Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

CHAP. VIII.

THen * 1.1 Solomon assembled the elders of Israel a 1.2, and all the heads of the tribes b 1.3, the ‡ 1.4 chief of the fathers c 1.5 of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon d 1.6 in Jerusalem e 1.7, that they might bring up the ark f 1.8 of the covenant of the LORD, out of the city of David g 1.9, which is Zion h 1.10.

2 And all the men of Israel i 1.11 assembled them∣selves unto king Solomon at the feast k 1.12, in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month l 1.13.

3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark m 1.14.

4 And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation n 1.15, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and Levites o 1.16 bring up.

5 And king Solomon, and all the congregati∣on of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and ox∣en p 1.17 that could not be told nor numbred for mul∣titude.

6 And the priests brought in the ark of the co∣venant of the LORD unto his place, into the Ora∣cle of the house q 1.18, to the most holy place, even un∣der the wings of the cherubims r 1.19.

7 For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cheru∣bims covered the ark, and the staves thereof a∣bove.

8 And they drew out the staves s 1.20, that the ‡ 1.21 ends of the staves were seen out in the ‖ 1.22 holy place t 1.23 before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day.

9 * 1.24 There was nothing in the ark u 1.25, save the two tables of stone, which * 1.26 Moses put there at Ho∣reb, ‖ 1.27 when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.

10 And it came to pass▪ when the priests were come out of the holy place x 1.28, that the cloud y 1.29 * 1.30 fil∣led the house of the LORD z 1.31,

11 So that the priests could not stand to mini∣ster, because of the cloud a 1.32: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

12 ¶ Then spake Solomon b 1.33, The LORD * 1.34 said c 1.35 that he would dwell * 1.36 in the thick dark∣ness.

13 I have surely built thee an house to dwell in d 1.37, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever e 1.38.

14 And the king turned his face about f 1.39, and blessed all the congregation of Israel g 1.40; (and all the congregation of Israel stood h 1.41)

15 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it i 1.42, saying,

16 Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt k 1.43, I chose no city l 1.44 out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my Name might be therein m 1.45; but I chose * 1.46 David n 1.47 to be over my people Israel.

17 And * 1.48 it was in the heart of David my father o 1.49, to build an house for the Name of the LORD God of Israel.

18 And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my Name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart p 1.50:

19 Nevertheless, thou shalt not build the house, but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my Name.

20 And the LORD hath ‡ 1.51 performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the Name of the LORD God of Israel.

21 And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD q 1.52, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.

22 ¶ And Solomon stood r 1.53 before * 1.54 the altar of the LORD s 1.55, in the presence of all the congre∣gation of Israel t 1.56, and spread forth his hand toward heaven:

23 And he said, LORD God of Israel, * 1.57 There is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who * 1.58 keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:

24 Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him u 1.59: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.

25 Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father, that thou pro∣misedst him x 1.60, saying, * 1.61 ‡ 1.62 There shall not fail thee a man in my sight, to sit on the throne of Israel, ‡ 1.63 so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me, as thou hast walked before me.

26 And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father.

27 But * 1.64 will God indeed dwell on the earth y 1.65? Behold, the heaven z 1.66, and heaven of heavens a 1.67, cannot * 1.68 contain thee b 1.69, how much less this house that I have builded c 1.70?

28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant d 1.71, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry, and to the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:

29 That thine eyes may be open e 1.72 toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, * 1.73 My name f 1.74 shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make ‖ 1.75 towards this place g 1.76.

30 And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray ‖ 1.77 towards this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place h 1.78, and when thou hear∣est, ‖ 1.79 forgive i 1.80.

31 ¶ ‡ 1.81 If any man trespass k 1.82 against his neigh∣bour, ‡ 1.83 and an oath be laid upon him l 1.84, to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine al∣tar in this house m 1.85:

32 Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way n 1.86 upon his head, and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righte∣ousness o 1.87.

33 ¶ When * 1.88 thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and * 1.89 shall turn again to thee, and confess thy Name p 1.90, and pray, and make supplication un∣to thee ‖ 1.91 in this house▪

34 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again q 1.92 unto the land, which thou gavest unto their fa∣thers.

35 ¶ When * 1.93 heaven r 1.94 is shut up s 1.95, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray towards this place, and confess thy Name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflict∣est them t 1.96:

36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them u 1.97 the good way x 1.98 wherein they should walk, and give rain y 1.99 upon thy land which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.

37 ¶ If * 1.100 there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpillar z 1.101; if their enemy besiege them in the* 1.102 land of their ‖ 1.103 cities, whatsoever plague a 1.104, what∣soever sickness there be;

38 What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man: or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart b 1.105, and spread forth his hands towards this house:

39 Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling∣place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man

according to his ways c 1.106, whose heart thou know∣est d 1.107, (for thou, even thou onely knowest the hearts of all the children of men.)

