Moses and Aaron

CHAP. VII.

Of their Title Rabbi

About the time of our Saviour Christ his Nativity, Titles began to be multiplied; and amongst the rest, these of Rab, Ribbi, Rabbi, and Rabban, were in especial use: they all are derived from ‎‏רבב‏‎ Rabab, signifying, multiplicatus fuit, and they sound as much as πολυμαθέστατος, that is, a Master, or Doctor eminently gifted with variety of Knowledge. Concerning these titles, they write thus,73 that Rabbi is a more excellent title than Rab, and Rabban more excellent then Rabbi; and the simple name without any title, as Haggai, Zachary, Malachy, was more excellent than Rabban. About this time they used a set form of Discipline in their Schools. The Scholar was termed ‎‏תלמיד‏‎, Talmid, a Disciple, in respect of his Learning; ‎‏קטן‏‎ Katan, a Junior, in respect of his minority; ‎‏בחור‏‎ Bachur, that is, one chosen, or elected in respect of his election, or cooptation, into the number of Disciples; After he had proved a good Proficient, and was thought worthy of some degree, then was he by imposition of hands made a Graduate ‎‏חבר‏‎ Chaber, a Companion to a Rabbi. This imposition of hands, they termed ‎‏סמכה‏‎, vel ‎‏סמיכות‏‎, Semicah, or Semicuth, which Ceremony they observed in imitation of Moses towards Joshua. The Lord said unto Moses, Take thou Joshua the son of Nun, in whom is the Spirit, and put thine hand upon him, Numb. 27. 18. At which time he that imposed hands on him, used this form of words,74 I associate thee, and be thou associated. After this when he was worthy to teach others, then was he called Rabbi, and whereas in his minority, his own name being suppressed, he was called onely by his Fathers name, the son of N. When he was made Graduate by imposition of hands, then was he called by his own name, N. the son of N. And afterward when he was thought worthy to teach, then was the Title Rabbi prefixed, after this manner; Rabbi N. the son of N. For example, Maimonides; at first was termed onely Ben Maimon, the son of Maimon; after his degree, then was he called by his own name, added to his fathers, Moses Ben Maimon, Moses the son of Maimon: at last being licenced to teach, then was he called ‎‏רמבם‏‎ Rambam, which abbreviature consisting of Capital Letters, signifeth, Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon, Rabbi Moses the son of Maimon. So Rabbi Levi, the son of Gersom, in his minority was called the son of Gersom, afterward Levi the son of Gersom at last, ‎‏רלבג‏‎ Ralbag, Rabbi Levi the son of Gersom. This distinction of Scholars, Companions, & Rabbies, appeareth by that speech of an ancient Rabbi, saying,75 I learned much of my Rabbies, or Masters, more of my companions, most of all of my Scholars. That every Rabbi had Disciples, and that his own Disciples, and other well-wishers stiled him by the name of Rabbi, in the dayes of our Saviour, needeth no proof. Judas came to Christ and said, God save thee Rabbi, Mat. 26. 49. In like manner Johns Disciples came and saluted John by the name of Rabbi, John 3. 26. and Christ by the name of Rabbi, John 1. 38. But whether there was such a formal imposition of hands then in use, I much doubt. The manner of their meetings, when Disputations were had in their Synagogues, or other Schools, was thus.76 The chief Rabbies sate in reserved Chairs; these are those chief seats of the Synagogues, which the Scribes and Pharises so affected, Mat. 23. 6. Their Companions sate upon Benches or lower Forms; their Scholars on the ground at the feet of their Teachers. Saint Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, Act. 22. 2. And Mary sate at Jesus feet, and heard his word, Luk. 10. 39. The positure of their body differed according to their degrees. The Rabbi is described77 to be ‎‏יושב‏‎ Joscheb, one that sitteth: the Companion, ‎‏מוטת‏‎ Muteth, the word signifieth a kind of leaning upon a bed or bench, ones head lying in the others bosome, in manner of the ancient sitting at table; and it was a deportment of the body, inferiour to that of sitting: The Scholar was termed78 ‎‏מתאבק‏‎ Mithabek, one that doth lie along in the dust, and this was a token of the Scholars humility, thus humbling and subjecting himself even to the feet of his Masters: This same custom it is thought,79 Saint Paul laboured to bring into the Christian Church, 1 Cor. 14. Their Scholars were not all of equal capacity, whence they said,80 some had conditionem spongiæ, others clepsydræ, others sacci fæcinacei, and others cribri. Some resembled the Sponge, and suck’d in all that they heard without judgment; others the Hour-Glass, they took in at one ear, and let out at the other; others the Winesack, through which Wine is so drained from the dregs, that only the dregs remain behind: Lastly, others the Rying-sieve, which in winnowing lets out the courser seed, and keepeth in the corn.

