way_n of_o compare_v of_o jehoshaphat_n to_o ahab_n we_o may_v see_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v vers_fw-la 4._o but_o seek_v to_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n and_o not_o after_o the_o do_n of_o israel_n verse_n 6._o and_o his_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v he_o become_v zealous_a and_o very_o courageous_a in_o god_n cause_n and_o go_v forward_o with_o a_o high_a and_o magnanimous_a spirit_n without_o any_o baseness_n fear_n or_o carnal_a respect_n moreover_o he_o take_v away_o the_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n out_o of_o judah_n the_o high_a place_n whereon_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v worship_v though_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n be_v not_o by_o jehoshaphat_n take_v away_o chap._n 20.33_o and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o such_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n wherein_o they_o worship_v idol-god_n these_o indeed_o asa_n his_o father_n have_v take_v away_o chap._n 14.3_o but_o it_o seem_v in_o the_o latter_a and_o decline_a day_n of_o asa_n when_o he_o lay_v sick_a some_o of_o the_o people_n that_o linger_v still_o after_o their_o former_a idolatry_n make_v use_v of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o time_n and_o do_v secret_o set_v up_o their_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n again_o and_o these_o they_o be_v that_o jehoshaphat_n after_o search_v make_v do_v now_o take_v away_o verse_n 7._o and_o in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o send_v to_o his_o prince_n etc._n etc._n to_o teach_v in_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o at_o other_o time_n the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v now_o live_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n without_o any_o ordinary_a teach_n but_o because_o he_o find_v that_o the_o people_n be_v in_o many_o place_n so_o incline_v to_o idolatry_n as_o have_v set_v up_o their_o high_a place_n which_o his_o father_n asa_n have_v pull_v down_o these_o choice_a priest_n and_o levite_n mention_v vers_fw-la 8._o be_v send_v as_o visitour_n into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v true_o teach_v and_o by_o their_o own_o personal_a teach_n both_o to_o confirm_v those_o that_o be_v right_o instruct_v and_o to_o convince_v those_o that_o be_v corrupt_a and_o to_o show_v they_o how_o express_o the_o law_n do_v forbid_v and_o threaten_v all_o idolatry_n whatsoever_o and_o with_o they_o these_o prince_n be_v send_v to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v they_o and_o happy_o to_o punish_v those_o that_o shall_v oppose_v they_o or_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n verse_n 13._o and_o the_o man_n of_o war_n mighty_a man_n of_o valour_n be_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v his_o general_n and_o captain_n and_o some_o company_n of_o their_o soldier_n still_o attend_v with_o they_o verse_n 14._o adnah_n the_o chief_a and_o with_o he_o mighty_a man_n of_o valour_n three_o hundred_o thousand_o that_o be_v under_o his_o command_n verse_n 16._o amasiah_n the_o son_n of_o zichri_fw-la who_o willing_o offer_v himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n to_o fight_v his_o battle_n some_o say_v as_o a_o nazarite_n verse_n 19_o these_o wait_v on_o the_o king_n beside_o those_o who_o the_o king_n put_v in_o the_o fence_a city_n throughout_o all_o judah_n that_o be_v these_o captain_n before_o mention_v and_o some_o of_o their_o band_n by_o course_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o do_v at_o one_o time_n attend_v on_o the_o king_n person_n at_o jerusalem_n yea_o because_o the_o total_a number_n of_o the_o soldier_n here_o mention_v amount_v to_o eleven_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o thousand_o and_o it_o seem_v not_o probable_a that_o jehoshaphat_n will_v have_v be_v so_o affright_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n that_o come_v against_o he_o chap._n 20.12_o if_o he_o have_v have_v eleven_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o thousand_o train_v man_n in_o his_o kingdom_n beside_o those_o wherewith_o his_o strong_a city_n be_v man_v therefore_o some_o conceive_v it_o more_o likely_a that_o he_o have_v not_o all_o these_o at_o one_o time_n but_o successive_o the_o train_a band_n of_o judah_n be_v first_o under_o the_o command_n of_o adnah_n and_o then_o adnah_n be_v dead_a under_o the_o command_n of_o jehohanan_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o train_a band_n of_o benjamin_n under_o the_o command_n of_o amasiah_n first_o than_o eliada_n and_o then_o jehozabad_n and_o be_v in_o the_o several_a time_n of_o these_o general_n sometime_o more_o and_o sometime_o less_o chap._n xviii_o verse_n 1._o now_o jehoshaphat_n have_v riches_n and_o honour_n in_o abundance_n and_o join_v affinity_n with_o ahab_n to_o wit_n by_o marry_v his_o elder_a son_n joram_n to_o athaliah_n ahab'_v daughter_n chap._n 21.6_o and_o 2._o king_n 8.18_o verse_n 2._o and_o after_o certain_a year_n he_o go_v down_o to_o ahab_n to_o samaria_n to_o wit_n about_o the_o seventeen_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n see_v the_o note_n for_o this_o chapter_n 1._o king_n 22.1_o etc._n etc._n chap._n xix_o verse_n 2._o and_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n the_o seer_n go_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o who_o reprove_v asa_n jehoshaphats_n father_n see_v chap._n 16.7_o and_o say_v to_o king_n jehoshaphat_n shall_v thou_o help_v the_o ungodly_a and_o love_v they_o that_o hate_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v ought_v thou_o thus_o to_o join_v thyself_o in_o such_o strict_a way_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n with_o such_o a_o wicked_a idolatrous_a wretch_n such_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n as_o ahab_n be_v in_o some_o case_n to_o join_v in_o league_n with_o infidel_n and_o idolater_n be_v not_o unlawful_a gen._n 14.13_o when_o it_o be_v do_v only_o to_o uphold_v peace_n to_o maintain_v mutual_a traffic_n or_o for_o the_o common_a defence_n of_o their_o country_n but_o otherwise_o unnecessary_o as_o out_o of_o love_n and_o friendship_n to_o join_v with_o they_o and_o help_v they_o be_v doubtless_o unlawful_a and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v now_o with_o jehoshaphat_n therefore_o be_v wrath_n upon_o thou_o from_o before_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v god_n be_v high_o displease_v with_o thou_o and_o have_v determine_v to_o pour_v forth_o his_o displeasure_n upon_o thou_o and_o this_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o that_o invasion_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n which_o follow_v not_o long_o after_o chap._n 20.1_o or_o happy_o to_o some_o dissension_n that_o begin_v at_o present_a betwixt_o his_o son_n the_o seed_n of_o that_o horrid_a slaughter_n which_o his_o elder_a son_n do_v afterward_o make_v among_o they_o chap._n 21.4_o verse_n 3._o nevertheless_o there_o be_v good_a thing_n find_v in_o thou_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v add_v to_o intimate_v that_o because_o of_o this_o the_o lord_n will_v deal_v gentle_o with_o he_o and_o even_o in_o judgement_n remember_v mercy_n verse_n 4._o and_o he_o go_v out_o again_o etc._n etc._n and_o bring_v they_o back_o unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n that_o be_v where_o he_o find_v any_o idolatry_n or_o any_o corruption_n among_o the_o people_n he_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o reform_v what_o be_v out_o of_o order_n among_o they_o verse_n 5._o and_o he_o set_v judge_n in_o the_o land_n etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n where_o he_o find_v any_o want_v verse_n 6._o you_o judge_v not_o for_o man_n but_o for_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v with_o you_o in_o the_o judgement_n that_o be_v who_o person_n you_o represent_v and_o who_o be_v present_a see_v all_o you_o do_v and_z according_o ready_a to_o stand_v by_o you_o and_o defend_v you_o if_o you_o judge_v aright_o and_o to_o punish_v you_o if_o you_o deal_v unjust_o verse_n 8._o in_o jerusalem_n do_v jehoshaphat_n set_v of_o the_o levite_n and_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n see_v above_o vers_fw-la 5._o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o high_a senate_n or_o council_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o all_o appeal_n be_v make_v from_o inferior_a court_n and_o to_o which_o all_o cause_n of_o difficulty_n be_v refer_v both_o for_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a affair_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v for_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n concern_v which_o god_n have_v determine_v in_o his_o law_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o for_o controversy_n to_o wit_n in_o cause_n mere_o civil_a see_v deut._n 17.8_o 9_o 10._o verse_n 10._o and_o what_o cause_n soever_o shall_v come_v to_o you_o of_o your_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o their_o city_n between_o blood_n and_o blood_n between_o law_n and_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v where_o each_o party_n
