Annotations upon the remaining historicall part of the Old Testament. The second part. to wit, the books of Joshua, Judges, the two books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, and the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther : wherein first, all such passages in the text are explained as were thought likely to be questioned by any reader of ordinary capacity : secondly, in many clauses those things are discovered which are needfull and usefull to be known ... and thirdly, many places that might at first seem to contradict one another are reconciled ... / by Arthur Jackson.

ANNOTATIONS Upon the first book of the CHRONICLES.

CHAP. I.

ADam, Sheth, Enosh, &c.] In the book of the kings there is frequent mention of the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel and of the kings of Judah, as 1. Kings 14.19. and 1. Kings 15.23. and in many other places. But it is clear that these books of the Chronicles, which are a part of the sacred Scriptures, are not the very same that are there mentioned, because many things which are there said to have been related are not here to be found, as we see 1. Kings 14.19. Yet these were happely collected out of those, and that by Ezra, as it is generally thought. Their chief scope is to give us the history of the kings of Judah entirely by it self, without intermingling the story of the kings of Israel, as it is in the books of the kings; and especially to adde such remarkable passages concerning Judahs king∣dome, as were omitted in the books of the kings: whence they are called by the Greek Interpreters Paralipomena, that is, passages formerly passed by and omitted. In the first foure verses we have the line of Adam to Noah, no other of the posterity of Adam being mentioned, because they were all destroyed in the floud.

Vers. 5. The sonnes of Japheth; Gomer, &c.] See Gen. 10.1.

Vers. 10. And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth.] See Gen. 10.8.

Vers. 18. And Arphaxad begat Shelah.] The Septuagint in their Greek trans∣lation of the old Testament, do both here, and also Gen. 10.14. insert one gene∣ration more then is in the Hebrew, reading the text thus, And Arphaxad begat Cainan, and Cainan begat Shelah. And yet herein according to our translation Luke the Evangelist followeth the corrupt Septuagint translation, rather then the Hebrew copies, Luke 3.35, 36. making Salah (or Shelah) the sonne of Cainan, and Cainan the sonne of Arphaxad. Now to this it is answered that the Evange∣list did this, because the Septuagint translation was then of great esteem, and of most frequent use amongst the Jews; and therefore he would not for so small a matter, and of no importance, minister any occasion of contention, it being sufficient for him to shew that Christ was the sonne of David, even according to the genealogy of David set down by the Septuagint, which in those times passed for currant a∣mongst them; and that the rather happely, because even to this that clause may be referred, Luke 3.23. (as was supposed) namely, that in those dayes it was supposed by them that followed the Septuagint translation, that Shelah was the sonne of Cainan, and Cainan the sonne of Arphaxad. It is indeed true that some Interpreters do leave Cainan out of the genealogy of Luke, and alledge that in some Greek copies it is not found, which being granted we cannot say but they had strong in∣ducements to leave it out. But on the other side admitting our translation of the E∣vangelist to be just and warrantable, the answer formerly given for the reconciling

of this difference, is doubtlesse the most satisfying that I any where find amongst the Expositours both of the Old and New Testament.

Vers. 35. The sonnes of Esau; Eliphaz, Revel, &c.] Eliphaz was the sonne of Esau by his wife Adah, and Revel by his wife Bashemath, Gen. 36.10.

Vers. 36. The sonnes of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Ke∣naz, and Timna, and Amalek.] Amalek was the sonne of Eliphaz by Timna his concubine, the sister of Lotan, the sonne of Seir; of which see Gen. 36.12. But this Timna here mentioned was the sonne of Eliphaz, though of the same name with his concubine.

Vers. 38. And the sonnes of Seir; Lotan, &c.] This Seir was Prince of the Horites, who at first inhabited the land of Edom, till the children of Edom destroy∣ed them, and dwelt in their room, Deut. 2.12. The Horims also dwelt in Seir be∣fore time, but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; and therefore is the genealogy of the Horites here recorded, onely because Esau and his sonne Eliphaz were joyned in af∣finity with these Princes of the Horites; and perhaps thence the Edomites took some occasion of quarrel against them, and so seized upon their countrey. The posterity of Seir here mentioned were dukes in mount Seir, as is noted, Gen. 36.30.

Vers. 43. Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, &c,] See Gen. 36.31.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 6. ANd the sonnes of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Cal∣col, and Dara.] Zimri as is most probable, was the immediate sonne of Zerah, as being the same that is called Zabdi, the father of Carmi, the father of Achan, Josh. 7.1. But the rest, if they were the same Ethan, and Heman, and Cal∣col, and Dara, mentioned, 1. Kings 4.31. that were so famous for their wisedome (as it is commonly held they were) then were not these the immediate sonnes of Zerah, but rekoned here amongst his sonnes, onely because they were of his posteri∣ty, and men famous in their time; but the sonnes of Mahol, as is expressely noted, 1. Kings 4.31.

Vers. 7. And the sonnes of Carmi, &c.] Who was the sonne of Zimri, or Zab∣di, Josh. 7.1.

Vers. 15. Ozem the sixth, David the seventh.] It is evident that Jesse had eight sonnes when David was anointed king by Samuel, 1. Sam. 16.10. but concerning that see the note there,

Vers. 17. And the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmeelite.] See the note 2. Sam. 17.25.

Vers. 18. And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth.] This was not Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who was but fourty years old when he searched Canaan, Josh. 14.7. but another of the same name, the sonne of Hezron, of whom, see Gen. 46.12. and his genealogy is here largely set down, be∣cause there were many men of renown amongst his posterity, and the chief aim of this chapter is to shew how God blessed the tribe of Judah, according to his pro∣mise, Gen. 49.8, &c. Judah thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand

shall be in the neck of thine enemies, thy fathers children shall bow down before thee, see also Exod. 31.2.

Her sonnes are these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.] This may be referred either to Azubah or Jerioth; yet by most Expositours it is referred to the last; to wit, that these were the sonnes of Jerioth, and that Calebs sonnes by Azubah, are those mentioned, vers. 42.

Vers. 21. And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir, the father of Gilead, &c.] See Josh. 17.1. Numb. 26.29.

Vers. 22. And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead.] The grandfather of Jair was Hezron of the tribe of Judah, but his grand∣mother was of the tribe of Manasseh, the daughter of Machir; and it seems his fa∣ther Segub, was by Machir his mothers father, adopted for his sonne, and so Jair is called the sonne of Manasseh, Deut. 3.14. and joyning with his brethren by the mothers side, in subduing that portion of land which was assigned to them without Jordan, he had there his portion amongst them, though he were by the fathers side of the tribe of Judah, see the note upon Numb. 32.41.

Vers. 23. And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, &c.] That is, he took Geshur and Aram from those that were the ancient inhabitants. But this was Geshur without Jordan, in the portion of the half tribe of Manasseh there seat∣ed; for there was another Geshuri within Jordan, that was not subdued when Jo∣shua began to divide the land amongst the Israelites, Josh. 13.2. As for Kenath he took that (as it seems) by means of Nobah, who happely was one of his poste∣rity or captains, and fought against Kenath under the command of Jair, Numb. 32.41, 42. And Jair the sonne of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havoth-jair. And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah after his own name.

Vers. 24. Abiah Hezrons wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa.] That is, the Prince of Tekoa, or rather the father of the inhabitants of Tekoa.

Vers. 34. Now Sheshan had no sonnes, but daughters, &c.] Ahlai therefore the sonne of Sheshan mentioned, vers. 31. died it seems his father yet living; or else, Ah∣lai was his daughter, whom he married to his Egyptian servant.

Vers. 42. Now the sonnes of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were, Mesha his first-born, which was the father of Ziph.] These were his sonnes by Azubah his first wife, of whom mention was made, vers. 18. and Mesha his first-born is called the father of Ziph, because he was the father of the inhabitants of Ziph.

And the sonnes of Maresha the father of Hebron.] That is, the sonnes of Mare∣sha were also the posterity of Caleb by Azubah.

Vers 49. And the daughter of Caleb was Achsah.] Caleb the son of Jephunneh had a daughter also named Achsah, Josh. 15.17. but this must needs be the daughter of Caleb the sonne of Hezron.

Vers. 50. These were the sonnes of Caleb the sonne of Hur, &c.] This is the po∣sterity of a second Caleb, the sonne of Hur, mentioned before, vers. 20. and the first mentioned is Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim, which may be understood as that above, vers. 42.

Vers. 54. The sonnes of Salman; Beth-lehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth,

the house of Joab.] Ataroth signifieth crowns, and so some understand this word as an encomium of the Netophathites, that being of the valiantest of Joabs soul∣diers, they were the crowns of the house of Joab. But otherwise it may be ta∣ken for the inhabitants of Ataroth, a place mentioned, Josh. 16.2. to wit, that they also were of the posterity of Salmah; and those words, the house of Joab, must then be added, to imply, that the posterity of Joab were either of the inha∣bitants of Ataroth, or of the posterity of Salmah; to wit, by the fa∣thers side.

Vers. 55. And the families of the Scribes which dwelt at Jabez. By Scribes here, Expositours understand such as were exercised in the study of the law, and so instructed the people herein, whence is that, Jer. 8.8. How do we say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it, the pen of the Scribes is in vain, and Ezra 7.6. This Ezra went up from Babylon, and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses.

The Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites, &c.] The Kenites were doubtlesse the posterity of Jethro, Judg. 1.16. And the children of the Kenite Moses father in law, went up out of the city of palm-trees, and the Suchathites (so called, because they dwelt in Tabernacles) were Kenites (as is here expressely affirmed) yea and perhaps the rest also, in the former words mention∣ed with them, and that of the posterity of Hemath, who was also the father of the Rechabites, of whom we reade, Jer. 35.2. yet because they dwelt with the sonnes of Salmah, and perhaps matched themselves with their daughters, they are here in∣serted amongst Salmahs posterity.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. NOw these are the sonnes of David, which were born unto him in He∣bron, &c.] What is to be noted in these first foure verses, see 2. Sa∣muel 3.2, 3, 5.

Vers. 5. Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, foure of Bath-shua the daughter of Ammuel.] Solomon is here named last, because his posterity is immediately to be expressed, vers, 10. but he was the eldest of these foure sonnes which David had by Bath-shua, or Bath-sheba, as is evident, 2. Sam. 12.24. and therefore Bath-shebaes onely darling, Prov. 4.3. For I was my fathers sonne, ten∣der, and onely beloved in the sight of my mother.

Vers. 6. Ibhar also, and Elishama, &c.] There are but seven of these mentioned, 2. Sam. 5.15. For Noga is not there mentioned, and but one Eliphalet; whereas it is manifest by this place, that he had two sonnes (perhaps by two severall wives) that were called Eliphelet, as he had two also that were called Elishama; for he that is called Elishua, 2. Sam. 5.15. is here called Elishama.

Vers. 15. And the sonnes of Josiah were, the first-born Johanan, &c.] Ei∣ther Johanan was indeed the first-born of Josiahs sonnes, but dyed before his fa∣ther, and so never came to the kingdome, and then it is Jehoahaz that was first king that is here called Shallum, and reckoned in the fourth place; or else Jehoahaz is here called Johanan, and is called the first-born, either because he was indeed the eldest of Josiahs sonnes, (of which see the notes on 2. Kings 23.36) or else be∣cause

he was the eldest by his wife Hamutal, (who was happely his first and prin∣cipall wife) or at least because he first succeeded in the throne as the first-born, 2. Kings 23.30.31.

Vers. 16. And the sonnes of Jehoiakim; Jeconiah his sonne, Zedekiah his sonne.] It is manifest that Zedekiah who was made king of Judah by the king of Ba∣bylon, when Jehoiachin or Jeconiah was carried captive to Babylon, and was the lost king of Judah, was the sonne of Josiah, 2. Kings 24.17. the brother of Jehoia∣kim, and uncle of Jehojachin or Jeconiah who was king immediately before him; either therefore Zedekiah the last king of Judah, is here called the sonne of Jeco∣niah or Jehojachin, onely because he succeeded him (as his heir) in the throne of Judah; or else this Zedekiah here mentioned, is not Zedekiah the sonne of Josiah king of Judah, but another of that name, the sonne of Jehoiakim, and brother of Jehojachin, or Jeconiah, who is no where else mentioned in the Scriptures.

Vers. 17. And the sonnes of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his sonne, &c.] Though it was prophecyed concerning Jeconiah, that he should be as a man that was childlesse, in regard of having the royall dignity continued in his posterity; be∣cause none of his seed should sit in the throne of David, Jer. 22.30. Thus saith the Lord, Write ye this man childlesse, a man that shall not prosper in his dayes: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah: yet it is evident by this place, that he had severall sonnes after he was carried into Babylon; to wit, Assir, and Salathiel, and Malchiram, &c. eight in number; unlesse we should conceive, that Salathiel and those that follow were the grandchildren of Jeconiah, by his sonne Assir, as the words seeme to imply, Assir, Salathiel his sonne; or that Salathiel was called Assir Salathiel, which may seeme the more probable, because, Assir signifieth one in bonds; and so Salathiel might be called in reference to Jeconiahs being carried bound into Babylon, (as we see the like in Gershom, Exod. 2.22.) as also because Salathiel is named as the sonne of Jeconiah, Matth. 1.12. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeco∣nias begat Salathiel. Indeed some conceive that Salathiel came of the stock of Na∣than, and is here onely mentioned as a sonne of Jeconiah, because he succeeded in some kind of government after Jeconiah, and that he was of the stock of Nathan: But me thinks it is farre more probable that this Salathiel here mentioned, and so a∣gain, Matth. 1.12. was indeed the true sonne of Jeconiah, and that both Salathiel and Zerubbabel mentioned by Luke, chapter 3.27. are diverse from these mentioned here, and in Matthew.

Vers. 19. And the sonnes of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel and Shimei.] Pedaiah is mentioned in the former verse, as a sonne of Jeconiah, and made here the father of Zerubbabel; evident indeed it is, that Salathiel had also a sonne called Zerubbabel, Matth. 1.12. and Salathiel begat Zorobabel. Hag. 1.1. In the second yeare of Darius — came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, unto Zerubbabel the sonne of Shealtiel. But this Zerubbabel was it seemes the sonne of Pedaiah, who was the brother or uncle of Salathiel.

And the sonnes of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister.] Probable it is that these two sonnes of Zerubbabel are here mentioned;

first by themselves, with their sister Shelomith, because these he had by one wife, and the other five mentioned in the following verse, by another.

Vers. 21. And the sonnes of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sonnes of Rephaiah, the sonnes of Arnan, &c,] That is, all these families were of the stock of Hananiel.

Vers. 22. And the sonnes of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sonnes of She∣maiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.] That is, the sonnes of Shechaniah were six, to wit, reckoning his sonne Shemaiah, and his five grand-children, the sonnes of Shemaiah.

