1 Chronicles

"CHRONICLES" we call these two books, -anciently but one, -which is the same in effect with that of the Hebrews’ Dibr ehaiamim, Words, or Deeds, of Days. Paralipomena, or Remains, the Greeks call them, because they take up many things not recorded in the Books of Kings. Yet are they not those "Books of Chronicles of Israel and Judah" we so often read of in the Books of Kings, for they long since perished, but a divine authentic epitome of them. Yea, Jerome {a} doubteth not to call these two Books of Chronicles Instrumenti Veteris Epitomen, et totius divinae historiae Chronicum. Munster calleth them, A sacred diary, The Church’s annals. They begin as high as Adam the Protoplast, -of whom nothing is read in human histories, as neither indeed of anything else that is truly ancient till the Theban and Trojan wars, as Diodorus Siculus confesseth, -and show how by him the world was populated, according to that first promise, {#Ge 1:28} and the descant of some ancients upon the name of Adam. Α, that is, Ανατολη, or the east; Δ, that is, Δυσμος, the west; Α, that is, Αρτος, the north; and Μ, that is, Μεσημβρια, the south: for all these four quarters of the world were and are populated by Adam’s posterity, some of whom, as the antediluvian patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his sons—all except Dan and Zebulon—are registered in these first eight chapters. In the first four verses of this chapter we have the line of Adam to Noah, no other of the posterity of Adam being mentioned, because, saith one, they were all destroyed in the flood: whereunto may be added, that the genealogy of the second Adam is here mainly intended, and his progenitors principally mentioned.

Chapter 1

Ver. 1. Adam, Sheth, Enosh.] Thus this prompt scribe and perfect genealogist, Ezra, as is generally thought, beginneth his holy history.

“ Primaque aborigine mundi,

Ad sua perpetuum deducit secla volumen.”

{a} In prolo. Galeat.

Ver. 4. Shem, Ham, Japheth.] Of these three, Shem is supposed to have peopled the east, Ham the south, Japheth the north.

Ver. 5. Gomer.] Of whom came the Cymbrians and Danes.

Magog.] From whom are the Scythians, Sarmatians, Tartars.

Madai.] The father of the Medes, as Javan is conceived to be of the Grecians, Tubal of the Spaniards, Meshech of the Muscovites, Tiras of the Thracians, Ashchenaz of the Germans (Tuiscones Dutchmen), Riphath of the Paphlagones, Togarmah of the Turks, Elishah of the Eolians, Tarshish of the Cilicians, Kittim the Cyprians, Dodanim or Rodahim the Rhodians, &c.

Ver. 10. He began to be mighty.] See on #Ge 10:8. Nimrod is thought to be the same with Belus, founder of the Babylonian monarchy.

Ver. 18. Beget Eber.] From whom came the Hebrews.

Ver. 20. And Joktan begat Almodad and Sheleph, &c.] These thirteen sons of Joktan were captains of those colonies that went out of the land of Shinar, upon the dispersion of the nations into various parts of the world, according to their different languages. {#Ge 11:1-9} Whether they fell from the true religion professed by their grandfather Heber is uncertain; but from them is supposed to descend the people of East India, and of America also.

Ver. 36. And Timna.] This was the son of Eliphaz, but of the same name with his concubine Timna, who haply might thereby seek the propagating of her name, like as our Queen Mary did, when, being godmother to many of her servants’ sons, she gave her own name, Anthony-Maria, Edward-Maria, &c., as an addition to their names received at baptism. {a}

{a} Fuller’s Church Hist.

Ver. 43. Now these are the kings.] {See Trapp on "Ge 36:31"} Kings were crowned, dukes were not. Israel had first judges, who were as dukes; after that, kings; and then dukes again, or governors, viz., after the captivity. So had Edom. See #1Ch 1:51,52.

Ver. 44. Jobab the son of Zerah reigned.] This Jobab was Job the patient, say some, who, while he was prosperous, was called Jobab; but when in distress, contracted into Job. See the like change, #Ge 17:5 Ru 1:20.

Ver. 50. Baalhanan.] Or Hannibal.

Ver. 51. Hadad died also.] And with him the kingly government, as it did at Rome with Tarquin the tyrant.

Ver. 52. See on #Ge 36:43.

Chapter 2

Ver. 3. The sons of Judah.] These are first set down, (1.) For the royal dignity; (2.) For the descent of the Messiah.

Was evil in the sight of the Lord.] Quem nihil latet , Who seeth and punisheth secret sins.

Ver. 4. And Tamar.] {See Trapp on "Mt 1:3"}

Ver. 6. And Ethan, and Heman, &c.] Of these, see on #1Ki 4:31.

Ver. 7. Achar.] Alias Achan, {#Jos 6:1-7:26} per paranomasiam.

Ver. 8. And the sons of Ethan.] Sons, that is, son: synecdoche.

Ver. 10-12. {See Trapp on "Mt 1:3"} {See Trapp on "Mt 1:4"} {See Trapp on "Mt 1:5"}

Ver. 15. David the seventh.] Jesse is said to have eight sons, {#1Sa 17:12} but one might be his son by adoption.

Ver. 16. Abishai.] Elder brother to Joab, who yet got the start of him.

Ver. 17. Jether the Ishmeelite.] See on #2Sa 17:25.

Ver. 24. The father of Tekoa, ] i.e., The prince of Tekoa. Augustus would not be called lord, but father of his country, taking great delight in that title given him by the people, and calling the commonwealth his daughter, as Macrobius {a} writeth.

{a} Lib. ii. cap. 5.

Ver. 26. Jerahmeel had also another wife.] Besides Abijah {a} his wife. {#1Ch 2:25}

{a} Sic.(?) Besides his wife who was the mother of Ahijah. {#1Ch 2:25}

Ver. 42. He was the father of Hebron.] See on #1Ch 2:24.

Ver. 54. The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, ] i.e., The Bethlehemites.

Ataroth, the house of Joab.] Or, Crowns of the house of Joab. Those Netophathites, for their prowess and achievements, were Joab’s glory, his crown of rejoicing.

Ver. 55. And the families of the scribes.] These were public notaries: or, as some think, Text men, who took the literal interpretation, as distinct from Wise, that is, teachers of traditions, and from Disputers, that is, teachers of allegories and mysteries. See #1Co 1:20 Jer 8:9 Ezr 7:6. The first were the best of the three, and of these were the Rechabites, who being Shuchathites, that is, dwellers in tents, might dwell where they pleased: and now dwelt at Jabez, a place which seemeth to have taken its name from that good Jabez of Judah, who prayed so hard, {#1Ch 4:10} having, haply, the help of these holy Kenites, the posterity of Jethro. See #Jud 1:16.

Chapter 3

Ver. 1. Which were born unto him in Hebron.] During the time of his exile, we read not of any child he had: and so he had the less to care for.

The second, Daniel.] Alias Chileab. See #2Sa 3:3.

Ver. 3. By Eglah his wife.] Alias Michal, Saul’s daughter, as some hold, his first and chief wife. See #2Sa 3:5.

Ver. 5. And Solomon, four.] Not fourth: for he was the eldest of the four, and therefore the only beloved in the sight of his mother. {#Pr 4:3}

Ver. 6. And Elishama, and Eliphelet.] David had two Elishama’s and two Eliphelet’s: either because by different wives, or because these two were dead before the other were born.

Ver. 8. And Elishama.] See #1Ch 3:6.

Ver. 9. And Tamar their sister.] She was David’s only daughter, as Dinah also was Jacob’s; whose grief therefore was the greater for the violation of them.

Ver. 10. Abia his son, Asa his son.] These Books of Chronicles pursue the genealogy and history of the kings of Judah only: and yet are more sparing in relating the sins of David and Solomon. Those things which are here set down in this chapter were chiefly written in reference to the genealogy of Christ.

Ver. 15. Johanan.] Alias Jehoahaz, {#2Ki 23:30} alias Shallum. {#Jer 22:11} See on #2Ki 23:31. Some think that Johanan was a distinct son from Jehoahaz: and conjecture that he was slain in battle together with his father Josiah.

Ver. 16. Zedekiah his son.] Not his natural son, as being his uncle, but his legal son, that is, his successor.

Ver. 17. And the sons of Jeconiah.] Natural sons Jeconiah had, {#Jer 22:28} but because none of them succeeded him in the kingdom, therefore he is said to be written childless. {#Jer 22:30}

Assir, Salathiel his son.] Salathiel might be called Assir, that is, one in bonds; because Jeconiah begat him in his bonds. See the like, #Ex 2:22.

Ver. 18. Malchiram also.] It is doubtful whether these were the sons of Jeconiah, or of Salathiel.

Ver. 21. And the sons of Hananiah.] It is thought that these were the families of the blood royal, after the captivity. And some do here hence gather, that these Books of Chronicles were last written of all the Old Testament: by the Hebrews they are placed last.

Ver. 22. Neariah, and Shaphat, six, ] sc., Reckoned together with their father Shemalah.

Chapter 4

Ver. 1. Carmi.] Alias Chelubai, or Caleb. {#1Ch 2:9,18}

Ver. 5. And Ashur.] Who was the posthumous son of Hezron. {#1Ch 2:24}

Ver. 8. And Coz begat Anub.] Who this Coz was, we read not anywhere: Videntur lacunae quaedam esse in hoc capite. Some think he was one of the sons of Ashur by his wife Helah: though he be not reckoned with the rest. {#1Ch 4:7}

Ver. 9. And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren.] Propter opes, saith Piscator, for his wealth; for his holiness rather, {see #Isa 43:4} or for his valour and learning, tam Marte quam Mercurio, if he were that renowned Othniel, {#Jud 1:13} as some make him to be: others, Othniel’s brother. {#1Ch 4:13} In his city, called by his name Jabez, dwelt scribes, {#1Ch 2:55} hence Vatablus concludeth that he was doctor insignis. {a}

And his mother called him Jabez, ]{ b} i.e., Dolorificum; a dear, but doleful child to her, a son of her sorrows, because she had a hard bargain, as they call it, when she brought him forth; and haply died of him, as Rachel did of her Benoni. His father might change his name to Othniel.

{a} Clarissimus fuit propter foritudinem; deinde doctor fuit. -Lavat.

{b} Jangbets, for Jangtseb; of gnetseb, pain, grief.

Ver. 10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel.] Upon the point of some warlike exploit: or in some great exigency. And hence he was "more honourable"; {#1Ch 4:9} he prayed earnestly, and sped accordingly.

Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed.] Heb., If blessing thou wilt bless me: q.d., then shalt thou have mine utmost service, and I will wholly devote myself to thy fear. This was to "pray in the Holy Ghost"; this was to do, as afterwards Christ did, who "being in an agony prayed more earnestly." {#Lu 22:44}

And enlarge my coast.] Pray we with like fervency, And enlarge my heart.

And that thine hand might be with me.] He labours in prayer lustily, and followeth his suit close.

“ Una est in trepida mihi re medicina, Iehovae

Cot patrium, os verax, omnipotensque manus.”

And that thou wouldest keep me from evil.] Or, Cause that evil grieve me not. He seemeth in this request to allude to his own name, q.d., I have my name from sorrow; but I would not be crushed with sorrow. This might be his prayer to God, even while he was fighting against his enemies.

Ver. 11. Brother of Shuah.] Called Hushah. {#1Ch 4:4}

Ver. 12. These are the men of Rechah.] This, Lyra taketh to be the name of a place: others render it teneros vel nobiles, these were gentlemen or nobles.

Ver. 13. Othniel.] See on #1Ch 4:9,10.

Ver. 14. For they were craftsmen.] Opifices Deo curae sunt. God takes notice of, and care for poor handicraftsmen, who live by their hard labour, who get it and eat it. Yea, the apostle Peter showeth that a poor servant, when he suffereth hard words and ill usage from his master, doth herein find acceptance with God. {#1Pe 2:19,20}

Ver. 15. Caleb the son of Jephunneh.] And grandson of Kenez: whence Caleb is called the Kenezite, {#Nu 32:12} saith Diodate.