40 That * 1.108 they may fear thee e 1.109 all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest un∣to our fathers.

41 Moreover concerning a stranger that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far coun∣trey for thy Names sake f 1.110,

42 (For they shall hear of thy great Name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm) when he shall come and pray towards this house,

43 Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for g 1.111: that all people of the earth may know thy Name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel h 1.112, and that they may know that ‡ 1.113 this house, which I have builded, is called by thy Name i 1.114.

44 ¶ If thy people go out to battel against their enemy▪ whithersoever thou shalt send them k 1.115, and shall pray unto the LORD l 1.116 ‡ 1.117 toward the city which thou hast chosen m 1.118, and toward the house that I have built for thy Name n 1.119:

45 Then hear thou in heaven their prayer, and their supplication, and maintain their ‖ 1.120 cause o 1.121.

46 If they sin against thee, (* 1.122 for there is no man that sinneth not p 1.123) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the * 1.124 land of the enemy, far or near:

47 Yet if they shall ‡ 1.125 bethink themselves q 1.126 in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee, in the land of them that carried them captives, saying r 1.127, We have sinned, and have done preversly, we have committed wickedness;

48 And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul s 1.128, in the land of their ene∣mies, which led them away captive, and * 1.129 pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest un∣to their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy Name:

49 Then hear thou their prayer, and their sup∣plication in heaven thy dwelling-place, and main∣tain their ‖ 1.130 cause t 1.131.

50 And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and * 1.132 give them compassion before them, who carryed them away captive, that they may have compassion on them u 1.133:

51 For they be thy people x 1.134, and thine inheri∣tance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the * 1.135 midst of the furnace of iron y 1.136:

52 That thine eyes may be open unto the sup∣plication of thy servant, and unto the supplicati∣on of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee.

53 For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be thine inheri∣tance z 1.137, * 1.138 as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O LORD GOD.

54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplicati∣on unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees, with his hands spread up to heaven.

55 And he stood and blessed all the congre∣gation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

56 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: * 1.139 there hath not ‡ 1.140 failed one word of all his good ‡ 1.141 promises a 1.142; which he ‡ 1.143 promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

57 The LORD our God be with us b 1.144, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:

58 That he may incline our heart unto him c 1.145, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his com∣mandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

59 And let these my words wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh un∣to the LORD our God, day and night, that he ‡ 1.146 maintain the cause of his servant d 1.147, and the cause of his people Israel e 1.148 ‡ 1.149 at all times, as the mat∣ter shall require:

60 That all the people of the earth may know f 1.150 that * 1.151 the LORD is God, and that there is none else.

61 Let your heart therefore be perfect g 1.152 with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

62 ¶ And * 1.153 the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD.

63 And Solomon offered a sacrifice h 1.154 of peace∣offerings which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep i 1.155: so k 1.156 the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD l 1.157.

64 The * 1.158 same day did the king hallow the middle of the court m 1.159 that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt-offerings, and meat-offerings, and the fat of the peace-offe∣rings, because * 1.160 the brazen altar that was before the LORD, was too little to receive the burnt∣offerings, and meat-offerings, and the fat of the peace-offerings.

65 And at that time Solomon held a feast n 1.161, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entring in of Hamath, unto the river of Egypt o 1.162, before the LORD p 1.163 our God, seven days, and se∣ven days q 1.164, even fourteen days.

66 On the eighth day he sent the people away r 1.165: and they ‖ 1.166 blessed the king s 1.167, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart, for all the good∣ness that the LORD had done for David t 1.168 his ser∣vant, and for Israel his people.

Notes

• * 1.1

  •…•… Chr▪ •…•…. 2.
• a 1.2

  The Senators, and Judges, and Rulers.
• b 1.3

  For each Tribe had a peculiar Head or Governor.
• ‡ 1.4

  Heb. princes.
• c 1.5

  The chief Per∣sons of every great Family in each Tribe.
• d 1.6

  Unto himself; the antecedent Noun being put for the relative and recipro∣cal Pronoun, as is frequent with the Hebrews.
• e 1.7

  Where the Temple was built, and now finished.
• f 1.8

  To the top of this high Hill of Moriah, upon which it was built; whither they were now to carry the Ark in a Solemn pomp, that by this their attendance they might make a publick pro∣fession of that service, and respect, and obedience which they owed unto that God who was Graciously and Glori∣ously present in the Ark.
• g 1.9

  Where David had placed the Ark, 2 Sam. 6. 12, 17. See on 1 King. 2. 10. and 3. 1
• h 1.10

