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LIBRARY OF PRINCETON 
 
 APR 15 2002 
 
 THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
 BS1171 .D68 1889 
 Douglas, George C. M. , 
 Short analysis of the 
 Old Testament, 
 
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 A SHORT ANAllYS 
 
 ' OF THE '~ ■ 
 
 OLD TE^TA^ 
 
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UBRARY OF PRINCETON 
 
 APR 15 2002 
 
 THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
A SHORT ANALYSIS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 OLD TESTAMENT 
 
 BY MEANS OF 
 
 HEADINGS TO THE CHAPTERS, 
 
 ESPECIALLY ADAPTED TO THE REVISED VERSION: 
 
 A COMFAXIOX IK READING, A TABLE OF CONTENTS, 
 AND A SKELETON COMMENTARY, 
 
 BT 
 
 GEORGE C. M. DOUGLAS, D.D., 
 
 PRINCIPAL AXD PEOFESSOPv OF HEBREW 
 IN THE FREE CHURCH COLLEGE, GLASGOW, 
 
 One of tl)c ©ompang of OlD Testament ^th\itx%, 
 
 AND R. PARLANE, PAISLEY. 
 
 EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW: J. ilENZIES AND CO. 
 LONDON: HOULSTON AND SONS. 
 
 1889. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 One of the instructions to the Companies engacjed from 1870 to 1884 upon the 
 revision of the English Bible was "to revise the headings of chapters and pages, 
 paragraphs, italics, and punctuation " : but the first part of this instruction was 
 never carried out. The Revisers' preface to the Old Testament says, "One 
 consequence of the arrangement in paragraphs has been the omission of the 
 headings of chapters, which for other and more important reasons it was thought 
 advisable to abandon, as involving questions which belong rather to the province 
 of the commentator than to that of the translator." 
 
 These headings of chapters, however, would scarcely have kept their place in 
 .almost all editions and reprints of the English Bible, if they had not been found 
 of great value to the reader, furnishing him with a useful table of contents. 
 Yet they stood in urgent need of revision (in the Old Testament it would have 
 been necessary to re-write perhaps the most of them), in view of the study pro- 
 secuted throughout fully two hundred and fifty years. Indeed, there was one 
 manifest imperfection in them from the beginning, inasmuch as they are 
 largely aids to devotion, which is right ; but they are too little guides to the 
 sense, which is wrong. Nevertheless one feels a pang at parting with some of 
 them, especially in Isaiah and the Psalms : and some, for instance Proverbs x.- 
 XXV. and Psalm cxix., cannot well be improved. 
 
 Since none of my fellow revisers have undertaken to supply what was thus 
 left undone, I have felt an impulse to attempt the completion of our work. If 
 there is any appearance of presumption in an individual undertaking this, I 
 plead that I have waited in vain for some one else to do it ; and that I have 
 attempted it lovingly, reverently, and not in haste. Yet for the very reason 
 that I am an individual, I have not concealed my views as an interpreter, to 
 which no one else is committed ; while, in the interest of general usefulness, and 
 in my desire to make the woz'k as short as possible, I have done my best to 
 avoid obtruding them, continually holding myself in where I should gladly have 
 spoken. 
 
 In general I have followed the division into paragraphs as given in the 
 Revised Version, though I have repeatedly broken up paragraphs which I found 
 inconveniently long for a single heading. But there is little guidance of this 
 kind in those portions which are printed, as our pi-eface says, "in lines so as to 
 exhibit the parallelism which is characteristic of Hebrew poetry," of which the 
 books of Job, Psalms, and Proverbs are the most important examples. In deal- 
 
VI. PREFACE. 
 
 iiig with these books I have not gone into intricate questions of arrangement in 
 stanzas, as to which scholars are very far from being agreed. I shall be content 
 if the ordinary reader finds that my volume Ij'ing open beside him is a help in 
 tracing the course of thought ; so that it makes reading of the Old Testament 
 through and through more easy, pleasant, profitable, and common, than I fear 
 it has often been. 
 
 I have endeavoured to avoid all minute discussions, and even many questions 
 which ought to be handled in every commentary properly so called. And yet I 
 have gone beyond the plan of the old headings to the chapters, by inserting notes 
 (almost all very brief) where I thought this really of importance ; and by refer- 
 ences to connected passages, especially where something is plainer to the reader 
 of the original than to the English reader. And it has been my practice 
 (though with many exceptions to it), to present an analysis of a book, or the 
 connexion of several successive chapters. 
 
 I have in many cases been glad to retain the old headings, since they are well 
 known and are models of brevity ; and I have tried to imitate their plainness 
 and terseness. In the books of Job, Lamentations, and Ezekiel, and occasion- 
 ally elsewhere, I have found it convenient to use the first person. When I refer 
 to a marginal rendering, I refer to the Revised Version, unless I expressly say 
 otherwise. 
 
 I have retained the name "Jehovah" where it occurs in the original, because 
 the manifest advantages of doing so were not counterbalanced by any of the 
 considerations which led the majority of the Revisers to prefer the usage of the 
 Authorised Version, as this is explained in their preface and in their note on 
 Gen. ii. 4. 
 
 I have written with direct reference to the Revised Version : but the book 
 ought to be nearly as useful to a reader of the Authorised Version. 
 
 Owing to the nature of the book, there are in it a very great number of ref- 
 erences to texts of Scripture. I have been at pains to make these accurate : and 
 I shall feel indebted to any one who enables me to correct a blunder which I 
 have not observed. 
 
A SHORT ANALYSIS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 OLD TESTAMENT. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 I. l-II. 3. Introduction. God the Creator. 
 
 I. 1, 2. The heginnin^, Creation. Chaos. The Spirit of God moving. 
 
 I. 3-5. A first day. Light. 
 
 I. 6-8. A second day. The firmament, or expanse. 
 
 I. 9-13, A third day. Earth and seas : vegetable life on the earth. 
 
 I. 14-19. A fourth day. Sun, moon, and stars, regulating the light and the 
 
 seasons upon the earth. 
 I. 20-23. A fifth day. The swarming creatures, the fowls, and the great 
 
 animals in the waters. 
 
 I. 24-31. The sixth day. Cattle, creeping things, wild Leasts. Man made in 
 
 the image of God, blessed ami provided with food. 
 
 II. 1-3. The seventh day. The rest of God. He blesses and hallows the day. 
 
 N.B.— After this introduction the book of Genesis is arranged in ten very unequal 
 divisions called "generations," inore exactly "genealogies," for both words are found in 
 ch. vi. 9. 
 
 II. 4-IV. 2(5. First : The Generations of the Heaven and the Earth. 
 
 II. 4-17. Man, as made by Jehovah-God, placed in Eden, with the right to eat 
 everything in the garden, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, 
 
 II. 18-25. INlan not to be left alone ; the creatures named by him, but inferior 
 to him ; woman made to be a help meet for him, and marriage instituted. 
 
 III. 1-8. The temptation and fall of man ; consequent shame and fear. 
 
 TIL 9-21. The arraignment and sentence of each transgressor in turn. The 
 
 Eromise of the seed of the woman ; and the clothing of the man and woman 
 y Jehovah- God himself. . 
 
 III. 22-24. They are sent forth from the garden of Eden ; the cherubim and 
 the flame of a sword, to keep the way of the tree of life. 
 
 IV. 1-15. Cain and Abel. The murder by Cain and the curse upon him. 
 
 IV. H)-24. Cain goes out from the presence of Jehovah : his descendents, and 
 
 their progress in the arts of life, for peace and for war, 
 IV. 25, 2o. Another seed given by God to Adam ; men begin to oall upon the 
 
 name of Jehovah. 
 
2 GENESIS. 
 
 V. 1-VI. 8. Second: The Book of the Generations of Adam. 
 
 V. The genealogy, age, and death of the patriarchs from Adam to Noah : ex- 
 cepting Enoch, who walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. 
 
 VI. 1-8. The wickedness of mankind. Jehovah repents that he made them,. 
 and amiounces that he will blot them out. Only Noah finds grace. 
 
 VI. 9-IX. 29. Third: The Generations of Noah. 
 
 VI. 9-12. Contrast between Noah and the corrupt race of man. 
 
 VI. 13-22. God announces to Noah the end of all flesh, and gives him directions- 
 regarding the ark. 
 
 VII. 1-5. Jehovah gives more particular instructions to Noah how to go in,, 
 with his household and the animals to be saved, seven days before the flood. 
 
 VII. 6-24. The command is obeyed. The beginning, increase, and continuance- 
 of the flood. 
 
 VIII. 1-14. The waters assuage. The ark rests. Tlie raven and the dove are 
 sent forth. 
 
 VIII. 15-IX. 7. The inmates of the ark are sent forth. Noah's sacrifice, with 
 which Jehovah is satisfied. The blessing of God on Noah and his sons, 
 along with which certain laws are given to them. 
 
 IX. 8-17. God's covenant with them, of which the rainbow is the token. 
 IX. 18, 19. The sons of Noah ; of whom the whole earth is overspread. 
 
 IX. 20-29. Noah's drunkenness ; the conduct of his children, and the blessing 
 and the curse pronounced on them. His death. 
 
 X. 1-XI. 9. Fourth : the generations of the sons of Noah. 
 
 X. 2-5. The sons of Japheth. 
 
 X. 6-14. The sons of Ham. Nimrod's kingdom at Babel. 
 
 X. 15-20. More particularly the children of Ham in the line of Canaan (see ix, 
 
 25-27). 
 X. 21-31. The children of Shem. 
 
 X. 32. The summing up. 
 
 XI. 1-9. The building of the Tower of Babel. The confusion of tongues. 
 
 XI. 10-26. Fifth : The generations of Shem ; with particulars of the 
 patriarchs down to Terah the father of Abram. 
 
 begat Abram 
 
 XI. 27-XXV. 11. Sixth: The generations of Terah, who 
 (that is Abraham). 
 
 XI. 27-XIII. Abram 's call and walk by faith. 
 
 XI. 27-32. Terah's family. His movement towards Canaan, along with Abram 
 his son and Lot his grandson. 
 
 XIT. 1-9, Jehovah calls Abram and promises that all the families of the earth 
 shall be blessed in him. He comes with Lot into Canaan and passes 
 through it. Jehovah appears to him, and promises Canaan to bis seed. 
 His altars at Shechem and Beth-el. 
 
 XII. 10-20. Famine forces Abram into Egyjit. His weakness of faith as to 
 Sarah ; his equivocation and its results. 
 
 XIII. His return to Beth-el. His generosity as he parts with Lot, who 
 chooses to go to Sodom. Renewed blessing on Abram. His altar at 
 Hebron. 
 
GENESIS. 3 
 
 XIV.-XXI. Abraham in covenant with God and man. 
 
 XIV. The wars which involved Lot in ruin and captivity. His deliverance 
 by Abram's victory. Melchizedek, priest of God most high, meets Abram 
 returning and blesses him, and receives tithes from him. 
 
 XV. Jehovah encourages Abram. He makes the difficulty that he has no 
 seed, and is promised a son, and a seed as the stars of heaven. He believes 
 in Jehovah, and it is counted to him for righteousness. He asks how he 
 may know that he shall inherit Canaan. The sign, the vision, the predic- 
 tion, and the covenant. 
 
 XVI. Sarai, being bai-ren, gives Hagar, her Egyptian handmaid to Abram, 
 then maltreats her. Hagar flees to the wilderness, and is met by the Angel 
 of Jehovah and admonished and comforted. She bears Ishmael to Abram. 
 
 N.B.— Here and at xxi. 17, 18, this Angel's earliest appearances are to the outcast and 
 perishing. 
 
 XVII. 1-14. Jehovah appears to Abram. The covenant now pronounced to 
 be everlasting is confirmed by the change of his name into Abraham, and 
 by the sign of circimicision. 
 
 XVII. 15-27. Sarai's name is also changed into Sarah ; the promise of Isaac, in 
 whom and his seed the covenant shall continue. Abraham and all the males 
 of his house receive circumcision, the token of this covenant. 
 
 XVIII. 1-15. Abraham entertains three heavenly visitors. The promise is 
 renewed, and Sarah's unbelieving laughter is reproved. 
 
 XVIII. 16-33. Jehovah reveals the coming destruction of Sodom to Abraham, 
 who intercedes for it. 
 
 XIX. 1-28. The two angels are entertained by Lot, who is protected amidst 
 the vice and crime of Sodom, and is sent forth with his family from the 
 destruction of the cities of the Plain by brimstone and fire from heaven. 
 
 XIX. 29. Lot's deliverance is due to God remembering Abraham. 
 
 XIX. 30-38. Lot's fall. The incestuous origin of Moab and Ammon. 
 
 XX. Abraham's renewed weakness of faith as to Sarah (see chap. xii. 10-20) at 
 Gerar ; the results to him and to king Abirnalech. 
 
 XXI. 1-7. Birth and circumcision of Isaac. Sarah's joy. 
 
 XXI. 8-21. Hagar and Ishmael are cast out. In the wilderness the Angel of 
 God appears and comforts her. 
 
 XXI. 22-34. Abraham's covenant with Abimelech. His worship of Jehovah 
 at Beersheba. 
 
 XXII. -XXV. The fulfilment of Abraham's walk by faith. 
 
 XXII. 1-19. The perfecting of Abraham's faith by the trial in offering u]> 
 Isaac. The appearance of the Angel of Jehovah and the renewal of the 
 promises with an oath, 
 
 XXII. 20-24. Abraham receives the news of the family history. 
 
 XXIII. The death of Sarah and her burial in the Cave of Machpelah, pur- 
 ^ chased by Abraham for this purpose. 
 
 XXIV. The mission of Abraham's servant to bx-ing a wife for Isaac from his 
 kindred. The consent of Laban and of Rebekah, who becomes Isaac's wife, 
 
 XXV. 1-11. The family of Abraham's wife Keturah ; the division of his goods 
 among his sons. His death and burial by Isaac and Ishmael ; the blessing 
 continued to Isaac, 
 
 XXV. 12-18. Seventh: The generations of Islimael, Abraham's son. 
 
 XXV. 19-XXXV. 29. Eighth: The generations of Isaac, Abraham's 
 son. 
 
4 GENESIS. 
 
 XXV. 19. -XXVIII. 9. Isaac with his family. 
 
 XXV. 19-34. The birth of Esan and Jacob in agreement with the prediction 
 given. Esati sells his birthright to Jacob. 
 
 XXX^I. 1-33. Isaac's life in Gerar ; his wealcness of faith as to his wife, and 
 his equivocation ; his troubles Avith the Philistines, and at last his covenant 
 with Abimelech. 
 
 N.B.— Some events in Isaac's life are analogous to events in liis father's. 
 
 XXVI. 34, 35. Esan marries two Canaanite women, embittering the spirit of 
 his parents. 
 
 XXVII. 1-dO. Under his mother's guidance Jacob obtains the blgssing from 
 his father by personating Esan. A blessing for Esau also. 
 
 XXVII. 41-45. Esau's purpose to murder Jacob ; Eebekah's scheme to protect 
 him. 
 
 XXVII. 46-XXVIII. 9. Rebekah and Isaac send away Jacob to their kindred 
 for a wife. Esau marries a third time, now into Ishmael's family. 
 
 XXVIII. 10-XXX. 43. Jacob in exile. 
 
 XXVIII. 10-22. Jacob's vision of the ladder at Beth-el. His vow. 
 
 XXIX. 1-30. Jacob's experience among his mother's kindred. His marriage 
 with Leah, by a fraud upon him ; and with Rachel. 
 
 XXIX. 31-35. 'i'he family given by Jehovah to Leah, the hated wife. 
 
 XXX. 1-24. Eachel's contrivances to rival Leah, failures on the whole. God 
 at last gives her a son, Joseph. 
 
 XXX. 25-43. Jacob wishes to return home. Laban retains him by a new 
 arrangement, which, contrary to all probability, enriches Jacob. 
 
 XXXI.-XXXV. 29. Jacob returning to Isaac. 
 
 XXXI. 1-21. Seeing that he is out of favour with Laban, Jacob and his wives 
 depart secretly, encouraged by a vision of God commanding him to return 
 home. Rachel steals her father's teraphim. 
 
 XXXI. 22-55. Laban pursues and overtakes him. Mutual recriminations, 
 Jacob being under the i^rotection of God. Reconciliation, each pursuing 
 his own way. 
 
 XXXII. 1, 2. The angels of God (xxviii, 12, 20) meet Jacob and are recognised 
 by' him, at Mahanaim. 
 
 XXXII. 3-21. Jacob's fear of Esau, his prayer to God, and his arrangements 
 for conciliating Esau. 
 
 XXXII. 22-32. Jacob's wrestling at Penuel (with the Angel of God, Hosea 
 xii. 3-G) and his consequent new name of Israel. His halting on his thigh. 
 
 XXXIII. 1-17. The pleasant meeting of Jacob and Esau. Jacob's house at 
 Succoth. 
 
 XXXIII. 18-20. At the city of Shechem (see xii. G) Jacob buys a parcel of 
 ground and erects an altar, 
 
 XXXIV. Dinah's fall at Shechem. The deceitful, profane and cruel dealing 
 or her brothers out of revenge. Jacob's reproof to Simeon and Levi. 
 
 XXXV. 1-8. God calls .Jacob to go iip to Bethel (see xxxi. 13), which he obeys, 
 purging his house of idols. He builds an altar there. Rebekah's nurse 
 dies, and is buried below Beth-el. 
 
 XXXV. 9-22 (middle). God appears to Jacob, confirms his new name of Israel, 
 and renews the promises. Rachel bears Benjamin and dies. Reuben's 
 gross sin, 
 
 XXXV. 22 (middle)-29. Jacob's twelve sons. He comes to his father ; who 
 dies, and is buried by Esau and Jacob. 
 
GENESIS. 5 
 
 XXXVI. _1-XXXVII. 1. Ninth: The generations of Esan, the same 
 who is Edom. 
 
 XXXVI. 1-19. _ Esau's three wives. He leaves Canaan to Jacob and removes 
 
 to mount Seir. The dukes who descended from his sons. 
 XXXVI. 20-30. The sons of Seir the Horite, the older inhabitants of the land. 
 ^ The dukes of the Horites. 
 
 XXXVI. 31-XXXVII. 1. The kings in Edom before there reigned any king 
 over the children of Israel (notwithstanding xxxv. 11). The dukes of Edom. 
 Jacob dwells in the land of his father's sojournings (see xxxvi. 1-6). 
 
 XXXVII. 2-L. 26. Tenth : The generations of Jacob. 
 XXXVII. 2-XLIV. 34. Jacob without Joseph. 
 
 XXXVII. 2-36. Joseph the favourite of his father, is hated by his brethren. 
 His two dreams. His brethren consj)ire against him and sell him to the 
 Midiauites, who sell him into Egj'pt. His brethren deceive their father by 
 his bloody coat. 
 
 XXXVIII. The vicious life of Judah and his family among the Canaanites. 
 
 XXXIX. Joseph is made by Jehovah to prosper in Potiphar's house. His 
 resistance to temi^tation, and his imprisonment on a false accusation. 
 Jehovah is with him in the prison, and again makes him prosi^er. 
 
 XL. The chief butler and chief baker of Pharaoh in the prison in which 
 
 Joseph is. Their dreams and his interpretation. Ingratitude to hiui. 
 XLI. 1-37. Pharaoh's two dreams, which Joseph interprets, adding advice for 
 
 the welfare of the kingdom. 
 XLI. 38-57. To carry this out, Pharaoh sets Joseph over all the land of Egypt. 
 
 His marriage and his children. He lays up corn in the time of plenty, and 
 
 has everything in readiness when the famine begins. 
 XLII. Jacob's sons are sent into Egypt to buy corn. Joseph's singular deal- 
 
 ing to try their character. His d.emand for Benjamin is refused by Jacob. 
 XLIII. 1-14. Jacob with difficulty consents to send Benjamin under care of 
 
 Judah. 
 XLIII. 15-34. The singular treatment of his brethren continued by Joseph. 
 XLIV. 1-17. The consummation of Joseph's singular dealing. 
 XLIV. 18-34. Judah's manifestation of his character in his supplication to 
 
 Joseph. 
 
 XLV.-L. Jacob and Joseph together again. 
 
 XLV. 1-15. Joseph makes himself known to his brethx'en, comforts and soothes 
 
 them, and sends them back to their father to bring him and his into Egypt. 
 XLV. 16-2S. Pharaoh supports Joseph's proposal, which is cai-ried out liberally 
 
 and lovingly. Jacob's spirit revives. 
 XLVI. 1-7. Jacob sacrificing at Beersheba, is comforted by the God of his 
 
 father (see xxi. 33) ; he goes down into Egypt with all that belong to him. 
 XLVI. 8-27. The niimber of his family, seventy souls. 
 XLVI. 28-34. Joseph meets Jacob. He instructs his brethren how to answer 
 
 to Pharaoh. 
 XLVII. 1-12. Joseph presents five of his brethren and his father to Pharaoh, 
 
 who gives them a habitation and maintenance. 
 XLVII. 13-27. In the famine the money, the cattle, and the land of the 
 
 EgjTptians pass into Joseph's hands for Pharaoh. Israelites dwell in 
 
 Goshen, and get possessions, are fruitful and multiply. 
 XLVII. 23-31. .Jacob about to die, makes Joseph swear to bury him with his 
 
 fathers in Canaan. 
 
b GENESIS. 
 
 XL VIII. Joseph brings his two sons to receive the blessing from his dying- 
 father. They are adopted as his own by Jacob, and the younger is preferred 
 before the elder. 
 
 XLIX. 1-27. Jacob calls his sons to bless them, and blesses them individually. 
 
 XLIX. 2S-L. 3. He charges them about his burial, dies, and is embalmed and 
 mourned. 
 
 L. 4-13. Pharaoh gives permission, and the funeral takes place at the cave of 
 Machpelah. 
 
 L. 14-21. Joseph comforts his brethren, who craved his forgiveness. 
 
 L. 22-26. He lives on, prophesies of the exodus, and takes an oath that thev 
 will carry up his bones. He dies, and is embalmed and put in a coffin. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 I., II. Israel in bondage in Egypt. 
 
 I. 1-7. The names of the children of Israel. They multiply after Joseph's 
 
 death. 
 I. S-1 i. A new king who knew not Joseph. They are oppressed, yet multiply 
 
 all the more. 
 
 I. 15-22. Pharaoh's command to destroy the men children. The faith of the 
 
 midwives, who disobey him. 
 
 II. 1-10. ^ Moses is born, is laid in an ark, and set down in the flags by the 
 river's brink. Pharaoh's daughter rescues him, and has him nursed by his 
 own mother, adopting him to be her son. 
 
 II. 11-22. He casts in his lot with the Hebrew people, flees from the face of 
 Pharaoh to the land of Midian, and marries the daughter of the priest of 
 Midi an. 
 
 II. 23-25. The sighs and cries of the children of Israel ; which God hears, re- 
 membering his covenant with the patriarchs. 
 
 III. 1-lV. 7. Moses at the burning bush. 
 
 Ill' 1-10. The Angel of Jehovah meets Moses with his flock at Horeb, and 
 reveajs himself as the God of the patriarchs, who is about to fulfil the 
 promises to them in delivering his people ; for which task he commissions 
 Moses. 
 
 III. 11-22. Moses' difficulties are met by announcing the name of Jehovah in 
 its meaning, and sending him in this name to Israel, and to Pharaoh, who 
 shall be comi^elled to let them go. 
 
 IV- 1-9- His further difficulties are met by miraculous signs. 
 IV". 10-17. His last difficulties are met by the promise of help from Aaron his 
 brother. 
 
 IV. 18-26. Moses is let go in peace by his father-in-law. The lesson 
 to him and his wife in the matter of circumcising their son. 
 
 IV. 27- VI. 1. His meeting with Aaron, with the people, and with 
 Pharaoh. Apparent hopelessness of his task. 
 
EXODUS. 7 
 
 VI. 2- VII. 13. Preliminary dealing with Pharaoh. 
 
 VI. 2-9. God renews his promise by his name Jehovah. 
 
 VI. 10-13. He commands Moses to go in and speak unto Pharaoh ; Moses' 
 
 difficulty. 
 VI. 14-27. The genealogy of the father's houses in Israel, down as far as Moses 
 
 and Aaron. 
 
 VI. 28-VII. 7. Repetition of Moses' difficulty (ver. 10-13), and provision for 
 meeting it by Moses and Aaron acting together. 
 
 VII. 8-13. The wonder shown to Pharaoh as a sign (iv. 1-5) ; is imitated by 
 the magicians of Pharaoh ; his heart is hardened and he hearkens not. 
 
 VII. 14-XIIL 16. The ten plagues, the passover and the exodus. 
 
 VII. 14- VIII. 19. First series of three plagues apparently affecting 
 Egyptians and Israelites alike, and imitation attempted by tho 
 magicians. 
 
 VII. 14-25. The first: waters turned to blood. 
 
 VIII. 1-15. The second : the frogs. 
 
 VIII. 16-19. The thiixi : lice, failure and confession of the magicians. 
 
 VIII. 20-IX. 12. Second series of three plagues, vrita a distinction 
 (in Hebrew, a redemption) in favour of Israel. 
 
 VIII. 20-32. The fourth : swarms of flies, Pharaoh's proposal of a compromise. 
 
 IX. 1-7. The fifth : murrain on the cattle. 
 
 IX. 8-12. The sixth: boils and blains. The magicians in consequence are 
 imable to stand before Moses. 
 
 IX. 13-XI. Third series of three plagues, in whicli a distinction 
 is made amongst the Egyptians themselves. 
 
 IX. 13-21. Solemn warning from Jehovah to Pharaoh, to which some of his 
 servants listen. 
 
 IX. 22-35. The seventh plague : hail. Pharaoh humbles himself, yet draws 
 back again. 
 
 X, 1-11. Solemn warning from Jehovah to Pharaoh, which moves his servants. 
 
 His renewed proposal of a compromise. 
 X. 12-20. The eighth plague : locusts. 
 
 X. 21-29. The ninth j^lague : darkness which might be felt. Pharaoh's third 
 
 proposal of a compromise, and his last words to Moses. 
 
 XI. 1-3. Jehovah's instructions to Moses in view of the approaching deliverance 
 of Israel. 
 
 N.B.— These might be given privately to Moses whilst he still stood before Pharaoh. 
 
 XI. 4-8. Moses' final warning to Pharaoh, of the last plague and its results. 
 
 XI. 9, 10. Intimation by J ehovah to Moses that Pharaoh will not hearken ; 
 this is borne out by the facts, 
 
 XII. 1-XIII. 16. The passover, the tenth plague, and the exodus. 
 
 XII. 1-20. Jehovah instructs Moses as to the passover, in connection with the 
 last j)lague, and the feast of unleavened bread. 
 
 XII. 21-28. Moses delivers the instructions to the people on the first two 
 
 points. 
 XII. 29-36. The tenth plague : death of the first-born. The Israelites are 
 
 loaded with gifts, and are so strongly urged to depart that they have not 
 
 time to leaven their dough. 
 
8 EXODUS. 
 
 XII. 37-42. The exodus, on a night to be much observed, at the appointed 
 time (see Geu. xv. 13-14). The Israelites are forced to use unleavened bread. 
 
 XII. 43-51. Jehovah further instructs Moses who are to eat the passover. 
 
 XIII. 1, 2. Jehovah commands that the first-born be sanctified to him. 
 XIII. 3-10. Moses instructs the people as to the feast of unleavened bread. 
 XIII. 11-16. Also as to the first-born. 
 
 XIII. 17-XVII. 16. The divine presence manifestly directing, pro- 
 tecting, and providing for Israel. 
 
 XIII. 17-22. The first march. God guides the people round about by the 
 pillar of cloud and fire. 
 
 XIV. 1-14. The Israelites apparently entangled; Pharaoh's pursuit, their 
 murmuring, and Moses' words of comfort. 
 
 XIV. 15-25. Jehovah directs them to cross the Red Sea, and puts a difference 
 between them and the pursuing Egyptians. 
 
 N.B.— The verb " discomfit" in ver. '2i (not hov/ever at xvii. 13) and at xxiii. 27, Deut. 
 ii. 15 (destroy), Judges iv. 15, 1 Sam. vii. 10, 2 Chron. xv. 6 (vex), I'sa. xviii. 14, cxiiv. 6, 
 Est. ix. 24 (consume), seems properly to throw into a panic or unaccountable disturbance, 
 by God himself. 
 
 XIV. 26-31.^ The Egyptians are drowned. The children of Israel are saved ; 
 they believe in Jehovah and in Moses. 
 
 XV. 1-18. The song of Moses. 
 
 XV. 19-21. The chorus in answer to it by Miriam and the other women. 
 
 XV. 22-27. The bitter waters at Marali made sweet : the ordinance to prove 
 the people. The wells at Elim. 
 
 XVI. The murmui-ing for food : the gift of the manna and the quails. 
 
 XVII. 1-7. The murmuring for water 5 the supply from the smitten rock. 
 XA'^II. 8-16. The attack of Amalek repelled by Moses holding up his hands, 
 
 while Joshua fights. 
 
 XVIII. The visit of Jetliro the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in- 
 law. 
 
 XVIII. 1-13. His congratulations and his sacrifice. 
 
 XVIII. 14-27. His counsel as to judges and rulers, who are set up accordingly. 
 
 XIX.-XXIV. The covenant at Mount Sinai. 
 
 XIX. The people are prepared for meeting with Jehovah as their covenant 
 God. He comes down upon the mountain. 
 
 XX. 1 17. God speaks the ten commandments to them. 
 XX. 18-21. The people are afraid ; Moses comforts them. 
 
 XX. 22-26. Jehovah directs how to meet with him and be blessed. 
 
 XXI. 1-XXIII. 19. The judgements set before them. 
 
 XXI. 2-6. Servants for six years, or for ever. 
 XXI. 7-11. A daughter sold to be a maid-servant. 
 
 XXI. 12-17. The punishment of death for murder, not for man-slaughter ; for 
 
 smiting parents ; for man-stealing ; for cursing parents. 
 XXI. 18-21. Comi^ensation for smiting a man ; modifietl in the case of a 
 
 servant. 
 XXI. 22-25. Punishment for injury to a woman with child. 
 XXI. 26, 27. A servant is to be set free by way of compensation for any 
 
 permanent injury, great or little. 
 
EXODUS. ^ 
 
 XXI. 28-36. Injuries to or by cattle. 
 
 XXII. 1-4. Of theft. 
 
 XXII. 5, G. Restitution for damages done by carelessness. 
 
 N.B.- The Hebrew verbs for " causing to be eaten" and " kindling" (ver. 5, 6) are tha 
 same. This might help to bring together these rules about damage done to property. 
 
 XXII. 7-9. Theft of property in the charge of another. 
 
 XXII. 10-13. The case of living creatures given in charge and lost. 
 
 XXII. 14, 15. Loss of things borrowed or hired. 
 
 XXII. 10, 17. Seduction of a virgin. 
 
 XXII. 18-20. The punishment of death for sorcery, for bestiality, and for 
 
 sacrificing to other gods. 
 XXII. 21-24. Protection for the stranger, the widow, and the fatherless. 
 XXII. 25-27. Conditions of lending to the poor. 
 
 XXII. 28-31. As holy men to God, they are to reverence him, and the rulers l 
 to offer promptly the first fruits and the first born of man and beast ; and 
 to abstain from eating flesh torn by wild beasts. 
 
 XXIII. 1-3. Of slander, false witness, and unjust judgement. 
 XXIII. 4, 5. How to deal with an enemy's ox or ass. 
 
 XXIII. 6-9. Of wrong judgement of the poor, and the innocent; of bribery, 
 
 and of oppressing the stranger. 
 XXIII. 10-13. Of resting in the seventh year, and on the seventh day. Of 
 
 loyalty to Jehovah, exclusive of other gods. 
 XXIII. 14-17. The three appointed times for all the males to appear before 
 
 Jehovah and hold a feast to him. 
 
 KB.— As to those "appointed times," see notes at xxv. 10-22, and at commencement of 
 Lev. xxiii. 
 
 XXIII. 18, 19. Of the blood of his sacrifice, and the fat of his feast. Of the- 
 first-fruits. Of seetliing a kid in its mother's mil!:. 
 
 XXIII. 20-33. The Angel sent before them, in whom the name of Jehovah is :. 
 the blessings attendant on obedience to him, and on abstaining from 
 covenants Avith the nations and their gods in the land which is about to bo 
 given to them. 
 
 XXIV. 1-11. The people promise obedience. The covenant is established by 
 sacrifice and sprinkling of blood. The communion with the God of Israel 
 enjoyed by Moses, Aaron, his sons, and the elders. 
 
 XXIV. 12-18. Moses v/ith Josliua is called up into the mount, where he 
 remains forty days and forty nights. 
 
 XXV.-XXXI. The instructions for erecting a sanctuary given to 
 Moses in the mount. 
 
 XXV., XXVI. The tent of meeting and its furniture. 
 
 XXV. 1-9. What the children of Israel must offer as materials for making- it. 
 XXV. 10-22. The ark, and the mercy-seat over it, where Jehovah will meet 
 
 and eommune with Moses. 
 
 N.B.— The verb in ver. 22 is more precisely " to meet by appointment," and the tent of 
 meeting (chap. xxxi. 7, Lev. i. 1, etc.) is properly "the tent of appointed meeting," or 
 "the trysting tent." See note at commencement of Lev. xxiii. 
 
 XXV. 23-30. The table and its furniture. 
 
 XXV. 31-40. The candlestick (properly lamp-stand) and all belonging to it- 
 All things are to be made according to the pattern shewn to Moses in the 
 mount. 
 
10 EXODUS. 
 
 XXVI. 1-14. The ten curtains ; the eleven curtains outside of these ; and the 
 
 two upper coverings. 
 XXVI. 15-30. The boards for the tabernacle, their sockets and bars. 
 
 XXVI. 31-37. The veil dividing the tent into the holy and the most holy 
 place, Avith their respective articles of furniture. The screen for the door 
 of the tent. 
 
 XXVII. The court of the tabernacle. 
 
 XXVII. 1-8. The altar of burnt-offering and all belonging to it. 
 XXVII. 9-19. The court formed by hangings upon pillars. 
 
 XXVII. 20, 21. The oil for the lamp which Aaron and his sons are to keep in 
 order. 
 
 XXVIII. The garments for Aaron and his sons, the priests 
 
 XXVIII. 1-5. The pi-iests and their holy garments for glory and beauty. 
 XXVIII. G-12. The ei^hod, with the two onyx stones for memorial. 
 XXVIII. 13-30. The breast-plate, its position and fastening ; the Urim and 
 
 the Thummim, 
 XXVIII. 31-35. The robe (also rendered ' ' mantle ") of the ephod. 
 XXVIII. 36-38. The mitre. 
 
 XXVIII, 39-43. The coats and breeches, etc., for Aaron and his sons. 
 
 XXIX. The directory for the consecration (installation) of the priests. 
 
 XXIX. 1-9. The offerings : Aaron and his sons to be brought to the door of 
 the tent of meeting, to be washed, to be robed, and to be anointed. 
 
 XXIX. 10-14. Their^sin offering. 
 
 XXIX. 15-18. Their burnt offering. 
 
 XXIX. 19-28. Their consecration offering. 
 
 XXIX. 29-37. A seven days' service of consecration. 
 
 XXIX. 38-46. The continual daily offering that Jehovah may meet with the 
 children of Israel and sanctify the tent, and dwell among them as the God 
 of the exodus. 
 
 XXX. Supplementary arrangements connected with these priestly 
 functions. 
 
 XXX. 1-10. The altar of incense, and the use of it. 
 
 XXX. 11-16. The atonement money, the ransom of souls when the children of 
 
 Israel are numbered. 
 XXX. 17-21. The laver for the priests. 
 XXX. 22-33. The holy anointing oil for the priests. 
 
 XXX. 34-38. The composition of the holy incense. 
 
 XXXI. Arrangements for carrying these instructions into effect. 
 The ten commandments are the writing of the finger of God. 
 
 XXXI. 1-11. The call of Bezalel and Oholiab, who are made fit for all they 
 have to do in expecting the tent. 
 
 XXXI. 12-17. Nevertheless the Sabbath is ever to be observed as a sign be- 
 tween Jehovah and the children of Israel. 
 
 XXXI. 18. The two tables of testimony, written with the finger of God, are 
 given to Moses at the end of these communications (see xxiv. 12). 
 
 XXXII.-XXXIV. The sin of the golden calf and its results. 
 
 XXXII. 1-6. In the absence of Moses, the iDCople induce Aaron to make a 
 golden calf. 
 
EXODUS. 11 
 
 XXXII, 7-14. The anger of Jehovah and his threat, the entreaty of Moses, 
 and the repentance of Jehovah, 
 
 XXXII, 15-35, Moses breaks the tables of the covenant ; grinds the calf to 
 powder, which the peoj^le are made to swallow ; deals with Aaron ; com- 
 missions the sons of Levi to take vengeance on the idolaters ; and returns 
 to plead with Jehovah for the people, 
 
 XXXIII, 1-6, Jehovah refuses to go up in the midst of the people, and bids 
 Moses lead them ; their mourning, 
 
 XXXIII, 7-11, The tent of meeting removed by Moses to outside the camp. 
 XXXIII. 12-16. His pleading for the presence of Jehovah in the midst of 
 Israel, 
 
 XXXIII, 17-23. And for a sight of his glory. 
 
 XXXIV. 1-2S. Moses again alone with Jehovah in the mountain for forty davs 
 and forty nights. The name of Jehovah proclaimed to him, (Compare iii, 
 11-22, and xxxiii. 12-16.) The covenant renewed, with certain duties re- 
 peated. (Compare especially verses 20-26 with xxiii, 12-19.) The second 
 tables, the stone hewn by Moses, yet the writing in the hand of .Jehovah, 
 
 XXXIV. 29-35, The fining of Moses' face ; he covers it with a veil. 
 
 XXXV.-XXXIX. The sanctuary is made, in all its parts, and with 
 all its furniture. 
 
 XXXV, 1-3, The Sabbath law repeated stringently (see xxxi, 12-17). 
 XXXV, 4-19, Freewill offerings of materials are invited. 
 XXXV. 20-29, The ready response, 
 
 XXXV, 30-XXXVI, 1. The call of Bezalel and Oholiab for the work (see 
 xxxi. 1-11), 
 
 XXXVI, 2-7, The freewill offerings need to be restrained, 
 
 XXXVI, 8-19. The ten curtains, the eleven curtains outside of them, and the 
 two upper coverings, 
 
 N.B,- In this account of the actual construction, everything is arranged from the out- 
 side of the tent or tabernacle to the innermost part of it : whereas, in the instructions 
 given to Jloses on INIount Sinai, the beginning is made at the centre, with the ark, and so 
 outwards, except the supplementary arrangements in chap, xxx. 
 
 XXXVI, 20-34. The boards for the tabernacle, their sockets and bars. 
 
 XXXVI. 35-38. The veil and the screen, 
 
 XXXVII, 1-9. The ark and the mercy-seat. 
 XXXVII. 10-16. The table and its furniture, 
 XXXVII, 17-24, The candlestick and all belonging to it, 
 
 XXXVII. 25-29, The altar of incense, the holy anointing oil, and the piu-e 
 incense, 
 
 XXXVIII, 1-7, The altar of burnt-offering and all belonging to it. 
 XXXVIII, 8. The laver, 
 
 XXXVIII, 9-20, The court, 
 
 XXXVIII, 21-23. The sum of the things as they were counted. 
 
 XXXVIII, 24-31. The weight of the gold, the silver, and the brass ; and the 
 uses to which these metals were put, 
 
 XXXIX. 1, The materials for the priestly garments, 
 XXXIX. 2-7. The ephod, with the two onyx stones for memorial, 
 XXXIX. 8-21, The breast-plate, its position and fastening. 
 XXXIX. 22-26, The robe of the ephod, 
 
 XXXIX, 27-29. The coats, etc, for Aaron and his sons. 
 XXXIX. 30, 31, The mitre, 
 
 XXXIX. 32. The finishing of all the work, as appointed, 
 XXXIX. 33-43. Tiie whole brought to Moses, who blesses the workers, 
 2t 
 
12 EXODUS. 
 
 XL. The tabernacle of tlie tent of meeting is set up. 
 
 XL. 1-lG. The command to Moses, which he executed. 
 
 XL. 17-33. The particulars of what he did, and also Aaron and his sons. 
 
 XL, 34-38. The glory of Jehovah fills the tabernacle, as the tent is covered by 
 
 the cloud, which thenceforward guides the children of Israel by day and by 
 
 night (see xiii. 17-22). 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 I.-VIL The law regarding the various offerings. 
 
 I.-VI. 7. This law in its general form. 
 
 I. First species of sacrifice : The burnt offering. 
 I. 1, 2. Its materials. 
 I. 3-9. If of the herd. 
 I. 10-13. If of the flock. 
 
 I. 14-17. If of fowls. 
 
 II. Second species : The meal offering (or, bloodless offering). 
 II. 1-3. If of fine flour simply. 
 
 II. 4-13. If of meal baked or otherwise prepared (but in no case to be made 
 with honey or leaven, w^hich coixld only be offered as first fruits) : always to- 
 be seasoned with salt. 
 
 II. 14-16. If of first fruits. 
 
 III. Third species : the peace offering. 
 ITT. 1-5. If of the herd. 
 
 III. 6-11. If a lamb. 
 III. 12-16. If a goat. 
 
 III. 17. To eat neither fat nor blood is a perpetual statute. 
 
 Is.B. — This prohibition conies in here, because this offering was given back to be feasted 
 on. See vii. 22-27. 
 
 IV. -V. 13. Fourth species : The sin offering for sin done unwittingly. 
 
 IV. 1-12. First case : for the anointed priest (that is the high priest), bringing 
 guilt on the people : a young bullock. 
 
 IV. 13-21. Second case : for the whole congregation or assembly : as before, a 
 
 young bullock. 
 IV. 22-26. Third case : for a ruler : a goat, male. 
 
 IV. 27-35. Fourth and fifth cases : for one of the common peoijle : whether a 
 goat or a lamb, a female. 
 
 V. 1-10. Cases in which a sin offering is to be brought, a female, a lam]>, or a 
 
 goat (see iv. 27-35) : yet if the sinner is too poor, two turtle doves or t'.vo 
 young pigeons are accepted, the one for a sin offering, the other for a burnt 
 offering. 
 
 N.B.— I foUow tlie marginal rendering, "for his guilt," in ver. (j, 7, also 15, holding 
 that the guilt offering is not yet mentioned : compare the same order of these sacrifices 
 in the section vi. S-vii. 38, except that the peace offering comes last, which is natural, 
 considering its exceptionally full treatment. 
 
 V. 11-13. For the case of those still poorer, an offering of fine flour without oil 
 or frankincense (see ii. 1-3) is accepted as a sin offering. 
 
 N.B.— With this example of atonement without shedding of blood compare "almost" 
 in Heb. ix. 22. 
 
LEVITICUS. 13 
 
 V. 14- YI. 7. Fifth species : The guilt offering. 
 
 V. 14-16. For a trespass in the holy thiiigs of Jehovah : a ram, also restitution, 
 
 with a fifth added. 
 Y. 17-19. For certain things done unwittingly (perhaps withheld), which ought 
 
 not to be done : a ram. 
 ^"I- 1-7. For trespass against a fellow- man : a ram, also restitution, with a 
 
 fifth added. 
 
 ^^I.-YII. 38. Supplementary instructions regarding the sacrifices for 
 the priests. 
 
 VI. 8-13. Of the burnt-offering : the fire kept ever burning. 
 VI. 14-18. Of the meal offering : the portion for the priest. 
 
 VI. 19-23. The meal offering for a priest when he is anointed : nothing of this 
 to be eaten. 
 
 KB.— Compare the prohibition to eat any part of a sin-offering which was offered for 
 priests, alone or along with others, iv. 12, 21. 
 
 VI. 24-30. Of the sin offering : of this the priests were to eat. 
 
 VII. 1-10. Of the guilt offering : of this the priests were to eat. 
 
 VII. 11-21. _ Of the peace offering, whether as a thank offering, as a vow, or as 
 
 a freewill offering. 
 VII. 22-27. It is forbidden to eat fat, or blood (compare iii. 17). 
 VTI. 28-34. The priest's portion in the peace offering, namely the wave breast, 
 
 and the heave thigh. 
 YII. 35-38. The summing up of this section of the law. 
 
 VIII. -X. The liistory of the consecration (installation) of the priests. 
 
 YIII. The ritual observed (carrying into execution the instructions in Exod. 
 
 xxix. 1-37) throughout seven days. 
 IX. 1-22. On the eighth day, Aaron offers his first offerings for himself and for 
 
 the people. 
 
 IX. 23, 24. Moses and Aaron go into the tent of meeting, come out, and bless 
 the people. Fire from Jehovah consumes the burnt offering. 
 
 X. 1-7. Nadalj and Abihu offer strange fire, and die by fire from Jehovali : 
 
 Aaron and his two surviving sons are forbidden to mourn for them. 
 X. 8-11. The priests are forbidden to drink wine when about to go into the 
 
 tent of meeting. 
 X. 12-15. Aaron and his surviving sons are commanded to eat their portion of 
 
 the sacrifices. 
 
 X. 16-20. Their excuse for not eating the_^sin offering (see vL 2i-30, and iv. f>, 
 
 and 12, 17 and 21) ; this is accepted. 
 
 Xr.-XV. Certain conditions chiefly of bodily uncleanness ; how they 
 are to be avoided and atoned for. 
 
 XI. Animals whose carcases are not to be touched, or used as food. 
 
 XI. 1-8. Unclean beasts are those which do not both chew tho cud and divide 
 the hoof. 
 
 XI. 9-12. Animals in the waters are unclean, if they have not both fins and 
 
 scales. 
 XI. 13-19. List of unclean birds. 
 XI. 20-23. Winged creeping things are unclean, unless they have Legs above 
 
 their feet, with which they leap. 
 XI. 24-23. Uncleanness and necessarj' washing after touehing these. 
 
14 LEVITICUS. 
 
 XI. 29-38. List of forbidden creeping things. Consequences of their cai'cases 
 
 touching persons and things. 
 XI. 39, 40. Consequences of touching and eating that which dies of itself even 
 
 among clean animals. 
 XI. 41-45. Creeping things again are strictly forbidden. 
 XI. 46, 47. The summing up of this section of the law. 
 
