Gate Gates of Cities were the ordinary places of audience chapter IV verse 1 and judicature Deut. XVII 2 8. 2 Sam. XIX 8. Prov. XXXI 23. Jer. XXXVIII 7. Lam. V. 13. And the usual maner of Prophets was to publish their Prophecies in the Gates either of the Temple or of the Citie of Jerusalem Jer. VII 2. and XIX 2. and XXVI 10. and sometimes of the Kings house as places of greatest concourse of people Jer. XVII 19. and XXII 1 2. Lest I marre mine own inheritance Want an heire verse 6 if I shall have but one childe by her or having many she being young and poor weaken mine owne inheritance in dividing it among so many specially if he were now a widower and had children by his former wife A man plucked off his shoe These Ceremonies then used in buying verse 7 and bargaining of land in reedeeming and changing had some resemblance to that Law Deut. XXV 8 9. But with diverse differences See Psal. LX. 8. The Ceremonies that respected the person of Ruth are here not mentioned but may seeme either omitted or else transacted with much alteration from the first institution as those times now were THe two Books of Samuel are thought to be written by Samuel Nathan and Gad one after another 1 Chron. XXIX 29. Yet some passages in them may seeme to intimate the writing of them to have been of a later time As 1 Sam. V. 5. and XXVII 6. and XXX 25. 2. Sam. VI. 8 and XVIII 8. They may better be called The I. and II. Book of Kings The I. containing all the History of King Saul Samuel dying 1 Sam. XXV And the II. the History of King Ishbosheth shortly and of King David at large And so do the LXX and many other stile them I. Samuel THis first Book contains an History of eighty years viz fourty in the time of Heli Ch. IV 18. in the four first Chapters And fourty in the times of Samuel and King Saul in the rest If Samuels time be reckoned in with that of Saul Or rather thus fourty to Eli whereof the former half runs up in the times of the Judges in the twenty years of Sampson And the later halfe or twenty begins with this Book after the death of Sampson and the end of the Book of the Judges And then follow twenty years of Samuels Government alone And after that fourty years of King Saul Acts XIII 21. In the former part whereof Samuel also lived and partly judged with him as appears in the XIII XV. XVI XIX Chaters of this Book though he withdrew from Saul in his last dayes 1 Sam. XV. 35. And died ch XXV And in regard whereof they are named as joynt partners in the administration of the Government 1 Sam. XI 7. Still in the whole eighty years An Ephrathite As the Jewes are called Cretes chapter I verse 1 and Arabians Parthians Medes Elamites c. because borne and bred up in those Countreys Acts II. 9 10 11. For though borne or at least dwelling in Mount Ephraim in Ramah yet was Elkanah and so Samuel his son of the posterity of Izhar the son of Kohath the son of Levi 1 Chron. VI. 33 38. Eli Eli or Heli verse 3 was by unknown descents of the posterity not of Eleazer the elder but of Ithamar the younger son of Aaron the son of Amram the son of Kohath the son of Levi. Eli was extraordinarily both High Priest and Judge And a good and famous man though faulty and infamous in his children And therfore more grievously punished for their flagitious wickednesse then Samuel for his sons lesser faults See the sins of the sons of the High Priest Joshua Ezra X. 18. From Eli descended Phinehas his son Ahitub his son 1 Sam. IV. 19 21. compared with chap. XIV 3. Ahimelech his son slaine by Saul his brother was Ahijah 1 Sam. XIV 3. and XXII 9 11. Abiathar his son in Davids time 1 Sam. XXII 20. 1 King I. 7. This Abiathar is named High Priest by our Saviour Marke II. 26. when David did eate the Shew-bread because Abiathar then was with his Father Ahimelech joyned in that action of giving the bread to David instantly succeeded in his Fathers roome and Priesthood was therein more eminent then his Father and continued therein with David in his persecution by Saul and in all the time of his reigne afterward And thus have we no need in that whole History of Ahimelech and Abiathar Father and son to make them Binomii to be both known by both those names and both indifferently called by either yet see the great Annotations on 1 Chron. XVIII 16. This Abiather was thrust out of the High Priesthood by Solomon 1 King II. 26 27. And the sons of Abiathar were Ahimelech and Jonathan 2 Sam. VIII 17. and XV. 27. This Ahimelech and not his Grandfather of the same name is he that is usualy joyned with Zadok in Davids reigne And both then are named Priests 2 Sam. VIII 17. 1. Chron. XXIV 31. i. e. Priests of the second ranck or next the High Priest who then was Abiathar Such a second Priest we read of 2 King XXV 18. Jer. LII 24. who upon any extraordinary occurrent restraining or disabling the High Priest was to supply his place This Jonathan the son of Abiathar was imployed with Ahimaaz the son of Zadok as newes-bearer to David in his flight from Absolom 2 Sam. XV. 27 28. and XVII 17. Of Zadok See 2 Sam. VIII 17. Temple So is the Tabernacle here called verse 9 And so chap. III. 3. 2 Sam. XXII 7. Psal. XXVII 6. And so again The Temple is called a Tabernacle Lam. II. 6. Samuel We read not that he was High Priest verse 20 or ever so called But an extraordinary Prophet and Judge a Nazarite ver 11. a Sacrificer though a Levite onely and most likely of the posterity of that Korah Num. XVI 32. and of the race of Izhar the son of Kohath the son of Levi as was formerly said 1 Chron. VI. A rare and worthy person The doores of the house of the Lord The Hangings of the Gate of the Court chapter III verse 15 Exod XXVII 16. Ark The Ark so precious in the eyes of God chapter IV verse 3 and of the Israelites and that worthily Psal LXXVIII 61. and CXXXII 8. 1. Sam. IV. 20. Was carried about the walls of Jericho and then returned into the Tabernacle Being in the Tabernacle in Shiloh it was taken thence and never came into the Tabernacle again and was carried to Eben-Ezer a place ominous then but a monument of Gods help soone after into the Camp 1 Sam. IV. 1 3 4 5. and V. 1. that it might save them out of the hand of their enemies the Philistines As we read the Philistines themselves in the dayes of David brought their Images into their Camp 2 Sam V. 21. 1 Chron. XIV 12. The Ark being taken there by the Philistines they carried it about to Ashdod into
a miracle and to declare to all That they were gifted and assumed to that their present Office and imployment Naked i. chapter XIX verse 24 e. Stript of his upper garment or military habit So Peter John XXI 7. and Micah chap. I. 8. Esay chap. XX. 2 4. And those Acts XIX 16. Slew chapter XXII verse 18 Sauls most horrid and bloody Act. Ephod The Ephod here is that of the High Priests chapter XXIII verse 9 wherin were the Urim and Thummim Exod. XXVIII 30. which Urim and Thummim were not the twelve precious stones of the Breast-plate mentioned v. 17-21 Or the words of Vrim and Thummim engraven in the middest of those twelve precious stones on the Breast-plate Or things committed into the hands of the workmen to make them But rather given by God to Moses to put them not on but into the Breast-plate which haply to this end and purpose was doubled ver 16. so to have them hid there And accordingly Levit. VIII 8. Moses is said to put in the Breast-plate the Urim and the Thummim Yet what things or what kinde of things they were appears not Only we know the names signifie Lights and Perfections haply intimating Knowledge of Doctrine and Integrity of Life and Conversation And that by these the High Priests extraordinarily did ask Counsels of the Lord and did receive Answers as Oracles from him So we see the Precept for it Num. XXVII 21. Joshuah shall stand before Eleazar the Priest who shall ask Counsel for him after the judgement of Urim before the Lord at his word shall they go out and at his word they shall come in both he i. e. Joshuah and all the children of Israel with him And the Practice of it we finde expected earnestly by Saul 1 Sam. XXVIII 6. though the same it may seeme lighty sleighted by him 1 Sam. XIV 18 19. And here acted by Abiathar the High Priest for David David hereunto adjoyning his Request unto the Lord for the Answer ver 10 11 12. And again 1 Sam. XXX 7. And not unlike but Davids enquiring of the Lord 2 Sam. II. 1. and chap. V. 19 23. and XXI 1. And possibly that Judg. XX. 18 23 27 28. was by the same meanes upon the same ground And if it were burnt or lost at the ruine of the Temple and all by Nebuchadnezzar yet the Tirshatha entertains an expectation of the restoring of it Ezra II. 63. Neh. VII 65. a Messinger Gods providence for the preservation of his verse 27 unto Achish This second time chapter XXVII verse 2 upon better security beforehand given then formerly was had in Shunem In Shunem and Aphek chapter XXVIII verse 4 1 Sam. XXIX 