CHAP. VIII.

Of their Nazarites and Rechabites

There are two sorts of Votaries mentioned in the Old Testament; Rechabites, Jerem. 35. and Nazarites, Numb. 6. I find scarce any thing warrantable concerning these two, more than what the Scripture delivereth in the fore-quoted places: therefore concerning the matter of their Vows, I refer the Reader to the aforesaid Texts of Scripture; here only we will note the distinction of Nazarites. The first are these Votaries, termed so from ‎‏נזר‏‎ Nazar, to separate, because they separated themselves from three things; First, from Wine, and all things proceeding from the Vine. Secondly, from the Razor, because they suffered no Razor to come upon their head, but let their hair grow all the dayes of their separation. Thirdly, from pollution by the dead: this separation again was twofold, either for a set number of days, or for a mans whole life; that they termed Naziræatum dierum, this, Naziræatum seculi: of that sort was Paul, and those four with him, Acts 21. 24. Of this sort was Sampson Judges 13. and John Baptist. The just number of days, how long the former of these two separated themselves, is not expressed in Scripture, but the Hebrew Doctors81 determine them to be thirty, because it is said, Num. 6. 5. Domino sanctus, ‎‏יהיה‏‎ erit; which word (say they) containing thirty, expresseth the just number of days to be observed in this voluntary separation. The second sort of Nazarites, were so termed from ‎‏נצר‏‎ Natsar, from whence cometh Natsareth, or Nazareth, the name of a certain Village in Galilee; where Christ was conceived and brought up: Hence our Saviour himself was called a Nazarene, or Nazarite, Mat. 2. 23. and those that embraced his Doctrine, Nazarites, Acts 24. 5. Afterward certain Hereticks sprung up, who as the Samaritanes joyned Jewish ceremonies with Heathenish Rites: so82 they joyned together Christ and Moses, the Law and the Gospel; Baptism and Circumcision: of the beginning of these we shall read, Acts 15. 2. Then came down certain from Judæa, and the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. These Hereticks were called Nazarites, either of malice by the Jewes, to bring the greater disgrace upon Christian religion; or else because at first they were true, though weak Nazarites, that is, Christians mis-led by Peters Judaizing at Antioch, Gal. 2. 11. And hence it is83 that the Church at Antioch, in detestation of this new-bred heresie, fastened upon them by the name of Nazarites, forsook that name, and called themselves Christians, Acts 11. 26. Symmachus, that famous Interpreter of the Old Testament, was a strong Defender of this heresie, and84 from him in after times they were named Symmachiani. The Jews had them in as great hatred as the Samaritanes; whereupon85 three times every day, at morning, noon-tide, and evening, they closed their Prayers with a solemn execration, Maledic Domine Nazaræis. Lastly, another sort of Nazarites there were, so termed from ‎‏נזר‏‎ Nazar, signifying to abolish or cut off;86 because they did abolish and cut off the five books of Moses, rejecting them as not Canonical.

CHAP. IX.