  Which is also called Zion, because it was built upon that Hill.
• i 1.11

  Not onely the chief Men who were particularly invited, but a vast number of the common people, as being forward to see and to joyn in this great and Glorious Solemnity.
• k 1.12

  Understand either first, The Feast of Tabernacles. Or rather, Secondly, The Feast of the Dedication, to which So∣lomon had invited them, which was before that Feast: for that began on the 15 day of the 7th month, Lev. 23. 34. but this began at the least 7 days before that Feast; for Solomon and the People kept the Feast for 14 days, here v. 65. i. e. 7 days for the Dedication of the Temple, and 7 other days for that of Tabernacles; and after both these were finished, he sent all the People to their homes on the 23 day of the month. See 2 Chron. 7. 9, 10.
• l 1.13

  Which time he chose with common respect to his Peoples convenience, because now they gathered in all their Fruits, and now they were come up to Ierusalem, to Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. Quest. The Temple was not finished till the eighth month, 1 King. 6. 38. how then could he invite them in the seventh month? Ans. This was the 7th month of the next Year. For although the house in all its parts was finished the Year be∣fore, yet the utensils of it described chap. 7. were not then fully finished, but took up a considerable time afterward: and many preparations were to be made for this great and extraordinary occasion.
• m 1.14

  For although the Levites might do this, Numb. 4. 15. yet the Priests did it at this time, partly, for the greater ho∣nour of the Solemnity; and partly, because the Levites might not enter into the Holy place, much less into the Holy of Ho∣lies, where it was to be placed, into which the Priests them∣selves might not have entred, if the High-Priest alone could have done it. Obj The Levites are said to have done this, 2 Chron. 5. 4. Ans. That is most true, because all the Priests were Levites, though all the Levites were not Priests.
• n 1.15

  That made by Moses, which doubtless before this time had been translated from Gibeon to Zion, and now together with other things was put into the Treasuries of the Lords-House, to prevent all the superstitious use and prophane a∣buse of it, and to oblige the people to come up to Ierusa∣lem, as the onely place where God would now be Worship∣ped.
• o 1.16

  The Priests carrying some, and the Levites others.
• p 1.17

  Either First, In the way, as David did upon the like oc∣casion, 2 Sam: 6. 13. Or, Secondly, When the Ark was come into the Priests Court where the Altar stood, whence it was speedily to be conveyed to that place where the People could never behold it more. Or rather, Thirdly, When the Ark was seated in its place: for although they might in the way or passage offer some Sacrifices, as David did; yet that was not a proper season to offer so many Sacrifices as could not be told nor numbred, as these are here said to be; which far better agrees with what is more particularly related below, ver. 62, 63, 64. which is here signified in the general by way of anticipation, as is frequently done in the Scripture in like cases.
• q 1.18

  i. e. To that part of the House which is called the Ora∣cle. 1 King. 6. 5, 16, 19, 23. or, as it here follows, the most holy place.
• r 1.19

  To wit, of Solomon's new-made Cherubims, 1 King. 6. 23, 24, 27. not of the Mosaical Cherubims, which were far less, and unmovably fixed to the Ark, Exod. 37. 7, 8. and therefore together with the Ark were put under the wings of these Cherubims.
• s 1.20

  Not wholly, which was expresly forbidden, Exod. 25. 15. Numb. 4. 6. but in part.
• ‡ 1.21

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• ‖ 1.22

  Or, ar•…•…, •…•… 2 Chro•…•…▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• t 1.23

  Either, First, Properly so called: which place was indeed before the oracle. But how then could it be said that they were not seen without, to wit, in the Holy place? For that they should be seen without, to wit, in the Court, was so ridiculous a conceit, that it had been absurd to suppose it, or to say any thing to prevent it. Nor is it much better what others say, that these ends of the staves did discover themselves thorough the vail, which they thrust for∣ward, though they did not pierce thorough it. For neither in that case had they been seen; and besides, there was a Wall as well as a Vail in that place. Or rather, Secondly, In the most Holy place, which is oft called by way of emi∣nency, the Holy place, as Exod. 29. 30. and 39. 1. Levit. 6. 30. and 10. 18. and 16. 2, 16, 17, 20. And the Hebrew words rendred before the oracle, may be as well rendred, within the oracle, the Phrase, al pene, being so used, Gen. 1. 2. the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, i. e. in the Waters, or in that confused heap of Earth and Wa∣ter, in which God was now Working, that he might bring it into order and use; and Gen. 1. 20. where it is well ren∣dred, in the open firmament of heaven, i. e. of the Air. And thus the whole is most true, They were seen out, to wit, without the Ark, and the Cherubims which covered all the other parts, but they were not seen without the Oracle, to wit, in the Holy place, strictly so called. For how could they be seen there, when there was both a Wall and a thick Vail between that place and the Oracle? And these Staves were left in this posture, that the High-Priest might hereby be certainly guided to that very particular place where he was one day in a year to sprinkle Blood, and to offer Incense before the Ark, which otherwise he might mistake in that dark place, where the Ark was wholly covered with the Wings of the great Cherubims, which stood between him and the Ark when he entred thither. Some conceive that the Door of the Oracle stood always open (which yet seems very improbable); and that they who were near the Door, might see the ends of the Staves, though by reason of the darkness of the place they could see nothing else there.
• * 1.24