 XII. The uncleanness of a mother after child-birth. Circumcision of 
 the male child. 
 
 XIII., XIV. The law of leprosy. 
 
 XIII. 1-8. How the priest is to act when the disease is suspected. 
 
 XIII. 9-17. First case : raw flesh appearing : an old leprosy. 
 
 XIII. 18-23. Second case : a boil that is healed. 
 
 XIII. 24-28. Third case : a burning by fire in the skin. 
 
 XIII. 29-37. Fourth case : leprosy in the hair of the head or in the beard. 
 
 XIII. 38, 39. Fifth case : a harmless tetter. 
 
 XIII. 40-44. Sixth case : leprosy in a bald head. 
 
 XIII. 45, 46. The leper to be separated ; and to be marked out by his own act. 
 
 XIII. 47-59. Leprosy in a garment, or in anything of skin. 
 
 XIV. 1-20. The rites and the sacrifices when a leper is cleansed. 
 XIV. 21-32. Modification of the sacrifices in favour of a poor man. 
 
 N.B. — Compare the similar modiftcations at v. 7-10 and 11-13. 
 
 XIV. 33-48. The signs of leprosy in a house. 
 
 XIV. 49-53. The rites in cleansing a house (compare verses 1-7). 
 
 XIV. 64-57. The summing up of this section of the law. 
 
 XV. Occasional states of the bodj'', causing uncleanness. 
 
 XV. 1-15. First case : the issues of men. Sacx-ifices for cleansing. 
 XV. 16-18. Second case : the xmcleanness of men and women together. 
 XV. 19-24. Third case : the issues of women, ordinary. 
 
 XV. 25-30. Fourth case : those of women extraordinarily prolonged. Sacri- 
 fices for cleansing. 
 
 XV. 31. These laws are a protection from death, which is the penalty for de- 
 filing the tabernacle of Jehovah. 
 
 XV. 32, 33. The summing up of this section of the law. 
 
 XV r. The day of atonement. 
 
 XVI. 1-10. On this day alone may the high priest go into the most holy place ; 
 in what attire, and with what sacrifices. 
 
 XVI. 11-14. The sin offering for himself, and with what ceremonies offered. 
 
 XVI. 15-19. The corresponding sin offering for the people. 
 
 XVI. 20-22. The goat for Azazel (commonly called the scape goat, see ver. 
 
 8, 10). 
 
 XVI. 23-28. Concluding arrangements. 
 
 XVI. 29-34. The nature and obligation of this yearly service. 
 
 XVII.-XXV. Laws for the sanctification of the people, to preserve 
 their fellowship with Jehovah their God. 
 
 XVII. Communion with Jehovah in sacrifice. 
 
 XVII. 1-7. The blood of all slain animals must be offered with the fat to 
 Jehovah, at the door of the tent of meeting, so long as the Israelites live in 
 the camp. 
 
 XVII. 8, 9. Those who offer sacrifice elsewhere shall be cut off from their 
 people. 
 
LEVITICUS. 15 
 
 XVII. 10-12. All eating of blood is forbidden, and why. Compare iii. 17 vii. 
 26-27, ' 
 
 XVII. 13-16. Application of this principle to hunting, and to eating that 
 which has died of itself or has been torn by beasts. (See Exod. xxii. 31.) 
 
 XVIII. Communion with Jehovah in personal purity. 
 
 XVIII. 1-5. The redeemed people must walk in the statutes and judgements 
 of Jehovah, avoiding the doings and statutes of Egypt and of Canaan. 
 
 XVIII. 6-23. They are forbidden to approach to any near of kin; or to 
 indulge in certain gross lusts ; or to give their seed to Molech. 
 
 XVIII. 24-30. Danger of yielding to these temptations. 
 
 XIX. Examples of what is required in a holy life. 
 
 XIX. 1, 2. The rule, measure, and motive of holiness is Jehovah himself. 
 XIX. 3, 4. Reverence for jDarents, and for the Sabbath ; but not for idols. 
 XIX. 5-S. How to feast on the peace offerings (compare vii. 16-18). 
 
 XIX. 9-18. Loving one's neighbour as oneself : exemplified at the harvest and 
 the vintage ; also in avoiding stealing and lying, and oppression, especially 
 of the hired servant, the deaf and the blind; in practising strict justice, 
 alike in the case of the poor and in the case of the mighty (compare Exod. 
 xxiii. 2, 3, 6) ; in cherishing no secret hatred or grudge, and yet in rebuking 
 a neighbour's sin where this is necessary. 
 
 XIX. 19-37. Everything is to be done as to Jehovah, whose statutes they shall 
 keep. Certain mixtures forbidden in breeding cattle, sowing seed, and 
 wearing garments. Sin of uncleanness with a betrothed bondmaid. Use 
 of the fruit of newly planted trees. Superstitious observances : eating blood, 
 using enchantments, curious cutting of the hair ; max*ks on the body for the 
 dead : permitting whoredom in one's family to the pollution of the land, 
 instead of keeping the Sabbath and reverencing the sanctuary ; having 
 recourse to wizards. Reverence for the aged is enjoined; also kindness and 
 love for the stranger : and justice to all. 
 
 XX. Punishments necessary for putting down certain gross evils. 
 
 N.B.— Compare especially chap, xviii., where the punishments are not named, but the 
 evils are prohibited as here, though to some extent in reverse order. 
 
 XX. 1-6. Of giving their seed to Molech. 
 
 XX. 7-9. Of sanctifying themselves and obeying the statutes of Jehovah, of 
 
 cursing parents. 
 XX. 10-21. Of fleshly lusts. 
 XX. 22-26. Of avoiding the customs of the Canaanites. 
 
 XX. 27. Those who have familiar spirits are to be stoned, also wizards. 
 
 XXI. , XXII. Holiness in the priests, and at the altar. 
 
 XXI. 1-9. The priests are, for the most part, forbidden to mourn for the dead : 
 in their marriages and in their families there is to be special exemplification 
 of holiness. 
 
 XXI. 10-15. Still greater strictness in these rules for the high priest. 
 
 XXI. 16-24. The priest with bodily blemish shall eat the bread of his God, 
 but shall not come nigh to offer sacrifices. 
 
 XXII. 1-9. The holy things must not be eaten by a priest ceremonially un- 
 unclean (compare vii. 20, 21) ; nor that which has died of itself or been torn 
 Viy beasts (compai-e xvii. 15, 16, and Exod. xxii. 31). 
 
 XX I i. 10-16. How the holy things are to be eaten by the priest's family and 
 household ; the case of a stranger eating unwittingly (see already v. 15-16). 
 
 XXII. 17-25. The offerings for the altar must be free from blemish (compare 
 the priest, XXI. 18-21), though with greater liberty in the case of freewill 
 offerings ; and they must not be offered from the hand of a foreigner. 
 
16 LEVITICUS. 
 
 XXII. 26-33. An animal for sacrifice miist be at least eight days old (see 
 Exod. xxii. 30) ; it must not be killed the same day as its mother. The 
 sacrifice of thanksgiving to be eaten the day it is offered (as more fully 
 commanded, vii. 15, 16). 
 
 XXIII. The set feasts of Jehovah which are holy convocations. 
 
 N.B.— The expression "set feast" is in the margin " appointed seasons." There is no 
 English word which properly expresses the Hebrew, unless the rather antiquated "tryst." 
 Compare the note on Exod. xxv. 10-22. 
 
 XXIII. 1-3. At the head of the holy convocations stands the weekly 
 Sabbath. 
 
 N.B.— The Hebrew word rendered "solemn rest," ver. 3, 24, 32, 39, xvi. 31, xxv. 4, 5, 
 also Exod. xvi. 23, xxxi. 15, xxxv. 2, is derived from "Sabbath." 
 
 XXIII. 4-8. The first of the three set feasts (see Exod. xxiii. 14-17), the pass- 
 over, and the feast of unleavened bread for seven days, of which the first 
 and last are holy convocations. 
 
 XXIII. 9-14. The offering of the sheaf, the first fruits (rather, " beginning," 
 not the word in vex\ 17) of harvest, and the sacrifices accompanying it. 
 
 XXIII. 15-21. The second of the set feasts, that of weeks, the seventh week 
 leading on to the fiftieth day (in Greek, Pentecost, Acts ii. 1). The offer- 
 ing of the bread of the first fruits, two wave loaves, and its saci'ifices. A 
 holy convocation. 
 
 XXIII. 22. The corners of the harvest field and the gleanings to be left for 
 the poor and the stranger. 
 
 XXIII. 23-25. The first day of the seventh month, a solemn rest, a memorial 
 of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 
 
 X.B.— The seventh month stands in some relation to the seventh day, the seventh year, 
 and the jubilee year after seven times seven years. 
 
 XXIII. 26-32. The tenth day of the seventh month, the day of atonement 
 (the rules for which are given fully already, at xvi.); a holy convocation, 
 the special day for afflicting the soul. 
 
 XXIII. 33-36. The fifteenth day of the seventh month,^ the third of tlie set 
 feasts, that of tabernacles (more accurately, as in margin, booths), for seven 
 days, of which the first day is a holy convocation; and so is the eighth day. 
 
 XX III. 37, 38. The summing up of this section of the law. 
 
 XXIII. 39-44. The manner of observing this feast of ingathering, by dwelling 
 in booths as at the exodus. 
 
 XXIV. The continual service to be rendered to Jehovah by his people. 
 
 XXIV. 1-3. The offering of pure olive oil for the candlestick (or lanipstaud), 
 to burn continually before Jehovah (as already, Exod. xxvii. 20, 21). 
 
 XXIV. 5-9. The offering of the continual shew-bread (see Exod. xxv. 30, xl. 
 
 23) which the priests are to eat, compare vi. 16-18. 
 XXIV, 10-12. A half-breed, in a quarrel, blasphemes the Name, and is put 
 
 in ward, that it may be declared unto Israel at the mouth of Jehovah what 
 
 shall be done to him. 
 XXIV. 13-23. He is sentenced to death by stoning; and this takes place. 
 
 Certain other civil laws. 
 
 N.B.— These laws may have been closely connected with the striving, which led to this 
 blasphemy ; and they are affirmed to be for the stranger, as this man partly was, as well 
 as for the home-born. His sin may have occurred at the very time tliese laws were being 
 promulgated, and his CcOse may liave been recorded (like the only other history in this 
 book, that of the death of Aaron's two sons) as an illustration of the working of tlie laws 
 from acts of daring disobedience. 
 
LEVITICUS. 17 
 
 XXV. The fellowship of the redeemed people with their God preserved 
 by the laws for the redemption of the land and the persons. 
 N.B.— This provision, completed in the jubilee, when Jehovah restores everythins, is 
 the counterpart to the yearly clay of atonement (or it is the consecLuence of it), by wliich 
 all the sins of the people are atoned for and taken away from the people and the land. 
 
 XXV. 1-7. The Sabbath of the seventh year. 
 
 XXV. 8-24. The jubilee in the fiftieth year, when the land returned to him 
 
 who had sold it. Promise of food sufficient, notwithstanding" two years 
 
 coming together in which the cropping was interrupted. 
 XXV. 25-28. The rule for redeeming land. 
 XXV. 29-34. The rule for redeeming houses in a city, excepting the Levitical 
 
 cities. 
 XXV. 35-38. Compassion and tender dealing enjoined towards those who 
 
 have sunk into poverty, by the authority of the God of the exodus. 
 XXV. 39-46. Redemption of one who has sold himself into bondage, in the 
 
 jubilee. Bondage, in the strict sense of the word, is confined to those who 
 
 are not of Israelite descent. 
 
 XXV. 47-55. Right of redemption at any time in favour of an Israelite sold 
 into bondage to a stranger. 
 
 XXVI. The blessing and the curse, as the covenant is kept or broken. 
 
 XXVI. 1, 2. Fundamental principles : rejection of idolatry, observance of the 
 
 Sabbath, reverence for the sanctuary of Jehovah. 
 XXVI. 3-13. Blessings on obedience, according to all that was promised and 
 
 implied in the exodus and the erection of the tabernacle in the midst of the 
 
 people. 
 XXVI. 14-26. The corresponding curses on disobedience. 
 XXVI. 27-45. How the curse should become always heavier, till it issued in 
 
 captivity ; yet with mercy in the end on accoiant of the covenant with the 
 
 patriarchs, and with the people of the exodus. 
 
 XXVI. 46. The summing up or title of the section. 
 
 XXVII. Supplementary directions in regard to redemption in the 
 case of vows, etc. 
 
 XXVII. 1-8. Vows binding individuals : the rule for estimating these. 
 XXVII. 9-13. A clean beast given in a vow cannot be redeemed ; an unclean 
 
 beast may be redeemed by adding a fifth part to the estimated value. 
 XXVII. 14, 15. And so also a house may be redeemed. 
 XXVII. 16-25. Redemption of land, according as it is inherited, or as it is 
 
 bought (and is possessed only till the jubilee, xxv. 10, 23). 
 XXVII. 26, 27. A firstling (already belonging to Jehovah, Exod. xiii. 11-13, 
 
 and therefore incapable of being given to him by a vow) may be redeemed 
 
 if it be of an unclean beast. 
 XXVII. 28, 29. No devoted person or tiling (see note on Deut. ii. 26-37, and 
 
 Joshua vi. ) can be redeemed. 
 XXVII, 30-33. The tithe already belongs to Jehovah; it may not be changed, 
 
 bxit it may be redeemed. 
 XXVII. 34. " The summing up or title of the section. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 ■IV. The first census in the wilderness : Israel, as the nation of 
 Jehovah, is organised for marching to the land of promise. 
 
18 NUMBERS. 
 
 I. The numbering of the twelve tribes. 
 
 I. 1-19. The command given to Moses, Aaron, and the heads of the tribes. 
 I. 20-43. The number in each tribe. 
 
 I. 44-46. The sum total. 
 
 T. 47-54. The Levites are not included in this enumeration (see chap. ili. , iv. 
 however) on account of being set to keep the charge of the tabernacle. 
 
 II. The position of the tribes in the encampment. 
 
 II. 1-9. The three tribes in the camp of Judah, on the east side of the tent of 
 
 meeting, ready to march first. 
 II. 10-16. The three in the camp of Reuben, on the south side, really to march 
 
 second. 
 IT. 17. The tent of meeting, with the Levites to march in the middle. 
 II. 18-24. The three tribes in the camp of Ephraim, on the ivcst side, ready to 
 
 march third. 
 II. 25-31. The thi-ee in the camp of Dan on the north side, ready to march 
 
 last. 
 
 II. 32-34. Summing up of this section. 
 
 III. The charge of the Levites and their numbering. 
 
 N.B.— Observe the expression in ver. 1, "These are the generations of Aaron and Moses 
 in the day that," etc., as Gen. ii. 4, etc. 
 
 Til. 1-4. The sons of Aaron, dead .and living. 
 
 III. 5-10. The Levites are to be the ministers under Aaron and his sons thc^ 
 priests. 
 
 III. 11-13. The Levites are taken by Jehovah instead of the first-born (see 
 
 Exod. xiii. 2, 12-14). 
 TIT. 14-20. The Levites are to be numbered from a month old. Their families. 
 III. 21-26. First famUy, that of Gershon, v;cst of the tabernacle, with the 
 
 charge of the curtains, etc. 
 III. 27-32. Second fam till, that of Kohath, south of the tabernacle, with the 
 
 charge of the holy furniture, under Eleazar, Aaron's eldest son. 
 III. 33-39. Third family, that of Merari, north of the tabernacle, with the 
 
 chai'ge of the boards, pillai-s, etc. 
 ITT. 40-43. The first-born males in Israel are numbered. 
 
 III. 44-51. The exchange of the Levites for these, the surplus numl)er being 
 redeemed. 
 
 IV. The charge of the liCvites on the march. 
 
 lY. 1-16. First. The chai-ge of the Kohathites : the manner of covering the 
 holy things. 
 
 IV. 17-20. The special charge of the priests, that the Kohathites may not die 
 in approaching the most holy things. 
 
 IV. 21-28. Second. The charge of the Gershonites. 
 IV. 29-33. Third. The charge of the Merarites. 
 
 IV. 34-49. The numbers of the three families, and of the whole tribe of Levi, 
 from thirty to fifty j^ears of age, the age for employment in this work 
 (literallj'', this warfare, see at ver. 3 and the margin there). 
 
 v., VI. The internal arrangements of the camp, morally and 
 spiritually. 
 
 V. 1-4. Removal of lepers and other unclean persons from the camp (see Lev. 
 
 xiii. 46, XV. 31). 
 
NUMBERS. 19 
 
 V. 5-10. How the law of re-stitutioii (see Lev. vi. 2-7) is to be carried out in 
 case there be no kinsman; the priest coming in, the representative of 
 Jehovah, as last heir. 
 
 N.B.— Wrongfully keeping back this perquisite of the servants of Jehovah might have 
 made the camp accursed ; see the case of Achan in Josh. vii. 
 
 V. 11-31. The trial of Jealousy, to protect the purity of the family, and the 
 
 interests of a wife unjustly suspected. 
 Vf. 1-12. The Nazirifce vow of consecration. 
 
 VI. 13-21. The sacrifices on the completion of a Nazirite's vow. 
 
 N.B. -The spelling of this word has been intentionally confoinned to the Hebrew: it 
 has no connexion with Nazareth. 
 
 VI. 22-27. The priestly blessing for the children of Israel. 
 
 VII.-X. 10. Final arrangements for tlie congregation before breaking 
 up the encampment at Mount Sinai. 
 
 VII. The olTerin.c? of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle. 
 
 VIT. 1-11. These are l)ronght in wagons drawn by oxen, which are apportioned 
 to the sons of Gershon and of Merari, while the sons of Kohath are required 
 to do their service Avith their own hands. 
 
 VI r. 12-83. The several offerings of the twelve princes. 
 
 VII. 84-89. The sum of these offerings. The voice speaking to Moses from 
 above the mercy-seat. 
 
 VIII. 1-4. Aaron's charge to light the lamps of the candlestick. 
 
 N.r>. —For this purpose tlie children of Israel liad been commanded to bring pure olive 
 oil, £xod. xxvii. 20-21 ; which they nuist bring continually, that is, not merely once for 
 all, like the more striking and costly gifts of the princes described in the foregoing 
 chapter. 
 
 VIII. 5-2G. The cleansing and consecration of the Levites. 
 
 VIII. 5-22. The rites and sacrifices : the Levites are themselves offered as a 
 wave offering on the behalf of the children of Israel. They commence their 
 work. 
 
 VIII. 23-26. The law as to their time of waiting upon the service, from twenty- 
 five to fifty years of age (compare iv. 3, 1 Chron. xxiii. 3, 24-27). 
 
 IX. 1-14. The law of the ixissover repeated and explained for the 
 future. 
 
 IX. 1-8. Its observance in the second year. The difficulty in the case of men 
 defiled by the dead (see at v. 2). 
 
 IX. 9-14. Provision for exceptional cases such as theirs, which, however, must 
 not be abused. 
 
 IX. 15-23. The pillar of cloud and fire covering the tabernacle, and 
 determining the movements and encampments of the children of 
 Israel (see also Exod. xiii. 21, 22 ; xl. 34-38). 
 
 X. 1-10. The two trumpets of silver to be used by the priests for the 
 
 calling of the congregation, for the moving of the camj:) and for 
 certain other puriioses. 
 
 X. 11 -XIX. 22. Notices, cliiefly historical, of occurrences and 
 legislation, so long as Moses, Aaron and Miriam lived. 
 
20 NUMBERS. 
 
 X. 11-36. The first moving of the camp since the tabernacle was 
 erected. 
 
 N.B.— According to x. 11, compared with Exod. xix. 1, the stay at Mount Sinai was not 
 more than eleven months and twenty days ; so that according to Deut. i. 2, they might 
 possibly have reached the promised land in a year from the date of the exodus. 
 
 X. 11-28. The first march, taking down the tabernacle and setting it np again 
 
 (compare ii. 1-31). 
 X. 2i)-32. Hobab is entreated by Moses not to leave them, but to do them good 
 
 in the wilderness, and to share in all the good that Jehovah should do 
 
 unto Israel. 
 X. 33, 31. The movement of the ark, seeking out a resting place for them. 
 
 X. 35, 36. The prayer of Moses as the ark set forward, and as it rested. 
 
 XI. The murmuring and lusting of the people. The relief granted to 
 Moses. The second supply of quails. 
 
 XI. 1-3. Their murmuring : the burning of Jehovah's anger ; it is abated at 
 the prayer of Moses. 
 
 Xr. 4-15. The people lust for flesh and despise the manna. Moses feels over- 
 burdened, and prays for relief, by death or otherwise. 
 
 xr. lG-22. The command to bring to the tent of meeting seventy elders on 
 whom the spirit which was on Moses should rest : the promise of flesh to 
 tho people for a month, which Moses is slow to believe. 
 
 XI. 23-35. The spirit is given to the elders ; the contentment of Moses and 
 the jealousy of Joshua. The gift of the quails : and the judgement on the 
 peoi^le at the graves of lust. 
 
 N.B. -Compare and contrast the giving of the quails, apparently at the time these birds 
 of passage were migrating, just a year earlier, Exod. xvi. 8, 12, 13. 
 
 XII. The sedition of Miriam and Aaron. Miriam's leprosy : her 
 healing by the intercession of Moses, to Avhom Jehovah bears 
 testimony as pre-eminent above the prophets. 
 
 XIII., XIV. The mission of the spies, and the result of their evil 
 report, the unbelief of the people, and the forty year.s of wandering. 
 
 XIII. 1-20. The spies are sent out; their names, and the instructions given to 
 
 them. 
 XIII. 21-25. Their actings. 
 
 XIII. 20-33. The evil report of almost all of them. 
 
 XIV. 1-10. The rebellious murmurings of the people, notwithstanding the 
 efforts of Joshua and Caleb, two of the spies. 
 
 XIV. 11-25. Jehovah threatens to destroy the people : Moses intercedes, with 
 
 partial success. 
 XIV. 26-10. The judgement is announced to the people, that they shall wander 
 
 forty years in the wilderness. The ten unfaithful spies die by the pla-ue 
 
 before Jehovah. 
 
 XIV. -41-45. The presumptuous attempt to invade the land, and its disastrous 
 issue. 
 
 XV. Laws, especially in view of their yet occupying the land as the 
 Ijeople of Jehovah. 
 
 XV. 1-16. The proportion of fine flour, wine, and oil, to the various animal 
 sacrifices. 
 
 XV. 17-21. The heave offering of the first of the dough (or, coarse meal, as in 
 margin). 
 
^ UMBERS. 21 
 
 XV. 22-31. The sin offering for erring unwittingly, throughout their genera- 
 tions, in the case of all the congregation, and also in that of one person : 
 but no provision for high-handed sinners. 
 
 XV. 32-36. The man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath day is stoned by the 
 command of Jehovah. 
 
 XV. 37-41. The fringes and cords of blue on their garments to remind them 
 of his commandments. 
 
 XVI. , XVII. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. 
 
 XVI. 1-19. Their scheming. Moses remonstrates in vain with Korah, also 
 with Dathan and Abiram. 
 
 N.B.— Korah and his Levites desired the priesthood, ver. 3-10 : the others were princes 
 of the tribe of Jacob's first-born, unwilling to obey the rule of Moses, ver. 12-15. The 
 ]leubenites pitched on the south side of the tabernacle, beside Korah's family of Levites, 
 tlie Kohathites : see ii. 10 and ill. 29. 
 
 XVI. 20-35. Moses warns the people and separates them from the wicked. 
 The earth opens and swallows up the mass of the rebels : those who had 
 their censers to burn incense are consumed by fire from Jehovah. 
 
 XVI. 36-40. Their censers are reserved for a holy use. 
 
 XVI. 41-60. The renewed murmuring is punished l>y a plague, which is staid 
 by Aaron offering incense. 
 
 XVI r. 1-11. Twelve rods are taken to represent the princes of the tribes : by 
 a miracle, Aaron's alone flourishes, and is laid up before the testimony as a 
 token against the rebels. 
 
 XVII. 12, 13. A craven spirit takes possession of the children of Israel. 
 
 XVIII. The consequent settlement of the position and work of the 
 Levites, 
 
 XVIII. 1-7. The respective duties of the priests and of the Levites sharply 
 defined. 
 
 XVIII. S-20. The priests' portion from the sacred things, inasmuch as they 
 
 are to have no inheritance in the land of Israel. 
 XVIII. 21-24. The Levites, also shut out from landed inheritance, shall have 
 
 all the tithes in Israel as a heave offering, in return for their service in the 
 
 tent of meeting. 
 
 XVIII. 25-32. The Levites shall give a tithe of their tithes, as a heave offer- 
 ing, to the jDriests. 
 
 XIX. The law of ceremonial defilement caused by death. 
 
 N.B.— Observe how natural it was that this law should be given when the whole congre- 
 gation felt themselves under sentence of death; and also the laws in ch. xviii. about 
 priestly and Levitical services in the tent of meeting, from which the congregation felt 
 themselves shut out. See both matters included in the language of the people, xvii. 12, 13. 
 
 XIX. 1-10. The water of separation (or, impurity, as in margin) prepared from 
 the ashes of the red heifer. 
 
 XIX. 11-22. The law for the use of it in purifying the unclean. 
 
 XX.-XXII. 1. The history of the congregation as they passed on 
 from life in the wilderness to the conquest of the promised land. 
 
 XX. 1. The death of Mii'iam in the first month. 
 
 N.B.— No year is mentioned; but it is manifestly the fortieth, when the term of 
 wandering was ending (xiv. 33). 
 
 XX. 2-6. The people murmur for want of water. 
 
22 NUMBERS. 
 
 XX, 7-11. Moses brings water for them from the rock, yet not as he was com- 
 manded to do. 
 
 N.B. -Besides differences which a mere English reader observes on coniparing this 
 narrative with that in Exod. xvii. 1-7, there is one whicli he cannot see, that two entirely 
 different words are used for the "rock:" in Numbers, perhaps " cliff " might be more 
 exact. 
 
 XX. 12, 13, Sentence is passed on Moses and Aaron : they shall not bring the 
 
 assembly into the land of promise, 
 XX, 14-21. Moses asks Edom to grant a passage through his land to his 
 ^brother Israel : his request is denied. 
 
 XX. 22-29. By the command of Jehovah, Aaron resigns his office to his sou 
 Eleazar, and dies upon mount Hor. 
 
 XXI. 1-3. The Canaanites at Hormah are devoted (Lev. xxvii. 28, 29) and 
 destroyed by the Israelites, whom they hnd attacked. 
 
 XXI. 4-9. The people, murmuring, are bitten by fiery serpents : repenting, 
 they are healed by looking at a brazen serpent placed on a pole. 
 
 XXI. 10-20, The journeyings forward : the songs of praise of the people, now 
 believing and united, 
 
 XXI, 21-XXII. 1, Their continued advance : their conquest of the land of 
 Sihon and the land of Og, Another song. 
 
 XXII. 2-XXV. The connexion of Balaam with Israel. 
 
 XXII, 2-14. Balak king of Moab and the elders of Midian endeavour to bring 
 
 Balaam to curse Israel, but do not succeed. 
 XXII, 15-21. Their success in a second attempt, 
 XXII, 22-40, In spite of the opposition of the Angel of Jehovah, and by the 
 
 singular action of the ass on which he rode, Balaam comes safely to Balak. 
 
 XXII, 41-XXIII, 12, Balaam's first attempt to cui'se Israel; his first prophecy, 
 a blessing on them. 
 
 XXIII. 13-26. His second attempt and his second prophecy. 
 
 XXIII. 27-XXIV. 14. His third prophecy. Balak dismisses him in anger. 
 
 XXIV. 15-25, 'H^aXsiam's, fourth prophecy, delivered before going away, 
 
 XXV. 1-9. The moral pollution of Israel through joining in the worship of 
 Baal-peor. The human and the divine judgment on account of it. 
 
 XXV. 10-15. The everlasting priesthood promised to Phinehas on account of 
 ^his zeal for his God, 
 
 XXV. 16-18. The command to vex the Midianites for their wiles in the matter 
 of Peor. 
 
 N.B.— From xxxi. 15, 16, we learn their guilt in the matter; and also Balaam's, who 
 seems to liave hit upon this contrivance that Israel might bring a curse upon tliemselves. 
 Accordingly, Israel was not permitted to take vengeance on others until vengeance had 
 been taken on the sinners among themselves. 
 
 XXVI., XXVII. The second census, and the new leader of Israel. 
 
 XXVI. 1-4. Moses and Eleazar are instructed to take the sum of the peoi>le. 
 
 X.B.— Comparing the narrative of this census with that in ch i-iv., it is seen to be 
 greatly shorter, taking much for granted as already known : but it contains the genea- 
 logical details, and also historical matter connected with tlieir stay in the wilderness, and 
 arrangements for their occupation of the land of promise. 
 
 XXVI, 5-50. The numbers of the individual tribes, 
 
 XXVI, 51, The total number. 
 
 XXVI. 52-56, The land is to be divided to these, according to their numbers, 
 
 yet also by lot, 
 XXVI, 57-62, The numbering of the Levites. 
 
NUMBERS. 23 
 
 XXVI. 63-65. None included in the first census were found in this one, except 
 Caleb and Joshua. 
 
 XXVII. 1-11. _ The application by the daughters of Zelophehad (see xxvi. 33); 
 the law of inheritance of the land laid down in consequence for such cases 
 as theirs, and for some others. 
 
 XXVII. 12-14. Moses is commanded to go up into the mountain, to die there, 
 like his brother. 
 
 XXVII. 15-23. He pleads for a successor, and Joshua is appointed. 
 
 XXVIII., XXIX. The list of the public sacrifices appointed in Israel. 
 
 N.B.— l\rost suitable for the young Israel, newly nuniljercd, and about to occupy the 
 land in which they were to serve the God of their fathers. 
 
 XXVIII. 1-8. _ These are to be observed in their due season. The continual 
 burnt offering day by day. 
 
 XXVIII. 9, 10. The burnt offering, etc., for the Sabbath. 
 XXVIII. 11-15. The offerings at the beginning of every month. 
 
 X.B.— That is, at the new moons, their calendar being for a lunar year. 
 
 XXVIII. 16-25. The additional sacrifices at the passover. 
 
 XXVIII. 26-31. And on the day of the first fruits. 
 
 N.B.— This is at the feast of weeks, or Pentecost : see Levit. xxiii. 15-21. 
 
 XXIX. 1-6. And on the first day of the seventh month, the day of blowing 
 of trumpets. 
 
 XXIX. 7-11. And on the tenth day of the seventh month, the day of atone- 
 ment. 
 XXIX. 12-38. And on the successive days of the feast of tabernacles. 
 
 XXIX. 39, 40. The summing up of this section. 
 
 XXX. The law of vows, with special reference to the case of a 
 daughter or of a wife. 
 
 XXXI. The vengeance taken on the Midianites and Balaam. 
 
 XXXI. 1-12, The holy war against them : its complete success. 
 
 XXXI. 13-24. The displeasure of Moses because the guilty women and the 
 male children had been spared. The application of the law regarding cere- 
 monial defilement for the dead (ch. xix.), and generally regarding the purifi- 
 cation of the spoil. 
 
 XXXI. 25-54. The proportion in which the prey was divided between the 
 actual warriors and tlie rest of the congregation, and the tribute from each to 
 Jehovah. The voluntary offering over and above, in acknowledgement of 
 their victory without the loss of one man. 
 
 XXXII. The beginning of the partition of the land among the tribes. 
 
 XXXII. 1-15. The Gadites and the Reubenites ask to have their land on the 
 
 east side of Jordan. Moses is angry with them, and threatens them with 
 
 the wrath of Jehovah. 
 XXXII. 16-19. They explain the conditions on which they ask for it. 
 XXXII. 20-27. Moses and they come to agreement. 
 XXXIT. 28-42. Moses and they make the engagement before Eleazar and 
 
 Joshua. Moses assigns the land to them and to half the tribe of Manasseh, 
 
 and they take i^ossession. 
 
24 NUMBERS. 
 
 XXXIII. 1-49. List of the stations in the jounieyings of the 
 Israelites. 
 
 N.B.— The list of names is much fuller than in the historical accornts : compare for 
 instance ver. S-14, with Exod. xiv. 1-xvii. 1. On the other hand, no station already named 
 is iinmentioned here, unless perhaps Taberah was different from Kil)roth-liattaavah, 
 xi. 3 and 35. There may be a difference of names for the same place, as the wilderness of 
 Etham, ver. 8, compared with Exod. xv. 22, the wilderness of Shur. 
 
 XXXIII. 50-XXXVI. Instructions by Moses in regard to the allot- 
 ment of the land. 
 
 XXXIII. 50-56. Emphatic command to destroy all the Canaanites, and their 
 idolatrous emblems, etc. The land to be divided in iDroi^ortion to the 
 number of the people. 
 
 XXXIV. 1-15. The boundaries of the land of Canaan proper, to be divided 
 among the remaining nine tribes and a half. 
 
 XXXIV. 16-29. The names of the men who shall divide tiie land. 
 
 XXXV. 1-8. Forty-eight cities, including the six cities of refuge, to be given 
 to the Levites from all the tribes in proportion to their numbers ; with 
 suburbs (that is pasture lands). 
 
 N.B.— These holdings were secured to the Levites by special provisions in the law for 
 redemption. Lev. xxv. 29-34. 
 
 XXXV. 9-31. The laws regarding manslaughter and murder : the use of the 
 cities of refuge in the former case. 
 
 N.B.— Such a provision as this was well-fitted to prevent the blood feuds which prevail 
 among a kindred race, the Arabs ; ami it seems necessary in any society which entrusts 
 the punishment of murder to the relatives. 
 
 XXXVI. The case of female heirs to land, raised by the daughters of Zelophe- 
 had (xxvii. 1-11), is further settled by law. 
 
 XXXVI. 13. The summing up of this section of the law. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 I-IV. Thejirst parting address of Moses to the people. 
 
 I. 1-18. The circumstances in which it was spoken. He reminds them of the 
 command to journey from Horeb to the land of promise; and of his own 
 need of assistance, and of the assistance given him. 
 
 N.B.- Compare Numb, xi., where nothing is said of the part taken by the people in 
 approving this step, as here, ver. 14. 
 
 I. 19-46. The mission of the spies, the unbelief of the people, the sentence on 
 
 them ; the presumptuous attempt in spite of this to go up and fight for the 
 land, and its disastrous issue. 
 
 N.B. — Compare Numb, xiii., xiv., where nothhig is said of the proposal to send spies 
 having originated with the people, as here, ver. 22. Also here, ver. 37, 38, though only 
 Caleb's faithfulness is mentioned, that of Joshua is taken for granted, since he is named 
 to be successor to Moses, whose sin shut him out from Canaan. Compare Numb. xx. 12, 
 and xxvii. 12-23. 
 
 II. 1-S (middle). Towards the end of their wanderings the people are instructed 
 not to meddle with the Edomites. 
 
 N.B.— In ver. 7 there is reference to the work of their hand whifch Jehovah had blessed ; 
 this is not mentioned elsewhere. 
 
DUTERONOMY. 2& 
 
 II. 8 {raiddle)-15. Tlie like command with retspect to the Moabites, given on 
 the completion of their term of wandering, M'hen the new generation 
 journeyed northward to enter Canaan from the east (see as to a possible 
 entering from the south west, Exod. xiii. 17 ; and from the south, ch. i. 20-3o. 
 
 X.B.— The word rendered "destroy," v. 15, is a peculiar one, often used of the enemies 
 of Jehovah, apparently with the suggestion of panic : see note on Exod. xiv. 24. 
 
 11. lG-25. So with respect to the Ammonites ; on the contrary, they were to 
 fight the Amorite king Sihon and to take possession of his country, as 
 Jehovah put the dread of Israel on the peoples (compare Exod. xv. 13-17). 
 
 N.B.— This may throw light on the references to nations destroyed and dispossessed by 
 others, ver. 10-12, 20-23 ; if the Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, and Caphtorites 
 succeeded in their conquests, much more will the people of Jehovah succeed. 
 
 II, 26-37. They were willing to let Sihon king of Heshbun alone ; but ^yhen he 
 
 came against them, because they proposed merely to pass through his land, 
 
 they were commanded by Jehovah to take possession of his land, which they 
 
 did. 
 
 N.B.— The word rendered " utterly destroy" in ver. 34, iii. G, occurs often in Joshiia: 
 
 in text or margin the Kevised Version gives the literal Hebrew, "devoted," as to which 
 
 see Lev. xxvii. 28, 29. Sometimes in the Eevised Version it is rendered " the ban." 
 
 III. 1-17. The like destruction of Og king of Bashan. The land of these two> 
 kings is portioned out to the two tribes and the half tribe. 
 
 N.B.— See Numb. xxi. 21-35, and xxxii. Those narratives and this are mutually explan- 
 atory, each contributing to our knowledge some things not to he learned from the other. 
 
 ITT. 18-22. The charge of Moses to these tribes, and to Joshua. 
 
 III. 23-29. The attempt of Moses, on seeing these glorious achievements, to 
 
 obtain remission of his sentence of exclusion from Canaan. The peremptory 
 
 refusal, and the command to encourage Joshua. 
 lY. 1-24. The consequent exhortation by Moses to the people to be faithful to 
 
 the covenant made in Horeb, impressing the lesson by his own exclusion 
 
 from the promised land. 
 
 The emphasis is laid on the law being complete ; they were neither to add to it nor take 
 from it, ver. 1, 2, compare xii. 32. 
 
 lY. 25-40. A warning : they shall perish from the land and be scattered among^ 
 the peoples if they be unfaithful ; yet with promises of mercy and recovery to 
 the penitent who shall fall back on the covenant of Jehovah and who shall 
 remember how he has acted towards them. 
 
 lY, 41-43. Moses separates the three cities of refuge on the east side of Jordan 
 (see more at xix. 1-13). 
 
 lY. 44-49. The summing up of this section. 
 
 V.-Xl. The second address of Moses to the people. 
 
 N.B. — A line of division in the discourses from chap. v. forward, must be to some extent 
 arbitrary ; yet these seven chapters are more of the nature of an exhortation, whereas 
 there is more of legislation from chap. xii. on to chap. xxv. or xxvi. 
 
 V. The giving of the ten commandments. 
 
 V. 1-5. The covenant then made. 
 V. 6-21. The ten commandments. 
 
 N.B. —With certain variations from the form in Exod. xx., especially in the fourth and 
 the tenth. 
 
 V. 22-33. Jehovah added no more : but the people in terror lest he should do 
 so, besought iNIose.s to go near and listen for them ; which by Jehovah's, 
 appointment he did. 
 
26 DUTERONOMY. 
 
 VI. Urgent appeal to them to obey and to continue obedient. 
 
 VT. 1-3. The purpose of the law is to secure olaedience. 
 
 VI. 4-9. Therefore impress it in every way upon yourselves and your children. 
 VI. 10-15. Be on your guard not to turn away from it, when in the enjoyment 
 of all the good things of Canaan. 
 
 VI. lG-19. Avoid tempting Jehovah as ye did in Massah (Exod. xvii. 2-7, and 
 perhaps Numb. xx. 3, 13). 
 
 A^I. 20-24. Instruct your sons in the history of the Exodus. 
 
 VII. All intercourse with the devoted nations of Canaan is forbidden. 
 
 VII. 1-11. The seven nations are devoted to destruction, and all their idolatrous 
 emblems, etc. : it is only sovereign grace that selected Israel. 
 
 VII. 12-26. Variety^ and fulness of blessing to them if they be obedient ; in- 
 cluding assured victory over these enemies, though not all at once, but by 
 little and little. 
 
 VIII. An exhortation to obedience, and a warning against falling 
 away, from the consideration of all Jehovah's dealings with them 
 in tlie wilderness. 
 
 IX. -XI. The same topic, in the light of their iiro vocations and his 
 marvellous grace. 
 
 IX. All self-righteousness is shut out, especially by their conduct, and by that 
 of Aaron their priest, in the sin of the golden calf. 
 
 X. 1-11. How, nevertheless, Jehovah replaced the broken tables of the cove- 
 
 nant, and perpetuated the Levitical priesthood, though Aaron died in the 
 wilderness. 
 
 X. 12-22. The great, good, just, and loving God, calls them to exercise the 
 
 like gracious dispositions. 
 
 XI. 1-12. An appeal to them to love Jehovah and to keep his charge, grounded 
 on their experience in the wilderness, and their expectation of more in 
 Canaan than they had had in Egypt. 
 
 XI. 13-25. Repetition of promises and warnings (compare especially chap. vi). 
 XI. 26-28. Tlie blessing and the curse are set I ef ore them. 
 
 XI. 29-32. This blessing is to be set on Mount Gcrizim, and this curse xipon 
 Mount Ebal, when they shall have been brought into the land. 
 
 N.B.— This is explained fully in chap, xxvii. 
 
 XII.-XXVl. The third parting address of Moses, 
 
 N-B-— More legislative tlian the preceding discourse: see note at commencement of 
 chap, v.-xi. 
 
 XII. The contrast between the manifold idolatries of the Canaanites 
 and the unity of the service of Jehovah. 
 
 XII. 1-3. The statutes and judgements to be observed : beginning with the 
 destruction of the emblems and instruments of idolatry to be found every- 
 where. 
 
 XII. 4-19. In contrast with all tliis, they are to gather to the place which 
 Jehovah shall choose out of all the tribes, and offer all their sacrifices and 
 present their tithes and firstlings, etc. ; not as in their present state of 
 transition. This is not to prevent their killing and eating flesh any where, 
 only the blood must not be eaten. Their family feasts before Jehovah are 
 to include the Levite, for as much as he has no inheritance with tbem. 
 
 XII. 20-28. The difference between the eating of holy things, as thus restricte(.\ 
 
DUTERONOMY. 27 
 
 to the one i^lace, which Jehovah chooses to put his name there, and the eat- 
 ing of flesh anywhere, if only the blood be not eaten but be poured on the 
 earth. 
 
 N.B.— Compare the law while in the wilderness, Lev. xvii., and observe the temporary 
 slackness of rule here, ver. S and 9. 
 
 XII. 29-31. Do not inquire how these nations served their gods, lest thou be 
 ensnared to copy them. 
 
 XII. 32. Neither add to any command nor diminish from it. 
 
 XIII. Enticers to false worship. 
 
 XIII. 1-5. Though it were a prophet, giving a sign that came to pass, this 
 would simply be a temptation to draw you away from the God of the 
 Exodus : let him be put to death for teaching rebellion against Jehovah 
 thy God. 
 
 N.B.— The command to "put away the evil from the midst of thee," (ver. 5) is 
 characteristic of this address, xvii. 7, 12; xix. 13, 19; xxi. 9, 21; xxii. 21, 22, 24; xxiv. 7. 
 It is used in other connexions also, as xxvi. 13, 14. And it occurs much as here, in 2 Sam. 
 iv. 11 ; 1 Kings xiv. 10 ; xvi. 3 (a slightly varied form in Hebrew) ; xxi. 21 ; xxii. 46 ; 2 
 Kings xxiii. 24 ; 2 Chron. xix. 3 ; in some of which passages the E.evised Version renders 
 '• sweep away." And at other times it is rendered, to " be eaten up," or to be " burnt ; " 
 see Isa. iv. 4, for instance. 
 
 XIII. G-11. So with the nearest relative or dearest friend : thou whom he has 
 attempted to seduce shalt be the first to put thy hand on him to stone him. 
 
 XIII. 12-18. So with a city seduced into idolatry : all that it contains shall 
 become a devoted thing. 
 
 XIV. Israel the children of Jehovah their God. 
 
 XIV. 1, 2. As his children, they shall not disfigure their bodies for the dead. 
 XIV. 3. Nor eat any abominable thing (compare Lev. xi.) 
 
 XIV. 4-8. Beasts which may and which may not be eaten : the latter those 
 
 which do not both chew the cud and part the hoof. 
 XIV. 9, 10. Animals in the waters which have not both fins and scales, may 
 
 not be eaten. 
 XIV. 11-20. List of forbidden birds. 
 XIV. 21. They shall not eat anything that dieth of itself, though they may 
 
 give it away or sell it. Nor shall they eat a kid seethed in its mother's 
 
 milk. 
 XIV. 22-27. They shall every year tithe the increase of the seed of the field, 
 
 and eat it with their firstlings, before Jehovah, at the jjlace which he shall 
 
 choose, they and their households and the Levite. Yet those at a distance 
 
 shall be at liberty to sell the tithe, and to spend the money instead. 
 
 XIV. 28-29. Every third year this tithe is to be laid up at home, and is for 
 the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. 
 
 XV. Rest from labour, so as to serve Jehovah. 
 
 XV. 1-6. The release by creditors in the seventh year, and the blessing on it. 
 XV. 7-11. This provision is not to hinder kindness to the poor, but to promote it. 
 XV. 12-18. Kindness to bond servants, male and female, on letting them go 
 
 free in the seventh year : the arrangement if one insists on staying on iu 
 service (compare Exod. xxi. 2-6). 
 
 XV. 19-23. The household feast on the firstlings of oxen and sheep, whether 
 sacrificed or unfit for sacrifice. 
 
 XVI. 1-17. The three appointed times ("trysts," see note at beginning 
 of Lev. xxiii.) for all the males to appear before Jehovah. 
 
 XVI. 1-8. First : The passover and the feast of unleavened bread, at the place 
 which Jehovah shall choose. 
 
 3 
 
28 DUTERONOMY. 
 
 XVr. 9-12. Second : The feast of weeks. 
 
 XVI. 13-17. Third : The feast of tabernacles. The rule for appearing at all 
 these, not without a gift. 
 
 XVI. 18-XVir. 20. Civil rulers ; jud-es and kings. 
 
 XVI. 18-20. Judges and officers in all their gates according to their tribes r 
 in order that justice may be administered faithfvdly, and that they may in- 
 herit the land. 
 
 XVI. 21, 22. No asherah (see marginal note in Revised Version at Exod. xxxiv. 
 13) of any kind of tree to be planted beside the altar of Jehovah, nor any 
 pillar set up. 
 