Ver. 17. And the sons of Ezra.] Not that learned scribe, {#Ezr 7:1} -there is a difference in the last letter of their names—but the son, as it seems, of Asareel.

And she bare, ] i.e., Bithiah {#1Ch 4:18} bare.

Miriam.] The name of a man in this place.

Ver. 21. Of them that wrought fine linen.] Gentis opificii byssini, silk-weavers. See on #1Ch 4:14.

Ver. 22. Who had the dominion in Moab.] Ruled as viceroys under the kings of Judah, who had subdued Moab.

And these are ancient things.] Old and obsolete, Vatablus rendereth it. Ista nomina sunt virorum veterum, these are the names of such as lived long since. Haec sunt nomina prisca priscorum heroum: A Lapide. Thus writeth Ezra; who yet lived before that Socrates taught in Athens, and before any chronicles of the world now extant in the world. Such is the antiquity of holy writ.

Ver. 23. Those that dwelt among plants and hedges.] Hedge rogues, Mr Dyke {a} calleth them: the base brood of their degenerated forefathers, saith another; poor-spirited men; not like that late learned martyr, who in his banishment or flight for conscience, served the mason; nor like Musculus, forced to dig in the town ditch one while for a poor livelihood; but such as choose rather to abide under the hedges of Babylon, and there to plant gardens, make fences and flower pots for the king of Babylon, than to return to their own country, though Cyrus had proclaimed liberty for them so to do.

There they dwelt.] Or, Remained, namely, in Babylon, in the service of the king of that place, being miserable by their own election. These are res obsoletae, things worn out and forgotten; and indeed they deserve to be forgotten. For such the Church prayeth, {#Ps 126:4} "Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south." Piscator gathereth from this text, that Ezra wrote this book after the return from Babylon.

{a} Serm. on John v.

Ver. 24. And the sons of Simeon.] His genealogy is set down next to that of Judah, because his lot fell out to be in the tribe of Judah, for most part, {#Jos 19:1} though his posterity took part with the other nine tribes in the revolt from Judah and Benjamin, who clave still to the house of David. Of this tribe was that shameless fornicator, Zimri, {#Nu 25:14} as also Judas Iscariot, as Jerome affirmeth.

Ver. 27. And Shimei had sixteen sons.] None mentioned in these genealogies had so many.

Ver. 28. And Hazarshual, ] i.e., In vico vulpis, Vat.

Ver. 31. Unto the reign of David.] Who restored Ziklag and some others of them to the tribe of Judah, saith Lyra.

Ver. 32. Five cities.] Called before villages, because unwalled, haply. The Hague in Holland hath two thousand households in it: the inhabitants will not wall it, they say, as desiring to have it counted rather the principal village of Europe, than a lesser city.

Ver. 40. And they found fat pasture and good.] This tempted the Simeonites to set upon them, as the wealth of Cyprus did the old Romans; {a} and as the pearls usually cast out with the flood and gathered at the ebb, drew Caesar’s affection for the conquest of Britain. {b}

For quiet, and peaceable.] See on #Jud 18:27,28.

And they of Ham had dwelt there.] The cursed Canaanites.

{a} Sext. Rufus

{b} {Suetonius, Julius Caesar, l. 1. c. 47. 1:95}

Ver. 41. Came in the days of Hezekiah.] In the beginning of his reign; for in the sixth year of his reign the ten tribes were carried captive by Shalmaneser. {#2Ki 18:10,11} So that it seems these Simeonites did not long enjoy their new conquests God often punisheth the wicked by others as wicked.

Ver. 42. And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon.] As Simeon himself was a rough-spirited venturous man; so were his posterity.

Ver. 43. And they smote the rest of the Amalekites.] Whose preservation from the sword of Joshua, {#Ex 17:13} of Saul, {#1Sa 15:7} and of David, {#2Sa 8:12} was but a reservation to this utter destruction, which God had solemnly sworn, with hand laid upon his own throne. {#Ex 17:16}

Chapter 5

Ver. 1. But, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed.] {See Trapp on "Ge 35:22"}

But, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed.] He might well say as Lysimachus did, when for a draught of water he had parted with his kingdom, Ah, for how short a (sinful) pleasure, how great privileges and blessings have I forfeited!

His birthright.] That is, His double portion of inheritance: as for the dignity due to him, it was given to Judah.

Joseph the son of Israel, ] i.e., His best beloved son.

Ver. 2. For Judah prevailed above his brethren.] As was foretold. {#Ge 49:8-10} {See Trapp on "Ge 49:8"} {See Trapp on "Ge 49:9"} {See Trapp on "Ge 49:10"}

And of him came the chief ruler.] Jesus Christ especially. {#Heb 7:14}

But the birthright was Joseph’s.] Quod ad fructum attinet.

Ver. 4. The sons of Joel.] Who was Hanoch’s son, likely.

Ver. 6. He was prince of the Reubenites.] But not the father of the prophet Hosea, as some have held. {a}

{a} Lyra.

Ver. 10. They made war with the Hagarites, ] i.e., Ishmaelites inhabiting Arabia deserta. These, ashamed of their mother Hagar the handmaid, would afterwards need for honour’s sake be called Saracens, by the name of Sarah the mistress, as saith Sozomen. {a} This so pleased the rest of the Arabians, that they would all be called Saracens. Mohammed their general grew famous in the days of Heraclius the emperor, and subdued many countries. Now they are called Turks, &c.

And they dwelt in their tents.] Few countries but have changed their inhabitants: such is the vanity of all here below. The Athenians vaunted, but vainly, that they were αυτοχθονες, bred out of the land they lived upon, as so many mushrooms or grasshoppers.

{a} Lib. vii. cap. 38. Am. Marc.

Ver. 11. In the land of Bashan.] Bashan was the name both of the whole country and the chief city; like as Muscovia is at this day.

Ver. 12. And Jaanai and Shaphat in Bashan.] Or, Abode in Bashan to defend their country, while their brethren were warring abroad. {a}

{a} Jun.

Ver. 16. Suburbs of Sharon.] Which was ager pascuosissimus, a place of fat feeding, {#1Ch 27:29} situate under the hill of Lebanon; coupled with Carmel for "excellency"; {#Isa 35:2} not more a field than "a fold for flocks." {#Isa 65:10}

Upon their borders.] Heb., Their outgoings.

Ver. 17. In the days of Jeroboam, ] i.e., Jeroboam the second, who ruled over them.

Ver. 18. Men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow.] These weapons were much in use till guns were invented; to the destruction, not of the inventor only—who was therefore hanged they say—but of many other brave marshals.

Ver. 19. And they made war with the Hagarites.] See #1Ch 5:10.

Ver. 20. And they were helped against them.] Helped from heaven, by means of some manifest miracle.

For they cried to God in the battle.] So did Jabez; {#1Ch 4:10} Jehoshaphat; {#2Ch 20:3} the thundering legion; the late king of Sweden, whose prayer before the great battle of Lutzen—where he fell, -was, "Jesus, vouchsafe this day to be my strong helper; and give me courage to fight for the honour of thy name." Prayer alone he held the surest piece of his whole armour.

Ver. 21. Of their camels, fifty thousand.] These creatures were much set by in those eastern parts; as for their usefulness to bear great burdens, so for their unthirstiness, for they will travel three or four days together and not care to drink. Implentur cameli, cum bibendi est occasio, et in praeteritum, et in futurum, saith Pliny {a} They drink when they do, both for the time past and for the time to come.

And of sheep.] Good et ad esum, et ad usum.

And of asses two thousand.] Little set by, and therefore a less number.

{a} Lib. viii. cap. 18.

Ver. 22. Because the war was of God, ] i.e., It was just and necessary; God also fought therein, as it were personally, against those idolatrous wretches.

Ver. 25. And they transgressed against the God of their fathers.] Who had so renowned and prospered them. See their sin largely set forth, #2Ki 17:7,8, &c.

And went a-whoring after the gods.] Idolaters are adulterers and adulteresses in sundry respects. They "forsake" God, "the guide of their youths," lavish gold out of the bag, take great pains and long journeys, plead for their sin, are impatient of reproof, careless of their credit, endless in plodding of their paramours, &c.

Ver. 26. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul.] "Howbeit he meant not so, neither was it in his heart to think so,"—viz., that God set him on, -"but it was in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few." {#Isa 10:7}

King of Assyria.] Though the Assyrians took their names from Ashur, son of Shem, {#Ge 10:22 1Ch 1:17} yet the kingdom seemeth, saith one, to be raised amongst them by the prosperity of Cush, the son of Ham. {#Ge 10:6-11}

Chapter 6

Ver. 3. And Miriam] See #Mic 6:4. {See Trapp on "Mic 6:4"}

Ver. 4. And Eleazar begat Phineas.] Famous for his zeal, and God’s promise thereupon, that he and his should be priests before him for ever. {#Nu 25:13} How Eli, of the lineage of Ithamar, came to be high priest, is nowhere expressed; but in this catalogue is no mention of him or his sons, but only of such as sprang from Eleazar.

Ver. 5. And Bukki begat Uzzi.] In this man’s time it is supposed that Eli (and so his posterity after him) got the high priest’s office— sed quo iure quave iniuria, parum constat -till after four generations it was resettled by Solomon upon Zadok, the son of Ahitub, {#1Ki 2:27,35} who with his descendants were high priests till after the captivity.

Ver. 10. And Johanan.] Alias Jehoiadah. {#2Ch 23:1}

He it is that executed the priest’s office.] Whether we understand it of the father or the son, we do not amiss: Nam uterque se strenue gessit in sacerdotio, they were gallant men both.

Ver. 14. And Azariah begat Seraiah.] Who was the father, or grandfather, of Ezra the scribe. {#Ezr 7:1}

Ver. 15. And Jehozadak went into captivity.] Where he begat Joshua, the high priest, who helped Zerubbabel in rebuilding the city and temple. {#Hag 1:1}

Ver. 22. Korah his son.] This was that sinner against his own soul, {#Nu 16:1} whom the earth swallowed up quick. Howbeit his children came to good, many of them, as Elkanah, Samuel, the sons of Korah, in David’s days. Dathan and Abiram, his fellow sinners, are stigmatised for their stubbornness, {#Nu 26:9} as before them was Cain, {#Ge 4:15} and after them Ahaz. {#2Ch 28:22}

Ver. 28. The firstborn Vashni.] Alias Joel. {#1Sa 8:2} The Septuagint render the text thus: And the sons of Samuel were, the firstborn, Joel; and the second (Vashni signifieth, And the second), Abiah.

Ver. 33. Heman.] He was Samuel’s grandchild, by Joel. The posterity (haply, not immediate) of the righteous shall be blessed.

Ver. 54. Throughout their castles.] Or, Palaces. The priests dwelt not in poor cottages, but in fair and fitting houses.

Ver. 55. Hebron, the city of refuge.] The six cities of refuge were cities of the Levites, where guilty persons might be instructed and comforted, King James was wont to say, that if God did allow him to kill a man by any means, he should think God did not love him.

Chapter 7

Ver. 1. Jashub.] Alias Job; {#Ge 46:13} but not Job the patient, as some would have it.

Ver. 2. They were valiant men of might.] And yet this tribe, for the generality, were asinus osseus {#Ge 49:14} dull, and desirous of peace.

In the days of David.] See #1Ch 12:32 27:18.

Ver. 3. And the sons of Uzzi, ] i.e., The son; for it is likely that Uzzi had more sons, but nothing so famous as was Izrahiah.

Ver. 4. Were bands of soldiers for war.] Though they affected peace, as #1Ch 7:2, yet they were apti et parati ad bellum, ready pressed for war.

For they had many wives and sons.] Polygamy passed for current in the Church, because Abraham used it; though directly against the institution, and that plain law, {#Le 18:18} neither was it cast out of the Church till the captivity of Babylon.

Ver. 5. Reckoned in all.] Omnes Iscariotae, saith Vatablus.