  Exod. 2•…•…▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Deut. 10. •…•…▪
• u 1.25

  Strictly and properly: for in a more large sense, as in is oft taken for by or near, as is confessed, and hath been proved before; so the pot of Manna, and Aaron's rod were also in it, Heb. 9. 4. i. e. by it, to wit, in the most Holy place, before the Ark of the testimony, where God commanded Moses to put them, as it is expressed, Exod. 16. 33, 34. Numb. 1•…•…. 10. and not strictly in it. But of this more, God assisting, on Heb. 9. 4.
• * 1.26

  Deut. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• ‖ 1.27

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• x 1.28

  Either, First, The most Holy place, into which the Priests had now entred to carry in the Ark. Or rather, Se∣condly, The Holy place, where they might have stood to mi∣nister, if the Cloud had not hindred them, as may be ga∣thered from the next Verse.
• y 1.29

  The usual token of Gods Glorious presence. See Exod. 16. 10. and 24. 15, 16. Numb. 9. 15.
• * 1.30

  Exod. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 34, 35.
• z 1.31

  Partly, in testimony of his Gracious acceptance of this Work, and their Service; and partly, to beget an awe and reverence in them, and in all others, when they approach to God.
• a 1.32

  Because the Cloud was either so bright that it dazled their eyes: or rather so dark, that it struck them with hor∣ror and amazement, as is implied in the next Verse.
• b 1.33

  Perceiving both Priests and People struck with horror and wonder at this darkness, he minds them, that this was no sign of Gods dislike or disfavour, as some of them might possibly imagine; but a token of his Approbation, and Grace, and special Presence among them.
• * 1.34

  •…•… Chr. 6. 1.
• c 1.35

  Not in express words, but by plain consequence, because he hath declared both by his Words and Actions, that he would manifest his presence •…•…ith, and dwelling among his People, by a dark Cloud, in which he would appear. See Exod. 13. 21, 22. and 24. 16. and 40. 35. Numb. 9. 15. Deut. 4. 11. and 5. 22. Psal. 18. 12. and 97. 2.
• * 1.36

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 16. 2.
• d 1.37

  I perceive by this thick darkness, that thou art coming a∣mong us, and therefore make haste and come, O thou Blessed Guest, into the Dwelling-place which I have built by thy Command, and for thy Service.
• e 1.38

  Not a Tabernacle, which was made to be carried from place to place; but a durable, and, I hope, perpetual Habitation.
• f 1.39

  From the Temple, towards which he was looking to ob∣serve that thick and extraordinary darkness, to the Body of the Congregation.
• g 1.40

  Or, Blessed, (to wit, the Lord, which is easily understood from the following words; in which he onely blesseth or praiseth God, but doth not bless the Peo∣ple at all) with (so the Hebreweth is oft used, as hath been shewed before) all the congregation. Although he might do both, first bless the Congregation, which possibly he might do in that Solemn and Appointed Form, Numb. 6. which therefore it was needless to repeat here; and then bles∣sed God. And indeed he doth both here below, where these same words are used, ver. 55, 56, &c.
• h 1.41

  Partly, in way of Devotion to God, whom they adored: and partly, out of re∣spect to the King.
• i 1.42

  Praised be God both for his Grace in making such a promise, and for his Goodness and Truth in fulfilling it.
• k 1.43

  Until David's time; for then he did chuse Ierusalem.
• l 1.44

  i. e. I did not declare my choice of it: for so chusing is used for declaring or executing ones choice, as Deut. 12. 1. 2 Chron. 6. 5. Zech. 2. 12. and things are oft said to be done when they are onely manifested or declared to be such; in which sense God is said to be justified, Psal. 51. 4. and Men to be guilty, Hos. 5. 15. Otherwise to speak pro∣perly, whatsoever God chuseth, he chuseth from Eternity.
• m 1.45

  That my Presence, and Grace, and Worship, and Glory, might be there.
• * 1.46

  2 Sam. 7. 8.
• n 1.47

  And in and with him the Tribe of Iu∣dah, of which he was, and Ierusalem where he dwelt; which is here implied by the opposition of this to the former part of the Verse.
• * 1.48