 N.B.— These rules may come in here, since Jehovah was at the same time both God and 
 king of Israel: observe Ex. xxi. 6, xxii. 8, 9, 28, whereupon "God" the margin puts the 
 rendering of the A.V. " the jndges." 
 
 XVII. 1. Nothing with a blemish in it is to be offered unto Jehovah their God. 
 N.B.— For it would not be offered to their governor, Mai. i. C-8, 13, 14. 
 
 XVII. 2-7. A man or woman transgressing the covenant and serving other 
 gods shall be stoned : yet, at the least, there must be two witnesses, whose 
 hand shall be the first upon the culprit. 
 
 XVII. 8-13. An appeal shall lie in hard cases from the local courts to the- 
 priests, the Levites, and to the judge, at the place which Jehovah shall 
 choose. Presumptuous opposition to them shall be punished with death. 
 
 XVII. 14-20. The law of the kingdom, when they come to wish a king : the 
 king must be one of their brethren, who shall rule in obedience to the law, 
 of which he shall write a coi^y for himself. 
 
 XVIII. Priests and Prophets. 
 
 XVIII. 1-5. The priests, the Levites, even (or, and) all the tribe of Levi, shall 
 have no inheritance among their brethren, for Jehovah is their inhei'itance. 
 Yet there are certain dues to the pi-iest. 
 
 XVIII. 6-8. The provision for a Levite voluntarily leaving his home for the 
 place which Jehovah shall choose, to minister in his name. 
 
 XVIII. 9-22. The divination and the other abominations of the Canaanites 
 are not to be practised. A prophet like unto Moses shall be raised up unto 
 them of their bi-ethren, to whom implicit obedience must be given. Jehovah 
 will deal with any prophet who speaks presumptuously in his name, whose 
 real character shall be known by that which he lias spoken not coming to 
 pass. 
 
 XIX. Certain judicial laws. 
 
 XIX. 1-13. The cities of refuge for the manslayer who is not a murderer ; 
 three, and three more (compare iv. 41-43 and Numb. xxxv). 
 
 XIX. 14. The old landmarks are not to be removed. 
 
 XIX. 15-21. Two witnesses are necessary for a conviction. The truth of 
 testimony is to be sifted before the priests and the judges, and a false wit- 
 ness is to be punished by the law of retaliation. 
 
 XX. The laws for wai-. 
 
 XX. 1-9. The host is to be encouraged in going forth, since Jehovah goes be- 
 fore it. Exemptions from military service. 
 
 XX. 10-18. An offer of peace is to be made to a city before besieging it ; in case 
 of storming it, the women and children and the spoil are to be a prey to 
 them. But the nations of Canaan are to be devoted to destruction (see 
 note on ii. 34). 
 
DUTERONOMY. 29 
 
 XX. 19-20. In besieging a city the fruit trees are to be spared, 
 
 XXI. Certain judicial laws. 
 
 XXI. 1-9. Expiation of a murder by some person unknown. 
 XXI. 10-14. Protection to female prisoners of war. 
 
 XXI. 15-17. The right of the true first-born when there liave been two wives. 
 
 XXI. 18-21. A stubborn and rebellious son may be punished with death. 
 
 XXI. 22, 23. The body of a malefactor is not to remain all night hanging on a 
 tree. 
 
 XXIT. Laws enforcing brotherly dealing, kindness, and purity. - 
 
 XXII. 1-3. Brotherly dealing in the case of anything that is lost. 
 XXII. 4. And in the case of an ox or an ass falling down by the way. 
 XXII. 5. The garments of the one sex not to be worn by the other. 
 
 XXII. 6, 7. Kindliness to animals, exemplified in the case of birds'-nests and 
 their young. 
 
 XXIII. 8. A battlement on the roof of a house, to guard against danger to 
 life. 
 
 XXII. 9-11. Prohibition of two kinds of seed in a vine-yard ; of plowing with 
 an ox and an ass together ; of wearing a mingled stuff made of wool and 
 linen. 
 
 XXII. 12. Fringes to be made on the four borders of the vesture. 
 
 XXII. 13-21.^ The charge against a wife that she had not been a virgin ; bow 
 to deal with it. 
 
 XXII. 22. Adultery to be punished with death. 
 
 XXII. 23, 24. And this even though the woman is only betrothed. 
 
 XXII. 25-27. Eape to be punished with death. 
 
 XXII. 28, 29. The law for those guilty of fornication before marriage. 
 
 XXII. oO. A case of incest forbidden. 
 
 XXIII. Judicial laws, chiefly as to the assembly of Jehovah. 
 
 XXIII. 1-8. Who may and who may not enter into it. 
 
 XXIII. 9-14. The camp, in time of war, to be kept clean, since Jehovah walks 
 
 in the midst of it. 
 XXIII. 15, 16. A fugitive slave not to be given up. 
 XXIII. 17, 18. Moral uncleannef-s in Israel forbidden ; emphatically in the 
 
 case of vows and other worship. 
 
 N.B.— The margin shews that it is a religious abomination which is directly in the eye 
 of the lawgiver. 
 
 XXIII. 19, 20. Usury permitted in the case of foreigners, but not in the case 
 of a brother Israelite. 
 
 XXIII. 21-23. Vows need not be made ; but when made, they must be per- 
 formed (compare Numb. xxx). 
 
 XXIII. 24, 25. Liberty to eat of a neighbour's vineyard, or his standing corn ; 
 but not to gather and take away. 
 
 XXIV.-XXV. 16. Judicial laws, several of them relating to marriage 
 and family life. 
 
 XXIV. 1-4. The law of divorce. 
 
 XXIV. 5, 6. A newly married man is freed from public duty for a year. A 
 
 mill or mill-stone may not be taken in pledge. 
 XXIV. 7. Man-stealing to be punished with death. 
 XXIV. 8, 9. The law for leprosy to be strictly observed (see Lev. xiii., xiv., 
 
 and Numb. xii). 
 
30 DUTERONOMY. 
 
 XXIV. 10-13. Restrictions on taking pledges from debtors (see Ex. xxii. 25-27). 
 XXIV. 14, 15. Hired servants are not to be treated harshly. 
 XXIV. 16. Fathers and children are not to be held mutually responsible for 
 their lives. 
 
 XXIV. 17-22. Justice and kindness insisted on towards the stranger, the 
 fatherless, and the widow (See Exod. xxii. 21-21). They are to have any- 
 thing forgotten or left in tlie harvest-field, vine-j'ard, or olive-yard. 
 
 XXV. 1-3. Judicial flogging restricted to forty stripes. 
 XXV. 4. The ox treading out the corn is not to be muzzled. 
 XXV. 5-10. Tlie law of marriage to raise up seed unto a brother. 
 XXV. 11, 12. The p.unishment of an immodest woman. 
 
 XXV. 13-16. Unjust weights and measures are forbidden, as an abomination 
 to Jehovah. 
 
 XXV. 17.-XXVI. 19. The covenant relation between Jehovah and 
 his people to be set forth. 
 
 XXV. 17-19. The sin and punishment of Amalek, seeking to destroy the 
 covenant people (see Exod. xvii. 8-16, Numb. xxiv. 20). 
 
 XXVI, 1-11. 'J'lie profession to be made on offering the lirst-fruits at the 
 place which Jehovah shall choose. 
 
 XXVI. 12-15. The profession and prayer to be made when the tithes in the 
 third year (see chap. xiv. 28, 29) have been .all duly given away. 
 
 XXVI. 16-19. The mutual avouching of Jehovah and his people. 
 
 XXVII. The confirmation of the covenant at Mount Ebal. 
 
 XXVII. 1-8. The words of the law to be written on ijlastered stones, and 
 sacrifices to be offered on an altar of whole stones (Ex. xx. 25) in JNIount 
 Ebal. 
 
 XXVII. 9, 10. Moses and the pi-iests, the Levites, announce that Israel is be- 
 come the jjeople of Jehovah, and they therefore require n'oedience to him. 
 
 XXVII. 11-14. Six tribes are appointed to stand on !^Ionnt Gerizim to bless, 
 and six upon Mount Ebal to curse, in response to the Levites. 
 
 . XXVII. 15-26. Twelve curses to be uttered there. 
 
 N.B.— The last indicates plainly that the whole law is presented to the people in its 
 blessing and cursing efficacy (see Galatians iii. 10). 
 
 XXVIII.-XXX. Closing predictions by Moses. 
 
 XXVIII. 1-14. The blessings on obedience (compare Lev. xxvi. 3-13). 
 
 XXVIII. 15-68. The corresponding curses upon disobedience (compare Lev. 
 xxvi. 14-45). 
 
 XXIX. 1. These are the words of the covenant in the land of Moab, besides 
 the covenant in Horeb. 
 
 N.B.— See Exod. xxiv. ; the sacrifice on that occasion extendin.fj its influence to this, so 
 that no new sacrifice for confirming the covenant is appointed until that one in the 
 land of Canaan, enjoined at chap, xxvii. 5. 
 
 XXIX._ 2-9. Kenewed exhortation to obedience on account of all their ex- 
 perience, from which they have derived too little advantage. 
 
 XXIX. 10-29. The covenant is this day confirmed with them all, and with 
 those that sliall come after them. Tlie sin and the ruin of those who turn 
 away from Jehovah, as shall be seen by themselves and by others in their 
 desolated land and their captivity. 
 
 XXX. 1-10. The great mercies, temporal and spiritual, in store for the repent- 
 ing outcasts. 
 
 XXX. 11-14. The word is nigh unto them, that they may do it. 
 
DUTERONOMY. 31 
 
 XXX. 15-20. Moses calls heaven and earth to witness that he has set before 
 them life and good, death and evil, in the blessing and the curse. 
 
 XXXI.-XXXIV. The closing scenes in Moses' life and work. 
 
 XXXI. 1-8. Moses, reminding the people that he is not to go over Jordan, 
 encourages them and Joshua with the assurance that Jehovah goes with 
 them and will not forsake them. 
 
 XXXI. 9-13. He writes this law, delivers it to the priests, the Levites, and to 
 the elders, and bids them assemble the entire population and read it to them 
 at the feast of tabernacles every seventh year. 
 
 XXXI. 14-23. Moses, by Divine command, brings Joshua to the tent of meet- 
 ing to receive a charge : the apostacy of the people and its puinshment are 
 foretold, and a song is given to Moses to teach the people, whicli shall be a 
 witness against them. 
 
 XXXI. 24-29. Moses delivers the law to the Levites to put it by the side of 
 the ark ; he testifies to their rebelliousness, and summons the elders and 
 officers, that he may call heaven and earth to witness against them for the 
 corruptions into which they are about to fall. 
 
 XXXI. 30. He teaches them the following song, chap, xxxii. 1-43. 
 
 XXXII. 1-4. Introduction. The praise of J ehovah. 
 XXXII. 5-lS. Their corruption and ingratitude. 
 
 XXXII. 19-25. The alienation of Jehovah, and his threatenings. 
 
 XXXII. 2G-35. His self-restraint in dealing with them, for his own name's 
 sake, profaned among the nations. 
 
 XXXII. 3G-43. His call to Israel to repent and be restored ; closing with an- 
 other call to the nations to rejoice with his people. 
 
 XXXII. 44-47. Moses and Hoshea (that is Joshua, see Numb. xiii. 16) teach 
 the song to the people, and entreat them to attend. 
 
 XXXII. 48-52. Moses is commanded to go up into Mount Nebo, to take a 
 view of Canaan, and to die. 
 
 XXXIII. The dying blessing pronounced upon the tribes by Moses. 
 
 XXXIII. 2-5. The introduction. 
 
 XXXIII. 6-25. The blessings on the individual tribes in succession. 
 
 N.B.— Simeon is passed over in silence : compare the great falling off in the second 
 census of this tribe, Numb. 1. 23 and xxvi. 14. 
 
 XXXIII. 26-29. The conclusion. 
 
 XXXIV. The death of Moses ; his burial by Jehovah. His unique position 
 as the prophet whom Jehovah knew face to face, though he had a successor 
 in Joshua. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 I-XIT. The conquest of the land. 
 
 I.-V. 12. The preparations. 
 
 I. 1-9. The entrance of Joshua on his office. 
 
 T. 10, 11. He bids the people prepare victuals as they are about to pass over 
 Jordan. 
 
32 JOSHUA. 
 
 I. 12-18. He reminds tlie tribes already settled of their promise given to Moses, 
 
 and receives their assurance of obedience and support. 
 
 II. He sends spies to view the land, and Jericho ; who accomplish their task 
 safely by the helj) of Rahab, with whom they make a covenant. 
 
 N.B.— As the spies lay hid three clays, ver. 22, it has been conjectured that Joshua had 
 secretly sent them off before issuing the command tliat the host were to cross the Jordan 
 within three days, 1. ii. But this is uncertain : iii. 2 does not say " the three days." 
 
 III. 1-8. The general instructions for the crossing. 
 
 III. 9-17. Final instructions : the actual crossing as the waters divided befovo 
 the ark. 
 
 IV. 1-14. The memorial stones set vip in Jordan, and the other memorial stones 
 carried from its bed. The passage of the whole twelve tribes. Joshua is 
 magnified and the people fear him. 
 
 IV. 15-24. The ark passes over last. The twelve memorial stones taken out 
 of Jordan are placed in the encampment at Gilgal. 
 
 V. 1. The hearts of the nations of Canaan melt with fear. 
 V. 2-9. The covenant renewed by circumcision. 
 
 N.B.— There had been a suspension of the covenant, and apparently therefore of its 
 sign, ever since the people had been condemned to wander in the wilderness: this "re- 
 proach of Egypt" was now rolled away when the sign of the covenant was administered 
 anew (see Numb. xiv. 13-16, and 33, 34). 
 
 V. 10-12. The circumcised people observe the passover. The manna ceases. 
 
 N.B.— Probably the other mark of the divine care for them in the wilderness, the 
 pillar of cloud and fire, ceased to guide them as they crossed the Jordan into Cauiian 
 under the guidance of the ark. 
 
 V. 13-VI. 27. The commencement of the holy war; the fall of Jericho. 
 
 V. 13-16. The captain of Jehovah's host appears to Joshua; who does him 
 reverence. 
 
 N.B.— Compare ver. 15 with Exod. iii. 5 : and generally compare these verses -wMh. 
 Exod. xiv. 19, xxiii. 20-23. 
 
 VI. 1-11. His instructions to Joshua, repeated to the people, that they shall 
 compass Jericho seven days in silence, except that the priests shall blow 
 the trumpets as the ark is carried round the city ; its walls shall fall on the 
 seventh day. 
 
 VI. 12-27. The execution of these commands. The city is devoted, and all 
 that is in it, except Rahab and her families. The curse pronounced upon 
 the man who shall rebuild the walls of Jericho. The fame of Joshua. 
 
 VII. The war interrupted by the sin of Acban. 
 
 VII. 1. He takes part of the devoted thing. 
 
 N.B— "To commit a trespass," is a standing phrase in the Law of Moses for such 
 offences. Lev. v. 15, vL 2, etc. 
 
 VII. 2-15. The failure of the expedition against Ai, the melting of the hearts of 
 the people, the humiliation and prayer of Joshua; the discovery of the cause 
 by Jehovah, and the command to punish the guilty whom he will make 
 manifest. 
 
 N.B. — "Wrought folly in Israel," in ver. 15, is elsewhere an expression applied to fleshly 
 lust, and not to covetousness : yet these are coui>led in the New Testament, in such 
 passages as 1 Cor. v. 10, 11, Ephes. v. 5, Coloss. iii. 5, Heb. xiii. 4, 5. See also the note on 
 kindred word for "fool" at Psa. xiv. 1. 
 
 VII. 16-26. Achan is taken by the lot : he makes confession; and on this being 
 found true, he aiid his are stoned to death and their bodies aro burnt. The 
 
JOSHUA. 33 
 
 place is named (with an allusion to his name) the valley of Achor, that is 
 trouble (see vi. 18). 
 
 N.B.— See references to it in Isa. Ixv. 10, Hos. ii. 15. 
 
 VIII. Success against Ai. The covenant confirmed at Mount Ebal. 
 
 VIII. 1-9. Jehovah encourages Joshua to renew the attack on Ai, and prom- 
 ises success. The stratagem to be used. 
 
 VIII. 10-29. This is carried out successfully. Bethel is taken as well as Ai. 
 Ai is devoted, the spoil, however, being given to the i^eople. Its king is 
 hanged. 
 
 VIII. 30-35. The covenant is confirmed at the altar on Mount Ebal, with the 
 blessing and the curse pronounced, according to the commandment of Moses; 
 see Deut. xi. 29, 30, xxvii. 
 
 N.B.— In this way Joshua and the people took possession of the land by faith, reckon- 
 ing that it was virtually conquered ; and they engaged to be obedient to the law written 
 •on the stones. 
 
 IX., X. The southern confederacy against Israel : the Gibeonites 
 alone make peace and submit. 
 
 IX. 1, 2. The news of what Joshua and Israel had done leads to a confederacy 
 of all the Canaanitish nations to the south of them. 
 
 IX. 3-15. The Gibeonites, by a stratagem, succeed in making a league with 
 Joshua and the princes of the congregation. 
 
 IX. 16-27. The discovery of their deceit. Their lives are spared, but they are 
 made hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for 
 the altar of Jehovah. 
 
 X. 1-11. Five kings of the Amorites combine to punish Gibeon for deserting 
 
 them. Joshua is promised complete success ; and the kings are discomfited, 
 
 less by his sword than by a terrific hailstorm. 
 X. 12-15. The sun and the moon stand still at tlie word of Joshua, as related 
 
 in the book of Jashar. 
 X. l<i-27. The pursuit and entire destruction of the Amorite army. The five 
 
 kings are hanged. 
 X. 28-39. Joshua takes the i^rincipal cities of his enemies, and devotes them to 
 
 destruction. 
 
 X. 40-43. Siunmaiy of his successes in the campaign to the south of Gibeon and 
 
 Gilgal. 
 
 XI. 1-15. Tlie northern confederacy : campaign against it. 
 
 XI. 1-9. Jabin king of Hazor unites the kings of the northern part of Canaan. 
 Joshua is promised complete success, which he achieves. 
 
 N.B.— This confederacy embraced the Hittites, ver. 3, Avho appear only as a small tribe 
 in Canaan, at Hebron ; see Genesis xxiii. But recent investigations have made tliem 
 known to us as a very powerful and highly oi'ganised people outside Canaan, one of their 
 capitals being Kadesh on the river Orontes in the Lebanon, They were renowned for 
 tlieir cavalry; a fact which agrees well witli ver. 4 here, and with 1 Kings x. 29, and 2 
 Kings vii. 6, where see note. 
 
 XI. 10-15. Joshua devotes Hazor, the chief city of the confederacy, and bnrn« 
 it. He takes other cities, devoting them also. 
 
 XI. IG-XII. 24. The result of the wars of conquest. 
 
 XI. 16-20. The extent of territory covered by Joshua's wars, over all Canaan. 
 The strength put into the breasts of the Canaanites leading to uniform re- 
 sistance, and ending in their destruction. 
 
 N.B.— The " long time," in ver. 18, seems to have been about seven years, as may be 
 calculated from xiv. 7-10, compared with Deut. ii. 14. 
 
34 JOSHUA. 
 
 XI. 21-23. The renewed war in the south, against the Anakim : compare x» 
 36-41, and Numb. xiii. 28, 33. 
 
 XII. 1-6. The territory of the two kings east of Jordan, whom Moses smote, 
 which he divided to the two tribes and a half. 
 
 XII. 7-24. A list of thirty-one kings west of Jordan, whom Joshua smote. 
 
 XIII.-XXI. The allotment of the land. 
 
 XIII. The divine command to allot the land, with the accoimt of 
 what Moses had already accomplished. 
 
 XIII. 1-14, The command to Joshua to allot the land, notwithstanding that a 
 good deal remained to be conquered; having respect to what Moses had 
 already done, and also to the rule that Levi had no share in the land. 
 
 N.B.— Joshua "took the whole land," but only " according to all that Jeliovah spake- 
 unto Moses," xi. 23, of a gradual occupation as they were ready for it, as to which see 
 Exod. xxiii. 29, 30, Deut. vli. 22. 
 
 XIII. 15-23. First : the inheritance given by Moses to Reuben. 
 
 XIII. 24-28. Second : the inheritance to Gad. 
 
 XIII. 29-31, Third: the inheritance to half-Manasseh. 
 
 XIII. 32-33. Summing up of this work of Moses. 
 
 XIV. The allotment of what strictly was the laud of Canaan begun. 
 
 XIV. 1-5. The provision to be made for nine tribes and a half, by Joshua, 
 with Eleazar the high priest, and the heads of the fathers' houses ; compare 
 Numb, xxxiv. 16-29. 
 
 N.B.— Eleazar al-.vays takes precedence, no doubt on account of the sacredness of the 
 lot, which it would be liis duty to cast, even where Joshua, as the active head of this 
 land-commission, is said to do It, xviii. 6, 8, 10. Since the land was to be divided by lot, 
 and yet the portions were to be made larger or smaller according to the numbers in the 
 tribe, Numb. xxvi. 52-56, tlie lot can have determined merely the position of the territory 
 assigned to each, but not its extent, as to which, in some cases, a change was made after 
 the first partition. 
 
 XIV. 6-15. A prefez-ential claim to Hebron is stated by Caleb, as one of the 
 two faithful si^ies ; it is acknowledged by Joshua. 
 
 N.B. -The promise by Moses to Caleb in ver. 9, is not mentioned in the Pentateuch ; 
 but it agrees well with the spirit of the history. 
 
 XV.-XVII. The ox-iginal territorial arrangements. 
 
 XV. 1-12. First : Judah. Their border or boun laries. 
 
 XV. 13-19. Caleb's portion and conquest, by himself and by his son-in-law 
 
 Othniel 
 XV. 20-62. The cities of Judah, in groups. 
 
 XV. 63. Judah is unable to take Jerusalem. 
 
 XVI. 1-4. Second and third: the house of Joweph, namely Ephraim and 
 Manasseh. Their southern boundary. 
 
 XVI. 5-9. The boundaries of Ephraim. 
 
 N.B.— ^Ye do not know the principle on whicli these cities within Manasseh were given 
 to Epliraim : yet compare xvii. 11, which informs us that Manasseh had cities within 
 the territories of Issachar and Asher. 
 
 XVI. 10. Ephraim also fails to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer. 
 
 XVII. 1-11. There was but a single lot for Joseph (see ver. 14-18 and xvi. 1), 
 yet plenty of territory ; Manasseh, indeed, having a doixble portion as the 
 first-born (according to 1 Chron. v. 1, 2), land on both sides of the Jordan. 
 
JOSHUA. 55 
 
 The provision for the dang^hters of Zelophehad was as Moses had pi'omised 
 (see Numb, xxvii. 1-11, xxxvi). 
 
 N.B.— This single lot, including Manasseh as well as Ephraim, kept these two together: 
 the half-tribe alone might have been too weak. 
 
 XVII. 12, 13. Manasseb also fails to drive out the Canaanites. 
 
 XVII. 14-18. The comi^laint of the house of Joseph to Joshua, and his reply. 
 
 XVIII., XIX. The supplementary arrangements for the other tribes. 
 
 XVIII. 1-10. The tent of meeting is set up at Shiloh. Joshua reproaches the 
 seven remaining tribes for their slackness, arranges to have tlie land surveyed 
 by representative men, and cast lots for them. 
 
 XVlil. 11-28. First : Benjamin, between Judah and Ephviam : their bound- 
 aries and cities. 
 
 XIX. 1-9. Second: Simeon ; within the portion of Judah, which was too large. 
 XIX. 10-16. Third : Zebulun ; their lioundaries and cities. 
 
 XIX. 17-23. Fourth : Issachar ; their boundaries (given only in part) and cities, 
 
 XIX. 21-31. Fifth : Asher, their boundaries (iierhaps given only in part) and 
 
 cities. 
 
 XIX. 32-39. Sixth : Naphtali ; their boundaries and cities. 
 
 XIX. 40-48. Seventh : Dan ; their cities ; their additional conquests. 
 
 XIX. 49, 50. The gift of a city to Joshua. 
 XIX. 51. The summing up of this section. 
 
 XX. Appointment of the Cities of Refuge. 
 
 N.B.— This carries out what Moses had begun, Deut. iv. 41-43, according to the law re- 
 corded in jSnnib. xxxv. 
 
 XXI. Appointment of the Levitical cities. 
 XXI. 1-3. The claim of the Levites. 
 
 N.B.— In accordance with the law in Numb. xxxv. 1-8. 
 
 XXI. 4-7. The distribution of the three Levitical families among the twelve 
 tribes. 
 
 KB.— The three sons of Levi had not equal shares, the priests belonged to Kohath's 
 family, and had thirteen cities, the rest of the Kohathites receiving ten ; that is twenty- 
 three in all, almost the half of the whole forty-eight. The cities of refuge (chap, xx.) 
 were included among the Levitical cities, two being given to each of the three families. 
 
 XXI. 8-42. The lists of the cities for each of the three Levitical families. 
 
 XXI. 43-45. The summing up of the history of the conquest and allotment of 
 the land : nothing had failed of all that Jehovah had promised. 
 
 XXII.-XXIV. Closing scenes. 
 
 XXII. The return of the Eastern Tribes to their own home, their 
 danger of civil war, and their escape from it. 
 
 XXII. 1-8. Their dismissal with a blessing. 
 
 N.B —.Joshua sent them away from Shiloh, ver. 9, therefore later than xviii. 1. 
 
 XXII. 9-12. Their memorial altar. 
 
 N.B. —The Revised Version brings out the fact that this altar was on the west side of 
 the Jordan. 
 
 XXII. 13-20. The remonstrance of the other tribes, and their offer to take 
 
36 JOSHUA. 
 
 these tribes to inherit among themselves, if this were necessary for preserv- 
 ing piirity of worshii^. 
 
 XXII. 21-29. The explanation made by the Eastern Tribes. 
 
 XXII. 30-34. It is frankly accepted by the other tribes. 
 
 XXIII. A solemn warning by Joshua, 
 
 N.B.— Probably a more private or personal dealing than the address in chap, xxiv., 
 which was delivered at Shechem, recalling the transaction recorded in chap viii. 30-35. 
 
 XXIV. Last address by Joshua, his renewal of the covenant, his 
 death, and Eleazar's. 
 
 XXIV. 1-25. Joshua rehearses the dealings of Jehovah from the time^ of 
 Abraham : the people accept the statement and are resolute in covenanting 
 with the God of Israel. 
 
 XXIV. 2G-28. Joshua writes these words in the book of the law of God, and 
 sets up a great stone as a witness to the transaction. 
 
 N.B.— This oak, ver. 26, may have been very memorable in religious transactions ; see 
 Oen. xii. 6, xxxv. 4, Judges ix. 6. 
 
 XXIV. 29-33. The death of Joshua, and of Eleazar ; their burial ; the burial 
 of Joseph's bones. 
 
 K.B.— This last was in obedience to Joseph's dying instructions, to which the people 
 had sworn obedience, Gen. 1. 24-26, see Exod. xiii. 19. The place might be near that oak 
 mentioned here at ver. 26 : the date of this burial is not given. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 I.-IIT. 6. Introductory. 
 
 I.-II. 5. How the Israelites after the death of Joshua dealt with the 
 Canaanites. 
 
 I. 1-7. The tribe of Judah is called by Jehovah to take the lead. Their 
 
 exijloits, assisted by Simeon. 
 I. 8-15. Exploits by Judah alone. Caleb's share in these (already in Josh. xv. 
 
 14-19). 
 I. 16. The Kenites, to whom Moses' wife belonged (see Numb. x. 29-32). 
 I. 17-20. Exploits of Judah assisting Simeon. 
 I. 21. Failure of Benjamin to occupy Jeiusalem (in spite of what is said at 
 
 ver. 8). 
 I. 22-29. Imperfect success of the house of Joseph, tliat is, Manasseh and 
 
 Ephraim. 
 I. 30. The same in the case of Zebulun. 
 
 N.B.— Issachar is not mentioned (perhaps compare Gdn. xlix. 14, 15). 
 
 I. 31-33. Asher and Naphtali, still less satisfactory, are content to dwell among 
 the Canaanites (not as is said ver. 29, 30). 
 
 I. 34-36. Dan is forced into the hill country by the powerful Amorites, yet 
 
 is helped by the house of Joseph. 
 
 II. 1-5. Solemn remonstrance by the Angel of Jehovah, and repentance of the 
 
 people. 
 N.B.— Bochim, that is, "weepers," is mentioned only here : it may have been a place 
 so named from the act, ver. 4, 5, as the people were assembled at one of the three 
 appointed feasts at the Tent of ^Meeting. The Angel came up from Gilgal, where he had 
 last appeared as the Captain of Jehovah's host, Josh. v. 13-15. 
 
JUDGES. 37 
 
 II. 6-III. 6. The liistory in its outstauding principles ; sin, suffering, 
 salvation. 
 
 II. 6-10. The death of Joshua, and of the elders his companions, and the 
 failure of the people to keep up the knowledge of Jehovah. 
 
 N B.— Vers. 6-9 are very much a repetition of Josh. xxiv. 28-31. 
 
 II. 11-23. Their ways of sinning, especially their idolatry. They are sold 
 (Deut. xxxii. 30) into the hands of their enemies. Jehovah raises up judges 
 to save them. The people fall back worse than before, after the death of 
 the judge. The Canaanites are left in the land to prove them. 
 
 III. 1-6. A list of those remaining Canaanites with whom Israel intermarried. 
 
 N.B.— The promise was that these nations should be driven out, yet only by degrees, 
 Exod. xxiii. 29-30. But a new reason appeared for this, to train Israel in the holy war, 
 ver. 2 ; in addition to the reason of trying or proving them, ver. 4 and ii. 22. 
 
 III. 7-V. 31. Thejirst period of sinning and recovery. 
 
 III. 7-11. The first time of gross sinning, and of servitude to Mesopotamia; the 
 first saviour, Othniel, the brother or (I think rather) the nephew of Caleb ; 
 see Josh. xv. 13-19. 
 
 N.B.— The date of Othniel's death is given, since it was the signal for backsliding again, 
 see ii. 19 : but there is no evidence that Otlniiel ruled for forty years, or indeed that any 
 of the judges ruled till the next period, that which begins with Gideon. Othniel was 
 fitted for his work by a special gift of the Spirit of Jehovah, ver. 10 ; a similar gift in the 
 cases of Gideon, vi. 34, of Jephthah, xi. 29, and of Samson, xiii. 25, marks the great 
 successive periods in this book. 
 
 III. 12-30. The second time of gross sinning, of servitude to Moab and the 
 neighbouring nations ; the second saviour, Ehud. 
 
 III. 31. The third saviour, Shamgar, from the Philistines. 
 
 IV. 1-3, The third time of gross sinning and of servitude, this time to the 
 Canaanites whom they ought to have destroyed. 
 
 IV. 4-16, The two judges, Deborah and Barak, who on this occasion were the 
 joint saviours of Israel. 
 
 IV. 17-24. Sisera, the Canaanite general, is slain by Jael in her tent. Com- 
 plete deliverance for Israel. 
 
 V. Deborah's song of victory. 
 
 N.B.— She was probably the author, being a prophetess, iv. 4 ; compare the songs of 
 Hannah and the Virgin Mary. It is partly based on the blessing of Moses, Deut. xxxui. ; 
 and it has been to some extent the model for Psalm Ixviii. and Habak. iii. For conveni- 
 ence it may be divided thus : vers. 1-8, 9-11, 12-18, 19-27, 28-31. 
 
 VI,-X. 5. The second period of sinning and recovery. 
 
 VI,-VIII, The fourth time of great sinning, and servitufJe to the 
 Midianites, etc. Gideon the judge. 
 
 VI. 1-6. Relapse into sin, followed by another servitude. 
 VI. 7-10. Rebuke by a prophet. 
 
 N.B.— The only prophet mentioned in the 'book of Judges, besides Deborah the 
 prophetess. 
 
 VI. 11-24. The Angel of Jehovah (ii. 1-5) calls Gideon to his task, 
 
 N.B.— Compare this divine manifestation, the call, and the unwillingness to accept it, 
 with the events in the history of Moses, Ex. iii., iv. 
 
 VI. 2.5-32. The altar of Baal thrown down, and the altar of Jehovah set up. 
 
38 JUDGES. 
 
 VI. 33-40. The spirit of Jehovah coming upon Gideon (see note on iii. 7-11). 
 The war begun. The two signs to Gideon. 
 
 VII. 1-8. The double trial, bringing down the number of his men to three 
 hundred. 
 
 N.B.— In letting the multitude of the fearful depart, ver. 3 ; Gideon obeyed, Deut. xx. 8: 
 only by sending them round about from Mount Gilead (margin) he concealed the move- 
 ment from the enemy. 
 
 VII. 9-14. Gideon is encouraged by the dream of one of the enemy. 
 VII. 15-18. Gideon's stratagem. 
 
 VII. 19-25. His victory. The destruction of the ISIidianites by the tribe of 
 Ephraim. 
 
 N.B.— Their success was the more striking event from a human point of view, see Isa. x. 
 26 : yet Gideon's victory by faitli was the more important event in the view of the his- 
 torian who is recording the salvation of God. 
 
 VIII. 1-9. Gideon's tenderness to the boastful men of Ephraim, and his severe 
 threatenings to the traitors in Succoth and Peniel. 
 
 N.B.— For the justification of this severity compare v. 23, xxi. 10, 1 Sam. xi. 7 ; and 
 the fundamental principle, Deut. xvii. 12. 
 
 VIII. 10-21. The complete success of Gideon, and the end of the war. 
 VIII. 22-28. Gideon declines tlie throne. He falls into the snare of making 
 an ei)hod at his own city. 
 
 N.B.— Thou;4h he refused the kingdom for himself and his family (see Exod. xv. IS, 
 Numb, xxiii. 21), he must have exercised some sort of authority ; at his death his son 
 Abimelech took for granted that one or other of his sons would succeed him. And after 
 Abimelech's time we always read of the number of years the judge ruled, which implies a 
 regular and acknowledged administration in Israel, as the consohdation of the constitu- 
 tion went on. Compare the note on iii. 7-11. 
 
 VIII. 29-35. Gideon's polygamy. His death. Apostacy of Israel from Jeho- 
 vah, and unthankfuluess tov/ard the house of Gideon. 
 
 IX. The tyrant Abimelech. 
 
 IX. 1-6, With the help of the men of Shechem he murders his brothers, and is 
 made king by the oak of the fiillar in Shechem (see Josh. xxiv. 2G). 
 
 IX. 7-21.^ The parable of his brother Jutham. 
 
 IX. 22-25. Abimelech's rule over Israel. God sends an evil spirit between him 
 
 and the men of Shechem. 
 IX. 20-33. The pi-ogress of the quarrel between them. 
 
 N.B.— Gaal may have been one of the Canaanites remaining in Shechem, who felt en- 
 couraged to stir up the people against the son of the destroyer of Baal, now that idola- 
 troxis services were set up anew. 
 
 IX. 34-45. Gaal is defeated, and Shechem is taken and destroyed by Abimelech. 
 IX. 46-49. The miserable end of the last of the Shechemites. 
 
 IX. 50-57. The divine retribution in Abimelech's death. 
 
 X. 1-5. The two peaceful administrations after Abimelech's fall. 
 
 X. 1-2. That of Tola, for twenty-three years. 
 
 N.B.— The only judge whose father's father is named ; a man of importance. lie had 
 to " save" Israel, after Abimelech's tyranny, as much as the judges raised up to save from 
 foreign oppressors, ii. 16, etc. 
 
 X. 3-5. That of Jair, for twenty-two years. 
 
 N.B. — From the time of these judges, onwards, the length of every one's administration 
 is mentioned, and also the public funeral of the judge. The transition towards this may 
 be seen in Gideon's history, viii. 28, 32, where see note. 
 
JUDGES. 39 
 
 X. 6-XIl. The third period of sinning and recovery. 
 
 X. 6-18. The rencAved sinning and suffering. 
 
 X. 6-9. The depth of the corruption and the severity of the chastisement, at 
 the hand of the Philistines and the Ammonites. 
 
 K.B.— If these nations, on the west and the east of Israel, attacked them at one and the 
 same time, the chastisement would be often more severe than that recorded in vi. 1-4. 
 Compare the case in Isa. ix. 12. 
 
 X. 10-16. The repentance under the divine exjjostulations. 
 
 X. 17, 18, The Israelites and the Ammonites are encamped face to face : the 
 
 men of Gilead (nearest the Ammonites) take the lead in looking out for one 
 to be at their head. 
 
 XI. 1-XII. 7. Jephthah the judge. 
 
 XI. 1-3. His early history. 
 
 XI. 4-11. His sentence of banishment is revoked, and he is called to be head 
 and captain by the elders of Gilead. 
 
 N.B.— There is nothing known to identify Mizpah, ver. 11 and x. 17, where the children 
 of Israel were assembled before Jehovah, with Mizpeh of Gilead, ver. 29 : rather it is the 
 central and c)mmanding place in the tribe of Benjamin, where they had already assem- 
 bled, XX. 1, 3 (near Bethel, xx. 18-23, and not far from Shiloh, xxi. 12), xxi. 1, 5, 8, as also 
 in Samuel's time, 1 Sam vii. 5-11, x. 17. 
 
 XI. 12-28. Unsuccessful negotiations with the king of the Ammonites. 
 
 N.B.— Jephthah's argument rests on a careful study of the history, which is in Numb. 
 XX., xxi., and Deut. ii., iii. : yet, in addition, he mentions an embassy from Moses to the 
 King of Moab, ver. 17, not recorded at Numb. xx. 14-21. 
 
 XI. 29-33. The Spirit of Jehovah comes on Jephthah (compare iii. 10, vi. 34). 
 His complete victory over the Ammonites. 
 
 XI. 31-40. Jephthah's vow concerning his daughter. The annual celebration. 
 
 XII. Jephthah's administration, for six years ; his death and burial. 
 
 N.B. — His severity towards the Ephraimites was terrible, yet perhaps necessary; com- 
 pare Gideon's, viii. 1-9, and the note there : also, compare their brutal threat, ver. 1, with 
 that of the Philistines, xiv. 15. 
 
 XII. 8-15. Three peaceful administrations. 
 
 XII. 8-10. Ibzan for seven years. 
 XIT. 11, 12. Elon for ten years. 
 
 XII. 13-15. Abdon for eight years. 
 
 N.B. —The description of family life in ver. 9, 14, reminds of that of Jair, x. 4. 
 
 XIII.-XVI. The fourth period of sinning and recovery. 
 
 XIII. 1. The renewed sinning and servitude to the Philistines forty years. 
 
 XIII. 2-25. The deliverer Samson, the Nazarite (better spelt in the Eevised 
 A^'evsion, Nazirite, see at Numli. vi.) for life: his call from the womb, his 
 being filled and moved by the Spirit of Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— Compare this appearing of the Angel of Jehovah to the parents of Samson with 
 that to Gideon, vi. 11-24; and the angel's refusal to give his name, ver. 17, 18, with the 
 refusal to Jacob, Gen. xxxii. 29. The verbs used of the Spirit moving him, xiii. 25, and 
 coming ndghtihj ujjon him, xiv. 6, etc., are different from the verbs used in the cases of 
 Othniel, Gideon, and Jephtha, iii. 10, vi. 34, xi. 29. 
 
 XIV. 1-4. Samson's purpose of marriage with a Philistine. 
 
 XIV. 5-20. His exijloit with the lion. The quarrel at the marriage and ita 
 consetjueuces. 
 
40 JUDGES. 
 
 XV. 1-8. His final breach with the Philistines. He burns their corn bj'' means 
 of three hundred foxes (or jackals, as in margin). 
 
 XV. 9-20. The indiffei-ence and hostility of Israel : his solitary resistance to 
 the Philistines all the time he was judge. 
 
 N.B.— Gross faults in his own character marred his work, so that it was only to "begin 
 to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines," xiii. 5, as here, v. 20 ; but the Israelites 
 were to blame not less than he. 
 
 XVI. 1-3. His first gross sin, his danger, and his deliverance. 
 
 XVI. 4-22. His shameful fall, the loss of his hair, the rsign of his Nazirite 
 consecration, and also of his liberty and his sight. 
 
 XVI. 23-31. His recovery, glorious death, and burial. 
 
 XVII.-XXI. Two appendices to the history of the Judges. 
 
 N.B.— These two histories seem to be thrown to the end of the book so as not to break 
 the thread of the narrative of the times of sinning and salvation by the judges ; for the 
 second took place while Phinehas the grandson of Aaron was liigh priest, xx. 28 ; and it 
 speaks of Dan as the northern limit of Israel, xx. 1, so tliat the first narrative nuist have 
 been earlier in point of time, for it tells of the origin of Dan, xviii. 29. They are probably 
 meant to shew the evils under whicli the Hebrew commonwealth groaned from the very 
 first, owing to the wealcness of its goverinnent, when every man did what was right in his 
 own eyes, as there was no king, xvii. 6, xviii. 1, xix. 1, xxi. 25 ; and thus they prepare the 
 way for the history of the kingdom. Also it is plain that xviii. 12 belongs to an earlier 
 time than Samson's, see xiii. 25. 
 
 XVII., XVIII. Idolatrous tendencies. 
 
 XVII. 1-6. The beginnings by Micah and his mother ; his house of God. 
 
 XVII. 7-13. His success in securing a Levite to be priest at his corrupt 
 worship. 
 
 XVIII. 1-G. The Danite si^ies, searching for additional land, pass that way, 
 ask counsel of God from this priest, and are encouraged by him. 
 
 XVIII. 7-10. The spies go as far as Laish, and return with a proposal to con- 
 quer it. 
 XVIII. 11-26, Micah is robbed of his image and his priest by the Danites. 
 
 XVIII. 27-31. They conquer Laish, name it Dan {see Josliua xix. 47), and 
 establish idolatry there. 
 
 N.B.— This bad pre-eminence of the tribe of Dan hi idolatry may explain its omission 
 from lists in both the Old Testament and the New, 1 Chron. i.-viii.. Revelations vii. 4-8. 
 There is considerable reason for believing that tliis vagabond Levite was a descendant of 
 Moses (see the reading of the Revised Version at xviii. 30), and that this gave a position 
 to the idolatrous worsliip at Dan, as a rival to that at Shiloh where Aaron's family were 
 the priests. 
 
 XIX.-XXI. The low morality of the age, and its results. 
 
 XIX. The Levite who brought home his runaway conculnne (that is secondary 
 wife, XX. 4) ; the horrible cinme at Gibeah in Benjamin ; he sends the parts 
 of her mangled body throughout the borders of Israel that men may take 
 coun.sel. 
 
 ISr.B.— The language of the narrative plainly brands these men of Belial in Gibeah as 
 degraded to the level of the men of Sodom. Gen. xix. 
 
 XX. 1-11. The assembled tribes in Mizpah receive his statement of the crime, 
 and resolve to go to Gibeah and punish the offence. 
 
 N.B.— Slizpah was within the little tribe of Benjamin, two or tln-ee miles from Gibeah, 
 and close to the territories of the two leading tribes, Judah and Ephraim : and a vast army 
 there might spread to Bethel, ver. 18, 26, 27, xxi. 22. See note on xi. 4-11, and here on 
 ver. 24-29. 
 
 XX. 12-16. The Benjamites refuse to deliver up the offenders, and prepare for 
 war with their brethren the rest of Israel. 
 
JUDGES. 41 
 
 XX. 17-23. The tribes ask God who shall go up first to battle : Judah is seub 
 (as at i. 1, 2), but is disastrously defeated. Preparations for a second battle, 
 with humiliation before Jehovah, who sends them again. 
 
 XX. 24-29. A second bloody defeat. Renewed weeping before Jehovah and 
 sacrificing (as at ii. 4, 5), the command to go up a third time, and the 
 promise of success. 
 
 N.B.— The ark was then at Bethel, and the high priest Phinehas ministered before it;. 
 it may have been brought to the neighbourhood of the camp for the sake of the war, 
 since it seems to have been thereafter brought back to Shiloh, xxi. 12. Compare 1 Sanx. 
 iv. 3, xiv. 18, 2 Sam. xi. 11. 
 
 XX. 30-35. The crushing discomfiture of Benjamin. 
 
 N.B.— The stratagem and its results resemble the case in Josh. viii. 
 
 XX. 36-48. The utter destruction of the Benjamites except six hundred men, 
 
 XXI. 1-12. Humiliation before Jehovah on account of the loss of a tribe_ in 
 Israel : wives are provided for 400 of the remnant by devoting to destruction 
 the tx-aitor city of Jabesh-Gilead (see note on viii. 1-9). 
 
 XXI. 13-15. The reconciliation of the other tribes and Benjamin. 
 XXI. 16-25. The contrivance for supplying wives to the rest of the surviving 
 Benjamites. The happy issue. 
 
 N.B.— The language in ver. 17 implies that the practically defunct tribe of Benjamin 
 was to be dealt with exceptionally, on a principle like that in the case of the man who 
 died childless, according to Deut. xxv. 6. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 I. History of a family that left Bethlehem in time of fainine, and sojourned 
 in the land of Moab. Deaths and marriages. Naomi returns to Bethle- 
 hem with Kuth, who casts in her lot with the people of Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— This book might almost be reckoned another appendix to the book of Judges; 
 like the preceding two, probably belonging to the earlier times ; but unlike them, giving 
 a favourable view of the power of living godliness in Israel. 
 
 II. Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz, a near kinsman of her husband. He 
 testifies to her character and worth, and protects and helps her. 
 
 III. Naomi plans that Boaz shall marry Ruth (see the law in Deut. xxv. 5-10) ; 
 to which he heartily agrees, if it shall come to be his duty. 
 
 IV. 1-17. The nearest kinsman refuses ; Boaz marries Ruth, and redeems the 
 inheritance. The son born to her. The blessings pronounced by all the 
 neighbours. 
 
 IV. 18-22. The pedigree from Perez (Judah's son. Gen. xxxviii. 29, etc.) to^ 
 David. 
 N.B.— Ruth is therefore named as an ancestor of Christ, in :\rat. i. 5. 
 
 FIRST SAMUEL. 
 
