim, for their horrible sins, perished by fire and brimstone, raining down upon them from heaven, [Gen. 19.] that they might be an example to all wicked livers in time to come, of the pains of that everlasting fire to be inflicted on them in that lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death [2 Pet. 2, 6. …ud. 7. Ap. 19. 20. c. 20. 10. c. 21. 8.] The monument whereof remaineth unto this day; even the dead sea. The valley of Siddim, where these 5 cities stood in former times, which was full of brimstone and salt pits, being since grown into a vast lake; which from the brimstone therein still floating, is called Lacus Asphaltitis, a lake of brimstone; & from th… salt, mare salsum, the salt sea, [Gen. 14. 3, 10. Deut. 3. 17. c. 29. 23. Zeph. 2. 9. Wisd. 10. 6, 7.] of which, Solinus thus writeth, A great way off from Jerusalem, there lies a woful spectacle, of a country to be seen, which that it was heretofore blasted from heaven, appears by the blackness of the earthfalling all to cinders. There were in that place heretofore seated two Cities, one called Sodome, the other Gomorrah, whereof an apple grow, though it seeme to have a shew of maturity and ripenesse, yet it is not eateable at all; for the outmost skin thereof, containeth nothing within it save a stinking steeme, mingled with ashes, and being never so lightly touched, sendeth forth a smoake, and the rest falls presently into a light dust or powder.
Lot being hasted out of Sodome by the Angels, avoided the destruction, by flying to a little city, called Bela, which from thence was called Zoas; but his wife was turned into a pillar of salt; and Lot himself, fearing to continue at Zoar, left the plain country, and betook him to the Hill, as he was commanded, carrying his two daughters with him, [Gen. 19.]
Abraham, going from the plain of Mamre, towards the south, that he might dwell at a place which was afterward called Beersheba, was entertained by Abimelech, K. of the Philistines, at Gerar, where Sarah, going once again under the name of his sister, was rest from him. But the K. being reproved therefore, and punished by God, restored her untouch't to her husband, with large gifts and presents added thereto, and by his prayers Abimilech and all his house were healed of their infirmities, [Gen. 20.]
When Abraham was now 100, Year of the World 2108. c. and Sarah 90 years of age, The Julian Period 2818 the fore-promised son Isaac was born unto them, The Julian Period 2896 [Gen. 17. 17, 21. c. 21. 1, 7. Rom. 4. 19.] nor long after was it, that Moab and Amon were born to Lot, who was both father, and grandfather to them, [Gen. 19. 36, 37, 38.
When Isaac was weaned, Abraham made a great …east, and Sarah spying Ishmael the son of Hagar the Aegyptian jesting with, or rather mocking (as in Gen. 39. 14. that word is taken) nay even persecuting (as the Apostle, [Gal. 4. 29.] expoundeth it) her son Isaac; as chalenging to himself, by way of eldership, the right of inheritance in his fathers estate, said unto Abraham, Cast forth this handmaid with her son, for the son of his handmaid shall not be heir with my son Isaac; which though he took very grievously at the first, yet he did it; God having said unto him, in Isaac shall thy seed be called, [Gen. 21. 8, 12. and Rom. 9. 7, 8. and Heb. 11. 17, 18.] where observe that Isaac is called his onelyonly begotten son. But among the Hebrews there is a difference of opinions; some holding that this was done in the 5 year after Isaacs weaning; others in the 12. but we chosing a shorter time of age, reckon that Ishmael was cast out with his mother, when he was 18 years old, saith St Jerome, writing of the traditions of the Jewes, upon Genesis: so that from this declaration of the elect seed, and persecution (as the Apostle termeth it) of Isaac, by Hagars son, many of them, reckon the 400 years; which the seed of Abraham was to be a stranger and sojourner, and afflicted in a forreign land, as God had foretold unto him [Gen. 15. 13. Acts 7. 6.] For that those 400 years were to be compleated at the instant of the departure of the children of Israel out of Egypt, appears (Gen. 15. 14. Ex. 12. 35, 36.) compared each with other; though the ordinary gloss out of Austin, refers the beginning of the account, to the very birth of Isaac, as if the Scripture called the number of 405 by the name of 400 years, as in a round summe, or number.
Salah the fourth from Noah, Year of the World 2126 d. died 403 years after the birth of Heber, Year of the World 2106 [Gen. Year before Christ 1878 11. v. 15.]
Assis reigned in Egypt by the space of 49 years two moneths: Year of the World 2131 b. Manetho. The Julian Period 2841 Year before Christ 1873
By faith Abraham, Year of the World 2133 when he was tryed, The Julian Period 2843 offered up his son Isaac; Year before Christ 1871 considering with himself, that God was able by his power, to raise him again from the dead; whence also he did receive him, in a manner, [Heb. 11. v. 17, 19.]
Now Josephus reports that at this time Isaac was 25 years old. lib. 1. Antiq. 14. (al. 22.) and that he was at that time of good years, may be gathered from this, that he was able to carry so much wood, as was to go to the burning and consuming of such a whole burnt offering, as himself was then intended by Abraham to have been made, Gen. 22. v. 6.
Sarah being 127 years of age, Year of the World 2145 b. died in Hebron, The Julian Period 2855 for whose burial Abraham bought the cave in the field of Macpelah, Year before Christ 1859 which was the first possession that he gat in the land of Canaan, of Ephron the Hittite, for a summe of money, Gen. 23. v. 12, 19. 20. But as Abraham is registred to us for the father of the faithful, Rom. 4. v. 11, 12. So is Sarah for the mother of the faithful, 1 Pet. v. 3, 6. and she is the only woman whose full and entire age is mentioned in the Scripture.