Ver. 6. The sons of Benjamin.] The genealogies of Dan and Zebulon are left out, for causes unknown; haply, because at their return out of Babylon their genealogies were not found. Dan is also—for their apostasy, likely, and idolatry—not reckoned among the rest that were sealed. {#Re 7:5-8} That Antichrist should be one of this tribe, is a fiction rightly exploded. We read of Hushim, {#1Ch 7:12} the sons of Aher, which signifieth Another—and so some render it—-by Another, understanding Dan, {compare #Ge 46:23} whom the penman of this book held not worth the naming. The Hebrews, when they would show their detestation of any person or thing, they call it acher; a sow they call dabshar acher, that is, another thing; so leaven at the passover, &c. {a}

{a} Elias Thisbit.

Ver. 12. Shuppim also, and Huppim.] Alias Shupham and Hupham {#Nu 26:39}

The sons of Aher.] See on #1Ch 7:6.

Ver. 13. The sons of Bilhah, ] i.e., Her grandsons.

Ver. 14. Whom she bare, ] i.e., The wife of Gilead bare.

Ver. 15. And Zelophehad had daughters, ] i.e., Daughters only, whose case, brought before the Lord, occasioned those two judicial laws in #Nu 27:1-11 36:2-12.

Ver. 17. Bedan.] Whom some suppose to be the same with Judge Jair, the Gileadite. {#Jud 10:3 1Sa 12:11}

Ver. 18. And his sister, ] i.e., Gilead’s sister.

Ver. 19. Likhi.] Alias Helek, {#Nu 26:30} by transposition of letters.

Ver. 20. And the sons of Ephraim, ] The Ephraimites were famous for their wealth, power, and prowess; but withal they are noted for insolent, proud, and quarrelsome. See #Jud 8:1 12:1.

Ver. 21. Whom the men of Gath…slew.] And no marvel; because, belike, being weary of the Egyptian servitude, and remembering that Palestina was promised to their forefathers for an inheritance, they would needs take possession thereof before the time, which rash adventure of these sons of Ephraim cost them their lives, and perhaps occasioned that cruel decree of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, against the Israelites. {#Ex 1:9-11} See to this purpose, #Ps 78:9. This happened about the birth of Aaron. It is not safe to break God’s prison.

Ver. 22. And Ephraim their father.] Who must needs be now a very old man.

Mourned many days.] His grief was the greater, if they went against the Gittites without his consent, as many young men are headlong and headstrong, &c.

And his brethren came to comfort him.] The Benjamites also set upon the men of Gath, and took their city from them. {#1Ch 8:13} Atque sic ulti sunt fratres suos Ephraemitas.

Ver. 23. And when he went in to his wife.] A modest expression of the marriage duty. The apostle forbiddeth filthy speaking; {#Eph 4:25,29 5:4} so doth Cicero, in his "Offices," inveighing against the Cynics for their obscene language.

She conceived, and bare a son.] Of whom came a large offspring. This was a great mercy to the good old man.

And he called his name Beriah.] {a} That is, In affliction. Hereby he would immind himself and his posterity of the evil which had befallen his house, that they might hear, and fear, and do no more so. {b}

{a} A malo et ululatu. -Lavat.

{b} Optimum est aliena frui insania.

Ver. 24. And his daughter was Sherah.] A gallant woman, famous in her generation for beautifying and fortifying of sundry cities. Thus also God made up Ephraim’s loss.

Ver. 30. And Serah their sister.] The Vulgate calleth her Sarah; as likewise that other eminent woman. {#1Ch 7:23}

Ver. 35. Helem.] Thought to be the same with Hotham. {#1Ch 7:32}

Ver. 38. Jether.] Called Ithran. {#1Ch 7:37}

Ver. 40. Chief of the princes.] Duces ducum, to whom the princes were to give an account. See #Da 6:1,2.

Was twenty and six thousand.] So happy was Asher, according to Moses’s blessing left with him. {#De 33:24,25}

Chapter 8

Ver. 1. Aharah.] Alias Ahiram, {#Nu 26:38} and Ehi. {#Ge 46:21}

Ver. 2. Rapha.] Alias Rosh. {#Ge 46:21}

Ver. 5. And Gera.] Who haply was the son of the former Gera; or the former might die soon, and this be called after his name.

Ver. 6. And these are the sons of Ehud.] Haply of that famous Ehud. {#Jud 3:15}

And they removed them.] The governors did; but when, how, or wherefore, we find not.

Ver. 7. He removed them.] Ut de haereditate singulis ante obitum prospiceret, saith Junius: that he might provide inheritances for them before his death. Abraham did the like. {#Ge 25:5,6}

Ver. 8. And begat children in the country of Moab.] Where he sojourned, haply—as did Elimelech {#Ru 1:1} -because of the famine.

After he had sent them away.] Or, After he had sent away Hushim and Basra, his wives, quas repudiavit propter causas quae tacentur, saith Vatablus.

Ver. 13. Who drove away the inhabitants of Gath.] See #1Ch 7:21.

Ver. 14. Here we have a list of the chieftains of the Benjamites who dwelt at Jerusalem after the captivity.

Ver. 29. Whose wife’s name was Maachah.] Who was surely an honour to her husband, with whom she is therefore once and again memorised. See #1Ch 7:15,16.

Ver. 33. And Ner begat Kish.] This Ner is also called Abiel. {#1Sa 9:1} The Hebrews tell us that his proper name was Abiel; and that he was called Ner—that is, a lamp or torch—because he outshone others in holiness. He had another son besides Kish, the father of Saul, viz., Ner, the father of Abner. {#1Sa 14:50,51}

And Saul begat Jonathan.] Who was—as the Romans once said of Pompey—a most amiable son of an odious father. {a}

And Eshbaal.] Alias Ishbosheth; so #1Ch 8:34. Meribbaal, alias Mephibosheth. Baal is by Hosea called "That shame."

{a} εχθρου πατρος φιλτατον τεκνον.

Ver. 34. And Meribbaal begat Micah.] From hence to the end of this chapter is a catalogue of Jonathan’s progeny. Of the rest of Saul’s children we read not that they had any posterity. That old verse is well known and daily verified,

“Ευσεβεων παιδεαυι τα λωια, δυαυεβεων δ ου.”

Chapter 9

Ver. 1. In the book of the kings.] Not now extant. This chapter, and #1Ch 3:19,24, are noted for some parcels of the last passages, for history, of the Old Testament.

Ver. 2. Now the first inhabitants, ] sc., After the return from captivity. {#Ezr 1:1-2:60}

That dwelt in their possessions.] The same they had before the captivity. A wonderful providence of God it was, that as the land kept her Sabbaths for those seventy years, so the country should be all that while kept empty, till the return of the natives: for we read not that any colonies were sent thither, nor any displaced to make room for these at their return.

And the Nethinims.] Dedititii; these were the posterity of those old Gibeonites. {#Jos 9:3-17} {See Trapp on "Ezr 2:58"} Vocati ad vilia officia Deum respiciant, &c. {a}

{a} Lavat.

Ver. 3. And in Jerusalem dwelt.] See #Ne 11:1,2.

Ver. 4. Uthai, &c.] See the same catalogue in #Ne 11:4-36, though with some alteration of names, as before often.

Ver. 5. And the Shilonites.] The posterity of Shelah, son of Judah. {a} {#Ge 38:5}

{a} A Lapide.

Ver. 7. Hodaviah.] Alias Joed. {#Ne 11:7} Names are oft abbreviated.

Ver. 10. And of the priests.] He had reckoned four distinct orders or ranks of people among the Jews, {#1Ch 9:2} and here he instanceth the second order or classis; viz., Sacerdotalis: Priestly.

Ver. 11. The son of Hilkiah.] Who found the book of the law, which was presented to Josiah. {#2Ki 22:8-10}

The ruler of the house of God.] Next to the high priest.

Ver. 13. For the work of the service.] Or, Men of work for the service, &c., that is, able and apt for the work.

Ver. 14. And of the Levites.] See #1Ch 9:2,10.

Ver. 15. The son of Asaph.] Which Asaph is said to be the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer. {#Ne 11:17} {See Trapp on "Ne 11:17"}

Ver. 17. Shallum was the chief.] He was overseer of the overseers of the porters.

Ver. 18. Who hitherto.] Even till the time that this book was gathered out of the ancient chronicles. {#1Ch 9:1}

Ver. 19. Being over the host of the Lord, ] viz, When they of old encamped round about the tabernacle, in the wilderness.

Ver. 20. And the Lord was with him.] To assist and accept him in his generous actions.

Ver. 22. In their set office.] Or, For their fidelity. Or, In their trust, committed unto them by God and the commonwealth.

Ver. 23. By wards, ] i.e., By three distinct courses. {#1Ch 9:25}

Ver. 24. Towards the east.] The four parts of the temple answered to the four parts of the world. on #Mt 8:11.

Ver. 33. Were free, ] i.e., Freed from all other employments.

Ver. 35. Saul’s race is here reiterated for some unknown cause, saith Diodate; for a preparation to the ensuing history, say others.

Ver. 44. These were the sons of Azel.] And here end the genealogies; the history followeth, and chiefly of David, in praise of whom this First Book of Chronicles, was especially written, as Vatablus observeth.

Chapter 10

Ver. 1. Now the Philistines.] See on #1Sa 31:1,2, &c.

Ver. 2. And the Philistines slew Jonathan.] Though a pious and valiant prince.

“ Non te tua plurima, Pentheu,

Labentem texit pietas.’’—Ovid.

“ Cadit et Ripheus iustissimus unus,

Qui fuit in Teucris, et servantissimus aequi.’’—Virg.

Ver. 3. And the battle went sore against Saul.] The weight of the war was turned against him. See the like policy used, #1Ki 22:31. This is the right bird, said that officer of the cuirassiers, {a} who shot the king of Sweden through the body at the battle of Lutzen.

And he was wounded of the archers.] Heb., He was grieved, or frighted: he, who by his tyranny had been terrible and grievous to others, &c., his sin hath found him out, being worse than any archer’s.

{a} A horse soldier wearing a cuirass.

Ver. 4. Lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me.] Heb., Mock me. He was more solicitous about his own glory than the glory of God and salvation of his poor soul.

But his armourbearer would not.] The like unhappiness befell Nero, who hearing that the senate had proclaimed him a public enemy to mankind, and condemned him to be whipped to death, entreated that some one of those that were with him would kill him; which when they refused to do, he cried out, Itaque nec amicum habeo nec inimicure: What I have I neither friend nor foe to do me this last good office? and so struck himself through with his own sword, and was a horrible spectacle to all beholders. {a}

So Saul took a sword.] A just hand of God upon him for his cruelty at Nob and other places. Per quod quis peccat, per idem punitur.

{a} Aurel. Victor. Sueton.

Ver. 5. He fell likewise on his sword, and died.] He had done better if he had died by the hand of the enemy, in his master’s defence.

Ver. 6. And all his house died together.] His courtiers and evil counsellors, who had sinned with him, perished with him.

Ver. 7. And the Philistines came and dwelt in them.] But before they were well warm in these their new nests, David unroosted and dislodged them "The triumphing of the wicked is but short." {#Job 20:5}

Ver. 8. And it came to pass on the morrow.] They flew not on the spoil, till they had secured the victory: for

“ Victorem a victo superari saepe videmus.”

Ver. 9. They took his head.] Heb., His brainpan; the seat of his understanding; wherein he had hammered so many evil devices against good David and others.

To carry tidings.] Ad evangelizandum.

Ver. 10. And fastened his head.] In way of abuse and mockage; so, that which Saul feared came upon him. {#1Ch 10:4}

Ver. 11. And when all Jabeshgilead.] See #1Sa 31:11. Jabeshgilead had not many inhabitants; but being all of a mind, they did great matters.

Ver. 12. And took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons.] Which the Philistines, in disgrace of them, had fastened to the wall of Bethshan, afterwards called Scythopolis.

And fasted seven days.] A tanto, but not a toto, as #Da 10:2. In public calamities lugendum, scilicet non indulgendum genio, men must be deeply affected with the divine displeasure.