CHAP. IIII.

Vers. 1. THe sonnes of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, &c.] That is, the posterity of Judah: for onely Pharez was Judahs sonne immediately, and Hezron was the sonne of Pharez, and Carmi called also Chelubai and Caleb was the sonne of Hezron, chap. 2.9, 18. and Hur was the sonne of Carmi or Caleb, chap. 2.19. and Shobal was the sonne of Caleb, the sonne of Hur, chap. 2.50. and Reaiah, or Haroe, chap. 2.52. was the sonne of Shobal; and because this Sho∣bals posterity were here to be more fully expressed, vers. 2. therefore in the first verse it is shewen briefly, how he was lineally descended from Judah; from hence unto the tenth chapter the families of all the severall tribes are expressed be∣sides Zebulon and Dan; and Dan some say is omitted, because there was but one family of that tribe, to wit, the family of Hushim, Gen. 46.23. But why the genealogies of these two tribes are omitted, I conceive we cannot certainly say; yet see what is noted afterwards, chap. 7.6.

Vers. 3. And these were of the father of Etam, &c.] It is not expressed who was this father of Etam, that is, this father of the inhabitants of Etam; onely by the last words of the fourth verse it is clear, that both he and his sonnes were of the posterity of Hur, and perhaps by Shobal the sonne of Caleb, the sonne of Hur, as those were, mentioned in the former verses; for in the latter end of the fourth verse, with reference to that which went before, it is said, These are the sonnes of Hur the first-born of Ephratah, that is, the first born of Caleb by his wife E∣phratah, chap. 2.19. the father of Beth-lehem for he was the grandfather of Sal∣mah, who was the father of the inhabitants of Beth-lehem, chap. 2.50, 51.

Vers. 5. And Ashur the father of Tekoa, had two wives, &c.] This Ashur was the posthumus sonne of Hezron, born of his wife Abiah after Hezron was dead, chap. 2.24.

Vers. 8. And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel, &c.] It is not expressed here who was the father of this Coz; but by the joyning of these words to those that went before, it may seem that he was the sonne of He∣lah or Ethnan, the last mentioned in the former verse, and so of the posterity of Ashur.

Vers. 9. And Jabez was more honourable then his brethren, &c.] Jabez is here mentioned as the father of one of the forenamed families of Aharhel.

Vers. 11. And Chelub the brother of Shuah, begat Mehir, &c.] This Chelub is, (as I conceive) added as another head of the families of Aharhel, mentioned vers. 8.

Vers. 12. These are the men of Recah.] That is, these sonnes of Chelub were the inhabitants of Rechah.

Vers. 13. And the sonnes of Kenaz; Othniel, &c.] It is not expressed whose sonne Kenaz was, but probably it may be thought by the adding of this to that which went before, that he was the sonne of Chelub, vers. 11.

Vers. 14. And Meonothai begat Ophrah.] Who was also (as it seems) the sonne of Othniel, as was also Hathath, mentioned in the former verse.

And Seraiah begat Joab, the father of the valley of Charashim, &c.] Or crafts∣men; which stood in the confines of Judah and Benjamin. See Neh. 11.31 35.

Vers. 15. And the sonnes of Caleb the sonne of Jephunneh, &c.] Who was the sonne of Kenaz, or at least of his posterity, and therefore called the Kenezite, Numb. 32.12.

Vers. 16. And the sonnes of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Zipha, Tyria, and Asare∣el.] And Jehaleleel was also it seems the sonne of Kenaz, mentioned the last in the foregoing verse.

Vers. 17. And the sonnes of Ezra were, Jether, &c.] The sonne (as it seems) of Asareel.

And she bare Miriam, &c.] To wit, the wife of Ezra.

Vers. 18. And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered, &c.] This was a second wife of Ezra.

And these are the sonnes of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took, &c.] The sonnes of Ezra being named, here we have next expressed the sonnes of Mered, who was one of Ezra's sonnes, vers. 17. He had it seems also two wives, the first Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, as here it is expressed; the second Hodiah the sister of Maham, vers. 19. and by these Mered had the father of Keilah the Gar∣mite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite, vers. 19. This I conceive is the plainest expo∣sition of this intricate place.

Vers. 20. And the sonnes of Shimon were, Amnon, and Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon.] It is not expressed whose sonne this Shimon was, onely it is generally thought that he is reckoned as one of Chelubs posterity, mentioned vers. 11.

And the sonnes of Ishi were, Zoheth, and Ben-zoeth.] This Ishi was happely the sonne of Filan before mentioned.

Vers. 22. Who had the dominion in Moab, &c.] It seems that in the times when the Moabites were tributaries to the kings of Judah, these sonnes of Shelah before mentioned, were by their appointment governours in Moab.

Vers. 23. These were the potters and those that dwelt amongst plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.] That is, of these sonnes of Shelah came also those that were potters, and those that dwelt amongst plants and hedges; that is, those that were gardiners and husbandmen to the kings of Judah.

Vers. 24. The sonnes of Simeon were, Nemuel, &c.] Because the tribe of Simeon had their inheritance assigned them within the inheritance of the children of Judah, Josh. 19.1. therefore is their genealogy here joyned with Judahs. Here are but five sonnes of Simeon mentioned, whereas Gen. 46.10. there are six mentioned, which may be, because happely one of them never came to be reckoned, as the head of a fa∣mily; yea happely died without issue: nor need we be troubled that their names

are not the same, since the Israelites had usually two or three severall names.

Vers. 31. These were their cities, unto the reigne of David.] Either this is ad∣ded, because there was in the cities of Simeon some alteration in Davids time, to wit, because one of these cities, namely Ziklag, having been in the possession of the Philistines, was by Achish given to David, and thenceforth being a part of the crown land of the kings of Judah, it was ordinarily reckoned one of Judahs cities; or else onely to expresse, that even unto Davids time (not excluding the times fol∣lowing) they were esteemed the inheritance of Simeon, as here is said. Yet some understand this clause thus; These were their cities, unto the reigne of David, that is, so long as the kingdome of Judah remained in Davids posterity, to wit, untill the captivity of Babylon.

Vers. 32. And their villages were, &c.] That is, their towns or cities unwalled.

Vers. 34. And Meshobab, and Jamlech, &c.] These are mentioned because they were in their time great men, and because of that particular exploit they did, vers. 39, 40, &c. though it be not expressed from which of his sonnes they descended.

Vers. 41. And these written by name, came in the dayes of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, &c.] To wit, the tents of the children of Ham; that is, the Canaanites that dwelt there before, vers. 40. and so the posterity of Simeon dwelt in their room. This must needs be done in the beginning of Hezekiahs reigne, for in the sixth yeare of his reigne, the ten tribes were carried away captive, 2. Kings 18.10, 11. And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth yeare of Hezekiah (that is the ninth yeare of Hoshea king of Israel) Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria. So that it seems they did not long enjoy these their new conquests, unlesse happely this new colony of the tribe of Simeon, were part of that small remnant of the ten tribes that were not car∣ried away (and that happely because they dwelt farre up in the kingdome of Judah) but remained in the land even in the dayes of Josiah, Hezekiahs grandchild; whence is that. 2. Chron. 24 9. And when they came to Hilkiah the high Priest, they deli∣vered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the doore had gathered of the hand of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin, and they returned to Jerusalem.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 1. HE was the first born, but forasmuch as he defiled his fathers bed, his birth-right was given unto the sonnes of Joseph, &c.] Because it might be questioned why the genealogy of Reuben was not first set down, who was Jacobs first-born sonne, this clause is inserted, wherein two reasons are given why Judahs genealogy was first set down, and not Reubens; the first, because though Reuben was Jacobs first-born, yet for his incest with his fathers concubine, he lost his birth-right, and it was given to the sonnes of Joseph▪ Gen. 48.5. who was the eldest sonne of Rachel, that should have been his first wife, concerning which see the note there: the other, because the genealogie was not to be reckoned after the birth right; that is, either as it was Reubens by nature, or as it was the sonnes of Joseph by Jacobs gift (to wit, in regard of a double portion of inheritance) but Judahs genealogy was to have the preheminence, because the tribe of Judah had alwayes the honour of being

esteemed the chief of the tribes, Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler, to wit, David and his successours kings of Judah; yea, at last Christ also the promised Messiah, of whom David was a type.

Vers. 4. The sonnes of Joel; Shemaiah his sonne, &c.] Amongst the posterity of Reuben Joel is here particularly mentioned, because of him Beerah descended, v. 6. who was the prince of the Reubenites at the time of the captivity, and then amongst others carried away captive. Whose sonne Joel was it is not expressed, onely it is thought most probable, that he was of the stock of Hanoch Reubens eldest sonne; because Beerah who descended from him, was Prince of the Reubenites at the time of the captivity.

Vers. 7. And his brethren by their families, (when the genealogie of their gene∣rations was reckoned) were the chief, Ieiel, and Zechariah, &c.] That is, the chief of the rest of the Reubenites his brethren (when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, to wit, either in the dayes of Jotham, vers. 17. or rather at the capti∣vity) were Jeiel, and Zechariah, and Bela, the three heads happely then living of the other three families of the Reubenites, descended of Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Vers. 8. Who dwelt in Aroer, &c.] That is, the Reubenites before mentioned.

Vers. 10. And in the dayes of Saul they made warre with the Hagarites, &c.] That is, the Ishmaelites, the posterity of Abraham by Hagar: and the Gadites and half tribe of Manasseh, joyned with them in this warre, vers. 18, 19. The sonnes of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilfull in warre, were foure and fourty thousand seven hundred and threescore that went out to the warre. And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

Vers. 12. Joel the chief, and Shaphan the next, &c.] These were heads either of severall families or houses in the tribe of Gad, either at the time of the captivity, or in the dayes of Jotham, ver. 17. when they were reckoned by their genealogies.

Vers. 14. These are the children of Abihail the sonne of Huri, &c.] That is, the seven before mentioned were of the stock of Abihail, who was the sonne of Huri, &c.

Vers. 16. And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, &c.] But how then was all Bashan given unto the half tribe of Manasseh, Deut. 3.13. And the rest of Gilead and all Bashan being the kingdome of Og gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh: all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants. I an∣swer, that it was all that Bashan that was the kingdome of Og that was given to them; but it seems some other part of the countrey adjoyning, which was not of Ogs kingdome, was also called Bashan, wherein the Gadites dwelt; or, the Manassites had all Bashan, that is, all in a manner.

Vers. 17. All these were reckoned by genealogies in the dayes of Jotham king of Judah, and in the dayes of Jeroboam king of Israel.] That is, towards the latter end of the reigne of Jeroboam the second, when Jotham the sonne of Uzziah go∣verned the kingdome, because his father was stricken with leprosie, 2. Kings 15.1, 5. or else the words may be meant of two severall times when the genealogies of the Israelites were taken and reckoned, one in the dayes of Jeroboam, the other in the dayes of Jotham.

Vers. 19. And they made warre with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish,

and Nodab.] Which were severall families or plantations of the Ishmaelites or Ha∣garites, as is evident Gen. 25.15.

Vers. 24. And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, &c.] See the note above, ver. 12.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. THe sonnes of Levi; Gershon, &c.] Levi was next in age to Reuben (Si∣meon onely excepted, whose genealogy was joyned with Judahs, chap. 4.24. because they dwelt amongst the tribe of Judah) and therefore is Levies genealo∣gie next recorded: for the genealogie of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh is one∣ly inserted with Reubens in the former chapter, because they dwelt together with the Reubenites without Jordan.

Vers. 4. Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua, &c.] Eleazar succeed∣ed his father Aaron in the high priesthood, in the fourtieth yeare after their coming out of Egypt, Numb. 20.25, &c. and 33.18. and was high priest all the time of Jo∣shua, and died immediately after him, as may seem by the relation of their deaths together, Josh. 24.29, 33. Phinehas his sonne that succeeded him, was he that slew Zimri and Cozbi in the wildernesse, and had thereupon a promise from God, that the high priesthood should be settled upon him and his seed for ever: see Numb. 25.7.—13. He succeeded his father Eleazar about the death of Joshua, Josh. 24.29, 33. How long he lived high priest it is no where expressed; but probable it is he was high priest all the time that the people served the Lord after Joshuahs death, in the dayes of the elders that out-lived Joshua, Judg. 2.7. and perhaps in the time of the first re∣volting of the people in the time of the Judges (which must needs then be a matter of much grief to a man of such zeal as he was) for it is evident that when the Israelites made warre against Benjamin, he was high priest, Josh. 20.28. And Phinehas the sonne of Eleazar, the sonne of Aaron stood before it in those dayes. As for the next three that follow, Abishau, & Bukki his sonne, and Ʋzzi his sonne, they were it seems high priests in those corruptest times of Israel under the Judges: whereto agrees that which is by some said, that in the dayes of Uzzi it was that Eli (and so his po∣sterity after him) got the high priests office, not being of Eleazars stock, but of the stock of Ithamar: and if so it were, then the foure next following of the stock of Eleazar were never high priests, to wit, Zerahiah, and Meraioth, and Amariah, and Ahitub; but Zadok the sonne of Ahitub, vers. 8. was the first that recovered that dignity again, which was in the dayes of Solomon, who thrust out Abiathar of the posterity of Eli, and of the stock of Ithamar, from being high priest, and put Za∣dok the sonne of Ahitub in his room, 1. Kings 2.27, 35.

Vers. 10. And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priests office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem.] That is, this is that Azariah of whom such honourable mention is made in the book of the Chronicles, 2. Chron. 26.16. &c. who did so worthily execute & maintain the honour and office of the priesthood against the intrusion and usurpation of Uzziah the king of Judah; and it is expressely noted that it was in the temple which Solomon built in Jerusalem, be∣cause at the time when this was written, there was another Temple in Jerusalem built by Zerub-babel. Yet some understand these words of Johanan the father of Aza∣riah,

that he was that Jehoiada that was high priest in the dayes of Athaliah, by whom both the Temple and Common-wealth were preserved, when they were in danger to be ruined by her.

Vers. 13. And Shallum begat Hil••iah.] Who found the book of the Law in the dayes of Josiah, 2. Kings 22.8.

Vers. 14. And Azariah begat Seraiah, &c.] Seraiah was the high priest whom Nebuchadnezzar slew: see 2. Kings 25.18,—21. He was also the father or grand-fa∣ther of Ezra, Ezra 7.1. Now after these things in the reigne of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the sonne of Seraiah, the sonne of Azariah, the sonne of Hilkiah, &c. and then Jehozadak his sonne was the father of Josuah, who was so famous at the return of the Jews, and the rebuilding of the Temple, Hag. 1.1. In the second yeare of Darius the king, in the sixth moneth, in the first day of the moneth, came the word of the Lord by Haggai the Prophet, unto Zerubbabel the sonne of She∣altiel, governour of Judah, and to Josuah the sonne of Josedech the high priest.