consummation_n of_o all_o the_o former_a plague_n verse_n 13._o for_o his_o heart_n tremble_v for_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n which_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o heavy_a thing_n which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o he_o first_o by_o the_o man_n of_o god_n chap._n 2.27_o and_o then_o by_o samuel_n chap._n 3.18_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o great_a care_n be_v take_v above_o all_o for_o the_o ark_n lest_o that_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n verse_n 15._o now_o eli_n be_v ninety_o and_o eight_o year_n old_a and_o his_o eye_n be_v dim_a that_o he_o can_v not_o see_v his_o age_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o blindness_n his_o blindness_n as_o the_o cause_n why_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o this_o doleful_a messenger_n till_o he_o perceive_v somewhat_o be_v amiss_o by_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o people_n verse_n 18._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n that_o he_o fall_v from_o off_o the_o seat_n this_o imply_v first_o the_o suddenness_n of_o his_o death_n no_o soon_o do_v the_o messenger_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o ark_n but_o present_o his_o heart_n die_v within_o he_o and_o so_o fall_v down_o backward_o he_o break_v his_o neck_n and_o second_o how_o grievous_a it_o be_v to_o he_o to_o hear_v the_o ark_n be_v take_v though_o he_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o flight_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o of_o the_o death_n of_o his_o two_o son_n yet_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v take_v that_o present_o strike_v he_o into_o a_o deadly_a swoâ—n_n as_o for_o the_o gate_n from_o the_o seat_n whereof_o he_o fall_v either_o it_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n or_o of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o if_o the_o last_o be_v mean_v very_o observable_a it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o his_o son_n have_v so_o grievous_o sin_v chap._n 2.22_o this_o heavy_a hand_n of_o god_n shall_v fall_v upon_o he_o for_o he_o be_v a_o old_a man_n and_o heavy_a both_o his_o weakness_n through_o age_n and_o the_o corpulency_n and_o unwieldnesse_n of_o his_o body_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o fall_v he_o break_v his_o neck_n and_o therefore_o be_v they_o here_o express_v verse_n 19_o when_o she_o hear_v the_o tiding_n that_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v take_v and_o that_o her_o father_n in_o law_n and_o her_o husband_n be_v dead_a she_o bow_v herself_o etc._n etc._n as_o woman_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v when_o the_o pain_n of_o travel_n come_v upon_o they_o verse_n 20._o but_o she_o answer_v not_o neither_o do_v she_o regard_v it_o that_o be_v she_o make_v no_o answer_n to_o that_o wherewith_o they_o seek_v to_o comfort_v she_o as_o indeed_o not_o regard_v it_o but_o rather_o proceed_v on_o in_o express_v her_o sorrow_n by_o give_v that_o name_n ichabod_n that_o be_v where_o be_v the_o glory_n or_o there_o be_v no_o glory_n to_o her_o son_n that_o be_v bear_v verse_n 21._o the_o glory_n be_v depart_v from_o israel_n &c_n &c_n god_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n because_o reject_v other_o nation_n he_o have_v choose_v they_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a treasure_n psal_n 106.20_o thus_o they_o change_v their_o glory_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o ox_n that_o eat_v grass_n jer._n 2.11_o have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o be_v yet_o no_o god_n but_o my_o people_n have_v change_v their_o glory_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o profit_n and_o therefore_o she_o say_v that_o the_o glory_n be_v depart_v from_o israel_n because_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o ark_n which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n presence_n among_o they_o and_o consequent_o their_o glory_n psal_n 26.8_o lord_n i_o have_v love_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o the_o place_n where_o thy_o honour_n dwell_v and_o psal_n 78.60_o 61._o so_o that_o he_o forsake_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o shiloh_n the_o tent_n which_o he_o place_v among_o man_n and_o deliver_v his_o strength_n into_o captivity_n and_o his_o glory_n into_o the_o enemy_n hand_n chap._n v._n verse_n 2._o when_o the_o philistine_n take_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n they_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o house_n of_o dagon_n and_o set_v it_o by_o dagon_n this_o they_o do_v either_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o ark_n present_v it_o as_o a_o captive_a before_o their_o dagon_n by_o who_o help_n they_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v overcome_v both_o the_o hebrew_n and_o their_o god_n or_o else_o out_o of_o a_o kind_n of_o reverence_n they_o bear_v to_o this_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o therefore_o they_o think_v good_a to_o place_v with_o dagon_n in_o his_o temple_n whence_o also_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o they_o fear_v to_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o it_o by_o open_v it_o and_o take_v forth_o those_o holy_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o it_o verse_n 3._o behold_v dagon_n be_v fall_v upon_o his_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o hereby_o do_v the_o lord_n discover_v to_o the_o philistine_n what_o a_o vain_a idol_n their_o dagon_n be_v and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o only_a true_a almighty_a god_n yea_o the_o more_o the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v herein_o because_o he_o cast_v down_o this_o idol-god_n in_o his_o own_o temple_n enemy_n be_v never_o foil_v with_o more_o glory_n to_o the_o conqueror_n then_o when_o they_o be_v overcome_v in_o their_o own_o dominion_n beside_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o fall_n of_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n do_v notable_o shadow_v forth_o the_o ruin_n of_o idolatry_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o rivall-god_n to_o stand_v cheek_n by_o jowl_n with_o he_o but_o when_o the_o gospel_n come_v in_o idolatry_n shall_v down_o and_o they_o take_v dagon_n and_o set_v he_o in_o his_o place_n again_o have_v dagon_n fall_v but_o once_o be_v at_o first_o dash_v in_o piece_n they_o may_v have_v pretend_v that_o it_o come_v by_o some_o casualty_n but_o now_o when_o upon_o the_o first_o fall_n they_o set_v it_o up_o again_o and_o no_o doubt_n use_v all_o the_o skill_n they_o can_v to_o fasten_v it_o this_o make_v it_o beyond_o all_o excuse_n manifest_a that_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n only_o it_o be_v beat_v down_o verse_n 4._o and_o the_o head_n of_o dagon_n and_o both_o the_o palm_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v cut_v off_o upon_o the_o threshold_n etc._n etc._n the_o head_n the_o seat_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o hand_n wherewith_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n be_v put_v forth_o be_v cut_v off_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o knowledge_n nor_o power_n in_o this_o their_o idol-god_n beside_o now_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o set_v up_o their_o idol_n again_o and_o conceal_v his_o overthrow_n from_o the_o people_n as_o before_o perhaps_o they_o do_v by_o cast_v the_o head_n and_o hand_n upon_o the_o threshold_n that_o those_o that_o enter_v may_v present_o trample_v upon_o they_o the_o lord_n show_v the_o baseness_n of_o this_o their_o idol-god_n or_o that_o he_o will_v have_v this_o spectacle_n scar_v they_o from_o come_v any_o more_o into_o that_o temple_n for_o that_o gross_a idolatry_n whereto_o they_o have_v former_o give_v themselves_o as_o for_o that_o last_o clause_n only_o the_o stump_n of_o dagon_n be_v leave_v to_o he_o in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v only_a dagon_n remain_v the_o ground_n whereof_o may_v be_v because_o the_o most_o of_o the_o idol_n that_o remain_v be_v the_o fishie_a part_n for_o dag_n signify_v a_o fish_n now_o because_o this_o idol_n be_v so_o call_v in_o regard_n that_o in_o the_o nether_a part_n it_o resemble_v a_o fish_n the_o hand_n and_o head_n be_v cut_v off_o it_o be_v say_v that_o only_a dagon_n remain_v see_v the_o note_n judge_n 16.23_o verse_n 5._o therefore_o neither_o the_o priest_n of_o dagon_n nor_o any_o that_o come_v into_o dagons_n house_n tread_v on_o the_o threshold_n etc._n etc._n this_o they_o do_v either_o by_o way_n of_o veneration_n as_o account_v the_o threshold_n sanctify_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o head_n and_o hand_n of_o their_o idol_n or_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o detestation_n as_o think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o fall_n of_o their_o idol_n upon_o the_o threshold_n that_o have_v dash_v it_o in_o piece_n for_o why_o else_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o have_v forbear_v to_o tread_v upon_o the_o pavement_n where_o the_o body_n of_o their_o idol_n lay_v however_o thus_o by_o the_o alrul_a providence_n of_o god_n even_o
