Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews

This then we have from this testimony obtained, namely, that the Political Rule, § 33 and National Government should not absolutely and Irrecoverably be removed and taken away from the Tribe of Judah until the promised seed should be exhibited, until the Messiah should come. It remaineth that we also evidence that all Rule, Government and Polity is long since taken away from, and ceased in Judah, and that for many Generations there hath been no such thing as a Tribe of Judah in any National or Political Condition or Constitution in the world. And had we not here to do with men obstinate and impudent, there would need very few words in this matter. But they must have that proved unto them, which all the world sees and knows, and takes care to make good, and which themselves, as occasion serves confess and bewail. Is it not known to all the world, that for these sixteen hundred years last past, they have been scattered over the face of the earth, leading a precarious Life, under the Power of Kings, Princes, Common-wealths, as their several lots in their dispersion have fallen; sine Deo, sine homine rege, cast out of Gods especial care, they wander up and down without Law, Government, or Authority of their own or amongst themselves. And this, as I said, themselves also confess, as they have occasion. To this purpose see Kimchi on Hosea 3.4. [Greek or Hebrew]; And these are the days of Captivity, wherein we are at this day, for we have neither King nor Priest of Israel: But we are in the power of the Gentiles, and under the Power of their Kings and Princes, doth this man think that Sceptre and Law-giver are departed from Judah or no? And the Targum of Jonathan on that place is considerable: for, saith he, The children of Israel shall abide many days without a King of the house of David, and without a Ruler in Israel; afterwards the children of Israel shall repent, and seek the Worship of the Lord their God, and shall obey the Messiah the Son of David the King. So also are the words of Abarbinel on Isa. 53. he tells us, that in their Captivity and Banishment part of their misery is, [Greek or Hebrew], that in Israel there is neither Kingdom, nor Rule, nor Sceptre of Judgement: that is, plainly, Sceptre and Law-giver are departed. And therefore if there be any truth in this Prophecy, the Messiah is long since come. In like manner Maimonides;

This then we have from this testimony obtained, namely, that the Political Rule, § 33 and National Government should not absolutely and Irrecoverably be removed and taken away from the Tribe of Judah untill the promised seed should be exhibited, untill the Messiah should come. It remaineth that we also evidence that all Rule, Government and Polity is long since taken away from, and ceased in Judah, and that for many Generations there hath been no such thing as a Tribe of Judah in any National or Political Condition or Constitution in the world. And had we not here to do with men obstinate and impudent, there would need very few words in this matter. But they must have that proved unto them, which all the world sees and knows, and takes care to make good, and which themselves, as occasion serves confess and bewail. Is it not known to all the world, that for these sixteen hundred years last past, they have been scattered over the face of the earth, leading a precarious Life, under the Power of Kings, Princes, Common-wealths, as their several lots in their dispersion have fallen; sine Deo, sine homine rege, cast out of Gods especial care, they wander up and down without Law, Government, or Authority of their own or amongst themselves. And this, as I said, themselves also confess, as they have occasion. To this purpose see Kimchi on