  1 Chr. 17. 1.
• o 1.49

  In his desire and purpose, as this or the like Phrase is used, 1 Sam. 10. 7. and 14. 7. 2 Sam. 7. 3.
• p 1.50

  Thy intention and affection was well-pleasing to me.
• ‡ 1.51

  Heb. esta∣blished.
• q 1.52

  i. e. The Tables of the Covenant, by a Metonymy, wherein the Conditions of Gods Covenant with Israel are written.
• r 1.53

  Upon a Scaffold set up for him in the Court of the Peo∣ple, 2 Chron. 6. 13.
• * 1.54

  2 Chr. 6. 12.
• s 1.55

  With his Face towards the Altar of Burnt-offerings.
• t 1.56

  Who stood round about the Scaffold, in the same Court with him.
• * 1.57

  Exod. 15. 11. 2 Sam. 7. 22.
• * 1.58

  Dan. 9. 4.
• u 1.59

  That branch of thy Promise concerning the Building of this House by David's Son.
• x 1.60

  Make good the other branch of thy Promise, and do not lose the Glory of thy Faithfulness, which now thou hast got.
• * 1.61

  Chap. 2. 4. 2 Sam. 7. 12.
• ‡ 1.62

  Heb. there shall not be cut off unto thee a man from my sight.
• ‡ 1.63

  Heb. onely if.
• * 1.64

  2 Chr. 2. 6. Isa. 66. 1. Jer. 23. 24 Act. 7. 49.
• y 1.65

  Reflecting upon Gods performance of his promise con∣cerning the building of the Temple, he breaks forth into admiration, Is it possible that the Great, and High, and Lof∣ty God should stoop so low, as to take up his dwelling here amongst men? O, astonishing condescension!
• z 1.66

  All thi•…•… vast space of the visible Heaven.
• a 1.67

  The third and highest, and therefore the largest Heaven, called the heaven of hea∣vens here, as also Deut. 10. 14. Psal. 148. 4. for its emi∣nency and comprehensiveness.
• * 1.68

  Amos 7. 10.
• b 1.69

  For thy Essence reacheth far beyond them, being Omnipresent.
• c 1.70

  This House there∣fore was not built as if it were proportionable to thy great∣ness, or could contain thee, but onely that therein we might serve and glorify thee.
• d 1.71

  Though thou art not comprehended within this place, yet shew thy self to be graciously present here, by accep∣ting and granting my present Requests here tendred unto thee.
• e 1.72

  To behold, to wit, with an Eye of favour and com∣passion. So it is a Synecdochical Expression; comp. Psal. 33. 18. and 34. 15. Zech. 12. 4.
• * 1.73

  Deut. 12. 11.
• f 1.74

  My Presence, and Glo∣ry, and Grace. See above ver. 16.
• ‖ 1.75

  Or, in the place.
• g 1.76

  This Temple, to which Solomon did now look, and it may be, point; and towards which, the godly Israelites directed their looks in their Prayers. See Dan. 6. 10.
• ‖ 1.77

  Or, in this place▪
• h 1.78

  Which he adds, that the People might not Idolize the Temple, nor presume upon it, as if God were now fast tied to them, as having no other Dwelling-place; and to direct them in all their Addresses to God in this Temple, to lift up their eyes above it, even to Heaven, where God's most True, and most Glorious Dwelling-place is.
• ‖ 1.79

  Or, be favo∣rable. So Gr.
• i 1.80

  To wit, the Sins of thy People, praying, and even of their prayers; which, if not par∣doned, will certainly hinder the Success of all their Prayers, and the course of all thy Blessings upon them.
• ‡ 1.81

  Heb. What∣soever a man trespass. So Gr.
• k 1.82

  i. e. If he be Accused of a Trespass.
• ‡ 1.83

  Heb. and he require an oath of him, o•…•…, tender an oath to him.
• l 1.84

  Either by the Judge, or by the Party Accusing him, or by the Accused Per∣son himself: which was usual, when there were no Witnesses. See Exod. 22. 8, 11. Numb. 5. 12, 15, &c.
• m 1.85

  For here God, who was appealed to as Witness, was especially pre∣sent. Hence the Heathens used to Swear at their Altars.
• n 1.86

  i. e. The just Recompence of his Wicked Action and Course.
• o 1.87

  To Vindicate him, and to manifest his Inte∣grity.
• * 1.88

  Lev. 26. 17. Deut. 28. 25▪
• * 1.89

  Lev. 26. 39, 40.
• p 1.90

  Give Glory to thy Name, by acknowledging their Sins, and thy Justice; and by accepting the Punishment of their Iniquity; and by trusting to thy Power and Goodness alone, for their Deliverance.
• ‖ 1.91