Vers. 19. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers.] That is, of these before named were the severall families of the Levites called, to wit, the family of the Libnites, &c.

Vers. 20. Of Gershom; Libni his sonne, Jahath his sonne, Zimmah his sonne, &c.] Here follows a catalogue of those that were successively the Heads both of the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites; perhaps unto the dayes of David, who did dispose of the Levites into new orders: and whereas Zimmah is here said to be the sonne of Jahath, thereby is meant that he was his grandchild: for Shimei was the sonne of Jahath, and Zimmah the sonne of Shimei, vers. 42, 43.

Vers. 25. And the sonnes of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth.] The sonnes of Elkanah are here more particularly expressed, because from him descended that Elka∣nah, who was the father of Samuel.

Vers. 26. As for Elkanah, the sonnes of Elkanah; Zophai his sonne, &c.] This is another Elkanah, who was the sonne of Mahath, and grandchild of Amasai, men∣tioned in the former verse, as is evident, vers. 35, 36.

Vers. 27. Jeroham his sonne, Elkanah his sonne.] The father of Samuel.

Vers. 31. And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the Lord, &c.] That is, these are they that David made chief in the three quires of singers after the Ark had rest, that is, after it was brought to Davids house (for before it was removed from one place to another) to wit, these mentioned in the sequel of this chapter; Heman of the Kohathites, ver. 33. who was the chief, and therefore had the middle quire, and Asaph (who stood on Hemans right hand) v. 39. and was of the Gershonites; and Ethan, who was also called Jeduthun, chap. 25.1. and was of the Merarites, and stood on Hemans left hand, ver. 44. These were in their times famous men, as being the chief singers, and withall Prophets, and pen∣men of some of the Psalmes; 2. Chron. 29.30. Moreover, Hezekiah the king, and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto▪ the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer.

Vers. 33. Heman a singer, the sonne of Joel, the sonne of Shemuel.] That is, Sa∣muel; for Heman was Samuels grandchild.

Vers. 50. And these are the sonnes of Aaron; Eleazar his sonne, Phinehas his

sonne, &c.] By occasion of the mention that is made of the severall offices and im∣ployments of the priests in the foregoing verse, the catalogue of the sonnes of Elea∣zar is here again set down unto the dayes of David, by whom the priests were divi∣ded into foure severall orders.

Vers. 57. And to the sonnes of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, &c.] And Simeon, Josh. 21.9. And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name.

Vers. 60. All their cities throughout their families, were thirteen cities.] To wit, the eleven here mentioned, and Ain in Judahs portion, and Gibeon in Benja∣mins, which are reckoned amongst the rest, Josh. 21.16, 17. but are not here men∣tioned.

Vers. 61. And unto the sonnes of Kohath, which were left of the family of that tribe, were cities given out of the half tribe, &c.] That is, to the rest of the sonnes of Kohath, to wit, those that were not of the priests the sonnes of Aaron, there were cities given out of the half tribe of Manasseh, that was placed within Jordan; yea, and by lot there were given them in all ten cities, to wit, foure out of the tribe of Ephraim, and foure out of the tribe of Dan, and two out of the half tribe of Ma∣nasseh, most of which are expressed by name, vers. 67, &c. and more fully, Josh. 21.21.

Vers. 65. And they gave by lot—these cities which are called by their names.] To wit, above, ver. 57, &c.

Vers. 66. And the residue of the families of the sonnes of Kohath, had cities, &c.] Here the cities that were given to the rest of the Kohathites are expressed also by name, which were before spoken of, ver. 61. as they are also Josh. 21.20. though indeed many of the names there and here differ; concerning which see the notes there.

Vers. 69. And Aijalon with her suburbs, &c.] These were given them out of the tribe of Dan; as also Eltekeh and Gibbethon, which are not here mentioned, Josh. 21.23, 24.

CHAP. VII.

Vers. 1. NOw the sonnes of Issachar were, Tola, and Puah, Jashub, &c.] This Puah and Jashub we called Phuvah and Job, Gen. 46.13. Having before set down the genealogies of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachars is next here related, because Issachar was Jacobs next sonne by Leah.

Vers. 2. Whose number was in the dayes of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred.] To wit, when he appointed Joab to number the people, 2. Sam. 24.1.

Vers. 3. And the sonnes of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sonnes of Izrahiah; Mi∣chael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five.] That is, there were five descended of Uzzi, to wit, Izrahiah, and his foure sonnes.

Vers. 4. And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers were bands of souldiers, &c.] Hereby it is evident that there were six and thirty thousand men of the posterity of Uzzi alone; so that the two and twenty thousand six hundred, mentioned before vers. 2. was the number of the posterity of Tola by his other sonnes, Uzzi being excepted, whose posterity are here numbred by them∣selves, as being more then all the rest together.

Vers. 5. And their brethren among all the families of Issachar, were men of might, &c.] That is, all the children of Issachar together, were fourescore and seven thousand men of might when Joab numbred them.

Vers. 6. The sonnes of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jodiael, three.] Jedia∣el is called Ashbel, Gen. 46.21. Zebulun was the sixth sonne of Leah, born next af∣ter Issachar; but neither Zebuluns nor Dans genealogie is at all here mentioned; per∣haps because at the return of the people out of Babylon, (when it is thought that Ezra wrote this book) their genealogies were not found. Benjamins genealogy is therefore next inserted, who was the sonne of Rachel; yet here are but onely three of Benjamins ten sonnes mentioned, perhaps because the posterity of these onely were numbred, when Joab numbred the people, vers. 2.

Vers. 12. Shuppim also, and Huppim, &c.] That is, these also were of Benja∣mins posterity.

Vers. 13. The sonnes of Naphtali; Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sonnes of Bilhah.] That is, the grand-children; for Bilhah Rachels handmaid was the mother of Naphtali, whose sonnes these were.

Vers. 14. The sonnes of Manasseh; Ashriel whom she bare, &c.] There was an Ashriel that was the sonne or one of the posterity of Gilead, Numb. 26.30, 31. These are the sonnes of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites: And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of She∣chem, the family of the Shechemites: either therefore this was another Ashriel, the immediate sonne of Manasseh by his wife; whereas Machir was Manassehs sonne by his concubine the Aramitesse: or else Ashriel is here reckoned onely as one of the po∣sterity of Manasseh; whom she bare, that is, either the wife of Gilead, or the wife of Hepher, the mother of Zelophehad, and thence it follows, vers. 15. that Zelophehad (who was the sonne of Hepher, the sonne of Gilead, Num. 27.1.) was the second, that is, the second sonne of Hepher, the younger brother of Ashriel. And if we thus take Ashriel for one of the posterity of Gilead the sonne of Machir, then we must understand that the following words, But his concubine the Aramitesse bare Ma∣chir, &c. are onely added, to shew that this Ashriel, and the rest afterward menti∣oned, were not the posterity of Manasseh by his wife, but by his concubine the A∣ramitesse:

Vers. 17. These were the sonnes of Gilead, &c.] To wit, Ashriel and Zelo∣phehad above mentioned; but not Peresh, and Sheresh, and his posteritie the last here mentioned: for they were the sonnes of Machir by Maachah, and so the bre∣thren of Gilead.

Vers. 18. And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishhad, &c.] That is, Gileads sister.

Vers. 19. And the sonnes of Shemida were Ahian, &c.] And Shemida was also the sonne (or of the stock) of Gilead: see Numb. 26.30, 32.

Vers. 21. Whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, &c.] Either this must be referred to all those before named, vers. 20. the sonnes of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his sonne, and Tahath his sonne, &c. to wit, as taking them all to be the severall sonnes of Ephraim; namely that Shuthelah, vers. 20. was the sonne of Ephraim, and so also Bered (who seems to be mentioned as the sonne of Shuthelah) was another sonne of Ephraim, and Tahath another, and so on forward:

who were all slain by the men of Gath, when the Israelites were in Egypt: or else (if this seems not so probable, because then Ephraim should have two sonnes called Shuthelah, and two called Tahath) then though those in the twentieth verse be taken as severall generations, to wit, that Shuthelah was the sonne of Ephraim, and Bered his grandchild, and Tahath his grandchild, and so forward, yet Zabad the first men∣tioned vers. 21. must be reckoned another sonne of Ephraim, and Shuthelah, and Ezer, and Elead his grandchildren, whom the men of Gath slew: or thirdly, if all those before mentioned be reckoned as severall succeeding generations, to wit, that Shuthelah the sonne of Ephraim begat Bered, and Bered Tahath, and Tahath Ela∣dah, and Eladah Tahath, and Tahath Zabad, and Zabad Shuthelah, and Ezer, and Elead, then the words (whom the men of Gath slew, &c.) must be referred onely to some of the former of these here mentioned: or fourthly, that which follows, vers. 22. And Ephraim their father mourned many dayes, and his brethren came to com∣fort him, must be meant of Zabad, who was called also Ephraim, perhaps onely because he was the head of that tribe; for it is not possible, that Ephraim should live to see these last here mentioned, if they be all taken as severall succeeding ge∣nerations, to wit, seven generations. However, though this which is said concern∣ing the cause why the men of Gath slew them; to wit, because they came down to take away their cattell, may be meant of the Philistines of Gath, that coming up∣on the Israelites dwelling then in Egypt, to take away their cattell, they slew these sonnes of Ephraim, that armed themselves to resist them; yet rather I think it is meant of the sonnes of Ephraim, to wit, that there being usually warre betwixt E∣gypt and the Philistines their neighbours (to which those places may have reference, Exod. 1.10. Come on, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to passe, that when there fall out any warre, they joyn also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land, and 13.17. And it came to passe when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near: for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see warre, and they returne to Egypt.) the sonnes of Ephraim at a certain time armed themselves to make an inrode upon the land of the Philistines, and were slain by the men of Gath; for why is it said, the men of Gath that were born in that land, but to intimate, that they inhabited the land that was invaded by the sonnes of Ephraim? and of this slaughter of the Ephraimites, some un∣derstand that place, Psal. 78.9. The children of Ephraim being armed and carrying bowes, turned back in the day of battel.

Vers. 24. And his daughter was Sherah, who built Beth-horon the nether, and the upper, &c.] That is, Sherah famous in her time for building, that is, rebuilding, beautifying, and fortifying these cities, (for the upper and nether Beth-horon were cities in Canaan before the Israelites possessed them, Josh. 16.6.) she was also of the stock of Beriah: for had she been the immediate daughter of Beriah, the sonne of Ephraim, she could not have lived to enter the land of Canaan.

Vers. 26. Ammihud his sonne, Elishama his sonne.] Who was prince of the children of Ephraim at their going down out of Egypt. Numb. 7.48. On the se∣venth day, Elishama the sonne of Ammiud, prince of the children of Ephra∣im, offered.

Vers. 35. And the sonne of his brother, Helem.] That is, Helem was the sonne of Shomers brother, called before vers. 32. Hotham.

Vers. 38. And the sonnes of Jether, &c.] This Jether is called Ithran in the former verse, as most conceive.

Vers. 39. And the sonnes of Ulla, &c.] Who was happely another sonne of Jether, or else his grandchild the sonne of Ara before mentioned.

Vers. 40. And the number throughout the genealogie of them that were apt to the warre and to battel, was twenty and six thousand men.] To wit, happely when they were numbred in the dayes of David, as above vers. 2.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 1. NOw Benjamin begat Bela his first-born, &c.] Some thing was be∣fore said concerning three of Benjamins sonnes, chap. 7.6. but here the genealogie of Benjamin is more fully expressed. 1. Because the tribe of Benja∣min did alwayes most constantly adhere to the house and kingdome of David. And secondly to discover the stock of Saul the first king of Israel. Indeed Gen. 46.21. there are ten sonnes of Benjamin named, but the genealogie of five of them onely is here recorded; because happely of the others there were no men of any great re∣nown, or perhaps because their genealogies were lest, Ashbel the second, is called also Jediael, chap. 7.6. and Aharah Ahiram. Numb. 26.38. and Ehi, Gen. 46.21. and Nohah Naaman, Gen. 46.21. and Rapha Rosh, Gen. 46.21.

Vers. 3. And the sonnes of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, &c.] Five other sonnes of Bela are mentioned, chap. 7.7. to which here are added nine more, nei∣ther is it necessary that we should think that all these were the immediate sonnes of Bela; (for here we see are two Geraes mentioned, and men do not use to call two sonnes by one name) but onely that they were men of renown of his posterity.

Vers. 6. And these are the sonnes of Ehud, &c.] The meaning of this place (I conceive) is, that some of these before mentioned that were of the posterity of Be∣la, were more immediately the sonnes of Ehud, chief of the fathers of the inhabi∣tants of Geba, who finding that place too strait for them, removed themselves to Manahath, together with Naaman, and Ahiah called Ahoah vers. 4. and Gera, and dwelt there.

Vers. 7. He removed them, and begat Ʋzza, and Ahihud.] That is, Ehud or Gera removed them, and being seated in Manahath, he begat Uzza and Ahihud.

Vers. 8. And Shaharaim begat children in the countrey of Moab, after he had sent them away.] That is, after Ehud or Gera had sent away this colony from Ge∣ba to Manahath, Shaharaim (who was it seems one of them) begat children in the land of Moab, whither it seems upon some occasion he was removed.

Hushim and Baara were his wives.] Hushim called also Hodesh, vers. 9.

Vers. 12. The sonnes of Elpaal; Eber, &c.] To wit, besides those that dwelt in Jerusalem mentioned, vers. 17, 18, 28.

Vers. 13. Beriah also and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabi∣tants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath.] To wit, that they might dwell in their room; yet some understand it, that they came upon the men of Gath, when they had slain the sonnes of Ephraim, and put them to flight, so re∣venging the death of their brethren.

Vers. 14. And Ahio, Shashak, and Jerimoth, &c.] Here begins the catalogue of the heads of the severall families of Benjamin that inhabited Jerusalem. First, the sonnes of Beriah the sonne of Elpaal, vers. 14, 15, 16. Secondly, the sonnes of Elpaal, vers. 17, and 18. Thirdly the sonnes of Shimhi, or vers. 13. Shema the sonne of Elpaal, vers. 19, 20, 21. Fourthly, the sonnes of Shashak, vers. 22, 23, 24, 25. who was a sonne of Beriah, vers. 14. And fifthly, the sonnes of Jeroham, who is no where else mentioned, vers. 26, and 27.

Vers. 33. And Ner begat Kish, &c.] This Ner the grandfather of Saul, was al∣so called Abiel, 1. Sam. 9.1. Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the sonne of Abiel, the sonne of Zeror, &c. and he had (besides Kish) a sonne also called Ner, the father of Abner, 1. Sam. 14.50.51.