zion_n and_o be_v therefore_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o much_o ingratitude_n against_o their_o sovereign_a and_o fear_v withal_o his_o just_a displeasure_n against_o they_o they_o dare_v not_o think_v of_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v he_o david_n therefore_o by_o the_o priest_n who_o have_v stay_v all_o this_o while_n in_o jerusalem_n send_v they_o word_n how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o pardon_v and_o forget_v all_o that_o be_v past_a why_o be_v you_o the_o last_o to_o bring_v the_o king_n back_o to_o his_o house_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o be_v singular_a as_o be_v his_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o tribe_n with_o himself_o you_o be_v my_o brethren_n you_o be_v my_o bone_n and_o my_o flesh_n and_o acquaint_v they_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o other_o tribe_n warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o last_o in_o fetch_v home_o their_o king_n that_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o thus_o be_v david_n a_o notable_a type_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v also_o fetch_v in_o rebel_n to_o god_n by_o proclaim_v the_o tiding_n of_o mercy_n to_o they_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n may_v scare_v sinner_n and_o make_v they_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o run_v away_o from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o tender_a of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o make_v they_o come_v in_o and_o submit_v themselves_o verse_n 13._o and_o say_v you_o to_o amasa_n be_v thou_o not_o of_o my_o bone_n and_o of_o my_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n david_n doubt_v that_o amasa_n despair_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o offence_n may_v draw_v from_o he_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n now_o under_o his_o command_n he_o send_v particular_o to_o he_o both_o to_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v he_o into_o his_o favour_n again_o and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o respect_n of_o a_o near_a kinsman_n for_o he_o be_v indeed_o his_o sister_n son_n 1._o chron._n 2.16_o 17._o and_o also_o to_o proffer_v he_o the_o place_n of_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n the_o place_n which_o absalon_n have_v give_v he_o and_o which_o joab_n now_o enjoy_v and_o have_v long_o since_o purchase_v by_o his_o valour_n 1._o chron._n 11.6_o god_n do_v so_o to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n before_o i_o continual_o in_o the_o room_n of_o joab_n and_o thus_o do_v david_n seek_v both_o to_o satisfy_v amasa_n and_o win_v he_o to_o come_v in_o and_o withal_o to_o weaken_v the_o excessive_a power_n of_o joab_n who_o have_v always_o carry_v himself_o too_o too_o insolent_o towards_o he_o and_o have_v now_o late_o much_o provoke_v he_o both_o by_o slay_v absalon_n against_o his_o express_a command_n and_o speak_v so_o rough_o and_o rude_o to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaviness_n lament_v his_o death_n verse_n 14._o and_o he_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n even_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o one_o man_n etc._n etc._n some_o understand_v this_o of_o amasa_n that_o upon_o this_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o by_o david_n he_o present_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n to_o david_n so_o that_o unanimous_o they_o send_v to_o the_o king_n their_o desire_n that_o he_o shall_v return_v to_o jerusalem_n again_o and_o the_o tender_a of_o their_o fealty_n and_o allegiance_n to_o he_o as_o in_o former_a time_n but_o i_o rather_o think_v with_o other_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o david_n and_o that_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o his_o wise_a and_o gentle_a carriage_n of_o himself_o both_o towards_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n in_o general_a and_o amasa_n in_o particular_a namely_o that_o herewith_o he_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n to_o desire_v unanimous_o to_o settle_v he_o again_o in_o the_o throne_n it_o may_v have_v cost_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o blood_n to_o have_v subdue_v they_o by_o force_n but_o by_o these_o tender_n of_o grace_n he_o bow_v their_o heart_n to_o he_o even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o desire_n verse_n 17._o and_o they_o go_v over_o jordan_n before_o the_o king_n that_o be_v before_o the_o king_n come_v over_o to_o wit_n to_o meet_v he_o there_o on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o to_o fetch_v he_o over_o verse_n 20._o i_o be_o come_v the_o first_o this_o day_n of_o all_o the_o house_n of_o joseph_n to_o go_v down_o to_o meet_v my_o lord_n the_o king_n it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v why_o shimei_n who_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n chap._n 16.5_o shall_v here_o say_v i_o be_o come_v the_o first_o this_o day_n of_o all_o the_o house_n of_o joseph_n but_o to_o this_o two_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v which_o have_v good_a evidence_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o to_o omit_v other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o satisfactory_a as_o these_o be_v to_o wit_n first_o that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o come_v to_o the_o king_n as_o consider_v apart_o from_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n the_o scripture_n be_v wont_v ordinary_o to_o divide_v the_o tribe_n into_o judah_n and_o israel_n and_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n so_o reckon_v a_o part_n from_o judah_n be_v usual_o call_v ephraim_n because_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o those_o tribe_n as_o esa_n 7.2_o syria_n be_v confederate_a with_o ephraim_n and_o the_o house_n of_o joseph_n psal_n 80.1_o give_v ear_n o_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n thou_o that_o lead_v joseph_n like_o a_o flock_n and_o zach._n 10.6_o i_o will_v strengthen_v the_o house_n of_o judah_n and_o i_o will_v save_v the_o house_n of_o joseph_n and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o same_o regard_n all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n as_o distinguish_v from_o judah_n be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o word_n the_o house_n of_o joseph_n or_o second_o that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o be_v come_v before_o any_o of_o the_o house_n of_o joseph_n i_o be_o come_v the_o first_o this_o day_n of_o all_o the_o house_n of_o joseph_n that_o be_v i_o be_o come_v before_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o because_o indeed_o where_o judah_n and_o israel_n or_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o scripture_n benjamin_n be_v usual_o reckon_v with_o judah_n therefore_o many_o expositor_n do_v rather_o approve_v of_o this_o last_o resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n verse_n 22._o and_o david_n say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o you_o you_o son_n of_o zeruiah_n that_o you_o shall_v this_o day_n be_v adversary_n unto_o i_o that_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v advise_v i_o to_o that_o which_o may_v prove_v so_o exceed_o prejudicial_a to_o i_o my_o adversary_n can_v not_o wish_v i_o more_o hurt_n than_o this_o which_o you_o advise_v may_v bring_v upon_o i_o for_o do_v not_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o this_o day_n king_n over_o israel_n that_o be_v be_o i_o not_o this_o day_n reestablish_v again_o in_o my_o kingdom_n which_o i_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v and_o will_v it_o be_v convenient_a to_o damp_n the_o joy_n of_o this_o day_n with_o shed_v blood_n or_o will_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o beat_v off_o they_o that_o begin_v now_o to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o to_o endanger_v my_o yet_o unsettled_a estate_n by_o show_v such_o severity_n to_o he_o that_o first_o stoop_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n mercy_n in_o restore_v i_o to_o my_o kingdom_n induce_v i_o to_o show_v mercy_n to_o other_o verse_n 23._o therefore_o the_o king_n say_v unto_o shimei_n thou_o shall_v not_o die_v and_o the_o king_n swear_v unto_o he_o yet_o at_o his_o death_n he_o give_v solomon_n charge_v to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n 1._o king_n 2.9_o his_o hoar_a head_n bring_v thou_o down_o to_o the_o grave_n with_o blood_n as_o persuade_v himself_o happy_o that_o therein_o he_o shall_v not_o break_v his_o oath_n first_o because_o he_o swear_v only_o for_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o death_n i_o swear_v to_o he_o by_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v not_o put_v thou_o to_o death_n second_o because_o he_o do_v not_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v absolute_o enjoin_v his_o son_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n for_o this_o fact_n but_o to_o take_v some_o other_o occasion_n to_o do_v it_o for_o so_o much_o those_o word_n seem_v to_o imply_v which_o there_o he_o use_v thou_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o know_v what_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v unto_o he_o namely_o that_o if_o he_o watch_v and_o observe_v he_o well_o his_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v break_v forth_o and_o give_v occasion_n enough_o in_o somewhat_o or_o other_o to_o proceed_v against_o he_o