 I. -VI I. Eli and Samuel the judges. 
 
 I. Elkanah the Levite and his two wives worship at Shiloh. Hannah vows to- 
 make her son a Nazirite for life : Eli the high priest blesses her, the son is 
 born, is named Samuel, and is brought to Eli as a gift to Jehovah. 
 
42 FIRST SAMUEL. 
 
 N.B.— From ver. 9 it appears that the tent constructed by Moses had been so far altered 
 as to liave door-posts. 
 
 N.B.— In verses 3 and 11 the title " Jehovah of hosts" appears for the first time in the 
 history of Israel. 
 
 II. 1-11. Hannah's song of thankfulness and of hope for the oause of God. 
 The child is left to minister to Jehovah before Eli. 
 
 II. 12-17. The evil deeds of Eli's sons, leading the people to abhor (or contemn) 
 the offering of Jehovah. 
 
 II. 18-21. The ministry of Samuel as he grew xip ; and the growth of Hannah's 
 family at home. 
 
 II. 22-26. The contrast between the unconcealed vileness of the priests, leni- 
 ently reproved by their father, and the favour of Jehovah and of men en- 
 joyed by Samuel. 
 
 II. 27-36. Prophecy of ruin to the house of Eli. 
 
 N.B.— It was in itself a judgement that the high priest should not be the messenger 
 from Jehovah to Israel, but should receive a message like this from an unnamed prophet, 
 and another such from the child Samuel ; compare iv. 1. 
 
 III. The call of Samuel. His terrific message for Eli. Eli's godly submission. 
 Reunion of all Israel \inder Samuel's ministry (contrast the end of III. 1 
 with the l)eginning of IV. 1). 
 
 IV. The Philistine war ; the superstitious confidence of Israel when the ark 
 came to the camp. Their crushing defeat : the death of Eli's sons, of him- 
 self, and of his daughter-in-law. The ark is taken and goes into exile. 
 
 N.B.— The desire to have the ark in the camp was in itself commendable ; see at Judges 
 XX. 24-29, 2 Sam. xi. 11. 
 
 V. 1-5. The ark in Dagon's temple. Judgement executed on the idol. 
 
 V. 6-12. Judgements on the Philistines, in whatever city they placed the ark. 
 
 N.B.— The word "discomfiture," ver. 9 and 11, and the kindred verb, are often used to 
 express the t rror and confusion into which the enemies of Jehovah were thrown, with- 
 out any sufficient reason that could be alleged ; in fact it is a panic. See the notes on 
 Ex. xiv. 24, Deut. ii. 15. 
 
 VI. 1-16. The Philistines find it necessary to send back the ark of Jehovah ; 
 which they do by the advice of their diviners, with gifts to him, acknow- 
 ledging his hand, yet applying a test to make sure that it has been his doing. 
 The milch-cows Ciirry the ark to Beth-shemesh, where it is joyfully received 
 and sacrifices are offered. 
 
 N.B.— ilice marring the land are mentioned for the first time in ver. 5. The Septua- 
 gine Greek version, however, mentions them already at v. 6, and vi. 1. Beth-shemesh 
 was a Levitical city, given to the priests. Josh. xxi. 16. 
 
 VI. 17, 18. The guilt-offering returned by the Philistines along with the ark. 
 
 VI. 19-VII. 1. The jiidgement on the men of Beth-sliemesh for their irreverent 
 looking into (or gazing at) the ark. Their terror at its presence among 
 them. They invite the men of Kirjath-jearim to take it up to them : which 
 they do, sanctifj'ing a man for this charge. 
 
 N.B.— They may have preferred to throw the danger on these Canaanite proselytes, 
 ■who had been deilicated to menial work for the congregation and for the altar of Jehovah. 
 Josh. ix. 17, 23, 27. 
 
 VII. 2-4. Twenty years of Israel lamenting after Jehovah. Samuel calls 
 them to repentance and reformation. 
 
 N.B.— His call is much the same as that in Josh. xxiv. 23. It affected " all the house 
 of Israel," comp. iii. 20, iv. 1. Tlie i>ropliet had been at work no doubt all these years: 
 not improbably he had been acting as judge also, but nothing is told us of the time or 
 manner of his call to this office. 
 
FIRST SAMUEL. 43 
 
 VII. 5-17. All Israel are gathered at Mizpah (see note at Judges xi. 4-11) for 
 confession and prayer. Samuel's sacrifice. Decisive victory over the 
 Philistines, and memorial at Eben-ezer (compare iv. 1). Peace between 
 Israel and the Amorites. Samuel's administx-ation. 
 
 N.B.— Since the glory had departed (or gone into exile) from Israel, iv. 21, 22, there had 
 been no divine warrant for restoring the ark to Shiloh (see .Terem. vii. 12-14, Psa. Ixxviii. 
 (50, 67) and the worship of the sanctuary had been interrupted by such confusion as is 
 parallel to that noticed at Deut. xii. 8, 9. Hence Samuel seems to have fallen back ou 
 three old holy places, and to have had an altar at his own house as the place of Jehovah's 
 presence for the time. 
 
 VIII.-XIV. The beginning of the kingdom under Saul. 
 VIII. The popular wish for a king. 
 
 VIII. 1-3. Samuel's sons, associated with him, are unworthy judges in Israel. 
 VIII. 4-9. The elders therefore demand a king from Samuel. His displeasure : 
 
 his resource in prayer. He is taught that it is not he but Jehovah, the 
 true king of Israel, who is rejected. He is to grant their request. 
 
 VIII. 10-22. Samiiel lays before them the manner of the future kingdom. 
 Nevertheless they adhere to their request, and Jehovah bids him grant it. 
 He sends them to their homes. 
 
 IX. -X. 16. First: The secret divine appointment of Saul by Samuel 
 as prophet. 
 
 IX. 1-14. Saul, sent to search for his father's asses, is led to seek an interview 
 with Samuel. 
 
 IX. 15-X. 9. Samuel receives him with the highest marks of honour at a feast 
 over a sacrifice ; tells him that the asses are found ; opens up to him, when 
 alone, the matter of the kingdom ; anoints him over the inheritance of 
 Jehovah, and gives him three signs to confirm his word. He promises that 
 the Spirit of Jehovah will come mightily upon him (as at Judges xiv. 6). 
 Saul receives another heart : the signs come to pass. 
 
 X. 10-13. As the third sign is fulfilled, Saul himself prophesies to the amaze- 
 
 ment of all who had knoAvn him. 
 X. 14-16. Saul says nothing of the kingdom even to his'own family. 
 
 X. 17-27. Second : Saul appointed king by the sacred lot in presence 
 
 of the whole congregation. 
 
 X. 17-24. Samuel calls the people together to Mizpah (see vii. 5-7, 16). Saul 
 is taken by lot ; and when he is nowhere found he is discovered by the 
 answer of Jehovah. His commanding appearance. 
 
 N.B.— Compare the process of casting lots in Josh. vii. 14-18. Jehovah Was no doubt 
 asked by means of the high priest's Urim and Thummim ; compare Judg. xx. 18, 23, 27, 
 28, etc. 
 
 X. 25-27. Samuel tells the people the manner of the kingdom, writes it in the 
 
 Book, and lays it up bef oi-e Jehovah. Saul is accepted as king, yet not by all. 
 
 XI. XII. Third : Saul accepted as king by the people in the light of 
 Providence : the administration handed over to him by Samuel. 
 
 XI. 1-13. The attack on Jabesh-gilead (see Judges xxi. 8-12) by the Ammon- 
 ites. Saul's brilliant victory. His popularity. 
 
 N.B.— With his cutting his oxen in pieces and sending these through all the borders of 
 Israel, compare Judges xix. 29. The attack by the king of the Ammonites had been ex- 
 pected before Saul was made king, xii. 12. 
 4 
 
44 FIRST SAMUEL. 
 
 XI. 14, 15. Samuel brings all the people to Gilgal (vii. 16, x. 8) and renews the 
 kingdom ; imiversal rejoicings before Jehovah. 
 
 XII. Samuel's appeal to the people regarding his administration, now that he 
 retires in favour of Saul. Their conviction of sin. His warnings and 
 promises. 
 
 XIII., XIV. Saul's kingdom at its best. 
 
 XIII. 1-4. Saul's standing army. Jonathan's exploit against the PhilistineSy 
 and the consequent war. 
 
 XIII. 5-7. Depression of the Israelites. 
 
 XIII. 8-14. Saul's first great act of disobedience, Samuel announces that the 
 
 kingdom shall be taken from him and given to another whom Jehovah ha& 
 
 sought out, a man after his own heart. 
 
 N.B.— Compare ver. 8 with x. 8 ; there is some connection between these, though this 
 event may have been years after the other. Saul's disobedience seems to have been 
 usurpation of the priestly office : " Bring the burnt offering to nie . . . and he offered " 
 it, ver. 9, 10; and going out to bless Samuel, ver. 10; and "I forced myself therefore 
 and offered the burnt oftering," ver. 12. 
 
 XIII. 15-18. Samuel leaves Saul, who is helpless against the Philistine spoilers. 
 
 XIII. 19-23. The people are disarmed by the Philistines. 
 
 XIV. 1-16. Jonathan's exploit, and the confusion of the Philistines. 
 
 XIV. 17-35. The victories over the Philistines. Saul's inconstancy, he in- 
 quires of Jehovah by the priest. His self-willed adjuration, binding the 
 people to eat nothing till the victory shall be complete ; which J onathan 
 innocently breaks. The hunger of the people, and their eating with the 
 blood ; to which Saul puts a stop. 
 
 XIV. 36-46. Jehovah withholds an answer when they inquire of him : the 
 reason for this silence is discovered by the lot to be Jonathan's breach of 
 the vow. The people rescue him from death at the hands of his father. 
 
 N.B.— It is not clear whether the people denied the right of Saul to bind them thus ; 
 or whether the ransom (ver. 45, margin) was the pi-actical outlet which was accepted by 
 all the parties, in a case where Jehovah had marvellously blessed the work of Jonathan. 
 
 XIV. 47, 48. Saul's royal administration, warlike and successful. 
 
 N.B.— It is possible that this short statement includes the accounts in ch. xi. and oh. 
 XV., but there is no certainty attainable as to the course of his history. 
 
 XIV. 49-51. Saul's family connexions. 
 
 XIV. 52. His constant bitter war with the Philistines. His picked soldiers. 
 
 XV.-XXXI. The kingdom passing from Saul to David. 
 
 XV. Amalek is devoted to destruction : Saul's second great act of 
 disobedience, and his rejection by Jehovah. 
 
 XV. 1-3. The commission delivered by Samuel to Saul. See Deut. xxv. 17-19. 
 XV. 4-9. Saul's conduct in partly sparing the Amalekites. 
 
 XV, 10-31. Jehovah reveals to Samuel the rejection of Saul for this second 
 great act of disobedience (compare xiii, 13). He deals faithfully with Saul's 
 conscience, teaches the claim of obedience to God above everything else,, 
 yet at Saul's request, honours him as king before the elders. 
 
 XV. 32, 33. Samuel executes the judgement of Jehovah upon Agag. 
 
 XV. 34, 35. His final separation from Saul, for whom he mourns. 
 
 XVI. David secretly substituted for Saul by Jehovah. 
 
FIRST SAMUEL. 45 
 
 XVI. 1-13. Samuel is sent to Bethlehem and anoints David, on whom the 
 Spirit comes mightily. 
 
 N.B.— Compare this first appointment of David with that of Saul, ix. 15-x. 9. As Saul's 
 uncle -was not told, x. 16, David's ovra family may not have understood. 
 
 XVI. 14-23. The spirit of Jehovah departs from Saul, and an evil spirit 
 terrifies him. In seeking relief he is led to take David as his musician ; he 
 loves him, and makes him his armour-bearer. 
 
 XVII., XVIII. The course of Providence advancing David. 
 
 XVII. 1-11. The armies of Israel and of the Philistines meet: Goliath the 
 giant Philistine champion inspires universal terror. 
 
 XVII. 12-16. Three of Jesse's eight sons are in the army; David goes and 
 comes, supplying their necessities. 
 
 XVII. 17-54. David hears the defiance of the living God of Israel, inquires 
 into the circumstances, offers to light the blasphemer, is brought to Saul, 
 gives the reason for his confidence, is accepted as the Israelite champion, 
 rejects Saul's apparel and arms, slays the Philistine with a sling and a stone, 
 then cuts off his head with his own sword. A complete victory is achieved. 
 
 N.B.— The head of Goliath could not have been taken to Jerusalem (ver. 54) till lonft- 
 after, when David had taken that city, 2 Sam. v. 6-9 : in the meantime he may have laid 
 up the head, as well as the sword, at the holy tent under the high priest's care, according 
 to xxi. 9. 
 
 XVII. 55-XVIII. 5. Saul inquires about David, and retains him beside him. 
 The love of Jonathan for David, and their covenant. David's wise conduct, 
 and his favour with all the people and with Saul's servants. 
 
 N.JB.— The difficulties which have been raised about Saul and Abner not knowing David 
 might be solved in several ways : most easily, I think, by placing chap. xvii. in order of 
 tinie in the middle of the process recorded in xvi. 14-'23, the course of events having been 
 interrupted by the war. See parallel cases of considerable time elapsing in the notes on 
 2 Sam. v. 11, 12, and chap. ix. and x., and xxiii. 24-39. 
 
 XVIII. 6-9. The public celebration of the victory. Saul's jealousy of David. 
 XVIII. 10-16. Saul, under the influence of the evil spirit, seeks to murder 
 
 David. He removes him from his presence, making him captain over a 
 thousand. Jehovah is with David. 
 XVIII. 17-29. Saul's unsuccessful attempt to ensnare David by promise of 
 marriage to his two daughters successiv^ely : the younger, Michal, is given 
 to him. 
 
 N.B.— David's victory over Goliath had already given him the right to be the kings 
 son-in-law, xvii. 25. 
 
 XVIII. 30. David's name ever becomes more honoured. 
 
 XIX. -XXI. 9. Saul's avowed attempts to murder David. 
 
 XIX. 1-7. His command to this effect. A reconciliation is brought about by 
 Jonathan. 
 
 XIX. 8-17. Renewed successes of David; Saul's murderous jealousy. Michal 
 saves David by deceiving her father. 
 
 XIX. 18-24. David flees for refuge to Samuel and his prophets. Saul's 
 attempt to seize him comes to nothing, he himself falling under the pro- 
 phetic influence (as already x. 5, 6, 10-12). 
 
 XX. 1-11. David's last appearance at court, to consult with Jonathan. 
 
 XX. 12-23. Jonathan and David renew their covenant befoi-e Jehovah, and 
 arrange a scheme for the discovery of Saul's intentions. 
 
 N.B.— Jonathan's words shew that he foresaw David's advancement to the throne. 
 
46 FIRST SAMUEL. 
 
 XX. 24-34. Saul's murderous intentions are brought to light. Jonathan's 
 anger. 
 
 N.B.— The institution of the new-moon feast is given in Numb, xxviii. 11-15 ; see Psahn 
 Ixxxi. 3. Ceremonial uncleanness would shut out from this feast, Lev. vii. 20. 
 
 XX. 35-42. The parting of Jonathan and David. 
 
 XXI. 1-9. David's last Sabbath at the tabernacle at Nob, before his flight, for 
 which he obtains assistance from the high priest. He is seen by Doeg, 
 Saul's chief herdsman. 
 
 N.B.— David either lied to the high-priest or equivocated ; the latter, if he meant him- 
 self by " the king," ver. 2, 8 (see ver. 11). 
 
 XXI. 10-XXVII. David an outlaw. 
 
 XXI. 10-15. He flees to the Philistines, to Achish king of Gath ; is in danger 
 of his life, feigns madness, and so escapes. 
 
 XXII. 1, 2. _He takes refuge in the cave of Adullam ; he is joined by the 
 whole of his father's house, and by many in distress and discontented. 
 
 XXII. 3-5. He conducts his parents to the land of Moab. He is recalled by 
 the prophet Gad, to live in his own land. 
 
 XXII. 6-23, Saul, aided by Doeg, accuses the high priest of treason, and puts 
 to death the whole priestly family at the tabernacle, and destroys Nob. 
 One son of the high priest alone escapes to David. 
 
 lii.B.— David, the true king, had now with him both a prophet and the high priest 
 (xxiii. 6-9). 
 
 XXIII. 1-5. David, acting as king, asks counsel of Jehovah, and saves 
 Keilah from the Philistines, 
 
 XXIII. C-13. He learns from Jehovah the treachery of the men of Keilah, 
 and avoids it. 
 
 XXIII. 14-29. The last meeting of Jonathan with David. David's escapes, 
 first from the Ziplutes, and afterwards in the wilderness of Maon. 
 
 XXIV. 1-XXV. 1. _ Saul's keen pursuit of David, who has him in his power, 
 and yet spares him and appeals to him. Saul is for the time convinced and 
 penitent. _ Samiiel dies and is honoured with a public funeral (compare 
 Judges xii. 7, 10, 12, 15). David retires to the southern wilderness. 
 
 XXV. 2-44. David's dealings with Nabal, whose life is spared by the dis- 
 cretion of his wife Abigail. His death by the stroke of God. David 
 marries Abigail. He had a wife already, besides Michal, whom Saul had 
 taken from him and given to another. 
 
 N.B.— Abigail recognised David as the true King of Israel, ver. 28-31 ; as Saul himself 
 had virtually done, xxiv. 20 ; see also Jonathan's words, xxiii. 17. Her husband's name, 
 Nabal, means "fool "in a very emphatic sense, she recognises its application to him, 
 ver. 25 : see notes on the words, " fool " and "folly," Josh. vii. 15 ; Psa. xiv. 1. 
 
 XXVI.^ 1-25. David's second danger from the Ziphites. His second oppor- 
 tunity for destroying Said, and his appeal to him, and to Jehovah. Their 
 final parting. 
 
 XXyil. 1-4. David's second flight in despair to Achish, King of Gath : Saul 
 gives up the pursuit of him. 
 
 N.B.— The result was now reached which David had dreaded, xxvi. 19, that he should 
 be driven to live with the heathen. 
 
 XXVII. 5, 6. Achish gives Ziklag to David, a city which he might make his 
 
 home and call his own. 
 XXVII. 7-12. David's raids on the surrounding tribes, imagined by Achish 
 
 to be raids on Israel. 
 
FIRST SAMUEL. 47 
 
 XXVIII-XXXI._ Saul's third great act (if disobedience : the close of 
 his life and reign. 
 
 XXVTII. 1, 2. Philistine war with Israel. David's awkward position. 
 N.B.— He seems to have used equivocating language which led Achish astray. 
 
 XXVIII. 3-25. Saul goes to the witch at Endor, to have Samuel raised from 
 the dead : he hears his doom, and goes away to meet it. 
 
 N.B.— He had lost the three lawful ways of consulting God : since the death of Samuel 
 no prophet had been sent to him ; since the nuirder of the priests he had no answer by 
 Urim ; and no dreams sent from God informed him. Hence this third great offence : 
 compare xiii. 13, xv. 26, from which it seems that this first offence was against the priestly 
 law, his second against the kingly law, and his third against the prophetic law. 
 
 XXIX. 1-11. By the jealousy of the Philistine lords, David is rescued from 
 his awkward position and sent back to Ziklag. 
 
 XXX. 1-6. David on his return finds Ziklag smitten, pillaged, and burnt, by 
 the Amalekites. His faith while the people spoke of stoning him. 
 
 XXX. 7-25. David inquires of Jehovah ; by means of a slave left to perish he 
 overtakes the Amalekites, destroys them, and recovers all that had been 
 taken from Ziklag, and also takes much spoil that they were carrying 
 away. His liberal rule for distribution of the spoil; compare ver. 22-25 
 with Numb. xxxi. 26, 27. 
 
 XXX. 26-31. David sends presents to the elders of Judah, in different cities, 
 where he had met with friendly treatment while an outlaw. 
 
 XXXT. 1-7. The defeat and death of Saul on Mount Gilboa. Disastrous 
 consequences. 
 
 XXXI. 8-13. The Philistines triumph over Saul's body : it is lovingly carried 
 off and buried by the men of Jabesh-gilead (see chap. xi). 
 
 SECOND SAMUEL. 
 
 I-IV. The reign of David in Hebron over Judah 
 
 I. 1-16. David receives the news of the defeat and death of Saul from an 
 Amalekite who professed to have killed him at his own request. David 
 puts him to death. 
 
 N.B.— His story was false, at least in part : but he expected a reward for the crown 
 and bracelet, see iv. 10. 
 
 I. 17-27. David's elegy lamenting over Saul and Jonathan. 
 
 II. 1-7. David inquires of Jehovah, and goes up with his men to the cities of 
 
 Judah, he himself to Hebron, where he is a second time anointed king 
 (the first time 1 Sam. xvi. 13), now by the tribe of Judah. His message of 
 commendation to the men of Jabesh-gilead (see 1 Sam. xxxi. 11-13). 
 II. 8-11. Abner had already broken up the unity of the people, and made 
 Saul's surviving son Ishbosheth king at Mahanaim, on the east of Jordan. 
 
 II. 12-32. The civil war begun by Abner. The bloody coipbat of the 
 champions. The rout of Abner's men. The first appearance of David's 
 nephews, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel : Asahel forces Abner to single 
 combat, and loses his own life. 
 
 III. 1. Long civil war, ever to the advantage of David. 
 III. 2-5. David's wifes and children in Hebron. 
 
 III. 6-11. Abner's evil life ; his quarrel with Ishbosheth. 
 
48 SECOND SAMUEL. 
 
 III. 12-16. Abner offers to help David to the throne of all Israel. David 
 
 insists on first recovering his wiie Michal (1 Sam. xviii. 25-27, xxv. 44). 
 
 She is given back to him. 
 III. 17-30. Abner's successful arrangements with the elders of Israel and with 
 
 David. He is murdered by Joab and Abishai. David's curse on their 
 
 house. 
 
 III. 31-39. Funeral honours to Abner. David's elegy. Satisfaction of the 
 people. David's confession of feebleness as against his nephews. 
 
 IV. 1-3. Ishbosheth is left in the hands of two of his captains of bands. 
 
 IV. 4. Mepbibosheth, Jonathan's son, the only other lawful representative of 
 Saul's house (ix, 1-3.) is a cripple boy. 
 
 N.B.— The two captains of bands (ver. 2.) may have been leaders in Saul's massacre of 
 the Hivites of GiLeon (compare xxi. 1, 2, with Josh. ix. 17), when some saved 
 their lives by flight. And th(3 flight and lameness of Jonathan's son may be mentioned 
 here, partly as an instance of divine retribution, especially if greed was involved as a 
 motive for massacring those people, see 1 Sam. xxii 7. 
 
 IV. 5-12. The two captains of bands murder Ishbosheth, and carry his head to 
 David, who puts them to death as traitors. 
 
 N.B.— The verb in ver. 11, rendered " take you away " is that rendered '*4)ut away " in 
 Deut. xiii. 5. where see note. 
 
 V.-VJII. The glories of David's reign over Israek 
 
 V. 1-3. David is chosen by the whole of the tribes of Israel, and anointed 
 king the tlidrd time (first and second time 1 Sam. xvi. 13. and chap. ii. 4). 
 
 N.B.— His ofHce was to be shepherd of Israel (Psa. Ixxviii. 70-72) ; and his title was 
 "leader," as in the margin (and see Isa. Iv. 4), a word often used from Saul's time 
 onward to describe the king's cflice, 1 Sam. ix. 16, x. 1, xiii. 14, xxv. SO : 2 Sam. vi. 21, 
 vii. 8 ; 1 Kings i. 35, xiv. 7, xvi. 2 ; 2 Kings xx. 5 ; 1 Chron. v. 2, &c., though difficult to 
 translate uniformly ; it occurs again in Daniel ix. 25, xi. 22. 
 
 V. 4-10. David's age, and length of reign. His conquest of the Jebusite city 
 Jerusalem, which becomes his capital. His success under God. 
 
 V. 11, 12. His palace, built for him by Hiram, king of Tyre. His conviction 
 that Jehovah had established him as king, and exalted his kingdom. 
 
 N.B.— Owing to David's other occupations, and on account of the chronology of the 
 kingdom of Tyre, there is some reason to think that this event is mentioned earlier than 
 in the order of time ; we know, for certain, that the next paragraph spreads over a large 
 part of his reign. 
 
 V. 13-15. David's additional wives and children in Jerusalem. 
 V. 17-21. A Philistine invasion. David inquires of Jehovah, and gains a 
 remarkable victory at Baal-perazim (see Isa. xxviii. 21). 
 
 V. 22-25. His second victory, imder the manifest guidance of Jehovah. 
 
 VI. 1-23. David brings the ark away from Kirjath-jearim, but in a cart. The 
 driver, putting his hand to it, is struck dead. David is afraid and leaves 
 it in the house of Obed-edom : but hearing of the blessing it had brought, 
 he takes it up to Jerusalem in due form and with great religious rejoicings. 
 His wife Michal despises him for humbling himself before it : he rebukes 
 her, and she is condemned to be childless. 
 
 VII. 1-17. David purposes to build a house for Jehovah, and the prophet 
 Nathan approves ; but he receives a message in vision forbidding David. 
 Yet Jehovah reveals that it is only a delay ; that he will build a house for 
 David (that is, a family), and that liis seed will have Jehovah as Father, and 
 shall be a son to Jehovah, and shall build a house for the name of Jehovah, 
 and shall have a throne established for ever. 
 
SECOND SAMUEL. 49 
 
 VII. 18-29. David's prayer and thanksgiving in reply, for himself and his 
 people. 
 
 Vlir. 1-14. The combination of heathen powers against David: his victories 
 over all who did not submit. 
 
 N.B.— Compare Saul's case, 1 Sam. xiv. 47, 48. With ver. 13 compare the title of Psalm 
 Ix. See also Balaam's prophecy, Numb. xxiv. 17-20. 
 
 VIII. 15-18. David's officers, civil and ecclesiastical. 
 
 N.B.— The outstanding peculiarity of the arrangements for worship was the existence 
 of two high priests together, see again xv. 24-29, most naturally explained by Abiathar, 
 who had ever been with David, now receiving charge of the ark in Jerusalem, while 
 Zadok at Gibeon received charge of the Tent or Tabernacle constructed by Moses : so it 
 is stated in 1 Chron. xvi. 39, and see 2 Chron. i. 1-4 and notes. There is some obscurity as 
 to " Ahimelech the son of Abiathar," where Ave might have expected " Abiathar the son 
 of Ahimelech." David's sons who were "priests," are kept in this record carefully apart 
 from these two priests, and we do not know what they were : in the parallel passage iu 
 Chronicles they are called "chief about the king;" so that "priest" may have been a 
 title applied to servants of the king as well as of God, like our analogous word, 
 "minister." After Absalom's rebellion, their place seems to have been taken by a man 
 not of the royal family, xx. 26. Another case occurs at 1 Kings iv. 5. 
 
 IX. David's relation to tlie fallen house of Saul. 
 
 IX. 1-13. David inquii-es if there be any one left of the house of Saul, that he 
 may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake. Mephibosheth is found, and 
 is treated as one of David's own family : his land is restored to him, to be 
 cultivated by Ziba. 
 
 N.B.— Mephibosheth was about 12^ years old when David came to .Jerusalem, see iv. 4 
 and V. 5. If his own Mica, ver. 12, was already born, this narrative must refer to a date 
 some years later. 
 
 X-XX. David's great sin, and its sad consequences. 
 
 X-XII. The sin : what led to it, and how it took place. 
 
 X. The insult to David's ambassadors by the King of the Ammonites, who 
 obtains help from Hadarezer king of Syria and his allies. Complete 
 defeat of these, and subjection of the country to Israel as far as the 
 Euphrates. 
 
 N.B.— It is quite possil)le that this is a more minute account of what is mentioned 
 generally at viii. 3-6, 12 ; if so, it is repeated here in greater detail, as introducing the 
 circumstances which led to David's sin. 
 
 XI. 1. War with the Ammonites is carried on by Joab, who besieges Rabbah 
 their capital. David tarries at Jerusalem. 
 
 XI. 2-27. David's adultery with Bath-sheba the wife of Uriah. His attempts 
 to hide his sin. Uriah is murdered by David's arrangement with Joab. 
 David marries Bath-sheba. Jehovah is displeased. 
 
 XII. 1-6. Nathan's parable, which makes David judge his own case. 
 
 XII. 7-14. Nathan's application : David's sin shall come back upon himself. 
 
 David confesses, is pardoned, yet is warned that he shall be chastised by 
 
 the death of his child. . 
 
 XII. 15-25. This sentence is carried out, notwithstanding David s humiliation 
 
 and entreaties. The birth of Solomon, and the marks of divine favour 
 
 restored. 
 
^0 SECOND SAMUEL. 
 
 XII. 26-31. David takes Rablmh, assumes the crown of the Ammonite king, 
 and tortures the people. 
 
 N.B.— We are not called to justify the cruelty recorded here, or at viii. 2, and 1 Kings 
 XI. 15, 16. But there might well Ije extenuation in the habits of the age ; also in the 
 general character of the Anunonites, see 1 Sam. xi. 2 ; Amos i. 13 ; probably also in 
 somethnig they had done in this great combination against which David was struggling, 
 on account of which he gathered all the people of Israel, vcr. 29, as Saul had done 
 against these Annnonites, 1 Sam. xi. 7. At all events, the Ammonite king's brother kept 
 taithful to David in his reverses, xvii. 27, so proljably he felt that no particular wrong- 
 had been done to his people. 
 
 XIII., XIV. First terrible chastisement of David : Amnon's history. 
 
 XIII- 1-22. Amnon's cunning and abominable outrage on his half sister 
 Tamar. David is angry, yet does nothing. Absalom, her full brother, 
 hates Amnon, and avoids speaking to him. 
 
 XIII. 23-37. Absalom's cunning revenge, in the murder of Amnon ; the grief 
 of David. The flight of Absalom to his mother's father, 
 
 XIII. 38, 39. Absalom's exile for three years. David's state of mind. 
 
 XIV. 1-24. Joab's contrivance to bring Absalom home. David permits his 
 return to Jerusalem, yet refuses to see him. 
 
 XIV. 25-27. Absalom's beauty. His family. 
 
 XIV. 28-33. Absalom induces Joab to procure his restoration to favour with 
 David. 
 
 XV.-XX. Second terrible chastisement of David : Absalom's re- 
 bellion and its results. 
 
 XV. 1-6. Absalom steals the hearts of the men of Israel. 
 
 XV. 7-12. His conspiracy, and his blasphemous pretence of a vow at Hebi'on. 
 
 N.B.— There might be jealousies between Judah, over which alone David had ruled 
 m Hebron, and the other tribes of Israel : see the state of feeling, xix. 11-15, 40-43. 
 
 XV. 13-29. David flees fx'om Jerusalem, his servants faithfully attending^ 
 even the Gittite Ittai. He sends the two high priests and the Levites with 
 the ark back to Jerusalem, awaiting the good pleasure of Jehovah. 
 
 XV. 30-37. Hushai is sent back by David to defeat the counsel of the traitor 
 Ahithophel. 
 
 XVI. 1-4. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains a grant from David 
 of jNIephibosheth's inheritance. 
 
 XVI. 5-14. Shimei, of the house of Saul, curses David ; who bears this meekly 
 as from Jehovah, in spite of the proposals of the sons of Zeruiah to take 
 vengeance. 
 
 XVI. 15-23. Absalom enters Jerusalem, Hushai insinuates himself into 
 Absalom's counsels. Ahithophel's abpminable advice. 
 
 XVII. 1-4. Ahithophel's advice to end the civil war by overtaking and slaying* 
 David at once. 
 
 XVII. 5-14. Hushai defeats it, Absalom having been blinded according to 
 
 Jehovah's jKirpose. 
 XVII. 15-23. Secret intelligence is conveyed to David, who escajjes. 
 
 Ahithophel deliberately hangs himself. 
 XVII. 24-20. David retires to Mahanaim in the land of Gilead (as Saul'a 
 
 family had done, see ii. 8), whither he is followed by Absalom whose new 
 
 captain is Amasa, in place of Joab his cousin. 
 
 XVII. 27-29. The kindness shewn to David at Mahanaim, by Barzillai and 
 others. 
 
 XVIII, 1-18. _ The decisive battle ; victory to David. Absalom is caught in a 
 tree, and is put to death by Joab, though against David's commands. 
 
 XVIII. 19-23. The rival messengers sent to David. 
 
SECOND SAMUEL. 51 
 
 XVIII. 24-33. The announcement. The violent grief of David. 
 
 XIX. 1-8. Joab forces David to leave off his mourning and to receive his 
 people. 
 
 XIX. 8-10. Israel had fled : in their anarchy they discuss how they may 
 
 bring the king back. 
 XIX. 11-15. David uses the two high priests to incite the ti'ibe of Judah to be 
 
 first in bringing him back, as nearest of kin to him ; and also, to offei' 
 
 Joab's office to Amasa. 
 
 N.B.— These acts proved his clemency : yet the former helped on the separation of the 
 other tribes from Judah, and the latter was rash in favouring the military head of the 
 rebellion, and was perhaps unfair to Joab. 
 
 XIX. 16-23. Shimei, accompanied by Ziba, seeks and obtains pardon, as the 
 first of the house of Josei)h (strictly, of Rachel) to meet the king. 
 
 XIX. 24-30. Mephibosheth and Ziba are commanded to divide the land 
 (ix. 7). 
 
 XIX. 31-39. Barzillai bids farewell to David, who takes his son Chimham 
 with him to Jerusalem. 
 
 XIX. 40-43. The jealousy between Judah and the other tribes, caused by 
 Judah hastening the I'eturn of the king to themselves. 
 
 XX. 1, 2. Sheba, a Benjamite, stirs up the discontented tribes to revolt. 
 XX. 3. David shuts up in widowhood the concubines whom he had left at 
 
 Jerusalem. 
 XX. 4-22. The pursuit of Sheba, and his death, ending the revolt. Amasa is 
 dilatory in his task. He is murdered by Joab, who resumes the military 
 command. 
 
 XX. 23-26. David's officers, civil and ecclesiastical. 
 
 N.B.— See the earlier list, and the note upon it, at viii. 15-18. 
 
 XXI.-XXIV. Appendix. 
 
 XXI. 1-14. The bloody house of Saul : he had sought to slay the GibeonitCf? 
 (see note on iv. 4), who now demand blood for blood. David gives u[> 
 seven sons of Saul to be hanged : the tender watching of one of the mothers. 
 David gives honourable burial to their bones, at the same time burying 
 those of Saul and Jonathan. 
 
 XXI. 15-17. Danger to David from a Philistine giant, which is averted. 
 
 XXI. 18-22. Other Philistine giants slain by his men of war. 
 
 XXII. David's psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance out of the hand of all 
 his enemies, and of Saul, and for manifold blessings vouchsafed to him by 
 Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— This appears, with very slight changes,'as the eighteenth Psalm. 
 
 XXIII. 1-7. David's last words. 
 
 N.B.— As it were another psalm, looking back to Kathan's prophecy, vii. 4-16. 
 
 XXIII. 8-23. The roll of David's principal mighty men, their exploits. 
 
 N.B.— The Hebrew word translated "captains," ver. 8, is almost the same as that for 
 " third," and in the plural is almost the same as that for " thirty." There may be a 
 connexion with these numerals, as this select body is said to have been thirty at ver. 24, 
 and thirty-seven in all at ver. 39 ; and in vers. 8-23 we have three at the head, and two 
 belonging to a second class of three, whose full number, perhaps, never was filled up. 
 The word also occurs in Exod. xiv. 7, xv. 4 ; 1 Kings ix. 22; 2 Kings vii. 2, &c., ix. 25, 
 X. 25, XV. 25 ; 2 Chron. viii. 9 ; Ezek. xxiii. 15, 23 : from a compai-ison of these passages it 
 may be inferred that these men were like the knights of orders in many countries, 
 invested with some special honour by the sovereign. At 1 Chron. xi. 11, xii. 18, the 
 Revised Version has "thirty" in the text, and " captains " only in the margin. 
 
52 SECOND SAIMUEL. 
 
 XXIII. 24-39. The roll of the rest of his mighty "men. 
 
 N.B.— The list in 1 Chroii. xi. 26-47 differs repeatedly, and contains more names. But 
 Asahel, the first named, was killed very early ; so that probably we have names inserted 
 of men who from time to time filled up vacancies by death. 
 
 XXIV. 1-9. David is tempted to number the people, and carries out his 
 purpose against the remonstrances of Joab and his other servants. 
 
 XXIV. 10-17. David's heart smites him. The prophet Gad lays before him 
 a choice of judgements from Jehovah. He chooses iDestilence, the shortest 
 and sharpest ; after seventy thousand had fallen, he humbles himself as the 
 guilty one, and jjleads that his people may be spared. 
 
 XXIV. 18-25. David, by Gad's direction, purchases the thrashing-floor of 
 Araunah, and offers sacrifice thereon. The plague is stayed. 
 
 N.B.— If the Authorised rendering of ver. 23, now in the margin, is retained, Araunah 
 may have been the old Jebusite king of Jerusalem. 
 
 FIRST KINGS. 
 
 I-XI. The undivided kingdom. 
 
 I. -II. 11. The end of David's reign. 
 
 I. 1-10. David's old age and feebleness. His son Adonijah attempts to make 
 
 himself king. 
 I. 11-31. Nathan, the prophet, and Bath-sheba press David to i^reserve the 
 
 rights of Solomon, as he had promised. He swears to do this. 
 
 I. 32-40. At David's command Solomon is anointed king by Nathan and the 
 
 hiL;h priest Zadok, to the joy of the people. 
 T. 41-53. Confusion and flight of the conspirators. Adonijali fleeing to the 
 horns of the altar, is dismissed by Solomon with a conditional pardon. 
 
 II. 1-11. David's dying charge to Solomon. His death. 
 
 N.B.— The severity against Joab and Shimei has been blamed : but the conspiracy of 
 Adonijah made it necessary, considering the youth of Solomon ; observe also the tender- 
 ness in avoiding mention of Abiathar, who was as guilty as any. 
 
 II. 12-XI. Solomon. 
 
 II. 12-46. Solomon reigns. He puts to death Adonijah on occasion of a 
 renewal of his treasonable conspiracies, also Joab; he removes Abiathar 
 from the high priesthood ; he places Shimei under restraints, which after 
 three years he breaks through, and is therefore put to death ; the kingdom is 
 established in the hand of Solomon. 
 
 N.B.- The fulfilment of the judgements denounced against the house of Eli, ver. 27, 
 brought to an end the irregular state of matters in which there had ))een two high priests : 
 see note on 2 Sam. viii. 15-18. The tabernacle of Moses, however, still stood at Gibeon, 
 see iii. 4, and perhaps ii 28. 
 
 III. 1-3. Solomon marries the daughter of Pharaoh. His love for Jehovah : 
 yet he and his people sacrifice in high i^laces, the house of Jehovah being 
 not yet built. 
 
 III. 4-15. Solomon at the great high place in Gibeon has a choice offered him 
 by Jehovah : he chooses wisdom and obtains in addition riches and honour. 
 He returns to Jerusalem, offers sacrifices before the ark of the covenant, 
 and makes a feast to all his servants. 
 
FIRST KINGS. '06 
 
 III. lG-28, His judgement in the case of the child claimed by two mothers 
 makes his wisdom renowned. 
 
 IV. 1-20. Solomon's officers, civil and ecclesiastical. His twelve officers to 
 provide for the king's table in successive months. Judah and Israel 
 multiply and enjoy outward prosperity. 
 
 I>f.B.— Comparing the list with those in David's time, 2 Sam. viii. 15-18, xx. 23-26, we 
 observe (1) that their number is much increased, (2) that the military autliorities are no 
 longer placed first ; (3) that the divisions of the tribes were to a large extent not followed 
 in the arranging the monthly provision for the table. 
 
 IV. 21-28. The magnificence of his arrangements. The security of his people. 
 The width of his dominion, from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines 
 inclusive. 
 
 IV. 29-34. His wisdom. The wise of other lands gather to him. 
 
 V. 1-12. Hiram king of Tyre sends to congratulate Solomon, is informed of 
 his intention to build a house for the name of Jehovah. The agreement as 
 to trees from Lebanon to be furnished by Hiram. 
 
 V. 13-1 8. The levy of men for the work. The preparations with huge stones 
 
 for the foundations, and stones and wood for the building. 
 
 N.B.— The men of the Phenician city'Gebal, ver. 18, seem to^have beenrenowned for 
 skill, Ez. xxvii. 9. 
 
 VI-IX. 9. The building and dedication'of the temple. 
 
 VI. 1-10. The general plan of the building, the house and^the^side chambers. 
 No sound of any tool heard while it is building. 
 
 VI. 11-13. The promise of Jehovah to Solomon, if he will walk according to 
 the laws of God. 
 
 VI. 14-38. The building of the temple, both the house (or holy place) and the 
 oracle (or most holy place), with cherubim : all is overlaid with gold. The 
 inner court. Seven years and a half are spent in building it. 
 
 N.B.— In this chapter and the next there is no particular description of those things 
 which were continued in the temple from the tabernacle of Moses ; but only of those 
 tilings which were new, as the ten lavers and the sea, the pillars and the chapiters. 
 
 VII. 1-12. Thirteen yeai's are spent in building his own house: its grandeur 
 analogous in some things to that of the temple. 
 
 VII. 13-51. Hiram's work for Solomon ; the two pillars and their chapiters, 
 the molten sea, the ten bases and their ten lavers : these brasen articles are 
 all cast in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan. Solomon 
 makes the golden vessels. He brings in what his father had dedicated. 
 
 VIII. 1-11. Solomon assembles all the representatives of Israel to bring up 
 the ark to its place, from the city of David. The cloud fills the house with 
 the glory of Jehovah, so that the priests cannot stand to minister. 
 
 '^.E.— AVith ver. 1-5 compare the bringing up of the ark to the city of David, 2 Sam. 
 vi. 1-5, 12-15 ; with ver. 10, 11 compare the dedication of the tabernacle, Exod. xl. 34, 35. 
 
 \'III. 12-21. Solomon blesses the congregation of Israel, in connexion with 
 this choice by Jehovah of a city in which, and a king by whom, to build a 
 house for his name. 
 
 VIII. 22-53. Solomon's dedication prayer, pleading to have the promises to 
 David and his royal line fulfilled : also specifying cases in which the people 
 might pray toward the temple in hope of being graciously heard : the case 
 of wrong as between individuals ; that of Israel being smitten down before 
 the enemy ; the case of heaven being shut up, when there is no rain ; the 
 case of famine, pestilence, mildew, locusts, &c. ; the case of the foreigner 
 attracted to Jehovah and his house : the case of war and captivity. 
 
 VIII. 54-66. Solomon blesses and exhorts the people. The vast numbers of 
 sacrifices, and the temporary enlargement of the altar. 'I'he feast of 
 tabernacles doubled in length by the ha]ipy and united j^eople. 
 
54 FIRST KINGS. 
 
 IX. 1-9. Jehovah answers Solomon's prayers with promises and warnings. 
 
 IX. 10-XI, Further history of Solomon. 
 
 IX. 10-14. The mutual presents of Solomon and King Hirani. 
 
 IX. 15-25. The cities which Solomon built. The levies for his public works 
 are of the remaining Canaanites, whereas none of the children of Israel are 
 made bondservants. Pharaoh's daughter is removed from the city of David 
 to a house built for her. Solomon sacrifices, burning incense therewith, 
 three times every year. 
 
 IX. 26-28. His navy on the Red Sea, which lirings gold from Ophir. 
 
 X. 1-13. The visit of the Queen of Sheba to him : her presents of gold, &c. 
 The gold and other precious things brought by the navy of Hiram. 
 
 X. 14-29. Solomon's revenue of gold, and its various sources : his golden 
 targets and shields, his ivory throne, &c. His manifold riches. The wise 
 men who come to hear his wisdom. His chariots and horsemen. 
 
 XI. 1-8. Solomon's many wives and concubines, who, in his old age, draw him 
 away to idolatry. 
 
 N.B. -Some of tliese nations are not among those with whom marriage was forbidden 
 by the laws of Aloses : but their idolatry ought to have led the wise Solomon to see tliat 
 the reason or principle of the law applied to them also, all the more on account of the 
 new relation in which Israel stood to those nations since the days of Samuel and David. 
 
 XI. 9-1.3. Jehovah denounces this conduct ; yet'with two merciful mitigations. 
 XI. 14-22. Jehovah raises up an adversary to Solomon in Hadad the Edomite. 
 XI. 23-25. Another such enemy was Rezon, who reigned in Damascus over 
 Syria. 
 
 N.E.— Since he was an enemy " all the days of Solomon," ver. 25, he was let loose before 
 Solomon's sin, though he may have been unable to do mischief till after that event. 
 
 XI. 20-40. Another was Jereboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrainiite, to whom 
 the prophet Ahijah revealed th.at Jehovah would give him ten tribes, rend- 
 ing the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon. 
 
 XI. 41-43. Solomon's acts, reign, and death. He is succeeded by his own son 
 Eehoboam. 
 
 XII.-2 Kings Viri. The two rival kingdoms till the fall of Ahab's 
 house. 
 
 XII. -XIV. Rehoboam and Jeroboam. 
 
 XII. 1-20. All Israel assemble at Shechem to make Rehoboam king. They 
 ask a lightening of their burdens, which he finally refuses, by the advice of 
 his young counsellors. All the tribes but Judah revolt from the house of 
 David and make Jeroboam king. 
 
 XII. 21-24. Rehoboam raises an army in the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, 
 to tight against Israel : he is forbidden by Shemaiah the man of God, since 
 this thing was of Jehovah (ver. 24 with ver. 15). 
 
 XII. 25-33. Jeroboam's civil and ecclesiastical policy : two capitals ; als© two 
 centres of worship, the use of images in worship, the priesthood thrown 
 open to all the people, the time of the feast of tabernacles changed. 
 
 N.B.— There might be worldly policy in all these changes: the later date for the 
 harvest festival in the northern kingdom ; the adoption of calves as emblems of God, a 
 practice brought from Egypt, and accepted by Jeroboam as it had been by Aaron ; and 
 priests from other tribes than Levi, whose head-quarters were in Judah and Benjamin 
 (Joshua xxi. 9-19), and whose temple at Jerusalem hnked them to the house of David. 
 