Vers. 36. And Ahaz begat Jehoadah.] Called also Jarah, chap. 9.42.

Vers. 37. Rapha was his sonne.] Called also Rephaiah, chap. 9.43.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 2. NOw the first inhabitants, &c.] In the former chapters we had the gene∣alogies of those that were before the Babylonian captivity; but here now we are told who they were that returned out of Babylon, Now the first inha∣bitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were the Israelites; that is, those who first returned from Babylon, and were again settled in their severall possessions were the children of Israel (for not onely those of Judah and Benjamin, but some also of the other tribes returned thence, vers. 3. to wit, such as sled to Judah when the ten tribes were first carried away by Tiglath-pileser and Shalmaneser; and such as did at first leave the land of Israel, when Jeroboam did first set up his golden calves there: the priests also, the Levites and the Nethinims, that is, (as the word signifieth) men given, to wit, to God and to the service of the Temple, and it is meant of the Gibeonites; see the note Josh. 9.21.

Vers. 3. And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, &c.] To wit, every tenth man amongst them chosen by lot, and such as did besides voluntarily offer themselves to dwell there, Nehem. 11.1, 2. And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

Vers. 5. And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the first born, &c.] That is, the sonnes of Shiloni, Neh. 11.5. and he that is here called Asaiah, is in likelyhood the same that is there called Maaseiah.

Vers. 7. Sallu the sonne of Meshullam, the sonne of Hodaviah, the sonne of Hasenuah, &c.] Nehem. 11.7. Meshullam is said to be the sonne of Joed, the sonne of Pedaiah; either therefore Meshullams father was called both Joed and Hodaviah, and his grandfather both Pedaiah and Hasenuah; or else these here mentioned were his father and grandfather, and those mentioned in Nehemiah were his progenitours farther off.

Vers. 9. And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six.] Nehem. 11.8. they are said to have been nine hundred twenty and

eight; but there (it may seem) onely those are numbred that were chosen by lot to dwell in Jerusalem, here those also that did voluntarily proffer themselves to dwell there. Nehem. 11.2. And the people blessed all the men that willingly offered them∣selves to dwell at Jerusalem.

Vers. 11. And Azariah the sonne of Hilkiah, &c.] Called also Seraiah, Neh. 11.11. and it is said here that this Azariah or Seraiah was the ruler of the house of God, to wit, at the return of the people from Babylon: whereby is not meant that he was high priest, (for Joshua was then high priest, Hagg. 1.1.) but that he was the chief, or one of the chief of the inferiour priests, who were called the second priests, Numb. 3.32. And of his brethren there were when they returned from Ba∣bylon, eight hundred twenty and two, Nehem. 11.12.

Vers. 12. And Adaiah the sonne of Jeroham, the sonne of Pashur, &c.] Neh. 11.12. it is evident that there were three descents between Pashur and Jeroham; and there also, vers. 13. it is expressed, that of his brethren there were two hundred fourty and two.

And Maasiai the sonne of Adiel, the sonne of Jahzerah, &c.] Nehem. 11.13. he is called Amashai, the sonne of Azareel, the sonne of Ahasiai, the sonne of Me∣shilemoh, the sonne of Immer: and of this family it is said that there were, vers. 14. an hundred twenty and eight.

Vers. 14. And of the Levites, Shemaiah, &c.] Having formerly set down the chief of the priests that returned from Babylon, here he also addes who were the chief of the Levites that returned; of whom there were at Jerusalem (besides those that were seated elsewhere, and the porters, and others afterwards mentioned) two hundred fourescore and foure, as is noted Nehem. 11.18.

Vers. 15. Mattaniah the sonne of Micah, the sonne of Zichri.] Called also Zabdi. Nehem. 11.17.

Vers. 16. And Obadiah the sonne of Shemaiah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.] Who were of the tribe of Judah, amongst whom the Levites were seated at first, till their cites could be assigned them.

Vers. 17. And the porters were Shallum and Akkub, &c.] That is, these were the chief; for of them in all there were an hundred seventy and two, Nehem. 11.19. besides those that were porters in the inner entries, vers. 21, 22.

Vers. 18. Who hitherto waited in the kings gate eastward.] That is, Shallum the chief of them, and those of his course or family, unto the time of the writing of this book, waited in the east gate, which was called the kings gate, because formerly the kings of Judah used to go into the Temple at that gate.

Vers. 19. And Shallum the sonne of Kore and his brethren: (of the house of his father) the Korahites were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the Tabernacle.] That is, he and the rest of the Korahites, were keepers of all the outer gates of the tabernacle or Temple; for even the Temple is sometimes called the tabernacle.

And their fathers being over the host of the Lord, were keepers of the entry.] That is, and the fathers of them, the heads and chief of them kept the entry, that is, the entry by which they passed from the outer court into the court of the priests, the inward gate: or else it may be meant of the fathers of these Levites, who wai∣ted

upon the tabernacle before the Temple was built, and so is added onely to shew, that these Levites were now keepers of the gates of the temple, as their fathers in former times had waited at the entry of the Tabernacle; and were over the host of the Lord, that is, over the Levites, when after the manner of an host or army they pitched about the Tabernacle, when the Israelites went through the wildernesse. And indeed this exposition seems the more probable, because of that which follows in the next verse.

Vers. 20. And Phinehas the sonne of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past.] That is, Phinehas the sonne of Eleazar, the sonne of Aaron, had the chief command over the Levites in time past.

Vers. 21. And Zechariah the sonne of Meshelemiah, was porter of the doore of the Tabernacle of the congregation.] That is, he (and perhaps his brethren) was porter of the doore that led out of the priests court into the Temple, so that his was of all the chief place; see chap. 26.1, 2.

Vers. 22. All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates, were two hun∣dred and twelve.] See the note above, vers. 17. and Nehem. 11. and chap. 23.5.

These were reckoned by their genealogies in their villages: whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office.] That is, whereas before the dayes of Samuel, the Levites did all promiscuously intend the whole service of the Taber∣nacle, when Samuel judged Israel, 1. Sam. 7.6. he it seems began to divide the work amongst them, and to appoint them their severall charges and imployments, which David afterward did much perfect, appointing so many severall courses for the severall services of the Temple, and so by their turnes they attended, in their se∣verall places, the work of Gods house.

Vers. 23. So they and their children had the over sight of the gates of the house of the Lord, namely, the house of the Tabernacle, by wards.] Some at one gate, and some at an other.

Vers. 25. And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven dayes from time to time with them.] That is, the brethren of the foure chief porters mentioned, vers. 17. served by turns; and every week one company went out, and another company came in.

Vers. 31. And Mattithiah, one of the Levites (who was the first born of Shal∣lum the Korahite,) had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.] That is, to look to the provision of flowre and such things as were kept in the trea∣suries and store-chambers requisite for these uses, and to deliver them at times con∣venient to the priests, by whom they were made ready, and offered to the Lord.

Vers. 33. And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers, were free.] That is, the Levites; they were also the singers in the Temple, who were freed from all other imployments, because they were continually imployed in that work.

Vers. 35. And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, &c.] The stock of Saul is here again repeated, to make way to the story of the kings, which is begun with the death of Saul in the following chapter.

Vers. 37. And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah.] Called Zacher, chap. 8.31.

Vers. 39. And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, &c.] See the note, chap. 8.33.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 2. ANd the Philistines slew Jonathan, &c.] See the note 1. Sam. 31.2. in which chapter many other passages of this chapter are explained.

Vers. 6. So Saul died and his three sonnes, and all his house died together.] That is, all his servants and attendants that accompanied him in this warre, 1. Sam. 31. 6.

Vers. 10. And they put his armour in the house of their gods, &c.] That is, in the house of Ashtaroth. See 1. Sam. 31.10.

Vers. 12. And buried their bones under the oak, &c.] Having first burnt their bodies. See 1. Sam. 31.12, 13.

Vers. 13. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, &c.] To wit, both in not staying Samu∣els coming, as he was appointed, seven dayes, when he warred against the Philistines, and also in sparing Agag and the best of the spoil, contrary to the Lords command, in his warre against Amalek.

Vers. 14. And enquired not of the Lord.] See 1. Sam. 28.6.

CHAP. XI.

Vers. 1. THen all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, &c.] To wit, Ishbosheth being slain, when David had already reigned seven years in Hebron: for betwixt the death of Saul and this anointing of David by all the tribes of Israel, many things are recorded in the foure first chapters of the second of Samuel, which are here omitted: now what needs explanation in these three first verses, see in the notes upon 2. Sam. 5, 1, 2, 3.

Vers. 4. And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, &c.] To wit, to take the strong hold of Zion, a part of Jerusalem which was still in the Jebusites possession; see 2. Sam. 5.6.

Vers. 5. And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither.] Adding withall by way of derision, except thou take away the blind and the lame; of which see 2. Sam. 5.6.

Vers. 6. So Joab the sonne of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.] Joab was before one of Davids chief captains, 2. Sam. 3.22, 23. but not the Generall over all his forces, or if he were, it was not over all the forces of Israel, but onely over the forces of Judah (for till now the other tribes had not taken them for their king:) that honour was now conferred upon him for this service of his, in taking the fort of Zion.

Vers. 8. And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about, &c.] See 2. Sam. 5.9.

Vers. 10. These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, &c,] See 2. Sam. 23.8.

Vers. 11. Jashobeam an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains, he lift up his spear against three hundred, &c.] Called also Adino the Eznite, and the Tachmo∣nite, 2. Sam. 23.8, 9.

Vers. 12. And after him was Eleazar the sonne of Dodo the Ahohite, who was

one of the three mighties, &c.] The second of the first three; see 2. Sam. 23.9. the third was Shammah, 2. Sam. 23.11. whose name is not here expressed; concern∣ing whom, and the brave exploit here mentioned of this Eleazar and Shammah, see 2. Sam. 23.11. Eleazar when he had done slaying them, was not able to take his hand from his sword

Vers. 15. Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, &c.] See 2, Sam. 23.13.

Vers. 17. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, &c.] See the notes concerning this passage, 2. S••••. 23.15, 16.

Vees. 19. These things did these three mightiest.] That is, Davids three chief worthies; yet some conceive that it is meant of the second three, whereof Abishai was the chief. 1. Because the words immediately following, vers. 20. And Abishai the brother of Joab he was chief of the three, &c. seem to have respect to that which went before. 2. Because this is onely expressed thus, 2. Sam. 13.17. These things did these three mighty men, whence they inferre that they are here called the mightiest onely with respect to the thirty; of whom, or in regard of whom, they were the mightiest, not that they were the three chief of his worthies: but the first exposition I conceive most probable, see 2. Sam. 23.13.

Vers. 20. And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was cheif of the three.] See 2. Sam. 23.18.

Vers. 22. Benaiah the sonne of Jehoiada, the sonne of a valiant man of Kabzeel, &c.] See 2. Sam. 23.20.

Also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowie day.] This may be added to intimate how the lion came to be shut up in a pit, to wit, the pits mouth being co∣vered with snow, as he was going over it he fell into it.

Vers. 24.These things did Benaiah the sonne of Jehoiada, and had the name a∣mong the three mightie.] See 2. Sam. 23.22.

Vers. 27. Shammoth the Harorite.] 2. Sam. 23.25. he is called Shammah the Ha∣rodite. So also are many other of the following names much different from those in Samuel, as may be observed by comparing both places together,

Vers. 34. The sonnes of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the sonne of Shage the Hararite.] And Shammah the other sonne of Hashem, or Jashen, as is expressed, 2. Sam. 23.32, 33. though here omitted.

Vers. 41. Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the sonne of Ahlai, &c.] 2. Sam. 23. Uriah is the last mentioned; but to those some other are here added, because though they were not of the thirty, yet they were captains of great note and esteem in Davids armies.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 3. THe chief was Ahiezer, &c.] To wit, of the children of Benjamin that came to help David, as is said in the foregoing verse.

Vers. 4. And Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty.] That is, among and over the thirty warriers of the tribe of Benjamin here mentioned, that came to David to Ziglag, whose colonell he was.

Vers. 8. And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wildernesse, &c.] This may be meant of the hold at Ziklag, which was in the wildernesse of Judea, whither these Gadites came, men whose faces were like the faces of lions, that is, undaunted, fierce and terrible to their enemies.

Vers. 14. One of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.] That is, they were all captains of bands, (to wit, before they came to David, or after David began to reigne in Hebron) some of them over an hundred, some over a thou∣sand.

Vers. 15. These are they that went over Jordan in the first moneth, when it had over-flown all his banks.] Jordan did usually in the first moneth overflow all his banks; see Josh. 3.15. and 4.19. yet these Gadites (that must necessarily passe the river to come to the help of David, because they dwelt in the land of Sihon and Og beyond Jordan) would not hereby be kept from the succour of David, but made some shift to get over, either by swimming, or by boats, &c. and this is here noted, to shew how zealous they were in Davids cause: yet were there any enemies appointed to hinder their passage, happely this inundation of Jordan was an advantage to them, as making the enemy secure, when they thought because of the floud there was no danger of their coming over, and to that end happely it is expressed.

And they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.] This is either meant of such of Sauls souldiers as were in these troublesome times appointed to be in the valleys, that lay upon the banks of Jordan, to guard the foords and passages of Jordan, lest any well-affected to David should from those parts come over to his aid, upon whom these Gadites came suddenly, and scattered them, some flying one way, and some another; or rather (as some conceive) it is meant of the Philistines and others, who prevailing in the last warre wherein Saul was slain, had seised upon certain towns and villages in the valleys, whence they were immediately driven by these war-like Gadites.

Vers. 18. Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we David, &c.] That is, God by his spirit moved him to an∣swer with such confidence, and detestation of all thoughts of treachery, as is after∣ward expressed, and that in the name of them all, that all jealousies concerning those of the tribe of Benjamin that were in their company, vers. 16. might be removed.

Vers. 21. And they helped David against the band of the rovers, &c.] To wit, the Amalekites that had burnt Ziklag, 1. Sam. 30.1, 2. whom David with his foure hun∣dred men pursued, vers. 10. taking these seven captains of Manasseh along with him that at that time were newly come to him for his help.

Vers. 22. For at that time day by day, there came to David to help him, untill it was a great host, like the host of God.] That is, innumerable as the Angels; Dan. 7.10. A fiery stream issued, and came forth from before him: thousand thousands mi∣nistred unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judge∣ment was set, and the books were opened. Besides, the Hebrews say a thing is of God when it is excellent, as Cedars of God, &c.

Vers. 24. The children of Judah that bare shield and spear, were six thousand and eight hundred, &c.] In many of the other tribes there are many more, yet was the tribe of Judah the greatest of all, and most zealous for David; but they had for∣merly

anointed David to be their king, neither was it therefore necessary that they should now approve their desire of him, by coming in such multitudes to be present at Hebron, at this solemnity of his being anointed king there over all Israel, as the other tribes did.