Abraham being careful to get a wife for his son Isaac, Year of the World 2148 d. sent his chief servant, The Julian Period 2858 Eliesar of Damascus, Year before Christ 1856 Gen. 15. v. 2. (taking first an oath of him) to look out one for him: who going by the guidance of God into Mesopotamia, there obtained for him Rebeka the daughter of Bethuel, sister to Laban the Syrian, whom Isaac receiving for his wife, brought into the tent of his mother Sarah; and by the solace and content which he took in her, put off the dolor and grief which he conceived upon the death of his mother, who was departed this life three years before, Gen. 24. v. 1. 67. and he was forty years old when he married his wife Rebeka, Gen. 25. v. 20.
About this time began the reign of the Argivi in Peloponesus, 1080 years before the first Olympiade, as Eusebius in his Chronicle reporteth, out of Castor.
The first that there reigned was Inachus, who reigned 50 years; of whom Erasmus, in the proverb, Inacho antiquior, speaketh; unto which also I refer that of the most learned Varro, in his 17 book of Humane Affaires, (cited by A. Gellius in his first book, Noctium Attic. c. 16. and of Macrobius: lib. 1 Saturnal.) where he saith, To the beginning of Romulus are reckoned more than 1100 years: For from the beginning of Inachus his reign, according to the accompt of Castor, there mentioned, unto the Palilia, or solemne Festivals of Pales (the country Goddess among the Romans) mentioned by Varro, are reckoned 1102 years.
Sem the son of Noah died 500 years after the birth of Arphaxad, Year of the World 2158 d. Gen. The Julian Period 2868 11. v. Year before Christ 1846 11.
When Rebeka had continued barren nineteen years after her marriage, Year of the World 2167. d. Isaac in great devotion made praier unto God in her behalf; The Julian Period 2877 and she thereupon conceived twins, Year before Christ 1837 Gen. 25. v. 21.
When the twins strove in the womb, Year of the World 2168. c. Rebeka asked counsell of God; by whom it was answered, that the hands of two differing and disagreeing Nations should proceed out of her in that birth, of which the one should be stronger than the other, and that the elder should serve the younger. But at the time of her travel, the first that came forth was ruddy all over, and like to a shag garment, and his name was called Esau; then came forth the other, holding the former by the heele, whereupon he was called by the name of Jacob; and Isaac their father, at the time of their birth, was sixty years old, Gen. 25. v. 22. Hosea, 12. v. 3.
Manetho writes, Year of the World 2179 that Thethmosis King of Thebais, or the uper Egypt, besieged the Hicksos or Shepheards, shut up in a place called Auarim (containing 10000 acres of ground) with an army of foure hundred and fourescore thousand men: but that finding no possibility of taking them, took this end with them, that they should leave Egypt, and go freely whither they would, and that they, with all their substance and goods, being in number no lesse than four hundred and forty thousand, passing through Egypt, went by the way of the wildernesse into Syria, and that for dread they had of the Assyrians, who then possessed all Asia, they built themselves a City in the land of Judaea, as it is now called, bigg enough to receive so vast a multitude of inhabitants, and called it Hierosolyma, i. e. Jerusalem: so saies Manetho in Josephus lib. 1. contra Appionem Grammaticum, which (Appion in his 4. book of Egyptian affaires) calls this king, Amosis, and proves out of the Annals of Ptolomaeus Mendesius an Egyptian Priest, that he was contemporary to Inachus afore-mentioned, King of the Argivi, as Tatian the Assyrian (in his Oration against the Greeks.) Justin Martyr, (in his Paraenetion or Exhortatory to the Greeks.) Clemens Alexandrinus in his first book of his Stromata, and others do report; all which following Iosephus and Iustus Tiberiensis understand as meant of the Israelites, because they traded much in sheep, Gen. 46. v. 33, 34. and 47. v. 3. and because they went out of Egypt into Canaan: and therefore conceive that Moses contemporary with Inachus, was the man that conducted them in that journey; whereas those things seem rather to refer to the Phaenicians, whom Herodotus (in the beginning of his History, and in the 89 chapter of his seventh book) reporteth to have come from the red Sea; and seated themselves in Palestine, for that the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt fell out many and many years after Inachus, the course of all Chronologie doth undoubtedly declare.
Thethmosis, Year of the World 2180. c. al. Amosis, The Julian Period 2890 having driven out these shepherds, Year before Christ 1824 reigned in the lower Egypt by the space of twenty five years and four months. [Manetho.]
Abraham, Year of the World 2183. c. when he was 175 years old, The Julian Period 2893 and one hundred years after his coming into Canaan, Year before Christ 1821 departed this life, and was buried by his two sons, Isaak and Ishmael, in his cave at Macpelah, with Sarah his wife, [Gen. 25. v. 7, 10.] He lived fifteen years after the birth of Iacob, with whom he is said also to have lived in tents, [Heb. 11. v. 9.]
Heber, Year of the World 2187. d. the fifth from Noah, died 430 years after the birth of his son Peleg, [Gen. 11. v. 17.] This man lived the longest of any that was born after the flood; and out-lived Abraham himself; and from him Abraham came first to be sirnamed the Hebrew, [Gen. 14. v. 13.] and in after times, all the posterity of his Grandchild Iacob, were known by the same name, [Gen. 40. v. 15.] Where note that Canaan, was stiled the land of the Hebrewes, while the Canaanite was yet living in that land.
About this time, Year of the World 2200 the promises formerly made unto Abraham, The Julian Period 2910 were, Year before Christ 1804 as it seemeth, fully performed to his son Isaac, such as were, I will multiply thy seed, as the stars of heaven; And, To thy seed will I give this Land: And, In thy seed, shall all the Nations of the earth be blessed, [Gen. 26. v. 4.]
Ch…bron reigned in Egypt 13 years, Year of the World 2205. d. [Manetho.] The Julian Period 2915 The Julian Period 2749
Esau, Year of the World 2208. c. being 40 years old, took two wives, of the land of the Hittites, Iudith the daughter of Beeri, and Basematham the daughter of Elon: which were very troublesome, and bitterly bent against Rebeka, [Gen. 26. v. 34, 35,] compared with [c. 27. v. 46.] and with [c. 28. v. 8.]