Ver. 13. So Saul died, &c.] This and the subsequent verse we have here about the causes of Saul’s death, more than that we read in #1Sa 31:3-6.; like as we meet with many remarkable passages in St Mark, that are not in Matthew or Luke.

For his transgression which he committed.] "Adding rebellion to sin," {#Job 34:37} for he was not so very bad at first, as neither is any wicked person. He first neglected the word of God, and then despised it, and then harboured in his heart hypocrisy, hatred, envy, cruelty, &c. Here he is taxed for three vices especially: (1.) For flat disobedience, which "is as the sin of witchcraft"; {#1Sa 15:23} (2.) For consulting with a witch; (3.) For not inquiring of the Lord. He did not "draw nigh to God with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having his heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, and his body washed with pure water." {#Heb 10:22}

Ver. 14. And inquired not of the Lord.] He did, and yet he did not. {See Trapp on "1Sa 28:6"}

Therefore he slew him.] He killed him with death, as #Re 2:23.

And turned the kingdom unto David.] Though it were long first, and after many trials and tribulations. Sic petitur caelum; heaven is not to be had, but after much pains and patience.

“ Durate, et vosmet rebus servate secundis”

Chapter 11

Ver. 1. Then all Israel.] See on #2Sa 5:1-5.

We are thy bone and thy flesh.] And may not we safely say as much to Jesus Christ, {#Eph 5:30} and bespeak him as Ruth did Boaz, Thou art my kinsman; oh, stretch the skirt of thy garment over me? {#Ru 3:9}

Ver. 2. Thou shalt feed, ] sc., By procuring for them the wholesome food of the word; by going before them in good example; by driving away the wolf; by tending them, and tendering their good every way.

Ver. 3. Therefore came, &c.] See on #2Sa 5:3.

Ver. 4. And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem.] He laid hold on so good an opportunity, having now all his forces about him, to set upon the Jebusites, and expelled them. We should watch and catch at opportunities of grace, and not procrastinate.

Ver. 5,6. See #2Sa 5:6-8.

Ver. 7. And David dwelt in the castle.] Herein he became a type of Christ, who subdueth all our enemies, and openeth unto us the heavenly Jerusalem.

Ver. 8. From Millo.] This was a fair street, saith Vatablus; wherein were public meetings, and speeches made.

And Joab repaired.] Heb., Revived, vivificavit vel sanavit, as #2Ch 24:13.

The rest of the city.] To re-ingratiate with David, who was justly offended at him for the death of Abner.

Ver. 9. See on #2Sa 5:10.

Ver. 10. These also are the chief of the mighties.] The same catalogue of David’s worthies we have in #2Sa 23, but here with a more ample inscription. Christ hath his heroes also, who in their several generations have done "worthily in Ephrata," and been "famous in Bethlehem." And if their names be not all registered on earth, yet they are "written in heaven," and shall one day be renowned in that great amphitheatre. {#Heb 12:22,23}

Who strengthened themselves with him.] Where God intendeth to raise or preserve kingdoms and states, he giveth and gifteth men for the purpose; as he did for Alexander the Great, for the Romans, and for our Queen Elizabeth.

Ver. 11. Jashobeam, a Hachmonite.] See on #2Sa 23:8, where he is called Adino the Eznite; for he had two names.

Against three hundred.] At one time, and eight hundred at another. {#2Sa 23:8}

Ver. 12. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo.] As after him was Shammah, {#2Sa 23:11} though not here mentioned. Of their exploits done. {See Trapp on "2Sa 23:11"}

Ver. 14. And they set themselves.] The Romans boast of their Cochles, who himself alone defended a bridge against an army of enemies; the Greeks of their Achilles; the Dutch of their Albertus Brandenburgicus—though better they might of their magnanimous Martin Luther, who, like another Athanasius, totius orbis impetum solus sustinuit, stood out against a world of adversaries in defence of the truth.

Ver. 15. Now three of the thirty captains.] Or, Three captains over the thirty. These first famous three jointly did the following exploit. See #1Ch 11:19.

Ver. 16-17. See on #2Sa 23:14-17.

Ver. 18. But David would not drink of it.] No more would Alexander the Great drink of the water that in a great drought was brought him in the country of the Gedrosi, but poured it out on the ground before his commanders and soldiers, though upon another account than David here did, viz., to stir them up, by his example, to suffer hardship. {a}

But poured it out to the lord.] As a drink offerng, in thankfulness that his captains came off so safe and well.

{a} Arrian, lib. vi.

Ver. 19. These things did these three mightiest.] See on #1Ch 11:15.

Ver. 22. Who had done many acts.] Egregiorum facinorum fuit patrator. Gallice, Homme d’execution: Anglice, A man of his hands; Heb., A master of acts.

Also he went down, &c.] See #2Sa 23:20.

Ver. 23. And he slew an Egyptian.] See #2Sa 23:21.

Ver. 25. Behold, he was honourable among the thirty.] Yea, and above them too.

And David set him over his guard.] Heb., Over his hearing; that is, over those praetorian soldiers that were ever within his hearing and at his hand, viz., the Cherethites and the Pelethites, who stuck to him in all his troubles, and were now his bodyguard. #1Ch 11:26

Ver. 26. Asahel the brother of Joab.] Joab himself is not mentioned, nor Amasa. This had lost himself for his conspiracy with Absalom, and the other for his hypocrisy and cruelty: hence some think that they were left out of this list as vile persons. See #Da 11:21.

Ver. 39. The armourbearer of Joab.] See on #1Ch 11:26.

Ver. 41. Uriah the Hittite.] The worthier this man was, the greater was David’s sin against him.

Zabad the son of Ahlai.] These following worthies are added to those in #1Sa 23, and this was done by David after he came to the crown, likely.

Ver. 42. And thirty with him.] Or, But the thirty were over him.

Chapter 12

Ver. 1. Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag.] God left not David in his low estate, but provided him a place of repose, and some to comfort him and stand by him in his straits. Saul "saw this, and was grieved: he gnashed with his teeth," &c. {#Ps 112:10}

While he yet kept himself close.] Heb., Being yet shut up, viz., in Ziklag, which was in the wilderness of Judah.

Helpers of the war.] Saul had lost their hearts by his impiety and cruelty, and now David was their darling, and for this they are here crowned and chronicled.

Ver. 2. Even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.] Mirum hoc fuit et quasi miraculum. It is God who worketh men’s hearts, and fashioneth their opinions. Paul had friends in Nero’s court, and Luther in the Pope’s.

Ver. 8. There separated themselves unto David, ] sc., From Saul. So did the noble army of martyrs unto Christ from Antichrist, and are therefore worthily renowned and registered.

Whose faces were like the faces of lions.] Undaunted, fierce, and terrible to their enemies. They durst look death itself in the face upon great adventures in the field.

Ver. 14. One of the least was over a hundred.] Or, One that was least could resist a hundred, and the greatest a thousand. Such a one was

“παντων ανταξιος αλλων.”

Ver. 15. These are they that went over Jordan.] To help David. Much water could not quench their love.

And they put to flight all them of the valleys.] The Philistines, who, having slain Saul, and driven the Israelites out of their habitations, dwelt now in their room; but were soon beaten out by these valiant Gadites. An autem navigio vel natando transierint, non liquet.

Ver. 16. Then came the children of Benjamin and Judah.] The Benjamites might have been suspected to have come for a mischief to David, had they not brought the men of Judah with them, to attest their integrity.

Ver. 17. If you be come peaceably.] It is not safe to be light of belief, or too forward to make friendship. Gedaliah perished by his credulity, and Queen Elizabeth oft complained that "in trust she had found treason." Mohammed, the great Turk, sent a couple of traitors to kill Scanderbeg, under pretence of great love to him and to the Christian religion, &c,

“ Tuta frequensque via est per amici fallere nomen.”

The God of our fathers.] David could not do his enemies, whether covert or overt, a greater displeasure than to put them over into God’s hands to punish.

Ver. 18. Then the spirit came upon Amasai.] Heb., Clothed Amasai or Abishai, as some read it, together with whose words there went forth power, such as wrought in David’s heart a firm belief of their fidelity: he was not thenceforth jealous of them at all. Pray for such a spirit upon our rulers and teachers.

Peace, peace be unto thee, ] i.e., Pax omnimoda, Perfect peace, as #Isa 26:3. This he spake by the motion of the spirit, met by a motion of the same spirit wrought in David’s heart, causing him to rest in what Amasai said as undoubtedly true. After the same manner is saving faith wrought in God’s elect. {#Eph 1:13} Let us be faithful in weakness, though but weak in faith.

Ver. 19. When he came with the Philistines, &c.] See on #1Sa 29.

Ver. 22. Like the host of God, ] i.e., A numerous and a notable host, such as God’s is, of angels and all creatures. Dei nimirum Maximi, maxima sunt omnia.

Ver. 23. And came to David to Hebron.] Seven years after Saul’s death. They should have come sooner; but better late than never. Nunquam sero, si serio.

Ver. 24. That bare shield and year, ] i.e., Weapons defensive and offensive; so must the Christian soldier. {#Eph 6:12-17}

Ver. 26. Of the children of Levi.] Who took up arms also in some cases, as here to settle David on the throne.

Ver. 28. And Zadok, a young man.] Some think that Saul, when he had slain Abimelech, made this Zadok high priest in his stead. He was of the right line, and restored thirty-three or four years after this by king Solomon.

Ver. 29. Had kept the ward of the house of Saul.] Had done their utmost for Saul’s family, and to keep the royal dignity in their tribe, obeying before the commands of king Ishbosheth.

Ver. 30. Twenty thousand and eight hundred.] This was no great number for so numerous a tribe.

Ver. 31. Which were expressed by name.] Heb., Pierced or bored through; haply in tables laid over with wax, which was the Roman way of writing their last wills.

Ver. 32. That had understanding of the times.] Noscentes scite tempora, { a} such as well knew what was to be done, and when to do it, by a singular sagacity, gotten by long experience, rather than by skill in astrology. See #Es 1:13. David set a high price upon these; so doth God on such as regard and use the season of well-doing.

Were at their commandment.] They were looked upon as oracular men; and obeyed accordingly.

{a} Gnari occasionum. -Vat.

Ver. 33. They were not of a double heart.] Heb., Without a heart and a heart; plain-hearted; non aliud in ore promptum, aliud in pectore conclusum habentes; honest dealers.

Ver. 38. Were of one heart to make David king.] So were those primitive Christians, and are now the reformed churches, to set up the Lord Christ.

Ver. 40. Moreover, their brethren.] By grace and place.

For there was joy in Israel.] As great cause they had.

Chapter 13

Ver. 1. And David consulted.] He was not of that king of Scotland’s mind, who seldom asked counsel, and never followed any. But though himself were full of wisdom, yet he advised with his subjects about the weighty work he had in hand. See #Pr 11:22,20:18 24:6. His first care was to establish religion; as the first thing Abraham did in any place he moved to, was to set up an altar. "Seek first the kingdom of God," &c.

Ver. 2. If it seem good unto you.] Thus he both getteth their good wills and underfeeleth how they stood affected to God’s sincere service.

And that it be of the Lord.] If he hinder it not by any oracle, or cross accident; but assist and succeed our enterprise.

Let us send abroad.] Erumpamus, dimittamus. Let us break forth and send; that is, let us send speedily and effectually. See his zeal for the Lord of hosts.

Unto our brethren.] So he calleth all his subjects. The great Turk counteth and calleth them all his slaves.

Ver. 3. For we inquired not at it in the days of Saul.] He was so vexed with his enemies without and a spirit of envy and ambition within, that he minded not the ark. Mark here how David faults himself among others as negligent. So #Ezr 9:7-15 Da 9:5-15.

Ver. 4. And all the congregation said that they would do so.] Jovianus the Emperor was wont to wish that he might govern wise men, and that wise men might govern him. David had this happiness.

