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. IX.

1 SO all Israel were reckoned by genealogies: and behold, they were written in the book of the Kings of Israel and Judah a, who b were car∣ried away to Babylon for their transgression.

2 Now the first inhabitants c that dwelt in their possessions, in their cities d, were the Israelites e, the priests, Levites f, and the Nethinims g.

3 And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh h.

4 Uthai, the son of Ammihud i, the son of Omri the son of Imri, the son of B•…•…ni, of the children of Pharez the son of Judah.

5 And of the Shilonites k, Asajah l the first∣born, and his sons.

6 And of the sons of Zerah; Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety.

7 And of the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam n, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Ha∣senuah.

8 And Ibnejah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shophatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ib∣nijah;

9 And their brethren according to their genera∣rations, nine hundred and fifty and six o. All these men were chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers.

10 And of the priests; Jedajah, and Jehojarib, and Jachin,

11 And Azariah p the son of Hilkiah q, the son of Meshullam, the ion of Zadok, the son of Mera∣joth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God r.

12 And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur s, the son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshul∣lam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer.

13 And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore, † very able men t for the work of the service of the house of God.

14 And of the Levites; Shemajah the son of Ha∣shub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari.

15 And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal: and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph.

16 And Obadiah the son of Shemajah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun: and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the vil∣lages of the Netophathite u.

17 And the Porters x were Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren. Shallum was the chief.

18 (Who hitherto waited in the kings gate y east∣ward) They were porters in the companies z of the children of Levi.

19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren (of the house of his father) the Korhites were over the work of the service, keepers of the † gates of the tabernacle a: and their fathers b being over the host of the LORD c, were keepers of the entry d▪

20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them e in time past, and the LORD was with him f.

21 And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah, was g porter h of the door of the tabernacle i of the con∣gregation.

22 All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates, were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages k: whom David and Samuel the seer † did ordain l in their ‖ set office m.

23 So they and their children had the oversight n of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle o, by wards p.

24 In four quarters were the porters q: toward the east, west, north, and south.

25 And their brethren which were in their vil∣lages, were to come r after seven days s, from time to time with them t.

26 For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their ‖ set office u; and were over the ‖ chambers and treasuries x of the house of God.

27 And they lodged round about the house of God y, because the charge was upon them, and † the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.

28 And certain of them had the charge of the ministring vessels, that they should † bring them in and out by tale.

29 Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the ‖ instruments of the sanctua∣ry, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.

30 And ‖ some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices z.

31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites (who was the first-born of Shallum the Korhite) had the ‖ set office over the things that were made ‖ in the pans a.

32 And other of their brethren of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the † shew-bread b to pre∣pare it every sabbath.

33 And these c are d the singers, chief of the fa∣thers of the Levites, who remaining in the cham∣bers e, were free f: for † they were imployed in that work g day and night h.

34 These chief fathers of the Levites, were chief throughout their generations: these dwelt at Jeru∣salem i.

35 And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel † whose wives name was Maacha k:

36 And his first-born son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,

37 And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.

38 And Mikloth begat Shimeam, and they also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem over against their brethren.

39 And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and A∣binadab, and Eshbaal.

40 And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal: and Merib-baal begat Micah.

41 And the sons of Micah were Pithon, and Me∣lech, and Tahrea, and Ahaz.

42 And Ahaz begat Jarah, and Jarah begat Ale∣meth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri: and Zimri begat Moza.

43 And Moza begat Binea: and Rephajah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son.

44 And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ismael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.

Notes

• a

  Not in that Sacred and Canonical Book so called, but (as hath been oft observed before) in the Publick Records, wherein there was an Account of that King and Kingdom, and of the several Fami∣lies in it according to their Genealogies.
• b

  i. e. Which Tribe or People of Iudah last mentioned.
• c

  The first after the Return from Babylon.
• d

  i. e. That took possession of their own Lands and Cities, which had been formerly alotted to them; but of late years had been taken from them for their Sins, and possessed by other People.
• e

  i. e. The Common People of Iudah and Israel, called here by the general name of Israelites, which was given to them before that unhappy Division of the two Kingdoms, and now is restored to them when the Israe∣lites are united with the Jews in one and the same Commonwealth, that so all the Names and Signs of their former Division might be blotted out. And although the generality of the ten Tribes were yet in Captivity, yet divers of them were now returned, either such as had long before the Captivity fled to Ierusalem to worship God, and joyned themselves with Iudah, as those 2 Chron. 11. 16. and others: Or such as, upon Cyrus his general Proclamation associated them∣selves and returned with those of Iudah and Benjamin.
• f

  These took possession of the Cities or Places belonging to them, as they had need and opportunity.
• g