At this time the Ogygian, Deluge befel in the country of Attica 1020 years before the first Olympiade: as is reported out of Hellanicus, Castor, Thalus, Diodorus Siculus, and Alexander Polyhistor in his third book of his Chronographie, by Iulius Africanus, as we find it in Eusebius his book, de Praep. Evang. which yet Varro his accounts, makes to have been three hundred years before.
Amenophis reigned in Egypt 20 years, Year of the World 2218. d. 7 months. The Julian Period 2928 [Manetho. Year before Christ 1786]
Ishmael, Year of the World 2231. b. Abrahams son, The Julian Period 2941 at the age of 137 years, Year before Christ 1773 died. [Gen. 25. v. 17.]
Am-essis, Year of the World 2239. b. the sister of Amenophis, The Julian Period 2949 reigned in Egypt 21 years, Year before Christ 1765 9 months. [Manetho.]
Euechous began to reigne in Chaldea, Year of the World 2242 two hundred twenty foure years before the Arabians, The Julian Period 2952 [Iulius Affricanus: Year before Christ 1762] which seemeth to be the same with Belus of Babilon, or Iupiter Belus, worshiped afterwards by the Chaldeans as a god. [Isa. 46. vers. 1. Ier. 50. vers. 2. and 51. v. 41.]
Isaac now grown old and blind, Year of the World 2245. a. in the 44th year before his death, The Julian Period 2954 sent Esau his elder son, to take some venison for him, Year before Christ 1760 purposing to blesse him at his returne; but Iacob his younger son, by the subtile counsel of his mother, coming disguised in his clothes, and with savourie meat in his hand, stole away the blessing, unwitting to his father; and the blessing, though so got, God confirmed ever after. But Iacob seeing that for so doing, his brother followed him with a deadly hatred, and being desirous to avoid his traps, willing also to take a wife of his own kindred, asking first his fathers blessing, he took his journey into Mesopotamia to his uncle Laban. But in his journey, by the vision of a ladder, God confirmed to him, all the blessings formerly given to his father, and assured him of his grace and favour for the future, in remembrance whereof, Iacob set up a pillar, and changed the name of the place from Luz, to Bethel, and there made a vow to God. And coming at length to Carran, and continuing a months time with Laban, fell in love with Rachel his daughter, and covenanted to serve him seven years for her, [Gen. 27. v. 1. and 29. v. 20.] with [Hosea 12. v. 12.] now that this fell upon the 77 year of Iacobs age, will appear by that which will be said, upon the year of the World, 2259.
Esau, seeing that Isaak had blessed Iacob, and sent him away into Mesopotamia, thereto take him a wife, and that he liked not the daughers of Canaan, to pacifie his fathers mind, who was offended with him for marrying his first wife out of Canaan, took a second wife Mahalatha, the daughter of Ishmael, the son of Abraham, [Gen. 28. v. 6, 9.]
Esau had been now a married man 37 years, and was 77 years old; whereas Iacob, who was as old as he, had all this while, lived a Batchelor; but being now mindful of his fathers command, he demanded Rachel his wife to be given to him; using this for a reason, that his daies were now full, [Gen. 29. v. 21.] that is that he was now of an age ripe for marriage, as Tremellius expoundeth it: though Tho. Lidyate would rather have it understood of that instant month or period of time compleated, wherein Laban, from the beginning, intended to make proof of Jacobs industry, and sufficiency in the managing of affaires committed to his charge, before he would bestow his daughter on him: which no doubt was mentioned at his first arrival there; seeing it was the only cause of his coming thither.
But by the fraud of Laban, instead of Rachel, Leah the elder daughter was put in bed unto him: neverthelesse, at the end of the marriage weeke, [Iudges 14. v. 12, 17.] Rachel also was espoused to him; upon covenant of serving seven years more for her; and Laban gave unto Leah, his maid-servant Zilpah for a hand maid, and to Rachel he gave Billah, and when Leah was not so gracious in Iacobs eye, as Rachel was: the one by Gods appointment remained barren, the other was made a mother of four children, successively in four years, [Gen. 29. 21, 22, &c.
Of Leah was born unto Iacob, Year of the World 2246 his eldest son Reuben, The Julian Period 2956[Gen. Year before Christ 1758 29. 32.] who for his incest committed with Billah his fathers concubine; lost afterward, his right of the first born, [Gen. 35. 22. and 49. 3, 4. and 1 Chron. 5. 1.]
Simeon was borne. Year of the World 2247 The Julian Period 2957 Year before Christ 1457
Levi was born, Year of the World 2248 v. 34. The Julian Period 2958 Year before Christ 1756
Iudah was born [v. 35.] Year of the World 2249. c. from whom the Jewes took their name. The Julian Period 2959 Year before Christ 1755
Rachel, Year of the World 2259. c. afterward by the blessing of God, proving fruitfull, bare Ioseph unto him, at the end of his fourteen years service, and then asking leave of Laban to returne into his own countrey; he was held there six years more upon another bargain made between him, and his father in law Laban: for a certain part of his flock, [Gen. 30. 22, 25, 31. with 31. v. 41.] now that Iacob was 91 years old when Ioseph was born, and consequently, 77 years old, when he first began to serve Laban, appears by this, for that Iacob being 130 years of age, when he first stood before Pharaoh, which was when the seven years of plenty were passed, and two of the famine spent, [Gen. 45. 6. with 47. 9.] Ioseph was then 39 years old, as being 30 years of age, what time he first came into Pharaohs presence, immediately before the seven years of plenty began, [Gen. 41. 32, 46.]
Mephres reigned in Egypt, Year of the World 2261. a. 12 years, The Julian Period 2971 9 months, Year before Christ 1743 [Manetho.]