  Or, toward▪
• q 1.92

  From the Land into which they are supposed to be car∣ried by their Enemies, into Canaan. Quest. If they were Banished into a strange Land, how could they Pray in this house, as they are said to do, ver. 33. Answ. 1. That may be rendred to, or towards this house, as it is expressed, v. 29. 30. The Hebrew Praeposition Beth, in, being oft put for el, to, or towards. 2. This may be understood of divers persons; and so the sence is this: When the People of Is∣rael be Defeated in Battel, and many of their Brethren be taken Prisoners, and carried into Captivity; if then their Brethren remaining in the Land, shall heartily pray for their Captive Brethren, they shall be Delivered.
• * 1.93

  Lev. 26. 19. Deut. 28. 23.
• r 1.94

  The lower Heaven in which the Clouds are; as Deut. 11. 17. Psal. 147. 8.
• s 1.95

  The Heaven is compared to a great Store-House in God's keeping, out of which nothing can be had, so long as it is close shut up.
• t 1.96

  Do not reject their Prayers, because they are forced from them by their Afflicti∣ons, as thou mayest justly do.
• u 1.97

  That their Sin being Pardoned, and thou being Recon∣ciled unto them, mayest vouchsafe to Teach them. Or rather, as our Translators render the very same Words, 2 Chron. 6. 27. When thou shalt teach, or hast taught them, not onely by thy Word, for that was done before; but by their Afflictions, which is one of God's Schools; and es∣pecially, by thy Spirit, enlightning their Minds, and encli∣ning their Hearts, that they may learn, and profit both by the Word, and by their Afflictions. And this is here fitly added, to shew, that he could not expect, and did not desire from God the Pardon of their Sins, but upon God's Terms, to wit, upon their True Repentance.
• x 1.98

  i. e. The way, or Will of God; or the way of their Duty, as the following words explain it, which is most rightly called the good way here, and 1 Sam. 12. 23. because it is both Just and Holy and therefore good in it self; and good, both Delightful and Profitable to those that walk in it. The meaning is, When thou hast effectually taught them, and they have throughly learned how to please and serve thee acceptably, and to walk before thee in the way which thou hast pre∣scribed them.
• y 1.99

  The order of Solomon's Prayer is very observable; first and chiefly, he prays for their Repentance and Forgiveness, which is the chief Blessing, and the onely solid Foundation of all other Mercies: and then he prays for the Temporal Mercy; thereby teaching us what to mind and desire principally in our Prayers; which also Christ hath taught us in his Perfect Pattern and Form of Prayer; wherein there is but one Prayer for outward, and all the rest are for Spiritual Blessings.
• * 1.100

  Lev. 26. 1•…•…▪ 26.
• z 1.101

  i. e. The Plague of Locusts, or Caterpillars, infesting a Land by their great numbers, and venomous or noxious qua∣lities: of which see, Exod. 10. 4, 5. Deut. 28. 42. Psal. 105. 34, 35.
• * 1.102

  Deut. 28. 21, 22, 27, 3•…•….
• ‖ 1.103

  Or, jurisdicti∣on, Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• a 1.104

  That chiefly signifies, an extraordinary Judgment sent from God.
• b 1.105

  i. e. Either, 1. His Sin, which may be called the plague of his heart, in opposition to the other Plagues here men∣tioned, which Afflict onely the Body, or outward Man: So the sence is, Who by their Afflictions are brought to a true and serious sence of their worse and inward Plague of their Sins, which are most fitly called the plague of the heart, because that is both the Principal Seat of Sin, and the Foun∣tain from whence all Actual Sins flow, Matt. 15. 19. Or rather, 2. His Affliction; for so this is Explained in the parallel-place, 2 Chron. 6. 29. (which is the more conside∣rable, because that Book was written after this, to Explain what was dark or deubtful, and to supply what was lack∣ing in this) when every one shall know his own sore, and his own grief; which is not unfitly called, the plague of his heart, because it was that Plague which his Heart was most Afflict∣ed with, which pained him at the very heart; as the Phrase is, Ier. 4. 19. comp. Psal. 55. 4. which caused him most vex∣ation or grief, which is a Passion of the Heart: and so the sence is, Who shall know, i. e. be duly and deeply sensible of his Affliction, and the hand of God in it; and his Sin as the Cause of it: for Words of Knowledge in Scripture, do very frequently note such a kind of Knowledge as affects and changeth the Heart, and reforms the whole course of a Man's Life; for which cause, men of ungodly Lives are fre∣quently said in Scripture not to know God, or Christ, or his Word, &c. And therefore •…•…o man knows his sore in a Scrip∣ture-sence, but he who hears the rod, who turneth unto him that smiteth him, and sincerely seeketh to the Lord for Re∣lief.
• c 1.106