FIRST KINGS. 55 
 
 XIII. 1-10. A man of God is sent from Judah to prophesy against Jeroboam's 
 altar at Bethel. Three signs confirm his message. He refuses the king's 
 invitation to his house, and returns homeward, as he had been commanded, 
 
 XIII. 11-32. Another prophet by a lie brings him back. His disobedience is 
 denounced by Jehovah, and a lion slays him. The deceiving prophet buries 
 him with all honour, and directs that he himself shall be buried beside him. 
 
 XIII. 33, 34. Jeroboam persists in his evil courses, to the ruin of his house. 
 
 XIV. 1-20. New dealing with Jeioboam, the sickness and death of his only 
 child that should have a grave, according to the message of the prophet 
 Ahijah. Jeroboam dies and is succeeded by his son. 
 
 N.B.— It may have been part of Jeroboam's policy of decentralisation that he made his 
 residence at Tirzah, ver. 17, comp. xv. 21, 33, xvi. 6, &c., after he had already built 
 Shechem and Penuel as royal cities, xii. 25. 
 
 XIV. 21-31. Rehoboam reigns over Judah ; the people do evil in the sight of 
 Jehovah, worse than their fathers, with high places and heathenish idols. 
 Chastisement at the hand of Shishak king of Egypt. Constant war be- 
 tween Rehoboam and Jeroboam. 
 
 XV., XVI. Successions of kings and dynasties. 
 
 XV. 1-8. Rehoboam's sins are copied by his' son and successor Abijam, who 
 continues the war with Jeroboam. 
 
 N.B.— Tlie leading idea in the Book of Kings is the fulfihnent of the promise of the 
 kingdom to David's house : hence the notice of a lamp given to David in the darkest 
 hours, ver. 4, according to the prediction xi. 36 ; see also 2 Kings viii. 19, and the 
 parallel 2 Chr. xxi. 7. 
 
 XV. 9-24. Asa's good reign over Judah, putting down idolatry so far as he 
 could. His league with Ben-hadad king of Syria against Baasha king of 
 Israel, with whom he keeps up the hereditary warfare. 
 
 N.B.-This is the first example of calling in the aid of heathen powers in the struggles 
 between the two kingdoms. It bore bitter fruit. 
 
 XV. 25-32. The wicked reign of Nadab over Israel. Baasha murders him, 
 and destroys the whole house of Jeroboam. 
 
 XV. 33-XVI. 7. The wicked reign of Baasha over Israel. The prophecy 
 against him and his house by Jehu the son of Hanani. 
 
 XVI. 8-14. Zimri murders Elah, the son and successor of Baasha, whose 
 whole house he destroys. 
 
 XVI. 15-20. Zimri reigns seven days : he takes his own life, that he may not 
 
 fall into the hands of the people. 
 XVI. 21-28. Civil war in Israel : Omri succeeds to the throne, builds a new 
 
 capital, Samaria (see xiv. 17 and note on it), and deals wickedly above all 
 
 that were before him. 
 
 XVI. 29-34. He is succeeded by his son Ahab, who does evil above all that 
 were before him. He marries Jezebel, daughter of the king of the 
 Zidonians, and introduces the worship of Baal. Accomplishment of 
 Joshua's curse upon the man Avho should build Jericho. 
 
 N.B.— Jeroboam's Avorship of the calves had been a breach of the second command- 
 ment, whicli has to do with the manner of worshipping the true God ; Ahab's forsaking 
 Jehovah for an idol was a breacli of the first commandment, which has to do with the 
 object of worsliip, see chap, xviii. 21. 
 
 1 Kings xvii-2 Kings ii. 18. Tlie struggle for Jehovah led by Elijah. 
 
 XVII. 1-7. Elijah, having prophesied against Ahab that dew and rain should 
 be withheld, is sent to hide by the brook Cherith, where the ravens feed 
 him. 
 
56 FIRST KINGS. 
 
 XVII. S-2L He is sent to a Zidonian -vridow. to ZarepKath, and he and she 
 
 are miracnlouslv sustained. Her son dies, and he restores him to life. 
 XV'III. 1-16. Elijah meets the good Obadiah, and bids him arrange for a 
 
 meeting with Aha"b. 
 XYIIL 17-40. Elijah puts Baal's prophets to shame, ]'y bringing down fire 
 
 from heaven on his sacrifice : they are put to death by the repenting 
 
 pec'ple. 
 
 XVIII. 41-46. Elijah by fervent prayer obtains rain : he runs before Ahab's 
 chariot tc» the city of 'JezreaL 
 
 XIX. 1-1?. Elijah is threatened by Jezebel, and flees to Beer-sheba in Judah : 
 he is comforted in the -wilderness by an angel, and miraculously fed, so as 
 to fast forty days. He journeys on to Horeb, the mount of God : Jehovah 
 manifests hnnself to him. and commissions him to anoint Hazael to be king 
 over Syria, and Jehu to be king over Israel, and Elisha to be projibet in 
 his roctm. 
 
 X.B.— The language in this narrative reminds often of Eiod. xxxiii, xxiiv ; the cave, 
 TCT. 9 and 13, may have been the very " clift of the rock," Exod. xixiiL 22. 
 
 XIX- 19-2L He fulfils this.commission only in the case of Elisha. 
 
 N.B.— Scripture does not make it clear whether he was justified in delaying, as he 
 handed over the other two commissions to Elisha, who handed over one of them to a 
 tiiird person, 2 Kings viiL 7-13, ix. 1-10. 
 
 XX. 1-22. The insulting conduct of Ben-hadad king of Syria, and the mean 
 spirit of Ahab. A prophet brings him deliverance, but warns him of 
 returning danger. 
 
 XX. 2^-34. The superstitious confidence of the Syrians Tirges them on to their 
 own ruin : Ahab lets Ben-hadad go. 
 
 XX. 35-43. By a i;«araLle a prophet denounces the judgement of Jehovah on 
 Ahab for letting Ben-hadad go. 
 
 N^.B.-ThiB man was devoted to destruction since Elijah had been commissioned to 
 anoint another to be king of Syria : but more generally, his kingdom had risen on the 
 roin of Solomon's, like that of Moab, on which also the prophet Elisha denounced severe 
 judgement. 2 Kings iiL 15-19, as if this was a time of renewed grace to Israel after the 
 revi'^-al narrated in chap. xviiL, and of special protection from all their enemies, if they 
 had known the time of their visitation. 
 
 XXL 1-16. Ahab covets Naboth s vineyard, and obtains it by Jezebels 
 
 contrivance to accu-se bim of bla-phemy and to put him to death. 
 
 XXI. 17-29. Elijah denounces judgement on Ahab and Jezebel from Jehovah, 
 who nevertheless postpones it on account of Ahab's repentance. 
 
 XXII. 1-28. Ahab secures JehoEhax>hat to help him in his war with Syria. 
 The false prophets encourage him, but Micaiah predicts his defeat and 
 death, and is therefore sent back to the prison from which he has been 
 brought. 
 
 X.E.— Bis name is a fuller form of 'Micah ; .' - --.rds ai-e the commencement of 
 
 Mieah's prophecies, in evil days which were - of Ahab come back, Jlic. i. 2, 
 
 \L IC, The use of LoKi« for Jehovah in the 1 . . m.iike5 JehC'Shaphat's language 
 
 in ver. 7, after ver. «, less distinct than it ou-h: i : ■■:. 
 
 XXTL 29-40- Ahab's meanness to Jehoshaphat, whose life nevertheless is 
 
 preserved, whereas Ahab is killed by what seems a chance; his blood is 
 
 licked up by the dogs of Samaria. 
 XXII. 41-50. Jehoshaj hat's good reign over Judah, notwithstanding some 
 
 short-comings in hi.= kingdom. 
 XXII. 51-53. Ahaziah's wicked reign over Israel, as he walked in the ways of 
 
 Ahab and Jezebel, besides tho-se of Jeroboam. 
 
SECOND KINGS. 
 
 SECOND KINGS. 
 
 I. 1. Moab rebels against Israel after ALab's death. 
 
 N.B.— Contrast the continued subjection of Edom to Judali, 1 Kings xxii. 47. See more 
 of both in chap. iii. 
 
 I. 2-lS. Ahaziah's accident, illness, and sending to inquire of Baalzebub at 
 
 Ekron, as to the issiie. Elijah bids the messengers return with the an- 
 nouncement that he shall die ; protected by fire from heaven, -which twice 
 devoured those who would have seized him, he gives the message with his 
 own mouth. Ahaziah dies, 
 
 II. 1-18. Elisha thrice refuses to leave EKjah, of whose approaching transla- 
 tion both he and the sons of the prophets are aware. Elijah's parting gift, 
 according to Elisha's wish, of a double portion of his spirit along with" his 
 mantle : he is carried to heaven in a chariot of fire. The useless search for 
 him. 
 
 11. 19-VIII. 29. Elisha's labours during the reign of Jehoram. 
 
 II. 19-22. He begins with a healing work on the waters of Jericho (see 1 Kings 
 xvi. 34). 
 
 II. 23-25. He is mocked at Beth-el, and urged to go to heaven like Elijah (ver, 
 
 1). The offending lads are torn to pieces by bears. 
 
 N.B.— This fearful judgement (compare 1 Kings xiii. 21--2S) indicates a struggle against 
 the servant of JehoviUi at this main seat of the calf-worsliip (see a later ertorfc there to- 
 silence a prophet. Amos \ii. 10-17) : and the severity of it may have had the effect of 
 enabling Elisha to take up his position at Samaria, the capital (ver. 25), where he ever 
 after moved freely and exerted a powerful influence on the king and the government. 
 
 III. 1-3. Jehoram's reign over Israel : much less bad than his father's and hi& 
 brother's, for he turned from the worship of BaaL 
 
 III. 4-27. The revolt of Moab (i. 1) met by Jehoram, assisted by Jehoshaphat, 
 who again desires a prophet of Jehovah (compare 1 Kings xxii. IS), and 
 by the subject king of Edom (1 Kings xxii. 47). Elisha's prophecy of 
 success. The desperate resistance of the king of Moab. 
 
 N.B.— The heading in the A.V., " The king of Moab, by sacrificing the king of Edom's 
 son, n\iseth the siege," brings tliis narrative into combination with Amos iC 1 ; and it 
 cannot easily be proved erroneous, though the prevalent view is that the king of Moal> 
 sacrificed his own son, compare the question in iJicah vi. 7. 
 
 TV. 1-7. Elisha multiplies the oil for the widow of one of the sons of the- 
 prophets. 
 
 IV. S-37. His entertainment at the hand of the good Shunammite lady, to 
 whom he promises a son from God. The child is born, grows up, dies, and 
 is restored to life by Elisha, through her faith. 
 
 IV. 33-41. At Gilgal he heals the deadly pottage for the sons of the prophets 
 in time of famine. 
 
 IV. 42-44. He satisfies a hundred men with twenty loaves, bread of the first 
 fruits brought to him with fresh ears (see Lev. ii. 14). 
 
 V. 1-19. Naaman, the captain of the host of the king of Syria, by reason of 
 
 the testimony of a captive Israelite maid, is sent to Samaria to fee cured of 
 his leprosy. The king of Israel is dismayed : Elisha cures him most 
 simply, and touches his heart, yet refuses any present from him. 
 
 N.B.— After vers. 15, 10, it seems tliat Naaman looked on the bowing in the house of 
 Kimmon, ver. IS, as a jmrely civil mark of respect. Elisha's reply appeai-s to refer to 
 both this and the preceding re<iuest for Israelite earth of which to make an altar, as all 
 one speech, too crude to obtain any reply other than a general one which hinted that a 
 blessing would attend him imd guide him. 
 
58 SECOND KINGS. 
 
 V. 20-27. Gehazi, abusing his master Elisha's name to obtain presents from 
 
 Naaman, is smitten with Naaman's leprosy. 
 
 VI. 1-7. Elisha countenances the sons of the prophets, as they enlarge their 
 dwelling : he recovers a lost axe, by causing iron to swim. 
 
 VI. 8-23. Elisha discloses the king of Sj'^ria's counsel : an attempt to appre- 
 hend him ; he shows his servant how he is defended, smites the men with 
 blindness, leads them to the king of Israel at Samaria, yet insists that they 
 be dismissed unharmed and kindly treated. 
 
 VI. 24-VII. 2. The famine in Samaria, during the siege by the Syrians, 
 causes women to eat their own children. The king, despair-ing of help 
 from Jehovah, sends to slay Elisha ; who knows his purpose, reveals it, 
 and foretells marvellous plenty for the morrow, as also the sad death of a 
 scoffing captain of the king. 
 
 VII. 3-20. Four lepers discover that the Syrian host have suddenly fled and 
 left everything behind. The king ascertains the truth, and provides 
 plentifully for his people. He gives the charge of the gate of the city to 
 the scoffing captain, who is trodden to death by the pressure of the 
 famished people. 
 
 N.B. — The Hittites are now known to have been a great people, to whom reference is 
 made here, ver. 6, and 1 Kings x. 29; whose land, Josh. i. 4, was a powerful kingdom, th« 
 rival of Assyria and Egypt for centiu'ies, of whom the Hittites inside the land of Canaan 
 were only a small portion. See note on Josh. xi. 1-9. 
 
 VIII. 1-G. The Shunammite lady (chap, iv), having left her country for seven 
 years, to avoid the famine of which Elisha had forewarned her, has her land 
 given back by the king, for the sake of Elisha's miracle in restoring her son 
 to life. 
 
 VIII. 7-15. Elisha comes to Damascus : the sick king sends by Hazael costly 
 presents, and inquires as to his chance of recovery. His messenger, Hazael, 
 learns from Elisha that he himself is to be king of Syria and a scourge to 
 Israel : next day he murders the king and succeeds him. 
 
 N.B.— See notes on 1 King xix. 19-21. Verse 10 here presents two readings, of which I 
 prefer that shown on the margin : though I should translate " Go, say, ' It is not at all a 
 case of thy recovery ; ' and Jehovah hath shewn me that he shall surely die." 
 
 VIII. 16-24. The wicked and disastrous reign of Jehoram over Judah. 
 
 N.B. — In spite of the provocation, through his marriage witli the house of Ahab, the 
 promise of the lamp for David's sake is repeated, ver. 19, from 1 Kings xi. 36; see note on 
 1 Kings XV. 1-S. 
 
 VIII. 25-29. Ahaziah's wicked reign over Judah. He accompanies Joram of 
 Israel to the Syrian wars at Kamoth-gilead (compare his grandfather, 
 1 Kings xxii), and goes down to Jezreel to visit Joram when lying wounded 
 there. 
 
 IX-XVII. The fall of Ahab's dynasty, and the history to the end of 
 the kingdom of the Ten Tribes. 
 
 IX-XV. 12. The history from the rise to the fall of Jehu's dynasty. 
 
 IX. 1-29. Elisha sends one of the sons of the prophets to anoint Jehu king 
 over the i)eople of Jehovah to cut off the persecuting house of Ahab : 
 having executed his commission, he flees. Jehu is made king by the arnny, 
 kills first, king Joram in the field of Naboth, and next, king Abaziah as he 
 flies ; his body is carried to Jerusalem and buried in the city of David. 
 
 IX. 30-37. Prcni'd Jazebel is at Jehu's command thrown down from one of the 
 palace windows, and is eaten by the dogs. 
 
SECOND KINGS. 59 
 
 X. 1-14. Jehu, by his letters, causes seventy of Ahab's sons to be beheaded 
 and he destroys all of Ahab's house, according to the prophecy of Elijah • 
 also forty-two bi'ethren of king Ahaziah. ' 
 
 N.B.— The rulers and nobles of Jezreel, who had murdered Naboth under forms of law 
 at Jezebel's desii'e, were not likely to stickle at this act on the'summons of Jehu. 
 
 X. 15-31. He secures the support of Jehonadab the son of Rechab ; by subtilty 
 he destroys all the wei-sMppers of Baal in Israel, yet he cleaves to the sins 
 of Jeroboam. The promise of the kingdom to his house for four generations. 
 
 N.B.— See Jer. xxxv. in regard to these Eechabites : the order may have taken its rise 
 from the religious revival under Elijah and Elisha. 
 
 X. 82-36. The process of judgement in cutting off Israel begins under Jehu ; 
 
 the eastern tribes are smitten by Hazael (see 1 Kings xix. 15-17, and 2 Kinoes 
 viii. 11-13). * 
 
 XI. 1-3. Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah usurps the throne of Judah, and 
 destroys all the remaining seed royal, except the infant Joash, the rightful 
 king, who is hid for six years in the house of Jehovah by his aunt. 
 
 N.B.— In 2 Chron. xxii. 11, we have the explanation of this, that his aunt was wife of the 
 priest Jehoiada, to be mentioned immediately, ver. 4, and onward. 
 
 XI. 4-16. Jehoiada makes his arrangements at the temple, and anoints Joash 
 to be king of Judah : Athaliah comes in among the people, but is slain. 
 
 XI. 17-20. Jehoiada makes the covenant between Jehovah and the king and 
 the people. They put an end to the worship of Baal in Judah. ° The 
 universal joy, 
 
 XI. 21-XII. 3. _ Jehoash reigns well over Judah as long as Jehoiada the priest 
 lives to be his instructor. 
 
 XII. 4-16. He gives orders for the repair of the house of God, and sees them 
 carried out, in spite of obstacles, by the liberal people. 
 
 KB.— The riglit of the priests to money of the guilt offering, ver. 16, was clear see 
 Lev. V. 16, vi. 1-7, Numb. v. 6-8. The right to money of the sin offering is obscure • but 
 probably they had dues, like the skin of the burnt-offering, Lev. vii. 8, and perhaps the 
 payment at the census, Exod. xxx. 11-16. 
 
 XII. 17-21. He delivers Jerusalem from Hazael by giving him all the hallowed 
 things in the house of Jehovah. His servants conspire and slay him. 
 
 XIII. 1-9. The wicked reign of Jehoahaz, Jehu's son, over Israel. The disasters 
 from the oppression of Hazael. Jehoahaz beseeches Jeliovah, and is heard. 
 
 N.B.— This perhaps refers to the exploits of his son and his grandson : see below. 
 
 XIII. 10-13. The wicked reign of Jehoash over Israel. 
 
 XIII. 14-19. ^ The smallness of his faith when Elisha on his death-bed foretells 
 
 his victories over Syria. 
 XIII. 20, 21. The Moabites invading the land, a dead man is raised to life by 
 
 touching the bones of Elisha. 
 
 XIII. 22-25. The grace and compassion of Jehovah to his people not yet 
 exhausted. Jehoash gains the thi-ee victories over Syria which Elisha had 
 promised. 
 
 KB.— The language, and the matter, and the mention of king Jehoahaz, anew in ver 
 22, connect this paragraph with verses 3-5 ; see also xiv. 27. ' 
 
 XIV. 1-7. Amaziah reigns well over Judah, He puts to death those who had 
 murdered his father. His complete success against Edom. 
 
 XIV. 8-16, Amaziah is overcome and disgraced by Jehoash king of Israel, 
 whom he had provoked. 
 5 
 
60 SECOND KINGS. 
 
 XIV. 17-22. Amaziali lon<j survives his disgrace. Conspirators murder him. 
 His son Azariah is made king ; his recovery of Elath on the Red Sea to 
 Judah. 
 
 N.B.— This exploit in ver. 22 probably ^completed his father's conquest of Edora, whose 
 revolt has been recorded in viii. 20-22 ; Elath or Eloth, was beside Ezion-geber on the 
 Red Sea, as to which see 1 Kings ix. 26, xxii. 47, 48. 
 
 XIV. 23-29. The glorious though wicked reign of the second Jeroboam over 
 Israel. His restoration of the old boundaries, according to the prophecy 
 of Jonah. 
 
 N.B.— Compare vers. 25-27 with xiii. 23, 25 : a last time of mercifnl visitation to Israel, 
 while Jehovah still refrained from speaking the word to blot them out. Jonah's missioui 
 to Nineveh ought to have been the means of provoking them to a holy jealousy, compare- 
 Komans xi. 13, 14. 
 
 XV. 1-7. Azariah's (otherwise, Uzziah's, vers. 13, 30) good reign over Judah. 
 Yet he is struck with leprosy by Jehovah, and his son administers the 
 government. 
 
 XV. 8-12. Zechariah, the last of Jehu's house, has a short and wicked reign 
 over Israel : he is openly murdered. 
 
 XV. 13-XVII. 41. The history down to the end of the kingdom of 
 the Ten Tribes. 
 
 XV. 13-16. Shallum, the murderer of Zechariah, reigns for a month, and is 
 slain by Menahem, who is infamous for his cruelties. 
 
 XV. 17-22, Menahem's wicked reign. He purchases the support of the king 
 of Assyria. 
 
 XV. 23-20". The wicked reign of his son Pekahiah : he is murdered by Pekah.. 
 
 XV. 27-31. Pekah's wicked reign. He is murdered. _ The northern tribes are- 
 carried into exile by Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria. 
 
 XV. 32-38. Jotham's good reign over Judah. Eezin king of Syria and Pekah 
 king of Israel are sent against Judah by Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— Compare the use of the same words at the beginning of ver. 87 and of x. 32, with 
 reference to the judgements of Jehovah on the two kingdoms, 
 
 XVI. The wicked reign of Ahaz over Judah. His sufferings at the hand of 
 Rezin and Pekah : to escape them he makes a present of his treasures tO' 
 Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and submits to him. Going to meet him at 
 Damascus, he sends the pattern of the altar there to Jerusalem to Urijah 
 the priest ; the form of worship is changed according to his pleasure, and 
 the house of Jehovah is injured in various ways, 
 
 XVII. 1-6. Hoshea, or Hosea (the murderer of the last king, xv. .30) reigns 
 over Israel, doing evil, yet not as his predecessors. His difficulties with 
 Assyria and Egypt. The king of Assyria imprisons him, besieges and takes 
 Samaria, and carries the Ten Tribes into exile. 
 
 XVII. 7-23. The reason of their ruin. They forgot Jehovah who had brought 
 them out of Egypt, and copied the manners of the nations whom they had 
 dispossessed : they were very religious in their own way, but it was a way 
 of ever increasing corruption, in spite of the ministry of the prophets.. 
 Therefore Jehovah rent them from the house of David : and the sins of 
 Jeroboam clung to them, till they were carried into exile, as the prophets 
 
 XVII. 24-41. Heathen nations are brought into Samaria : they are_ plagued 
 with lions. They seek to know the God of the land, and an Israelite priest 
 is sent back from exile to Bethel to teach them. Their mixed religion. 
 
SECOND KINGS. 61 
 
 XYIII.-XXV. The kingdom of Judah left alone. 
 
 XVII I. -XX. The good reign of Hezekiah, 
 
 XVIII. 1-8. His reformations. His prosperity. His unexampled faith in 
 
 Jehovah (see vers. 20-22). 
 XVIII. 9-12. The exile of the Ten Tribes by Shalmanezer king of Assyria 
 
 (see xvii. 5, 6). 
 
 XVIII. 13-37. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invading Judah, is pacified by a 
 tribute : he afterwards sends Rabshakeh, who reviles Hezekiah, and by 
 blasphemous inducements solicits the people to revolt. 
 
 N.B.— Sennacherib's invasions began in the fourteenth year of Hezekiah, ver. 13. It 
 has been commonly taken for granted that the mission of Rabshakeli, ver. 17 onwards, 
 was in the same year : but this is at least doubtful, considering Hezekiah's submission, 
 and the Assyrian monuments seem to place it ten years later, a circumstance which 
 need create no difficulty to a believer. Hezekiah's illness was also in his foiuteenth year ; 
 for he was promised fifteen more years of life, see xx. 6 : but that same verse tells us that 
 the defence and deliverance from the king of Assyria was still in the future. The one 
 real difficulty is that Sennacherib is spoken of as going up against Judah in xviii. 13, at a 
 time when his father Sargon (Isa. xx. 1) was still king : but it is only recently that we 
 have come to know anything of this king, beyond the naming of him by Isaiah (whose 
 accuracy is thus made evident), after having been doubted. Perhaps his sou, Sennacherib, 
 was his general in command of the troops, as Nebuchadnezzar seems to have acted for his 
 father in a later attack upon Jerusalem. 
 
 XIX. 1-7. Hezekiah, mourning, sends his servants to intreat the prayers of 
 Isaiah, who gives them comforting assurances. 
 
 XIX. 8-19. Sennacherib, going to encoimter the king of Ethiopia, sends a 
 
 blasphemous letter to Hezekiah, who prays over it. 
 XIX. 20-34. Isaiah's prophecy regarding the arrogancy of Sennacherib, his 
 
 destruction, and the deliverance of the remnant of Judah, through the zeal 
 
 of Jehovah for Zion. 
 
 XIX. 35-37. The angel of Jehovah smites the camp of the Assyrians with 
 death : Sennacherib returns to his OAvn city and dwells there. He is 
 murdered by two of his sons. Here again the monuments indicate that 
 some years elapsed before this murder. 
 
 XX. 1-11. Hezekiah receives a message of death from Isaiah ; but again, after 
 earnest prayer, a promise of fifteen years of life, and a sign from Jehovah 
 by the sun's shadow going back on the dial of Ahaz. 
 
 XX. 12-21. Berodach-baladan, king of Babylon, sends ambassadors ^to 
 Hezekiah, who shews them all his treasures. Isaiah foretells the captivity 
 in Babylon, where Hezekiah's own family shall be eunuchs in the palace. 
 Hezekiah's meek submission. His public works. His death. The monu- 
 ments shew that the king of Babylon was the persevering though unfortun- 
 ate enemy of the kings of Assyria. 
 
 XXI. Two wicked reigns. 
 
 XXI. 1-18. Manasseh's reign, like Ahab's ; his gross idolatry, and his bloody 
 cruelty. The prophecies of the ruin of Jerusalem like Samaria. 
 
 XXI. 19-26. Amou's wicked reign. He is murdered : the murderers are put 
 to death by the people, who i)lace his son upon the throne. 
 
 XXII. l.-XXIII. 30. Josiah. 
 
 XXII. 1, 2. Josiah the boy king. His godly reign, never turning aside. 
 XXII. 3-20. His earnestness in repairing the house of Jehovah (compare the 
 
 account of Joash, chap. xii). Hilkiah finds there the book of the Law : the 
 deep impression produced by reading it, the confession of guilt, and the 
 application to the prophetess Huldah.^ She foretells the destruction of 
 Jerusalem, yet with a respite during Josiah's life. 
 
62 
 
 SECOND KINGS. 
 
 2^X111. 1-20. He reads the book to the assembled elders and people, and 
 renews the covenant. He destroys or pollutes all the emblems and 
 instruments of idolatry in his kingdom ; and also at Beth-el and in the 
 cities of Samaria, only sparing the bones of the prophet who had foretold 
 of him (1 Kings xiii.) and of the prophet buried beside him. 
 
 XXIII. 21-30. ^ Josiah's memorable passover. His removal of witchcraft and 
 other abominations. His character unrivalled for turning to Jehovah : yet 
 no escape from the wrath which Manasseh had brought upon Judah. 
 Josiah resists Pharaoh-necoh, king of P^gypt, and is slain in battle. The 
 people anoint his son Jehoahaz and make him king. 
 
 N.B.— Comparing ver. 31 with ver. 36, we see that they made choice of a younger son, 
 apparently the Shallum of Jereni, xxii. 11, 12, see also 1 Chron. iii. 15. 
 
 XXIII. 31-XXV. 30. The last kings of Judah. 
 
 XXIII. 31-35. The short wicked reign of Jehoahaz. He is deposed by 
 Pharaoh-necoh, who places another son of Josiah on the throne, changing 
 his name, and imposing a fine on the land. 
 
 XXIII. 36-XXIV. 7. The wicked reign of Jehoiakim. He is subdued by 
 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon ; he rebels, to his own ruin, in fulfilment 
 of the prophecies against Manasseh. 
 
 XXIV. 8-17. Jehoiachin's short wicked reign. He and all but the poorest 
 sort are carried into exile to Babylon. 
 
 XXIV. 18-XXV. 7. Zedekiah's wicked reign. He rebels against Nebuchad- 
 nezzar. The iinal siege ; the city taken ; Zedekiah's sons put to death, bis 
 own eyes put out; he is carried in fetters to Babylon. 
 
 XXV. 8-22.^ The city is defaced ; the remnant, except some of the poorest, 
 are carried into exile, the treasures of the house .of Jehovah are carried 
 away, and the men of rank are put to death. 
 
 XXV. 23-26. Gedaliah, who had been set over those that remained, is slain, 
 
 and they flee into Egypt. 
 XXV. 27-30. Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, sets Jehoiachin above all the 
 
 other captive kings. 
 
 N.B.— This notice seems to be in the spirit of the book, which tells of the goodness and 
 faithfulness of God to the house of David, even at the worst. 1 Kings xi. S6, 39 : 2 Kings 
 viii, 19. 
 
 FIRST CHKONICLES. 
 
 I-IX. Genealogies. 
 
 I. In patriarchal times. 
 
 I. 1-4. Adam's line to Noah's sons. 
 
 I. 5-7. The descendants of Japheth. 
 
 I. 8-16. Those of Ham. 
 
 I. 17-23. Those of Shem in general. 
 
 I. 24-28. Shem's line of descent to Abraham's sons. 
 
 I. 29-31. Ishmael's sons. 
 
 I. 32, 33. The sons of Abraham by Keturah. 
 
 I. 34. Isaac's sons. 
 
 I. 35-54. The posterity of Esau : the kings of Edom, and the dukes of Edom. 
 
 •"^u^"'"'^^^® names in this chapter form a summary connecting the whole race of man 
 with Israel, to whom attention is thereafter to be confined : and the lists are given so 
 
FIRST CHRONICLES. 63 
 
 briefly as to be scarcely intelligible to one who is not familiar with the book of Genesis : 
 see for instance ver. 36, from which we can not learn that Timna was the mother of 
 Amalek, Gen. xxxvi. 12. 
 
 II. -VIII. Genealogies of the children of Israel. 
 
 II. 1, 2. The twelve sons of Israel. 
 
 N.B.— These are next taken up one by one, yet in a peculiar order : and Zebu! on and 
 Dan are passed over without further notice : Dan is omitted even in vi. 61, 67-69. 
 
 A. JuDAH. ii. 3-iv. 23. 
 
 II. ;]-55. The posterity of Judah ; in particular the descendants of Tamar 
 (ver. 5). 
 
 N.B.— In these names the chief difficulty is our ignorance of the persons named: for 
 instance, whether we have three Calebs, ver. 18, 42, 50, and whether Chelubai, ver. 9, is a 
 variation of the same. However, the royal genealogy stands first, ver. 5-15 ; though this 
 postpones to ver. 25 the first-born of Hezron, see ver. 9. 
 
 III. The descendants of David. 
 
 N.B.— These seem to end with the grand-children of Zerubbal)el, the governor of those 
 who returned from exile in Babylon, ver. 19-21. Who the five families are whose names 
 are given in the end of ver. 21, with the line of descent of one of them, ver. 22-24, we 
 cannot determine, though the question has been much discussed : compare note on ch. i. 
 
 IV. 1-23. Certain descendants of Judah, connected chiefly with their places of 
 settlement. 
 
 N.B.— Ver. 1 shews the method in which these lists have been!compiled, for readers 
 Mho were already familiar with the subject, see Hezron at ii. 5, Carmi at ii. 7, Hur and 
 Shobal ii. 50, 52, where Haroeh is supposed to be the same as Keaiah here at ver. 2 ; the 
 Zorathites also are mentioned in both these places. 
 
 B. Simeon, iv. 24-43. 
 
 IV. 24-43. The sons of Simeon. Their smaller numbers, their position in the 
 land, their repeated successful expeditions, and occupation of new lands. 
 
 C. D, E. Eeuben, Gad, and Manasseh, east of Jordan, chap. v. (but see 
 
 vii. 14-19 for the rest of Manasseh). 
 
 V. 1-10. The line of Reuben until the exile. How this tribe lost the birth- 
 right. 
 
 V. 11-17. The chief men and habitations of Gad. 
 
 V. 18-22. The conquest by these eastern tribes in a war in which they sought 
 the help of God. 
 
 V. 23, 24. The habitations and chief men of the half tribe of Manasseh. 
 
 Y. 25, 26. The idolatry of the eastern tribes. The God of Israel stirs up the 
 kings of Assyria, who carry them into exile. 
 
 F. Levi. 
 
 VI. 1-15. The descendants of Levi, especially the high-priestly line, till the 
 exile. 
 
 VI. 16-30. His descendants through his three sons, Gershom, Kohath, and 
 
 Merari. 
 VI. 31-48. The genealogies of David's three song-masters in the temple service : 
 
 see XV. 16, 17. The appointment of the Levites to the service of the 
 
 tabernacle. 
 N.B.— These song-masters belonged to the three families sprung from Levi's sons ; and 
 two of them, Heman, the grandson of Samuel, and Asaph, have manifestly their genealogy 
 the same as that already given in ver. 20-28, in spite of certain variations in names. But 
 Ethan, generally identified with Jeduthun (which seems to mean, the men appointed for 
 praise), ix. 16, who is mentioned as the chief musician in the titles of the psalms, was 
 descended from Merari's second son. whei-eas ver. 29, 30 give the genealogy of his eldest 
 son. 
 
 VI, 49-53. The office of Aaron, and his line to Zadok's son (compare ver. 4-8). 
 
64 FIRST CHRONICLES. 
 
 VI. 54-81. The cities of the priests and Levites. 
 
 N.B.— The total number is the same as hi Josh. xxi. ; bnt two priestly and four Levitical 
 cities are not named ; and besides various alterations of names easily accounted for, there 
 are a few which may point to cities having been exchanged or otherwise altered. The 
 abbreviated form of the lists of names in this book, already noted in chap, i., appears 
 again here by comparison of ver. 61, with the details in ver. 66-70. 
 
 Gr. ISSACHAR. 
 
 VII. 1-5. The sons of Issachar : their high numbers. 
 H. Benjamin (see again chap. viii). 
 
 VII. 6-12. The sons of Benjamin, and their numbers. 
 
 I. Naphtali. 
 
 VII. 13. The sons of Naphtali. 
 
 N.B.— This is the shortest notice of any of the tribes: and Bilhah being Dan's and 
 Kaphtali's mother, see Gen. xlvi. 23-25, observe how Dan her other son is passed over, as 
 already noted. 
 
 E. Manasseh (compare v. 23, 24). 
 
 VII. 14-19. The sons of Manasseh. 
 
 J. Ephraim. 
 
 VII. 20-29. The descendants of Ejjhraim, namely Joshua and others. Cities 
 of the children of Joseph. 
 
 K. ASHER. 
 
 VII. 30-40. The descendants of Asher. 
 H. Benjamin (see already vii. 6-12). 
 
 VIII. Descendants of Benjamin leading on to Saul's line. 
 
 N.B,— This is analogous to chaps, ii. and iii., which give David's line in the tribe of 
 Judah. It is just possible, however, that Benjamin, chap. viii. 1, is a descendant of tlie 
 patriarch, already named at vii. 10. 
 
 IX. Appendix, concerned chiefly with the inhabitants of Jerusalem, 
 and with the genealogy of Saul's house. 
 
 N.B. —There is so much in this chapter connected with Nehem. xi. 1-19, that they are 
 often reckoned to be the same register in substance. On the other hand there are differ- 
 ences all through, and the latter parts of the chapter are entirely unlike ; and there is a 
 difficulty in seeing why Saul's genealogy should have been connected with a register of 
 times after the exile : so that it may be an older document upon the basis of which the 
 one given by Nehemiah, relating to a later time, was constructed. 
 
 IX. 1-9. The exile. The ancient dwellers in Jerusalem, of different tribes 
 (see viii. 28). 
 
 IX. 10-34. Also the pi-iests ; and the Levites, with their various offices and 
 trusts. 
 
 IX. 3.5-44. The genealogy of Saul's house. 
 
 N.B.— A repetition of viii. 29-38, with occasional variations in names. This forms an 
 i)itroduction to the narrative of Saul's death in chap. x. 
 
 X.-XXIX. The reign of David. 
 X.-XII. Its beginnings. 
 
 X. 1-7. Saul's overthrow and death. 
 
FIRST CHRONICLES. 65 
 
 X. 8-14. The treatment of his remains by foes and friends. His trespasses 
 against Jehovah, which caused the transfer of the kinq-dom to David. 
 
 XI. 1-0. All Israel gather to Hebron and make David king, according to the 
 Avord of Jehovah. He wins the strong hold of Zion at Jerusalem. 
 
 XI. 10-25. The foremost men in David's roll of mighty men ; their exploits. 
 
 XI. 26-47. The roll of the rest of his mighty men. 
 
 XII. 1-22. The support given to David by growing numbers from different 
 tribes, while Saul was still king, 
 
 XII. 23-40. The heads of those that were armed for war, who came to Hebron 
 to turn the kingdom from the house of Saul to David, 
 
 XIII.-XVI. The ark brought to Jerusalem, and public worship 
 settled. 
 
 XIII. David, after full consultation, with great solemnity, commences to bring 
 the ark in a cart from Kirjath-jearim to .Jerusalem : tJzza the driver being 
 smitten, it is left at the house of Obed-edom. 
 
 XIV. 1, 2. Hiram king of Tyre bailds David's palace. David's conviction 
 that Jehovah has established him as king, and exalted his kingdom. 
 
 XIV. 3-7. David's additional wives and children in Jerusalem, 
 
 XIV. 8-17. The Philistines make raids on the land. David's two victories, 
 under the guidance of Jehovah. 
 
 XV. 1-XVI, 3. David, having prepared a place at Jerusalem for the ark, 
 gathers all Israel to bring it up, giving the priests and the Levites charge of 
 the carrying and of the music. The great joy of the people and the sacri- 
 fices and feasting : Michal, Saul's daughter, despises David for his part in 
 the pi'o cession. 
 
 XVI. 4-6. David appoints a choir of Levites to minister before the ark. 
 XVI. 7-36. The first institution of psalmody at the sanctuary. 
 
 N.B.— "We have here, ver. S-22, much as Psa. cv. 1-15; ver. 23-33, much as Psa. xcvi. ; 
 jind iu ver. 34-36 there is a close resemblance to the opening and closing verses of Psa. cvi. 
 From the Authorised Version it might be supposed that David gave precisely these 
 Avords : the Eevised translation leaves this undetermined. 
 
 XVI, 37-43. David apportions the Levites as door-keepers and singers beside 
 the ark in Jerusalem, and beside the altar of burnt-offering at the 
 tabernacle in Gibeon. 
 
 N.l».— See tlie note on 2 Sam. viii. 15-lS in reference to the two centres of worship 
 under David, with the two high priests. 
 
 XVII. The great prophecy of David's seed. 
 
 XVII. 1-15. David purposes to build a house for Jehovah, and the prophet 
 Nathan approves ; but he receives a message in vision forbidding David. 
 Yet Jehovah reveals that David's plan is only delayed ; that he will build 
 a house for David, that is, a family ; and that David's seed shall have 
 Jehovah as father, and shall be a son to Jehovah, shall build a house for 
 the name of Jehovah, and shall have a throne established for ever. 
 
 N.B.— Comparing this account at ver. 13 with that in 2 Sara. vii. 14, 15, we notice how 
 ■much every thing about Saul and the sinning and chastisement of David's house, is 
 sliortened : all these things were over when this book was compiled. 
 
 XVII. 16-27. David's prayer and thanksgiving in reply, for himself and his 
 people. 
 
 XVIII-XX. The glories of David's military and civil administration. 
 
 XVIII. 1-13. The combination of heathen powers against David : his 
 victories over all who did not submit to him. 
 
 XVIII. 14-17. David's officers, civil and ecclesiastical. 
 
66 FIRST CHRONICLES. 
 
 XIX. The insult to David's ambassadors by the king of the Ammonites, who 
 obtains help from Hadarezer, king of Syria, and his allies. The allies are 
 completely defeated, and Hadarezer submits to David. 
 
 XX. 1-3. Joab takes Kabbah, and the crown of the Ammonite king is ))laced 
 on the head of David, who tortures the people. 
 
 N.B.— See note on 2 Sam. xii. 26-31. 
 
 XX. 4-8. Philistine giants, slain by David and his men of war. 
 
 XXL, XXIL David's sin of numbering the people; his altar on 
 mount Moriah, and his announcement to Solomon concerning the 
 house of God to be built. 
 
 XXL 1-27. David is tempted by Satan to number the people, and carries out 
 his purpose against the remonstrances of Joab. His heart smites him. The 
 prophet Gad offers him a choice of judgements from Jehovah ; he chooses 
 pestilence. After seventy thousand of the people have fallen, he humbles 
 himself as the guilty one, and pleads that his people be spared. By Gad's 
 direction, he pui'chases the thrashing-floor of Oman, and offers sacrifice 
 thereon. The plague is stayed. 
 
 XXI. 28-XXII. 1. David recognises the place of his altar as the site which 
 Jehovah has chosen for his house ; the plague having terrified him from 
 going to Moses' altar of burnt-offering, which was then at Gibeon. 
 
 N.E.— As to this, see 1 Kings ill. 4, and the notes on 2 Sam. viii. 15-18, and on 1 Kings 
 ii. 12-46. 
 
 XXIL 2-5. His preparations for building the temple, in view of Solomon's 
 
 youthfulness. 
 XXIL 6-19. He instructs Solomon in God's promises, and his duty in building 
 
 the temple, from which David himself has been debarred as a man of blood 
 
 and war. He chai'ges the princes of Israel to assist. 
 
 XXI II. -XXIX. David's final arrangements for the Le vitas and 
 priests, and for the kingdom to be handed over to Solomon. 
 
 XXIII. 1-5. David in his old age makes Solomon king : and gathering all the 
 princes, arranges the Levites for the work of the house of Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— Throughout these chapters the divisions run according to the number 24, 
 apparently connected with service for a fortnight in each year with supplementary 
 arrangements to complete the time : even in the case of the officers and judges 6000, of 
 the doorkeepers 4000, and of the 4000 for praise, this tendency is seen to arrange by 24 or 
 aliquot parts of it. 
 
 XXIII. G-23. The courses of the Levites under the three families of Gershon, 
 Kohath and Merari (compare vi. 16-30). 
 
 XXIII. 24-32. The miscellaneous work for the service of the house of 
 Jehovah assigned to them. 
 
 XXIV. 1-19. The priests the sons of Aaron, descended from Eleazar and 
 from Ithamar, in twenty-four courses, whose order is determined by lot. 
 
 XXIV. 20-31. The twenty-four heads of the common Levites. 
 
 N.B.— These seem to be confined to the descendants of Levi's two sons, Kohath and 
 Jlerari, compare the same list already given, with variations such as occur repeatedly in 
 the genealogies in xxiii. 15-23. The children of Gershon, the other son, are mentioned in 
 chap. XXV., xxvi., in special forms of service. 
 
 XXV. The three families of singers (see ix. 16, 17), divided into twenty-four 
 courses, whose order is fixed by casting lots. 
 
FIRST CHRONICLES. 67 
 
 XXVI. 1-19. The courses of the doorkeepers, and the gates assigned to them 
 by lot. 
 
 N.B.— Again it would seem from ver. 19, that in this class there were no sons of 
 Gershon. The numbering is not so easily matle out as in other cases. But sixty-two, 
 eighteen, and thirteen, ver. 8, 9, 11, amount to ninety-three : perhaps with three heads 
 superintending them, 96 in all, or four times 24 ; those in actual service at any one time, 
 as given in ver. 17, 18 seem to be 24. 
 
 XXVI. 20-28. The Levites in charge of the treasures of the house of God. 
 
 XXVI. 29-32. Those who were officers and judges. 
 
 N.B.— Of the total number, 6000 according to xxiii. 4, we have 1700 in ver. 30, and 2700 
 in ver. 82 ; those in ver. 29 whose number is not given, might make up the total number. 
 They seem all to be of the Kohathite families. 
 
 XXVII. 1-15. The captains of the twelve military courses that waited on the 
 king. 
 
 N.B.— These men are almost all found in the roll of David's mighty men, in chap. xi. 
 
 XXVII. 16-24. The civil heads of the tribes. 
 
 N.B.— It is peculiar to have thirteen of these, there being two for Levi and two for 
 Manasseh; while for Gad and Asher none are named. Something of disorder may be 
 due to the interrupted census, chap, xxi., noticed here ver. 23, 24. 
 
 XXVII. 25-31. The men who were over David's substance. 
 
 XXVII. 32-34. The kings advisers and chief officers. 
 
 XXVIII. 1-10. David assembles all his officers, civil and military, sets before 
 them and Solomon the nature of the kingdom, and Solomon's call to build 
 the house of Jehovah. 
 
 XXVIII. 11-21. He hands over to Solomon the patterns for all the work, a* 
 he has been made to understand these in writing from the hand of Jehovah. 
 He encourages Solomon for the work. 
 
 XXIX. 1-25. David,_by his example and entreaty, causes the princes and 
 people to offer willingly for the house of Jehovah. His thanksgiving and 
 prayer. The joy and sacrifices of the whole assembly, who anoint Solomon 
 king a second time, and Zadok to be priest. 
 
 N.B.— See, as to these last named transactions, 1 Kings i. 34, 39, ii. 35. 
 
 XXIX. 26-30. David's reign and death. 
 
 N.B.— The reference to histories which no longer exist suggests that the account of 
 David here given is limited very much to the matters of worship and other church 
 arrangements, in accordance with the character and design of this book of Chronicles. 
 Especially "the times that went over him," including the great revolution, as Samuel had 
 remodelled the Israelite commonwealth from what it had been under .Joshua and the 
 Judges into the kingdom, as it began with Saul, and advanced under David, must be 
 studied in the books of Samuel and Kings. 
 
 SECOND CHRONICLES. 
 
 I. -IX. The reign of Solomon. 
 
 I. Its commencement. 
 
 I. 1-6. Solomon, strengthened in his kingdom, brings all the representative 
 men of Israel to a great sacrifice at Gibeon. 
 
 N.B.— Compare what is here said of Moses' altar of burnt-offering being before the 
 tabernacle at Gibeon with what has been already said in the notes on 1 Chron. xvi. 37-43 
 and especially on 2 Sara. viii. 15-18. ' 
 
68 SECOND CHRONICLES. 
 
 I. 7-13. God offers him a choice ; he chooses wisdom, and is blessed with other 
 things in addition. 
 
 I. 14-17. Solomon's jjower and wealth. 
 
 II.-V. 1. The building of the temple. 
 