Iacob, Year of the World 2265. c. perceiving the heart-burning of Laban, and his sons malice toward him, was warned of God to returne into his own country: which having communicated to his wives; while Laban was shearing his sheep, at the latter end of the spring (as will appear anon upon the 2974th year of the world) after his 20 years service, getting away unknown to Laban, with all his substance, wives, and family, passed over the river Euphrates, [Gen. 31. 1, 3, 19, 21, 38, 41.] But whereas it is said that there were twelve sons born him in Mesopotamia, [Gen. 35. 22, 26.] Benjamine is not to be reckoned among them, who was certainly born afterward in the land of Canaan, not far from Bethlehem, [16. v. 18, 19.] in like manner, as the twelve Apostles are counted, though to make up that number, Iudas was wanting, Iohn 20. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 1.] of which matter, Augustine more at large, in his 117 Question upon Genesis.
Laban three daies after (for so many daies journey was Laban off from the place where Iacob kept his sheep) hearing that his son in law was gone, took some of his friends and kindred along with him, and pursued after him, seven dayes journey, and at last overtook him in mount Gilead; which took its name, from this their meeting there, for after many and divers expostulations which passed there between them, making all fair at last, for a testimony and monument of their covenant and agreement there made, Iacob erected a pillar, with a heap of stones: which Laban the Syrian, called Iegar sahadutha: but Iacob the Hebrew called Galaad, (i.e.) the heap of a testimony, or witnesse between them two. Gen. 31. 47, 48.]
Iacob being sent away in peace by Laban, but affrighted with the newes of his brother Esaues approach with a band of men, divided his company, into two bands, calls upon God: sends before him presents to his brother Esau: and as well by a stronge wrestling with the Angel, as by the name of Israel given him by God, growes into a sure trust of the help of God, [Gen. 32. with Hosea 12 3, 4.]
Esau, entertaining his brother courteously; after much entreatie, accepts of his presents, offers himself with his company to conduct him on his way; and when Iacob would not, took his leave of him, and departed: Iacob then went on to Succoth; so then called by him, for there he built him a house, and cotts for his sheep, from whence it was called Succoth. Afterward passing over Jordan, he came into Canaan, and pitched his tent in Salem, a city of the Sichemites; in a parcell of ground, which he had bought of the sons of Hamor the Sichemite, for an hundred peeces of silver: and there he built an altar, which he called by the name of El-Elohe-Israel; or of the mighty God, the God of Israel, [Gen. 33.] to wit, in the self same place, where Abraham heretofore had built his first altar: [Gen. 12. 6, 7.] and where Iacobs well was, near unto mount Gersim: of which the woman of Samar…a, speaking to our Saviour said, our Fathers worshiped in this mountain, [Iohn 4. 5, 6, 12, 20.] for that that mountain was placed in the country of the Sichemites, appeareth, [Iudges. 9. 7.]
Mephramu…hosis reigned in Egypt 25 years: Year of the World 2273. d. 10 months, The Julian Period 2983 [Manetho. Year before Christ 1731]
Ioseph being 17 years of age, Year of the World 2276. c. told his father of his brethrens unthriftinesse, and was foreshewed by God that he should one day come to be the best man of all his fathers family; but fell thereby into so deadly a hatred and malice of his brethren, that first they conspired his death: and at length agreed to sell him away for a bond-slave into a far country: so drawing him out of the pit, whereinto they had cast him they sold him to the Ishmaelitish and the Midianitish Marchants (both which nations sprang from their grandfather Abraham) for 20 pieces of silver: and was by them carried away into Egypt, and there sold for a slave to Potipher, captain of the Guard to Pharaoh, [Gen. 37. 2, 36.] Justin also, in his Epitome of Trogus Pompeius; lib. 36. cap. 2. makes mention of Joseph, and that his brethren, envying the excellencie of his wit, getting him privily into their hands, sold him away to forreign Merchants, and that they carried him into Egypt.
Ioseph, Year of the World 2287. c. upon occasion being cast there into prison, The Julian Period 2997 Year before Christ 1717 interpreted to two Officers of Pharaoh's Court, to each of them his dream, just two years before he was brought into Pharaoh's presence, [Gen. 40. with 41. 1.]
Isaac died at the age of 180 years, Year of the World 2288. c. and was buried by his two sons, The Julian Period 2998 Esau and Iacob, Year before Christ 1716 [Gen. 35. 28, 29]
Pharaoh, Year of the World 2289. b. when he could not get his dreams, The Julian Period 2999 which he had dream't, Year before Christ 1715 to be expounded by his own wise men; hearing of Iosephs dexterity that way, sent for him; being then 30 years old, who having opened to the King his dreams; first that of the seven years plenty, then the seven years famine, added moreover, his advise, how to provide out of the store of the first seven years of plenty, against the famine of the other seven years of scarcity, which were to follow. Whereupon Pharaoh, by the general assent of all his Nobles, made him Governour of the whole Kingdome: giving him to wife Asenah the daughter of Potipher, Governour of the Onii or Heliopolitan in Egypt, [Gen. 41. 1, 46.] Iustin also out of Trogus Pompeius saies, that he was very great with Pharaoh: For, saith he, he was most exquisite in expounding of prodigies or signes, and was the first that found out, and taught the art of the interpretation of dreams: neither was there any part of divine or humane right, which seemed to be unknown to him; insomuch, that he foretold a famine, many years before; wherewith all Egypt had perished, unlesse the King by his advice, had caused corne to be laied up in store many years before it came.
From the harvest of this year, Year of the World C being to be counted 7 years of plenty, wherein Ioseph laied up an infinite treasure of corne, and had born unto him of Asenah his wife, two sons, Manasses and Ephraim, [Gen. 41. 47, 53.]
The seven years of the famine began from the harvest of this year, Year of the World 2296. c. whrein the forecast, The Julian Period 3006 and wisdome of Ioseph, Year before Christ 1708 did not only sustain Egypt, but was a help and relief to sundry other countries likewise, [Gen. 41. 54, 57.]