a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o the_o king_n to_o stand_v on_o of_o which_o see_v the_o note_n chap._n 11.14_o and_o therefore_o 2._o chron._n 34.31_o it_o be_v say_v of_o josiah_n that_o he_o stand_v in_o his_o place_n and_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v they_o consent_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v do_v according_a to_o the_o covenant_n verse_n 4._o and_o the_o king_n command_v hilkiah_n the_o high_a priest_n etc._n etc._n josiah_n do_v begin_v to_o purge_v judah_n and_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o grove_n and_o the_o idol_n which_o the_o people_n have_v worship_v in_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v six_o year_n before_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v 2._o chron._n 34.3_o but_o upon_o his_o hear_n of_o those_o grievous_a threaten_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n against_o idolatry_n he_o now_o proceed_v further_o and_o perfect_v that_o work_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v then_o begin_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o chronicle_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n undertake_v to_o relate_v the_o reformation_n that_o josiah_n wrought_v in_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o add_v also_o what_o be_v do_v afterward_o when_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n speak_v here_o how_o he_o suppress_v idolatry_n upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o law_n he_o join_v also_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n that_o all_o his_o zealous_a act_n in_o root_a out_o idolatry_n may_v be_v relate_v together_o as_o here_o that_o he_o command_v hilkiah_n the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o second_o order_n etc._n etc._n to_o bring_v out_o all_o the_o idolatrous_a trash_n that_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n where_o by_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o second_o order_n may_v be_v mean_v the_o inferior_a priest_n call_v priest_n of_o the_o second_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n or_o rather_o the_o first_o two_o chief_a priest_n of_o the_o two_o stock_n of_o eliazer_n and_o ithamar_n of_o who_o see_v the_o note_n 2._o sam._n 8.17_o some_o interpreter_n understand_v it_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o order_n of_o jedaiah_n the_o second_o of_o those_o twenty_o four_o order_n of_o the_o priest_n appoint_v by_o david_n 1._o chron._n 24.1.7_o but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v employ_v in_o purge_v the_o temple_n rather_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o he_o burn_v they_o without_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o field_n of_o kidron_n and_o carry_v the_o ash_n of_o they_o unto_o beth-el_a therewith_o to_o defile_v the_o prime_a seat_n of_o jeroboam_n idolatry_n and_o withal_o to_o express_v his_o detestation_n of_o these_o idol_n and_o that_o idolatry_n there_o first_o erect_v from_o whence_o the_o infection_n have_v overspread_v the_o whole_a land_n and_o have_v be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v fall_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o the_o law_n whatever_o touch_v the_o grave_n of_o dead_a man_n it_o be_v unclean_a and_o thus_o he_o manifest_v his_o detestation_n of_o these_o idolatrous_a monument_n and_o that_o he_o esteem_v they_o as_o most_o filthy_a thing_n fiâ—_n only_o for_o such_o unclean_a place_n nor_o need_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o josiah_n shall_v have_v this_o power_n in_o beth-el_a which_o be_v a_o city_n of_o samaria_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n for_o first_o abijah_n the_o son_n of_o rehoboam_n have_v long_o since_o take_v beth-el_a from_o jeroboam_n and_o annex_v it_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n 2._o chron._n 13.19_o and_o abijah_n pursue_v after_o jeroboam_n and_o take_v city_n from_o he_o beth-el_a with_o the_o town_n thereof_o and_o so_o perhaps_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o continue_v and_o second_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n be_v at_o this_o time_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o josiah_n whence_o be_v that_o vers_n 19_o and_o all_o the_o house_n also_o of_o the_o high_a place_n that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n which_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n have_v make_v to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n josiah_n take_v away_o and_o do_v to_o they_o according_a to_o all_o the_o act_n that_o he_o have_v do_v in_o beth-el_a of_o which_o two_o reason_n probable_a enough_o may_v be_v suppose_v for_o first_o it_o may_v be_v after_o the_o flight_n and_o death_n of_o sennacherib_n when_o merodach_n oppose_v himself_o against_o esarhaddon_a his_o son_n hezekiah_n take_v advantage_n of_o this_o faction_n in_o the_o north_n and_o lay_v hold_v upon_o so_o much_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o people_n or_o second_o perhaps_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o move_v the_o babylonian_a king_n to_o set_v manasseh_n free_a when_o he_o be_v his_o prisoner_n in_o babylon_n do_v also_o persuade_v he_o to_o give_v he_o with_o his_o liberty_n the_o dominion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o country_n of_o samaria_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o may_v defend_v these_o territory_n against_o the_o egyptian_a who_o begin_v in_o these_o time_n with_o great_a power_n and_o success_n to_o oppose_v the_o babylonian_n and_o indeed_o the_o earnestness_n of_o josiah_n in_o the_o king_n of_o babel_n quarrel_n notwithstanding_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n have_v so_o long_o hold_v great_a amity_n with_o those_o of_o egypt_n 2._o chron._n 35.20_o 21_o 22._o do_v argue_v that_o the_o composition_n which_o manasseh_n have_v make_v with_o that_o king_n or_o his_o ancestor_n be_v upon_o such_o friendly_a term_n as_o require_v not_o only_o a_o faithful_a observation_n but_o also_o a_o thankful_a requital_n verse_n 5._o and_o he_o put_v down_o the_o idolatrous_a priest_n who_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n have_v ordain_v to_o burn_v incense_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n here_o translate_v idolatrous_a priest_n be_v chemarim_n and_o because_o we_o find_v they_o mention_v zeph_n 1.4_o as_o distinct_a from_o the_o priest_n i_o will_v cut_v off_o the_o remnant_n of_o baal_n from_o this_o place_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o chemarim_n with_o the_o priest_n therefore_o many_o expositor_n hold_v that_o they_o be_v certain_a minister_n of_o their_o idolatry_n different_a from_o the_o priest_n such_o as_o the_o monk_n be_v among_o the_o papist_n or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o priest_n so_o call_v either_o because_o they_o wear_v black_a or_o colour_a garment_n or_o because_o they_o live_v a_o retire_a life_n in_o cell_n and_o cloister_n or_o because_o of_o their_o fiery_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n in_o their_o religion_n or_o because_o they_o be_v peculiar_o employ_v in_o burn_a incense_n verse_n 6._o and_o he_o bring_v out_o the_o grove_n from_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o grove_n be_v mean_v either_o the_o image_n or_o similitude_n of_o a_o grove_n which_o be_v hang_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o rather_o a_o very_a grove_n which_o idolatour_n for_o devotion_n have_v plant_v near_o unto_o the_o temple_n contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n deut._n 16.21_o thou_o shall_v not_o plant_v thou_o a_o grove_n of_o any_o tree_n near_o unto_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o therefore_o josiah_n do_v now_o cut_v down_o and_o remove_v from_o the_o temple_n burn_v it_o at_o the_o brook_n kidron_n without_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o cast_v the_o powder_n thereof_o upon_o the_o grave_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o people_n to_o wit_n both_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o in_o reproach_n of_o those_o that_o have_v worship_v they_o in_o their_o life_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o imply_v 2._o chron._n 34.4_o verse_n 7._o and_o he_o break_v down_o the_o house_n of_o the_o sodomite_n that_o be_v by_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n these_o sodomite_n 〈◊〉_d be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v not_o only_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o man_n unnatural_a lust_n but_o also_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o idol-god_n who_o they_o think_v please_v with_o such_o horrid_a uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o be_v their_o house_n build_v close_o to_o the_o temple_n and_o here_o the_o woman_n weave_v hang_n for_o the_o grove_n with_o which_o hang_n they_o compass_v in_o many_o several_a place_n in_o the_o grove_n as_o so_o many_o several_a tent_n and_o chappelsâ—_n dark_a the_o fit_a for_o those_o horrid_a deed_n of_o darkness_n which_o be_v there_o do_v for_o there_o they_o worship_v their_o idol_n and_o defile_v themselves_o with_o all_o kind_n both_o of_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a uncleanness_n verse_n 8._o and_o he_o bring_v