  According to his Repentance, or Impenitency. I pray with more hope and confidence, because I do not desire that thou wouldst deliver such as are insensible of thy Judg∣ments, and their Sin; but onely those who truly know the Plague of their own Heart in manner before explained.
• d 1.107

  Thou knowest who are truly Penitent, and who are not; and therefore the granting of my Request will be no disho∣nour to thy Government, nor injury to thy Holy Nature.
• * 1.108

  Psal. 130. 4.
• e 1.109

  That when thou hast first smitten them, and then so eminently delivered them, and that in answer to their Prayer, they may hereby be taught to fear Thee, and thy Justice, and thy Goodness.
• f 1.110

  This may note, either 1. The end of his coming, that he may Worship, and Glorifie thy Name: or rather, 2. The motive, or occasion of his Coming, which was the fame of God's Greatness, and Power, and Kindness to his People: as the following words Explain it.
• g 1.111

  To wit, Agreeable to thy Will and Word: for he would not have them heard, if they had Prayed for any thing disho∣nourable to God, or destructive to his People. It is obser∣vable, That his prayer for the Strangers is more large, and comprehensive, than for the Israelites; that thereby he might both shew his Publick-spiritedness, and encourage Strangers to the Worship of the True God.
• h 1.112

  Whereby we see, how sincerely and heartily the ancient and godly Iews desired the Conversion of the Gentiles; whereas, the latter and degenerate Iews, in the days of Christ, and of the Apo∣stles, did Envy, Oppose it, and fret at it.
• ‡ 1.113

  Heb. thy •…•…ame is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this house.
• i 1.114

  i. e. Is owned, not onely by us, but by thy self, as thy House; the onely place in the World to which thou wilt vouchsafe thy Presence and Protection, and wherein thou wiltst •…•…e Publickly and So∣lemnly Served.
• k 1.115

  i. e. In a Just Cause, and by thy Warrant or Commissi∣on. Whereby he implies, That it was unlawful for them to undertake any War meerly for their own Glory, or Lust; or to enlarge their Empire beyond its due bounds; and that they could not with safe Conscience pray to God for his Blessing upon such a War.
• l 1.116

  Whereby he instructs them, That they should not trust, either to the Strength or Justice of their Arms, but onely to God's Help and Blessing, which they were to pray for.
• ‡ 1.117

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 the way of the city.
• m 1.118

  To wit, for thy Dwelling-place, and the Seat of thy Temple▪
• n 1.119

  For to it they were to turn their Faces in Prayer; partly, thereby to profess themselves to be the Worshippers of the True God, in opposition to Idols; and that they sought help from him, and from no other: and partly, to strengthen Faith in God's Promises and Covenant, the Tables whereof were contained in that House.
• ‖ 1.120

  Or, right. Heb. judgment.
• o 1.121

  Declare the Justice of their Cause, by giving them the Victory.
• * 1.122

  2 Chron. 6. •…•…6▪ Prov. 20. 9. Eccles. 7. 20. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 3. 2▪
• p 1.123

  The Universal Corruption of Man's whole Race and Na∣ture, makes me presage, that they will fall into Sins; and withal, makes me to hope, that thou wiltst not be severe to deal with them as their Sins deserve.
• * 1.124

  Jo•…•…. 1. 8, 10. Lev. 26. 34, •…•…4▪ Deut. 28. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 64▪
• ‡ 1.125

  Heb. bring back to their hearts.
• q 1.126

  Heb. bring back their hearts; to wit, their Sin; Ex∣pressed ver. 46. and implied in the following word, Repent.
• r 1.127

  Sensibly, and with an honest heart.
• s 1.128

  i. e. Sincerely, Universally, and Stedfastly.
• * 1.129

  Dan. 6. 10.
• ‖ 1.130

  Or, right Heb. judgment▪
• t 1.131

  Heb. their right, against their Invaders and Oppressors. For they had forfeited all their Rights to God onely, but not to their Enemies; whom though God used as scourges to chastise his Peoples Sins, yet they had no pretence of Right to their Land, nor any regard to it; but onely minded the satisfaction of their own Lusts and Interests. See Isa. 10. 5, 6. and 47. 6. Zech. 1. 15.
• * 1.132

  Psa. 106. 46.
• u 1.133

  i. e. May gently use them whilst they are there, and proclaim Liberty to their Captives, to go to their own Land.
• x 1.134

  For howsoever they may sin against thee, or suffer from men; yet still remember, that they, are thy peculiar People, and therefore do thou pity, and pardon, and save them.
• * 1.135