Iacob dispatched away ten of his sons into Egypt to buy corne; Year of the World 2297. d. whom Ioseph, seeming not The Julian Period 3007 to know them, Year before Christ 1707 caused to be taken for spies, and they being laid in hold, could not be discharged, till Simeon, the eldest and chief of them, who consented to sell him, was cast into prison, and left in pawne, that the rest should bring before him Benjamin, their youngest brother, born of Rachel, Josephs own mother: and now being dismissed, they carried away their corne, and with it the money, which they had paied for, being conveyed into their several sacks, by the secret appointment of Joseph; they tell their father Jacob, all that had happened to them: and withal, declare unto him, the necessity laied upon them, of carrying their yongest brother Benjamin into Egypt, perswading him by all means to let him go: but all in vain, [Gen. 42.]
Jacob, Year of the World 2298. b. pressed with famine, The Julian Period 3008 sent again his sons, Year before Christ 1706 and with them Benjamin their brother furnished with double mony, and other presents unto Joseph to buy more corne, and they at their returne were courteously entertained, and feasted by him, and Simeon was set at liberty, and restored to them, [Gen. 43.]
And when they were all to go away, Joseph arrested them, for stealing his cup; which he had caused privily to be conveyed into Benjamins sack: which crime they endeavoured to put off by shewing how truly they meant, by bringing again the mony which they found in their sacks, when they came home, offering themselves to die, or to be his bondslaves, if any such thing could be proved against them: But in the end, the cup being found with Benjamin, and they brought back to Joseph, they all yeilded themselves to him for his bondslaves: which when he refused, saying he would have none but him with whom the cup was found, Judah then humbly offered himself to serve him in Benjamins stead, [Gen. 44.]
Joseph hearing Judah to make this offer, discovered himself to his brethren, and seeing them all amazed at the remembrance of the sin, which they had formerly committed against him, comforted them, by shewing how that act of theirs was so wrought by the providence of God; and then, out of the Kings store, and by his command, furnished them all with carriages and provision for their journey, to go, and to return with all speed, bringing their father, and their own severall families with them: which when they related to their father, he would not believe, untill he saw the coaches, and other things answerable, all fitted for his transportation into Egypt, [Gen. 45.]
Iacob, after sacrifices offered, being strengthened by God, with all his family, in the beginning of the third year of the famine, went down into Egypt, being then 130 years old, [Gen. 45. 6. c. 46. 1, 27. c. 47. 9. Deut. 26. 5.]
Ioseph, letting Pharaoh know of the arrival of his kindred in Egypt, brought his father and five of his brethren unto his presence: and having communed with them, assigned them a fitting place in the land of Goshen; where they were provided of all necessaries by Ioseph, [Gen. 47. 1, 12.]
Muthamuthrosis deceasing, Year of the World 2299 d. Thmosis reigned in Egypt 9 years 8 moneths [Manetho. The Julian Period 3009] Year before Christ 1705
Joseph heaped together, Year of the World 2300 all the moneys which were to be found in Egypt and Canaan, The Julian Period 3010 for the corn which he had sold unto them, The Julian Period 3704 [Gen. 47. v. 14.]
When the money of both these countries was spent; Year of the World 2301 the Egyptians then sold all their flocks and herds of cattel unto Joseph,3011. 170…. for food to live upon that year [Gen. 47. 15, 16, 17.]
At the end of this year, Year of the World 2302 when their money and stock of cattel was all gone, The Julian Period 3012 the Egyptians then sold both their lands and liberties unto Joseph: Year before Christ 1702 who thereupon supplied them with corne to feed them, and also with seed, to sow their ground withall, in this seventh and last year of the famine, to receive it again the year following, when the barrennesse of the earth was over; and to the end, that Pharaoh might have a full title and possession of the lands so bought, Joseph removed and transplaced them, every man from one side of the country to the other, and there assigned unto every man land to till and to manure, reserving neverthelesse out of the profits, a fifth part to Pharaohs own use, yearly, by a fundamental law of that kingdom: onelyonly the chief Governours, and the Priests lands, came not into Pharaohs hands, because these living of the kings allowance, had no need to sell their lands for food as others had.
Amenophis reigned in Egypt 30 years 10 moneths, Year of the World 2309 b. [Manetho.] The Julian Period 3019 Year before Christ 1695
Jacob drawing toward his end, Year of the World 2315 adopted Ephraim and Manasses the sons of Joseph, and blessing them, by instinct from God, set the younger before the elder, [Gen. 48. Hebr. 11. 21.] then calling his sons together, blessed them all; foretold what should betide them in their several generations, and uttered to them that memorable prophesie of the Messias: and taking order with them concerning his burial, dyed when he had lived 147 years: whereof he had spent 17 years in the land of Egypt, [Gen. 49. compared with 47. 25.]
The body of Jacob being embalmed by the appointment of Joseph, was kept by the space of 40 dayes: lamentation was made over him by the Egyptians 70 dayes, and with Pharaohs leave, was conveighed into the land of Canaan by Joseph and his brethren, acompanied with a great traine of the principal men of Pharaohs court; where lamentation was again made over him 7 dayes, and was buried with his kindred in the cave at Macpelah, as himself had given order for it, [Gen. 50. 15.—21.]
Orus reigned in Egypt 36 years 5 moneths, Year of the World 2340. b. [Manetho.] The Julian Period 3050 Year before Christ 1664
By faith Joseph on his death-bed spake of the departure of the children of Israel out of Egypt; Year of the World 2369. c. and gave order that his bones might be carried with them, The Julian Period 3079 and then departed this life, Year before Christ 1675 in the 110 years of his age: having seen of his off-spring to the third generation, [Gen. 50. 22.—26. H…br. 11. 22.] to wit, Shutelach and Tachan, the sons of his son Ephraim, and Hadan or Haran, [Num. 26. 36.] the son of Shutelach, and Macir the son of Manasse, and Gilead Manasles his grand child, From whence it is, that the Greek Expositors, speaking of the families of Jacob and Joseph, which were said to consist of 70 souls, [Gen. 46. 27. Deut. 10. 22.] adding thereunto these five which were borne unto Joseph in Egypt, upon [1 Chron. 7.] reckon them in all 75 persons: out of all which appears, that Ioseph held on his rule and government of the state of Egypt, which lasted full 80 years, under several Pharaohs, as Eusebius in his Chronicle, hath rightly observed, and digested in this manner: …oseph, saith he, was made Governour of Egypt, in the 30 year of his age; when his father Jacob was 122 years old: which government he held 80 years, after whose decease the Hebrews were held in bondage by the Egyptians 144 yeers: so the whole time which the Hebrews spent in Egypt, was 215 years: reckoned from the time, that Iacob and his sons went down into Egypt.