hebrew_n word_n which_o be_v here_o translate_v for_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o more_o intend_v in_o many_o place_n than_o a_o continuance_n for_o a_o long_a time_n as_o here_o happy_o that_o so_o long_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n shall_v continue_v one_o of_o solomon_n posterity_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o throne_n second_o that_o this_o promise_n may_v be_v conditional_a to_o wit_n that_o if_o his_o posterity_n shall_v keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n than_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o three_o that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o eternity_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o king_n of_o who_o solomon_n be_v a_o type_n though_o he_o be_v not_o lineal_o descend_v out_o of_o the_o loin_n of_o solomon_n verse_n 12._o only_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o give_v thou_o charge_n concern_v israel_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v and_o the_o lord_n instruct_v thou_o and_o direct_v thou_o how_o thou_o ought_v to_o govern_v his_o people_n israel_n and_o in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o we_o see_v solomon_n beg_v wisdom_n of_o god_n 1._o king_n 3.9_o verse_n 14._o now_o behold_v in_o my_o trouble_n i_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v i_o have_v prepare_v material_n for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o house_n that_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n thou_o may_v the_o more_o ready_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n not_o according_a unto_o my_o desire_n nor_o according_a to_o that_o which_o the_o transcendent_a majesty_n of_o god_n may_v require_v but_o according_a as_o i_o be_v able_a by_o reason_n of_o my_o continual_a trouble_n verse_n 18._o and_o the_o land_n be_v subdue_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o his_o people_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n be_v here_o join_v with_o israel_n as_o the_o king_n with_o his_o people_n and_o that_o the_o rather_o because_o by_o the_o subdue_a of_o the_o land_n the_o people_n enjoy_v their_o possession_n and_o dwelling_n and_o the_o lord_n his_o worship_n and_o service_n chap._n xxiii_o verse_n 1._o so_o when_o david_n be_v old_a and_o full_a of_o day_n he_o make_v solomon_n his_o son_n king_n over_o israel_n that_o be_v he_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o his_o people_n and_o prince_n that_o after_o his_o death_n his_o will_n be_v that_o solomon_n shall_v be_v king_n and_o that_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o appoint_v as_o be_v more_o full_o express_v chap._n 28_o 1_o 6._o where_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v do_v before_o david_n be_v bedrid_a vers_fw-la 2._o then_o david_n the_o king_n stand_v up_o upon_o his_o foot_n and_o say_v hear_v i_o my_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n and_o consequent_o that_o adonijah_n attempt_n 1._o king_n 1.5_o be_v against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o david_n embolden_v therein_o only_o by_o david_n weakness_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o such_o prince_n of_o his_o faction_n as_o mislike_v david_n prefer_v solomon_n before_o his_o elder_a son_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o david_n cause_v solomon_n to_o be_v actual_o anoint_a king_n 1._o king_n 1.33.34_o verse_n 2._o and_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n with_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n to_o wit_n to_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o that_o solomon_n by_o the_o lord_n express_a appointment_n be_v to_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o throne_n second_o to_o persuade_v the_o prince_n to_o assist_v solomon_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n three_o to_o establish_v a_o settle_a order_n for_o the_o attendance_n and_o service_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o the_o number_n of_o the_o levite_n be_v exceed_o increase_v and_o they_o be_v then_o to_o serve_v not_o in_o several_a place_n as_o before_o some_o at_o the_o tabernacle_n in_o gibeon_n some_o before_o the_o ark_n in_o david_n tent_n chap._n 16.37_o etc._n etc._n but_o altogether_o in_o the_o temple_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o appoint_v a_o order_n for_o their_o service_n to_o prevent_v confusion_n so_o it_o be_v requisite_a the_o prince_n and_o people_n shall_v be_v inform_v of_o god_n will_v herein_o and_o that_o david_n do_v nothing_o herein_o without_o direction_n from_o the_o lord_n chap._n 28.11_o 12_o 13_o 19_o verse_n 3._o now_o the_o levite_n be_v number_v from_o the_o age_n of_o thirty_o year_n and_o upward_a etc._n etc._n david_n number_v of_o the_o levite_n from_o the_o age_n of_o thirty_o year_n be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n that_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n when_o they_o be_v first_o number_v only_o than_o they_o number_v not_o any_o above_o fifty_o year_n numb_a 4.2_o 3._o take_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o son_n of_o kohath_n etc._n etc._n from_o thirty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a even_o until_o fifty_o year_n old_a but_o now_o it_o seem_v they_o number_v all_o from_o thirty_o year_n and_o upward_a not_o stay_v at_o those_o that_o be_v above_o fifty_o year_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v not_o now_o to_o carry_v the_o holy_a thing_n as_o they_o do_v in_o moses_n time_n and_o therefore_o even_o those_o above_o fifty_o year_n though_o weaken_v with_o age_n may_v serve_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v young_a and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o it_o seem_v when_o he_o have_v distribute_v the_o thirty_o eight_o thousand_o that_o be_v number_v from_o thirty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a to_o their_o several_a employment_n to_o wit_n four_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o for_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o six_o thousand_o for_o officer_n and_o judge_n vers_n 4._o four_o thousand_o for_o porter_n and_o four_o thousand_o for_o the_o choir_n vers_fw-la 5._o afterward_o he_o give_v order_n that_o all_o their_o posterity_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a shall_v in_o each_o rank_n be_v take_v in_o vers_fw-la 24._o first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o any_o long_a to_o carry_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o vessel_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o such_o strength_n of_o body_n be_v not_o now_o necessary_o requisite_a as_o before_o as_o be_v express_v vers_fw-la 24_o 25._o and_o second_o because_o now_o when_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v only_o in_o their_o course_n the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n will_v employ_v they_o all_o even_o those_o from_o twenty_o year_n be_v take_v in_o verse_n 4._o and_o six_o thousand_o be_v officer_n and_o judge_n and_o these_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o land_n to_o judge_v of_o cause_n that_o be_v bring_v before_o they_o for_o have_v no_o other_o civil_a and_o judicial_a law_n but_o those_o of_o moses_n the_o levite_n be_v always_o join_v with_o the_o other_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o work_n and_o happy_o to_o train_v up_o the_o young_a levite_n and_o other_o officer_n belong_v thereto_o of_o which_o see_v what_o be_v further_o add_v in_o note_n chap._n 26.29_o verse_n 5._o moreover_o four_o thousand_o be_v porter_n so_o many_o be_v at_o this_o time_n set_v a_o part_n by_o david_n to_o this_o employment_n yet_o of_o these_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v find_v at_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n only_o two_o hundred_o and_o twelve_o chap._n 9.22_o and_o four_o thousand_o praise_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o instrument_n etc._n etc._n whereof_o two_o hundred_o eighty_o eight_o be_v eminent_a man_n for_o cunning_a and_o happy_o teacher_n of_o the_o rest_n see_v the_o note_n chap._n 25.7_o verse_n 6._o and_o david_n divide_v they_o into_o course_n etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n into_o twenty_o four_o course_n as_o be_v also_o the_o priest_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o gad_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n 2._o chron._n 29.25_o and_o he_o set_v levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n verse_n 8._o the_o son_n of_o laadan_n the_o chief_a be_v jehiel_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o posterity_n of_o laadan_n head_n of_o family_n at_o this_o time_n when_o david_n divide_v they_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n and_o their_o several_a course_n be_v jehiel_n and_o zetham_n and_o joel_n and_o so_o this_o word_n son_n must_v be_v understand_v hereafter_o in_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 9_o the_o son_n of_o shimei_n shelomith_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o shimei_n the_o son_n of_o gershon_n vers_fw-la 7._o for_o his_o posterity_n be_v speak_v of_o afterward_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o another_o that_o be_v it_o seem_v the_o head_n of_o a_o family_n among_o the_o son_n of_o laadan_n perhaps_o one_o of_o those_o mention_v also_o in_o the_o forego_n
