Beyond

BEYOND, Trans. The Hebrew word Heber¹, which is generally translated trans, signifies likewise, on this side; at least we find it in several places, wherein by the sequel of the discourse it seems, that we should read on this side. For example, Gen. I. 10. Ad aream Athad, quæ sita est trans Jordanem, The floor of Atad was to the west of Jordan; it looks therefore as if it ought to be translated cis Jordanem, on this side of the river with relation to Palestine, where the Jews dwelt; and again Numb. xxii. 1. Trans Jordanem, Jericho fixa est, Jericho is situated beyond Jordan: We know that this city lay to the west of this river.

It may be said, that Moses when he wrote these things, was eastward of Jordan, and consequently that with respect to him Atad and Jericho were trans Jordanem. Joshua who dwelt on this side, and westward of this river, expresses himself in the same manner. He calls, as well the country which lay on this side, as that which was beyond Jordan, trans Jordanem, See Chap. xii. 1. Hi sunt Reges quos percusserunt filij Israel trans Jordanem ad solis ortum. After this he names Sehon and Og, whose dominions were beyond Jordan; and to the east of it. In the same Chapter ver. 7. Hi sunt Reges quos percussit Joshua trans Jordanem ad occidentalem plagam. Then he names the Kings of Jericho, Jarmuth, Eglon, Debir, and the others who dwelt westward on this side Jordan, whence I conclude, that the Hebrew Heber, is taken both for in and trans; or rather that it signifies ultra, beyond, and only the passage of the river, without our being able to conclude that it means this or the other side, unless the Author further explains himself.

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