  A certain Order of Men, either Gi∣beonites or others joyned with them, devoted to the Service of God, and of his House, and of the Priests and Levites; who, that they might attend upon their work without distraction, had certain Places and Possessions given to them; which they are now said to repossess.
• N•…•…hem. 11. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• h

  i. e. Some of each of these Tribes, either such as offered them∣selves; or such as were chosen by Lot, see Nehem. 11. 1, 2.
• i

  That there is so great a diversity of Names between this Cata∣logue and that Nehem. 11. may be ascribed to two causes, first to the Custom of the Hebrews who used very frequently to give 2. or 3. several Names to one person: And secondly to the change of Times; for here they are named who came up at the first Return; but many of those in Nehemiah might be such as returned after∣ward and came and dwelt either in stead of the Persons here named, who might be then dead or gone from Ierusalem, or with them.
• k

  Or, Shelanites, as they are called from Shelah, Numb. 26. 20.
• l

  Called also Maaseiah, Nehem. 11. 5.
• n

  Who is mentioned, but described by other Parents, Neh. 11. 7. or at least by persons under other Names. Possibly these were his more immediate, and those his more remote Parents: or he might be born of one, and adopted by another. For this is certain, Men are sometimes in Scripture called the Sons of those who adopted them, or whose Right of Inheritance fell to them.
• o

  They are reckoned but 928. in Neh. 11. 8. either because there he mentions onely those that were by Lot determined to dwell at Ierusalem, to whom he here adds those who freely offered them∣selves to it; see Neh. 11. 1, 2. because some of the persons and Fa∣milies first placed there were dead or extinguished, or else removed from Ierusalem upon some emergent Occasion.
• p

  The same called Seraiah, Nehem. 11. 11.
• q

  Either of him in Iosiahs time, 2 Kin. 22. 8. or rather another of the same Name.
• r

  Or, a ruler in the house of God: Not the High-Priest, who was Ezra, Ezr. 3▪ 8. but a Chief Ruler under him; either the second Priest, as such are called, Numb. 3. 32. or the Head of one of the 24. Families or Courses of the Priests.
• s

  i. e. His Great Grandson, as appears from Neh. 11. 12, 13.
• †

  Heb. mighty men of valour.
• t

  Heb. mighty men of valour: Which is here noted as an ex∣cellent Qualification for their Place; because the Priests might meet with great Opposition and Difficulty in the Faithful discharge of their Office, in the Execution of the Censures upon all Impure persons without Exception, and in preserving Sacred things from Violation by the Touch of Forbidden Hands. Of which see an Eminent Instance in Azariah, 2 Chren. 26, 17, &c.
• u

  Or, Netophathites; which were in Iudah, ch. 2. 54. Here they now dwelt, either because their proper Cities were not yet built: or because they were not yet numerous enough to replenish them.
• x

  Whose Office it was to keep all the Gates of the Temple, that no unclean Person or Thing might enter into it.
• y

  In the East-gate of the Temple, which was so called, either because it was the Chief and most Magnificent of all the Gates: or because the Kings of Iudah used to go to the Temple through that Gate, 2 King. 16. 18. Compare Ezek. 44. 1, 2. Under this Gate he comprehends all the rest, which also were guarded by these Por∣ters.
• z

  Or, according to the companies, or orders, or courses, i. e. They kept the Gates successively according to that Method into which themselves and the rest of their Brethren the Levites were di∣stributed for the more convenient management of their several Of∣fices; among which this of the Porters was one.
• †

  Heb. thres∣hold•…•….
• a

  Or, who were, to wit, in time past, which is expressed in a like case, v. 20. when the Tabernacle was standing, before the Temple was built.
• b

  The Kohathites, of whom see on Numb. 4. •…•….
• c

  Or, with (as this Hebrew Particle is oft used) the host, &c. i. e. when the Israelites were in the Wilderness encamped in a Military manner round about the Tabernacle, with, or among whom these were then placed.
• d

  i. e. Of the Vail by which they entred into the Tabernacle; which he calls the entry distinctively, because then there were no Gates. The meaning is, That all things were now restored to their Primitive Order and Institution; and the several Persons took those Places and Offices upon them, which their Ance∣stors had before them.
• Num •…•… •…•….
• e

  i. e. Over all the Porters and other Levites and Priests before mentioned.
• f

  To direct, and assist, and bless him in the discharge of his Place. Which seems here related to encourage his Succes∣sor, and consequently all the Priests and Levites of this time to go on couragiously and resolutely in their Work, not doubting but God will stand by them as he had done by their Fathers.
• g

  To wit, in the time of David, as the following verse sheweth. See ch. 26. 1, 2. & 27. 2.
• h

  i. e. Chief Porter.
• i

  i. e. Of the Door which led out of the Priests Court into the Tabernacle in which the Ark was placed, 2 Sam. 6. 17.
• k