Vers. 27. And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites.] The meaning of this is not, that Jehoiada was the high priest (for certainly Abiathar that came to David in his troubles, and brought the Ephod with him, 1. Sam. 23.6. was at this time high-priest) but the meaning is, that he was the chief of those of Aarons family that came now with the tribes of Israel to Hebron, to submit themselves to Davids go∣vernment, and to attend the solemnity of his inauguration there.

Vers. 28. And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, &c.] That is, he was ano∣ther chief man, and leader amongst these sonnes of Aaron, in bringing them in to submit themselves to Davids government. And the rather, as I conceive, is he and the two and twenty captains of his fathers house here particularly mentioned, be∣cause he was afterward the high priest in the dayes of Solomon; 1. Kings 2.35, Za∣dok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

Vers. 29. For hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.] That is, unto this time the greatest part of this tribe of Benjamin, had sought to keep the kingdome in Sauls family, and so could not yet be from their hearts contented with settling David in the throne, and therefore there came but a few (in comparison) of this tribe to David.

Vers. 31. And of the half tribe of Manasseh, eighteen thousand, &c.] That is, of that half of Manasseh which was seated within Jordan (for the other half are spoken of afterward vers. 37.) there were eighteen thousand which were expressed by name, that is, which were chosen by name to be imployed in this service.

Vers. 32. And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understand∣ing of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, &c.] Some referre this to their knowledge in Astrologie, by which they might be able to foresee the aire and seasons, a matter of great consequence in many affairs; and this they judge the more proba∣ble, because the children of Issachar were for the most part much exercised in hus∣bandry, as is noted upon Gen. 49.14. and Deut. 33.18. and such men in old time were very skilfull in the knowledge of the starres, &c. But I rather think it is meant of men that were singularly prudent, and able to give advice for the doing of every thing that was to be undertaken, in the fittest time and season; and that, first, because we find the like phrase used concerning Ahasuerus his counsellours, Esth. 1.13. to wit, that they were wise men which knew the times; and secondly, because it is said in the next words, that all their brethren were at their commandment, that is, that out of the high esteem they had of these mens wisedome and singular prudence, they were still willing to be directed and ordered by them.

Vers. 38. All these men of warre, that could keep rank, &c.] To wit, all those be∣fore mentioned, which are in all three hundred twenty two thousand two hundred twenty two.

Vers. 39. And there they were with David three dayes, eating and drinkinge for their brethren had prepared for them.] That is, the rest of the Israelites.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. ANd David consulted with the captains of thousands, &c.] See 2. Sam. 6.1.

Vers. 2. And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good un∣to you, and that it be of the Lord our God, &c.] That is, if it shall appear to you that this counsell which I give is of the Lord our God; or if you like of it, and God shall also approve of it by blessing and assisting us therein, and that he doth not by any oracle or rub laid in our way crosse us herein, let us send for the people from all places (it is in the text, our brethren every where that are left in all the land of Israel, to wit, because the Philistines had lately slain and driven away many of them,) that we may remove the ark to Jerusalem; for thither they were now re∣moved from Hebron, and had vanquished the Jebusites there, as is noted before, chap. 11.4.

Vers. 3. And let us bring again the ark of our God to us; for we enquired not at it in the dayes of Saul.] That is, from the dayes of Saul hitherto, we have suf∣fered the ark to continue in a private house, no man regarding it, and have contented our selves to worship God in the Tabernacle at Gibeah, though the ark, the testimo∣ny of Gods presence were not in it. But why doth he not also say in the dayes of Samuel, since ever since his dayes the ark had been in the house of Abinadab? Sure∣ly, first, because he desired to accuse themselves that were then living, rather then their forefathers: And secondly, because in the dayes of Samuel by reason of the continuall warres they had with the Philistines, they had not so good opportunity to remove the ark, as they had afterward.

Vers. 6. And David went up, and all Israel to Baalah, &c.] The severall passa∣ges that need any light of explication concerning this removall of the ark; see in the 1. Sam. from vers. 2. to vers. 10.

CHAP. XIIII.

Vers. 1. NOw Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, &c.] See the notes of this chapter in 2. Sam. 5.11, 12. &c.

CHAP. XV.

Vers. 1. ANd prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.] To wit, before he fetched the ark from Kiriath-jearim, or Baalah, chap. 13.6. for then his purpose was (vers. 12.) to have brought it home to his own house, where he had prepared a tent for it, see 2. Sam. 6.17.

Vers. 2. Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites, &c.] See 2. Sam. 6.12.

Vers. 5. Of the sonnes of Kohath: Ʋriel the chief, &c.] Those mentioned after∣wards, vers. 8, 9, 10. were also the posterity of Kohath; but these Kohathites of whom Uriel was the chief were of other families then those there mentioned, perhaps of the family of Amram and Izehar, Numb. 3.27.

Vers. 8. Of the sonnes of Elizaphan: Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred.] This Elizaphan is thought to be the same that is called Elzaphan the

sonne of Uzziel, Lev. 10.4. the rest of the sonnes of Uzziel are mentioned vers. 10. but the Levites of Elzaphans posterity are here particularly mentioned, happely be∣cause they were so many of them.

Vers. 11. And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, &c.] Some conceive that Abiathar here mentioned was the high priest, and Zadok his great deputy, the same that is called the second priest, 2. Kings 25.18. and indeed certain it is that Abiathar was at this time the high priest, and so continued till Solomons reigne, 1. Kings 2.27. But I rather conceive that these two were the two heads (un∣der the high priest) of the two families of Eleazar and Ithamar, even the same that are elsewhere called Zadok and Ahimelech, 2 Sam. 8.27.

Vers. 17. Ethan the sonne of Kushaiah.] Or Kishi. chap. 6.44.

Vers. 18. And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zachariah, &c.] These Levites here mentioned are said to be of the second degree, either onely because they were inferiour in dignity to those three before mentioned, vers. 17. that were the chief of the quire; or happely because those three of the first degree went before the ark, and these followed after it; or those three of the first degree began the mu∣sick, and then these of the second degree answered them. Ben the second of those here mentioned seems to be left out, vers. 20, 21. where the rest are named again. But I conceive rather, that he it is, that is there also called Azariah, vers. 21. And whereas it is added in the close of this verse, that all these that were thus now ap∣pointed to play on severall instruments, at least the two last of them, were such of the Levites, as were also the porters; hereby I conceive is meant, not onely that their office was to keep the doores at other times; to wit, either in the Tabernacle of Mo∣ses that was at Gibeon, chap. 16.39. or in the tent which David had prepared at his house, to which they were now carrying the ark; but also that at present they had the charge of keeping off those that might otherwise have pressed in upon the ark.

Vers. 19. So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brasse.] Here is expressed what instruments they were severally to play upon.

Vers. 20. And Zachariah, and Aziel—with psalteries on Alamoth.] By Alamoth is meant either some musicall instrument, or tune so called; or else, as most Expositours hold, that part in musick which we call the treble, we find it in the title of the fourty sixth Psalme, To the chief musician for the sonnes of Korah. A song upon Alamoth. The word in the originall signifieth young maidens, or virgins, and so Expositours do therefore the rather think it is meant of the treble, because their voice is shrill, and fittest for that part in musick.

Vers. 21. And Mattithiah, and Eliphaleh—with harps, on the Sheminith to excell.] Hereby is meant a severall tune also, or instrument of eight strings: for the originall word signifieth the eight, it is mentioned in the title of the sixth Psalme, To the chief musician on Neginoth, upon Sheminith, a Psalm of David; but most hold that it was the base which being the most gracefull part of musick, is therefore said to excell.

Vers. 23. And Berechiah, and Elkanah were doore-keepers for the ark.] That is, they were appointed to keep the doore of the tent where the ark was afterwards

kept, and accordingly were imployed now in observing that no body should presse in upon the ark; the like is again said vers. 24. of Obed-Edom, and Jehiah; and happely two went before the ark, and two came after it.

Vers. 26. And it came to passe when God helped the Levites that bare the ark, &c.] That is, so soon as they perceived that God was with them in the businesse, and did not strike them with death as Uzza was, by way of thankfulnesse they of∣fered up sacrifices, and this was so soon as they had gone six paces, 2. Sam. 6.13. yet others very probably understand this place thus, that when the Levites that had carried the ark, did by the Lords appointment set it down, that so others might take it up, and they might be eased, at every such resting place, they offered seven bullocks and seven rammes.

Vers. 27. David also had upon him an ephod of linnen,] See 2. Sam. 6.14.

CHAP. XVI.

Vers. 1. SO they brought the ark of God, and set it in the middest of the tent, &c.] See 2. Sam. 6.17.

Vers. 5. Asaph the chief, &c.] Heman is named in the first place as chief of the three principall singers, chap. 6.33. but Asaph it seems was the chief of those that were deputed to this service in the house of David, where the ark was now placed; the rest being imployed at present in the Tabernacle at Gibeon, vers. 39, 40. And Za∣dok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the Lord in the high place that was at Gibeon, to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord, upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and to do according to all that is written in the law of the Lord which he commanded Israel:

Vers. 7. Then on that day David delivered first this Psalme to thank the Lord &c.] That is, this was the first Psalme he delivered them to sing, the severall parts whereof were afterward much enlarged by David, and reduced into severall Psalmes, as we may see Psal. 105. and Psal. 96.

Vers. 8. Give thanks unto the Lord, &c.] From hence to the end of the two and twentieth verse is the beginning of the hundred and fifth Psalme, and the summe of it is, to praise God for the publick benefits afforded to his Church and people, the chil∣dren of Israel; in regard whereof in times of any great joy Gods people used to sing this Psalme, as may be probably gathered from that which we reade, Isa. 12.4. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, &c.

Vers. 11. Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.] That is, seek to know and to assure unto your selves the Lord and his strength, (by which you can onely hope to be strengthened, defended, and delivered in times of trouble) and his favourable presence; and that by resorting to the ark, which is the outward signe of his presence amongst you, to counsell and instruct you (and therefore from thence he used to give his oracles, Exod. 25.22.) and to be your strong fortresse and defence; in regard whereof the ark is elsewhere called, the strength of God, Psal. 78.61. And he delivered his strength into captivity; and the ark of his strength, Psal. 132.8. Arise O Lord into thy rest, thou and the ark of thy strength; yea, and this must be done with perseverance, and therefore is the word continually ad∣ded, seek his face continually.

Vers. 12. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth.] That is, his law and statutes given on mount Sinai, or rather, the judgements which he executed upon the adversaries of his people, cal∣led the judgements of his mouth, because they came by his decree and appointment, and because of many of them he spake beforehand to Moses, and Moses as Gods herald threatened Pharaoh and his people, Exod. 7.1.

Vers. 13. O ye seed of Israel his servant, &c.] Psalm. 105.6. it is O ye seed of Abraham, and then, O ye children of Jacob his chosen ones, that is, his adopted and peculiar people, and that merely of Gods free grace and election.

Vers. 15. Be ye mindfull alwayes of his covenant.] Psal. 105.8. it is, He hath remembred his covenant for ever.

The word which he commanded to a thousand generations.] That is, the conditions of the covenant, which on Israels part was the law of faith and obedience, & on Gods part the promises, which for the greater certainty may be also said to be command∣ed, Psal. 133.3. There the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Vers. 19. When ye were but few even a few, &c.] Psal. 105.12. it is, when they were but few: & this is expressed, first, to imply the freedome of Gods grace in choosing them to be his people, Deut. 7.7. secondly, to magnifie the more the Lords protecting them.

Vers. 20. And when they went from nation to nation, &c.] To wit, when they went up and down in the land of Canaan, where were seven mighty nations, Deut. 7.1. and sometimes removed thence to other kingdomes, as to Egypt, Gen. 12.10. and Gerar, Gen. 20.1. for under this clause all the travels of the Patriarchies are comprehended.

Vers. 21. Yea, he reproved kings for their sakes.] As Pharaoh, Gen. 12.17. and Abimelech, Gen. 20.3.

Vers. 22. Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.] That is, wrong not those whom I have consecrated to my self by the anointing of my holy spirit (my Christians) according to that 1. John 2.20. But ye have an unction from the holy one, &c. and vers. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, &c. to whom therefore I do familiarly reveal my will, that they may teach & instruct others, Gen. 20.7. Restore therefore to the man his wife, for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live, &c. and thus the Prophet implies that the Lord did thus defend them, not onely because they were poore helplesse miserable men, unjustly oppressed; but also because by speciall cove∣nant God had taken them into his protection.

Vers. 23. Sing unto the Lord all the earth, &c.] From hence to the 34. verse is the ninety sixth Psalme, and the chief drift of it is to stirre up all nations to praise the Lord, and consequently it includes a prophesie of Christ, and of the gathering of all nations into the Church by the preaching of the Gospel: and therefore Psal. 96.1. to expresse the strange and unlooked for change that should be then in the Church, these words, a new song, are added, and sing unto the Lord a new song.

Vers. 27. Glory & honour are in his presence, strength & gladnesse are in his place.] That is, God is a king of infinite majesty, glory, and honour, most strong and migh∣ty, and the fountain of all strength and gladnesse to his people; such his people find him in his sanctuary where he reveals himself unto them, and such therefore with glad hearts they acknowledge him to be, Psal. 96.6. Honour and majestie are be∣fore him, strength and beauty are in his Sanctuary.

Vers. 29. Bring an offering and come before him, worship the Lord in the beauty of holinesse.] Thus the Prophet speaks of the worship of God in the dayes of the Gospel, under these figurative expressions of the Legall worship; for his meaning is onely this, that in those dayes the Gentiles, should have as free accesse to the wor∣ship of God as the Jews, as being then one people with them, fellow citizens of the Saints, and of the houshold of God: and so equally admitted with them to offer unto God in the assemblies of his people (the beauty of holinesse) those Evangelicall sa∣crifices which should be acceptable to God, as were these legall offerings under the Law.

Vers. 30. Fear before him all the earth.] To wit, especially when you present your selves before him in the assembly of his Saints.

The world also shall be stable that it be not moved.] That is, this is the benefit that shall follow upon mens subjecting of themselves to the government of God in Christ, that whereas by rebellion against God, the whole world tends to confusion and ruine, by submitting themselves to Gods Sceptre all shall be established, and the state of the Church shall be unmoveable and eternall.

Vers. 31. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoyce?] So blessed and happie shall those times be, and shall yield such abundant matter of exceeding great joy, that if the very senselesse creatures could shout and rejoyce it were well: for this is an hyperbolicall expression of the blisse and joy of these times.

And let men say among the nations, the Lord reigneth.] That is, the happinesse of those times shall be that men shall stoop to Gods Sceptre: which therfore it is fit men should confesse to Gods glory; yea, and by publishing it to seek the drawing in of others, and so to enlarge the kingdome of God.