Ver. 5. From Shihor of Egypt.] Called elsewhere the torrent of Egypt, {#Nu 34:5} which some take for a river running near to Rhinocolura; but others for Nile, that ancient river whose seven streams of old are now become four, as travellers tell us. The name Sichor hath a notion of blackness in it, from the blackness of the water, or rather of the mud and slime that it brings down with it; or the black colour of the grounds and soils it passeth through. {a}

{a} The Ethiopians called it Sius; the Greeks, Μελας; the Latins, Melo. -Richard.

Ver. 6. That is, to Kirjathjearim.] Called also Kirjathbaal. {#Jos 15:60} For more notes on this and the following verses, see on #2Sa 6:2-10. {See Trapp on "2Sa 6:2"} &c

Ver. 7. In a new cart.] This was ill done by such a holy convention. Councils may err.

Ver. 8. David and all Israel played.] How should we rejoice in the gospel now restored! O nos ingratos!

And with singing.] Psallunt et saliunt. All this is no warrant for those Popish pompous processions and superstitous will-worships.

Ver. 9. Uzza put forth his hand.] God must be duly worshipped, lest instead of a blessing we meet with a blow; lest instead of making up the breach we become makers of breaches, as here.

Ver. 11. And David was displeased.] At himself, I think; at his own and the people’s error in carting the ark: else he was much mistaken. See on #2Sa 6:8.

Wherefore that place was called Perezuzza.] To perpetuate the memory of that signal judgment. So #Nu 9:3,22:3 Jos 7:26. For this end also, the brazen censors of those presumptuous sinners against their own souls, were nailed as broad plates upon the altar, {#Nu 16:39,40} for a warning to others.

Ver. 12. And David was afraid of God.] See on #2Sa 6:9.

How shall I bring the ark?] Why, well enough, if you will take but better heed to the manner; which is either the making or marring of any action. But David was frightened, and for present, unresolved. So suddenly can God change the scene; dash all our comforts, —

“ Nulla est sincera voluptas.

Sollicitumque aliquid laetis intervenit.”

Ver. 13,14. {See Trapp on "1Ch 13:12"}

Chapter 14

Ver. 1. Now Hiram king of Tyre.] {See Trapp on "2Sa 5:11"} {See Trapp on "2Sa 5:12"}

Ver. 2. Because of his people.] For their behoof and benefit.

Ver. 3. And David begat more sons.] Man’s badness breaketh not off the course of God’s goodness.

Ver. 8. Went up to seek David.] But had soon enough of him; but God had a holy hand in all, to bring them to condign punishment for their late misusage of dead Saul and his sons; ascribing their successes to their gods, &c.

Ver. 11. Like the breaking forth of waters.] That is, saith the Chaldee Paraphrast, As water runneth out of a broken earthen vessel.

Ver. 12. And when they had left their gods there.] Their terricula bogey gods. They were now in a great fright.

Ver. 13. And the Philistine yet again.] Ne accepta quidem clade resipiscunt: they were obdurate and obstinate.

Ver. 14. Against the mulberry trees.] Where the Philistines had placed their gods, say the Hebrews.

Ver. 15. For God.] That is, The angel of God, saith the Chaldee.

Ver. 17. And the Lord brought the fear of him.] He grew terrible to his enemies. So did Hunniades, Scanderbeg, Charles V, &c., ita et parentes liberis plorantibus silentium non aliter imperarent quam horum praesentiam minitando: so that mothers stilled their children by these men’s names.

Chapter 15

Ver. 1. And prepared a place for the ark.] This he had done before he fetched it to Obededom’s house. {#1Ch 13:6} See #2Sa 6:17.

Ver. 2. None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites.] This should have been better considered before. The law was clear. {#Nu 4:5-15} Wit is best, they say, when bought.

For ever.] Let our lay preachers look to it. Ill accidents attend them, as did Uzzah and Uzziah.

Ver. 3. To bring up the ark.] For by this time he saw that the fault was not in the ark, but in their miscarriages.

Ver. 4. And David assembled.] That "all things" might now "be done decently and in order," by their advice and assistance.

Ver. 11. And David called for Zadok and Abiathar.] These, and those chief captains that follow, were tanquam Ephori et directores totius deductionis, directors and principal doers.

Ver. 12. Sanctify yourselves.] Outwardly and inwardly. Holy things are to be handled sancte magis quam scite.

Ver. 13. God made a breach upon us.] See on #1Ch 13:9.

For that we sought him not.] David faulteth himself also.

After the due order.] See on #1Ch 13:12.

Ver. 14. So the priests and Levites sanctified themselves.] They replied not, We sufficiently understand our duties, and need not your instruction: but did as they were commanded.

Ver. 16. And David spake to the chief of the Levites] From hence it appeareth, saith one, that this sacred music, vocal and instrumental, was in use even before David’s time; though there be no mention made of it in the law: but David did afterwards illustrate it. {#1Ch 25:1-7}

Ver. 20. On Alamoth.] {See Trapp on "Ps 46:1" Title}

Ver. 21. Upon Sheminith.] {See Trapp on "Ps 6:1" Title}

Ver. 22. Because he was skilful.] In music: and haply in other arts also.

Ver. 23. Were doorkeepers.] To keep off any such as would rush rudely upon the ark. Procul, o procul este profani; Stand off.

Ver. 25. With joy.] All God’s services must be performed with joy, or else they lose their lustre.

Ver. 26. When God helped the Levites that bare the ark.] So helped them, say the Rabbis, that they felt not any weight thereof upon their shoulders. Rather God helped there, that is, he not only spared them—Uzzah met not with such a mercy—but enabled them and relieved them. Will he not do as much for his faithful ministers

That they offered seven bullocks, ] viz., At every sixth pace, {#2Sa 6:13} because Uzzah perished when he had gone but six paces, say some. Every man that seeth another stricken, and himseff spared, is to offer sacrifice, yea, to keep a passover for himself.

Ver. 27-29.] See on #2Sa 6:14,15, &c.

Chapter 16

Ver. l. And they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings] Those pointed them to Christ, freeing them from their sins, both from the crime and from the curse: these taught them thankfulness for Christ, and all benefits in and by him.

Ver. 2. In the name of the Lord, ] i.e., From Jehovah, the fountain and bestower of all good. Or, By the name of the Lord; i.e., by naming the Lord, the proper object of prayers and praises.

Ver. 3. And he dealt to every one of Israel.] Clemency and liberality are kingly virtues. See #2Sa 6:19.

A good piece of flesh.] Of roast beef, as some gather from the notation of the word here used.

Ver. 4. And to record.] Or, To declare and publish.

And to thank and praise.] God is good, and so is the object of praise. He also doeth good, and so is the object of thanks.

Ver. 5. Asaph the chief.] Yet in other places Heman is set before him. {#1Ch 6:33,39 15:16,17}

Ver. 6. Continually.] That is, Constantly at set hours.

Ver. 7. David delivered.] David, "the sweet psalmist of Israel." {#2Sa 23:1}

Ver. 8. Call upon his name.] This psalm was sung in times of any great joy, as may be gathered from #Isa 12:4.

Ver. 9-11], {See Trapp on "Ps 105:1"} {See Trapp on "Ps 105:2"} {See Trapp on "Ps 105:3"} &c.

Ver. 23. Sing unto the Lord.] See #Ps 96:1, &c {See Trapp on "Ps 96:1"} &c

Ver. 34. O give thanks to the Lord.] See on #Ps 107:1.

Ver. 35. Save us, O God of our salvation.] Pitch upon fit attributes in prayer: this will both strengthen faith and excite affection.

That we may give thanks.] Which we both pray that we may, and promise that we will do.

Ver. 37. As every day’s work required.] Or, To do every day what he did on one day: for we must continue thankful.

Ver. 38. And Obededom.] That is, Obededom and Hosan.

Ver. 39. That was at Gibeon.] For hither was the tabernacle brought, after that brutish slaughter of the priests by Saul at Nob. {#1Sa 22:11-19}

Ver. 43. And David returned to bless his house.] See on #2Sa 6:20.

Chapter 17

Ver. 1. Now it came to pass.] This is a notable chapter, full of divine doctrine: but it is the same, word for word almost, with #2Sa 7 {See Trapp on "2Sa 7:1"} &c

Ver. 11-14. An excellent text and testimony both for the person of Christ and for his kingdom. Note this both against the Papists, who deny the perfection of the holy Scriptures; and the Anabaptists, who deny that the Old Testament ought to be read: for who can rightly understand why and how Christ is called the son of David, unless he read this chapter?

Ver. 16. And sat before the Lord.] Or, Abode before the Lord, as the Jewish doctors render it: who hold also that men ought to pray standing: for so, say they, do the holy angels.

Ver. 18. For thou knowest thy servant, ] i.e., Thou knowest the thankfulness of my mind, which indeed is inexpressible.

Ver. 25. Hast told thy servant.] Heb., Hast revealed or uncovered the ear of thy servant, i.e., thou hast in a most familiar manner imparted it: thou hast also accurately declared it unto me, bidding me, as it were, to put up my hat from mine ear, lest it should hinder me from hearing thy words unto me.

Ver. 27. Now therefore let it please thee.] Or, It hath pleased thee. Compare #2Sa 7:29. Prayers are often made in faith as if they were already done.

For thou blessest, O Lord.] His often mentioning of God in this holy prayer is an evidence of strong affiance in God, and of his great affection to him, as is well observed.

Chapter 18

Ver 1.] This chapter is the same with #2Sa 8. {See Trapp on "2Sa 8:1"} &c.

Chapter 19

Ver 1.] This chapter is the same also with #2Sa 10. {See Trapp on "2Sa 10:1"} &c.

Ver. 4. And shaved them.] Sic legatos Davidis deturpans illudit, { a} Popish priests say they do therefore shave their beards, lest while they drink Christ’s blood out of the chalice, any drop thereof should hang upon their beards. Oh, shameful superstition!

Hard by their buttocks.] This is check to the fashion mongers of our time, saith Piscator; who wear their clothes so close, and cloaks so short, that they cover not their buttocks.

{a} Piscator.

Chapter 20

Ver. 1. And it came to pass.] See #2Sa 11:1, {See Trapp on "2Sa 11:1"}

But David tarried at Jerusalem.] And there committed adultery with Bathsheba; {#2Sa 11:1-5} but the author of those two books speaks sparingly, as was before noted, of David’s and his son Solomon’s faults and failings.

Ver. 2,3. {See Trapp on "2Sa 12:31"}

Ver. 4. {See Trapp on "2Sa 21:18"} &c.

Chapter 21

Ver. 1. And Satan stood up against Israel.] That is, The devil, as #Job 1:6 Ps 109:6 Zec 3:1,2. Satan signifieth an adversary. So the devil is to God and his people, {#Re 12:9 20:2} an adversary at law {a} {#1Pe 5:8} hating them with an inward, spiteful hatred, as do also his instruments. {#Ps 55:4} The Emperor Commodus— cunctis incommodus, saith Orosius; semper incommodus, saith Vopiscus, in vita Taciti -was commonly called the enemy of God and men, the very name of the devil. Howbeit God so chained him up, that, of all the emperors until Constantine, he was most favourable unto Christians, {b} by the mediation of Marcia, who favoured their doctrine, saith Dion; but especially by the overruling power and providence of God, who also had a holy hand in this that David here did: {See Trapp on "2Sa 24:1"}

{a} Αντιδικος.

{b} Mountag., Act. and Mon., cap. 7, par. 115.

Ver. 2. That I may know it.] But what needs that, now that there was a general aut pax aut pactio, peace or truce with all nations? Curiosity it was, at least: yea, it was pride and creature confidence that pricked David on to this numbering of the people, and made him so peremptory. The herbalists write of a certain plant which they call the Devil’s bit: because, being of sovereign use for mankind, the devil is thought, by simple people, of malice to bite off the root of it, which is found very small, or none at all. Humility is like unto this root, and may be called devil’s bit: not because he can ever bite it off, but for that he never leaveth nibbling at it.