1. the Philistines pitched And the Israelites in Gilboa by a Fountain which is in Jezreel All in the Tribe of Issachar Josh XIX 18. This is Davids Spoile i. chapter XXX verse 20 e. all that the Amalakites had taken from others save from them of Ziglag This by his right and free consent and gift of his souldiers he made use of to gratifie his friends and engage them to him ver 26 31. they shall part alike They both alike shall have their shares verse 24 according to Gods appointment Num. XXXI 27 30. Josh. XXII 8. Though not both equal shares fell upon it Saul his own bloody butcher and self-murderer chapter XXXI verse 4 The Amalakite belies himself in most of his relation to David 2 Sam. I. 5 10. in hope of grace and reward from David but in issue to the losing of his life God in his secret justice justly takes it upon himself that he slew him 1 Chron. X. 14. his head This they fastened in the Temple of Dagon verse 9 1 Chron. X. 10. His body to the wall of Bethshan or Bethshean And his Armour in the house of Ashteroth a name of their female goddesses II. Samuel THis Book contains an History of fourty years from the death of King Saul to the death of King David or the time immediately preceding it 2 Sam. V. 4 5. The time and story of Davids reign Crown that was upon his head Likely not so worne by him in the day of battel chapter I verse 10 1 King XXII 30. But carried with him or before him by his armour-bearer verse 18 or some others as an Ensigne of his Kingly honour bowe That they might be skilful in the right use of their armes and weapons against their enemies in this time of need Of the Bowe in warre see ver 22. And the Annotations on Hos. I. 5. and on Zech. X. 4. How are the mighty fallen Repeated verse 19 ver 25. and 27. as the foot of this sad song and Elegie Tell it not in Gath This impossible not to be told there But this shews Davids desire verse 20 if it had been possible A Pathetical expression not much unlike is that ver 21. Unto Hebron Of this place chapter II verse 1 thus once for all Hebron was a City in the Tribe and Mountain of Judah Josh. XV. 54. Called also Mamre and Kiriath-arba the City of Arba the father of Anak where Anak lived his sonnes and the Anakims a race of Giants Here formerly dwelt the children of Heth and Hittites And Abraham Isaac and Jacob sojourned here And they and Sarah and Rebekah and Leah were buried here in the Cave of Machpelah before Mamre the same is Hebron Gen. XIII 18. and XXIII 19. and XLIX 31. Hence Joseph was sent to see the welfare of his brethren Hither the Spies came that were sent from Kadesh-barnea in the Wildernesse of Paran to search the Land Hoham the King of Hebron was one of the five Kings mured up by Joshuah in a Cave and after slaine and hanged up And soone after the City taken and another King thereof seems then to be slaine by him And he and Caleb slew the Anakims that dwelled here This City and Suburbs were given to the Priests and to be a Citie of Refuge The Fields and the Villages of it to Caleb the sonne of Jephunne the Kenezite that good Spie Josh. XX. 7. and XXI II. To the top of an hill before Hebron Sampson carried the Gate of Gaza To them in Hebron David sent a Present of the Spoile taken from the Amalakite 1 Sam. XXX 31. Hither God directed him to go in this Text. And here he was anointed King and reigned seven years and six moneths And here he had six sonnes born to him of six several women his wives Here Abner was slain by Joab and mournfully buried by David Hither King Ishbosheths head was brought by his murderers buried in Abners Sepulchre and they hanged up here Hither came all the Tribes of Israel to make David King over all Israel and anointed him here And Absalom being borne here pretended a vow to be performed here and rebelling against his father made himself King here This Citie of Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt Num. XIII 23. And in Rehoboams reigne was
Exod. XXXII 4 5. 2 Chron. XXXIII 17. Hos. II. 16. The other nine hundred Shekels it is like she bestowed on house vestments and other necessaries for that Idolatrous service An house of gods So great was the Idolatry of the Jewes at this time And their zeale great in their Idolatry Ch. XVIII 24. Ephod This Ephod mentioned againe verse 5 Ch. XVIII 14. As likewise that of Gideon Ch. VIII 27. were not like those Linnen Ephods Exod. XXVIII 40. 1 Sam. II. 18. and Ch. XXII 18. But like Aarons rich and glorious Ephod Exod. XXVIII 6 34. See the Annotations on Hos. III. 4. and the Observations on 1 Sam. XXIII 9. Teraphim Or Theraphim a word of the plural number and still so used in Scripture signifies Images or Idols Hos. III. 4. 1 Sam. XV. 23. But of what kinde or fashion it is uncertaine some conceive them to be made like men because Michal put one of them in Davids bed thereby to deceive her father Sauls messengers 1 Sam. XIX 13. Some take them to be houshold-gods and as such in Labans house and family Gen. XXXI 19 34. Some to be such as they used to consult with as Oracles as in the case of the Danites here and Ch. XVIII 14 17 18 20. and of Nebuchadnezzar Ezek. XXI 21. and in Zecharies time Zech. X. 2. Answers likely being given by the subtilty of the Devil or forgery of their Priests And to workers with familiar spirits and Wizards They are joyned in Josiah's Reformation 2 King XXIII 24. See the Annotations on Hos. III. 4. Consecrated And ver 12. The grosse abuse of Consecration As in Jeroboams time 1 King XIII 33. No King King here is taken verse 6 not properly for a King but for a Judge such as the thirteen Judges in this Book for King properly there was none till Sauls reigne A Levite A Levite borne or verse 7 bred in Bethlehem Judah or sojourning there as a stranger Where I may finde a place The necessitous state of the Levites verse 9 in those Idolatrous times ver 10 11. Danites sought Their inheritance by lot is set down chapter XVIII verse 1 Josh. XIX 40. But they got it not all through their own sinne and default Iudg. I. 34. And their tribe being numerous they sought out larger bounds and more commodious habitations Iosh. XIX 47. And this though mentioned in that text of Ishua yet fell out after his death and the death of those Elders that out-lived him likely soone after but surely before the dayes of Sampson Mount Ephraim See the Observations on Josh. 2. XXIV 1. Ask counsel These Danites verse 5 being superstitious Idolaters ascribe thus much to this Levite and to his Idolatrous Ephod and Teraphim and graven and molten Images ver 14 17. Laish Laish very farre off from the body of the Tribe of Dan verse 7 that lying next to Simeon and Judah in the South-parts of the Land of Canaan and this under Mount Libanon by Asher and Naphtali in the North-bounds This Citie first burnt and after rebuilt by these Danites they then called Dan which is taken as the North-bound of the Land of Canaan as Ch. XX. 1. 1 Sam. III. 20. 2 Sam. III. 10. and elsewhere And here Jeroboam did set up one of his golden Calves 1 King XII 29. Jonathan A Levite the great grandchilde of Moses verse 30 though borne in Bethlehem-Judah and so as of the family of Judah Ch. XVII 7. And though a Levite yet taken and used as a Priest and consecrated thereunto by Micah an Ephraimitie ver 1 12. Who likewise had consecrated one of his owne sons to become his Priest ver 5. And this Jonathan forced to seeke and shift for his maintenance and livelihood and to accept of one so poore and base ver 10. All this bespeaks the sad and lamentable condition and coufusion of those times wherein they lived Captivity of the Land This Idolatry of the Danites in this Citie Dan continued untill the day of the Captivity of the Land that is as it is explained ver 31. all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh till the Philistines took the Arke 1 Sam. IV. Psalme LXXVIII 60 61. which was at the death of Eli. A Concubine Or a wife a Concubine chapter XIX The word for Concubine in Hebrew is etymologized wittily by some from two other words of that language which put together verse 1 signifie that which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some old Latine Inscriptions Viro-conjux an half-wife or secondarie wife We read in Scripture of Concubines and Wives variously Of many wives to one man in the Old Testament And this not onely in prophane and evill men as in Lamech Gen. IV. and Esau and other but also in good and godly men as in Iacob David and others And among these many wives we sometimes finde a kinde of distinction of them into two sorts One sort the First and principal and absolutely lawful wife and Mistris The other sort but in a secondary and inferiour degree And such as had no Dowries nor solemne Rites of reception nor Rule in the family nor their children had any Inheritance but Gifts and Portions For that of Iacobs sons by Bilhah and Zilpah was a case extraordinary And thus we finde with Abraham Sarah of the first sort and Hagar and Keturah of the second with Iacob Rachel and Leah of the first Bilhah and Zilpah of the second And those of the second sort are sometimes called wives and sometimes Concubines as we see in Keturah Gen. XXV 1 6. 