  Where their usual Residence was, and whence they came to Ie∣rusalem in their Courses.
• Ch▪ •…•…6. 1•…•….
• 1 Sa•…•… 9 9.
• †

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• l

  In the times of the Judges there was much Disorder and Confusion both in the Jewish State and Church, and the Levites came to the Tabernacle promiscuously and as their In∣clinations or occasions brought them. But Samuel the best of Judges, having some prospect and good hopes of deliverance from their Enemies and of an happy Settlement of the Israelitish Church and Nation; and observing that the Levites were greatly increased, he began to think of establishing some Order among the Levites in their Ministration about the Tabernacle. And these Intentions of his probably were communicated by him to David, who after Samuels death and his own peaceable Settlement in his Throne, re∣vived and perfected Samuels Design and took care to put it in exe∣cution.
• ‖

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• m

  Heb. in their faith or faithfulness, i. e. either 1. in their Office, which is called faithfulness, because this is required in that Office. Or, 2. In the Faithful discharge of their Duty and in obedience to the Will of God signified to them by Re∣velation or by the spirit, as it is said of David, 1 Chron. 28. 12. which they received by Faith, and accordingly designed and David executed it. And so this is added to shew that this was no Humane Invention, as some might conceive, but a Divine Appointment, to which all ought to submit.
• n

  To wit, in Davids time.
• o

  This is added to explain what he means by the House of the Lord, not that Tabernacle which David had set up for the Ark; but that more solemn Tabernacle, which Moses had made by Gods express Command and most particular Di∣rection; which in Davids time was at Gibeon; in which God was and would be worshipped until the Temple was built. See 1 King. 3. 2, &c. 2 Chron. 1. 3, 5, &c.
• p

  i. e. By Turns or Courses, each of them at his Gate and in his appointed Time.
• q

  i. e. The Chief Porters, as this is explained, v. 26.
• r

  From their several Villages to the Place of Worship.
• s

  Every Sabbath or seventh day the Courses were changed, and the New Commers were to tarry till the next Sabbath-day. See 2 Kin. 11. 5, 7, 9.
• t

  i. e. To be with them, i. e. with the Chief Porters who always abode in the Place of Gods Worship, and to minister to them.
• ‖

  Or, trust.
• u

  i. e. These were constantly upon the place and in the execution of their Office, that so they might oversee and direct the Inferiour Porters in their work. Or, as others render the words, agreeably to the Hebrew Text, For these (i. e. their brethren, v. 25.) were un∣der the charge or committed to the trust of the four chief porters, who also were Levites, as their Brethren were; whereas the Chief of all of them was a Priest. Either way these words contain a Reason of what was said, v. 25. why the rest were to come to these and to be with them.
• ‖

  Or▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• x

  In which the Sacred Utensils and other Treasures belonging to the Temple were kept.
• y

  Therefore they were obliged to constant Residence in the Place; and were not permitted to dwell in the Villages, as their Brethren were.
• †

  Heb. they were •…•… the key▪ & Gr.
• †

  Heb. bring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 i•…•… by tale, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• ‖

  〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• ‖

  〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 30. 2•…•….
• z

  This is added to prevent a Mistake, and to shew that al∣though the Levites were intrusted with the keeping of this Oint∣ment, yet none but the Priests could make it. See Exod. 30. 22, &c.
• ‖

  〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• ‖

  O•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• a

  i. e. was to take care that Fine Flour might be provided and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sa•…•…ly and well, that when occasion required they might make Cakes in Pans to be offered to the Lord: of which see on Lev. 2. 5.
• †

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• b

  Of which see Exod. 35. 13.
• c

  i. e. Others of the Levites; of whose several Offices he had spoken before.
• d

  Or rather, were; which is understood, and all along in the foregoing and following verses, and again in this very verse.
• 〈…〉〈…〉.
• e

  Where they waited that they might be ready to come •…•…hensoever they were called to the Service of God in the Taber∣•…•….
• f

  From all Trouble and Employment, that they might wholly attend upon the proper Work.
• †

  〈…〉〈…〉
• g

  Either composing or or∣dering sacred Songs; or actually singing; or teaching others to sing th•…•….
• h

  i. e. Continually, and particularly in the Morning and Evening, the two Times appointed for solemn Service and Offerings.
• i

  Upon their return from Babylon they were not suffered to chuse their Habitations in the Country, as others were, but were obliged to settle themselevs at Ierusalem, that they might con∣stantly attend upon Gods Service there, and be ready to instruct the younger Levites in their Office, as they needed or desired it.
• †

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• k

  In this and the following verses to the end of this Chapter he repeats what he had said before ch. 8. 29, &c. concerning Sauls Ge∣nealogy, that he might make way for the following History. Which i•…•… a Figure called Epa•…•…alepsis, which is frequent both in Sacred and Prof•…•… Writ•…•….
• Ch. 8. 33
• Ch. 8. 35.