Of the Assideans

It is much controverted, whether the Assideans were Pharisees or Essenes, or what they were. Were I worthy to deliver my opinion, or, as the Hebrews Proverb is, To thrust in my head among the heads of those wise men; I conceive of the Assideans thus: Before their captivity in Babylon, we shall find the word ‎‏חסידים‏‎ Chasidim, (translated Assidæi, Assideans) to signifie the same as, ‎‏צדיקים‏‎ Tsaddikim, Just, or good men: both were used promiscuously, the one for the other, and both stood in opposition to the ‎‏רשעים‏‎ Reschagnim, that is, ungodly or wicked men. At this time the whole body of the Jews were distinguished into two sorts, Chasidim, and Reschagnim, good, and bad.

After their captivity, the Chasidim began to be distinguished from the Tsadikim.87 The Tsadikim gave themselves to the study of the Scripture. The Chasidim studied how to add unto the Scripture.88 Secondly, The Tsadikim would conform to whatsoever the Law required. The Chasidim would be holy above the Law. Thus to the repairing of the Temple, the maintenance of sacrifices, the relief of the poor, &c. they would voluntarily add over and above, to that which the Law required of them. Whence it is noted, that those were Chasidim who would say, What is mine, is thine; and what is thine, is thy own: those Reschagnim, which would say, What is thine is mine; and what is mine, is my own. And it is probable, that the middle sort mentioned in the same place, who would say, what is mine, is mine; what is thine, is thine own, were the very Tsadikim.

At this time the body of the Jews were distinguished into three sorts, in respect of holiness. First, Reschagnim, ἀσεβεῖς, Wicked and ungodly men. Secondly, Tsadikim, δίκαιοι, Just and righteous men. Thirdly, Chasidim, who are sometimes translated ὅσιοι, Holy men, and that for the most part:89 but sometimes also ἀγαθοὶ, Goodmen: These of all others were best reputed, and beloved of the people. The Apostle shewing the great love of Christ, dying for us, amplifieth it by allusion unto this distinction of the people: Christ died for the ungodly. Scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die, Rom. 5. 6, 7. The gradation standeth thus; Some peradventure would die, for one of the Chasidim, a good man: scarcely any, for one of Tsadikim, a just, or righteous man; for the Reschagnim, or ungodly, none would die: Yet Christ dyed for us ungodly, being sinners, and his enemies.

Now as long as these Works of supererogation remained arbitrary, and indifferent, not required as necessary, though preferred before the simple obedience to the Law; so long the heat of contention was not great enough to breed Sects and Heresies: But when once the Precepts and Rules of supererogation were digested into Canons, and urged with an opinion of necessity; then from the Chasidim issued the brood of Pharisees;90 and also from them (as it is probably thought) the Heresie of the Essenes, both obtruding unwritten Traditions upon the People, as simply necessary, and as a more perfect rule of sanctity than the Scripture. At this time the Tsadikim in heat of opposition rejected not only Traditions, but all Scripture, except only the five books of Moses; for which reason they were called Karaim. Some are of opinion,91 they rejected only traditions, and embraced all the books of Scripture: Which opinion soever we follow; they had their name ‎‏קראים‏‎, Karaim, Textuales, Scriptuarii, i. Text-men, or Scripture-readers, because they adhered to Scripture alone, withstanding and gain-saying Traditions with all their might. And if we follow the latter, then all this while the Karaim were far from Heresie: but in process of time, when from Sadock, and Baithus, these Karaim learned to deny all future rewards for good works, or punishment for evil, or resurrection from the dead; now the Karaim became compleat Sadduces, and perfect Hereticks, taking their denomination from their first Author Sadok. The time of each Heresies first beginning, shall be more exactly declared in their several Chapters.

CHAP. X.

Of the Pharisees

There are92 three Opinions concerning the Etymology of the name Pharisee. The first are those which derive it from ‎‏פרש‏‎ Parash, Expandere, Explicare; either from the enlarging and laying open their Phylacteries, or from their open performance of good works in publick view of the People, as being ambitious of mans praise. Secondly, from ‎‏פרש‏‎ Parasch, Exponere, Explanare; because they were of chief repute; and counted the profoundest Doctors for the exposition of the Law, so that they were termed93 Peruschim, quia Poreschim; Pharisees, because they were Expounders of the Law. Thirdly, others derive the name from the same Verb, but in the conjugation Piel, where it signifieth dividere, separare, to separate.94 In this acception, by the Greeks they were termed ἀφωρισμένοι, we may English them Separatists. Their separation is considerable, partly in the particulars unto which, partly in those from which they separated.