be_v many_o levite_n and_o iddo_n be_v the_o chief_a magistrate_n there_o or_o else_o they_o be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n as_o in_o a_o college_n under_o iddo_n their_o chief_a doctor_n and_o precedent_n to_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o certain_a levites_n to_o go_v up_o with_o he_o to_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o may_v assist_v he_o in_o that_o work_n which_o he_o have_v now_o undertake_v where_o this_o casiphia_n be_v we_o can_v say_v only_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o because_o these_o messenger_n go_v thither_o and_o come_v back_o with_o the_o levite_n and_o nethinims_n which_o iddo_n send_v he_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o so_o few_o day_n for_o ezra_n begin_v his_o journey_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n chap_n 7.9_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n begin_v he_o to_o go_v up_o from_o babylon_n etc._n etc._n and_o go_v away_o from_o the_o river_n ahava_n on_o the_o twelve_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n as_o be_v express_v vers_fw-la 21._o then_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o river_n ahava_n on_o the_o twelve_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o by_o casiphia_n be_v mean_v as_o some_o conceive_v the_o caspian_a mountain_n which_o be_v in_o the_o further_a part_n of_o media_n betwixt_o armenia_n and_o hyrcania_n verse_n 18._o they_o bring_v we_o a_o man_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o son_n of_o mahli_n the_o son_n of_o levi_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o grandchild_n of_o levi_n exod._n 6.16.19_o verse_n 20._o also_o of_o the_o nethinim_n who_o david_n and_o the_o prince_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o levite_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o gibeonite_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o levite_n by_o joshua_n long_o before_o david_n time_n and_o be_v thence_o call_v nethinims_n that_o be_v man_n give_v to_o god_n therefore_o some_o expositor_n conceive_v that_o david_n do_v add_v to_o the_o nethinim_n other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o gibeonite_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n why_o we_o shall_v thus_o understand_v this_o place_n for_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o the_o gibeonite_n be_v those_o nethinim_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o david_n and_o the_o prince_n have_v appoint_v they_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o that_o because_o though_o joshua_n do_v first_o design_n they_o to_o this_o service_n yet_o david_n do_v confirm_v they_o therein_o and_o perhaps_o give_v some_o special_a order_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o attendance_n verse_n 24._o then_o i_o separate_v twelve_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o priest_n sherebiah_n hashabiah_n and_o ten_o of_o their_o brethren_n with_o they_o that_o be_v together_o with_o twelve_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o priest_n i_o separate_v twelve_o of_o the_o levite_n sherebiah_n hashabiah_n etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n the_o levite_n above_o mention_v vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o that_o be_v send_v from_o iddo_n and_o these_o be_v join_v with_o the_o priest_n in_o this_o care_n of_o take_v charge_n of_o these_o holy_a thing_n to_o see_v that_o nothing_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o way_n as_o they_o carry_v they_o from_o babylon_n to_o jerusalem_n chap._n ix_o verse_n 1._o the_o prince_n come_v to_o i_o say_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o separate_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o ezraes_n come_n be_v to_o reform_v such_o abuse_n as_o be_v creep_v in_o among_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n some_o of_o the_o prince_n that_o be_v best_o affect_v come_v present_o to_o he_o and_o inform_v he_o of_o this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o heinous_a evil_n tolerate_v among_o they_o to_o wit_n that_o not_o the_o people_n only_o but_o the_o prince_n also_o yea_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n that_o can_v not_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n have_v marry_v wife_n of_o those_o idolatrous_a nation_n their_o neighbour_n about_o they_o and_o so_o also_o be_v taint_v by_o that_o mean_n in_o many_o thing_n with_o their_o abomination_n some_o expositor_n conceive_v that_o this_o be_v do_v before_o their_o return_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o indeed_o though_o these_o nation_n here_o mention_v the_o canaanite_n moabite_n ammonite_n etc._n etc._n dwell_v far_o from_o babylon_n yet_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o nabuchadnezzar_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v jerem._n 25.9_o behold_v i_o will_v send_v and_o take_v all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o north_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o king_n of_o babylon_n my_o servant_n and_o will_v bring_v they_o against_o this_o land_n and_o against_o all_o these_o nation_n round_o about_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v they_o have_v fall_v into_o this_o sin_n since_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n be_v sore_o corrupt_v with_o a_o very_a little_a rest_n as_o exra_n impli_v in_o his_o prayer_n vers_fw-la 8_o 10._o however_o not_o only_o single_a person_n but_o even_o those_o that_o be_v marry_v offend_v herein_o to_o the_o great_a vexation_n of_o their_o former_a wife_n mal._n 2.11_o 13._o judah_n have_v profane_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o love_v and_o have_v marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o a_o strange_a god_n and_o this_o have_v you_o do_v again_o cover_v the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o tear_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o tear_n of_o their_o first_o wife_n and_o so_o far_o be_v this_o corruption_n spread_v at_o present_a that_o among_o other_o even_o the_o son_n of_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o jozadak_n be_v in_o the_o transgression_n chap._n 10.18_o and_o among_o the_o son_n of_o the_o priest_n there_o be_v find_v that_o have_v strange_a wife_n namely_o of_o the_o son_n of_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o jozadak_n verse_n 2._o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n have_v be_v chief_a in_o this_o trespass_n that_o be_v they_o which_o shall_v have_v restrain_v the_o people_n from_o this_o wickedness_n have_v have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o it_o to_o wit_n as_o have_v be_v bold_a in_o this_o transgression_n and_o ringleader_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n verse_n 3_o i_o rend_v my_o garment_n and_o my_o mantle_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v both_o the_o coat_n that_o be_v gird_v close_o to_o his_o body_n and_o the_o loose_a mantle_n which_o he_o wear_v over_o that_o and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v thus_o express_v to_o show_v how_o passionate_o grieve_a and_o offend_v he_o be_v to_o hear_v that_o his_o brethren_n have_v thus_o gross_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o custom_n of_o rend_v their_o garment_n see_v gen._n 37.20_o verse_n 4._o then_o be_v assemble_v unto_o i_o every_o one_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v the_o report_n be_v quick_o carry_v about_o how_o mighty_o ezra_n be_v afflict_v and_o displease_v when_o he_o hear_v how_o his_o brethren_n have_v take_v wife_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n so_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a inhabitant_n that_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v themselves_o afraid_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n threaten_v in_o his_o word_n come_v present_o in_o to_o he_o partly_o to_o comfort_v he_o and_o partly_o to_o advise_v with_o he_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v the_o rather_o here_o insert_v to_o make_v way_n to_o that_o which_o follow_v which_o be_v add_v yet_o further_o to_o set_v forth_o how_o mighty_o he_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o tiding_n and_o i_o sit_v astonish_v until_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n though_o the_o brethren_n come_v in_o it_o be_v like_a to_o comfort_v he_o yet_o neither_o there_o presence_n nor_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v say_v do_v any_o whit_n move_v he_o but_o till_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_v there_o he_o sit_v among_o they_o like_o one_o that_o have_v neither_o life_n nor_o soul_n in_o he_o so_o overwhelm_v he_o be_v with_o grief_n and_o astonishment_n at_o that_o which_o have_v be_v tell_v he_o verse_n 5._o have_v rend_v my_o garment_n and_o my_o mantle_n i_o fall_v upon_o my_o knee_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v have_v before_o rend_v my_o garment_n vers_fw-la 3._o in_o that_o sad_a plight_n i_o fall_v down_o upon_o my_o knee_n before_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n verse_n 6._o our_o iniquity_n be_v increase_v over_o our_o head_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v they_o be_v innumerable_a we_o be_v even_o drown_v over_o head_n and_o ear_n in_o sin_n the_o expression_n be_v much_o like_o that_o psalm_n 38.4_o my_o iniquity_n be_v go_v over_o my_o head_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o next_o clause_n also_o and_o our_o trespass_n be_v