 II. The arrangements with Huram king of Tyre. The levy of men for the 
 work. 
 
 N.B.— David had made a commencement in numbering the strangers sojourning in 
 Israel for this work, 1 Chron. xxii. 2. 
 
 III. The site of the temple ; the date of commencing to build. The measures 
 and ornaments of the house ; the cherubim ; the veil and the pillars. 
 
 IV.-V. 1. The altar of brass, and the other vessels of brass and of gold. All 
 the work is finished, and the dedicated things are brought into the treasuries. 
 
 V. 2- VII. The dedication of the temple. 
 
 V. 2-14. The ark, the tent of meeting, and all its holy vessels, are brought 
 
 into the temple by Solomon and the representatives of all Isi-ael, the whole 
 of the priests and of the singers taking part. The visible sign that the glory 
 of Jehovah fills the house. 
 
 VI. 1-11. Solomon blesses the congregation of Israel in connexion with this 
 choice by Jehovah of a city in which and a king by whom to build a house 
 for his name. 
 
 VI. 12-42. Solomon's dedication prayer. 
 
 N.B.— See it enlarged analysed at 1 Kings viii. 22-53; but there is in Chronicles a 
 peculiar conclusion, vers. 41-42, with which compare Psa. cxxxii. 8-11. 
 
 VII. 1-10. The glory of Jehovah in the temple, and the worship of the people. 
 The vast number of sacrifices. The doubled feast for fourteen days, and 
 the dismissal of the people. 
 
 VII. 11-22. Jehovah answers Solomon's prayer with promises and warnings. 
 
 VIII. -IX. The glory of Solomon's kingdom. 
 
 VIII. 1, 2. After building the house of Jehovah and his own house, Solomon 
 builds and colonises cities given to him by Huram. 
 
 VIII. 3-11. His other buildings. For his great works he raises a levy of bond- 
 service from the remains of the Canaanite races, reserving the Israelites for 
 nobler work. He removes his wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, from the city 
 of David which had been sanctified by the coming of the ark to it. 
 
 VIII. 12-16. Solomon's regular sacrifices according to the law of Moses. He 
 perfects the house of Jehovah according to all his father's arrangements for 
 the priests and the Levites. 
 
 VII. 17, 18. Solomon's ships at Ezion-geber and Eloth, on the Red Sea, by the 
 help of Huram, bring him gold from Ophir. 
 
 IX. 1-12. The visit of the queen of Sheba to him : her presents of gold, etc. 
 The precious things brought to him bj^ the servants of Huram. 
 
 IX. 13-28. _ Solomon's revenue of gold, and its various sources : his targets, 
 shields, ivory throne, etc. His manifold riches. The wise men who came 
 to hear his wisdom. His chariots and horsemen. 
 
 IX. 29-ol. The histories of Solomon's reign. His death. 
 
 X.-XX. The early history of the kingdom of Judali. 
 X.-XII. King Rehoboam. 
 
 X. All Israel assemble at Shechem to make Rehoboam king. Led by Jero- 
 
SECOND CHRONICLES. 69 
 
 boam, they ask a liglitening of their burdens, which he finally refuses by the 
 advice of his young counsellors. All but those who dwell in the cities of 
 Judah revolt from the house of David, 
 
 XI, Rehoboam assembles Judah and Benjamin to fight against Israel: ho is 
 forbidden by Shemaiah the man of God, siiiee this thing is of Jehovah. 
 Rehoboam fortifies his kingdom. The priests and the Levites being cast 
 off by Jeroboam, resort to Rehoboam, who is further strengthened by such 
 out of all the tribes of Israel as set their hearts to seek Jeiiovah. His 
 many wives and children, 
 
 N,B.— The geographical position of the cities named in ver 5-10, inrlicates that Reho- 
 boam apprehended danger from Egypt : the event justified his apprelieusions. 
 
 XII, Rehoboam and his people forsake the law of Jehovah : severe chastise- 
 ment by the hand of Shishak king of Egypt, as foretold by the prophet 
 Shemaiah. Histories of Eehoboam's reign. His death. 
 
 XIII. King Abijah. 
 
 XIII, 1-20, His war with Jeroboam. His statement of the right of his cause 
 before God. His complete victory. 
 
 jS'.B.— A state paper, as his address may be called, perhaps does not bind us to all its 
 assertions. The numbers are surprisingly large, as again xiv. 8, xvii. 14-18, xxvi. 12-13, 
 and some blunder may have been made by copyists. Yet these may be the numbers, not 
 of any army in the field, but of the entire mulitia at the disposal of the two kings, see 
 1 Chron, xxi. 5. 
 
 XIII. 21, 22, Abijah's family. The history of hi,-: reign. 
 
 XIV.-XVI. King Asa. 
 
 XIV. He puts down idolatrj'', enjoys peace and rest fi'om Jehovah, and 
 fortifies his cities. The invasion by Zerah the Ethiopian, whose enormous 
 army is destroyed before Jehovah. Asa's successes. 
 
 XV. Asa and the people of Judah, as also the many who fell to him from 
 Israel, urged on by the prophecy of Azariah, remove all idolatry, give 
 renewed attention to religious worship, and enter into covenant to seek the 
 God of their fathers. The queen-mother is removed on account of her 
 idolatry. The dedicated things are brought into the house of God. Peace is 
 enjoyed. 
 
 N.B.— The verbs in ver. 3-6 are more naturally taken, I think, in the future tense, 
 except the last, which, I should translate as a perfect, '-For God hath vexed them with 
 all adversity : " thus understood, the whole is a prediction of the constantly advancing 
 ruin of Israel, in contrast with .Judah, compare other prophecies, 1 Kings xi, 89, 
 xiv. 10-16, 
 
 XVI. Asa's league with Ben-hadad, king of Syria, against Baasha, king of 
 Israel : he is rebuked by Hanani the seer, whom he imj)risons, at the same 
 time oppressing some of the people. His disease, and his seeking to 
 physicians and not to Jehovah. His death and honourable burial. 
 
 XVII. -XX, King Jehoshaphat. 
 
 XVII. Jehovah is with him, because he walks in the first ways of David. He 
 sends a commission of princes, Levites, and priests, to go through Judah 
 teaching, with the book of the law of Jehovah. The suxrounding nations 
 are afraid, and bring him presents. His greatness in both civil and 
 military matters. 
 
 XVIII. 1-27. Jehoshaphat's greatness: his marriage connexion with Ahab. 
 Ahab secures his help in the war with Syria, The false prophets encourage 
 Ahab ; but Micaiah predicts his defeat and death, and is therefore sent 
 back to the pi-ison from which he was brought. 
 
70 SECOND CHRONICLES. 
 
 XVIII. 28-34. Ahab's meanness to Jehoshaphat, whose life nevertheless is 
 pi-eserved, whereas Ahab is killed by what seems a chance. 
 
 XIX. 1-3. Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem in peace; he is lovingly- 
 reproved by Jehu the son of Hanani. 
 
 XIX. 4-11. Jehoshaphat's personal labours to bring back the people to the 
 C4od of their fathers. He sets judges throughout all the cities ; and a 
 court of appeal, of Levites and priests and heads of fathers' houses, both 
 for the matters of Jehovah, and for the king's matters. 
 
 XX. 1-30. Jehoshaphat is attacked by a combination of heathen powers. He 
 proclaims a fast, and prays. Jahaziel of the sons of Asaph, prophesies 
 deliverance. Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets the singers to 
 praise Jehovah. The marvellous overthrow of the enemy ; the abundant 
 spoil ; the thanks returned to Jehovah, and the peace and protection 
 extended by him to his people. 
 
 XX. 31-34. Jehoshaphat's good reign, notwithstanding shortcomings, which 
 are owing to the condition of his people. The history of his reign. 
 
 XX. 35-37. His convoy of ships, made jointly with the king of Israel, perishes 
 according to the prophecy of Eliezer. 
 
 XXI.-XXVIir. — The history of the kingdom of Judah in its middle 
 age. 
 
 XXI.-XXIII. Till the fall of the usurper Athaliah. 
 
 XXI. ^ Jehoram, succeeding his father Jehoshaphat, slays all his brothers, and 
 reigns wickedly. Edom revolts, and even his own city Libnah. The 
 prophecy of Elijah against him in writing. His misery at the hands of the 
 Philistines and of the Arabians. His incurable disease, his death and 
 burial. 
 
 XXII. 1-9. Ahaziali's wicked reign, under the influence of his mother 
 Athaliah, and the house of Ahab generally. He shares in their ruin at the 
 hand of Jehu. 
 
 N.B.— The account of his death, if Samaria in ver. 9 is taken to be the kingdom, 
 presents not the slightest difficulty, as it is compared with that in 2 Kings ix. 27, 28. 
 But there is certainly a mistake in his age, 42, at ver. 2 : his father was not so old when 
 he died the year before ; and we must read 22, as in Kings. Another mistake may 
 perhaps be the name Azariah in ver. 6 ; though possibly it is a varied foi-m for Ahaziah, 
 which again is varied in xxi. 17, and xxv. 23, its two elements appearing in reversed 
 order, Jehoahaz. 
 
 XXII. 10-12. Athaliah usurps the throne, destroying all the seed royal, 
 except the infant heir, who is hid in the house of God by his aunt, the wife 
 of Jehoiada, the priest. 
 
 XXIII. 1-15. Jehoiada in the seventh year makes his arrangements in the 
 temple and throughout all Judah. He anoints Joash, the rightful king: 
 Athaliah comes in among the people, but is slain. 
 
 XXIII. 16-21. Jehoiada makes a covenant; in conseqtience of which the 
 worship of Baal is sternly put down, and the worship restored as in the law 
 of Moses and the order of David. The people of the land rejoice : the city 
 is quiet. 
 
 XXIV., XXV. Joash and Amaziah. 
 
 XXIV. 1-14. Joash reigns well all the days of Jehoiada. He gives command 
 to repair the house of Jehovah, and sees this carried out. 
 
 XXIV. 15-27. The h(mours shewn to Jehoiada at his death. The apostacy of 
 the princes, and of the king. Zechariah the son of Jehoiada, with other 
 prophets, rebukes them ; they conspire and stone him. Joash is spoiled by 
 the Syrians, and is slain by conspirators among his own servants. 
 
SECOND CHRONICLES. 71 
 
 XXV. 1-13. Amaziah begins his reign well, and according to the law of Moses. 
 After having hired 100,000 men of war from Israel, he is content when 
 warned by a man of God to lose his money and send them home, and suffer 
 from them. He overthrows the Edomites, and punishes them cruelly. 
 
 XXV. 14-16, He sets up the gods of Edom as his gods, and silences the pro- 
 phet sent to admonish him. 
 
 XXV. 17-24. He provokes Joash king of Israel, to his own overthrow. 
 
 XXV. 25-28. He long survives his disgrace ; but he is exposed to conspiracies, 
 and is murdered. 
 
 XXVI. -XXVIII. Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz. 
 
 XXVI. 1-15. Uzziah succeeds, and reigns well so long as Zechariah lives : his 
 great prosperity in both military and civil affairs. 
 
 XXVI. 16-23. Waxing proud, he invades the priests' office, and is smitten 
 with incurable leprosy ; his son acts as regent. The history of his reign, 
 his death, and burial. 
 
 XXVII. Jotham reigns well and prospers ; but the people do corruptly. He 
 subdues the Ammonites. 
 
 XXVIII. 1-15. Ahaz reigns very wickedly : severe judgements on him at the 
 hand of the kings of Syria and of Israel. The captives carried to Samaria 
 ai-e sent home with much kindness at the instance of the prophet Obed. 
 
 XXVIII. 16-27. Hemmed in, and smitten also by the Edomites and the 
 Philistines, Ahaz sends to the kings of Assyria for help, giving up the 
 treasures of the house of Jehovah as well as his own. He sacrifices to the 
 gods of Damascus, and encourages idolatry at home. His increasing misery 
 and degradation. His death and burial. 
 
 XXJX.-XXXVI. The latter days and end of the kingdom of Judah. 
 XXIX. -XXXII. The good reign of Hezekiah. 
 
 XXIX. 1-11. He does that which is right ; like David, he restores the worship 
 in the house of Jehovah. He exhorts the loriests and Levites. 
 
 XXIX. 12-19. They sanctify themselves and cleanse the house promptly and 
 thoroughly, in an orderly manner. 
 
 N.B.— The work was under the charge of two men of each of the three Levitical 
 families, and two men of each of the three families of singers, and two men of the house 
 of Elizaphan, who had charge of the Kohathites in the time of Moses, Numb. iii. 30, and 
 whose family also held a prominent position in David's time, 1 Chron. xv. 8. 
 
 XXIX. 20-36. Hezekiah offers a very full sacrificial service, and specially 
 appoints it for all Israel. He restores David's service of song. The hearti- 
 ness of the king and the people ; the Levites, however, being more upright 
 in heart than the priests. 
 
 XXX. Hezekiah's arrangements for a passover in the second month (compare 
 ver. 2, 3 with Numb. ix. 6-11) ; his earnest invitation to all the tribes of 
 Israel to join, at which some mocked, but others yielded assent. Want of 
 ceremonial cleansing ; which is forgiven at the prayer of the king. Great 
 heartiness, so that the feast is kept for double the appointed time. 
 
 N.B,— This doubling of tlie time of the feast had its parallel in the dedication of 
 Solomon's temple, at the feast of tabernacles. I Kings viii. C5, 
 
 XXXI. After the passover, they cleanse the whole land from idolatry. 
 Hezekiah gives_^ his own portion for the service of Jehovah, and commands 
 the people to give theirs, which they heartily do, so that there is abundance 
 for all holy purposes. Hezekiah appoints officers to distribute the offering's 
 
72 SECOND CHRONICLES. 
 
 among the priests and the Levites. The goodness and thoroughness of all 
 his work. 
 XXXII. 1-8. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades Judah. Hezekiah 
 fortifies Jerusalem and encourages his people. 
 
 N.B — As to the date, not given here, see note on 2 Kings xviii. 13-37. 
 
 XXXII. 9-23. Against the blasphemies of Sennacherib, by message and 
 letters, Hezekiah and Isaiah pray. An angel cuts off the Assyrian host, 
 and Sennacherib is slain at home iDy his own sons. Hezekiah prospers, and 
 honour is given to Jehovah and to him by the nations around. 
 
 XXXII. 24-33. In mortal sickness Hezekiah prays to Jehovah, and receives 
 a miraculous sign of recovery. He fails to make the due return ; and wrath 
 comes on him and his people, which is deferred by their humbling them- 
 selves. His wealth and work. His error in the business of the ambassadors 
 fi-om Babylon. His history by Isaiah. His death. 
 
 XXXIII. The wicked reigns of Manasseh and Amon. 
 
 XXXIII. 1-13. Manasseh reigns, and does worse than the heathen whom 
 Jehovah had dispossessed before Israel : his gross idolatry in the very 
 house of Jehovah, and his refusal of divine warnings. He is taken caiitive 
 and carried to Babylon ; tkei-e he humbles himself, is brought back to his 
 kingdom, and comes to know that Jehovah is God. 
 
 XXXlil. 14-20. He endeavours to repair the evil of his earlier life. The 
 histories of his reign and acts. His death and burial. 
 
 XXXIII. 21-25. Amon reigns like his father, only not repenting. His serv- 
 ants conspire against him and put him to death. They are all slain by the 
 people of the land, who make Josiah king. 
 
 N.B. —The language may imply a revolution, in which the ruling class perished : if 
 they were the chief upholders of idolatry in these two reigns, such a revohxtion would 
 present a favourahle opportunity for one last offer of God's grace, in connection with the 
 boy who now came to the throne. 
 
 XXXIV., XXXV. The godly reign of Josiah. 
 
 XXXIV. 1-7. His unswerving godliness from his boyhood. He purges the 
 land, even that of the Ten Tribes, from idolatry. 
 
 XXXIV. 8-28. He receives and disburses contributions for the repair of the 
 house of Jehovah. Hilkiah the priest finds there the book of the law : 
 the deep impression produced bj'- reading it, the confession of guilt, and the 
 ai)i)lication to the prophetess Huldah. She foretells the destruction of 
 Jerusalem, yet with a respite during Josiah's life. 
 
 XXXIV. 29-33. He causes the book to be read in a great assembly, and renews 
 the covenant. 
 
 XXXV. 1-19. Josiah's passover, unrivalled since the days of Samuel for 
 hearty return to the Law, and reunion of Israel and Judah, and restoration 
 of David's arrangements. 
 
 XXXV. 20-27. He resists NecOj king of Egypt, and is slain in battle at 
 Megiddo. Lamentations for him. 
 
 XXXVI. The last kings of Judah. The dawn of a new day. 
 
 XXXVI. 1-4. The people make Josiah's son Jehoahaz king. After three 
 months the king of Egypt deposes him, lays a fine on the land, and makes 
 his brother king. 
 
 XXXVI. 5-8. Jehoiakim's abominably wicked reign. The captivity begun 
 in his time by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. 
 
SECOND CHRONICLES. 73 
 
 XXXVI. 9, 10. Jelioiachin's short wicked reign. He is brought to Babylon, 
 with the goodly vessels of the house of Jehovah. 
 
 XXXVI. 11-21. Zedekiah's wicked reign : he does not humble himself before 
 Jeremiah, and he breaks his oath to Nebuchadnezzar (see Ezek. xvii. 12-18). 
 His people and the pi-iests are no less wicked. They are given up by Jeho- 
 vah, the temple and the city are burnt, and the remnant of the people are 
 carried to Babylon till the time of the Persian kingdom. 
 
 XXXVI. 22, 23. The proclamation of Cyrus king of Persia (see Ezra i. 1-3} 
 for rebuilding the temple. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 I. -VI. — The first band of returning exiles : the house of God is re- 
 built. 
 
 I. The proclamation of Cyrus king of Persia for the rebuilding of the house of 
 Jehovah. The willingness of the people to help those who return. Cyrus 
 restores the vessels of the house of Jehovah which Nebuchadnezzar had 
 taken away. 
 
 N.B.— Sheshbazzar, the prince of Juclali, ver. 8 and v. 14, is apparently the same as 
 Zerubbabel, named in ii. 2, and in the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah. 
 
 II. 1-68. The number that return, of the people, of the priests, of the Levites, 
 
 of the Nethinim, and of Solomon's servants. 
 
 N.B.— As for Solomon's servants, see 1 Kings v. 15, 16, ix. 15, 20-22, 2 Chr. ii. 17, IS,. 
 viii. 7-9. Nethinim (which means "men given") may have been the name applied to 
 others, as the Gibeonites (Josh. ix. 21-27) assigned to the hard work about the sanctuary 
 or other public service. 
 
 II. 59-63. The case of those who could not shew their pedigree in Isi'ael, and 
 
 especially in the priestly family. 
 II. 64-67. The whole number of those that returned with their substance. 
 
 II. 68-70. Their offerings for the house of God on coming to dwell in their 
 cities. 
 
 III. 1-7. In the seventh month the people all gather to Jerusalem, set up the 
 altar, and offer the appointed sacrifices, keeping the feast of Tabernacles. 
 They hire workmen. 
 
 III. 8-13. The foundations of the temple are laid about half a j^ear after, with 
 the services of the priests and the singers of the sons of AsajDh. The 
 singular exi^ression of the mixed feeUngs of joy and sorrow. 
 
 IV. 1-6. The offer of the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin to join them in 
 building the temple is refused : thereupon they hinder the work, and hire 
 counsellors to injure the people at the court of the kings of Persia. 
 
 IV. 7-24. Their letter of complaint to king Artaxerxes, and his reply : the- 
 building is therefore stopped. 
 
 N.B.— Perhaps the common belief is that this chapter refers throughout to the hind- 
 rances in the way of the building of the temple from the time of Cyrus to that of Darius ; 
 Ahasuerus in ver. 6, and Artaxerxes in ver. 7, 11, 23, being understood to be the two kings 
 who reigned between Cyrus and Darius, namely, Cyrus son of Cambyses and the usurper 
 Smerdis. I prefer the view that iv. 6-23 is a parenthesis, connecting the first with the 
 second part of the book of Ezra, shewing how the hostile spirit of their neighbours 
 hindered the building of the wall of Jerusalem as it had previously hindered the building 
 of the temple. See remark on the parallel circumstances of the two bands of returning 
 exiles in note on Neh. vii. 6-73, xii. 27-43. Among other reasons for this view two out- 
 
74 EZRA. 
 
 standing ones are, (1) the entirely different subject of this letter, the fortification of the 
 city, with which not the first returning exiles had to do, but Nehemiah, the friend of 
 Ezra, eighty years later ; and (2) the uniform use of the royal names elsewhere, Artax- 
 erxes (see vi. 14) being undoubtedly the grandson of Darius and the son of Xerxes, that 
 Xerxes wlio is probably the Ahasuerus of the book of Esther. It may be added that there 
 is no evidence in chap, v., vi. that a decree was actually issued to forbid the building of 
 the temile; and that v. 16 speaks of the building as having never altogether ceased, 
 however it may have languished owing to the opposition of enemies and the want of faith 
 and fervour among its fi'iends. 
 
 V. 1-5. The prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, incite Zerubbabel and Jeshua 
 and the people, who resume the building. Their proceedings are questioned 
 by the governor and his companions, but not actually stopped, because the 
 will of Darius is not known. 
 
 V. 6-17. He and his companions write a letter of enquiry to Darius. 
 
 VI. 1-12. Darius, on finding the decree of Cyrus, makes a new decree for the 
 advancement of the building, and for the security of the temple in all time 
 coming. 
 
 VI. 13-18. The friendliness of the governor, the labours of the i^rophets, and 
 the consequent completion of the house of God. It is dedicated with joy, 
 and the priests and Levites are set for the service of God, according to the 
 book of Moses. 
 
 VI. 19-22. The feast of the passover and of unleavened bread is kept with joy. 
 
 VII.-X. The second band of returning exiles, under Ezra. 
 
 VII. 1-10. Ezra, the priest and scribe, goes up to Jerusalem, according to the 
 grant of king Artaxerxes (iv. 7, vi. 14) with a new band of the exiles. 
 
 N.B.— The date in ver. 7 is about 80 years later than that in chap. 1. 1. Ezra's genealogy 
 from Aaron corresponds with that in 1 Chron. vi. 3-14, yet shortened. 
 
 VII. 11-26. The gracious commission of Artaxerxes to Ezi-a. 
 
 N.B.— There is a resemblance, ver. 13, 16, to that of Cyrus, i. 3, 4. But there is here 
 (1) a direct commission to Ezra from the king and his seven counsellors, ver. 14 ; (2) 
 authority to draw upon the royal treasury, and command to the governors to give needed 
 help, ver. 17-24, going even beyond the decree of Darius, vi. 7-10 ; but especially (3) sanc- 
 tion to the setting up of the Mosaic civil law, ver. 25, 26. No doubt, however, there 
 would always be difficulties in working the system of the theocracy in a province of a 
 heathen empire. 
 
 VII. 27, 28. Ezra's thankfulness to Jehovah, and his feelings of encouragement. 
 
 VIII. 1-14. The families who returned with Ezra, and the numbers of them. 
 
 N.B.— Compare chap, ii., the list of those who returned in the reign of Cyrus. 
 
 VIII. 15-30. Ezra, finding no Levites among them, takes measures and obtains 
 some. He proclaims a fast to secure the protection of God. He places the 
 treasure in i:)roper custody, to bring them safely to the house of God at 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 N.B.— I prefer the marginal rendering "besides" at ver. 24, for these two men seem to 
 have been Levites, ver. 18, 19 : thus there was a mixed committee of jnlests and Levites 
 to receive the treasni'e, which in due time was to be handed to the priests and Levites 
 at Jerusalem, ver. 29, 30, 33. 
 
 VIII, 31-36. They arrive safely at Jerusalem ; the treasure is weighed in the 
 house of God ; they offer sacrifices for all Israel ; they deliver the king's 
 commission. 
 
 IX. Ezra is informed that very many forbidden marriages have been contracted. 
 Those that tremble at the word of God assemble to himr; his humiliation, 
 his prayer with confession of sins. ' i 
 
EZRA. 75 
 
 X. 1-17. Amid the general mourning, Ezra is called upon to arrange for put- 
 ting away the strange wives. The general agreement, and the measures by 
 which it is effected. 
 
 X. 18-4i. The names of the transgressors ; whether priests, Levites, singers, 
 porters, or people generally. 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 I.-VI. Nehemiah rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem. 
 
 I. 1. The title in the first half of the verse. 
 
 I. 1-11. Nehemiah hears from his bi-other Hanani of the misery of Jerusalem : 
 
 he mourns, fasts, and prays. 
 
 II. 1-8. King- Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah 's sadness, 
 sends him with letters and a commission to Jerusalem. 
 
 N.B.— The date, 1. 1 and ii. 1, is 13 years after that of Ezra's commission. Ezra vli. 7. 
 
 II. 9-18. He comes, to the grief of the Jews' enemies, views secretly the ruins 
 of the walls, and successfully rouses the priests, nobles, i-ulers, and people 
 to build the wall. 
 
 II. 19, 20. The scorn of the enemies (ver. 10) ; the faith of Nehemiah. 
 
 III. The names and order of those who combined to build the wall. 
 
 IV. 1-6. The enemies scoff : Nehemiah prays, and continues the work. 
 
 IV. 7-23. He is aware of their wrath and their conspiracies ; he prays and sets 
 a watch, arms all the people even to the labourers, and gives instructions 
 for defence in case of any surprise. 
 
 V. 1-13. The people complain of their debt, mortgages, and bondage : he re- 
 
 bukes the usurers, and causes them to agree to cease from usury and to 
 make restitution. 
 
 V. 14-19. His own generous self-denial all the time that he was governor. 
 
 VI. 1-9. The enemies propose consultations, and appeal to disquieting rumours, 
 in order to hinder the building and to discompose Nehemiah. 
 
 VI. 10-1 4. False prophets endeavour to terrify him or lead him to take a wrong 
 step. 
 
 VI. 15-19. The wall is completed, to the discouragement of the enemies who 
 had sympathisers even among the noble of Judah (compare iii. 5). 
 
 VII.-XIII. Nehemiah's reforms. 
 
 VII. Prei^arations for a census. 
 
 VII. 1-5. He places the city and its gates under the care of his brother (i. 2) 
 and another person, a very godly man. His plans for taking a census : he 
 finds the book of the genealogy of those who had come up at the first. 
 
 VII. 6-73 (middle). The particulars in this record. 
 
 N.B.— This section is the same as Ezra ii., with certain variations in names and numbers : 
 there ver. 73 and the first part of iii. 1 are much the same as ver. 73 here, which in the 
 llevised Version is therefore divided between two paragraphs. The resemblance in the 
 latter part seems intended to hint that Nehemiah and Ezra realised how their circum- 
 stances were parallel to those of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. 
 6 
 
76 nehe:miah. 
 
 VII. 73 (middle)-X. The religious revival. 
 
 YII. 73 (middle)-VIII. 12. The people assemble on the first day of the seventh 
 month, and call for Ezra to read to them the book of the Law : the arrange- 
 ments by which their work is carried out ; the deep impression produced. 
 
 VIII. 13-18. The eagerness for further instruction. The hearty keeping of tha 
 feast of tabernacles. 
 
 KB.— Of course, ever since Jeroboam had made this feast a month later, 1 Kings xii. 
 32, 33, it was impossible that the whole twelve tribes could keep it together : but the 
 comparison with the days of Joshua, ver. 17, indicates more than this, that the people 
 felt as if the times of the Exodus had returned, according to the meaning of this feast, 
 see Lev. xxiii. 43, to which reference is made here. 
 
 IX. 1-38. A solemn fast and repentance of the people : the Levites make a full 
 confession of the goodness of Jehovah and of the wickedness of his people 
 as seen in their history ; they make a written covenant. 
 
 X. The names of those that sealed the covenant ; the points included in it. 
 
 N.B.— It is noticeable that Ezra's name does not appear : like Moses, he may have been 
 regarded as the mediator of the covenant, rather than as one of the covenanting people. 
 Nehemiah's name stands first : then 22 out of 24 heads of the priestly courses, see 1 Chron. 
 xxiv. ; then the principal Levites ; then the heads of the people ; then all others who 
 signed. 
 
 XI. 1-XII. 26. The genealogical and geographical arrangements. 
 
 XI. 1-2. Measures taken to secure population for the holy city (compare vii^ 
 4, 73). 
 
 XI, 0-19. The names and numbers of those who came to Jerusalem. 
 
 N.B.— Compare this with 1 Chron. ix., and see the note there. 
 
 XI. 20-36. The distribution of the Nethinim, the Levites, and the people 
 generally, throughout the cities and towns of Judah and Benjamin. 
 
 XII. 1-26, The heads of the priestly courses under the two high i)riests Jeshua 
 and Joiakim ; the high priests line down to the great grandson of Eliashib ; 
 various Levitical lists. 
 
 N.B.— A third list of the heads of the priestly courses, under the high priest Eliashib, 
 had been given in x. 1-S. 
 
 XII. 27-XIII. 3. Nehemiah's action in various ways for the cause of 
 God. 
 
 XII. 27-43. The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, by two companies led by 
 Ezra and Nehemiah respectively. 
 
 IST.B.— Compare this joy heard afar off, ver. 43, with that at the foundation of the house 
 of God, Ezra iii. 13. 
 
 XII. 44-47. Nehemiah, like Zerubbabel, restores the arrangements of David 
 and Solomon for the priests and the Levites, and for their maintenance by 
 the liberality of the people according to the law. 
 
 XIII. 1-3. The mixed multitude is separated from Israel, in accordance with 
 the law of Moses which was read to the people. 
 
 XIII. 4-31. Nehemiah's latest efforts. 
 
 XIII. 4-14. Eliashib's unfaithfulness while Nehemiah was absent twelve 
 years ; the evil results to the house of God and to the Levites. Nehemiah 
 returns from the king to Jerusalem, and reforms these abuses (compare xii. 
 44-47). 
 
 XIII. 15-22. He checks the profanation of the Sabbath. 
 
NEHEMIAH. 77 
 
 XII. 23-31. He checks the marriages with heathen women, and expels a son 
 of Eliashib's son (and successor, apparently, see xii. 10, 22) who had in this 
 way defiled the priesthood (compare verses 4 and 28). 
 
 N.B.— In this little book, which may have been originally memoirs or a sort of diary 
 for his own use, it is interesting to notice Nehemiah's appeal to the God whom he served 
 from his heart, often in difficulties and alone, xiii. 14, 22, 31, as already iv. 4 and v. 19 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 I. King Ahasuerus makes royal feasts. His queen Vashti disobeys his com- 
 mand to shew her beauty to the peoples and his princes. He follows the 
 advice given him, to divorce her, and to proclaim that every man rules in 
 his own house. 
 
 II, 1-4. From among the fairest young virgins in his kingdom a new queen is 
 to be chosen. 
 
 II. 5-20. Mordecai, the Jew, is the nursing-father of Esther : she is made 
 queen, but she does not disclose her kindred nor her people. 
 
 II. 21-23. Mordecai saves the king's life by discovering two traitors: his 
 service is recorded in the chronicles of the kingdom. 
 
 III. Haman, the Agagite, is advanced by the king. Being ignored by 
 Mordecai, he seeks revenge upon the whole Jewish nation, casts lots for 
 a suitable day, and obtains by misrepresentation a royal decree to slay 
 them, and take the spoil throughout the king's dominions on that day. 
 
 IV. The great mourning of Mordecai and the Jews. Esther comes to know 
 of it,_ and of its cause, and is solemnly charged by Mordecai to interpose ; 
 notwithstanding difficulties and dangers, she consents, while they fast three 
 days on her behalf. 
 
 \ . Esther ventures into the king's presence, and is accepted by him, holding 
 out his golden sceptre to her. She invites the king and Haman to a 
 banquet : and at it she repeats her invitation for the next day. Haman's 
 pride is wounded anew by Mordecai's contempt ; and by his wife's advice, 
 he prepares a gallows on which to hang Mordecai when the king's consent 
 shall have been obtained. 
 
 VI. The king, being sleepless, has the chronicles read to him, and learns how 
 Mordecai had had no reward for saving his life. Haman, coming early to 
 ask that Mordecai might be hanged, is unintentionally made the instrument 
 of counselling how to do him honour, and of carrying out his own counsel. 
 He returns home and tells his wife and his friends what has occurred ; they 
 see in it an intimation that he is to fall before Mordecai. 
 
 VII. At her second banquet Esther petitions the king for the life of herself 
 and her people, and unfolds the plot of Haman. The king in his anger 
 causes Haman to be hanged on the gallows which he learns that Haman had 
 prepared for Mordecai. 
 
 VIII. Haman's position is given to Mordecai. Esther again has the golden 
 sceptre held out to her, and beseeches the king to reverse the letters sent 
 out by Haman. The king grants to her and Mordecai to write as they 
 please m his name that the Jews may defend themselves. They write 
 accordingly. Mordecai's honour, and the joy of the Jews. 
 
 N.B.— Here, ver. 8, the irreversible character of what the king has written appears, 
 just as m Dan. vi. 15. 
 
 IX. 1-19. In spite of the royal authorities being now on the side of the Jews, 
 their enemies endeavour to carry out the instructions in Haman's letters : 
 
78 ESTHER. 
 
 the Jews defend themselves successfully, slaying their enemies, yet not 
 touching the spoil. At Esther's request a second day is granted in Shushan 
 the palace, when more of their enemies fall, and the bodies of Haman's ten 
 sons (killed the day before) are hanged. The day after is held as a day of 
 gladness and feasting by the Jews. 
 
 N.B.— In this way the day of gladness had been observed by the Jews in the country n 
 day earlier than by those in Shushan. 
 
 IX. 20-32. The two days of feasting are set apart by the Jews, according to 
 the injunction of Mordecai and Esther, to l3e for all time coming days of 
 feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another and gifts to 
 the poor : they are named Purim, from the word for a lot (see iii. 7). 
 
 X, The greatness of Ahasuerus ; the advancement of Mordecai and his good- 
 ness to his people. 
 
 JOB. 
 
 1., II. The history of Job. 
 
 I. 1-5. Job's holiness, riches, and religious care for his children. 
 I. 6-12. Satan, having appeared before Jehovah, and calumniated Job, is per- 
 mitted to tempt him by the loss of all that he has. 
 
 I. 13-22. The intelligence of four successive strokes, by which the j)atriarch 
 
 was stripped of everything, does not lead him into sin, but enables him still 
 to bless Jehovah. 
 
 II. 1-10. Satan's renewed calumny ; his enlarged permission ; Job's sore boils, 
 his wife's evil advice, and his perseverance in trusting God and not sinning 
 with his lips. 
 
 II. 11-13. His three friends meet by appointment to comfort him: their 
 moui*ning with him in silence. 
 
 N.B.— There may be seven successive trials : the four strokes in i. 13-22, his diseases. 
 the temptation suggested by his wife, and the failure of his friends to support him. 
 
 III. Job's soliloquy. 
 
 III. 1-10, I curse my birth-day. 
 HI. 11-19. Why should I be doomed to life ? 
 
 III. 20-26. Why should there be such sufferings? The very thing I fear comes 
 upon me. 
 
 IV.-XIV. The first round of the argument. 
 IV., V. The speech of Eliphaz. 
 
 IV. 1-11. Introductory excuse for speaking ; but I must remonstrate with thee 
 on thy hopelessness. 
 
 IV. 12-21. The heavenly vision, declaring the wrongfulness and folly of con- 
 tending with God. 
 
 V. 1-5. It is vain to appeal against this. 
 
 V. 6-16, Affliction is meant to bring us to the great God of providence, 
 V, 17-27. The happiness arising from the right use of his chastisements, which 
 thou mayest experience. 
 
JOB. 79 
 
 V^I., VIT. Job's reply to Elipliaz. 
 
 A^I. 2-7. My complaints are not causeless. 
 
 VI. 8-13. My wish is that God would crush me, who in all my weakness I 
 have not denied the words of the Holy One. 
 
 VI. 14-20. My friends have been unkind to me. 
 
 A'l. 21-30. It aggravates their behaviour that they intervened unasked, and 
 that they can find no unrighteousness in me. 
 
 VII. 1-11. A weary warfare is appointed to all men, to myself in particular. 
 
 VII. 12-21. My restlessness under the continual interference of the watcher of 
 men, who might surely pardon my transgression ere it be too late to do so. 
 
 V 1 JI. First speech of Bildad. 
 
 VIII. 2-7. Thy words are like a mighty wind : God does not pervert justice, 
 and thy children, if not thyself, may have sinned ; and it is for thee to turn 
 to God in hope of restoration. 
 
 VIII. 8-19. Apply thyself to that which the fathers have searched (ver. 8 
 going beyond the search by themselves mentioned by Eliphaz at v. 27) 
 and see how the godless hypocrite is ruined. 
 
 VIII. 20-22. Application to thine own case; there may be sure hope of 
 restoration. 
 
 IX., X. Job's rej)ly to Bildad. 
 
 IX. 1-21. It is so. But how can man be just with God? that great God who 
 niles all things (comi)are the description, v. 8-14) and before whom I am 
 helpless in judgement, yea, and am self -condemned. 
 
 IX. 22-35. His indiscriminate dealing makes it impossible to know the right- 
 eous and the wicked by the test of affliction. My need is an umpire to take 
 away my terror as I meet him. 
 
 X. 1-17. How I might then take liberty of complaint, and might expostulate 
 
 with him regarding my afflictions. 
 
 X. 18-22. Why hast thou given me life (as already, iii. 11-19) ? I crave a little 
 
 ease before I go into the darkness of death. 
 
 XI. First speech of Zophar. 
 
 XI. 2-6. Thy talk is insufferable. Oh, that God would speak and convict 
 thee. 
 
 XI. 7-12. God's wisdom is unsearchable by vain man. 
 
 XI. 13-20. The assured blessing, if thou wouldst repent. 
 
 XI I. -XIV. Job's reply to Zophar. 
 
 XII. 1-6. No doubt ye are wise ; but so am I. What I suffer is a frequent 
 experience. 
 
 XII. 7-12. The very animals will teach of Jehovah's working; and my ear has 
 learned wisdom from ancient men (as Bildad claimed to have done, viii. 8-10). 
 
 XII. 13-25. I acknowledge God's onmipotence as readily as you do. 
 
 XIII. 1-12. In experience too I am not inferior to you (repeated from xii. 3) ; 
 but your arguments and youi'selves are false, and God will deal with you 
 accordingly. 
 
 XIII. 13-19. I am desperate, I must speak. Yet I have confidence in him, 
 which even death cannot destroy. I make my declaration, and I know that 
 my cause is righteous. 
 
 XIII. 20-28. Arrange that I may meet thee without terror (as already ix. 34), 
 and then make me know my iniquities and transgression and sin. But 
 thou hidest thy face, and harassest my frail and sinning frame. 
 
80 JOB. 
 
 XIV. 1-6. The shortness and turmoil and sinful pollution of man's life : let 
 him alone a little, like a hireling with his day (see vii. 1, x. 20). 
 
 XIV. 7-15. A tree cut down may sprout again : not so man, till the heavens 
 be no more. I wait all the days of my warfare ; and thou shalt call and I 
 will answer. 
 
 XIV. 16-22. But now, by sin the creature is made subject to corruption. 
 
 XV.-XXI. The second round of the argument. 
 XV. Second speech of Eliphaz. 
 
 XV. 1-10, Thou art boastful, crafty, yet self-condemned, and in opposition to 
 the traditional teaching which we follow (compare verses 9, 10, 18, with viii. 
 8-10). 
 
 XV. 11-19. Thou art led to speak against God by thy restless spirit, forgetting 
 how man is unclean before God, and how this truth has been taught to us. 
 
 XV. 20-35. The wicked are miserable even in prosperity, and they trust in 
 vanity. 
 
 XVI. , XVII. Second reply of Job to Eliphaz. 
 
 XVI, 2-6. You are miserable comforters : whether I speak or am silent, it is 
 all one. 
 
 XVI. 7-17. My distress and desolation ; God himself taking the lead in the 
 persecution, though I am innocent. 
 
 XVI. 18-22. My appeal from my friends to earth and heaven, and to God 
 himself, from me a dying man. 
 
 XVII. 1-7. Continuation of the same, 
 
 XVII. 8-16. Yet the righteous shall hold on his way ; though j^ou are so un- 
 wise, and there is nothing before me but the grave. 
 
 XVIII. Second speech of Bildad. 
 
 XVIII. 2-4. How long is this presumption and impatience to last ? 
 XVIII. 5-19. The light of the Avicked is darkened, the snare is set for his feet ; 
 
 there is the failure of his strength, his death, his desolated dwelling, and 
 his family rooted out. 
 
 XVIII. 20, 21. The astonishment of all. This is the place of him that knows 
 not God. 
 
 N,B.— The charge that Job counts them as beasts, ver. 3, may arise from his denial of 
 wisdom to any of them, xvii, 10; as his assertion that upright men shall be astonied, 
 xvii. 8, is thrown back on him, xviii. 20, 
 
 XIX. Second reply of Job to Bildad. 
 
 XIX. 2-6. Why are ye so cruel? It is God who has subverted me in my 
 cause. 
 
 XIX. 7-20. My pitiable condition, whether I appeal to God or to men, even 
 to those who might have been expected to feel most for me. 
 
 XIX. 21-27. Have pity on me, for the hand of God has touched me. But I 
 know that my Redeemer lives, and that at last, out from my flesh, I shall 
 see God, 
 
 XIX. 28, 29. If ye still will persecute me, be afraid of judgements on 
 yourselves. 
 
 XX. Second speech of Zophar. 
 
 XX. 2-5. Impetuous assertions that the triumphing of the wicked is short. 
 
JOB. 81 
 
 XX. 6-29. Enforcement of this truth. 
 
 XXI. Second reply of Job to Zophar. 
 
 XXI. 2-6. Hear diligently, and suffer ye me to speak ; and then mock thou 
 on. I am troubled, and horror takes hold of me, as I contemplate these 
 mysteries. 
 
 XXI. 7-16. Why are the wicked thus prosperous, even the daringly ungodly ? 
 
 But their counsel is far from me. 
 XXI. 17-21. Yet again, how often does the judgements of God come on the 
 
 wicked, or on his children. 
 
 K.B.— I follow the marginal renderings here (practically the Authorised Version), 
 reckoning the supplied words ver. 19 to be an unwarranted reversal of the natural mean- 
 ing, and the translation of ver. 20 to be harsh if not impossible. 
 
 XXI. 22-26. Shall any teach God knowledge in respect of these various 
 dealings in judgement? All come to be alike in the grave. 
 
 XXI, 27-34. I know what you imagine wrongfully against me. But there is 
 a mystery in it, not to be solved on this side of the grave to which all are 
 drawn. 
 
 XXII.-XXXI. The third round of the argument. 
 
 XXII. Third speech of Eliphaz. 
 
 XXII. 2-11. Thou art a gross sinner, entangled in snares, sudden fear and 
 
 darkness. 
 XXII. 12-20. Wilt thou add to thine ungodliness, and share the notorious 
 
 punishment of evil doers of old ? 
 
 N.B.— Eliphaz ver. 18 repeats Job's disclairaer^of sympathy with the counsel of the 
 wicked, xxi. 16. 
 
 XXII. 21-30. Eenewed admonitions and promises. 
 
 XXIII., XXIV. Third reply of Job to Eliphaz. 
 
 XXIII. 2-7. My complaint may be rebellious, but the stroke is heavier than 
 the groaning. And my settled wish is to find him, for he would certainly 
 give heed to me. 
 
 XXIII. 8-12. He is very near, yet, I cannot come close to him. But he 
 knows my way ; and when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 
 
 XXIII. 13-17. But he cannot be turned from his mind, and I am troubled 
 and afraid of him. 
 
 XXIV. 1. Why does he make such a mystery in times and days? 
 XXIV. 2-12, Amid varied flagrant wickedness, God imputes it not for folly. 
 XXIV. 13-17. There are also secret evil doings. 
 
 XXIV. 18-25. His curse is upon these evil doers, and they shall be suddenly 
 and utterly swept away. There may be violent evil doing and security 
 with it all ; but their exaltation shall make their ruin the more conspicuous. 
 
 XXV. Third speech of Bildad. 
 
 XXV. God's dominion is terrible and universal. How can man be just with 
 God, before whom the moon and the stars are not pure ! 
 
 XXVI. Third reply of Job to Bildad. 
 
 XXVI. 2-4. This is a poor statement thou hast made. 
 
82 JOB. 
 
 XXVI. 5-13. I can say much more of his dominion in the under world, €he 
 earth, the clouds, around his throne, the sea, the heavens, and the serpent. 
 
 XXVI. 14. How small a whisper of him do we hear? The thunder of his 
 power who can understand ? 
 
 N.B.— Zophar does not come forward to speak a third tune, as the other two friends had 
 done. Job, finding that tliey cannot argue with him any longer, (see xxxii. 3-5), 
 continues for himself, as one Avho is comparatively at rest since his great attainment 
 of faith, xix. 25-27, and his assurance of a glorious issue out of that which he has learned 
 to consider a trial, in the strictest sense of the word, xxiii. 10. 
 
 XXVII. , XXVIII. Job again takes up his parable, as it were follow- 
 ing up chap, iii., now that his friends are silenced, and he feels 
 himself victorious. 
 
 XXVII. 2-7. I will never justify you, I will hold fast my righteousness. 
 XXVII. 8-13. The godless hypocrite may cherish a kind of hope ; but what 
 
 must be the end of it ? I am as ready as you (compare ver. 13 with xx. 29), 
 to proclaim the retributive justice of God. 
 
 XXVII. 14-23, His punishment is certain, however it may be delayed ; ami 
 the final scene is terrific. 
 
 XXVIII. 2-11. I readily admit the wonderful intelligence of man, seen in the 
 arts of life, transcending the vision of the falcon's eye, etc. 
 
 XXVIII. 12-19. But where shall wisdom be found? All nature answers^ 
 " It is not in me " ; and no precious thing on earth can purchase it. 
 