  Jer. 11. 4▪
• y 1.136

  So called, either from the Metal melted in it: or rather, from the Matter of which it consisted, an Iron Furnace being more hot and terrible, than one of Brick, or Stone. He un∣derstands hereby, their cruel Bondage, and painful Labours. See on Deut. 4. 20.
• z 1.137

  Thou hast begun to build a Work of great and glori∣ous Mercy to them; do not give occasion to thine Enemies to think, thou wast unable to finish it; or that thou art un∣stable in thy ways and Counsels, or unkind to thine own Children.
• * 1.138

  Exod. 19. •…•….
• * 1.139

  Deut. 12. 10.
• ‡ 1.140

  Heb fallen.
• ‡ 1.141

  Heb. word. Jer. 29. 1•…•….
• a 1.142

  See the like, Iosh. 21. 45. and 23. 14. 2 King 10. 10.
• ‡ 1.143

  Heb. spake.
• b 1.144

  By the presence of his Grace and Mercy.
• c 1.145

  That he may not onely bless us with outward Prospe∣rity, and Glory; but especially, with Spiritual Blessings: and that as he hath given us his Word and Statutes to teach and direct us, so he would by his Holy Spirit, effectually in∣cline and engage our Hearts to keep and obey them.
• ‡ 1.146

  Heb. do the judgment.
• d 1.147

  i. e. Of me, as ver. 28, 29, 30. their King, and conse∣quently of all my Successors.
• e 1.148

  According to mine, or their various necessities and exigencies.
• ‡ 1.149

  Heb. the thing of a day in his day.
• f 1.150

  Both by our vertuous and holy Lives, to which thou inclinest us by thy Grace; and by the eminent manifestations of thy Power and Goodness, in defending, and delivering us from all the assaults and devices of our Enemies.
• * 1.151

  35,
• g 1.152

  i. e. Sincere and serious in your purposes of Obedience: for sinless Perfection, he himself taught them was not to be expected here, Eccles. 7. 20.
• * 1.153

  2 Chron. 7. 4.
• h 1.154

  By the hands of the Priests.
• i 1.155

  Not all in one day, but in the 7, or, it may be in the 14 days, mentioned ver. 65.
• k 1.156

  i. e. By these Sacrifices, and Holy Exercises.
• l 1.157

  i. e. Be∣gan to set it apart for the Work and Service of God.
• * 1.158

  2 Chron. 7. 7.
• m 1.159

  To wit, of the Priests Court, in which the great Altar was. This he Consecrated as he did the great Altar, to wit, by Sacrifices; but with this difference, That he Consecra∣ted That for lasting and perpetual use: but This onely for the present time and occasion, being warranted to do so both by the necessity of it for God's Service, and for the present Solemn Work, for which the Brazen Altar was not sufficient, as it here follows; and by the direction of God's Spirit, where with Solomon was endowed, as being a Prophet, as well as a King. Here therefore he suddenly reared up divers Altars, which after this Solemnity were demolished.
• * 1.160

  2 Chron. 4. 1.
• n 1.161

  i. e. Kept the Solemnity.
• o 1.162

  The usual and known bounds of the Land, in the utmost length of it, of which, see Num. 34. 8. Iosh. 13. 5. Iudg. 3. 3.
• p 1.163

  i. e. Before the Temple, and as in God's Presence.
• q 1.164

  Seven for the Dedi∣cation of the Temple, or Altar; and the other seven for the Feast of Tabernacles; as may be gathered from 2 Chron. 7. 9. And it seems to be expressed in this manner, to intimate, that these 14 days of Rejoycing, were not all together, but that there was some interval between them, which indeed was necessary, because the Day of Atonement was on the Tenth day of this Month, Levit. 23. 27. And because these 14 days ended on the Twenty-second day, 2 Chron. 7. 10. it may seem most probable, that the Feast of the Dedication was kept before the Tenth day: and the Feast of Tabernacles some days after it.
• r 1.165

  Solomon having joyned with the People in the Solemn Assembly, which was kept on the Eighth day; in the close of that Day and Service, he took his solemn farewel, and dismissed them with his Blessing; and the next Morning when the Heads and Elders who came to Solomon upon this special Summons, above ver. 3. and with them divers of the People came to take their leave of the King, he sent them away. And so this place agrees very well with 2 Chron. 7. 9, 10.
• ‖ 1.166

  Or, thanked.
• s 1.167

  i. e. They prayed to God to Bless him, according to their duty and custome. Or, they praised him, for his great care and pains in Building of the Temple, and setting up God's Worship among them.
• t 1.168

  In giving him a sure House, and a wife and religious Son, by whom he had now ful∣filled the Promise made to David about the Building of the Temple.