Ver. 3. Why then doth my lord require this thing?] Or, Delight in this thing? which showeth that David was somewhat tickled and taken with the multitude of his people. See on #2Sa 24:3.

Ver. 5. {See Trapp on "2Sa 24:9"}

Ver. 7. And God was displeased.] Pride flieth in the face of God, when other sinners fly from him; and creature confidence robbeth him of his jewel: hence he so hateth them. {#1Pe 5:5}

Ver. 8. {See Trapp on "2Sa 24:10"}

Ver. 10. I offer thee.] Heb., I stretch out over thee; I put thee to thy option. This was a great mercy: David must be whipped; but he may choose his own rod. It is with sweet briar, surely, that God chasteneth his children.

Ver. 12. Either three years’ famine.] It is in Samuel, seven years’ famine. Seven years, say some, was God’s first offer: but David, praying for a shorter time—as Abraham brought God down from a fifty to ten persons, {#Ge 18:24-32} and as Ezekiel obtained ox dung for man’s dung {#Eze 4:15} -he reduced it to three years. See a better solution to this seeming contradiction in #2Sa 24:13. {See Trapp on "2Sa 24:13"}

Ver. 15. Unto Jerusalem to destroy it.] There was the ark; there were David and the elders humbling themselves: thither therefore the plague came last.

Ver. 16. Having a drawn sword in his hand.] This must needs be terrible to the beholders. Commodus, the emperor, set his own statue before the senate house, in form of an archer ready to shoot, that he might strike a terror into the people. {a}

{a} Herodian.

Ver. 17. See on #2Sa 24:17.

Ver. 18. Then the angel of the Lord.] Not the destroying angel, saith Diodate, but the Son of God himself, who did appear to the prophets. Επεχω.

Ver. 20. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.] Though he had sometime been a king, as some gather from #2Sa 24:23. {See Trapp on "2Sa 24:23"}

Ver. 23. Lo, I give thee the oxen also.] Wherewith he was treading out the corn, as #De 25:4.

I give it all.] He was the more free and forward in his offer, so to expedite the business for the staying of the plague, whereof he and his sons were afraid, and hid themselves.

Ver. 28. Then he sacrificed there.] There Abraham had sacrificed long before {#Ge 22:2,9}

Chapter 22

Ver. 1. This is the house.] This is that very place foretold by Moses. {#De 12:11}

Ver. 2. To gather together the strangers.] A notable type of the calling of the Gentiles: and the like we may say of the temple’s being built on the ground of a Jebusite, and by the help of Tyrians and Zidonians, and adorned with the spoils of various nations. {#1Ch 18:7-11}

Ver. 3. And David prepared iron in abundance, &c.] Many parents prepare guilt in abundance, hoards and heaps of evil gotten goods—and there with God’s curse—to spend on their lusts, &c. As for pious and charitable uses, they cry out, with Judas, Whereto is this waste?

Ver. 5. Must be exceeding magniflcal.] Heb., To make great; to be above: Magnificentissimum, et excellentissimum, et nominatissimum, Vat. The second temple was nothing like it, though the glory of it was far greater, {#Hag 2:3,9} by the presence and preaching of Jesus Christ in it.

Ver. 8. Thou hast shed much blood upon tho earth in my sight, ] i.e., Me sciente et vidente: haply God here meaneth the blood of Uriah, and of those that fell with him.

Ver. 9. For his name shall be Solomon, ] i.e., Peaceable: so Frederic, Solyman the Magnificent; but these answered not the signification of their names.

Ver. 10. {See Trapp on "2Sa 7:13"} {See Trapp on "2Sa 7:14"}

Ver. 11. The Lord be with thee; and prosper thou.] This is both votura et vaticinium, a prayer and a promise.

Ver. 12. Only the Lord give thee wisdom.] Solomon remembered what his father had prayed, and prayed himself accordingly. {#1Ki 3:9,12}

And give thee charge concerning Israel, ] i.e., Make use of thy service for the good of his Israel.

Ver. 14. Now, behold, in my poverty.] {a} In my modesty, he might have said. For as poor as he was, he had prepared for the building of the temple gold and silver to the worth of seven hundred and fifty millions of pounds, after the old rate; which is now much raised. Sir Walter Raleigh {b} casteth it up to be more than any king in the world is worth. He maketh it to come to three thousand three hundred and thirty-three cart-loads of silver; allowing two thousand weight of silver, or six thousand pounds sterling to every cart-load; besides threescore and seven millions of French crowns. And yet when he had done all, In my poverty, saith he, have I done this: q.d., Lord, what is all this in respect of thee, who art the glorious God, and the great proprietary? what are they, I say, but parva et pauca, mean matters, which if thou wilt but accept of, I shall be infinitely bound to thee.

And thou mayest add thereto.] He might do so, indeed, if that were true which Villapandus affirmeth, viz., that the wealth and yearly revenues of David and Solomon did far exceed the wealth and tributes of the Romans, Chaldeans, and Persians, &c.

{a} Marginal reading Hoc dicit modestiae causa. -Vat.

{b} Hist. of the World, part ii. cap. 17.

Ver. 16. There is no number.] See #1Ch 22:14.

Arise therefore, and be doing.] Up and at it, laying hold on the opportunity of time, which is, saith one, aliquid aggrediendi atque conficiendi facultas, the best advantage of any business.

Ver. 17. David also commanded all the princes.] This he did out of his holy zeal, which is an extreme heat of all the affections.

Ver. 18. Is not the Lord your God with you?] This is his συμπερασμα παροξυντικον, his conclusion full of incitation; as being framed and uttered verbis vivis, animatis sententiis, et spiritus fervoribus flagrantissimis, in most lively terms and affectionate expressions.

Chapter 23

Ver. 1. So when David was old.] Tacitis senescimus annis. Old age stealeth upon us; let us pack up our bundles, and prepare for our long home,

And full of days.] Satur dierum. He had seen enough of this world, and had a satiety of life. He could better say than old Cato did, If I might become as young as ever I was, I would not accept of it.

He made Solomon his son king.] This he had done before he was bedridden. {#1Ch 28:2 29:12}

Ver. 2. With the priests and the Levites.] These were most of all concerned in the following charge: but the princes and people were to be informed of it. And albeit this and the three following chapters may seem to be of little use unto us, yet we are to hold that "every word of God is pure"; and "all Scripture is profitable to instruct." Here we may learn that there should still be a supply of faithful ministers; and these to be ordered by the supreme authority of the land; that there are different offices of ministers; that order is to be observed in the Church; that each one is to do his own work with utmost diligence, &c.

Ver. 3. Now the Levites were numbered.] Not as the people had been, {#1Ch 21:5,6} out of curiosity and vainglory: but on piety and prudence, and by a divine instinct.

Ver. 4. Of which, twenty and four thousand were, &c.] That is, They performed their different offices in their various courses, Hinc sequitur, Hence it followeth, saith an expositor, that each priest and Levite ministered in the temple not much oftener than twice a year; for there were of them twenty-four classes, each whereof served a week together, and no more. Gospel ministers have a far harder task.

Ver. 5. Moreover four thousand were porters.] Quos barbare vocant Sacristas.

And four thousand praised the Lord.] Whereof some were teachers, {#1Ch 25:7} and some scholars.

Which I made, ] i.e., Invented, {#Am 6:6} and appointed to be used in the temple by God’s commandment. {#1Ch 29 1Ch 25}

Ver. 6. And David divided them into courses.] Into certain ranks and distinct functions, according to the commandment of God by Gad and Nathan. {#2Ch 29:25} David, at the beginning of his reign, had distinguished the priests and Levites into certain ranks and orders, {#1Ch 16:4} but now that their number was greatly increased, and they were to serve in the temple that was shortly after to be erected, he ordered all things better, and with greater diligence.

Ver. 13. And Aaron was separated.] (#Ex 28 Heb 5:4). So was Paul, {#Ro 1:1} and so is every faithful minister "separated unto the gospel of God" (ib.). See #Ga 1:15.

And to bless in his name.] See #Nu 6:23. To pronounce God’s blessing upon his people, is no small part of a minister’s duty: to blame, surely, are they that slight it.

Ver. 14. Now concerning Moses the man of God.] Who was so familiar with God, and his ambassador to the people. We must think and speak honourably of the saints departed.

His sons were named of the tribe of Levi.] Chief of the Levites, {#1Ch 26:23} but below the sons of Aaron, the priests. And here A Lapide hath this good note, Mira fuit Moysis resignatio et humilitas, &c. Wonderful was the self-denial and humility of Moses in submitting to God’s appointment herein, that the principality should be transferred to Joshua, and that his sons should be reckoned not priests, but Levites only, though himself were "king in Jeshurun."

Ver. 24. From the age of twenty years and upward.] The reason whereof followeth: {#1Ch 23:25} the people were increased and in peace; and consequently God’s service much increased in the labour of it.

Ver. 29. And for all manner of measure.] Sacred howsoever; whether civil or not, is uncertain. Some say the Levites kept the standards in the temple, that if the common weights and measures were by any means corrupted, they might thereby be rectified.

Chapter 24

Ver. 1. Now these are the divisions, ] i.e., The distinct orders and courses.

Ver. 2. But Nadab and Abihu died.] And, as it is thought, in their drunkenness, to the great grief of their father Aaron. See #Le 10:2-9, {See Trapp on "Le 10:2"} &c

Ver. 3. And Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar.] Ahimelech is thought by some to be the son of Abiathar, the high priest; and that Zadok and he were great deputies to Abiathar. How the high priesthood came from Eleazar’s lineage to Ithamar’s is nowhere in Scripture expressed. The Hebrews say it was because the priests of that family carried not the matter well at that time, when that wickedness was committed upon the Levite’s concubine.

Ver. 5. Thus were they divided by lot.] To take away all cause of contention or complaint.

One sort with another.] Promiscuously, pell mell.

And governors of the house of God.] Heb., Governors, or princes of God; antistites scilicet rerum sacrarum. {a} These were called chief priests—of such we read often in the gospel—and ruled over other priests of their own order; but were subject to the high priest.

{a} Hi erant veluti Ephori et εργοδιωκται.

Ver. 6. The scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them.] This was the public notary, of great note amongst them; and highly honoured in such witnesses of that which he now recorded.

Ver. 10. The eighth to Abijah.] John Baptist’s father was of this course, {#Lu 1:5} but whether he were chief priest of this division, as also whether he were of the line of Eleazar, or of Ithamar, is uncertain. Old he was, {#Lu 1:7} and yet not freed from taking his turn. Dumb he was also for a time; and yet he went on to do his office in the ministration. The evangelist’s word, εφημερια, {#Lu 1:5} importeth a daily attendance upon the work while the course continueth.

Ver. 19. Under Aaron their father.] That is, Under the high priest, whoever he was.

Ver. 20. And the rest of the sons of Levi, ] sc., Besides the priests afore mentioned; and besides the Gershonites set down before. {#1Ch 23:7}

Ver. 21. Rehabiah.] Famous for his πολυτεκνια. {#1Ch 23:17} He had many children; and if all good, it was a great happiness, a great wonder.

Ver. 23. And the sons of Hebron.] Hebron is not in the original, but well supplied out of #1Ch 23:19 26:31. See the like lacuna in #1Ch 2:53.

Chapter 25

Ver. 1. The captains of the host.] Of the holy host, the Levites, called princes of the sanctuary, {#1Ch 24:6} mighty men of valour. {#1Ch 12:26-28} Some will have all the princes meant, both civil and ecclesiastical, by whose advice David would do all.

And of Jeduthun.] Called also Ethan.

Who should prophesy.] Sing holy songs with a holy zeal, fervour, and motions of the body, like to those of the prophets.

And the number of the workmen.] Heb., Men of work; that is, active artisans.

Ver. 2. According to the order of the king.] Heb., By the hand of the king; who as he penned most of the Psalms, so he appointed the singers, the instruments, the tunes, the times, and the uses of them, as appeareth by the titles of divers of David’s Psalms. Some render it iuxta regem, nigh to the king; near his seat in the holy assembly, where these holy musicians, by their melodious noises, stirred up David to true faith and piety. Non dispuduit tantum Prophetam, saith Lavater. So great a prophet held it no shame thus to excite his devotion. There are too many now-a-days addicted to music, but of another nature, and for a worse purpose.