 XXVIII. 20-28. Repeating the question. Whence comes wisdom? we hear 
 only rumours of it. God alone understands the way and the place thereof. 
 And unto man he has said that it is to fear the Lord and to depart from 
 evil. 
 
 N.B.— Tliis is the description of Job by Jehovah himself, i. 8 and ii. 3, though 
 disguised to the English reader by the use there of the verlj "eschew," the same as 
 " depart " here. 
 
 XXIX.-XXXI. For the second time Job again takes up his parable. 
 
 XXIX. My former happy condition. 
 
 XXIX. 2-17. Oh, that I were as when the lamp of God shined on my head, 
 when I had prosperity, children, friends, when I enjoyed the resj)cct and 
 regard of all, and when my works of iDcnevolence abounded. 
 
 XXIX. 18-25. I believed that my prosperity would continue : and my word on 
 any subject was final and decisive. 
 
 XXX. My present sad condition. 
 
 XXX. 1-8. Suffering from the contempt of the youngest and the meanest. 
 XXX. 9-14. Their acts towards me. 
 
 XXX. 15-23. Terrors, amid which my soul is poured out : and it is thy hand 
 that is in it all, even bringing me to death. 
 
 XXX. 24-31. I surely may utter a cry, and make a remonstrance, and 
 picture my wretchedness. 
 
 XXXI. Asseverations and protestations. 
 
 KB.— "With some reference to the accusations of Eliphaz, xxii, 6-9, and Zophar,. 
 XX. 19, 20. 
 
 XXXI. 1-6. My covenant and resolution to walk before God. 
 
 XXXI. 7-12. No turning out of the way, emphatically none to adultery. 
 
 XXXI. 13-23. No neglect or oppression of my servants, of the poor, the 
 
 widow, the fatherless, or the needy. 
 XXXI. 24-28. No idolatry of wealth, or of the sun and moon (compare 
 
 " covetousness, which is idolatry," Cob iii. 5). 
 XXXI. 29-34. No malice, no want of hospitality, no cloaking of transgression. 
 
JOB. 83 
 
 XXXI. 35-37. This is my signed statement. Oh that I had the indictment 
 
 by my adversary. 
 XXX!l. 38-40. May there be a manifest curse on my land, if I have done evil 
 
 in regard to it. 
 
 XXXII.-XXXVII. The speeches of Elihii. 
 XXXII. , XXXIII. His first speech. 
 
 XXXII. 1-5. Introductory narrative. 
 XXXII. 6-10. I left it to the aged to speak. 
 
 XXXII. 11-15. I waited, while you spoke, and you failed to convince Job : 
 it is God, not man, that thrusts him down. 
 N.B.— So Job had affirmed that it was God, not they, xix. 6, 21. 
 
 XXXII. 16-22. I shall wait no longer, I must speak ; and as in the sight of 
 my Maker, I shall speak without res^Dect of persons. 
 
 N.B.— Elihu is stx'Oiig upon what he knows, xxxiii. 3, xxxiv. 4, xxxvi. 3, 4, though tliis 
 is sometimes disguised under the translation " opinion," xxxii. 6, 10, 17 ; and he appeals 
 to all who have knowledge, xxxiv. 2, while he blames Job for the want of it, xxxiv. 35, 
 XXXV. 16. 
 
 XXXIII. 1-7. Listen and plead before me, and I will not be a terror to thee 
 (compare ix. 32-35). 
 
 XXXIII. 8-14. I have heard thy language, self-righteous while accusing God ; 
 in this thou art not just. God cannot be called to account by us ; and yet 
 he does speak to us. 
 
 XXXIII. 15-18. Sometimes by visions (ver. 15 resembling iv. 13). 
 
 XXXIII. 19-22. Sometimes in the suffei-ings of disease. 
 
 XXXIII. 23-28. The successful issue of this under a faithful minister (the 
 Hebrew word for "interpreter" ver. 23 is the same that is rendered 
 " scorn " xvi. 20, where Job complains with peculiar asperity of his friends 
 being unfriendly), who leads the man to God's righteousness, to repentance, 
 and to joyful praise for restoration. 
 
 XXXIII. 29, 30. Comparative frequency of this gracious dealing. 
 
 XXXIII. 31-33. Attend to this ; and, if thou canst, answer one who is a 
 friend. 
 
 XXXIV. His second speech. 
 
 XXXIV. 2-9. Give ear, ye that have knowledge (ver. 3 being almost a 
 quotation from xii. 11] : how intemperately Job has spoken. 
 
 XXXIV. 10-20. It is impossible that the sovereign ruler, with underived 
 authority and unlimited power, should fail to do right (compare Rom. iii, 6 ; 
 Gen. xviii. 25). 
 
 XXXIV. 21-30. His universal superintendence, punishing in his own time 
 ^and way, and dealing both with nations and with individuals. 
 
 XXXIV. 31-37. How we ought to conduct ourselves before this righteous 
 sovereign. How Job speaks and acts. 
 
 XXXV. His third speech. 
 
 XXXy. 2-8. The false idea that there is no profit in serving God : it is not 
 with him and us as it is among ourselves, since we can profit or hurt one 
 another, but not him. 
 
 XXXV. 9-16. In their afflictions men cry to God for help, yet without direct 
 approach to him, or humility, or patience ; and Job is an example of the 
 truth of this assertion. 
 
84 JOB. 
 
 XXXVI., XXXVII. His fourth speech. 
 
 XXXVI. 1-12. I have j^et somewhat to say on behalf of God, the sovereii^n 
 ruler and judge (compare xxxiv. 10-20), who never loses sight of the 
 righteous, in high or in low station, dealing with them especially in his 
 gracious chastisements and trials (compare xxxiii. 19-28). 
 
 XXXVI. 13-21. On the contrary, observe the doom of godless hypocrites ; 
 God's providence really allures thee to him, and thy great danger is that 
 thou wilt misuse his dealings with thee. 
 
 XXXVI. 22-.33. God in his lofty doings is the great teacher, with underived 
 authority exercised righteously (see xxxiv. 12, 13), in singing of which thou 
 oughtest to join (see xxxiii. 27). But he is too great to be known so as to 
 be comprehended ; for instance in his provisions for rain ; also in his 
 thunder and lightning, which are witnesses of him not only to man but also 
 to the very cattle. 
 
 N.B.— At this moment, while Elihu is speaking, the thunder-storm gathers rapidly and 
 bursts, thus guiding him in tlie description of the divine working, in chap, xxxvii., till it 
 ends in an appearance of God, a theophany. 
 
 XXXVII. 1-13. The terrors of his thunderstorm, accompanied by snow and 
 ice and torrents of rain, sealing up the hand of man, and driving the beasts 
 to their dens. And all these movements in the atmosphere are for the 
 habitable world, whether for correction or for mercy, or (without being for 
 any of these purposes specially) for the necessities of his earth. 
 
 XXXVII. 14-20. Hearken, O Job, and consider his wondrous works; and 
 teach us (ironical) what we shall say unto him, for we are in darkness. 
 
 XXXVII. 21-24. Now the bright light of heaven ceases to be seen ; the wind 
 passes and cleanses the skies ; golden splendour comes out of the north 
 (comiiare Ezek. i. 4), and God ajDpears in terrible majesty. We cannot 
 find out the Almighty (taken from xi. 7) : but he is excellent in power, and 
 in judgement, and plenteous justice, and he Avill not afflict (as already, 
 xxxiv. 10-20). Concluding lesson, that men fear him (compare Eccl. xii. 
 13) : the wise in heart (in their own opinion) he does not regard. 
 
 XXXVIII.-XLII. The discourses of Jehovah out of the whirlwind 
 and Job's reply : the conclusion of the whole matter. 
 
 XXXVIII. , XXXIX. The first discourse of Jehovah to Job. 
 
 XXXVIII. 2, 3. Who is this that darkens counsel by his words (see xxxvii. 
 19) ? Be a man ; I will speak, and answer thou me. 
 
 N.B.- Somewhat as Job had wished, xiii. 22, xvi. 21, xxiii. 3-5. 
 
 XXXVIII. 4-11. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth ? 
 Or who shut up the sea with doors ? 
 
 XXXVIII. 12-21. What of the light? and of the day-spring which is an in- 
 strument for shaking the wicked out of the earth ? Or what of the recesses 
 of the deep, or of the gates of the shadow of death ; or of the bounds of 
 light and darkness? 
 
 XXXVIII. 22-27. What of my treasuries and armouries against the day of 
 war ; of the snow and hail ; of the east wind ; of the waterflood ; of the 
 lightning and thunder ? And what of their beneficent working on the earth, 
 even on lands where there is no man? 
 
 XXXVIII, 28-38. What then of the production of rain and dew, and ice, and 
 frost? What of the stars, and of their influences on the earth? And along 
 
JOB. 85 
 
 with these outward phenomena, who hath put wisdom in the inward 
 parts ? 
 
 N.B.— At this point a transition seems to be made towards the work of God in and for 
 living beings, of whom Elihu had said nothing. 
 
 XXXVIII. 39-41. Wilt thou feed the lions, and the young ravens as they cry 
 for help to God ? 
 
 XXXIX. 1-4. What of the wild goats and the hinds ? 
 XXXIX. 5-12. What of the wild ass, and of the wild ox? 
 XXXIX. 13-18. What of the ostrich ? 
 
 XXXIX. 19-25. What of the horse ? 
 
 XXXIX. 26-30. What of the hawk, and the eagle ? 
 
 XL. 1-5. The appeal to Job, his humble reply. 
 
 XL. 6-XLII. 6. The second discourse of Jehovah to Job, and his 
 second humble reply. 
 
 XL. 6-9. Gird up thy loins for the contest. Wilt thou condemn me in order 
 to be thyself just? Or hast thou the power necessary for just government 
 (see at xxxiv. 10-20). 
 
 XL. 10-14. If thou hast the indispensable honour and majesty, exert thy power 
 on the proud and wicked, and I will confess the saving strength of thy right 
 hand. 
 
 XL. 15-24. What art thou in the presence of behemoth, the chief of the ways 
 of God(ver. 19)? 
 
 XLI. 1-32. Or (turning from land animals to those in the waters, ver. 31-32) 
 in the presence of leviathan ? 
 
 XLI. 33, 34. Upon earth there is not his like, a king over all the sons of pride 
 (compare xl. 12, though the Hebrew word for "pride " is different). 
 
 XLII. 1-6. Job's second hmnble reply (ver. 3 referring to xxxviii. 2, and ver. 
 4 to xxxviii. 3, xl. 7, as noted in the margin), abhorring himself and repent- 
 ing in dust and ashes. 
 
 N.B.— The verb translated "abhor," is already used of himself by Job (though trans- 
 lated variously), " loathe" vii. 16, " despise " ix. 21. 
 
 XLII. 7-17. The close of the whole matter. 
 
 XLII. 7-9. Address of Jehovah to the three friends, and open acknowledge- 
 ment of Job as his servant and the intercessor for them (compare ix. 33 and 
 xxxiii. 23, 24, also xxii. 26-30). 
 
 XLII. 10-15. Jehovah turning the captivity of Job 
 
 XLII. 16-17. Job's age and death. 
 
 PSALMS. 
 
 I. 1-4. The happy condition of the man who studies and obeys the law of 
 Jehovah, in contrast with the condition of the wicked. 
 
 I. 5-6. Their everlasting contrast, and the reason why. 
 
 II. Allegiance to Jehovah and his Son the king of Israel, or rebellion against 
 them. 
 
 II. 1-3. The rage of the nations. 
 
 II. 4-6. They are derided by Jehovah, who sits in the heavens and has set his 
 king upon his holy hill of Zion. 
 
86 rsALMS. 
 
 II. 7-9.^ The king announces the decree proclaiming his sonsbip, and his vic- 
 torious reign to the ends of the earth. 
 
 II. 10-12. The invitation to the world's rulers to be wise, to serve Jehovah and 
 to kiss the Son. 
 
 III. Faith's tranquillity amid the assaults of enemies : a morning song of 
 praise. 
 
 IV. The godly man safe and glad in the light of Jehovah's presence : an 
 evening song. 
 
 IV. 1. He calls upon God. 
 
 IV. 2-5. He reproves and exhorts his enemies. 
 
 IV. 6-8. _ His peace and happiness in the true good, for which men often search 
 in vain. 
 
 V. A morning prayer : confidence in the Divine Sovereign, 
 
 V. 1-3. The ci-y of an earnest and believing seeker to his King and God. 
 V. 4-6. Jehovah favours not the wicked. 
 
 V. 7-9. Profession of faith, and prayer for guidance amidst those that lie in 
 wait for him (vcr. 8 mai-gin). 
 
 V. 10-12. Prayer that rebellious transgressors may be held guilty, and that the 
 
 righteous who put their trust (literally, take refuge, see vii. 1 margin) in 
 him may be joj^ful as well as safe. 
 
 VI. The first of the seven penitential psalms (vi., xxxii., xxxviii., li., cii., 
 cxxx., cxliii). 
 
 VI. 1-7. The complaint and entreaty of one suffering in mind and body, from 
 without and from within. 
 
 VI. 8-10. His triumph through faith and patience. 
 
 VII. 1-9. Prayer against the malice of enemies, with protestations of innocence. 
 
 VII. 10-17. Faith sees its defence, and the judgement of God upon evil doers. 
 
 VIII. Jehovah, our Lord, whose name is glorified in all his works, is specially 
 glorious in his condescending to deal lovingly with man, making even babes 
 his instruments for stilling the enemy and the avenger. 
 
 IX. 1-10. Praise and thanks to Jehovah for executing judgement. 
 IX. 11, 12. Invitation to others to join in this exercise. 
 
 IX. 13-20. Prayer to have good cause for praising him as just judge and de- 
 fender. 
 
 X. 1-11. Pride leads to atheism, and this to oi)]pression. 
 X. 12-15. Prayer for a remedy. 
 
 X. 16-18. Profession of confidence in Jehovah the king. 
 
 N.B.— The ninth and tenth psalms are reckoned as one in the Greek (Septuagent) and 
 Latin (Vulgate) Bibles, 'i'liere is certainly a close connexion between them, perhaps as 
 first and second parts of one alphabetical poem : the other psalms of this class (not recog- 
 nisable by the English reader iniless forced on his attention as in Tsa. cxix.) are xxv., 
 xxxiv., xxxvii., cxi., cxii., cxix., cxlv. 
 
 XI. 1-3. The psalmist encourages himself in Jehovah against timid advisers. 
 
 XI. 4-7. His trust in the providence and justice of Jehovah. 
 
 XII. 1-4. The psalmist, destitute of human help, craves help from Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— In ver. 3 the verb is not in the future, it expresses a wish, " may Jehovah cut 
 off," etc. 
 
 XII. 5-8. He recalls the sure word of promise, and is at rest. 
 
PSALMS. 87 
 
 XIII. 1, 2. The cry to Jehovah, "How long." 
 
 XIII. 3, 4. The prayer for supporting and protecting grace. 
 
 XIII. 5, 6. Tnist and rejoicing in the mercy and salvation of Jehovah. 
 
 XIV. 1-4. Description of the corruption of man everywhere and always. 
 
 XIV. 5, 6. Conviction by the light of their own conscience. 
 XVI. 7. Longing for the salvation of Zion from these evils. 
 
 N.B.— The word for "fool," ver. 1, is not very common, and seems very emphatic. In 
 the revised margin. Job ii. 10, it is "impious" ; in Isa. xxxii. 5, 6 it is " vile person," and 
 the kindred noun is "villany," as also at Jer. xxix. 23 (in Authorised Version); and on 
 the phrase, "wrought folly," see note at Josh. vii. 15. 
 
 XV. The character of the true citizen of Zion. 
 
 XVI. 1-4. The psalmist takes refuge in God as his highest good, renouncing all 
 idolatry. 
 
 XVI. 5-11. His present satisfaction in his portion, and his confidence in the 
 life everlasting, notwithstanding .Jdeath. 
 
 N,B. — Like various other passages quoted in the Kew Testament, this finds its full 
 meaning only in Christ, Acts ii. 25-31. 
 
 XVII. 1-9. The psalmist, in confidence of his integrity, craves defence against 
 his enemies. 
 
 XVII. 10-12. He describes their pride, craft, and eagerness. 
 
 XVII. 13-15. He prays again for deliverance, and contrasts their worldly 
 passing portion with his own. 
 
 XVIII. 1-3. David the servant of Jehovah, praises him for manifold marvellous 
 blessings, to him the anointed Icing, and to his seed. Introduction : what 
 Jehovah is to David. 
 
 XVIII. 4-19. The deliverance vouchsafed to him. 
 
 N.B.— In lofty language, appropriating what is said of the deliverances under Moses 
 and Joshua, who are specially named, as is David in the title of this psalm, "the servant 
 of Jehovah." 
 
 XVIII. 20-30. The grounds of this deliverance, namely the character of 
 Jehovah the moral governor of the world. 
 
 XVIII. 31-51. His confidence goes out from the present to the future in the 
 struggle before him and his seed for evermore. 
 
 N.B.— The Hebrew indicates this future in the verbs more than the English reader can 
 discover from the notice in the margin at ver. 43. 
 
 XIX. 1-6. The glory of God as seen in creation. 
 
 XIX. 7-11. The glory and grace of Jehovah as seen in his law. 
 
 XIX. 12-14, Prayer for grace and mercy. 
 
 XX. 1-5. The prayer of the congregation for their king as he goes forth to war. 
 
 XX. 6-9. Their confidence that it is heard, and their continued call to the 
 supreme king. 
 
 XXI. 1-7. Thanksgiving for the king's victory. 
 
 XXI. 8-13. Address to the king, and confidence of victories in the future. 
 KB.— XX. and xxi. are certainly psalms closely connected, as ix. and x., xlii. and xliii. 
 
 XXII. 1-21. Complaint of desertion by God and extremity of suffering from 
 men, with prayer for deliverance. 
 
 XXII. 22-31. Thanksgiving and praise in the congregation for deliverance : 
 this shall be heard and shall have its effect, to the ends of the earth, and 
 from age to age. 
 N.B.— To no sufferer does this psalm apply with any exactness except to Christ. 
 
88 . PSALMS. 
 
 XXIII. Confidence for all things, at all times, in Jehovah the Shepherd. 
 
 XXIV. 1, 2. The universal dominion of Jehovah. 
 
 XXIV. 3-C. The character of those who may ascend into the mountain of 
 Jehovah. 
 
 XXIV. 7-10. The entry of Jehovah himself, the king of glory. 
 
 XXV. 1-6. Confidence in prayer, and desire for fellowship with Jehovah. 
 XXV. 7-15. Prayer for forgiveness, guidance, and close walk with Jehovah. 
 
 XXV. 16-22. Prayer for help in affliction, and for forgiveness and redemption. 
 
 XXVI. The psalmist resorts to Jehovah, in confidence of his own integrity. 
 
 XXVII. 1-6. The psalmist sustains his faith by confidence in the resources of 
 Jehovah, in whose house he longs to dwell for ever. 
 
 XXVII. 7-12. He prays that he may not be forsaken, but may be guided and 
 delivered. 
 
 XXVII. 13-14. His confidence in time past shall continue for the future. 
 
 XXVIII. 1, 2. Earnest entreaty. 
 
 XXVIII. 3-5. Prayer to be preserved from the ways of the wicked, and to 
 have them punished. 
 
 XXVIII. 6-9. Blessing ascribed to Jehovah; his blessing invoked upon his 
 people. 
 
 XXIX. 1, 2. Call to the sons of the mighty to give glory and woi'ship to 
 Jehovah. 
 
 XXIX. 3-9. His glory in the thunderstorm, beginning on the waters, passing 
 away over the wilderness. 
 
 XXIX. 10, 11. He sat as king at the flood, and so he sits for ever : he blesses 
 his people with strength and peace. 
 
 XXX. 1-3. Praise to Jehovah for deliverance and recovery from the grave. 
 XXX. 4, 5. Invitation to others to join in this. 
 
 XXX. 6-12. How Jehovah had recovered the psalmist from his fall through 
 self-confidence. 
 
 XXXI. 1-8. Prayer for deliverance, with confidence in Jehovah and rejoicing 
 in his mercy. 
 
 XXXI. 9-18. Entreaty for his mercy and the light of his countenance, on 
 account of great suffering and reproaches. 
 
 XXXI. 19-24. Praise to Jehovah for his goodness, and encouragement to all 
 that love him and hope in him. 
 
 XXXII. 1, 2. True blessedness (more exactly, happiness) consists in remission 
 of guilt and removal of guile. 
 
 XXXII. 3-7. The psalmist's experience of confession to Jehovah and forgive- 
 ness and peace. 
 
 XXXII. 8-11. The divine promises of guidance, and the joy these bring. 
 
 XXXIII. 1-3. The psalmist invites the righteous to praise Jehovah : 
 XXXIII. 4-9. Because he is faithful and his word is right, as seen in creation t 
 XXXIII. 10-19. So also in providence, especially seen in the case of those 
 
 who fear him and hope in his mercy. 
 
 XXXIII. 20-22. Profession of faith and hope, with prayer for his mercy. 
 
 XXXIV. 1-7. The psalmist's experience of deliverance at the hand of 
 Jehovah is opened up to those whom he invites to join him. 
 
PSALMS. 8& 
 
 XXXIV. 8-14. Exhortation to trust in Jehovah and to fear him. 
 
 XXXIV. 15-22. The privileges of the righteous, in contrast with the con- 
 dition of the wicked. 
 
 XXXV. 1-10. The psalmist's prayer for his oAvn safety and for the destruction: 
 of his enemies, and his engagement to give thanks. 
 
 XXXV. 11-18. His complaint of their causeless enmity, returning evil for 
 good ; and his engagement to give thanks in the congregation. 
 
 XXXV. 19-28. His appeal for protection and for judgement on them, so that 
 all the righteous may see it and magnify Jehovah ; his engagement to give 
 praise all the day long. 
 
 XXXVI. 1-4. The state of the wicked man who is given up to his own heart. 
 XXXVI. 5-9. The excellence of the divine mercy and lovingkindness. 
 
 XXXVI. 10-12. Prayer for favour to those that know Jehovah and are up- 
 right in heart. 
 
 XXXVII. A persuasive to patience in well-doing, and to confidence in Jeho- 
 vah ; by the contrast between the righteous, who shall inherit the land 
 (or, possess the earth), and the wicked, who shall be cut off. 
 
 N.B.— This psalm, and psalm xxv. and xxxiv. are all of the alphabetical class (see 
 note on psalm x.), and have several points of resemblance to 'the book of Proverbs ; this- 
 one most markedly. 
 
 XXXVIII. 1-8. The prayer of a penitent in great suffering. 
 XXXVIII. 9-14. His prayer with desire and in patience. 
 
 XXXVIII. 15-22. His prayer, lest his falling should make those triumph who- 
 rewarded him evil for good. 
 
 XXXIX. 1-5. The psalmist restrains himself before the wicked, yet must 
 speak to Jehovah of the shortness and vanity of life. 
 
 XXXIX. 6-11. He confesses this vanity of life, yet clings to Jehovah with 
 
 reverence. 
 XXXIX. 12, 13. He prays for mercy, since he is but a sojourner here. 
 
 XL. 1-5. The benefits from trust in Jehovah and patient waiting for him. 
 XL. 6-10. The sacrifice of obedience and thankful praise. 
 
 XL. 11-17. The earnest prayer on account of evils within and around the 
 psalmist. 
 
 XLI. 1-3. The tenderness of Jehovah towards those who consider the poor. 
 XLI. 4-6. Prayer for mercy upon a sinner surrounded by enemies. 
 XLI. 7-9. Complaint of the treachery and malice of professed friends. 
 XLI. 10-12. Confident prayer notwithstanding. 
 
 N.B.— The Jews divide the Psalter into five books, as marked in the Revised Version. 
 Each book ends with a doxology, of which ver. 13 in this psalm is the first example. 
 
 XLII. 1-5. Thirst for God and for his ordinances, at the time out of reach ; 
 
 yet confidence amid disquieting circumstances. 
 XLII. 6-11. These circumstances detailed ; the confidence repeated. 
 
 XLIII. 1-4. A prayer for judgement as against an ungodly nation, and for 
 restoration to the privileges and joys of God's tabernacles and altar. 
 
 XLIII. 5. The expression of confidence repeated a third time, as already xlii. 
 5, 11. 
 
 N.B.— Psalms xlii. and xliii. are manifestly so closely related as to be two parts of one 
 poem. Compare note on Psalms ix. and x. 
 
90 PSALMS. 
 
 XLIV. 1-8. The house of Jacob recall the former favours of their God and 
 
 king, in whom they profess their faith. 
 XLIV. 9-16. They mourn over the extremity of present evils, and the voice of 
 
 the enemy and avenger (compare viii. 2). 
 XLIV. 17-22. They protest their integrity and their faithfulness to the 
 
 covenant, so that their sufferings are a martyrdom. 
 XLIV. 23-26. They fervently pray the Lord to awake and succour and redeem. 
 
 XLV. 1. Introduction. 
 
 XLV. 2-5, The grace and spiritual prowess of the king. 
 
 XLV. 6-9. His divine reisrn of righteousness, with every happiness. 
 
 XLV. 10-13. The queen his bride. 
 
 XLV. 14-17. His glory and happiness as king, husband, and father. 
 
 XLVI. 1-3. Confidence in God, in spite of all earthly changes. 
 
 XL VI. 4-7. The safety of the church, let who will attack : confidence that 
 
 Jehovah is with them, their refuge. 
 XLVI, 8-11. Invitation to behold the doings of Jehovah for the church : 
 
 expression of confidence repeated from ver, 7. 
 
 XLVII, 1-4. The peoples are invited to shout in triumph on account of the 
 
 victories of Jehovah for Jacob's house. 
 XLVII. 5-9. A louder call to a song of triumph at the incorporation of the 
 
 peoples with the people of the God of Abraham. 
 
 XLVIII. 1-3. The glory of Jehovah in his city Zion. 
 XL VIII, 4-8. His victory in her interests over the confederate kings. 
 XLVIII. 9-14. Praise,' and admonition to keep it up to that God who is their 
 guide even unto death (literally, over dying). 
 
 XLIX. 1-5. Introduction to the mysterious questions of providence ; why 
 
 should the righteous fear in the days of evil? 
 XLIX. 6-12. There is nothing reliable in worldly power and success, for these 
 
 cannot redeem the soul ; man perishes like the beasts. 
 XLIX. 13-20. In the world to come there is the contrast of the failure of the 
 
 rich wicked and the satisfaction of the righteous ; man that understands 
 
 not perishes like the beasts (ver. 12). 
 
 L. 1-6. The majesty of God, Jehovah, as he shall come to judge all those who 
 
 have professed themselves his covenant people. 
 L. 7-15. His lesson to those whose ceremonial worship is correct ; the 
 
 sacrifice of thanksgiving, prayer, and hearty service are his chief desire. 
 L. 16-23. His lesson to those who break the moral law as between man and 
 
 man ; and his warning call to repentance. 
 
 LI. 1-9. David pleads with God for pardon, acknowledging how deeply sin 
 
 has tainted him. 
 LI. 10-12. He prays to be created anew in holijiess. 
 LI. 13-19. He engages himself to the personal and public service of God when 
 
 the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart shall make his burnt-offerings to 
 
 be sacrifices of righteousness. 
 
 LII. 1-5. Expostulation with the spiteful liar, and denunciation of God's 
 
 judgernents on him. 
 LII. 6, 7. The rejoicing of the righteous over his doom, not without fear. 
 LII. 8, 9. The peaceful confidence and thankfulness of the psalmist. 
 
 LIII. 1-4. Description of the corruption of man everywhere and always. 
 LIIL 5. The workers of iniquity are convicted by the light of their own 
 conscience. 
 
PSALMS. 91 
 
 LIII. 6. Longing for the salvation of Zion from these evils. 
 
 N.B.— This psalm in the second book is almost the same as the fourteenth in book- 
 first: only, the name "Jehovah," which prevails in the first book, is changed to the 
 name "God," which prevails in the second; and ver. 5 differs considerably from 
 xiv. 5, 6. 
 
 LIV. 1-3. Complaints against ungodly oppressors, and prayer to he saved. 
 LIV. 4-7. Confidence of being heard, and engagement to sacrifice and give 
 thanks. 
 
 LV. 1-8. The appeal of the psalmist to God in his restlessness and misery. 
 LV. 9-15, His prayer against the wicked, and especially the traitor. 
 LV. 16-23. His comfort as he believes that God will preserve him and 
 confound his enemies. 
 
 LVI. 1-4. Prayer for deliverance, with confidence in God's word. 
 LVI. 5-7. The malice of the enemies, and a prayer against them. 
 LVI. 8-11. Eenewed expression of confidence (ver. 4 being repeated and 
 
 enlarged in ver. 10, 11). 
 LVI. 12, 13. Consecration and hope. 
 
 LVII. 1-5. The psalmist takes refuge in God's mercy from bitter enemies. 
 LVI I. 6-11. In spite of their snares for him he encourages himself to praise 
 God. 
 N.B,— Ver. 11 repeats ver. 5 ; compare Ivi. 4, 10, 11. 
 
 LVIII. 1-5. Description of the character of the wicked, particularly as judges. 
 
 LVIII. 6-9. The swift judgement of God upon them. 
 
 LVIII. 10, 11. The approbation of this judgement of God by the righteous. 
 
 LIX. 1-5. Prayer for deliverance from unjustifiable enemies. 
 LIX. 6-9. Complaint against them, and confidence in God. 
 LIX. 10-13. Renewed complaint and confident prayer. 
 
 LIX. 14-17. Assurance of their destruction (ver. 14 much as ver. 6), and resolu- 
 tion to praise God for it. 
 
 LX. 1-4. Confession of the crushing judgements of God, yet confidence in his 
 
 banner for the truth. 
 LX, 5-8. Prayer to have his promises fulfilled, as of old when the land was 
 
 conquered. 
 LX. 9-12. Earnest entreaty for help from God. 
 
 LXI. 1-4. Prayer from the end of the earth, with confidence of dwelling in 
 
 God's tabernacle. 
 LXI. 5-8. Hopes and vows of the king. 
 
 LXII. 1-4. The psalmist professes his confidence in God, and so discourages 
 
 his enemies. 
 LXII. 5-8. By the same confidence (ver. 5, 6, after ver. 1, 2) he encourages 
 
 the godly. 
 LXII. 9-12. He renounces all trust in worldly things, ascribing power and 
 
 mercy unto God the Lord, 
 
 LXIII, 1-4, The psalmist's thirst for God, 
 
 LXIII. 5-8, Satisfaction of that thirst in whatever outward circumstances. 
 LXIII. 9-11. Contrast of the miserable destruction of his eneniies with the 
 rejoicing of the king in God. 
 
 LXIV. 1, 2. The psalmist's prayer to be preserved from wicked enemies. 
 LXIV, 3-6, The forms of their wickedness. _ 
 
 LXIV, 7-10. His expectation of such an evidently divine destruction of them 
 as shall make all men fear, and shall make the righteous rejoice. 
 
92 PSALMS. 
 
 I^XV. 1-4. Praise to the hearer of prayer, and especially for pardon and 
 
 communion. 
 LXV. 5-8. The protection of his people by him who is the confidence of all 
 
 the ends of the earth. 
 LXV. 9-13. His goodness in the season of the year, the crops and the flocks. 
 
 LXVI. 1-4. All the earth is summoned to praise God : 
 
 LXVI. 5-7. Also to observe his dealings with men, especially with his own 
 
 people at the Exodus : 
 LXVI. 8-12. And to bless him for gracious issues out of trials. 
 IjXVI. 13-15. For himself, the psalmist vows religious services to God : 
 LXVI. 16-20. And he invites all that fear God to learn from his experience. 
 
 LXVII. 1, 2. Prayer for the fulfilment of the priestly blessing (Num. vi^ 
 
 22-27) upon Israel, that all nations may share in it. 
 LXVII. 3, 4. Let all the peoples and the nations be glad under his righteous 
 
 administration. 
 LXVII. 5-7. Let them praise thee (ver. 5 repeating ver. 3). The i^romises of 
 
 fertile seasons and all blessings made to Israel (Lev. xxvi. 3-13) are realised 
 
 over the earth, all the ends of which shall fear him. 
 
 TjXVIII. 1-6. A prayer, as when the ark led Israel in the wilderness (compare 
 
 ver. 1 with Numb. x. 35), that the wicked may melt with fear, and that the 
 
 righteous may exult, before this God of majesty and grace. 
 LXVIII. 7-14. How he went forth before them in the wilderness, and in their 
 
 conquest of Canaan and their settlement there. 
 LXVIII. 15-18. His ascent, by way of mount Bashan, to mount Zion ; with 
 
 grace and glory transcending what was seen at Sinai. 
 liXVIII. 19-23. Praise to him, and confidence that he will repeat all the 
 
 wonders done in the wilderness, from the Red Sea to Bashan. 
 LXVIII. 24-27. The triumphant procession, mustering the tribes among 
 
 whom his gracious deeds had been made manifest in the first (and best) age 
 
 of the Judges. 
 liXVIII, 28-31. All hostile powers shall be rebuked and scattered, and kings 
 
 of distant lands shall do honour to him at his temple in Jerusalem. 
 LXVIII. 32-35, An invitation to all the kingdoms of the earth to join in 
 
 ascribing due praise to him. 
 
 LXIX. 1-12. The psalmist's miserable sufferings, and these in the cause of God. 
 
 LXIX. 13-21. His prayer for deliverance, with renewed statements of his 
 suff'erings at the hands of his enemies. 
 
 LXIX. 22-28. His pleading for their destruction, as the enemies of righteous- 
 ness. 
 
 liXIX. 29-36, His confidence and joy, in a deliverance beginning with him- 
 self, yet taking in all the righteous, and securing the salvation of Zion and 
 the uplDuilding of the cities of Judah. 
 
 LXX. An earnest prayer for deliverance from evils. 
 
 N.B.— With certain small changes, this is tlie same as xl. 13-17: compare what has 
 been said of xiv. and liii, in a note on the latter; and observe how Ixxi. 1-3 is very 
 much the same as xxxi. 1-3. 
 
 LXXI, 1-8. Prayer for deliverance, with confidence in Jehovah and rejoicing 
 
 in his mercy. 
 LXXI. 9-13. Renewed prayer for help from enemies, with old age urged 
 
 as a plea. 
 LXXI. 14-18. Promises of constancy and prayer for perseverance. 
 LXXI. 19-24. Praise to God, and promise to give it cheerfully. 
 
PSALMS. 03 
 
 LXXII. 1-7. Solomon's prayer for the king, that his reign may be righteous 
 
 and merciful, and everlasting : 
 LXXII. 8-11. That it may be over all nations and kings : 
 LXXII. 12-15. That it may be tender and full of blessing. 
 LXXII. IG, 17. A repetition of the prayer for abundant prosperity, universal 
 
 and everlasting. 
 LXXII. 18, 19. The closing doxology of the second book. 
 
 N.B.— See the note on Psa. xli. The concluding verse 20 is most naturally understood 
 as a note at the end of what had been the original Psalter or " Psalms of David," by 
 whomsoever collected. 
 
 LXXIII. 1-14. The psalmist's difficulty in regard to the goodness of God to 
 the true Israel : his envy at the prosperity of the wicked, his observation 
 of their ways, and the consequent temptation to God's people and to himself 
 in particular. 
 
 LXXIIT. 15-28. Tlie solution of the painful difficulty, as he considered their 
 latter end in the light of God's sanctuary, and felt the sustaining hand of 
 God for time and for eternity, closing with the contrast between those who 
 are far from (^od and those who draw near to him. 
 
 LXXIV. 1-11. Conaplaint of the desolation of the sanctuary, and the dark- 
 ness W'ithout guidance from God. 
 
 LXXIV. 12-17. Reliance on the past working of God their king, and on his 
 sovereignty over nature. 
 
 LXXIV. 18-23. An appeal to Jehovah for the honour of his name and of his 
 covenant, and because of the extremity of his people. 
 
 LXXV. 1-3. The psalmist praises God for as much as his name is near, and 
 engages to judge uprightly amidst the dissolution of the bonds which knit 
 society together. 
 
 LXXV. 4-8. His rebuke to the arrogant, in view of God's sovereign pro- 
 vidence. 
 
 LXXV. 9, 10. Renewed engagement to praise the God of Jacob and to 
 execute justice for him. 
 
 IjXXVI. 1--3. God is known in the church, for his indwelling and his 
 
 protection. 
 LXXVI. 4-6. His sudden and complete destruction of formidable enemies. 
 LXXVI. 7-9. The fear inspired in the earth by this sentence of judgement. 
 LXXVI. 10-12. An exhortation to serve Jehovah reverently and confidently. 
 
 LXXVII. 1-3. The psalmist's cry in sore trouble. 
 
 LXXVII. 4-9. The temptation to unbelief by which he is almost overcome. 
 
 LXXVII. 10-15. His comfort and support from reflecting on the ways of God, 
 
 the redeemer of his people : 
 LXXVII. 16-20. Especially as this was seen at the Exodus. 
 
 LXXVIII. 1-8. The psalmist exhorts the people both to learn and to teach 
 
 the law of Jehovah from age to age. 
 LXXVIII. 9-GG. The story of his wrath against their unbelief and disobedience, 
 
 in the time of l\lf)ses and in the times of the judges. 
 LXXVIII. 67-72. The rejection of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the tribe of 
 
 Ephraim (compare ver! 9), and the choice of mount Zion in the tribe of 
 
 Judah ; its sanctuary built, and David made the shepherd of his people. 
 
 LXXIX. 1-7. The psalmist complains of the desolation of Jerusalem. 
 LXXIX. 8-12. He prays for vengeance on the enemy, and for pardon and 
 
 help, to the honour of God's name. 
 LXXIX. 13. He engages that the people, as the sheep of the Lord s pasture, 
 
 shall give him thanks for ever. 
 
94 PSALMS. 
 
 LXXX. 1-3. Appeal to the Shepherd of Israel to shine forth on the triloes 
 
 that sprang from Rachel. 
 LXXX. 4-7. Lamentation over their condition, and repetition of the aj)peal 
 
 (compare how it is enlarged from ver. 3 in ver. 7, and still more in ver. 19). 
 LXXX. 8-14. The history of his kindness and his judgements, under the 
 
 figure of a vine. 
 LXXX. 15-19. Earnest pleading for the vineyard, and for the man of God's 
 
 right hand. 
 
 LXXXI. 1-7. Exhortation to praise God in the solemn feast according to the 
 
 gracious appointment at the Exodus. 
 LXXXL 8-12. The expostulation of Jehovah their God. 
 LXXXI. 13-16. The renewed offer, if Israel would but hearken and obey. 
 
 LXXXII. 1-7. Exhortation and rebuke to the unworthy judges in the con- 
 gregation of God, who represent him and bear the name of "gods." 
 
 LXXXII. 8. Call to God himself (see ver. 1), the inheritor of all nations, to 
 arise and judge the earth. 
 
 LXXXIII. 1-8. The complaint to God of the conspiracy of the nations around 
 
 to cut off the very name of Israel. 
 LXXXIII. 9-18. A prayer to God to do to them as to former enemies, that 
 
 men may know Jehovah to be the Most High over all the earth. 
 
 LXXXIV. 1-4. Longing after the sanctuary, for Jehovah the living God. 
 
 LXXXIV. 5-8. The happiness of the pilgrims to Zion, appearing and praying 
 
 before God. 
 
 LXXXIV. 9-12. The earnest humble prayer to be restored to this communion. 
 
 LXXXV. 1-3. Thankful acknowledgement of restoring grace received. 
 LXXXV. 4-7. Penitent intercession. 
 LXXXV. 8-13. Joyful hope of the penitent. 
 
 LXXXVI. 1-5. David strengthens his prayer by the assurance that he is 
 
 godly, and that the Lord is good : 
 LXXXVI. 6-10. Also by the assurance of the perfections of Jehovah, who 
 
 stands alone. 
 LXXXVI. 11-17. He prays for more grace, complains of proud and violent 
 
 enemies, and asks for a token of good. 
 
 LXXXVII. 1-3. The nature and glory of the city of God. 
 LXXXVII. 4-7. Its inhabitants are of all the nations of the earth, even the 
 most hostile, born into it. 
 
 LXXXVIII. A prayer full of saddest complaints and expostulations. 
 
 LXXXIX. 1-4. The psalmist praises Jehovah for his covenant sworn unto 
 
 David: 
 LXXXIX. 5-1 2. Also for his power and faithfulness in heaven and earth : 
 LXXXIX. 13-18. But above all, for his care of his church and kingdom. 
 LXXXIX. 19-37. He celebrates the promises to David and his seed for ever, 
 
 as made in vision (namely, as recorded in 2 Sam. vii. 4-17). 
 LXXXIX. 38-45. He complains of a terrible reverse which seemed to make 
 
 the promise void, and shortened the days of David's youth. 
 LXXXIX. 46-51. He expostulates sadly, yet rests on the promise to the 
 
 anointed, and on the honour of the Lord's name. 
 
 N.B.— Ver. 52 is the cloxology at the end of the third book: see notes on Psalms 
 xli. and Ixxii. 
 
 XC. 1-6. The eternity of God, who is the dwelling place of his people, con- 
 trasted with the frailty of man. 
 
PSALMS. 95 
 
 X(J. 7-12. The cause of this frailty is the sinfulness of man, who needs to 
 
 learn wisdom from God. 
 XC. 13-17. Prayer for mercy, and for communion with God from age to age. 
 
 XCI. 1-S. The psalmist's expression of confidence in Jehovah as his refuge. 
 XCI. 9-18. Rei^etition and enforcement of this : the angels have charge of 
 him, and the most dangerous animals shall be trampled under his feet. 
 
 XCII. 1-3. How good it is to praise Jehovah : 
 
 XCII. 4-9. And this for his great works, and for his judgements on his 
 
 brutish enemies : 
 XCII. 10-15. And for his goodness to the psalmist, and to the righteous 
 
 generally. 
 
 XCIII. Jehovah reigns, over land and sea, in holiness. 
 
 XCIV. 1-7. The psalmist calls on Jehovah, the Judge, to execute vengeance 
 
 on the arrogant and cruel ungodly. 
 XCIV. 8-11. He bids them understand the providence of Jehovah. 
 XCIV. 12-15. He shews the happiness of sanctified chastening. 
 XCIV. lG-23. Jehovah has been his help and refuge, and will have no 
 
 fellowship with the throne of iniquity. 
 
 XCV. 1-5. Invitation to woi-ship Jehovah for all his works in nature : 
 XCV. 6-11. Also for his works of grace to his people, with a warning against 
 hardening the heart like the generation who died in the wilderness. 
 
 XCVI. A new song to the coming King and Judge ; for all the nations. 
 
 XCVII. 1--3. Jehovah reigns ; his majesty. 
 
 XCVII. 4-6. The effects produced on nature and the peoples. 
 
 XCVII. 7-9, The effects on the idolaters, and on Zion and the daughters of 
 
 Judah. 
 XCVII. 10-12. Exhortation and encouragement to the righteous. 
 XCVIII. A new song to the coming King and Judge ; for all nations. 
 N.B.— It begins and ends as xcvi., and is throughout related to it. 
 
 XCIX. 1-3. Jehovah reigns ; his greatness. He is holy. 
 
 XCIX. 4, 5. He executes righteousness and judgement. He is holy. 
 
 XCIX. 6-9. He is gracious to his worshippers. He is holy. 
 
 N.B.— Besides this division, marked by the repetition in the closing words of ver. 3, 5, 9, 
 the first two parts may be said to end with ver. 5, and to answer to the third, which ends 
 with ver. 9, the same as ver. 5. 
 
 C. All the earth is summoned to serve Jehovah with gladness, for his goodness, 
 mercy, and faithfulness. 
 
 CI. David's godly resolve to govern himself and others in the city of Jehovah. 
 
 CII. 1-11. A sore complaint by the afflicted one. 
 
 CII. 12-22. His comfort from the eternal, gracious, glorious Jehovah, whom 
 
 all the nations shall unite to serve in restored Jerusalem. 
 CII. 23-28. His individual feebleness, and his support in the unchanging God. 
 
 cm. 1-5. The psalmist stirs up all that is within him to gratitude and praise. 
 
 cm. 6-18. Jehovah in covenant with his people as his children is their only 
 comfort and support through all generations, amid sin and weakness. 
 
 cm. 19-22. An invitation to all his works, in heaven and earth, to acknow- 
 ledge his kingdom and to praise him. 
 
 CIV. 1-22. Praise to Jehovah the Creator of all things. 
 
 N.B.— In these verses may be seen many allusions to Gen. i., and a general adherence 
 to the order there. 
 
96 PSALMS. 
 
 CIV. 23-35. Man is the chief in all this, among the creatures for all of whom 
 
 God cares. There is a special moral government, under which the psalmist 
 
 praises Jehovah his life long, while sinners shall be consumed. 
 
 K.B.— This Psalm en(?s with "Praise ye Jehovah," that is in Hebrew, "Hallelujah"; 
 
 as do also cv., cvi., cxiii., cxv., cxvi., cxvii., cxxxv., and the last five psalms. The same 
 
 word stands at the beginning of cvi., cxi., cxii., cxiii., cxxxv., and the last five psalms. 
 
 CV. 1-12. Thanksgiving to Jehovah from all his mindful people, because of 
 
 Avhat he did for the three patriarchs with whom his covenant was made : 
 CV. 13-24. And also for Joseph, and for Israel as they grew into a people : 
 CV. 25-36. And also for the people in the plagues sent on Egypt : 
 CV. 37-45. And as he led them out of Egypt through the wilderness, into the 
 promised land. 
 N.B.— This psalm begins, " give thanks unto Jehovah," as do also cvi. (following the 
 Hallelujah), cvii., cxviii. (and ver. 29), and cxxxvi., which last uses the expression thrice 
 again : this imperative occurs also elsewhere, xxx. 4, xxxiii. 2, xcvii. 12, c. 4. 
 