1 Chron. I. 32. And in Bilhah Gen. XXX 4. and XXXV 22. and Ch. XXXVII 2. And Davids ten Concubines 2 Sam. XV. 16. and Ch. XVI 22. and Ch. XX. 3. are called his wives 2 Sam. XII 11. And thus Concubines are of two sorts some are wives or half-wives others plaine Whores and Harlots But this Concubine of the Levite was his wife and he her Lord as appears ver 3 4 5 7 9 26 27. and Ch. XX. 4. Gibeah Distinct from Gibeah in the tribe of Iudah chapter XIX verse 12 Iosh. XV. 57. And from Gibeon in the Tribe of Benjamin Iosh. XVIII 25. This was either that which afterwards was called Gibeah of Saul in the Tribe of Benjamin 1 Sam. XI 4. or else very near it in the same Tribe and not farre from Ierusalem and Ramah ver 13 14 16. House of the Lord In Shilo verse 18 And so Ch. XX. 18. This was near Mount Ephraim where he sojourned And thither the whole Campe came Ch. XXI 12. Know him So Gen. verse 22 XIX 5. monstrous impudent wickednesse a modest intimation of a most immodest meaning My brethren Men in nature verse 23 though worse then beasts in their lusts Behold my daughter Sinful this verse 24 to use unlawful means though to a good end We may not do evill that good may come thereof Rom. III. 8. Not hearken Yet did in the next words verse 25 And she sinning
the roome of Joab 1 King II. 34 35. Of him see more 2 Sam. XXIII 20 21 22. This Benajah the son of Jehoiada of Kabzeel is called also a chief Priest or Principal Officer 1 Chron. XXVII 5. Another Benajah a Pirathonite was one of Davids thirty Worthies 2 Sam. XXIII 30. And other Benajahs there were besides that were Priests and Levites And divers of the Captaines for the twelve moneths were of the number of Davids Worthies And among the thirty were a son of Achitophel Uriah the Hittite and the armour-bearer of Joab likewise Although my house Rather thus interrogatively verse 5 And is not my house so with God Seven years Seven years of famine here propounded to David chapter XXIV verse 13 And three years 1 Chron. XXI 12. that is three more to the three years of famine for the Gibeonites 2 Sam. XXI 1. To which three so lately past And Davids sinne of numbering the people being in the fourth year which was a Sabbatical year A new addition of other three makes up seven years of famine Yet the LXX read three in 2 Sam. XXIV 13. Of Famine see more on Lam. I. 11. and II. 11 12 19 20. and IV. 4 5 8 9 10. and V. 10. Ezek. IV. 9 16. and V. 16. I. Kings THE Books of Kings do most pursue the History of the Kings of Israel during the continuance of that Kingdome They seeme to be written after their dayes 1 King IX 13 21 and X. 12. and XII 19. 2 King II. 22. and VIII 22. and X. 27. and XIV 7. and XVI 6. and XVII 23 34 41. 1 Chron. IV. 41 and V. 26. 2 Chron. XXXVI 22 23. The first Book of Kings or III. contains an History of one hundred and eighteen years viz. of Solomon And after him Of Rehoboam Abia Asa Jehoshaphat Kings of Judah Jeroboam Nadab Baasha Elah Zimri Tibni Omri and Ahab Kings of Israel Acts of Solomon Rehoboam and Abijah are written in Books of Nathan the Prophet of Shemaiah the Prophet of the Prophecie of Ahijah the Shilomite of the Visions and story of Iddo the Seer and Prophet 2 Chron. IX 29. and XII 15. and XIII 22. which are lost and never were Canonical Scripture Yet those of Solomon seeme to some to be written by Nathan Ahijah and Iddo in the beginning of the first Book of Kings 2 Chron. I. 29. Adonijah The eldest sonne then living chapter I verse 5 2 Sam. III. 3 4 Chileab or Daniel 1 Chron. III. 1. being dead as Absolon was eldest when he formerly sought the Crowne begins with a Courtly traine and Life-guard as Absolon did But gets Joab and Abiathar to joyne with him in seeking to be King And that by a fairer way then Absolon did 2 Sam. XV. 1 King I. En-Rogel Or the Well of Rogel verse 9 This was nigh Jerusalem East and by South See Josh. XV. 7. 2 Sam. XVII 17. Gihon Gihon is a Mount verse 33 and a Rivolet close on the West-side of Jerusalem See 2 Chron. XXXII 30. and XXXIII 14. Hornes of the Altar And so chap. II. 28. verse 50 The Altar whereunto Adonijah and Joab fled seemes to be not any at Jerusalem but that with the Tabernacle at Gibeon 2 Chron. I. 3 6. Fourty years And so the years of his life chapter II verse 11 seventy when he dies of age For he was thirty when he began to reigne 2 Sam. V. 4. And yet Jesse was above one hundred when he begat him See on Rahab Josh. II. And we read not of any King of Judah or Israel after David that attained to his age Onely Vzziah and Manasseh came very near it I will not say thee nay Many Promises of God and Man verse 20 have their Provisoes and are to be understood conditionally as 1 Sam. II. 30. Ezek. XXXIII 13. 1 Chron. XVII 9. and chap. XXVIII 9. 2 Chron. VI. 16. Psal. CXXXII 12. 2 Chron. VII 17 22. As Gods manifold promises of Long Life and Temporal Blessings and Deliverances And many the like And so for Threatnings and Dooms Judg. X. 13. Jonah III. 4. See my Observations on that Text of Jonah Abiathar Abiathar the fourth from Eli verse 35 of the race of Ithamar the younger brother was High Priest till Solomon put Zadok in his roome being indeed the right heir of the right line of Eleazar and Phineas 1 Chron. VI. 3 c. Num. XXV 13. High places High places called so chapter III verse 2 because mostwhat on Mountains Esay LVII 7. whence named Bamah Ezek. XX. 28 29. There they built houses of the High Places Temples Chappels Altars c. and put their Idols and Images there and decked all with Tapistry and garments of divers colours They made Priests of the High places and there they sacrificed yea sometimes their children and burnt Incense 1 King XII 31 32. 2 King XVII 29 32. Ezek. XVI 16 17 18 24 25 31. Ier. XIX 5. The High places of Heathen Idolaters were alwayes abominable These High places God commands the Israelites to destroy and quite pluck down Num. XXXIII 52. While the Ark and Tabernacle were parted one from the other and both from Shiloh and removed from place to place till the building of the Temple and there fixed and setled We read of High places lawfully resorted to and used by Samuel 1 Sam. IX 12 13 14 19 25. and by others chap. X. 5 12 13. And not much unlawfully by these here 1 King III. 2 3. And Gibeon it self when the Tabernacle and Altar were there is called the Great High place 1 King III. 4. But when the Temple was since built then all other High places for Gods solemneworship and Ceremonial Services were counted abominable And in this sin the ten Tribes after the division of the Kingdomes by Ieroboam continualy abounded They made houses and Priests of High places in Mountains and in all the Cities of Samaria and their Altars were as heaps in the furrows of the fields 1 King XIII 32. Hos. XII 11. Yea and Solomon himself afore that in his later dayes fearfully offended in this kinde 1 King XI 7. 8. And Iudah it self fell into this sin even in Rehoboams reigne 1 King XIV 23. And in after-times They built High places to Baal and to the Idols of neighbouring Nations 2 Chr. XXV 14. in Tophet in the Valley of the sonne of Hinnom on Mount Olivet in Hierusalem in all the Cities of Iudah and in every street of the Cities Micah I. 5. 1 King XIV 23. Ier. VII 31. and XIX 5. and XXXII 35. Ezek. XVI 16 31. And this specialy in the reignes of Ahaz Ioram and Manasseh And in the reignes of divers good Kings of Iudah as Ioash Amatziah Vzziah Iotham it is recorded as a blemish in them That they did not take away the High places but the people sacrificed and burnt Incense in them Of good Asa it is said that he did and he did not take them away 1 King XV. 14 2 Chron. XV. 17. And so of