Ver. 3. Six.] But then you must take in Shimei, {#1Ch 25:17} to make up the number. {a}

{a} Hebraei, ob stultam fabulam; alii Scriptoris negligentia omissum volunt.

Ver. 5. The king’s seer.] And, as some think, a psalmographer.

To lift up the horn.] Whereas Asaph and Jeduthun’s task was to sing such psalms chiefly as tended to the instruction and comfort of the people: Heman was appointed to sing such as did set forth the exaltation of David’s, but especially of Christ’s, kingdom: Ad exaltandam potentiam et dignitatem regiam. {a}

{a} Vatab.

Ver. 6. To Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.] These three were over all the musicians, and the king was over them.

Ver. 7. Were two hundred fourscore and eight.] That served in the temple; the rest of the four thousand {#1Ch 23:5} were employed, some think, in the synagogues.

Ver. 8. As well the small as the great.] Heb., Sicut parvus sicut magnus; doctor cum discipulo: there was no privilege of precedency.

Chapter 26

Ver. l. Concerning the divisions.] De vicibus aut classibus.

Of the porters.] Or, Door keepers, sextons, sacrists, &c., an office of good account; their ordinary employment was to see that the temple were not at any time polluted by profane persons or practices; as also that none of the sacred vessels, vestments, &c., were stolen away. Of these there were twenty-four reliefs or exchanges, as well as of priests, Levites, and singers.

Of the sons of Asaph.] Alias Abiasaph. {#Ex 6:24 1Ch 6:37}

Ver. 5. For God blessed him.] With many children; and otherwise also. God’s retributions are very bountiful.

Ver. 6. That ruled throughout the house of their father.] Or, Were like to the house of their father: i.e., they were mighty men of valour, able to execute their office, and to suppress all tumults that might arise at the gates of the temple, by reason of the great concourse of people resorting thereunto, at the three great feasts especially.

Ver. 10. Yet his father made him the chief.] Not in the right of first born, but in his office of a warder. {a}

{a} Jun.

Ver. 14. Fell to Shelemiah.] Alias Meshelemiah. {#1Ch 26:1} So Jehoshuah the high priest is called Joshua. It is lawful to abbreviate names.

A wise counsellor.] Heb., A giver of counsel with wisdom. This is a high commendation.

Ver. 15. The house of Asuppim.] {a} Or, Of gatherings: the congregation house, where the Sanhedrim met and sat. Some take it for the place where the collection money was kept. See #2Ch 25:24. Others, for a proper name.

{a} Domus comitiorum vel conciliorum. -Vat.

Ver. 16. With the gate Shallecheth, ] i.e., Of casting out; this was the dung gate of the temple.

By the causeway of the going up.] Which is thought to be the same with that called Silla {#2Ki 12:20}

Ver. 18. Parbar.] Thought to be the same with Shallecheth. {#1Ch 26:16}

Ver. 23. Amramites, ] i.e., The posterity of Amram by his son Moses; who upon some occasion—to avoid superstition or usurpation of some pre-eminence forbidden by the Lord—did not leave his own name to his children, but let them pass in the common name of Levites and Amramites. {a} See #1Ch 23:14.

{a} Diod.

Ver. 24. Rulers of the treasures, ] i.e., Of those dedicated things which were in the custody of Shelomith and his brethren. {#1Ch 26:26}

Ver. 29. For the outward business.] Country employment, as provision of fuel, first fruits, tithes, &c., expounding also of the law, and therehence answering cases, solving doubts; superintendents, some say they were, throughout the whole kingdom.

Ver. 30. And in the service of the king.] Putting in execution his decrees for the observing of God’s laws.

Ver. 32. Over the Reubenites, &c.] These were more remote; and lest they should grow more remiss, they had the more Levites amongst them.

Chapter 27

Ver. 1. Now the children of Israel, &c.] David having in the four foregoing chapters taken order for the better settling of the sincere service of God in the temple that was to be built for his name; and so sought God’s kingdom in the first place; prudently proceedeth here, before his death, to settle the militia of the kingdom. He well remembered, that himself was no sooner made king, but the Philistines came up to seek him. {#2Sa 5:17} The like whereunto he knew might befall his son Solomon. And although he doubted not of the faithfulness of God’s promises, yet knowing that his providence must also be served, and all good means used, he appointed twelve legions to be ever in readiness to serve upon all occasions for the security of the kingdom; each legion, consisting of twenty-four thousand valiant and expert soldiers, was to wait a month, and then to be relieved and succeeded by another, the whole year about. Thus the ancient Romans had many legions ever in arms; whence that answer of a certain philosopher to Adrian the emperor, who dared him to dispute, It is hard for a man to do his best against such an adversary as commanded thirty legions. The Chinese are said to have always a hundred thousand soldiers ready pressed for any service; but David had two hundred eighty and eight thousand.

Ver. 7. And Asahel the brother of Joab.] Asahel was slain in the beginning of David’s reign. {#2Sa 2:23} Sed hoc memoriae datum est fortissimi viri. So #1Ch 11:26.

Ver. 16. Furthermore over the several tribes.] Here followeth a list of the rulers of the several tribes. Only Gad and Asher are left out, for reasons unknown.

Ver. 23. He would increase Israel.] And therefore David knew it was impossible to number them; and, besides, by going about it he might seem to doubt of the truth of God’s promise. {a}

{a} Religione distinebatur. ——Jun.

Ver. 24. Neither was the number of the account put into the chronicles of king David.] Utpote qui ipse iam factum suum abominabatur, because he detested his own act, as well he might; especially if he had commanded the people to be numbered below the age appointed by the Lord, as some hold he had.

Ver. 25. And over the king’s treasures.] Rich men are but God’s treasurers; and to him they must be accountable.

Ver. 32. David’s uncle.] Indeed, his nephew or cousin.

A wise man and a scribe.] Prudent and learned.

Was with the king’s sons.] To teach them and train them up.

Ver. 34. And after Ahithophel, ] i.e., After his death.

Chapter 28

Ver. 1. And David assembled.] Here the holy penman returneth to the history, which he began to set forth. {#1Ch 23:1,2} And verily this speech of David’s should be the more set by, because it was one of his last— inter Davidis novissima -wherein he ordereth what he would have done after his death; and taketh care of posterity. Me mortuo terra igne misceatur, { a} was a wild speech of a most wicked emperor. I could not but heartily affect the man, said Theodosius concerning Ambrose, because I saw him solicitous of the Church’s welfare after his decease, no less than he was wont to be while alive.

And of his sons.] Or, And his sons; these were a part of the assembly.

{a} εμου θανοντος γαια μιχθετω πυρι.

Ver. 2. Then David the king stood up upon his feet.] To show his reverence to God, as #Jud 3:20, and his good respect to the assembly, which was comitia totius regni, a parliament, wherein he was to be the speaker.

Hear me, my brethren, and my people.] Praemittit exordiolum -not unlike that of Augustus to his soldiers, Audite senem iuvenes, quem iuvenem senes audierunt -wisely insinuating himself into their affections.

As for me, I had in my heart.] See #1Ch 17:1, &o.

And for the foot stool, ] i.e., For the ark, which is called God’s footstool, because under the cherubims, where God was said to sit as in a throne. See #Ps 99:5 132:7.

Ver. 3. But God said unto me, Thou shalt not.] The best are sometimes crossed in their desires, and must submit to God; going on to do their duty, though they should not have the fruit of it till they come to heaven; howbeit "in the doing"—not only for the doing—of God’s will, "there is great reward." {#Ps 19:11} This, an ancient calleth Praemium ante praemium.

Ver. 4. To be king over Israel for ever.] That is, For a long time; and in regard of Christ, for ever. See #Lu 1:32,33.

Ver. 5. For the Lord hath given me many sorts.] Nineteen we read of {#1Ch 3:1-9}

Ver. 6. For I have chosen him to be my son.] God saith the same in effect to all Christian princes; but then they must make it their care to build him a spiritual temple, &c.

Ver. 7. If he be constant.] Heb., Strong; for he shall be hard put to it. God’s promises are conditional. See on #2Sa 7:14.

As at this day.] Solomon had been well instructed in the ways of God, both by father {#Pr 4:4} and mother, {#Pr 31:1} and while young he did God’s commandments and judgments, as is hinted in these words, "As at this day"; but he was not so constant.

Ver. 8. And in the audience of our God.] I exhort, or, beseech you.

Keep and seek.] Keep what ye know already; and seek to be yet further instructed. By this latter word "seek," tollit ignorantiam illam crassam, saith Vatablus, he striketh at affected ignorance.

Ver. 9. Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him.] Deum cognoscere et colere. Rightly to know and serve God is the whole duty of man, saith Lactantius; this, therefore, is fitly charged by dying David upon his dearest son Solomon. To any blind obedience God bindeth not his servants; as the Popish padres do their novices.

With a perfect heart.] That there be no halving.

And with a willing mind.] That there be no heaving, hucking, or shucking, as they say.

All the imaginations of the thoughts.] Those very first motions of the mind, the principles of all practice.

But if thou forsake him.] This maketh against those desperadoes who take liberty to live as they list, and then say for defence of their sinful practices, Si sum ex praedestinatis, quicquid faciam, perinde est.

Ver. 10. To build a house for the sanctuary.] Or, For sanctification: i.e., where God may sanctify his people in holy ordinances; and be sanctified by them in holy duties. {#Le 10:3}

Ver. 11. Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern.] The platform of the temple, with the parts and partitions, the vessels, vestments, &c., all which he had foreframed in his mind, by the help of the Holy Spirit, {#1Ch 28:12} and set it down in a model, for Solomon’s use.

Ver. 14. He gave of gold by weight.] The vessels for the holy place were of gold, as those for the priests’ court were of silver. {a} Now, like as in the temple there were some vessels of gold, and some of silver, and all had their weight, and their use; so in the Church of Christ there are diversity of vessels, and of gifts. {#2Ti 2:20,21}

{a} Jun.

Ver. 16. For the tables of silver.] These, as also the silver candlesticks, were, likely, for the priests’ use in the courts and chambers.

Ver. 18. The chariot of the cherubims.] So called, because God sat between them, {#Ps 99:1} rode upon them; {#Ps 18:10} the angels—represented by those cherubims—are called the chariots of God; {#Ps 68:17} and the Hebrews have a saying, that such as saw God of old saw only Merehavah velo harocheb, the chariot in which God rode, but not the rider in it; some created image and glory testifying his presence they saw, but himself they saw not. It is a good note also that is given here by some expositors—viz., that by this chariot of the cherubims God gave his people to understand that his presence in the ark was not so fixed among them, but that he would leave them, and ride clean away from them, if they should thereunto provoke him by their sins. In the 9th, 10th, and llth chapters of Ezekiel, God maketh various moves: as first, From the cherubims in the oracle to the threshold; {#Eze 9:3} secondly, To the cherubims on the right side of the house; {#Eze 10:1} thirdly, To the east gate of the house and the first entrance into the temple; {#Eze 10:19} fourthly, To Mount Olivet, quite out of the city; -and {#Eze 11:23} then followed the fatal calamity of that state.

Ver. 19. To understand in writing.] Either of his own setting down, by divine direction; or else of God’s setting down, and sent him by an angel, or by some prophet.

By his hand upon me.] As of old upon Moses. {#Ex 25:40}

Ver. 20. He will not fail thee, &c.] See on #Jos 1:5.

Ver. 21. Every willing and skilful man.] Will and skill are very requisite to the well-affecting of anything men go about.

Chapter 29

Ver. 1. Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen.] And therefore ye ought to accept, since fatherly affection hath not miscarried me, as once it did Isaac toward Esau, to set him above the rest of my sons upon the throne; but God, in whose will ye ought to rest satisfied, hath done it.

