A harmony upon the the three Evangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke with the commentary…A harmonie vpon the the three Euangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke with the commentarie…

23. That he should be called a Nazarite. Matthew doeth not derive a Nazarite of Nazareth, as if that this were the proper and certain Etymology, but it is only an allusion. But near signifieth one holy and ⟨p. 100⟩consecrate to God, of Nezar, which is to separate, and the Hebrews call Nezer a flower. But it is not to be doubted but that Matthew considered the former sense: For we never read that the Nazarites were called flourishing: but such as were consecrate to the Lord, according to the prescription of the law, which is in the book of Numbers, chap. 6. 4. Therefore this is the meaning. Although that Joseph was driven by fear into a corner of Galilee: yet God had a farther purpose in his counsel, and thereby was the city of Nazareth ordained for him to dwell in, that he might worthily bear the name of a Nazarite. But it is demanded by which of the Prophets this name was given to Christ, sith in no place there remaineth any such testimony. To some it seemeth sufficient, that the scripture doth oft call him holy, but this is too cold an answer. For Matthew, as we see, doth stand upon the word, and hath respect unto the old Nazarites, who had a peculiar kind of holiness: as if he should say, that it was meet that that should be fulfilled in the person of christ, that was then shadowed in the Nazarites, who were as the first fruits chosen unto GOD. Yet it remaineth to search where the Prophets say, that this name was given to Christ. Chrysostom because he cannot undo the knot, cutteth it thus: saying, that many of the books of the Prophets are lost. But that answer hath no colour in it: for although the Lord, that he might punish the sluggishness of the old people took from them some part of the scripture, or cut away some part that was not so necessary: yet since the coming of Christ nothing was lost. And very unlearnedly is that place of Josephus brought for this purpose, where he saith, that there were two books left by Ezekiel. For that which Ezekiel prophecieth of a new Temple and of a kingdom, is evidently distinguished from the former prophesies, & maketh, as it were a new volume If that at this day we have all those books of Scripture remaining and safe, which were extant in Matthew's time, it is necessary that this testimony of the Prophet, which he citeth should be found in some place.

23. That hee shoulde bee called a Nazarite. Mathewe doeth not deriue a Nazarite of Nazareth, as if that this were the proper and certaine Etimologie, but it is onely an allusion. But nir signifieth one holye and