9. Iehojakim In his fourth chapter XXIV verse 1 year or third complete and 1. of Nebuchadnezzar Daniel was carried captive Dan. I. 1 6. Ezekiel and Mordecai with Iehojachin Ezek. XL. 1. Esther II. 5 6. Of Ezechiel see the Argument of his Book Iehojacin Called likewise Coniah verse 6 and Iechoniah 1 Chron. III. 16. Ier. XXII 28 Of his age at the beginning of his reigne See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXXVI 9. He was carried captive into Babylon in the seventh ending and eighth year beginning of Nebuchadnezzars reigne ver 12. Ier. LII 28. And his head lifted up againe in the thirty seventh year of his captivity twelfth moneth on the twenty fifth and twenty seventh day and first year of Evilmerodach 2 King XXV 27. Ier. LII 31. Zedekiah rebelled Zedekiah rebelled in his sixth year verse 20 Ezek. XVII 15 17. compared with Ezek. VIII 1. and XX. 1. the second Priest Grounded on Num. chapter XXV verse 8 III. 32. And mentioned as here So Ier. LII 24. See 2 King XXIII 4. and the like 1 Chron. V. 12. This second Priest upon any extraordinary occasion and occurrent restraining or disabling the High Priest seemes set to supply his place to Riblah See the Observations on Num. XXXIV 11. THE Books of Chronicles do chiefly pursue the Histories of the Kings of Judah And yet are more sparing in relating the sinnes of David and Solomon These are not those Chronicles often cited in the Books of Kings as hath been shewed heretofore But these are thought to be written by Ezra 2 Chron. XXXVI 22 23. Ezra I. 1 2 3 And that after the return from the Babylonish captivity Yet some things are inserted which extend beyond Ezra's time as that 1 Chron. III. 21 24. In these Books as in an Abridgement the holy Penman is sometimes short and obscure But in the Histories of the Kings of Judah full and exact Take the periods of times from the Creation to the year of Returne from the Babylonish Captivity And so these Books containe an History of 3458. years The first Book 2986. to the death of David Thus Genesis 2369 Exodus 142 Levit Num. Deut. 39. Joshuah 17. Judges 299. 1 Sam. 80. 2 Sam. 40. In all 2986. The second Book 472. from the beginning of Solomons reigne to the said year of Returne Others reckon thus 3467. in the whole 2990. in the first Book 477. in the second Book Others and that most likely 2986. in the first Book And 466. in the second Book viz. from the first of Solomon to the seventeenth of Jehoshaphat 118. Thance to the Captivity in the first of Nebuchadnezzar and fourth of Iehojakim 278. Thence to the Returne 70. In all 466. And so the whole in both Books will amount to 3452. The first Book mentions occasionally some things long after Davids death as the Inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Returne from Babylon chap. IX And Zerubbabels posterity long after that chap. III. I. Chronicles IN the Genealogies of the first eight Chapters the Tribes of Dan and Zebulon are left out Edom chapter I verse 43 Eight Kings in Edom before any in Israel Sisters of David Zerviah bare Abishai Ioab Asahel Abigail bare Amasa 2 Sam. chapter II verse 16 17. XVII 25 Caleb Three Calebs famous in Israel first the sonne of Hezron verse 18 in this Text called also Carmi and Chelubai chap. II. 9. and IV. 1. who had a sonne called Hur And this Hur a sonne called also Caleb chap. II. 9 19 50. who is the second Caleb And the third is that famous Caleb the sonne of Iephunne Num. XIII 6. 1 Chron. IV. 15. The sonnes of David See the Observations on 1 Sam. chapter III verse 1 9. XVI 11. verse 17 Salatheil Hebrew Shealtiel said to be the sonne of Iechoniah Matth. I. 12. And so here sonne of Iechoniah Assir that is strictly bound prisoner in Babylon For we read not of any sonne called Assir that Iechoniah had yet this Salathiel is named the sonne of Neri Luke III. 27. who came by many descents of another line that is of Nathan the younger brother of Solomon from which line came our Saviour and not of Solomons line And though Iechoniah may seeme to have seed and sonnes more out of Ier. XXII 28 30. and 1 Chron. III. 17 18. Yet he is doomed childlesse Ier. XXII 29 30. because neither Salathiel if he were his sonne nor any of Iechoniah's race Zedekiah the last King being Uncle to Iechoniah did succeed him in the Regality to sit on the throne of David though in a kinde of soveraignty as Zerubbabel the sonne or grandchilde rather of Salathiel by Pedaiah did succeed in regard of which successions both Salathiel and after also Zerubbabel may be called sonnes See Ezra III. 2 8. and V. 2. Neh. XII 1 Hag. I. 1 12 14. and II. 3. 24. Of Iehojakim the father of Iechoniah it is likewise said He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David that is for any time worth speaking of for his sonne Iechoniah reigned but three moneths and tenne dayes Ier. XXXVI 30. 2 Chron. XXXVI 9. Sonnes of Zerubbabel Among his sonnes verse 19 Abihud and Rhesa are not mentioned unlesse under other names nor else where found in the Old Testament And yet from them two the Genealogies Matth. I. 13. and Luke III. 27. are drawn and derived which makes some suppose that Zerubbabel and this here to be different persons Ezra Ezra not that learned Scribe chapter IV verse 17 Ezra VII 1. And in the last letter of this Hebrew name there is a difference from the name of the other in the dayes of Hezekiah The Simeonites lying within the inheritance and lot of the Tribe of Iudah verse 41 Iosh. XIX 9. were not carried away Captive by the Assyrians but continuing in their estate sought to enlarge their territories as is here mentioned Amalekites They bordered on mount Seir. verse 43 These the first that fought against Israel Num. XXIV 20. And after joyned oft with other enemies against Gods people They were overthrown by Ioshuah Exod. XVII 13. Saul in his time was sent against them destroyed many but spared Agag their King and for so doing lost his own Kingdome 1 Sam. XV. and chap. XXVIII 18. David afterwards destroyed more of them 2 Sam VIII 12. And here the Simeonites in the dayes of Hezekiah smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped Thus the judgement denounced against them Exod. XVII 14 16. Deut XXV 17 18 19. was accomplished See the Observations on Esth. III. 1. King of Assyria This Catalogue we finde in Scripture of the Kings of Assyria chapter V verse 26 Pul or Phul in the dayes of Menachem so here and 2 King XV 19. Tiglath-Pileser in the dayes of Pekah and Achaz so here and 2 King XV. 29. and XVI 7 10. Jareb Hos. V. 13. and X. 16. Sargon Esay XX. 1. Shalmanesar called Shalman Hos. X. 14. Who took Hoshea and Samaria 2 King XVII 3 4. and
points and circumstances easily to be gathered and understood Deut. XI 26 30. and XXVII 12 26 This was done in the first year of their coming over Jordan Josh. VIII 32 35. when and where were read likewise all the words of the Law of Moses before all the Congregation of Israel With ships Ships besides the Ark of Noah chapter XXVIII verse 68 are first mentione in Jacobs blessing of Zebulun Gen. XLIX 13. and in Moses his threatning the Israelites in this place Not given Gods hand in giving and working of Grace chapter XXIX verse 4 See Ch. XXX 6. Jer. XXIV 7. and XXXI 33. and XXXII 39. Ezek. XI 19 20. and Ch. XXXVI 26 27. Heb. VIII 10 11. John VI. 44 45 65 Phil. I. 29. and II. 13. Ephes. II. 8. 2. Tim. II. 25. And he gives grace to the remnant which is according to the election of Grace Matth. XI 25. and XIII 11. Mark IV. 11 12 John XII 39. Rom. XI 7. Ephes. I. 5. 2 Chron. XXX 12. Mount This Mount Hor chapter XXXII verse 50 where Aaron died Num. XX. 25 26. was South of Judea And Mount Hor on the North-bounds of Judea Num. XXXIV 7. are far differing and distant mountains King in Jeshurum Moses King in Ieshurum chapter XXXIII verse 5 25. in Blessing the twelve Tribes doth omit Simeon if we accompt him not included in Iudah as his Lot in the division of Canaan fell within the Lot and Tribe of Iudah and their expeditions against their enemies in conquering their own shares were joynt and undertaken together Iosh. XVIII and XIX Iudg. I 3. Dwell between his shoulders That is verse 12 In Ierusalem For though the Southerne and Superior part of Ierusalem where Mount Sion was and which was called the City of David did belong to the Tribe of Iudah yet the Northerne and inferior part of it where Mount Moriah was whereon the Temple was built belonged to the Tribe of Benjamin The huge deep valley of Mello between the two Mountains being filled up and levelled by Solomon so that thence afterward Sion and Moriah might be called two tops of one Mountain Sion the higher top and Moriah the lower Died The time of Moses his death was in the fourtieth year chapter XXXIV verse 5 twelfth moneth seventh day of their coming out of Egypt and one hundred and twentieth year of his age See upon Aarons death Num. XXXIII 38. No man knoweth The reason of concealing the place of the Burial of Moses verse 6 And Michael the Archangel his contending with the Devil and disputing about the body of Moses Iude ver 9. was not revealed in the Scripture of the Old Testament And this dispute might be lest the Israelites knowing it might carry it with them as Iosephs bones into Canaan into which God had said That he should not enter or rather That the people might not idolize it Joshua THE Book of Joshua was not probably written by him though of and concerning him For besides some things contained in it which are deemed by some to be done after his death As that concerning Caleb and his daughter Achsah Ch. XV. 16 19. And most surely the Conquering of Leshem or Laish by the Danites Ch. XIX 47. Iudg. XVIII 7. 