The books of Genesis end with the death of Ioseph containing the storie of 2369 years space, which book, that it was written by Moses himself, is the opinion of the Talmudists in their Baba-bathra, lib. 1. and so is it generally believed by all the Hebrews. Thesum whereof is delivered by Servius sulpicius, in the first book of his Historia sacra: thus, In this tract of time lived Job: a man embracing the law of nature, and the knowledge of the true God, and all righteousnesse, rich in substance, and the more noted, for that neither the enjoyment of those riches corrupted, nor the loss of them depraved him in his way. For when as, first being spoyled of his goods by Satan, he was also bereft of his children; and at last tormented with grievous boches and sores in his body, he could yet never be drawn, thorough impatience, to sin in any sort: whereof having first received a testimonie from Gods own mouth; he was afterward restored to his former health, and had cast into his bosome double, of what ever he possessed before.
Acenchres the son of Orus reigned in Egypt 12 years 1 monethmonth: Year of the World 2376. c. [Manetho.] The Julian Period 3086 Year before Christ 1628
Levi died in Egypt, Year of the World 2385 aged 137 years, [Exod. 6. 16.] The Julian Period 3095 being grandfather by the mothers side to Moses and Aaron, Year before Christ 1919 and great grand-father by the Fathers. For when Levi had begotten Kohath in Canaan, who died at the age of 133 years, and a daughter called Iochebad in Egypt, Amram the son of Kohath took to wife Iocebed the daughter of Levi, his own Aunt, and of that marriage (expressely afterward forbidden) [Levit. 18. 12. and 20. 19.] had Moses and Aaron, and their sister Miriam, and having attained to the age of his grand-father, and withall his father in law, which was 137 years, dyed a little before the departure of the Israelites out of the land of Egypt, Exod. 2. 1, 6, 18, 20. Numb. 26. 59.
Rathotis, Year of the World 2388 the son of Acenchres, The Julian Period 3098 reigned in Egypt 9 years: Year before Christ 1616 [Manetho.]
The Ethiopians, Year of the World 2389 coming from as far as from the river Indus, The Julian Period 3099 sate down upon the borders of Egypt. Year before Christ 1615 [Euseb. Chron.] to which that place of the Panegyrist resers, where he saith, Let the victories of Egypt give place to this: under which the Ethiopian and Indus both did tremble, and that Ethiopia, which is to the southward of Egypt, is now called, the greater India, is delivered by J. Potken in his Ethiopian Psalter printed at Rome 1513.
Acenchres, Year before Christ 1397 the son of Rathotis, The Julian Period 3120 reigned in Egypt 12 years 5 moneths: Year before Christ 1594 [Manetho.]
Armais reigned there 4 years 1 monethmonth: Year of the World 2422. a. [Manetho.] The Julian Period 3132 Year before Christ 1578
Ramesses reigned in Egypt 1 year 4 moneths: Year of the World 2426. c. [Manetho.] The Julian Period 3136 Year before Christ 1582
Ramesses Miamun reigned there 66 years a moneths; Year of the World 2427. d. the latter part of whose surname seems to have been deduced from the forepart of the name Amen-op his; by which name both his son after him, and sundry also of his predecessors were called; but the former part of it from the word Moy: which with the Egyptians signifieth water, as Iosephus l. 1. contra, Apion. and Clemens Alexand. l. 1. stromat, and Suidas (in foreign) affirms, whence also those writers, who deliver all by way of Fables, called Mythologians give him the name of Neptune, the feigned God of the waters, as shal be shewed upon the year 2533. This is that new king, which knew not Joseph, as being born after his death, and remembred no more the great benefits received from him. And by his policie it was that the Egyptians, taking a fright at the number and strength of the Israelites in the land, overlaid them with a heavie and cruel bondage, laying upon them, over and above their continuall labour and tillage of the ground, the building also of the Kings magazines and store-houses: and the whole cities of Raamsis, or Ramesis: [Exod. 1. 8. 14. Acts 7. 18, 19.] the later whereof took its name, as Mercator thinketh, from Ramesses the founder of it, and the other perhaps from his Queen.
Aaron was borne 3 years before his brother Moses; Year of the World 2430. b. eighty three years, The Julian Period 3140 before the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt, Year before Christ 1574 [Exod. 7. 7.]
The ungodly king, Year of the World 2431 when he could not prevaile with Shiphra and Pua two principal midwives of the Hebrew women, The Julian Period 3141 privily to make away the male children of them, Year before Christ 1573 set forth a barbarous edict, to destroy them all, by drowning them in the river, [Exod. 1. 15.—22. Acts 7. 19, 20. in the time which interceded between the birth of Aaron and Moses.
Jocebed, Year of the World 2433 41 years after the death of her Father Levi, The Julian Period 3143 Year before Christ 1571 bare Moses to Amram, her nephew and husband, for Moses was 80 year old, when he first spake unto Pharaoh, to let the children of Israel go, [Exod. 7. 7.] and the 40 year, after that he dyed, in the 12 monethmonth, being then 120 years of age, [Deut. 31. 2. and 34. 7.
Now for as much as Moses, (God so disposing) was a lovelie childe to look on, as Justin also out of Trogus Pompeius, mentions him to have been, his parents, hid him 3 moneths in their house, and did not regard the kings edict, [Exod. 2. 2. Acts 7. 20. Heb. 11. 23.]