high_a senate_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o else_o as_o officer_n to_o give_v order_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o manage_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o their_o several_a city_n or_o to_o prepare_v and_o fit_a business_n for_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o two_o of_o these_o be_v levites_n that_o if_o any_o doubtful_a case_n happen_v they_o may_v inform_v they_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o case_n be_v verse_n 17._o and_o they_o make_v a_o end_n with_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v take_v strange_a wife_n by_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n and_o so_o be_v three_o whole_a month_n employ_v about_o it_o for_o they_o begin_v to_o sit_v about_o this_o business_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o ten_o month_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n verse_n 18_o and_o among_o the_o son_n of_o the_o priest_n there_o be_v find_v that_o have_v take_v strange_a wife_n namely_o of_o the_o son_n of_o jeshua_n the_o son_n of_o jozadak_n who_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n verse_n 19_o and_o be_v guilty_a the_o offer_v a_o ram_n of_o their_o flock_n for_o the_o trespass_n the_o like_a must_v be_v understand_v also_o of_o the_o rest_n though_o of_o each_o it_o be_v not_o express_v verse_n 20._o and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o immer_n etc._n etc._n these_o mention_v in_o the_o three_o follow_a verse_n be_v also_o priest_n verse_n 23._o also_o of_o the_o levite_n jozabad_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o levite_n that_o minister_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o the_o singer_n and_o porter_n who_o be_v also_o levites_n be_v name_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n verse_n 44._o and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v wife_n by_o who_o they_o have_v child_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o be_v put_v away_o annotation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n chap._n i._n the_o word_n of_o nehemiah_n the_o son_n of_o hachaliah_n that_o be_v nehemiahs_n relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v to_o wit_n for_o the_o city_n jerusalem_n and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o as_o in_o the_o former_a book_n we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n so_o in_o this_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o city_n and_o that_o nehemiah_n pen_v this_o book_n be_v evident_a as_o by_o this_o title_n so_o also_o by_o this_o that_o throughout_o the_o book_n he_o speak_v usual_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o person_n ay_o nehemiah_n &c._n &c._n and_o not_o in_o the_o three_o in_o the_o month_n of_o chisleu_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n as_o i_o be_v in_o shushan_n the_o palace_n etc._n etc._n chisleu_n be_v their_o nine_o month_n contain_v part_n of_o our_o november_n and_o december_n which_o be_v therefore_o observable_a because_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o hanani_n and_o his_o brethren_n that_o be_v come_v now_o into_o persia_n to_o nehemiah_n undertake_v their_o journey_n upon_o some_o business_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o winter_n by_o the_o twenty_o year_n here_o mention_v be_v mean_v the_o twenty_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n for_o so_o much_o be_v express_v chap._n 2.1_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o month_n nisan_fw-la in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n the_o king_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o it_o be_v artaxerxes_n mnemon_n or_o rather_o that_o artaxerxes_n who_o be_v call_v longimanus_fw-la or_o longhand_o because_o one_o of_o his_o hand_n be_v long_o than_o the_o other_o the_o same_o in_o who_o seven_o year_n ezra_n go_v down_o to_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v note_v ezra_n 7.1_o and_o not_o xerxes_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o we_o may_v the_o rather_o think_v because_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o two_o and_o thirty_o year_n of_o this_o artaxerxes_n chap._n 13.6_o whereas_o no_o historian_n reckon_v above_o one_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o xerxes_n as_o for_o the_o palace_n of_o shushan_n where_o nehemiah_n be_v when_o hanani_n and_o his_o brethren_n come_v to_o he_o thereby_o be_v mean_v the_o palace_n of_o the_o city_n shushan_n for_o shushan_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a city_n in_o persia_n esther_n 3.15_o the_o city_n shushan_n be_v perplex_v and_o hanani_n be_v one_o of_o the_o king_n officer_n live_v with_o he_o in_o the_o palace_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v the_o palace_n be_v peculiar_o call_v shushan_n as_o the_o city_n also_o be_v verse_n 3._o the_o remnant_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o the_o captivity_n there_o in_o the_o province_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o reproach_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v their_o neighbour_n round_o about_o they_o do_v exceed_o despise_v they_o and_o wrong_v they_o to_o which_o these_o jew_n add_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n also_o be_v break_v down_o and_o the_o gate_n thereof_o be_v burn_v with_o fire_n that_o be_v as_o nabuchadnezzar_n leave_v they_o long_o ago_o so_o they_o still_o continue_v and_o this_o make_v the_o enemy_n proud_o to_o insult_v over_o they_o and_o disable_v they_o to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o they_o some_o conceive_v thas_o ezra_n have_v build_v the_o wall_n and_o that_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n have_v since_o do_v this_o mischief_n but_o than_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o will_v have_v burn_v the_o whole_a city_n if_o not_o the_o temple_n too_o verse_n 4._o i_o sit_v down_o and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v certain_a day_n and_o fast_v and_o pray_v before_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v as_o prostrate_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o happy_o with_o his_o face_n towards_o the_o temple_n the_o place_n of_o god_n presence_n according_a to_o that_o 1_o king_n 8.44_o if_o thy_o people_n go_v out_o to_o battle_n against_o their_o enemy_n whithersoever_o thou_o shall_v send_v they_o and_o shall_v pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n towards_o the_o city_n which_o thou_o have_v choose_v and_o towards_o the_o house_n that_o i_o have_v build_v for_o thy_o name_n and_o dan._n 6.10_o he_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v verse_n 7._o and_o have_v not_o keep_v the_o commandment_n nor_o the_o statute_n nor_o the_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v neither_o the_o moral_a ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a law_n verse_n 9_o though_o there_o be_v of_o you_o cast_v out_o into_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o heaven_n yet_o will_v i_o gather_v they_o from_o thence_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v that_o though_o they_o be_v scattercd_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o god_n will_v bring_v they_o back_o from_o thence_o but_o because_o at_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o earth_n as_o man_n eye_n can_v at_o any_o time_n see_v the_o heaven_n seem_v to_o touch_v the_o earth_n and_o to_o cover_v it_o round_o about_o as_o with_o a_o half_a globe_n hence_o be_v this_o expression_n of_o be_v cast_v out_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o heaven_n verse_n 11._o prosper_n i_o pray_v thou_o thy_o servant_n this_o day_n and_o grant_v he_o mercy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o man_n that_o be_v artaxerxes_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n though_o a_o king_n and_o therefore_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n as_o other_o man_n be_v for_o i_o be_v the_o king_n cupbearer_n this_o he_o add_v to_o show_v what_o interest_n he_o have_v in_o the_o king_n to_o encourage_v he_o to_o move_v the_o king_n in_o this_o business_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 1._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o month_n nisan_fw-la in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n the_o king_n etc._n etc._n nisan_fw-la be_v their_o first_o month_n this_o therefore_o be_v some_o four_o month_n after_o he_o first_o hard_a by_o hanani_n of_o the_o distress_n of_o his_o brethren_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o month_n of_o chisleu_n the_o nine_o month_n chap._n 1.1_o all_o which_o time_n it_o seem_v he_o continue_v weep_v and_o fast_v and_o pray_v wait_v till_o his_o turn_n come_v of_o attend_v in_o the_o court_n in_o his_o office_n of_o cupbearer_n for_o that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o so_o long_a silence_n be_v i_o think_v evident_a first_o because_o have_v he_o all_o this_o while_n minister_v to_o the_o king_n it_o be_v likely_a the_o king_n will_v have_v discern_v his_o sadness_n and_o heaviness_n before_o this_o time_n and_o second_o because_o he_o will_v doubtless_o before_o this_o have_v make_v know_v his_o request_n to_o the_o king_n this_o month_n nisan_fw-la contain_v part_n of_o our_o march_n and_o part_n of_o april_n whence_o it_o