29. And those things recorded Ch. XXIV 29 33. Some other things seeme to plead That it was written by some Prophet Long after his death Whence that phrase remaines unto this day is so frequently used Ch. IV. 9. and Ch. VI. 25. and VII 26. and VIII 29 and IX 27. and X. 27. and XIII 13. and XIV 14. and XV. 63. And the Book of Iasher is named Ch. X. 13. which seemes written at soonest in Davids time as recording an Act of his 2 Sam. I. 18. unlesse we say This Book of Iasher in Ioshua's time to be continued on and enlarged in after-times by adding and inserting memorable acts in after-ages And so in Davids time And further the Mountains of Iudah and the Mountains of Israel are mentioned Iosh. XI 21. Which many possibly seeme to intimate the Book to be written after the division of the Nation into the two Kingdomes of Iudah and Israel Ioshua was the Tribe of Ephraim Num. XIII 8. 1 Chron. VII 27. And he lived one hundred ten years Ch. XXIV 29. and was six full years in conquering the Land and in the seventh fell to the Dividing of it by Lot as is gathered out of the age of Caleb Iosh. XIV 7 10. And divers years Ioshua lived and governed after that time but how many it doth not appear out of this Book yet is gathered out of other places to be ten years more and so this Book to containe an History of seventeen years from the Beginning of his Government to his Death The truth of this account stands upon this computation from the coming out of Egypt to the fourth of Solomon are four hundred and eighty years 1 King VI. 1. which are made up thus fourty years in the Wildernesse seventeen of Ioshua two hundred ninety nine of the Iudges counting in the twenty of Sampson as coincident and concurring with the first twenty years of Eli twenty years more of Eli twenty of Samuel fourty of Saul fourty of David four of Solomon In all 480. Within three dayes This Edict and Proclamation of three dayes chapter I verse 2 for preparation to passe over Iordan set down here doth begin and commence after the History of the two Spies and their returne to Ioshua which History yet is recorded after in the Chapter following And thereupon the mention of the said three dayes is taken up again the second time Ch. III. 2. when new directions are given for their Passage and the manner of it Rahab Rahab chapter II verse 1 an Harlot because at least she had been so though now a beleeving Convert ver 9 10 11. Heb. XI 31. Iames II. 25. She had her house on the wall of Iericho ver 15. which fell not when the rest of wall fell Ch. VI. 20 22. In framing her excuses for the Spies sake she bewrayes her infirmity in making equivocations or untruths rather ver 4 5. In transacting with the Spies some speeches seeme to passe between them after they were let down the wall ver 18. In pleading for her family she makes no mention of an Husband ver 13. and Ch. VI. 23. She was after married to Salmon eldest sonne of Nahshon which Nahshon was great-grand-childe to Hezron or Esrom that went down with Iacob into Egppt Gen. XLVI 12. And was Prince of Iudah at the numbring of the people Num. I. 7. at the marshalling of the Camps Num. II. 3. at the Dedication of the Altar Num. VII 12. and at the setting forward in their journeys Num. X. 14. But died in the Wildernesse Num. XIV 29. This marriage of Rahab to Salmon now Prince of Iudah is not recorded in the Old Testament But mentioned Matth. I. 5. in the Genealogy of our Saviour wherein as Rachab so Thamar Ruth
there 2 Sam. VI. 12 17. whereupon Zion is called the City of God Gods holy Hill The Northerne and lower part belonging to Benjamin wherein the Temple stood on Mount Moriah 2 Chon III. 1. Honourable things are spoken of this City Psal. LXXXVII 2 3. This City is called the City of God of the Lord of Hoasts of the great King the holy place of the Tabernacles of the most High Psal. XLVI 4. and XLVIII 8. The Throne of the Lord Jer. III. 17. Jehovah-Shammah in that visionarie Description Ezek. XLVIII 35. It is called the City of Solemnities Esay XXXIII 20. a City of Righteousnesse Esay V. 26. a City of Truth Zech. VIII 3. a Faithful City Esay I. 26. a City sought out and not forsaken Esay LXII 12. The walls thereof are called Salvation and her gates Praise and they are ever in Gods sight Esay XLIX 16. and LX. 18. Hoham These other four Kings were all South of Jerusalem chapter X verse 3 And all five did after belong to the Tribe of Judah Lachish Of this City see the Annotations on Micah I. 13. The Lord said The Lord spake to Joshua verse 8 sometimes immediately by himself sometimes being consulted with by Urim and Thummim Hailestones God 's two Miracles in this battel verse 11 I. By wondrous Hailestones like those in Egypt Exod. IX 18 25. which killed more Amorites then were slaine by the sword braining likely the body of their hoast as they fled where they were thickest and those that were formost in the flight and not hurting the Pursuers who were intermingled yet likely mostwhat in the Reare of the enemy II. By the miraculous standing still upon Joshua's Prayer first privately made and granted after publikely pronounced in the sight of Israel of the Sunne and of the Moone and with them of the whole frame of Heaven about a whole day till the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies Jasher The Book of Jasher records the Miracle verse 13 No Heathen History being so ancient This Book seemes to be carried on and enlarged still with the story of things acted in after-ages For there is mention of it in Davids time 2 Sam. I. 18. And this Book being no part of Canonical inspired Scripture but a Civil Chronicle or Annals among the Jewes is since perished as divers others of like nature Among which are those books of Chronicles not Canonical but Civil so often cited in our two books of the Kings No day That day in Hezekiah's time verse 14 was in some things like this 2 King XX. 11. But that not till many ages after And this book first written Returned If Joshua here resolved to return to Gilgal verse 15 Yet many other victories in the Southern parts even from Kadesh-barnea unto Gaza in a short time intervened ver 16 42. before he actually returned thither ver 43. Ioshua And c. XI verse 36 31. Ioshua took Hebron or Kiriath-Arba and Debir or Kiriath-Sepher and cut off the Anakims Yet under the conduct of Caleb this was perfected Ioshua assigning him out of his army the Tribe of Iudah for his assistance therein Ch. XIV 6 15. and Ch. XV. 13 19. which thing seems to be repeated Iudg. I. 10 15. rather then a new Conquest made again after the death of Ioshua Goshen And Ch. XI verse 41 16. and Ch. XV. 51. This Goshen in Canaan differing from that in Egypt Sand Hyperbolees much used in Scripture chapter XI verse 4 So Gen. XXII 17. and XLI 49. Iudg. VII 12. and Ch. XX. 16. 1 Sam. XIII 5. 2 Sam. I. 23. 1 King I. 40. and IV. 20 29. 2 King XIX 24. 1 Chron. XII 8. and XVI 33. 2 Chron. I. 9. and XXVIII 9. Job XX. 6. and XXII 24. and XL. 23. Psal. VI. 6. Esay XXXIV 3 5 7 9. and XLVIII 19. Jer. IV. 24. and XV. 8. Ioel. III. 18. Amos II. 9. and IX 13. Iohn XXI 25. A long time After the battel at the waters of Merom verse 18 Ioshua did make warre a long time with all those Northern Kings in Canaan about sixe years as is gathered out of Ch. XIV 6 15. Arnon Arnon the River chapter XII verse 1 ariseth not farre from the head-spring of the River Iabbok and both from rocky Mountains that lie in the East part of the Tribe of Gad. It runneth Southward and falls into the North-East corner of the Dead Sea It is the border between Sihon or Reuben on the West and Ammon on the East and between Sihon or Reuben on the North and Moab on the South Iabbok Iabbok the River verse 2 ariseth as Arnon but runneth North a little and after turneth his streame West and falleth into Iordan a little below the Sea of Galilee It divided the Land of Gilead between Sihon and Og and afterwards between Gad on the South and halfe Manasseh on the North. Remaineth yet The Land both Conquered chapter XIII verse 1 and Unconquered was to be divided by Lot among the nine Tribes and a half so Iosh. XXIII 4 5. Begun at Gilgal Ch. XIV 6. and Ch. XV. and Ch. XVI and Ch. XVII Resumed and Perfected at Shiloh Ch. XVIII and XIX But we never read That they did Conquer the whole Land and all their several Shares and Lots through their own default and breach of Covenant with God by Disobedience Chapt. XXIII 13. Aroer The City Aroer was neere the Rise of the River Arnon verse 16 and in the confines between the Reubenites and Gadites as also Heshbon Dibon and Ataroth which being bordering Cities are said to belong to them both sometimes to the one sometimes to the other To Reuben Iosh. XIII 16 17. Num. XXXII 37. To Gad Iosh. XXI 39. Num. XXXII 34. 1 Chron. VI. 81. Distributed The whole Countrey chapter XIV verse 1 seemes to be divided into so many parts as there were Tribes to possesse them Yet so as that the Bounds of every part or Province were not so precisely limited before the Tribe had drawn the Lot but that afterwards they might be enlarged or lessened according to the greatnesse or smalnesse of the number that belonged to it Num. XXVI 53 56. and Chap. XXXIII 54. which last point of division was left to the wisdome of the High Priest Ioshua and the Elders whom God had appointed to divide it ver 1. and Ch. XVII 14 18. By lot Lots fell out providentialy to the twelve Tribes chapter XIV verse 2 in the Division of the Land in relations partly to their Birth partly to the Prophetical Blessings of them by Jacob Gen. XLIX and Moses Deut. XXXIII And so in the Cities of the Levites the Lot cast the thirteen Cities of the Priests in the Tribes of Judah Benjamin and Simeon which were nearest the Temple Josh. XXI 9 10 17. when it was builded Old Calebs age verse 7 when he was sent among the Spies from Kadesh-barnea was fourty At this Division of the Land eighty five So that fourty five years intervened viz. 38. in the