Vers. 35. And say yee, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, &c.] This may have respect, first, to the firm knitting together of the people that had been divided, some favouring Sauls posterity, and some Davids: secondly, to the reducing of the captived Israelites to their own land, if at any time carried away (and so it is prophetically spoken) or thirdly, to the gathering of Gods elect out of all nations to be his people in the dayes of the Gospel; and then the reason of this request is added in the following words, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise, that is, in thy praise-worthy-works, or in our praising of thee: for indeed the faithfull servants of God do count it their happinesse that they may praise God, and do therefore glory in it.

Vers. 41. And with them Heman, and Jeduthun, &c.] See the note before vers. 5.

To give thanks to the Lord, because his mercy endureth for ever.] This last clause (because his mercy endureth for ever) is therefore added, because in many of their Psalmes of praise, this was still the foot of the song, as is evident, 2. Chron. 5.13. and 7.3. Ezra 3.11. Jer. 33.11. and in many other places.

Vers. 42. And with musicall instruments of God.] That is, with holy musicall instruments, such as were set apart for the service of God.

Vers. 43. And David returned to blesse his house.] See 2.6.20:

CHAP. XVII.

Vers. 1: NOw it came to passe, as David sate in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, &c.] See the notes upon these foure first verses in the 2. Sam. 7.1. &c.

Vers. 5. For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel, unto this day.] That is, I have never caused a house to be built to my dwelling place: so that though the ark, the signe of God presence had been a while in the house of Obed-Edom, chap. 13.13. that doth not imply any contradiction to this which God here saith, see other things noted concerning this, 2. Sam. 7.6.

But have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.] That is, in a tent removed too and fro, and so it is expressed, 2. Sam. 7.6. Even to this day I have walked in a tent, and in a tabernacle: yet withall these words may imply the removing of the ark to severall tents, at least the last removall of it, to that new tent or tabernacle which David had prepared for it.

Vers. 7. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I took thee from the sheep cote, &c.] See 2. Sam. 7.8. where also we shall find all other passages in this chapter explained, that need any explanation.

CHAP. XVIII.

Vers. 1. NOw after this, it came to passe, that David smote the Philistines, &c.] What is to be noted in this chapter we may find in the notes up∣on the 2. Sam. 8.1. &c.

CHAP. XIX.

Vers. 2. I Will shew kindnesse unto Hanun the sonne of Nahash, because his father shewed kindnesse to me, &c.] See the notes for this chapter, in 2, Sam. 10

CHAP. XX.

Vers. 1. ANd it came to passe, that after the yeare was expired. &c.] See 2. Sam. 11.1.

But David tarried at Jerusalem.] And then he comitted adultery with Bath∣sheba, which with other passages thereto belonging, are largely related in the 11. and 12. chapters of the second book of Samuel.

And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.] See 2. Sam. 12.26. &c.

Vers. 2. And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, &c.] Concerning this crown of the king of the Ammon∣ites, and the severitie which David used in punishing the people. See 2. Sam. 12.30.31.

Vers. 4. And it came to passe after this, that there arose warre at Gezer with the Philistines, &c.] In the 2. Sam. 21.15. there is mention made of another battel with the Philistines together with these three here expressed, wherein Abishai slew Ishby∣benob a gyant that was likely to have slain David: but that is here omitted, and that happely, because onely in these three there was something to be added, which was not there expressed.

CHAP. XXI.

Vers. 1. ANd Sathan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.] He provoked David to this sinne, whereby wrath came upon all Israel. See also 2. Sam. 24.1.

Vers. 2. And David said to Joab, and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel, &c.] See 2. Sam: 24.1.

Vers. 3. But my lord the king, Are they not all my lords servants?] That is, there is no need therefore to make enquiry how many are thy people, and how ma∣ny are not, since they are all my lords servants, and ready alwayes to be employed in thy service.

Vers. 4. Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.] To wit, after nine moneths and twenty dayes, 2. Sam. 24.8.

Vers. 5. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand, and an hundred thou∣sand, &c.] See 2. Sam. 24.9.

Vers. 6. But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the kings word was abominable to Joab.] That is, because what Joab did in this businesse, he did it altogether against his mind and in a manner was forced to do it: therefore these two tribes he left unnumbred, emboldened herein by the pretences he might make for it: as for Levi, that the enquiry being onely to know the numbers of those that were fit for warre, there was no need of taking the number of that tribe: and for Benjamin, Jerusalem being the chief citie of that tribe, the number of them might be taken there, and that afterward at more leasure; as likewise because the plague was begun, c. 27.24.

Vers. 7. And God was displeased with this thing, therefore he smote Israel.] Concerning these following passages unto the 18. verse, see the notes 2. Sam. 24.10. &c.

Vers. 18. Set up an altar unto the Lord, in the threshing floore of Ornan the Je∣busite.] See 2. Sam. 24.17. and thus the Lord did both begin the discovery of his pur∣pose to David, that this was the place wherein he would have the Temple built, see chap. 22.1. and also brought the people to make the more precious account, and the more reverently to esteem of that place, by causing that sacrifice to be offered there whereby this grievous plague was stayed, in which so many thousands in so short a time had been taken away: yea, happely at this very time the Lord made known to David by Gad, that in that place the Temple should be built; which seems the more probable, because David would needs purchase the threshing floore of Ornan, which he needed not have done, if he had not intended to set it apart for Gods ser∣vice in future times also.

Vers. 25. So David gave to Ornan for the place, six hundred shekels of gold by weight.] See 2. Sam. 24.24.

Vers. 26. And he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt-of∣fering.] A signe both of Gods accepting of his sacrifice, and granting his desire for the staying of the plague, and likewise of his purpose to have that place set apart for the building of the Temple.

Vers. 30. But David could not go before it to enquire of God, &c.] This is ad∣ded, to shew the reason both why David did not of himself go presently to Gibeon, when he saw the Angel of the Lord stand with a drawn sword threatning Jerusalem,

that there he might offer up sacrifices to appease his wrath, but onely fell down and praied unto him; and also why the Lord did not send him to Gibeon to sacrifice, when he meant to accept a sacrifice for the staying of the plague. Concerning which see the notes 1. Sam. 24.18.

CHAP. XXII.

Vers. 1. THen David said, This is the house of our Lord God, and this is the altar, &c.] That is, this is the place of which God spake long since by his servant Moses, where he intended to have a house built which must be the settled place of his worship and service, and where there must be an altar instead of this I have now set up; wherein onely they must offer up sacrifices unto him, Deut. 12.11. There shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there, thither shall you bring all that I command you, your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, &c. And this David knew, either by the discovery of the prophet Gad, who happely acquainted him with Gods purpose herein, or else thorough the speciall instinct of Gods spirit, himself gathered so much from Gods sending him to sacrifice there, and from Gods miraculous testifying his acceptance of the service there done him, by sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, chap. 21.26, 28.

Vers. 2. And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel, and he set Masons to hew, &c.] And the building of the Tem∣ple by the help of strangers, was a notable type of the calling of the Gentiles: As for David that set them on work, he had received from God the pattern whereby the Temple was to be built, and every part thereof, chap. 28.11, 12, 19. and accor∣dingly therefore he prepared many materials, and set these workmen on work about them, to which Solomon afterward added what was not done, when he came to en∣ter upon the work, 1. Kings 5.17, 18.

Vers. 3. And brasse in abundance without weight.] So much that they weigh∣ed it not; it would have been too great a trouble and charge to receive it in, and de∣liver it out by weight.

Vers. 5. And David said, Solomon my sonne is young and tender, &c.] See 1. Kings 3.7.

Vers. 8. Thou hast shed bloud abundantly, and hast made great warres; thou shalt not build an house unto my name, &c.] Because the Temple was to be a type of Christ, and of the Church, and Christ is the king of peace, Heb. 7.2. and the Church was to be gathered not by warre and bloud-shedding, but by the preaching of the Gospel the tydings of peace, therefore the Lord would not have the Temple built by David but by Solomon, who was a peacable prince; this is doubtlesse the principall ground of this reason given why David might not build the Temple, as is evident, because there is mention of the warres of David, in the prosecution where∣of David did God good service; yet withall, because David was the cause of shed∣ding the bloud of Urijah and those that were slain with him, the Lord might also have respect to that, and by way of correction for it, to shew how displeasing it was to him, might take in that amongst the reasons, why David might not have the honour to build the Temple.

Vers. 10. He shall build an house for my name, &c.] See the notes upon 2. Sam. 7.13, 14.

And I will establish the throne of his kingdome over Israel for ever.] A great question may be made how this promise made to David concerning his sonne Solo∣mon, was accomplished in Solomons posterity, especially if we hold that which ma∣ny eminent Divines do with much earnestnesse maintain; namely, that Christ was not the sonne of David by Solomon, but by Nathan: It is most probable, that none of the posterity of Solomon did ever sit in the throne of David, after Zedekiah was carried captive into Babylon; nor yet ever had the supreme power of government, after they returned from Babylon again: now therefore if this promise were not made good in the eternity of Christs kingdome, then it seems it was not made good at all: but to this I answer; First, that by the Hebrew word, which is here transla∣ted for ever, there is no more intended in many places, then a continuance for a long time, as here happely, that so long as the kingdome of Judah should continue, one of Solomons posterity should sit in the throne: Secondly, that this promise might be conditionall; to wit, that if his posterity should keep covenant with God, then they should for ever sit in the throne of David: And thirdly, that the promise might be made good in the eternity of Christs kingdome, in that Christ was that king of whom Solomon was a type; though he was not lineally descended out of the loines of Solomon.

Vers. 12. Onely the Lord give thee wisdome and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, &c.] That is, and the Lord instruct thee, and direct thee how thou oughtest to govern his people Israel; and in remembrance of this we see Solomon begged wisdome of God, 1. Kings 3.9.

Vers. 14. Now behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the Lord, &c.] That is, I have prepared materials for the building of the house (that when thou comest to the crown, thou mayest the more readily set upon the work) not ac∣cording unto my desire, nor according to that which the transcendent Majestie of God might require, but according as I was able, by reason of my continuall troubles.

Vers. 18. And the land is subdued before the Lord, and before his people &c.] The Lord is here joyned with Israel, as the king with his people; and that the ra∣ther, because by the subduing of the land the people enjoyed their possessions and dwellings, and the Lord his worship and service.

CHAP. XXIII.

Vers. 1. SO when David was old and full of dayes, he made Solomon his sonne king over Israel.] That is, he declared his mind to his people and prin∣ces, that after his death, his will was that Solomon should be king, and that because the Lord had so appointed, as is more fully expressed, chap. 28—1—6. where also it is evident, that this was done before David was bedrid, vers. 2. Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me my brethren, &c. and consequent∣ly, that Adonijahs attempt 1. Kings 1.5. was against the expresse command of Da∣vid, emboldened therein onely by Davids weaknesse, and the encouragement of such princes of his faction, as misliked Davids preferring Solomon before his elder

sonnes; and therefore we see that David caused Solomon to be actually anointed king, 1. Kings 1.33.34.

Vers. 2. And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.] To wit, to make known unto them that Solomon by the Lords expresse appointment was to succeed him in the throne: Secondly, to perswade the princes to assist Solomon in the building of the Temple: Thirdly, to establish a settled order for the attendance and service of the priests and Levites in the Temple; for the number of the Levites being exceedingly encreased, and they being then to serve not in severall places as before, some at the Tabernacle in Gibeon, some before the ark in Davids tent, chap. 16.37. &c. but altogether in the Temple, as the Lord was pleased to appoint an order for their service to prevent confusion, so it was re∣quisite the princes and people should be enformed of Gods will herein, and that Da∣vid did nothing herein without direction from the Lord, chap. 28.11, 12, 13—19.

Vers. 3. Now the Levites were numbred from the age of thirty years and up∣ward, &c.] Davids numbring of the Levites from the age of thirty years, was ac∣cording to the directions that God gave to Moses when they were first numbred, one∣ly then they numbred not any above fifty years, Numb. 4.2, 3. Take the summe of the sonnes of Kohath, &c. from thirty years old and upward, even untill fifty years old; but now it seems they numbred all from thirty years and upward, not staying at those that were above fifty years; and that because they were not now to carry the holy things as they did in Moses time; and therefore even those above fifty years though weakened with age, might serve in the Temple, as well as those that were younger: and for the same cause also it seems when he had distributed the thirty eight thousand, that were numbred from thirty years old and upward, to their se∣verall imployments; to wit, foure and twenty thousand for the ordinary service of the Temple, and six thousand for officers and Judges, vers. 4. foure thousand for por∣ters, and foure thousand for the quire, vers. 5. afterward he gave order that all their posterity from twenty years old and upward, should in each rank be taken in vers. 24. First, because they were not any longer to carry the tabernacle and the vessels thereof; and therefore such strength of body was not now necessarily requisite as before: as is expressed, vers. 24, 25. And secondly, because now when they were to serve onely in their courses, the service of the Temple, would imploy them all, even those from twenty years being taken in.

Vers. 4. And six thousand were officers and Judges.] And these were dispersed in severall places of the land, to judge of causes that were brought before them (for having no other civill and judiciall lawes, but those of Moses, the Levites were al∣wayes joyned with the other elders of the people in this work) and happely to train up the young Levites and other officers belonging thereto, of which see what is fur∣ther added in note, chap. 26.29.

Vers. 5. Moreover, foure thousand were porters.] So many were at this time set a part by David to this imployment; yet of these it seems there were found at their return from Babylon, onely two hundred and twelve, chap. 9.22.

And foure thousand praised the Lord with the instruments, &c.] Whereof two hundred eighty eight were eminent men for cunning, and happely teachers of the rest, see the note, chap. 25.7.

Vers. 6. And David divided them into courses, &c.] To wit into twenty foure courses, as were also the priests, according to the command of the Lord by Gad and Nathan the prophets, 2. Chron. 29.25. And he set Levites in the house of the Lord, &c. according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the kings seer, and Nathan the prophet; for so was the commandment of the Lord.

Vers. 8. The sonnes of Laadan, the chief was Jehiel, &c.] That is, the chief of the posterity of Laadan, heads of families at this time when David divided them to their severall imployments and their severall courses, were Jehiel, and Zetham and Joel, and so this word sonnes must be understood hereafter in this chapter.

Vers. 9. The sonnes of Shimei; Shelomith, &c.] This is not Shimei the sonne of Gershon, vers. 7. (for his posterity are spoken of afterward in the following verse,) but another that was it seems the head of a family amongst the sonnes of La∣adan, perhaps one of those mentioned also in the foregoing verse, though called there by another name.

Vers. 11. But Jeush and Beriah had not many sonnes: therefore they were in one reckoning, &c.] That is, they were joyned together and counted as one family, and that because there were not many of their posterity.