But when as, by the over diligent inquiry made by the kings searchers, and their bad neighbours the Egyptians, he was at length found out, they put him in a basket of bullrushes, daubed over with slime and brimstone, and layed it in the flags, by the brim of the river, his sister, Miriam, or Mary, [Numb. 26. 59, 1 Chron. 6. 3.] standing a loof of from the place, to see what would become of him. But Pharaohs daughter (whom Josephus 2. Antiq. c. 5. al. 9. calleth Thermutin, and so doth Epiphanius, in Panario, and others) finding him there, put him forth to be nursed, as it fell out, to his own mother Jocebed; and afterward adopted him for her son, and …caused him to be brought up, and instructed him in all manner of science and learning of the Egyptians, [Exod. 2. 5. 10. with Acts 7. 21, 22.]
Cecrops, Year of the World 2448 an Egyptian, The Julian Period 3158 transporting a colonie of the Saits into Attica, Year before Christ 1556 as we learn out of Diodorus Siculus. lib. 1. set up there the kingdom of the Athenians, 780 years before the 1. Olympiad, as Eusebius in Chron. reporteth out of Castor, from this Cecrops his time, the Cronologie of the Ile of Paros, published by that most learned J. Selden, among his Marmora Arundelliana, deduceth his Historie or Antiquities of Greece, for that after him & Moses, who was contemporarie with him, so many memorable things fel out in Greece; as Deucalions flood, Phaetous fire, the birth of Ericthonius, the rape of Proserpina, the mysteries of Ceres, the institution of the Elesinian sacrifices, Triptolemus his art of tilling the ground, the carrying away of Europa by Jupiter, the birth of Apollo, the building of Thebes, by Cadmus, and those of somewhat a later time, Bacchus, Minos, Perseus, Esculapius, Castor & Pollux, Hercules. Euseb. l. 10. de Praep. Ev. c. 9.
In the 18 year of this Cecrops, Year of the World 2465 the Chaldeans made war, The Julian Period 3175 and fought with the Phenicians, The Julian Period 3539 [Euseb. Chron.]
In this war, Year of the World 2466 the Chaldeans being overthrown, The Julian Period 3176 the Arabians reigned in the country of Babylon 216 years beforee Beius the Assyrian came there to reign. Year before Christ 1538 The 1 K. of the Arabians was Mardocentes, who reigned there 45 years, Jul. Affric. and seemeth to be the man that is called Merodach: who was afterward reputed by the Babylonians for a god, [Ier. 50. 2.] from whom the succeding kings borrowed their names; as Merodoch, Baladan, and Evil-merodach.
Moses being now 40 years of age, Year of the World 2413 and going to visit his brethren, the Israelites, and beholding their sad condition, when the saw an Egyptian, smiting a man of the Hebrews, slue him. and buried him in the sand; which when he saw was known, not onelyonly to his brethren but also to Pharaoh; who thereupon sought to have his life, he fled from thence into the land of Madian, where taking to wife Zipporah the daughter of Jethro, he there spent other 40 years of his life, [Acts. 7. 23, 30. Ex. 2. 11, 22. c. 3. 1. c. 18. 1, 2. Num. 10. 29. Jude 4. 11.]
Caleb the son of Jephunna was borne forty years before he was sent by Moses to spie out the land of Canaan, Year of the World 2474 [Jos. 14. 7, 10.] The Julian Period 3184 Year before Christ 1530
Ramesses Miamun died in the 67 year of his reigne; Year of the World 2494 the length of of his tyranical reign seemeth to be noted, The Julian Period 3203 [Exod. Year before Christ 1491 2. 23.] in these words: After many years died the K. of Egypt; and the children of Israel groaned and cried out for the burthen which they under-went, to wit, the cruel bondage, which continued upon them, even after Ramesses was dead, by the space of 19 years and a half, under his son Amenophis, who succeeded him; for so long and no longer a time of his reign is assigned by Manetho: out of whose whole narration, though stuffed with a multitude of old wives tales, all which are abundantly refuted by Josephus, in his 1 book against Apion: yet there are 2 historical verities clearly appearing in him: 1. that under this Amenophis, the father of Sethosis, al. Ramesses (the 1 K. of the following Dynastie, or successive principality) which Manetho makes the 19, and not under the other Amenophis which was the 3 of that Dynastie (as Josephus vainly surmises) the Israelites, under the conduct of Moses, according to Manethoes relation, departed out of Egypt. 2. That he whom the Egyptians call Amenophis the father of Sethosis and Armais, him the Greeks call Belus, the father of Egyptus, and Danaus. For the time of this Belus, by Thallus the Chronographer (as he is alleaged by Theophilus Antiochenus and Lactantius) falls in jump with the age of this Amenophis; though the fable writers confounding this Belus of Egypt, with Belus the Assyrian, the father of Ninus, tell us, that certain Colonies were transported by this Belus (who was drowned in the Red-sea,) into the country of Babylon.
God appeared to Moses, Year of the World 2513 whiles he was keeping his father in law Jethroes sheep in the mountain of Horeb, The Julian Period 3323 in a bramble-bush, Year before Christ 1491 burning, but never consumed with fire, and called him to deliver his people Israel, out of their slavery and bondage in Egypt. And he though he sought by divers excuses to avoid this imploiment, yet at length, partly by miracles, partly by assurance given him of the assistance of God, and his brother Aaron given him for an assistant, he undertook the work, [Acts 7. 30, 35. Exod. 3. & 4. 1, 18.]
Moses, taking leave of Jether or Jethro his Father in law, with his family; took his journey for Egypt: but in the way, for neglecting to circumcise his son Eliezer, he was stopt by God, and not suffered to passe, till he had circumcised his son, and from thence sending back his wife Zippo…ah, and his two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to her father Jethro, and freed from all encombrance, he returned to mount Horeb, where meeting with his brother Aaron, he went on and performed his embassie, confirmed by miracles, in the open sight of the children of Israel, [Exod. 4. 18, 31. & 18. 1, 6.]
