Musach

MUSACH. This Term signifies literally a Veil or CoveringNumb. xvi. 3, &c., or a Work of cast Metal¹. There is a great Variety of Opinions concerning the proper Signification of Musach of Judah, that Manasseh caused to be uncovered at the Approach of the King of Babylon; and of the Musach of the Sabbath that Ahaz caused to be turned towards the Temple, for Fear of the King of Assyria. Some have thought it was a Veil, that covered the Courts of the Temple; others that it was a Tent, wherein the Priests rested themselves in the Temple, when their Week was out; others that it was a Chest wherein they threw their Offerings for the Repairs of the Temple. Our Opinion is, that it was the Scaffold of Brass made by Solomon, and placed in the Temple, upon which he stood 2 Chron. vi. 13.upon Festival 1 Cor. x. 10.Days. The same Name was given to the Scaffold upon which a Priest ascended on great Solemnities, to read the Law to the People.

2 Kings xi. 4.Abaz fearing that King Tiglath-pileser should come to Jerusalem, and take away this Scaffold, which was very valuable both for its Matter and Form, he caused it to be taken away from its Place, and put into some secret Part of the Temple. Manasseh upon a like Occasion tore off the Plates of Brass with which it was covered. The High -priest Jehoiada, desiring to have young Joash acknowledged as King, caused Guards to be set about him in the Musach that was in the Temple. The Prince was seated upon the Scaffold, and the Guards placed round about.

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