Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews

And this is further cleared in that expression of Moses. Chap. 19. v. 24. The Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord in Heaven. Targum. [Greek or Hebrew] from before the Lord, or the face of the Lord. Aben Ezra answers, [Greek or Hebrew], that this is the Elegance of the Tongue, and the sense of it is, from himself; and this gloss some of our late Critics embrace. And there are instances collected by Solomon Jarchi to confirm this sense. Namely, the words of L• mech, Gen. 4. v. 23. Hear my voice ye Wives of Lamech; not my Wives. And of David, 1 Kings 1. v. 33. Take with you the servants of your Lord; not my servants; And of Ahasuerus unto Mordecai, Esther 4. v. 8. Write you for the Jews in the Kings name; not in my name. But the difference of these, from the words under consideration is wide and evident. In all these places, the Persons are introduced speaking of themselves; and describe themselves, either by their Names or Offices, suitably unto the occasion and subject spoken of. But in this place, it is Moses that speaketh of the Lord, and had no occasion to repeat [Greek or Hebrew], were it not to intimate the distinct Persons unto whom that name denoting the nature and self-existence of God was proper; one whereof then appeared on the Earth, the other manifesting his glorious presence in Heaven. Wherefore Rashi observing somewhat more in this expression, contents not himself with his supposed Parallel Places; but adds, that the [Greek or Hebrew], is to be understood; and gives this as a Rule, [Greek or Hebrew]; every place where it is said, [Greek or Hebrew], and the Lord, He and his House of Judgement are intended; as if God had a Sanhedrin in Heaven; a fancy which they have invented to avoid the expressions which testify unto a Plurality of Persons in the Deity. There is therefore in this place an Appearance of God in an humane shape; and that of one distinct Person in the Godhead; who now represented himself unto Abraham, in the form and shape wherein he would dwell amongst men, when of his seed he would be made flesh. This was one signal means whereby Abraham saw his day and rejoiced, which himself lays upon his Prae-existence unto his Incarnation, and not upon the Promise of his coming. John 8. v. 56, 58