Vers. 13. Aaron was separated, that he should sanctifie the most holy things, he and his sonnes for ever, &c.] That is, he and his posterity were set apart to the work of the priesthood, to be imployed about the most holy things, according to the holy ordinances which God had appointed.

Vers. 24. These were the sonnes of Levi, &c. from the age of twenty years and upward.] To wit, when they came to serve in the Temple: for though at this time when they were assigned to their severall imployments, they were onely numbred that were thirty years old and upward, vers. 3. yet before his death David gave order that in each family and office of the Levites, all of twenty years old and upward should be taken in to the service of the Temple, vers. 27. For by the last words of Da∣vid the Levites were numbred from twenty years old and above; and the reason is prefixed; vers. 25, 26. For David said, The Lord God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever; and also unto the Levites, they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels thereof, &c. see the note, ver. 3.

Vers. 28. Because their office was to wait on the sonnes of Aaron, for the service of the house, &c. and in the purifying of all holy things, &c.] That is, the washing and cleansing both of the holy places and vessels, yea, and the sacrifices before they were offered by the priests upon the altar.

Vers. 29. And for all manner of measure and cise.] That is, the Levites also took care to see that those things that were employed in the service af the Temple, as fine floure, and wine, and oyle, for the meat offerings, &c. should be given to the priests according to that weight and measure appointed by the law; for to some sa∣crifices there was a greater measure of these required, and to some lesse, see Numb. 15.4, 6, 9. and Levit. 23.13. and the Levites were to look that the just measures was observed in all these things: yea, many Expositours conclude from hence, that the Levites had the overseeing of all publick measures, and kept the patterns or stan∣dard of them in the Temple, whence they say it is, that the just shekel is called the shekel of the sanctuary, Exod. 30.31.

CHAP. XXIIII.

Vers. 3. ANd David distributed them, both Zadok of the sonnes of Eleazar, &c.] That is, David distributed all the priests the sonnes of Aaron into two parts; all that were of the sonnes of Eleazar in one, over whom Zadok was the chief; and all that were of the sonnes of Ithamar in the other, over whom Ahime∣lech was chief, to wit, under the high priest, who accordingly attended in the Tem∣ple, according to their offices in their service.

Vers. 4. And there were moe chief men found of the sonnes of Eleazar, then of the sonnes of Ithamar, &c.] That is, there were more heads of families found among the sonnes of Eleazer, then among the sonnes of Ithamar; and consequently being to divide the priests into twenty foure orders or courses, in each of which there was one to be the chief and head of the rest, he appointed sixteen of these courses among the sonnes of Eleazar, and but eight among the sonnes of Ithamar.

Vers. 5. Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another, &c.] That is, ha∣ving divided the priests into twenty foure parts, those of Eleazer into sixteen parts, and those of Ithamar into eight, there were lots cast amongst these divisions promi∣scuously, not preferring those of one Image before those of another, to determine both which of these companies should serve first, and which second, and so in order, each company being to serve a week, and then to go out, and also which of those that were heads of families in each company, should be the chief of that company: and so the first company was chosen by lot, and the lot fell upon Jehoiarib to be the head of that company, which was thenceforth called the course of Jehoiarib, and so af∣ter the same manner in all the rest.

Vers. 10. The eighth to Abijah.] Of this course was Zachariah the father of John the Baptist, Luke 1.5.

Vers. 19. These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the Lord, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, &c.] That is, as Eleazar and Ithamar did in former times discharge the work of the priesthood in the house of God under Aaron their father; so did these sonnes of Eleazar and Ithamar now in their courses discharge the same work, after the same manner: or else the meaning of these words is onely this, that after their manner, that is, week by week, chap. 9.25. or after the manner appointed in the Law, these priests in their se∣verall courses did all discharge the work of the inferiour priesthood, being all of them under the command of the high priest, who is here called Aaron, because he held the same place that Aaron formerly did.

Vers. 20. And the rest of the sonnes of Levi were these, &c.] Having in the former part of the chapter expressed the severall courses of the priests, here now are added the severall families of the rest of the sonnes of Levi, that were not priests, to wit, the Levites, and (as some conceive) who they were of those families that were heads of the severall companies of the Levites, that were to serve in the Temple in their turns and courses, as the priests also did: or rather, because the Gershonites were set down before, chap, 23.7. these that are here added, are said to be the rest of the sonnes of Levi, to wit, the Kohathites and Merarites, who especially attended upon the Priests.

Vers. 31. These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sonnes of Aa∣ron.] That is, as the priests being divided into twenty foure companies, there were lots cast for them, as is above-said, vers. 5. so was it on the other side with the Le∣vites too, according to the severall employments whereto they were set a part; they were divided into twenty foure divisions, and lots were cast who should attend the service in the first course, coming in and going out with the first course of the priests, and so who should be in the second course, with the second course of priests, &c. This is expressed concerning the singers in the next chapter; and the like it seems therefore was done both for the porters, and those that attended upon the priests, and did the other work of the Lord, chap. 23, 4, 5.

In the presence of David the king, and Zadok and Abimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principall fathers over against their younger brethren.] There may be a double sense of these last words, to wit, either that as the principall fathers sate with David, and Zadok, and Abimelech to see this work done, so on the other side their younger brethren stood to be distributed to their severall courses, as the lot fell amongst them; or rather, that as the chief of the fa∣thers were chosen by lots, as heads over the rest, so were their young brethren also.

CHAP. XXV.

Vers. 1. DAvid and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sonnes of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophecy with harps, &c.] By the captains of the host, here some understand the chief of that sa∣cred host of the priests and Levites who served in the Temple: but the most of Ex∣positours understand it of those princes of Israel mentioned chap. 23.2. whom Da∣vid called together when he went about this work of establishing an order for the service of the priests and Levites, who are here called captains of the host; because indeed the chief Nobles and Princes of Israel, were captains of Davids host. How∣ever, that which is said of these captains is, that they separated to the service of the sonnes of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun who should prophecy with harps, &c.] That is, that having appointed the foure and twenty sonnes of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun (called also Ethan, chap. 15.17.) to be the chief in the foure and twen∣ty quires of singers, that were to perform that service in their severall courses (which is here called prophecying with cymballs, &c. of which see the note 1. Sam. 10.5.) af∣ter that they also separated such other of their brethren the Levites here after menti∣oned, as were to be instructed by them, and to joyn in that service under them in their severall courses.

Vers. 2. The sonnes of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied ac∣cording to the order of the king.] For he gave order for the severall courses of the singers, yea and happely too for the tunes and times of singing, and withall the most of the Psalmes they sung were penned by David, and by him were assigned some for the sonnes of Asaph, others for the sonnes of Jeduthun and Heman, as by the title of many Psalmes is evident.

Vers. 3. The sonnes of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, and Ha∣shabiah, and Mattathiah, six, &c.] That is, there were six of Jeduthuns posterity that were heads of severall courses of the singers. Indeed here are but five named

(unlesse, as some think, Jeduthun the father be reckoned into the number) but the sixth was Shimei, mentioned ver. 17. who is omitted here, happely because he was not the sonne, but the grand-child of Jeduthun, and this is indeed the more probable, because that Shimei mentioned vers 17. is no where here named.

Vers. 5. All these were the sonnes of Heman the kings seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn.] By the kings Seer may be meant, either that he was a Prophet, as Na••••an and Gad were; or at least that he was employed in that propheticall work of setting forth the praises of God, as the other in Psalmes, and Hymns, and spiri∣tuall songs, composed by men that were inspired by God, and therefore called here the words of God, and that to lift up the horn, whereby some musicall instrument is meant; or else the meaning is, that these sonnes of Heman were chiefly imployed in singing those Psalmes which concerned some glorious victories that God had given his people or the exalting and strengthening of Davids kingdome, which was espe∣cially accomplished in Christ, and consequently contained many glorious promises concerning the kingdome of Christ the promised Messiah.

Vers. 7. So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even all that were cunning, &c. That is, the numbers of these sonnes of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, together with their brethren which were cunning and expert in musick, leaders and teachers of others, was two hundred eigh∣ty eight. It is manifest that there were foure thousand Levites set apart for singers, chap. 23.5. If all these therefore served in the Temple (as is most probable, though some Expositours hold indeed that some of them were imployed in the Synagogues) being divided into twenty foure courses, there must needs be about eight score in eve∣ry course: but under each of the twenty foure sonnes of Asaph, Jeduthun, and He∣man, there were appointed eleven that were cunning men of the sonnes and brethren of these chief singers, to be leaders end instructers of the rest, which indeed with the twenty foure heads of each courses, do make two hundred eighty eight: for twenty foure times twelve amounts to two hundred eighty eight.

Vers. 8. And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.] That is, for every course of the Priests there was also a course of the Levites that were singers and so all were assigned to their severall cour∣ses by lot, as well the chief of them that were of the sonnes and brethren of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, and teachers of the rest, as those that were of an inferiour rank, the Levites that served under them, and were instructed by them.

Vers. 9. The second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sonnes were twelve.] And the like must be understood of Joseph, who had the first lot. See the note up∣on vers. 7.

CHAP. XXVI.

Vers. 1. OF the Korhites was Meshelemiah the sonne of Kore, of the sonnes of Asaph.] This was not Asaph the chief musician, but another Levite of the same name, called also Ebiasaph, chap. 6.37.

Vers. 2. And the sonnes of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the first-born, &c.] Here are named seven sonnes of Meshelemiah, vers. 2, 3. and of Obed Edom also seven sonnes (besides Shemaiah) vers. 4, 5. and six grand-children the sonnes of Shemaiah,

vers. 7. and foure sonnes of Hosah, vers. 10, 11. which together make twenty foure; and therefore I conceive they are here named, because they were the heads of the twenty foure orders and courses of the porters that came up in their turn to do their service, together with the twenty foure courses of the priests and singers: though it be not noted which had the first course, and which the second, as is before noted of the priests and singers.

Vers. 5. For God blessed him.] That is, Obed-edom, because he received the ark into his house, therefore the Lord blessed him, as is noted before, chap. 13, 14. to wit, not onely with a numerous issue, but with great prosperity in all other regards, and hence it was, that eight of his sonnes (besides his grandchildren by She∣maiah) were heads in the foure and twenty courses of the porter or guard of the Temple.

Vers. 6. For they were mighty men of valour.] The work of the porters was not onely to keep all unclean persons from entring into the holy place; but also to pre∣vent all confusion at the resorting of the people on their solemne festivals to the Tem∣ple, when they came in great multitudes, as also to be a guard to the holy place upon all other occasions; and therefore it was requisite that they should be men of might and valour: and the sonnes of Shemaiah being men eminent this way, they were appointed to be heads of the severall divisions and courses of the porters.

Vers. 8. Threescore and two of Obed-Edom] The number of these, as also of those, vers. 9, 11. is expressed I conceive, because in every division they were the chief; for there were in all of the porters foure thousand, chap. 23.5.

Vers. 12. Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another.] That is, amongst these chief men of these families, were their severall courses of porters, divided ward against ward, an∣swerable to those of the singers and other Levites, to wit, in foure and twenty courses.

Vers. 13. And they cast lots as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers for every gate.] Being divided into twenty foure divisions (which were to come up in their severall courses and orders for the service of the Temple, and having waited a week, to depart to their dwellings, and another to come in their steads) they did also cast lots to know how the service should be divi∣ded amongst them, and in particular, which of them should have the charge of the severall gates of the Temple. But may some say, being there were but eighteen of the sonnes and brethren of Meshelemiah vers. 9. to whom by lot the charge of the east gate fell, vers. 14. how could there be in each of the twenty foure courses some of the sonnes and brethren of Meshelemiah to take the charge of the east gate: I answer; first, that those eighteen of Meshelemiahs sonnes and brethren, vers. 9. were happely the chief, and besides these there were many more: yea, secondly, happely under the lot of Meshelemiah many other Levites were comprehended, besides his sonnes and brethren, for there were of these porters foure thousand in all, cha∣pter 23.5.

Vers. 14. And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah, &c.] That is to Shelemiah or Meshelemiah, vers. 1. and his company, there fell the custodie of the east gate, which was the chief gate, as being in the front of the Temple, and to Zechariah his sonne the custodie of the north-gate.

Vers. 15. To Obed-Edom south-ward, and to his sonnes, the house of Asuppim.] That is, the house of gatherings, so called, either because this, was the house where the seventy Elders did use to assemble and gather themselves together, and sit in coun∣cell; or else because here the gifts of the people were gathered and laid up: this house was also in or at the south gate, and so Obed-edom and his sonnes had also the charge thereof; and indeed that here in following times the greatest part of the Temples treasures were laid up, may be probably gathered from that which is said, 2. Chron. 25.24. And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obed-edom.

Vers. 16. To Shuppim and Hosah, the lot came forth west-ward, with the gate Shalleeheth, by the causes of the going up, ward against ward.] The families of these two, were it seems joyned together under one head. It is generally held that there was no gate west-ward either into the court of the priests or the people; but yet out of the court of the Gentiles it seems there was a gate west-ward, and therefore it is expressely said, chap. 9.24. In foure quarters were the porters toward the east, west, north, and south; and here that Shippim and Hosah were designed by lot to be porters west-ward: we find no mention of this gate Shallecheth elsewhere in the Scripture: but that it was on the west side is clear by the words in this place, and that it was by the causey of the going up, which needs must be some causey on the west side whereby they went up to the Temple, and therefore could not be, as some think it was, that ascent mentioned 1. Kings 10.5, which was doubtlesse on the east side towards the frontispice of the Temple, and because the word Shalle∣cheth signifieth casting out, therefore it is held that out of this gate they used to cast forth all their ashes and sweepings, &c. out of the Temple. However, it seems clear by the words, that there was another gate west-ward, besides this that was called Shallecheth, because it is said that the lot west-ward fell to Shuppim and Hosah with the gate Shallecheth, ward against ward, whereby I conceive is meant that whilest one company waited at the gate Shallecheth, another company waited at the other west gate, and this I take to be that which vers. 18. is called Parbar, for there it is said that Parbar was west ward, and that of these porters there still waited foure at the causey, that is the gate Shallecheth which was by the causey, and two at Parbar.

Vers. 17. South-ward foure a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.] That is, at the house of Asuppim were still successively two waiting, besides the foure that were at the south-gate where this house of Asuppim was; or else the meaning is, that of the foure that waited south-ward, two were still at the south gate, and two at the house of Asuppim.

Vers. 18. And Parbar west-ward, &c.] See the note above, vers. 16.