Moses and Aaron, having declared to Pharaoh, the message in which they were sent unto him from God, are charged by him as heads of a mutiny, and sent away with many bad words, and more grievous labours were forthwith laid upon the Israelites, than their daily task formerly came unto: and when their overscers were beaten, because all was not done that was commanded, and they complained thereof (though all in vain) to Pharaoh, they expostulated the matter with Moses and Aaron, and Moses with God: who graciously heard him, and confirmed him to go on in the work he had begun, [Ex. 5.]
Moses returned to the Israelites, with further instructions from God; but their oppression still encreasing, could do no good with them: and thereupon being commanded by God to go again to Pharaoh, he excused himself, [Exod. 6.]
Moses being now 80, and Aaron 83 years of age, urged thereunto by God, returned again to Pharaoh, where the Magicians by their sorcery, imitating the miracles of Aarons rod, turned into a serpent, made Pharaoh more obstinate than he was before. [Ex. 7. 1, 13.] The chief of these magicians which opposed Moses, were Jannes and Jambres, al. Mambres, named by the Apostle, [2 Tim. 3. 8.] whose names are celebrated, not only by the Jewes in their Talmudical Treaty of foreign (i.e.) of oblations, c. 9. where they are called by the names of foreign and foreign (i.e.) Jochanne, and Mamre, and in the Chaldee Paraphrase, attributed to Jonathan upon, [Ex. 1. 15. & 7. 11.] but also among some heathen writers, for so Numenius Apamaeus, a Pythagorean Philosopher, in his 3 book, foreign, cited by Euseb. l. 9. Praepar. Evang. c. 8. relates this history: Jannes and Jambres, saith he, interpreters of the mysteries of Egypt, were in great repute, what time the Jewes were sent out of Egypt, being in the opinion of all men, inferiour to none in the Art of Magick. For by the general voice of the Egyptians, they two were chosen to oppose Moses, ring-leader of the Iewes, whose praiers were of all others, most prevalent with God, and they only were able to undoe, and frustrate all those most grievous calamities, which Moses brought upon the Egyptians, in the open view and sight of all the Egyptians: whereto also that of Pliny, l. 30. c. 1. is to be referred, where he saith, There is also another sect of Magicians, depending Upon Moses, and Iannes and Iotape Iewes. Wherein neverthelesse he falls into a double error, 1. In reckoning Moses among the magicians. And 2. in making Jannes and Jotape to be Jewes. But when Pharaoh's magicians, could do no more, God by the hand of Moses la…ed his ten plagues upon the Egyptians, all which are recounted [Psal. 78. & 105.] The which plagues, took up, as the Jewes saw, a whole years space, at several intervals of time; whereas indeed they were all sent within one month in this order.
About the 18 day of the 6 month, (which in the year following and after, was reckoned the 12 month) was sent the first plague, of the waters turned into blood: and after 7 daies ended, [Ex. 7. 25.] about the 25 day, came the 2 plague of the frogs; which was removed the day following: About the 27 was brought upon them the third plague, of flies and lice.
About the 28 day, Moses threatned them with a fourth plague, of flies, and other vermin which came upon the 29 day, and were all taken away upon the 30:
About the 1 of the 7 month (which shortly after was made the 1 month of the year) Moses having foretold them of a fifth plague to come, brought it upon them, the day following, to wit, the plague and murrain of cattel. About the 3 day, the 6 plague, of boiles & boches, which brake out upon man & beast: of which plague the Magicians tasted, & had their share, no lesse than the rest of the Egyptians, [Ex. 9. 11.] whence proceeded that of Justin, out of Trogus Pompeius, lib. 36. The Egyptians, saith he, being afflicted with the scab, and sourf, and being warned by an Oracle, they turned Moses, and all that were infected with that disease, out of Egypt-least the contagion thereof, should spread further among he people. Adde hereunto, the sayings collected out of Diodorus Sicul. l. 40. reported in Ph…t… Bibliotheca. p. 620.
About the fourth day, Moses foretelling them of a 7 plague, brought it on them upon the 5 day of the same month, which was of thunders and rain, and grievous haile, mixt with fire; with which their flax and batly was smitten, because the barly was then in the ear, and the flax boled, but their wheat and the rie were not hurt therewith, because they were not yet out of the ground, whence Nicolaus Fullerus, lib. 3. of his Miscellanies rightly observeth, p. 389. that this plague happened in the month Abib.
About the seventh day Moses threatned them with an eighth plague, and accordingly sent in the day following, …at was, of Locusts, to devoure all; which plague he removed about the 9 day, [Exod. 10. 4, 1…, 19.]
The month Abib, wh… hitherto was the 7 month, was from this time forward, made the 1 month of the whole year, [Ex. 12. 2. with 13. 4.] for a memorial of their departure out of the land of Egypt▪ from the beginning of which month the epocha of the Jewish Calendar, is from thence forward deduced, [Num. 9. 1, 2. with Ex. 40. 17.] though the end of the former account, …ell on the middle of the month.
Upon the 10 day of this now first day of the month, (which was the 30 of April, according to the Julian Calendar, upon Thursday) was instituted the feast of the Passover, and sweet bread, to wit, the Pascal lamb, was c…osen, and kill'd the fourth day after, [Ex. 32. ….]
Moses now bringeth upon them the 9 plague, of 3 dayes darknesse, which were such, that none of the Egyptians during that time, once removed out of the place where the darknesse found him: though the Israelites had all that time, light abundantly in their dwellings [Ex. 10. 22, 23.]
Upon the 14 days (which was May 4. upon munday with us.) which was the last time that he spake with Pharaoh, Moses foretold him of the 10 plague, which should come upon him; namely, the destruction of all the first-born of Egypt, which came to passe the night following, at midnight, and then turning him about in a great anger departed from him, [Ex. 10. 24, 29. c. 11. 1, 4, 8.] At the evening of this day was the Passover celebrated, [Exod. 12. 11, 12.]