XII 37. But that where Jacob built booths Gen. XXXIII 5. Afterward a Citie in the Tribe of Gad upon the river Jabbok East of Jordan justly destroyed by Gideon Judg. VIII But repaired after Gilead is mine Thus David triumphs in having verse 7 or in assurance to have upon Gods word and promise these utmost bounds and Tribes of Judea beyond Jordan though they stood longest out for Ishbosheth Sauls sonne Moab is my washpot I can and will use it to base offices verse 8 as to wash my feet use it as a conquered Nation in servile and abject condition See 2 Sam. 2. VIII Psal. CVIII 9. Over Edom Trample it under foot or use it to base offices See Matt. III. 11. as to pull off my shooe to wipe my shooe or as Sapores the Persian used Valerian the Romand Emperour or Temerlan the Scythian used Bajazeth the Turk or Pope Alexander the third used Frederik the Emperour and Pope Caelestine the third did to Henry the Emperour bring it to a base and ignominious subjection triumph thou An ironical apostrophe or bitter mock to Philistia or the Philistines in the West border of Palestine And divers such ironies are in Scripture See the Observations on Amos IV. 4. who will The answer is in the two next verses verse 9 Through God Davids wish verse 12 and confidence See 1 Chron. XIX 13. From the end of the earth Of Judea chapter LXI verse 2 being now likely driven thither by Saul or Absalom rather 2 Sam. XVII 24. prolong In this likely David hath a principal eye to Christ. verse 6 once chapter LXII verse 11 twice See the like Job XL. 5. mercie verse 12 for thou renderest Even reward it self is of mercie in the wildernesse of Judah chapter LXIII 1 Sam. XXII 5. and XXIII 14 15. Thus Davids Psalmes are not set down in this Book according to the Order of time and occasions wherein and whereupon they were made and inspired seene thee in the Sanctuary Davids desires to the Sanctuary verse 2 and to Gods Ordinances therein Psal. XXVII 4. and LXV 4. meditate Davids night-meditations verse 6 my soul followeth hard after thee 1 Cor. VI. 17. verse 8 Phil. III. 13 14. that sweareth by him Swearing here taken for the whole worship of God verse 11 Deut. VI. 13. Esay XLV 23. and LXV 16. Of Swearing see the Observations on Hos. IV. 15. O thou that hearest prayer chapter LXV verse 2 to thee An heavenly incouragement to Prayer choosest verse 4 and causest God 's free grace not mans free will Thou visitest the earth This Psalme may seeme composed after some year of famine verse 9 with the river of God The raine Deut. XI 10 11. submit Though feignedly and falsely chapter LXVI verse 3 Psal. XVIII 44. 1 Sam. XXII 45. As the faithfull shall obey God willingly and sincerely with the incense of rams Meaning their fat which was burned on the Altar verse 15 or incense with it as in Peace-Offerings Levit. II. 1 2 16. and VI. 15. If I regard John IX 31. verse 18 James IV. 3. Job XXVII 8 9. Prov. I. 28 29. Esay I. 15. Micah III. 4. Ezek. VIII 18. Prov. XV. 29. He that turneth away his eare from hearing the Law his prayer is abomination Prov. XXVIII 9. David penned by inspiration this Psalme chapter LXVIII It seemes after his victories over the Philistines and other neighbouring enemies and upon the occasion of that publick joyful solemnity in bringing the Arke into the Citie of David 2 Sam. VI. 1 Chron. XIII XIV XV. chapters It consists most of Praises and Prophesies Let God These words Moses used verse 1 Num. X. 35 at the removing of the Arke and Tabernacle from Mount Sinai And may be taken as a Prayer or a Prediction or an assertion of what is done when God thus ariseth arise To help his to scatter his enemies See Psal. III. 7. and X. 12. and LIX 5. extol him that rideth upon the heavens Verse 33. Psal. XVIII 10. Deut. XXXIII 26. Esay 19. 1. some translate thus verse 4 make an high-way for him prepare it as Esay XL. 3 4. Matth. III. 2. Luke I. 76. as Matth. XXI 8. And thus was done Or thus him that rideth in the Deserts that is as he did in the Wildernesse of Arabia before his Arke and people verse 7. This variety of interpretation is of small concernment Jah Some would have it the contract of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if not of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to signifie the strong God Jah is used again ver 18. God is called also by the Heathens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Jove or Jupiter that is Iah-father deemed by Varro to be the God of the Jewes This is the proper name of God Esay XLII 8. Exod. VI. 3. 2 Chron. VI. 33. Acts XVII 23 25 28. Psal. LXXXIII 18. See more in the Observations on Esay XXVI 4. habitation Of heaven verse 5 and of his Sanctuary 1. â—ings VIII 30 38 39. solitarie in families Senselesse here is the Popish text verse 6 throughout the verse and foolish is Bellarmines interpretation and application See Exod. I. 21. Psal. CXIII 9. Ruth IV. 11. a dry land Without fountains of waters or showers of raine A special judgement in those hot countries when thou wentest forth Iudg. verse 7 V. 4 5. Gods praise in bringing his people out of Egypt in giving them the possession of Canaan in destroying the Kings their enemies verse 7 13. The earth shook Ezod verse 8 XIX 18. Iudg. V. 4. Psal. CXIV and CIV 32. Heb. XII 18. Sinai An hill of a great height Of Sinai see more in the Observations on Exod. II. 11. and on XIX 3. a plentiful raine God did blesse his inheritance of the Land of Canaan which he gave to them verse 9 with raine and all temporal blessings which was an argument for their praising of him And specially as the inheritance of Canaan and all temporal promises and earthly blessings to them were shadowes and types intimations and pledges of spiritual blessings and eternal life in heaven Heb. XI 13 16 and 26. Iohn V. 39. gave the word The occasion verse 11 it was his doing he ministred the matter and speech unto them in the glad tidings of victories As Psal. CXVIII 23. of those that published it The word here is of the feminine gender and so may be understood of maids and women entertaining and publishing these good newes of victories with Songs and melody As Exod. XV. 20. Judg. V. 11. and XI 34. 1 Sam. XVIII 6. Or of men as the feminine is used for a masculine in Koheleth Eccl. I. 1. Such publishers as 2 Sam. XVIII 19. did flee Deut. verse 12 XXVIII 7. As Exod. XIV 25 27. Josh. X. 11 16. Judg. V. 19 22. and VIII 12. 2 Sam. V. 25. And in this verse again the Popish text scarce bears any sense and their interpretations are suitable though ye
God The beginning of their song verse 26 or part of their praise from the fountain of Israel Ye that flow from that fountain are of that progeny Esay XLVIII 2. Deut. XXXIII 28. Deut. V. 15 18. There is Both those near verse 27 and those a farre off meet and joyne in this praising of God See Psal. LX. 9. little Benjamin The youngest sonne of Iacob and least Tribe since their fatal blow Iudg. XX. and contesting most for Sauls house against David Yet he here one if not first among them And all the rest likewiseâ—joyne ruler Of the enemies or rather of the Benjamites but no way of the other Tribes Thy God He petitions for strength and growth of blessings verse 28 as God had formerly begun to work for them hath commanded So Deut. XXVIII 8. Psal. CXXXIII 2. XLII 8. and XLIV 4. and LXXI 3. See Psal. XXXIII 9. Matth. VIII 8 9. thy strength The strength of the King and of the people Because of thy Temple Because of thy Promises made to thy Church verse 29 and thy presence at thy Temple Ark and Tabernacle therefore thou wilt grant and do according to the foresaid Petition Shall Kings David and his successors shall therefore with all grateful and thankful acknowledgement worship thee Rebuke He petitions against the adversaries of the Church verse 30 proud cruel and malitious Rebuke them in word and deed The meaning is contained in the last words of the verse the company of spear-men Of enemies armed with Lances and Spears or Reeds fitted and used for Spears or arrowes as the maner of those times was buls with the calves The robustick and strong enemies with the rest