of_o comfort_v he_o or_o that_o he_o may_v come_v into_o the_o court_n yea_o happy_o that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o she_o and_o acquaint_v she_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o sorrow_n verse_n 7._o and_o mordecai_n tell_v he_o of_o all_o that_o have_v happen_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v he_o tell_v hatach_n who_o esther_n have_v send_v to_o he_o how_o haman_n have_v take_v offence_n at_o he_o for_o not_o bow_v to_o he_o and_o how_o in_o his_o rage_n he_o have_v procure_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o destroy_v the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v doubtless_o the_o more_o grievous_a to_o mordecai_n because_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o rage_n of_o that_o proud_a wretch_n against_o he_o in_o particular_a verse_n 8._o and_o to_o charge_v she_o that_o she_o shall_v go_v in_o unto_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o mordecai_n who_o she_o still_o reverence_v as_o her_o foster_n father_n chap._n 2.20_o esther_n do_v the_o commandment_n of_o mordecai_n like_o as_o when_o she_o be_v bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o for_o a_o public_a service_n of_o god_n church_n notwithstanding_o her_o greatness_n he_o doubt_v not_o to_o lay_v a_o charge_n upon_o she_o verse_n 11._o whosoever_o whether_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v come_v unto_o the_o king_n into_o the_o inner_a court_n who_o be_v not_o call_v there_o be_v one_o law_n of_o he_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o persian_a king_n provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o withal_o as_o they_o conceive_v to_o work_v the_o more_o â—aw_v and_o reverence_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n but_o i_o have_v not_o be_v call_v to_o come_v in_o unto_o the_o king_n these_o thirty_o day_n this_o she_o add_v as_o a_o ground_n of_o some_o fear_n lest_o the_o king_n affection_n towards_o she_o shall_v by_o some_o mean_n be_v abate_v and_o if_o so_o her_o attempt_n to_o go_v in_o to_o the_o king_n presence_n without_o a_o call_n must_v needs_o be_v perilous_a verse_n 16._o i_o also_o and_o my_o maiden_n will_v fast_o likewise_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o on_o the_o three_o of_o the_o three_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o fast_o chap._n 5.1_o esther_n lay_v by_o her_o mourn_a weed_n and_o put_v on_o her_o royal_a apparel_n and_o feast_v the_o same_o day_n vers_fw-la 4_o 5._o both_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o she_o go_v in_o to_o the_o king_n ere_o the_o last_o of_o their_o fast_n be_v end_v purposely_o that_o she_o may_v then_o venture_v to_o go_v in_o to_o the_o king_n unsent_a for_o when_o her_o brethren_n be_v employ_v in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o the_o king_n may_v show_v her_o favour_n either_o therefore_o this_o be_v mean_v only_o that_o as_o they_o fast_v so_o will_v the_o likewise_o and_o not_o that_o she_o mean_v to_o fast_v three_o entire_a night_n and_o day_n as_o they_o shall_v or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o as_o they_o so_o she_o likewise_o fast_v three_o day_n night_n and_o day_n because_o she_o fast_v three_o night_n for_o the_o jew_n begin_v their_o day_n at_o the_o evening_n and_o part_n of_o the_o three_o day_n much_o after_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o grave_n matth._n 12.40_o nor_o need_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o she_o undertake_v for_o her_o maid_n that_o they_o shall_v fast_o likewise_o for_o first_o though_o they_o be_v before_o of_o a_o other_o religion_n yet_o doubtless_o she_o do_v what_o she_o may_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o second_o partly_o by_o her_o favour_n at_o first_o with_o hegai_n the_o king_n chamberlain_n chap._n 2.8_o 9_o and_o partly_o by_o the_o respect_n afford_v she_o by_o all_o when_o she_o be_v queen_n she_o may_v well_o have_v liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o her_o own_o servant_n and_o so_o may_v choose_v such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v that_o be_v i_o refer_v myself_o to_o god_n good_a providence_n not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v rather_o than_o shrink_v from_o my_o duty_n herein_o and_o indeed_o consider_v what_o have_v befall_v vashti_n the_o former_a queen_n for_o disobey_v the_o king_n command_n she_o can_v not_o but_o think_v there_o be_v much_o danger_n to_o attempt_v to_o go_v in_o to_o the_o king_n against_o the_o law_n chap._n v._n verse_n 1._o now_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v on_o the_o three_o day_n etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n of_o their_o fast_n before_o that_o day_n be_v full_o end_v of_o which_o see_v the_o note_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n vers_fw-la 16._o she_o put_v on_o her_o royal_a apparel_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o inner_a court_n of_o the_o king_n house_n over_o against_o the_o king_n house_n it_o seem_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o king_n house_n there_o be_v some_o large_a and_o stately_a porch_n such_o as_o be_v solomon_n porch_n of_o judgement_n 1._o king_n 7.7_o where_o the_o king_n sit_v upon_o his_o royal_a throne_n as_o it_o be_v here_o say_v and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o soon_o as_o esther_n be_v come_v into_o the_o inner_a court_n and_o stand_v before_o the_o king_n house_n he_o present_o see_v she_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 2._o she_o obtain_v favour_n in_o his_o sight_n and_o the_o king_n hold_v out_o to_o esther_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n in_o token_n that_o he_o call_v she_o to_o come_v near_o to_o he_o and_o consequent_o have_v pardon_v she_o come_v in_o to_o the_o inner_a court_n not_o be_v send_v for_o and_o indeed_o consider_v what_o absolute_a obedience_n the_o persian_a monarch_n require_v of_o their_o subject_n to_o all_o their_o decree_n and_o that_o vashti_n his_o former_a queen_n who_o happy_o he_o have_v former_o love_v as_o well_o as_o esther_n be_v cast_v off_o for_o as_o small_a a_o offence_n as_o this_o of_o esther_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v above_o thirty_o day_n since_o esther_n be_v call_v in_o to_o the_o king_n which_o be_v hint_v chap._n 4.11_o as_o some_o ground_n of_o fear_n lest_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o king_n to_o she_o begin_v to_o abate_v we_o may_v well_o think_v there_o be_v a_o special_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o move_v the_o king_n heart_n to_o show_v her_o favour_n which_o be_v the_o gracious_a answer_n return_v to_o his_o people_n fast_v and_o prayer_n so_o esther_n draw_v near_o and_o touch_v the_o top_n of_o the_o sceptre_n as_o happy_o the_o custom_n be_v and_o that_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o of_o her_o thankful_a apprehend_n and_o embrace_v that_o favour_n he_o have_v now_o afford_v she_o by_o hold_v out_o that_o his_o sceptre_n unto_o she_o verse_n 3._o what_o be_v thy_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v even_o give_v thou_o to_o the_o half_a of_o the_o kingdom_n this_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n whereby_o in_o those_o time_n prince_n use_v liberal_o to_o promise_v what_o ever_o shall_v be_v desire_v though_o not_o intend_v literal_o that_o if_o they_o ask_v half_a of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o herod_n to_o the_o daughter_n of_o herodias_n mark_v 6.23_o and_o he_o swear_v unto_o she_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v ask_v of_o i_o i_o will_v give_v it_o thou_o unto_o the_o half_a of_o my_o kingdom_n verse_n 4._o let_v the_o king_n and_o haman_n come_v this_o day_n unto_o the_o banquet_n that_o i_o have_v prepare_v for_o he_o esther_n show_v much_o wisdom_n in_o desire_v that_o this_o favour_n may_v be_v do_v she_o before_o she_o make_v know_v the_o petition_n she_o have_v to_o make_v unto_o the_o king_n first_o because_o by_o her_o intend_a entertain_v the_o king_n at_o a_o feast_n she_o hope_v his_o love_n may_v yet_o further_o be_v inflame_v towards_o she_o second_o because_o she_o may_v not_o hold_v it_o so_o safe_a to_o discover_v at_o this_o time_n either_o her_o parentage_n or_o petition_n when_o the_o king_n be_v attend_v with_o his_o noble_n and_o courtier_n who_o out_o of_o their_o zeal_n to_o have_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o persian_n preserve_v irrevocable_a or_o in_o favour_n to_o haman_n may_v oppose_v her_o request_n for_o the_o recall_v of_o that_o decree_n concern_v the_o jew_n which_o the_o king_n have_v make_v but_o judge_v it_o more_o seasonable_a to_o do_v this_o at_o a_o private_a banquet_n where_o only_o her_o own_o servant_n may_v be_v by_o to_o attend_v they_o three_o because_o haman_n not_o be_v now_o present_a what_o she_o allege_v against_o he_o may_v be_v present_o carry_v to_o he_o and_o then_o he_o may_v have_v slip_v away_o and_o hide_v himself_o