Vers. 20. And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicate things.] Even those that had the custo∣dy of the treasures were comprehended under the foure thousand that were called porters, chap. 23.5. and having therefore expressed who were the chief porters, that had the custody of the severall gates and doores of the Temple, in these following verses is expressed, to whom by lot it fell to be the porters for the custody of the sa∣cred treasures, and there being two divisions of them, some that had the charge of

the treasures of the Temple, to wit, the holy vessels, and vestments, &c. and some that had the custody of the dedicate things, to wit, the free will gifts that were given, and the money that at certain times for the repairing of the Temple and for the day∣ly sacrifices, was collected amongst the people; first in these words is expressed who was chosen to have the oversight of those that were employed in both these services, to wit, Ahijah.

Vers. 22. Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the Lord.] That is, which had the custody of the holy vessels and vestments, and such other things as were used in the Temple. See the former note.

Vers. 23. Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, &c.] That is, these that are men∣tioned in the sequel of the chapter were of these families, and were employed, as is afterward expressed.

Vers. 24. And Shebuell the sonne of Gershom, the sonne of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.] That is, the treasures of the dedicate things, not the treasures of the house of God, to wit, the holy vestments, and vessels, &c. which were in the custo∣dy of Jehiel and his sonnes, as is before noted vers. 21, 22. but the treasures of the dedicate things which were in the custody of Shelomith and his brethren, vers. 25, 26. over whom this Shebuell was the ruler.

Vers. 25. And his brethren by Eliezer: Rehabiah his sonne, and Jeshaiah his his sonne, &c.] The meaning is, that all these were the sonnes of Eliezer.

Vers. 29. Of the Izrahites, Chenaniah and his sonnes were for the outward bu∣sinesse over Israel, &c.] Besides those Levites that attended on the priests in their service, and the porters and singers, there were six thousand that were dispersed throughout the land for Officers and Judges, chap. 23.4. whose charge was for the outward businesse over Israel; that is, to take care of those things that were to be done abroad out of the temple; as to give judgements in matters of doubt concerning the Law, to train up the younger Levites in the knowledge of the Law, to look to the gathering, and receiving of such monies as was to be collected amongst the people for the service of the Temple (as when they were numbred, and upon other occasi∣ons) and to make provision throughout the land for wood, and all other provision necessary for the sacrifices, and all other services for the Temple: and these were some of the family of the Izharites, and some of the Hebronites, vers. 30.31. and because there the number of the Hebronites is expressed, and where there charge lay, to wit, that seventeen hundred were Officers among them of Israel, on this side Jordan westward, vers. 30. and two thousand seven hundred without Jordan eastward, vers. 31, 32. It may be probably inferred that there were of the Izharites sixteen hundred (which makes up the just number of the six thousand Judges and Officers, mentioned chap. 23.4.) and that all these were employed (under Chenaniah the chief of them) within Jordan westward, because otherwise there would be farre more employed a∣mongst the two tribes and a half without Jordan, then in all the land of Israel be∣sides.

Vers. 30. A thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward, in all businesse of the Lord, and in the service of the king.] That is, in providing such sacrifices as the king offered (which were indeed many, upon many occasions) or by the service of the king, may be meant the ser∣vice

they did for the Temple, onely with respect to the kings command and jurisdi∣ction, or the putting of the kings decrees in execution for the observing of Gods Laws; for other Officers the king had that were employed in the kings civil affairs.

Vers. 31. Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the cheif, &c.] That is, amongst those Hebronites that were without Jordan.

And there were found among them mighty men of valour, at Jazer of Gilead.] Where there number was taken.

Vers. 32. And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hun∣red chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, &c.] There were in all of these judges and officers but six thousand, chap. 23.4. so that though all the Isharites ver. 19. were employed within Jordan; (as is probable they were) yet there were almost as many in the two tribes and an half without Jordan, as were amongst the other nine tribes and an half within Jordan. To wit, because being di∣vided (as it were) from Gods people by the river Jordan, there was the more care requisite to retain them in their obedience to the Law, and to prevent any back-sli∣ding or remissenesse in the worship of God at Jerusalem, whither with the other Is∣raelites they were bound at certain times to resort.

CHAP. XXVII.

Vers. 1. NOw the children of Israel after their number, &c.] As in the former chapters is shown, how David distributed the Priests and Levites into twenty foure courses, so here we are told how the Militia of the kingdome were also divided into twelve courses, twenty foure thousand in each course, who in their turns one moneth in the yeare, were still in arms ready to be imployed in any service for the State, as the king should appoint them: by which means all the able men of the kingdome were still trained up to be expert in the use of their arms, and there was alwayes a sufficient number ready in arms, if on a sudden there should be any occa∣sion to make use of them: neither was it any great burthen to the people though for that moneth they bore their own charges, because all the rest of the yeare they were free to follow their own employments.

Vers. 3. Of the children of Perez, was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first moneth.] To wit, Jashobeam of whom in the former verse, who was al∣so chief of Davids Worthies. See chap. 11.11. It seems he was of the posteritie of Perez or Pharez the sonne of Judah, Gen, 46.12. and therefore he had the prehemi∣nence of being commander in chief over the first course, and it may be had some command over the captains in the other courses.

Vers. 4. And of his course was Mikloth also the ruler.] To wit, after the death of Dodai. Some understand that he was Dodai his Lieutenant; but why then is not the Lieutenant of every course and company likewise named? Rather therefore I conceive, that Mikloth was the captain of this course after Dodai, as is said of Zeba∣diah, vers. 7. that he was captain the fourth moneth after his father Asahel was dead, who died in the beginning of Davids reigne.

Vers. 5. The third captain of the host for the third moneth, was Benaiah the sonne of Jehoiadae a chief priest.] If the words be read as it is in the margin (the sonne of Jehoiada a principall officer) there is no difficulty at all in them; but if we

read them as in our text (the sonne of Jehoiada a chief priest) by the sonne of Je∣hoiada, must be meant the sonne in law of Jehoiada: for it is not likely that the priests were in ordinary course captains and commanders of Davids bands of soul∣diers, though sometimes indeed upon extraordinary occasions it is evident that the priests did arm themselves.

Vers. 22. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.] That is, these were the heads of the tribes, who had chief power in the civil government. The Princes of Gad and Asher are not here expressed, perhaps because the Gadites and the Reu∣benites, or the half tribe of Manasseh without Jordan, had but one Prince over them both, and so likewise the children of Asher might be joyned with some tribe that bordered upon them.

Vers. 23. But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under.] Having set down the Princes of the tribes, it might be expected that in the next place should be set down the number of each tribe that were under these Prin∣ces: especially because the people had been so lately numbred by David. In answer whereto therefore this clause is inserted, and two things concerning this are affirmed: First, that David gave order to number onely those of twenty years old and up∣wards; and that because the Lord had said he would increase Israel like to the starres of the heavens, and so David would not attempt to have them so numbred, to wit, because he would not seem to question the truth of that promise; and withall be∣cause he did indeed think it would be an endlesse and tedious work. And secondly, vers. 24. Joab the sonne of Zeruiah began to number, but finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel, to wit, because the plague being begun, he saw the work was displeasing to God, and so gave it over, chap. 21.6. But Levi and Benja∣min counted he not: for the kings word was abominable to Joab.

Vers. 24. Neither was the number put in the account of the Chronicles of king David.] To wit, both because the work was not finished, and because their pro∣ceeding so farre in it, had brought so great wrath upon Israel.

Vers. 32. And Jehiel the sonne of Hachmoni was with the kings sonnes.] That is, their tutour, one that was to see that they were in all things trained up and in∣structed as beseemed the princes of Israel.

Vers. 33. And Hushai the Archite was the kings companion.] That is, his chief favourite, in whose company he most delighted.

Vers. 34. And after Ahithophel, was Jehoiada the sonne of Benaiah, and Abi∣athar.] That is, after Ahithophels death, Jehoiada and Abiathar were his chief coun∣sellours.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Vers. 1. ANd David assembled all the Princes of Israel.] Here is repeated what was said before, chap. 23.2. for both that and this are meant of the same assembling of the princes.

Vers. 2. Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, &c.] This phrase here used for Davids standing up upon his feet, may seem to imply, that though he were now in the generall assembly of the princes and people, yet even now he began to be so farre infeebled with age, that he used to lie along upon a bed or couch; onely

being now to be speaker in the assembly, to make known the will of God concern∣ing Solomon his sonne, he strengthened himself (being happely assisted therein by his nobles or servants) to stand up upon his feet. And indeed within a while after this, we see he lay bedrid in great extremity of weaknesse. 1. Kings 1.1.

I had in my heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God.] That is, the ark, or the propitiatory, or mercy-seat wherewith the ark was covered: for elsewhere also we find the ark term∣ed Gods footstool, as Psal. 99.5. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his foot∣stool: and Psal. 132.7. We will go into his tabernacle, we will worship at his footstool. And the reasons why the ark is so called, may be first, because the Lord being repre∣sented as sitting between the wings of the Cherubims as in a throne, the body of the ark was in that respect in stead of a footstool to him: and secondly, to intimate how they ought to judge of Gods presence there in a spirituall manner; that the people might not entertain any carnall and earthly conceits of Gods presence there, not consonant to the infinite glory and majesty of God: the ark is called Gods footstool, so to raise their thoughts of God above the world, and to teach them so to conceive of Gods presence in the ark, as withall to acknowledge that he dwelleth on high, and filleth heaven and earth with his glory; yea, that the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him, 1. Kings 8.27.

Vers. 4. Howbeit, the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my fa∣ther, to be king over Israel for ever.] To wit, in my posterity: and this was ac∣complished in Christ. See Luke 1.32, 33.

Vers. 14. He gave of gold by weight, for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service, silver also for all instruments of silver, &c.] To wit, the golden vessels for the service of the holy place, the silver vessels for the Priests court.

Vers. 15. Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold.] For the holy place were these candlesticks made: for though there was but one candlestick in the tabernacle of Moses, yet in the Temple there were ten candlesticks of pure gold for the holy place, 1. Kings 7.49. As for the candlesticks of silver here also mentioned, they were doubtlesse for the porch of the courts, and happely also for the chambers that were about the courts.

Vers. 16. And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shew-bread, &c.] For in the temple there were severall tables of shew-bread, 2. Chron. 4.19. As for the silver tables here mentioned also, they were for the chambers of the Priests, and o∣ther places of the temple.

Vers. 18. And gold for the pattern of the chariot of the Cherubims, &c.] This must needs be meant, not of the two Cherubims that were upon the Mercy-seat, one at each end (for they were made in Moses time, and now carried by Solomon into the Temple▪) but of those two greater Cherubims made by Solomons appointment of Olive wood, and covered over with plates of gold, and that to stand before the ark, to hide and cover it even from the eyes of the high Priest, when he came into the most holy place, 1. Kings 6.23. And it is called the chariot of the Cherubims, not onely because it was the representation of Gods presence there attended with his holy Angels, who are called the Lords chariots: Psal. 68.17. The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of Angels: but also happely because there was

in these Cherubims thus standing before the ark, some resemblance of the chariots used in those times; yea and some adde, that hereby was signified also that Gods pre∣sence in the ark was not so fixed amongst them, but that he would leave them if his people should too farre provoke him by their sinnes.

CHAP. XXIX.

Vers. 1. SOlomon my sonne, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, &c.] See 1. Kings 3.7.

Vers. 4. Three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thou∣sand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the house withall.] To wit the gold to overlay the walls of the Temple; and the silver to overlay the walls of the other houses and buildings adjoyning to the Temple: and as ordinarily we account the value of the talents there was prepared by David of gold, eleven millions two hundred and fifty thousand pound sterling, and of silver two millions six hundred twenty five thousand pound sterling; and accordingly we may compute what the Princes gave, vers. 7.

Vers. 11. Thine, O Lord, is the greatnesse, and the power, and the glory, &c.] That is, thou art great, and powerfull, and glorious, &c. And all greatnesse and power and glory that is conferred upon any man comes from thee, and therefore ought to be imployed to thy service at thy command.

Vers. 15. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fa∣thers, &c.] As if he should have said, even the land wherein we live, it is but lent to us for a time, and but a short time do we continue in it, being all as a shadow that passeth suddenly away, and continueth not: so that the very land being thine, and we but as wayfaring men, that onely make use of it for a while; consequently, all that we enjoy is thine, and not ours, and of thine own have we given thee. But be∣sides, the drift of this clause may be also to shew another motive that made them willing to give so freely to the building of the Temple; to wit, because they by rea∣son of the brevity of their lives, could not hope long to enjoy these things, and there∣fore could not but think them better bestowed upon this service of God, then kept for themselves.

Vers. 18. Keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people.] That is, this readinesse to consecrate themselves, and all that they have to thy service.

Vers. 21. And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the Lord, &c.] To wit, before the ark which which was now in Davids house, in the tent which there he had prepared for it: and therefore it is said, vers. 22. that the people did eat and drink before the Lord on that day.

And sacrifices in abundance for all Israel.] That is, the sacrifices were offered in the name of all the people, and in such abundance, that all the Israelites present might eat of the peace-offerings that were then offered to the Lord.

Vers. 22. And they made Solomon the sonne of David king the second time, &c.] This, though subjoyned immediatly to that which went before, concerning their sa∣crificing the next day after that David had made known his mind to the people, is yet to be understood of the annointing of Solomon after Davids death, as is evident:

first, because the making of Zadok the sole high priest instead of Abiathar, is here joyned with it, and it cannot be denied but that was done after Davids death, 1. Kings 2.35. secondly, because it followeth in the next verse, that Solomon sate on the throne as king instead of his father David: thirdly, because when David made these things known in a publick assembly of his Princes, he was not yet bed-rid, chap. 18.1, 2. so that Adonijahs attempting to make himself king (at which time Solomon was first anointed, 1. Kings 1.33, 34.) was after this. And last of all, because it followeth vers. 24. that the other sonnes of David submitted themselves to Solomon, which was not till Adonijahs usurpation was defeated, 1. Kings 1.9.49.50.

Vers. 23. Then Solomon sate on the throne of the Lord.] All kingdomes and thrones are the Lords, because all kings are the Lords vice-gerents, and have their power from him; but the throne of the kingdome of Israel is upon more peculiar grounds called the throne of the Lord; to wit, first, because the disposing of this throne the Lord wholly challenged to himself, Deut. 17.15. Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: and secondly, because the kings of Judah were figures of Christ the true anointed, to whom the throne of David was promised, that is, that he should be king of the Israel of God for ever, Luke 1.33. And he shall reigne over the house of Jacob for ever, &c.

Vers. 28. And he died in a good old age.] To wit, when he was seventy years old; for David was thirty years old when he began to reigne, and he reigned fourty years, 2. Sam. 5.4.

Vers. 29. Now the acts of David the king, first and last, Behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the Seer, and in the book of Nathan, &c.] Some understand this thus, that the acts of David were related in the history or books of Samuel, which are written by Nathan the prophet, and Gad the Seer.