of the rude and Epicurish multitude Psal. XXII 12. Amos. IV. 1. submit himself with pieces of silver Though hypocriticaly Or rather that glories and vaunts himself in his brave attire embroydered with pieces of silver and out-braves and tramples upon others or is so rich as he seemes to tread silver under foot yet indeed trusts in it and boast himself of it And such usually though unprovoked delight to break forth into warre and wrong-doing such enemies of thy people rebuke and break Princes Prophesying of the calling of the Gentiles to Christ verse 31 he exhorteth them to praise God Ephes. III. 5 6. Esay XLIX 6. and LXVI 19. stretch out her hands In prayer in offerings in way of subjection a mighty voice Psal. XXIX His thunder verse 33 Heb. IV. 11. Ascribe Adds arguments for Gods praise verse 34 terrible To be had in reverence in the assembly of his Saints verse 35 and dreadful to his enemies faile while I waite The constancie and earnestnesse of Davids hope and expectation chapter LXIX verse 3 For the zeale of thine house Literaly true in David verse 9 Psal. XXVII 8. Principaly true in Christ the Sonne of David and to him applied by his disciples John II. 15 16 17. And so are the later words of this verse by the Apostle Rom. XV. 3. They gave me also gall Verified in our Saviour verse 21 and in relation had to this text John XIX 28 29. Let their table This used by David against his enemies verse 22 applyed by the Apostle against the Jewes in his time Rom. XI 9. Let their habitation That which David speaketh here of his enemies verse 25 and as Type of Christ of Christs enemies Saint Peter applieth to Judas the traitor Acts I. 20. blotted out Phil. IV. 3. Apoc. III. 5. Luke X. 20. Heb. XII 23. verse 28 Of Imprecations see the Observations on Psal. CIX 14 15. Sion The Type of the Church verse 36 inherit it Under the temporal promises of the Land of Canaan verse 35 are comprehended the promises of life everlasting to the faithful and their posterity Psal. CII 28. to the true Israel of God the true members of the Church Esay XLIV 26. for to bring to remembrance For to record chapter LXX See the Title of Psal. XXXVIII Both Psalmes are not to remember any notable deliverance or benefit already received But rather a time and case of affliction and distresse For the matter of both shew that they were inspired in such a time and do make earnest petition for deliverance to deliver me This Psalme is in a maner the same with Psal. XL. 13 17. verse 1 Cause me to escape Likely from Absalom chapter LXXI verse 2 For this Psalme may seem to be penned by David though his name be not in the Title and in his old age God This word is Jehovih verse 5 that is with the vowels of Elohim So again verse 16. and Psal. LXVIII 20. And so it is usually written when as I have said Adonai goeth before it or next followeth it At other times having the vowels of Adonai it is pronounced Lord. See 2 Sam. VII 18 19 20. a wonder Esay VIII 18. verse 7 Heb. II. 13. Zech. III. 8. and 1 Corinth IV. 9. even of thine only not mine owne verse 16 which is none to thine quicken me again verse 20 and shalt bring me up Me me in the Hebrew margin but us us in the text For Solomon Made by David for him chapter LXXII verse ult by David in his old age The like inscription is Psal. CXXVII This Psalme is composed as in the name of the Church And contains a Prayer a Praise and a Prophesie of the just peaceable righteous merciful plentiful flourishing estate and large extent and bounds of the Kingdome of Solomon set out indeed with some hyperbolical expressions scarcely appliable to him or to any mortal man So as Solomon may be the immediate object of the words he literaly intended in them But yet he so as a Type of Christ and of his Kingdome who is in truth the maine subject of this Psalme For all in a mystical sense is appliable to Christ more truly then to Solomon appliable to him in a spiritual sense exactly without any hyperbole For Solomon see that 2 Sam. VII 14. c. For Christ see that Heb. I. 5. And that passadge Psal. LXXXIX 19 37. is not unlike the subject matter of this Psalme This premised may serve to clear the hardest places of this Psalme The prayers Psalmes verse 20 Hymnes Songs are ended As the like is said of Davids words 2 Sam. XXIII 1. The one may be as an Appendix of the other This his last Prayer though not placed in the last place Or the last of those that David set in order before his death or the last in this second part or book of the Psalmes as they are all divided into five parts Or his last touching Solomon and his prophesying of Christ and his Kingdome So various may our thoughts and interpretations be and so uncertaine and unsafe to pitch and fixe upon any single one Truly The Psalmist premiseth this chapter LXXIII verse 1 as his undoubted ground against all conflicting doubts as a pacificatory protestation before this his contesting plea Touching the prosperity of the wicked and his
long before Davids death and his instructing and encouraging of Solomon to the building of the Temple and the making of him King and upward To fifty years verse 3 Num. IV. 3. After fifty they were freed from the service in the Temple and kept in their several Cities in their several Tribes to teach the people and to instruct and judge in matters brought before them as having best insight in the Judicial Lawes and the whole word of God David divided Chap. verse 6 XXV 1 As a Prophet and by the commandment of the Lord by Gad the Kings Seer and Nathan the Prophet 2 Chron. XXIX 25. And these Divisions and Courses his son Solomon punctually retaines 2 Chron. VIII 14. And Jehoiada 2 Chr. XXIII 18. and Josiah 2 Chron. XXXV 4. And so after the Return from the Babylonish Captivity Ezra III. 10. And so by Gods Spirit David had all the Patterns of the Temple which in writings he delivered to his sonne Solomon 1 Chron. XXVIII 12 19. 2 Chron. III. 3. of twenty years Num. verse 24 VIII 24. from twenty five years old they begin to wait upon the service of the Tabernacle Here David by new warrant enters them into the work for the Service of the Temple at twenty years of age likely more now being needful for this Service ver 27. 2 Chron. XXXI 17. yet they come not to the full possession and fruition of their Place and Office till thirty years of age 1 Chron. XXIII 3. Num. IV 3 4 7. And to offer At all offerings to fit and prepare the Sacrifices to the hands of the Priests verse 31 who were to offer them on the Altar The eighth to Abijah Zacharias the father of John Baptist was of this Course chapter XXIV verse 10 Luke I. 5. according to their maner To come on a Sabbath day verse 19 and to continue their services there in the Temple for that whole week Ch. IX 25. 2 King XI 5 6. over against their brethren That the first Course of Levites might attend on the first Course of the Priests verse 31 And so of the rest with Harps Much Musick used in Gods Service chapter XXV verse 1 8 See 1 Chron. IX 33. and XVI 4 5 6 41 42. 2 Chron. V. 12 13. and VII 6. and ch XXIX 30. Psal. LXVIII 24 25. and LXXXI 1 2 3. And so in the Tabernacle Num. X. 10. and XXIX 1. In bringing up the Arke 1 Chron. XIII 8. and chap. XV. 16 24. In going up to Gods House and coming from it 1 Sam. X. 3 5. Esay XXX 29. This musick was by skilful voice and by various Instruments both wind-instruments and hand-instruments And these both stringed and touched with fingers or struck over with quill or bow or else shaken or beaten with hand or stick Prophesie See the Observations on 1 Sam. verse 1 XVIII 10. and on Zeph. III. 4. Of Asaph See 1 Chron. verse 2 VI. 39. and chap. XV. 17 19. and XVI 5 7. And see the Annotations on 1 Chron. XXV 1 2 6 9. And see the Titles of sundry Psalmes Of Heman See the Annotations on 1 Chron VI. verse 4 33. See likewise 1 Chron. XV. 17. and chap. XVI 41. 2 Chron. V. 12. and XXIX 14. and Chap. XXXV 15. Jeduthun See 1 Chron. verse 6 XVI 41 42. 2 Chron. VI. 12. and chap. XXIX 14. and XXXV 15. And the Titles of Psal. XXXIX 62 77. The four and twentieth As many Courses and Companies of Musitians or Singers verse 31 as there were of Priests chap. XXIV 18. and of Levites attending on the Priests chap. XXIV 31. These as the others in their Weeks and courses attended Porters Of their Office chapter XXVI verse 1 see 2 Chron. XXIII 19. and the Annotations on this text Their number 1 Chron. XXIII 5. Korhites Descended from that Korah Num. XVI 1. great grand-childe of Levi From which Korah descended likewise Elkanah and Samuel the Prophet and Heman the singer 1 Chron. VI. 27. 33 37 38. 1 Sam. I. 1. treasures Many sorts of Treasures verse 20 and many Treasurers in Gods Temple ver 20 26. See the Annotations on this text All that Samuel Samuel verse 28 and Saul and Abner and Joab did dedicate part of the spoiles won in battells to maintaine the House of the Lord. Izbarites And Hebronites verse 29 ver 30 31 32. being Levites 1 Chr. XXIII 12. Num. III. 27. 