Is yet young and tender.] Puellus est et tenellus. Married he was, as appeareth by Rehoboam’s age, {#1Ki 12:13} but not yet come to man’s estate: and young in comparison of some other of my sons, who are older than he: young also to undertake so great a work, &c. He was much about eighteen, at which age every Jew at this day is bound to marry, else he is accounted as one that liveth in sin. {a}

And the work is great.] See #1Ch 22:5.

{a} Leo Modena.

Ver. 2. Now I have prepared.] This he speaketh not of vainglory, but to God’s glory, {#1Ch 29:10} and for the good example of his princes and people. Of Vespasian it is said that he was imperio maximus, exemplo maior, and that he did segnes exemplo incitare saepius quam coercere, { a} prevail with his subjects most of all by his own good practice. David did so much more; he knew well that examples are the best lectures, and virtue the best example.

Onyx stones.] These are white stones, like the white of a man’s nail, whence also they have their name.

Glistering stones.] Heb., Stones of ornament: lapides fuci, Vatablus rendereth it: qui scilicet intuentibus fucum facerent, saith A Lapide, stones that deceive the beholders with seeming shows: such as are agates: you would think that there were in them the pictures of trees, of birds, of swimming islands, &c. Stones "of fair colours" such stones are called in #Isa 54:11.

And all manner of precious stones.] Whereof see #Ex 28:17-21 Eze 28:13; Plin. Nat. Hist. passim, Rueum de Gemmis, &c.

And marble stones in abundance.] The Vulgate hath it, Et marmor Parium abundantissime. Paros is an island—one of the Cyclades—that yieldeth the best marble: no question but David had provided the very best of the best for this use, to be foundation stones. {#1Ki 5:17}

{a} Tacit., lib. ii., Hist.

Ver. 3. The house of my God.] His interest in God, and love to his house, made him thus liberal. He could have found in his heart to have done as Tithonus and his son Memnon are said by Cassiodorus {a} to have done, in building of the city Susa in Persia: they joined the stones together with gold.

I have of mine own proper good.] Ex meo peculio, Out of my cabinet cash.

Which I have given.] Love is liberal: woe to Church robbers.

{a} Lib. vii. var. Epist.

Ver. 4. To overlay the walls.] Ad in crastandos parietes. The walls of the temple were overlaid with gold, and the walls of the other buildings adjoining to the temple, with silver.

Ver. 5. And who then is willing?] For Virtus nolentium nulla est. See #Ex 35:5. God careth not for that which is given with grudging. {#2Co 9:7}

To consecrate his service.] Heb., To fill his hand, viz., with gold and other gifts.

Ver. 6. Offered willingly.] Liberales se exhibuerunt operas et opes sponte conferentes, Their obedience was prompt and present, their contribution large and liberal.

Ver. 7. And ten thousand drams.] Shillings, some render it: the Rabbis say the word signifieth a piece of silver money, the value whereof is now not known; the Septuagint render it drams both here and in #Ezr 8:27. The word here used, saith one, signifieth to do some great work, for it is Adarchon, which cometh of Adar, strong or mighty, and Con, to prepare; because money is the monarch of the world, and bears most mastery: but others, with more likelihood, say that Adarchon is made of the Greek Δραχμη, quales sunt nonnullae vocis Chaldaicae et Syracae.

Ver. 8. Precious stones.] Whereof see twelve distinct kinds set down in #Ex 28:17-21.

By the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.] This Jehiel, of the posterity of Moses, took a note of each man’s gift.

Ver. 9. Because with perfect heart.] Void of hypocrisy or vain glory; and such, for the most part, have a habitual cheerfulness, as shaping their course by the chart of God’s word, and approving their hearts and lives to him in "simplicity and godly sincerity," which is the mother of serenity and joy.

Ver. 10. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation.] Though he was neither priest nor Levite. It is no disparagement to the greatest to perform service to the Most High in the great congregation.

Ver. 11. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory.] David beginneth somewhat like as the Lord’s Prayer endeth: and here we have a pattern of a larger prayer, as there of a short. All these excellencies and all others are in God originally, essentially, eminently, transcendently. Of him we are to think as of one not to be thought of.

And thou art exalted as head above all.] Tu superemines omnibus veluti omnium caput.

Ver. 12. Both riches and honour come of thee.] See #Pr 10:22 Ps 75:6,7. {See Trapp on "Pr 10:22"} {See Trapp on "Ps 75:6"} {See Trapp on "Ps 75:7"}

Ver. 13. And praise thy glorious name.] With our hearts, lips, and offerings, even the best of our substance, professing that we could esteem thee yet more and better if it were in our power. A thankful man is worth his weight in gold; he giveth the glory of all that he enjoyeth to God alone, like as solid bodies reflect the sun’s heat.

Ver. 14. But who am I, and what is my people?] This question showeth that David had a low mind in a lofty conversation, {a} which is a high commendation.

That we should be able to offer so willingly.] "It is God that worketh in us both to will and to do," {#Php 2:13} and he can easily put into the hearts of his richer servants to relieve the poorer; yea, to hold it an honour, as here, that they may be so employed as almoners to the Most High.

And of thine own have we given thee.] Τα σα εκ των σων, as that good emperor wrote about his rich communion table in the temple of Sophia in Constantinople, dedicated to Jesus Christ; that is, Thine own things, and of thine own, do we thy servants Justinian and Theodora present unto thee, O thou Son and Word of God, who wast incarnated and crucified for us, beseeching thee graciously to accept the same, &c. {b} Bernard reporteth of Pope Eugenius, that meeting with a poor but honest bishop, he secretly gave him certain rich jewels wherewith he might present him. In like sort dealeth God by his poor servants, crowning his own graces in them, and accepting them for his own "comeliness," which himself hath "put upon them." {#Eze 16:14}

{a} υφηλου βιου ταπεινον φρονημα.

{b} Cedren. Compend.

Ver. 15. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners.] How, then, can we do better than deposit what we have in thy hands, and lay up treasure in heaven by laying it (lavishing, some may think it) out upon thy holy house, and so laying hold on eternal life; {#1Ti 6:19} for here, alas, we have no abiding place, {#Heb 13:14} and, as strangers, we are tenuis admodum fortunae, little worth.

As were all our fathers.] Who freely acknowledged it, {#Ge 47:9 Heb 11:13} and carried themselves accordingly.

Our days on the earth are as a shadow.] A shadow of smoke, {a} a dream of a shadow, {b} as the heathen could say. A shadow seemeth to be something, when indeed it is nothing; so is man’s life: and the longer this shadow seemeth to be, the nearer their sun is to setting, who put far away from them the thoughts of death.

And there is none abiding.] Heb., Expectation of long life, or good days on earth.

{a} καπνου σκια.—AEschl.

{b} σκιας οναρ.—Pindar.

Ver. 16. And is all thine own.] See on #1Ch 29:14.

Ver. 17. I know…that thou triest the heart.] see #Pr 17:3, {See Trapp on "Pr 17:3"} It was David’s comfort that he had to do with a heart searching God: for though the "sinners in Zion are afraid fearfulness surprise the hypocrites," neither are they able to "dwell with devouring fire," that is, to stand before the holy God, yet "he that walketh uprightly and speaketh righteously shall dwell on high," {#Isa 33:14-16} shall look God in the face with everlasting comfort, and dare appeal unto him, as here, for the uprightness of his heart—as touching the main—in performance of his service.

And hast pleasure in uprightness.] See on #Ps 51:6.

In the uprightness of my heart.] Sincero, recto et candido corde, I can boldly and safely say it.

Ver. 18. Keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people.] David finding in them that float of good affections, that heat and height, he prays heartily that God would, porro fovere, keep up their hearts in that holy temper, fix their quicksilver, fire up their spirits more and more to a holy contention in godliness, and give them "with full purpose of heart to cleave" to himself, as Barnabas expresseth it. {#Ac 11:23} Lo, this is David’s remarkable prayer—as one well styleth it—for his people; and this should be our continual request unto God for ourselves and others. For it is with holy affections, saith a grave divine, as with exotic noble plants; this country is not so kindly for them, being but a stepmother to them: therefore they must be much watered and cherished by prayer, and all good endeavour.

Ver. 19. To keep thy commandments.] To yield unto thee "the obedience of faith." Learn here what to pray for in the behalf of our children. A child of many such prayers cannot easily miscarry.

And to do all these things.] Potius sabaudiendium alia, saith Vatablus, To do all other things given him in charge.

Ver. 20. Now bless the Lord your God.] David was excellent at this, viz., stirring up others to join with him in praising God. See on #Ps 34:3 103:20.

And worshipped the Lord.] With a religious worship.

And the king.] With a civil reverence.

Ver. 21. A thousand bullocks.] This was beyond those heathenish hecatombs, {a} for which some are so renowned in histories.

{a} A great public sacrifice (properly of a hundred oxen) among the ancient Greeks and Romans, and hence extended to the religious sacrifices of other nations; a large number of animals offered or set apart for a sacrifice.

Ver. 22. And did eat and drink before the Lord.] So should we in all our feasts and merry meetings: to feed without fear is a foul fault.

With great gladness.] For they had also that continual feast of a good conscience. {#Pr 15:15}

And they made Solomon…king the second time.] For the first time {#1Ki 1:38,39} it was done hastily, suddenly, and in a manner tumultuarily, by reason of Adonijah’s sedition; but this here was done with good respite and great solemnity, but whether before or after David’s death is questionable.

And Zadok to be priest.] Abiathar being deposed, and the house of Eli cashiered, as that man of God had foretold. {#1Sa 2:27-36}

Ver. 23. Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord.] Every royal throne is the Lord’s; for he is King of kings, and all kings are a Deo aut missi, aut permissi, God’s substitutes. But the throne of Israel was the Lord’s by a specialty. Josephus calleth that commonwealth a Theocracy, or God government; and the people were called Judge; as Prosper conceiteth—because they received ius Dei, a law given by God, who himself was sovereign Lord and law giver. Solomon also, sitting upon this throne, was a lively type of the Lord Christ and his kingdom. {#Lu 1:32}

And prospered.] This was the fruit of his father’s fervent prayers for him. {#1Ch 22:11}

Ver. 24. And all the sons likewise of king David.] This was much, since some of them were his elder brethren, and came of more noble mothers; but David had so clearly convinced them of God’s will that Solomon should succeed him, and God in addition so wrought their hearts, that after Adonijah’s death they all submitted themselves unto Solomon the king. Heb., Gave the hand under Solomon the king; haply they laid their hand under his thigh—that ancient ceremony, {#Ge 24:2 47:29} -and sware to be faithful to him.

Ver. 25. And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly.] Summe; Heb., Sursum; setting him aloft.

As had not been on any king before him in Israel.] God had done the like—but not in like mercy—for Nebuchadnezzar, {#Da 2:37,38 5:18-21} but especially for Trajan, who raised the Roman empire unto the very highest pitch of glory, and spread the power of their command into the largest circuit that ever before or since hath been possessed.

Ver. 26. Thus David the son of Jesse reigned.] Albeit he swam to the throne through a sea of sorrows; and so must all saints to the kingdom of heaven, which is such as all the sufferings of this life present are in no comparison worthy of. {#Ro 8:18}

Ver. 27. And the time, &c.] See on #1Ki 2:11.

Ver. 28. And he died in a good old age.] Heb., With a good gray head; εν τη ευγηρια; where met happily γηρας and γερας, old age and honour. Having lived a fruitful and gracious life, he closed up all with a happy and blessed death, having his faith at his finger ends, and an abundant entrance into heaven. {#2Pe 1:10,11}

Full of days, riches, and honour.] So that, if he might have had more of these, and longer time to enjoy them, he would not. As willing he was to leave the world, as ever he was to rise from the board when he had well dined.

In the book of Samuel the seer, &c.] In the two books of Samuel composed by these three prophets.

Ver. 30. And the times that went over him.] The good and evil occurrents; for the prosperity of the best, like checker work, is interwoven with crosses, and David had his part of both.

Soli Deo Gloria

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29