First, They separated themselves to the study of the Law, in which respect they might be called, ἀφωρισμένοι εἰς τὸν νόμον, Separated unto the Law. In allusion unto this, the Apostle is thought95 to have stiled himself, Rom. 1. 11. ἀφωρισμένον εἰς εὐαγγέλιον, Separated unto the Gospel: when he was called from being a Pharisee, to be a Preacher of the Gospel; and now not separated unto the Law, but to the Gospel.

Secondly, They separated themselves, or at least pretended a96 separation to an extroardinary sanctity of life above other men. God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, Extortioners, Unjust, Adulterers &c. Luke 18. 11.

The particulars, from which they separated themselves, were these.

First, From commerce with other people, as afterward will appear in their Traditions: whence they called the common people, by reason of their ignorance, ‎‏עם הארץ‏‎ populum terræ, the people of the earth. In the Gospel of Saint John 7. 49. they are called ὄχλος. This people who knoweth not the Law are cursed.

Secondly,97 From the apparel and habit of other men: for they used particular kinds of Habits, whereby they would be distinguished from the vulgar. Hence proceeded that common speech, Vestes populi terræ, conculcatio sunt Pharisæorum.

Thirdly,98 From the customs and manners of the world. This heresie of the Pharisees seemeth to have had its first beginning in Antigonus Sochæus. He being a Pharisee, succeeded Simon the Just; who was Coetanean with Alexander the Great: he lived three hundred years before the birth of Christ.

The Pharisees were99 not tied to any particular Tribe or Family, but indifferently they might be of any; S. Paul was a Benjaminite; Hyrcanus was a Levite.100 Each Sect had its Dogmata, his proper Aphorisms, Constitutions, or Canons: so the Pharisees had theirs. My purpose is, both concerning these and the other Sects, to note onely those Canons, or Aphorisms, wherein chiefly they were heretical, and one differing from the other.

First, The Pharisees101 ascribed some things to Fate, or Destiny, and some things to mans Free-will.

Secondly, They confessed that there were Angels, and Spirits, Acts 23. 8.

Thirdly, Concerning the resurrection of the dead, they acknowledged it, and taught102 that the souls of evil men deceased, presently departed into everlasting punishiment; but the souls, they say, of good men, passed by a kind of Pythagorean μετεμψύχωσις into other good mens bodies. Hence it is thought103 that the different opinions concerning our Saviour did arise; Some saying that he was John Baptist; others, Elias; others, Jeremias, Matth. 16. 14. As if Christ his body had been animated by the soul either of John, Elias, or Jeremias.

Fourthly, They did stifly maintain the Traditions of their Elders. For the better understanding what their Traditions were, we must know that the Jews say the Law was twofold,104 one committed to writing, which they called ‎‏תורה שבכתב‏‎ Thorah schebitchtah, The written Law; the other delivered by tradition, termed by them, ‎‏תורה בעל פה‏‎ Thorah begnal pe. They say both were delivered by God unto Moses upon Mount Sanai, the latter as an exposition of the former, which Moses afterward delivered by mouth to Joshua, Joshua to the Elders, the Elders to the Prophets, the Prophets to those of the great Synagogue, from whom successively it descended to after-ages. These Traditions were one of the chief Controversies between the Pharisees, and the Sadduces.105 The Pharisees said, Let us maintain the Law which our fore fathers have delivered into our hands, expounded by the mouth of the wise men, who expounded it by tradition. And lo, the Sadduces said, Let us not believe or hearken to any tradition or exposition, but unto the Law of Moses alone. The Traditions which they chiefly urged, were these;