Deuteronomy 18

Deuteronomy 18:1

AND his] Of all that which of right belongeth properly unto the Lord as tithes, first fruits, and other offerings.

Deuteronomy 18:3

A sacrifice] Of thanksgiving, Lev. 7. 31. 33 Vnto the Priest] the shoulder unto the high Priest, and the other parts to him that ministreth, See Lev. 7. 31. 33 Cheeks] These two parts, namely the cheeks, and the maw are not mentioned, Leviticus 7:32. Numbers 18:18. And in stead of them, is the breast; and it seemeth, that this diversity is to shew, that it was in the Priests choyce to take either the two, or the one.

Deuteronomy 18:5

In the name] By his command and commission, with publike authority received from him as his Minister: Or to the name, that is to say in holy things, which particlarly belong to his honour and glory.

Deuteronomy 18:6

Come] For some particular devotion, or private businesse at his owne pleasure.

Deuteronomy 18:7

Then he shall] Though wee finde no expresse Law, for the exchanging of Levites by turns, before that David had ordered it, 1 Chronicles 23:1-32. yet by this place it is plaine, that the Levites did do their services by turnes, according to some orders: following the degrees of their line, or otherwise; and those that were out of office, returned to their own homes and Cities; and if they were in Jerusalem upon any occasion out of the time of their office, they might be admitted to doe service as assistants, and in such a case, they had their proportions of sacred food, as well as the rest of the ordinary officers which stand] Which in their order are in actuall employments about the Temple.

Deuteronomy 18:8

To cal] The Levites were all fed with tithes, Numbers 18:21. But it seems that they which were out of mployment, did gather them up about their owne homes: but for those that ministred, there was a certaine quantity brought to the temple, and reserved in store-houses, to be distributed out in portions. 2 Chron. 31 5. 11. The Italian addeth here, According to their fathers faxilies] observing the distinction of their fathers families, joyning themselves unto it, the Keharite to the Keharite, and the Gershonite to the Gershonite, &c. performing the service assigned to each one Which commeth of the sale] It should seem that this ought to be understood of that kind of Tithes which might be converted into money, which was to be employed in the sacred feasts upon holy dayes. See Deuteron: chap. 14. verse 25.

Deuteronomy 18:10

To passe] By a superstitious and prophane purification, or by an abominable offering, Leviticus 18:21.

Deuteronomy 18:11

Familiar spirits] The Italian hath it, Python] See Leviticus 19:31 Necromancer] That calleth up the dead, and enquireth of them. 1 Sam: 28. 8. Isaiah 8:19.

Deuteronomy 18:13

Perfect] Pure and sincere in his service, clean from all mixture of idolatry, or superstition.

Deuteronomy 18:14

Hath not suffered thee so, to doe] The Italian hath it; Hath not given thee such things] hath not ordained, suffered or approved any such meanes to enquire of secret or future things: but in stead of such meanes hath given thee his Prophets.

Deuteronomy 18:15

A Prophet] The great revealer of all the mysteries which needed to bee knowne. Who is the Sonne of God himselfe, Psal. 27. Daniel 8:13. Joh. 〈◊〉. 18 By whose spirit all the Prophets have spoken, Ecclesiastes 12:13. 1 Pet. 1. 11. and 3. 19. who at the last hath manifested himselfe in the flesh, and in that hath fully accomplished that sacred function Like unto me]That is to say, true man: and also having the office of Mediator; of which I am but the figure, Gal. 3 19.

Deuteronomy 18:16

Of the assembly.] Namely the generall asembly of the people; Exodus 19:17, Deuteron. 19. 10.

Deuteronomy 18:22

Speaketh] By way of meere and absolute prediction, as 1 Kings 22 28. Jeremiah 9:1-26. for even the true Prophets did oftentimes foretell things which did not come to passe; but that was only by way of threatning, or of promise, or according to the order of naturall causes, and upon a condition, sometimes revealed, and sometimes not revealed unto the Prophet: yet it might, and ought to bee taken out of the generall maxims of Gods word; as Isai. 38. 1. Ion. 3. 4 Be afraid] hove no respect unto his person, nor fear not to offend God, by proceeding against him to a just corporall punishment.