1 Chron. XXIV 20 24. were imploied also for the outward businesse over Israel for Officers and Judges on this side Jordan Westward in all businesse of the Lord and in the service of the King And some of them made Rulers over the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and affairs of the King moneth by moneth David had twelve Captains for the twelve moneths chapter XXVII verse 1 each with their Companies in their several moneths and courses attending the King And Solomon had the like after him 1 King IV. Each Captain in Davids time had twenty four thousand under him which in all arise to 288000. Davids 〈…〉 and Husbandry a chief Priest The word so most usually signifieth 〈…〉 times it signifieth also a Prince verse 5 or Temporal Ruler And 〈◊〉 VIII 18. and XX. 26. and 1 King IV. 5. and 2 King X 11. And 〈◊〉 And the fathers-in-Law of Joseph Gen. XLI 45 and of Moses Exod. III. 1. were Princes for they would not marry the daughters of idolatrous Priests The word came thus to be used in both sense because the same persons at first were both Priests and Rulers as the firtst-borne before the Law Moses Psal. XCIX 6. and Eli. and Samuel under the Law And among the Heathen famous is that of Anius Rex idem Hominum chapter I Phoebique Sacerdos over the Tribes These are Commanders in Peace verse 16. 22. Princes or Rulers of the tribes where thirteen are named Or whom one is named of the Levites And another of the Aaronites One of the halfe tribe of Manasseh And another of the other halfe And Gad and Asher are left out stood up Being now well-nigh bedrid chapter XXVIII immediately before or immediately after Adonijah his conspiracie verse 2. II. Candlesticks of silver For the use of the Courts verse 15 Chambers c. yet young and tender Of Solomons age chapter XXIX verse 1 see the Observation on 1 King III. 7. three thousand See the observations on chap. verse 4 XXII 14. Thine Like the doxology of the Lords Prayer verse 11 Keep this Davids remarkable Prayer verse 18 the second time and anointed him The rather because the first anointing was in a time of tumult verse 22 when Adonia the next brother to Absalom sought to reigne 1 King I. 39. But whether the later Anointing was before or after Davids death It is not clear But sure it is that David himself was thrice anointed once at Bethlehem by Samuel and twice at Hebron 1 Sam. XVI 13. 2. Sam. II. 4. 1 Chron. XI
3. II. Chronicles THE II. Book of Chronicles contains the History of the Kings of Judah not of Israel but a little occasionally when the two Kingdomes had to do one with another unto the last end of that Kingdome viz. from the first of Solomon to the Babylonish captivity Mentioning also the Proclamation of Cyrus for the Returne out of the Captivity Containing in all till that Returne four hundred sixty six years or upwards some say four hundred and eighty which number of four hundred and eighty was exactly compleat from the coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt till the building of Solomons Temple 1 King VI. 1. horsemen Ver. chapter I verse 14 28. of Horsemen and Solomons horses see the Observations on Judg. XX. 2. How farre his multiplying of Horses 1 King IV. 26. and X. 36. And his multiplying of wives 1 King XI 3. And his multiplying of gold and silver 1 King X. 21 27. 2 Chron. I. 15. and chap. IX 27. may square with or swarve from may stand or fall by that Law for Kings Deut. XVII 16 17. is a thing to be considered and not very hard to be determined threescore and ten thousand And ver chapter II verse 2 17 18. Solomons workmen in Lebanon were 150000. viz. 70000. Bearers and 80000. Hewers All of strangers dwelling in the Land of Israel And his Overseers of them were 3600. Such strangers likewise And so each of them were over fourty two workmen or thereabout And three hundred of these Overseers which are more then those set downe 1 King V. 16. might be extraordinary in case any of the Ordinary should faile by sicknesse death or any other way And thus the Ordinarie Overseers would be one over fourty five workmen or thereabout Or rather those three thousand three hundred 1 King V. 16. were Israelites the chief of Solomons Officers added to the other three thousand sixe hundred Overseers and set partly as with them so over them and partly over the whole work And so each Overseer would be over twenty one workmen at least Those sixteen thousand a moneth by course 1 King V. 13 14. are by some added to the Overseers And so there would be one Overseer to eight workmen But they may seeme rather to be the better sort of workmen of the Israelites joyned to King Hirams workmen 1 King V. 6. Those Officers viz. five hundred and fifty 1 King 9. 23. seeme to be the chief of the Officers that were over Solomons other words when he builded his owne house and that for Pharaohs daughter and all his other Buildings besides the Temple ver 15 19. 2 Chron. VIII 1 6. These bare rule over the people that wrought in those works And the two hundred and fifty 2 Chron. VIII 10. seeme to be chief of his Officers that bare rule over the people i. e. over those Canaanites that Solomon had made Tributaries ver 7 8. to rule them And so iffering from the former five hundred and fifty of beaten wheat The difference of the Food and Measures of them verse 10 given by Solomon here over and above that in 1 King V. 11. may stand in this That the former was for King Hirams Court and houshold And this here for his workmen in Lebanon Bathes See the Observations on Gen. verse 13 XVIII 6. of Huram my father See the observations on 1 King verse 16 V. 1. to Joppa See the Observations on Jonah I. 3. Solomon Solomon had divers elder brethren living chapter III verse 1. 9. besides Adoniah when he was made King and he was the eldest sonne of the four by Bathshuah or Bathshebah though he be recorded last 2 Sam. XII 24. 1 Chron. III. 5. and XIV 4 2 Sam. V. 14. And Nathan was the second from whom Christ came Luke III. 31. After the first measure See the Annotations on Ezek. verse 3 XL. 5. Greater house This was twice as big as the Oracle verse 5 and four times as big as the Porch 1 King VI. 3. he seiled Or covered This and the next verse seemes to relate to the Floore of the Temple 1 King VI. 15. The walls are mentioned in the seventh verse following Chambers Of these see 1 King verse 9 VI. 5. 1 Chron. XXVIII 11 12. Ezek. XL. 44 45 46. and chap. XLI 5 11. and chap. XLII 1 13. an Altar of brasse That Altar in the Tabernacle was made of Shittim wood chapter IV verse 1 hallow with boords and over-laid with brasse Exod. XXVII 1 2 8. And the staves of it likewise ver 6. And so Exod. XXXVIII 1 6 7. And again it was covered with broad Plates made of the Censers of those Sinners Num. XVI 38. This Altar of burnt-Offerings in the Temple though farre greater then the other seemes to be made of the same materials Shittim wood and brasse Of the Altar in Ezekiels Visionary Temple see Ezek. XLIII 13. 17. Court Of the Courts see the Annotations on 1 King verse 9 VI. 36. right side See the Observations on 1 King verse 10 VII 39. Seventh moneth See chap. chapter V verse 3 VII 8 9 10. Levites Priests of the tribe of Levi verse 4 1 King VIII 3. Num. IV. 15. unto this day See 1 King verse 9 VIII 8. 1 Chron. IV. 41. till Nebuchadnezzar or Nebuzaradan burnt all 2 King XXV 9. If Ezra writ these Books of the Chronicles after the returne from the Babylonish Captivity then this phrase must be understood as a Proverbial speech to signifie a long time See the Observations on Deut. XV. 17. Neither chose I any man As I chose David chapter VI verse 5 a special type of Christ and in whose seed a royal succession was to continue from him to Christ. thou didst well The purpose approved verse 8 though the act forbidden the fire Of this see Levit. chapter VII verse 1 IX 24. 1 King XVIII 38. 1 Chron. XXI 26. sacrifice of 22000. verse 5 Ver. 7. The greatest Offering that we do read of Those 1 Chron. XXIX 21. 2 Chron. XV. 11. and chap. XXIX 32. and XXX 24. and XXXV 7 8 9. come short of this appeared Formerly verse 12 chap. I. 7. This is the second time 1 Kings IX 2. my wife shall not dwell chapter VIII verse 11 Solomons reverend and religious respect to the Place where the Ark of God had been four hundred and fifty Talents The thirty Talents reckoned here verse 18 more then those 1 King IX 28. seeme to go for all maner of charges of the Navy and Voyage Four thousand stals See the Observations on Judg. chapter IX verse 25 XX. 2. fourty years Being born after David warre with the Ammonites at Rabbah verse 30 2 Sam. XI and XII chapters A little before the time that Ammon deflowred Tamar And so aged about eighteen years when he began to reign Shechem See the Observations on Josh. chapter X verse 1 XXIV 1. Levites left Cast out by Jeroboam chapter XI verse 14 from their Cities houses inheritances