 CVI. 1-5. Thanksgiving and pleading for an interest in the blessings of the 
 
 people whom Jehovah has chosen. 
 CVI. G-12. Acknowledgement of sin, to be seen already at the Exodus itself : 
 
 and 
 CVI. 13-15. First: in forgetting his redeeming works, lusting, and tempting 
 
 him. 
 CVI. 16-18. Second : in envying his representatives Moses and Aaron. 
 CVI. 19-23. Third : in making the golden calf, when only Moses' intercession 
 
 saved them. 
 CVI. 24-27. Fourth : in despising the pleasant land and disbelieving the word ; 
 
 l)ringing on themselves the sentence of being shut out, and on their children' 
 
 the sentence of scattering in the lands. 
 CVI. 28-31. Fifth : in joining themselves to Baal-peor. 
 CVI. 32, 33. Sixth : In angering Jehovah at the waters of strife, so that it 
 
 went ill with Moses for their sakes. 
 CVI. 34-42. Seventh : in mingling with the nations of Canaan, till they shared 
 
 in their doom. 
 CVI. 43-47. Acknowledging past mercy and remembering the covenant, the 
 
 psalmist pleads for it once more, that Jehovah would gather them from 
 
 among the nations to give thanks unto his holy name. 
 CVI. 48. The doxology (closing the fourth book, compare notes on Psalms xli., 
 
 Ixxii., and Ixxxix). 
 
 CVII. 1-3. Thanksgiving to Jehovah for his redeemed when gathered home. 
 
 CVII. 4-9. Wandering in the wilderness : led and fed. 
 
 CVII. 10-16. Bound and in the shadow of death : brought out, the gates of 
 
 brass which imprisoned them and the bands upon them alike being broken. 
 CVII. 17-22. The foolish, afflicted by their own iniquities : healed by his word. 
 CVII. 23-32. Those at sea, tempest-tost and in despair : brought in calm water 
 
 to the haven where they would be. 
 CVII. 33-43. His marvellous providence, turning both good and bad fortune 
 
 upside down. The wise shall in all this consider the mercies of Jehovah. 
 N.B.— The four principal divisions end in the same call to praise Jehovah, ver. 9, 15, 
 21, 31, with explanations suitable to his goodness and marvellous working in each case. 
 
 CVIII. 
 
 N.B.— This psalm is composed of parts of two others, with very slight changes, namely, 
 Ivii. 7-11 and Ix. 5-12, See the headings of these portions. 
 
 CIX. 1-5. An earnest cry for help against the outrageously wicked. 
 
 CIX. 6-15. The curse denounced upon the evil doer. 
 
 CIX. 16-20. His manner of acting, and its results to himself. 
 
 CIX. 21-25. The prayer expanded, in view of the sufferer's extremity. 
 
 CIX. 26-31. The assurance of help, retribution, and thanksgiving to Jehovah. 
 
PSALMS. i>7 
 
 <JX. David records the address of Jehovah to David's Lord, who is both king 
 and priest after the order of Melchizedek. 
 
 CXI. Praise to Jehovah for his works of creation, providence, and grace. 
 
 N.B.— This and the following are alphabetical psalms (see note on Psalm x) ; and they 
 exactly answer to each other in several respects, so that they are considered by all 
 students to be twin psalms. 
 
 CXII. Praise to Jehovah for the righteousness, usefulness, and happiness of 
 those who fear him. 
 
 CXIII.-CXVIII. The Hallel, or Psalms sung at the Passover. 
 
 CXIII. Praise to Jehovah for his name, his greatness, and his condescension. 
 
 CXIV. The power of the God of Jacob over all nature, as seen especially in 
 the miracles at crossing the Eed Sea and the Jordan. 
 
 CXV. 1-8. Jehovah is the true God, in contrast with all idols. 
 OXV. 9-11, All classes of hi.s people are called to trust in him. 
 CXV. 12-18. He blesses us, and we will bless him. 
 
 CXVI. 1-8. Acknowledgement of distress and deliverance. 
 CXVI. 9-19. Resolve to walk before Jehovah, to take the cup of salvation, 
 and to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. 
 JS'.B.— There is the refrain, ver. 14 and ver. 18. 
 
 CXVII.— All the nations are exhorted to praise Jehovah for his mercy and his 
 truth. 
 
 CXVIII. 1-7. The mercy of Jehovah. 
 OXVIII. 8-14. The trustworthiness of Jehovah. 
 CXVIII. 15-21. The victorious working of Jehovah. 
 CXVIII. 22-29. The Avisdom and goodness of Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— Compare ver. 14 and 28 with the song of Moses, Exod. xv. 2. Observe the 
 refrain or chorus, "For his mercy endureth for ever," ver. 1-4, 29, already in cvi. 1; 
 cvii. 1 (and almost the same c. 5 ; ciii. 17 ; cxxxviii. 8) ; and running through the whole of 
 Psalm cxxxvi. Also observe other repetitions here, ver. 6 and 7, ver. 8 and 9, ver. 10-12, 
 and ver. 15 and IG, and partly vtr. li and 21. 
 
 CXIX. " This Psalm containeth sundry prayers, praises and professions of 
 obedience," says the heading in the Authorised Version. 
 N.B.— It is the longest and most complete of the alphabetical Psalms, as to which see 
 note at Psa. x. It is a series of reflexions on the Law of God under a variety of names, 
 and its applications to a believer's case in life. 
 
 CXX.-CXXXIV. The Songs of Degrees or Ascents. 
 
 N.B.-It is needless here to discuss the meaning of this title. The two leading views 
 probably are (1) pilgrim psalms, for those going up to the three great feasts at the temple ; 
 though some apply it to the exiles going up from Babylon : or (2) psalms of the stairs, 
 said to be fifteen steps leading up to the inner temple court ; understood either literally 
 of these steps as used by the ministers of God to stand upon while they chaunted these 
 psalms, or metaphorically, these psalms being a spiritual ladder leading up to heaven. 
 
 CXX. Prayer for deliverance from deceitful tongues and from haters of peace. 
 
 CXXI. The keeper of Israel. 
 
 CXXII. Praise of Jerusalem, and prayer for its peace, as the compact city, 
 with the house of Jehovah, to which the tribes go up, and with the thrones 
 of the house of David. 
 
98 PSALMS. 
 
 CXXIII. The eye of hope ; his servants looking to Jehovah because of the 
 proud. 
 
 CXXIV. Deliverance from extreme danger, like the bird from the fowler's 
 snare. 
 
 CXXV. Jehovah round about his people, for whose peace there is a prayer. 
 
 CXXVI. The returned captives have been like them that dream; they pray 
 for fuller recovery. 
 
 CXXVIT. Solomon's prayer that Jehovah would build the house and keep 
 the city, and bless the family. 
 
 CXXYIIT. The personal, domestic, and public happiness of every one that 
 fears Jehovah. 
 
 CXXIX. The deliverance of Israel from ever-repeated afflictions : prayer 
 against the haters of Zion. 
 
 CXXX. The cry out of the depths ; the sense of forgiveness ; the psalmist's 
 patience of hope ; his exhortation to Israel to do as he has done. 
 
 CXXXI. David has waited on Jehovah, like a weaned child: he exhorts- 
 Israel ever to hope in Jehovah. 
 
 CXXXII. 1-5. David's vow regarding the ark and its r-esting place. 
 CXXXII. 6-10. The accomplishment of this vow (compare verses 8, 9 with 
 
 ^ 2 Chron. vi. 41, 42). 
 CXXXII. 11, 12. The promise to David's seed. 
 CXXXII. 13-18. The promise to Zion. 
 
 CXXXIII. The benefit of the communion of saints. 
 
 CXXXIV, An exhortation to bless Jehovah, and a prayer for blessing from 
 him. 
 
 CXXXV. 1-7. Praise to Jehovah from his chosen people, who know his good- 
 ness and power, as seen in all nature : 
 
 CXXXV. 8-14. As also for his grace in delivering and settling ,Israel. 
 
 CXXXV. 15-21. He is to be contrasted with the idols, and to be blessed 
 (see Psa. cxv). 
 
 CXXXVI. 1-9. Thanksgiving to Jehovah as the God of creation : 
 CXXXVI. 10-26. And also as the God of redemption. 
 
 N.B.— See note on cxviii. regarding the chorus or refrain, " For his mercy endureth for 
 ever." Much of this psalm corresponds to the one before it, especially ver. 17-22 with 
 CXXXV. 10-12. 
 
 CXXXVII. 1-3. The insults to Zion which the sorrowing captives endured. 
 CXXXVII. 4-6. Their love for Jerusalem and their reverence for Jehovah^ 
 
 who had been the real object of insult. 
 CXXXVII. 7-9. The vengeance implored and denounced against Edom and 
 
 Babel. 
 
 CXXXVIII. 1-3. David thanks Jehovah for mercies to himself. 
 CXXXVIII. 4-6. He foretells that all the kings of the earth shall also thank 
 
 him, and sing of his greatness. 
 CXXXVIII. 7, 8. He expresses his own confidence in Jehovah, 
 
 CXXXIX. 1-6. The omniscience of Jehovah. 
 CXXXIX. 7-12, His omnipresence. 
 
 CXXXIX. 13-13. These attributes are manifested in the constitution of man^ 
 and in God's care of him. 
 
PSALMS. 9!) 
 
 CXXXIX. 19-24. The psalmist's appeal to the holy God, the searcher ot 
 hearts. 
 
 CXL. 1-5. Prayer for deliverance and protection from malignant enemies. 
 CXL. 6-8. Renewed appeal, with thankful acknowledgement of mercies. 
 CXL. 9-11. Prayer for retribution on them. 
 CXL. 12, 13. Confident expectation of defence, and promise of thanksgiving. 
 
 CXLI. 1-4. Pi-ayer to be accepted, and to be kept from temptation. 
 
 CXLI. 5-7. Experiences in times of trouble. 
 
 CXLI. 8-10. Eefuge in Jehovah, and prayer for deliverance from snares. 
 
 CXLII. Supplication when the soul is overwhelmed and desolate, with strong 
 confidence in the issue. 
 
 CXLIII. 1-6. The complaint under a sense of guilt and danger and 
 
 desolation. 
 CXLIII. 7-12. The prayer for grace, deliverance and sanctification, and for the 
 
 destruction of the enemies of God's servant. 
 
 CXLIV. 1-4. A meditation on the greatness of Jehovah, in whom his servant 
 trusts ; and on the littleness of man. 
 
 CXLIV. 5-8. A prayer for the powerful deliverance of God. 
 
 CXLIV. 9-11. An engagement to praise God, in a new song, for his deliver- 
 ance, especially of David. 
 
 CXLIV. 12-15. The happy condition of his people, whose God is Jehovah. 
 
 CXLV. 1-7. Praise to the name of Jehovah, as great and good. 
 CXLV. 8-14. This is seen especially in the graciousness of his kingdom. 
 CXLV. 15-21. His goodness to all is seen best in his dealings with his praying 
 people. 
 
 CXLVI.-CL. The psalms of Hallelujah. 
 N.B.— See note on Psa. civ. 
 
 CXL VI. 1-4. An engagement to praise Jehovah perpetually, putting no 
 
 trust in man. 
 CXL VI. 5-10. For Jehovah is creator, judge, deliverer, and king in Zion 
 
 for ever. 
 
 CXL VII. 1-6. Praise to Jehovah for building up Jerusalem and gathering 
 
 together the outcasts of Israel. 
 CXLVII. 7-11. Thanksgiving for his goodness to all his creatures, rising 
 
 highest in the case of those that hope in his mercy. 
 CXLVII. 12-20. Praise to him in Zion, especially for his word made known 
 
 to his people. 
 
 CXLVIII. 1-6. Praise to Jehovah from the heavens : 
 CXLVIII. 7-12. Also from the earth : 
 
 CXLVIII. 13, 14. Especially for his name, and his doings for Israel, a people 
 near unto him. 
 
 CXLIX. 1-4. A call to Israel and Zion to praise Jehovah and to be joyful 
 
 in their king. 
 CXLIX 5-9. Their call to execute upon the heathen the judgements written. 
 
 CL. Call to praise Jehovah in his sanctuary, for all that he does and is, with 
 every instrument, by everything that breathes. 
 
100 I'EOVERBS. 
 
 PROVERBS. 
 
 I. -IX. Introductory discourses on wisdom. 
 
 I. 1-6. The use of proverbs. 
 
 I. 7-19. An exhortation to the fear of Jehovah, resisting temptation. 
 
 I. 20-33. The call of Wisdom, and the threatening to those who despise her. 
 
 II. Wisdom promises to her children godliness, understanding, and safety 
 from evil company. 
 
 III. 1-10. An exhortation to obedience and trust in Jehovah. 
 
 III. 11-20. The value of chastening from Jehovah, and of finding wisdom. 
 
 III. 21-35. The benefits of this wisdom to oneself and to others, in contrast 
 with the cursed state of the wicked. 
 
 IV. 1-9. A father's praise of wisdom to his sons. 
 
 IV. 10-19. His appeal and warning, in view of the courses of the wicked. 
 
 IV. 20-27. His exhortation to faith, to keeping the heart, and to sanctification 
 in the life. 
 
 V. His warnings against an unclean life ; 
 
 VI. 1-5. Against suretiship ; 
 VI. G-ll. Against idleness. 
 
 VI. 12-19. The worthless man, kno^ATi by seven marks, his miserable end ; the 
 seven things abominable to Jehovah. 
 
 VI. 20-.35. The blessings of obedience to the law of parents, especially as 
 preserving from sins of uncleanness. 
 
 VII. An earnest exhortation to wisdom and against uncleanness, fortified by 
 an appeal to a miserable instance. 
 
 VIII. The call of Wisdom to men : her righteousness and truth, her precious- 
 ness, her power, her everlasting companionship with Jehovah, and her 
 love for men. 
 
 IX. 1-6. The feast prepared by Wisdom, and her invitations to it. 
 
 IX. 7-12. Contrast l^etween the effect of reproof upon a scorner, and upon cue 
 
 who has in him the fear of Jehovah. 
 IX. 13-18. The feast prepared by Folly, and her invitation to it. 
 
 X.-XXIX. The proverbs, strictly so called. 
 
 X.-XXII. 16. The body of the collection of proverbs. 
 
 N.B.— It is scarcely possible to give a table of contents more precisely than is done at 
 chapter x. in the Authorised Version. " From tliis chapter to the five-and-twentieth arc 
 sundry observations of moral virtues and their contrary vices." 
 
 XXII. ir.-XXIV. 22. First appendix. 
 XXIV. 23-34. Second appendix. 
 
 XXV.-XXIX. Third appendix, the proverbs of Solomon which the men of 
 Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied out. 
 
 y.B.— The Authorised Version gives the following headings to these chapters, perhaps 
 not wholly satisfactory ; yet there is more appearance of arrangement in them than in 
 tlie earlier chapters. 
 
 *' XXV. 1. Observations about kings ; 8, and about avoiding quarrels, and 
 sundry causes thereof. 
 
 XXVI. 1. Observations about fools ; 13, about sluggards ; 17, and about 
 contentious busy bodies. 
 
 XXVII. 1. Observations of self-love ; 5, of true love ; 11, of care to avoid 
 offences ; 23, and of the household care. 
 
 XXVIII. General observations of impiety and religious integrity. 
 
 XXIX. 1. Observations of public government; 15, and of private; 22, of 
 anger, pz'ide, thievery, cowardice, and corruption." 
 
PROVERBS. 101 
 
 XXX., XXXI. Wise sayings appended to the Proverbs. 
 
 XXX. The words of Agur. _ 
 XXX. 1-6, Confession of his faith. 
 XXX. 7-9. The two points of his prayer. 
 XXX. 10. The meanest are not to be wronged. 
 XXX. 11-14. Four wicked generations. 
 XXX. 15, 16. Four things insatiable. 
 XXX. 17. Parents are not to be despised. 
 XXX. 18-20. Four things hard to be known. 
 XXX. 21-23. Four things intolerable. 
 XXX. 2i-28. Four things exceeding wise. 
 XXX. 29-31. Four things stately. 
 
 XXX. 32, 33. Wicked folly is to be repressed. 
 
 XXXI. The words of king Lemuel, taught him by his mother. 
 
 XXXI. 2-9. The lesson of chastity, temperance, and righteousness and mercy. 
 XXXI. 10-31. The i)raise and properties of a good wife. 
 
 N.B.— This passage, ver. 10-31, is a poem in alphabetical form : conipai-e the note at 
 beginning of Lamentations. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 I., II. Notliing enduringly profitable is attainable by man. 
 
 I. 1-11. Universal vanity is seen in the restless changes throughout all natiire. 
 
 I. 12-18. I have found it so in my search after wisdom. 
 
 II. 1-11. And so also in my pursuit of enjoyment along with wisdom. 
 
 II. 12-17. The wise man is better than the fool : yet one event happens to 
 
 them all. 
 II. 18-23. The despair of seeing that I must leave all my labour, and perhaps 
 
 to a fool. 
 
 II. 21. We are to enjoy good in our labour, as from the hand of God. 
 
 III.-Vl. Our dependence on God, who is above all these changes 
 in nature. 
 
 III. 1-15. There is an order amidst these ceaseless changes ; and all that God 
 does is perfect, beautiful, and enduring : we may take enjoyment of our 
 labour as a gift of God. 
 
 III. 10-22, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, and manifest their 
 brutishness. 
 
 IV. 1-3. The evil condition of men is made worse by oppressiou; 
 IV. 4-6. And by envy, and slothfulness ; 
 
 IV. 7-12. And by covetousness, and solitariness ; 
 
 IV. 13-16. And by wilfulness. 
 
 V, 1-7, Vanities even in divine service ; 
 
 V, 8, 9. And in murmuring against oppression ; 
 
 V, 10-12. And in the struggle for riches. 
 
 V. 13-17. These riches may make the evil worse : 
 
 V. 18-20. Joy in them is the gift of God. 
 
 VI. 1-9, Vanity of riches, and of labour, apart from God's blessing. 
 VI. 10-12. All that man can plan or do, apart from God, is vain. 
 
102 ECCLESIASTES. 
 
 VII -VIII. 15. A brighter view of life, for those who fear God. 
 
 VII. 1-14. Consider the work of God : many things are really better than 
 
 things supposed to be good. 
 VII. 15-18. Worldly maxims for safety: the true protection is the fear of God. 
 VII. 19-22. The value of wisdom : yet our universal depravity brings 
 
 difficulties : 
 
 VII. 23-29. ^ This is seen in the difficulty of knowing the reason of things, and 
 in the difficulty of finding a woman who shall be a true help. 
 
 N.B.— The reference, ver. 29, to the fall of man as he came from the Creator's hands, 
 may be connected with the account of the creation of woman to be a help meet for man, 
 as among the very scanty references iu this book to the rest of the Bible. 
 
 VIII. 1-9. How much can wisdom accomplish, and when can it do nothing, 
 amid the ills of life ? 
 
 VIII. 10-15. Desperate wickedness in the heart of man : yet in spite of 
 appearances to the contrary, it shall be well or ill with men as they fear 
 God or fear him not. 
 
 VIII. 16-XII. 7. How the world and the course of life ought to be 
 regarded. 
 
 VIII, 16-IX. 6. The work of God cannot be found out fully in this life, where 
 there is often one event to the righteous and to the wicked. 
 
 IX. 7-10. If God has accepted thy works, enjoy his gifts, and do with thy 
 mij^ht whatsoever thy hand finds to do. 
 
 IX, 11, 12. Time and chance happen to all men. 
 
 IX. 13-16. Wisdom is better than strength (see vii. 19) ; yet it may be despised 
 
 and overlooked. 
 IX. 17-X. 20. Sin and folly occasion perplexities in all the relations of life. 
 XI, 1-8. Sow the good seed abundantly and hopefully, so long as the pleasant 
 
 sunlight lasts. 
 
 XI. 9-XII. 7. Let the young, amid their joys, think of the coming judgement, 
 remember their Creator early, and consider the approach of old age and 
 death. 
 
 XII. 8-14. Conclusion. 
 
 XII. 8. Repetition of the opening statement in i. 2. 
 XII. 9, 10. The Preacher's care to edify. 
 
 XII. 11, 12. Value of the best reading over reading many books. 
 XII. 13, 14. The fear of God, in view of the coming judgement, is the whole 
 duty of man. 
 
 SONG OF SONGS, 
 
 I. 1. The title. 
 
 N,B.— The almost unanimous belief of the church, both Jewish and Christian, has been 
 that the song is a description of the Lord and the Church. This is my own belief ; but 
 the headings will suit, whether this interpretation is received or rejected, 
 
 1. 2-II. 7. The longings of mutual love. 
 
 I. 2-4. The bi-ide's praise of the bridegroom, and her desire for him. 
 
SONG OF SONGS. 103 
 
 I. 5-7. Her depreciation of herself to the daughters of Jerusalem. She asks 
 
 him where she may find him with his flock. 
 I. 8. He replies to her, as the fairest among women. 
 I. 9-11. His praise of her. 
 I. 12-14. Her praise of him. 
 I. 15. His ]eraise of her. 
 
 I. 16-11. 1. Her praise of him, and her description of herself. 
 
 II. 2. His description of her. 
 
 II. 3-6. Her description of him, and of her ecstacy. 
 II. 7. Appeal to the daughters of Jerusalem. 
 
 II. 8-III. 5. The lovers seeking and finding one another. 
 
 II. 8-17. She hears his voice, detects his presence, interprets his language as he 
 
 seeks her, and replies to it. 
 
 III. 1-4. She seeks him, at first without success, j'-et in the end meeting him 
 and holding him fast. 
 
 III. 5. Appeal to the daughters of Jerusalem (repeating ii. 7). 
 
 III. 6-V. 1. The espousals. 
 
 III. 6-11. Who is she that comes up from the wilderness? It is Solomon's 
 litter : his glory and attractiveness. 
 
 IV. 1-7. His praise of her. 
 
 IV. 8-15. His invitation to her as his sister and bride, and his encomiums. 
 
 IV. 16. Her call to the winds to bring out the perfumes of her garden, which 
 is to be his. 
 
 V. 1, He is come unto his garden, has enjoyed all that is in it, and invites his 
 
 friends to feast. 
 
 V. 2-VI. 9. The separation and reunion. 
 
 V. 2-8. Her confession that she slept and neglected his calls till he withdrew. 
 
 Her search for him in vain. Her appeal to the daughters of Jerusalem 
 
 (different from ii. 7, iii. 5). 
 V. 9. Their reply, asking what is her beloved more than another. 
 
 V. 10-16. Her answer, describing and praising him. 
 
 VI. 1. Their question, how they may help her to find him. 
 
 VI. 2, 3. Her answer, with the assertion that he and she belong to one another. 
 VI. 4-9. He sees her and breaks out in praise of her (ver. 5-7 taken 
 from iv. 1-3). 
 
 VI. lO-VIII. 4. Their language of mutual commendation. 
 
 VI. 10. Who is she, so fair and clear and terrible ? 
 
 VI. 11, 12. SurjDrise and ecstacy in the garden (see iv. 16, v. 1, vi. 2). 
 
 VI. 13. Call to the Shulammite (this feminine name answers to the masculine 
 name Solomon) to return. What is to be seen in her. 
 
 VTI. 1-9. His praise of her. 
 
 VII. 10- VIII. 3. Her delight in him, her invitations to him. 
 
 VIII. 4. Appeal to the daughters of Jerusalem (as ii. 7, iii. 5). 
 
 VIII. 5-14. Conclusion. Unchanging faithful love. 
 
 VIII. 5. Who is she that comes up from the wilderness (repeated so far from 
 iii. 6). The awakening, as already the birth, under the apple tree. 
 
104 ■ SONG OF SONGS. 
 
 VIII. 6, 7. Her call to him to set her as a seal on his heart and on his arm. 
 
 The matchless strength of love. 
 VIII. 8, 9. The little sister, who shall yet be spoken for when grown up._ 
 VIIl! 10-12. The bride already grown up and enjoyini,^ the affection of 
 
 Solomon, lavishes all on him. , . , , ,. -.nx 
 
 VIII. 13. His call to her as she that dwells m the gardens (iv. 10). • 
 VIIL 14. Her loving reply. 
 
 ISAIAH. 
 
 I. The preface. 
 
 I. 1. The title for the whole time of his prophetic ministry. 
 
 I. 2-31. The address to the rebellious people, 
 jr j> _jj;^ each message Jeliovali himself is introduced as the speaker. 
 I. 2-9. They are hopelessly rebellious and corrupt, till Zion has become almost 
 
 like Sodom and Gomorrah. 
 I. 10-17. Their vain religiousness ; what is really needed. 
 l' 18-'?3. The loving offer of free grace ; it is slighted. 
 
 l! 24-31. National judgement ; yet the final issue shall be redemption and 
 restoration. 
 
 II._IV. Prophecy of the true and the falss glory of Israel. 
 
 II. 1. The title. 
 
 N.B.— So far as it goes, much as i. 1. 
 II 2-4. The position which the chosen people ought to occupy at the head of 
 the nations ; the reign of Jehovah in righteousness and peace. 
 
 N.B.— Almost word for word again in INIicah iv. 1-3. 
 
 II. 5-11. Invitation to the people to come to this light from the darkness of 
 
 worldly conformity and impending judgement. 
 II 12-21. The day of Jehovah : the general visitation ; the aim of it, to exalt 
 ' him alone (see already in ver 11). 
 
 II. 22. Cease from man, so helpless (after all his works, and his very idols, 
 have passed away, ver. 18). ^ 
 
 jjl_ 1_15. Jehovah takes away all ranks or classes in social life, on account of 
 their degeneracy, which has left them on a level with Sodom (see already 
 i. 9, 10).° In all this are seen the righteousness and the retributive justice 
 o*f Jehovah (who might have ministered righteously among them very 
 differently, ver. 3, 4). , , . 
 
 III. 16-IV. 1. Special judgement on the women (who m some cases had 
 * assumed to rule along with children, ver. 12), as worse than useless in this 
 
 ruined condition of society, being the very source and strength of its world- 
 liness and corruption. Loss of all that they relish and value, the family 
 and the state left desolate. ^ ^ , 
 
 IV. 2-6. The restoration of glory and beauty to Israel, to those that escape 
 ' and are purified in these trials (see i. 25-27), in a manner and degree that 
 
ISAIAH. 105 
 
 shall transcend the glorj' of the pillar of cloud and fire at the Exodus. No- 
 more judgement. 
 N.B.— "The branch of Jehovah," ver. 2, is taken up by other prophets as a title of 
 
 Messiah, Jer. xxiii. 5 and xxxiii. 15, Zech. iii. 8, vi. 12 ; this seems to be the first instance 
 
 of the prophetic use of it, possibly in a sense less definite. 
 
 V. Israel long under training to no purpose, is now ready for judge- 
 ment, which is about to be executed. 
 
 V. 1-7. Under the form of a song to his beloved Lord (compare Deut. xxxi. 
 19, 22, 30), the pro]:)het represents the house of Israel and men of Judah as 
 a vineyard on which Jehovah has in vain laid out all possible care, regard- 
 ing which they are called to judge for themselves ; therefore it must now 
 be given up to ruin (contrast iv. 2-6). The justice of this sentence appears 
 as follows : 
 
 (1) v. 8-10, from their covetousness and oppression (see iii. 14, 15), to be 
 liunished by disappointment : 
 
 (2) v. 11-17, from their drunkenness and levity and ungodly pleasures ; to 
 be imnished lay death or captivity, while their good things are left to 
 strangers : 
 
 (3) V. 18, 19, from their boldness in sinning and scoffing at the Holy One of 
 Israel (a very favourite title of God in this prophet, apparently derived 
 from his own experience, vi. 3, 5) : 
 
 (4) v. 20, from their resolute choice of evil to be their good (making them- 
 selves more like fiends than men, as Milton has described Satan) : 
 
 (5) v. 2i, from their self-sufficiency or self-conceit : 
 
 (6) V. 22, 23, from their drunken subversion of all justice. 
 
 v. 24. The appalling judgements, on account of their rejecting his law and 
 
 his word (contrast ii. 3). 
 V. 25-30. The details of its unerring execution by instruments of vengeance 
 
 from afar. 
 
 VI. The special mission of Isaiah, and his consecration to it. 
 N.B.— It is carefully dated, ver. 1. 
 
 VI. 1-4. Vision of Jehovah on his throne in his temple, with his attendants. 
 
 VI. 5-7. Isaiah's sense of sinfulness ; confession, and gracious deliverance. 
 
 VI. 8-13, The mission from Jehovah, taken up by him ; a hopeless and thank- 
 less task, except for a remnant preserved through all these judgements 
 which the people bring on themselves. 
 N.B.— See vii. 3-9, x. 20-23 and notes, regarding this remnaot. 
 
 VIL-VIII. 4. The prophecy of Immanuel. 
 
 VII. 1-9. The turning point in the prophet's ministry under king Ahaz, 
 VII. 1, 2. Historical circumstances : an unbelieving king on the throne of 
 
 David, trembling before the ruthless king of the Ten Tribes (see 2 Chron. 
 
 xxviii. 1-15) in alliance with the heathen king of Syria-Damascus (see 2 
 
 Kings XV. 37, xvi. 1-5). 
 VII. 3-9. The first message to Ahaz, at a place specially named (ver. 3, since 
 
 it is again to be memorable, xxxvi. 2), promising deliverance from their 
 
 plots, if he will believe. 
 N.B.— The name of Isaiah's son (ver. 3), "A remnant shall return," expressed the 
 prophet's faith, and was meant to encourage the king and his people. 
 
106 ISAIAH. 
 
 VII. 10-25. The second message to Ahaz. 
 
 VII. 10-13. The offer of a sign from "Jeliovah thy God"; declined under a 
 false pretence of piety. 
 
 VII. 14-17. The sign given nnasked ; and therefore with mingled comfort and 
 judgement, according to the faith or want of faith in those whom it con- 
 cerned. The travailing virgin ; Immanuel (which means in Hebrew, " God 
 with us") to be born and to grow up living on the produce of a thinly 
 peopled country : till then the throne is secure, and before that date the 
 land of those two kings shall be forsaken. Yet Ahaz and his i^eople and 
 his father's house shall endure unprecedented sufferings at the hand of the 
 king of Assyria. 
 
 VII. 18, 19. The two instruments of vengeance, Egypt and Assyria. 
 N.B.— They are again broiTght together at lii. 4. 
 
 VII. 20. Assj^ria is to be pre-eminently the instrument. 
 
 N.B.— It was the secret scheme of Ahaz to defeat the combination of the Ten Tribes 
 with Syria, by bringing the formidable and growing power of Assyria against them : but 
 it is turned to his own ruin (2 Chron. xxviii. 16-23, 2 Kings xvi. 7-18). 
 
 VII. 21, 22. The country as a whole shall be thinly peopled (see on ver. 16) in 
 
 consequence of these judgements. 
 VII. 23-25. And the cultivated ground shall sink back into a state of nature 
 
 (see the descriptioli i. 7). 
 
 VIII. 1-4. Application of the preceding prophecy to present circum- 
 stances. 
 
 N.B.— The prediction of the birth of Immanuel in vii. 14, has nothing to mark the date, 
 it might be either near at hand or remote, since time is an element generally kept out of 
 sight in prophecy, 2 Peter iii. 8. Were it ever so remote, the kingdom was safe till 
 Immanuel came; but like the New Testament prophecies of liis second coming, It was 
 so constructed that no one could say how soon it might be fulfilled, or whether it was 
 not to be for generations. This want of any definite date threw an element of uncertainty 
 over the prediction of deliverance before Immanuel should grow up ; and this again led 
 to a display of gracious condescension when it was applied to immediate necessities by 
 means of a prediction bearing a close resemblance to it, because a supplement to it, that 
 a son with a symbolic name should very soon be born to the prophet. The unfaithful- 
 ness of Uriah as a priest, 2 Kings xvi. 10-16, made him all the more valuable as a toitness 
 in this matter : he was submissive to the will of Ahaz, who could the less easily elude the 
 force of his testimony here. 
 
 VIII. 5-IX. V. Unfolding of the iDropliecy of Immanuel, who had 
 been named in the sign of Ahaz, vii. 14. 
 
 VIII. 5-8. This people (that is both the Ten Tribes and the Two Tribes, ver. 
 14, ix. 1-3, though with special reference to Jerusalem) either had cast off 
 the authority of the house of David (vii. 17), or were ready to do so (vii. 6), 
 whether out of fear of the confederate kings or out of contempt for Ahaz. 
 In doing so they despised and rejected the theocracy on account of its 
 smallness in the eye of the world, " the waters of Shiloah" that were con- 
 nected with the house of God (see Psalm xlvi. 4, Ezek. xlvii. 1, 2). They 
 wished a larger river, and they should have their wish, the River (the well- 
 known name for the Euphrates) the symbol of the king of Assyi'ia (vii. 20), 
 whose Vv^aters in flood should almost, yet not altogether (ver. 8) submerge 
 Immanuel's land. 
 
 N.B.— The Assyrian Empire was at that time becoming the leading state in the civilized 
 world. 
 
 VIII. 9, 10. Yet the efforts of the nations must come to nothing, because of 
 
ISAIAH. 107 
 
 "God with us " (that is, Immanuel. Compare the fituation as described 
 in Mark iv, 37-41). 
 
 VIII. 11-15. The groundless fears felt by the people, with their talk of 
 conspiracies : and the well founded fear of Jehovah, who is at once a 
 sanctuary to his believing people who sanctify him ("the Holy One of 
 Israel," v. 19), and a fatal stumbling block to all others. 
 
 VIII. 16-18. The Law and the Testimony (which had come down in Israel 
 from Moses in the wilderness. Lev. xxvii. 34 ; Num. xxxvi. 13 ; Deut. 
 xxxi. 9-13, 24-27 ; Exod. xxv. 21, xxxi. 18 ; and which it was the work of 
 the prophets to explain, apply, and enforce), shall be bound up and sealed, 
 that is, preserved in every possible way for future use, among the prophets' 
 disciples, though at present its use will be small because of this very 
 sealing (xxix. 11 ; Dan. xii. 4) : this binding and sealing is left by the 
 proi^het to his God (compare xlix. 4, 5), on whom he waits in this time of 
 spiritual darkness. Through all this dark time, he and his children (vii. 3 
 and viii. 3), shall be a sign to the people from their covenant God (as Zech. 
 iii. 8, vi. 12). 
 
 N.B.— This time of spiritual darkness, in which Jehovah hid himself from his people 
 (xlv. 15), began with Ahaz refusing tlie sign offered at " the conduit of the upper pool, in 
 the high way of tlie fuller's field " (vii. 3), because he had resolved on securing help by 
 making himself a vassal of the king of Assyria : it ended when Hezekiah in faith threw 
 off that vassalage, in spite of the blasphemous threatenings by the servants of the king 
 of Assyria at the self-same spot (xxxvi. 2). 
 
 VIII. 19-IX. 1. The miserable resource of those who choose not to have the 
 Law and the Testimony ; and their consequent shame and loss. Yet they 
 are not utterly abandoned : nay, the deliverance begins in that portion of 
 the land, and among those tribes, where the darkness and disgrace have 
 been deepest, namely, in heathenised Galilee (compare 1 Kings xii. 28-31, 
 XV. 20 ; 2 Kings xv. 29). 
 
 IX. 2-7. The complete deliverance, out of darkness and death : joyful as in 
 the peaceful joys of harvest, or as in the joy of victory over oppressors 
 without the use of any adequate human means (" the day of Midian " refers 
 to Judges vii. 19-25). The deliverer, a child, a son of the house of David, 
 on whose throne he shall sit in peace, and with ever extending dominion 
 shall execute judgement and justice (see 2 Sam. viii. 15), and bear glorious 
 divine names. 
 
 N.B.— These titles in ver. 6, 7, are the filling in of what is involved in the name 
 Immanuel, used without explanation, vii. 14, viii. 8, with which connect viii. 10. 
 
 IX. 8-X. 4. The state of sin and misery for which this Deliverer 
 is needed. 
 
 IX. 8-12. The preparation. The word sent and lighting on Ephraim, in the 
 midst of their obstinacy and presumption. Rezin, their ally and master 
 (vii. 1-4), loses command of his own Syrians ; Israel is devoured by Syria 
 on the one side and by Philistia on the other. 
 
 N.B.— The refrain in ver. 12, 17, 21, x. 4, is taken up from v. 25 ; as viii. 22 bears a strong 
 resemblance to v. 30. 
 
 IX. 13-17. The growing wickedness, where magistrates and ministers of 
 religion are in combination to do evil : and the increasing punishment. 
 
 IX. 18-21. Their wickedness becomes a fire (v. 24) which burns them up, the 
 wrath of Jehovah giving force to the flame, though the people are their own 
 worst enemies. 
 
 N.B.— In ver. 8, 21 it is the whole twelve tribes, as in viiL 14 : yet with this difference, 
 that there the emphasis was upon Judah, but here it is on the Ten Tribes. 
 8 
 
108 ISAIAH. 
 
 X. 1-4. The recompense, to those especially who have abused their position 
 and poisoned the very fountains of justice (contrast ii. 3, ix. 7 : such judge- 
 ments as have been already announced, i. 23, 24; iii. 14, 15; v. 23, 24). 
 Escape in the day of visitation shall be impossible. 
 
 X. 5-XII. 6. The false and the true universal kingdom (compare ii.- 
 iv., of the true and the false glory of Israel). 
 
 X. 5-11. The instrument divinely commissioned to chastise Israel, namely, 
 
 Assyria, personified in its king, who thinks only of himself (compare his 
 
 boastings xxxvi. 4-20, xxxvii. 10-13). 
 X. 12-15. When Jehovah has completed his work upon Mount Zion, these 
 
 boastings shall be seen to be as vain as would be those of an axe or a saw 
 
 against him who held and used it. 
 X. 16-19. The fire (compare at v. 24, ix. 18, 19) shall consume all that is most 
 
 attractive and reliable : anything left shall be trifling. 
 
 N.B.— On solemn occasions Isaiah heaps up the divme names, ver. IG, 17 : as already at 
 i. 24. 
 
 X. 20-23. The secret of the terrific judgement is that they are not all Israel 
 who are of Israel (see Romans ix. G-8, 27-29. Already they are described 
 as a few remaining over or escaped from judgement, i. 9, iv. 2, vi. 13. 
 Compare the name of the prophet's son, vii, 3, to which reference is here 
 made: and the quotation here of the Saviour's title, ix. 6, "the Mighty 
 God "). Promises had, indeed, been made to the patriarchs that their seed 
 should be as the sand of the sea : yet, before these can be fulfilled, the- 
 time has now come for a consumption, or consummation (the two words 
 being as nearly alike in Hebrew as they are in English). The true Israel 
 are those who stay themselves on Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel ; 
 (compare the similar language in xxviii. 22 ; and the statement as ta 
 Abraham's children in Gal. iii. 7). 
 
 X. 24-27. Therefore, do not fear Assyria. 
 
 N.B.— See ver. S3 with viii. 12, 13: the name, "my people," conveying the assurance 
 that all shall be well, in contrast to the unfavourable expression, "this people," often 
 used previously. " The yoke," and " the slaughter of Midiau," refer to ix. 4. 
 
 X. 28-32. The approach of the king of Assyria to Jerusalem, along the 
 mountainous country from Samaria (taken often by commentators as an 
 ideal picture ; yet regarded by others as a literal account). 
 
 X. 33, 34. The sudden deliverance : Jehovah, the mighty one, like a woodman 
 
 in a forest (see ver. 19), felling the enemy at the moment when the prize 
 seems within his grasp. 
 
 N.B.— The word for " mighty " is difficult to translate, and the rendering into English 
 varies : it is repeatedly an epithet of Jehovah, xxxiii. 21 ; 1 Sam. iv. S ; Psa. viii. 1, 
 Ixxvi. 4, xciii. 4. 
 
 XI. 1-9. The true universal kingdom appears in "a shoot out of the stock of 
 Jesse " (the obscure father of David, for the tree of David's house has been 
 cut over, compai^e at vi. 13) : yet abundantly furnished for his work by the 
 sevenfold energy of the Spirit of Jehovah. He shall judge and reprove 
 wisely and righteously ; and with effect, so as to bring in a perfect reign of 
 peace, involving a comj)lete change of the most savage natures (see already 
 ii. 3, 4). 
 
 N.B.— Verse 9 is very much the fulfilment of the old promise, lumbers xiv. 21, pressed 
 on Isaiah's attention in his vision, vi. 3. 
 
ISAIAH. 109 
 
 XI. 10. The " root of Jesse " already stands, and shall soon attract all nations 
 (see Gen. xi. 8, xii. 3 ; John xii. 32). In this state of universal stable 
 equilibrium, his resting place (Ixvi. 1) shall be glorious. 
 
 XI. 11-16. The recovery and restoration of Israel : recovered and gathered in, 
 re-united among themselves, taking vengeance on the old enemies of the 
 kingdom of David (2 Sam. viii. 11, 12), and restored to their land by a new- 
 Exodus, and a miraculous crossing of the Euphrates in the manner of the 
 crossing of the Red Sea. 
 
 XII. The new song of thanksgiving like the song by the Red Sea (Exodus xv. 
 Comiiare Rev. xv. 3). 
 
 XIII.-XXIII. The burdens ere the kingdom can be Jehovah's. 
 
 _N.B.— The titles are often alleged to be of later date : but some of them seem to be in- 
 dispensable for making sense, as xxiii, 1. Their number is Ten, the symbol of complete- 
 ness or universality. 
 
 XIII. -XIV. 27. First :^ The burden of Babylon (placed first as 
 representing Shinar, xi. 11, Gen. xi. 1-9). 
 
 XIII. 2-8. The preparation and approach of the judgement, the day of 
 
 Jehovah. 
 XIII. 9-16. The outburst of wrath, on men, women, and children : affecting 
 
 heaven and earth. 
 N.B.— This and the next description, each begin with " Behold," ver. 9 and ver. 17. 
 
 XIII. 17-22. The appalling consequences of this unsparing judgement : a new 
 Sodom and Gomorrah. 
 
 N.B.— It is no longer Israel which is called by this name ; contrast i. 9, 10. 
 
 XIV. 1, 2. The restoration of Israel, by the nations (see xi. 10-12). 
 
 XIV. 3-23. The parable or song of triumph over the blasphemous enemy, who 
 is pursued into the underworld after his ambition had soared to heaven, 
 ver. 12, 13 (see xiii. 10, 13). 
 N.B.— Therefore Jehovah himself speaks in confirmation of all that has been said, ver. 
 
 22, 23. 
 
 XIV. 21-27. Closing w^ords of confirmation, by the oath of Jehovah, connect- 
 ing Babylon with the oppressor in Isaiah's own time, namely, Assyria (for 
 whose connexion with Babylon compare Genesis x. 11, Micah iv. 10 and v. 
 6, 7, Jer. 1. 17, 18). 
 N.B.— Compare ix. 4, x. 27 ; but " the hand stretched out" is now upon all the nations, 
 
 ver. 26, and no longer upon his own people, as it was at v. 25, ix. 12. 
 
 XIV. 28-32. Second : The burden of Philistia, in the year that king 
 Ahaz died. This old enemy (ix. 12, xi. 14) shall endure successive 
 judgements, whilst the poor and the needy shall feed and lie down 
 securely (xi. 4, 7). Contrast Philistia with Zion, which Jehovah 
 has founded (see Psalm Ixxxvii. 1). Contrast also the serpent's 
 root coming forth to destroy the^ root of Philistia, ver. 29, 30, with 
 the root from the stem of Jesse, in xi. 1, to bless. 
 
 XV. , XVI. Third : The burden of Moab : its voluptuous merriment 
 turned to sorrow and captivity. 
 
 XV. Moab praying to his idols ; fleeing from his country; carrying off what 
 he can, only to be exposed to additional and greater evils. 
 
110 ISAIAH. 
 
 XVI. 1-5. Counsel to Moab to be rightly exercised by his afflictions, to send 
 the lambs in token of submission (not now, indeed, to the ruler of the Ten 
 Tribes, as at 2 Kings iii. 4, 5), but to the heir of the throne of David in 
 Zion (see 2 Sam. yiii. 1, 2, 12). Tor in the tent of David the throne is yet 
 to be established in mercy and truth, in judgement and righteousness (see 
 the descriptions in ch. ii., ix., xi.), however outward appearances at present 
 may be contrary, so that for a time Moab may even be invited to give 
 shelter to the outcasts (xi. 12, and probably viii. 22, see the Hebrew) of the 
 people of Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— I follow the Authorised Version at ver. 4, and understand the words to refer to 
 the disastrous unbelieving reign of Ahaz, viii. 14-22, 2 Chron. xxviii. 16-24. 
 
 XVI. 6-12. Moab loses this opportunity, being steeped in worldliness, pride, 
 and sensual enjoyment ; the companions of his revelry become the execu- 
 tioners of vengeance, till all is lost, and his prayers, however fervent in the 
 end (already described, xv. 2) are of no avail. 
 
 XVI. 13, 14. The word of Jehovah had been uttered long ago against Moab 
 (the key-note having been struck by Balaam, Num. xxiv. 17) ; Isaiah 
 counts on its fulfilment (see xi. 14) within three years, calculated as 
 narrowly as a hired servant calculates his time. 
 
 N.B.— Isaiah might the rather do this, since he had been announcing judgements on 
 Asshur of whom Balaam had also spoken, as first inflictuag divine vengeance and then 
 suffering it. Num. xxiv. 21-24. 
 
 XVII., XVIII. Fourth : The burden of Damascus. 
 
 XVII. 1-3. The ruin of Damascus, the head of Syria ; and therefore also of 
 the Ten Tribes, or Ephraim (which had now become an appendage of Syria, 
 and had forfeited the claim to be Israel, the people of Jehovah, see vii. 1-9), 
 
 XVII. 4-11. Utter ruin to " the glory of Jacob " (however it might be with 
 individuals), in consequence of forgetting the God of their salvation. 
 
 XVII. 12-14. The uproar and rushing of many peoples (beginning with Syria 
 and Ephraim, afterwards with the addition of Assyria through the policy 
 of Ahaz, as seen in chaji. vii. and viii. ) ; ending in the sudden and comjjlete 
 deliverance of God's people (as already, x. 32-84). 
 
 XVIIL The previously mentioned upheaval extends to distant Ethiopia, 
 which summons all its dependencies to a world-wide struggle. But this is 
 needless ; for Jehovah calmly awaits the moment in which he is to cut 
 down his enemies and give them to be devoured. The excitement of the 
 whole world has no other effect than to bring the most distant and terrible 
 nations as a voluntary gift to Jehovah of hosts at the place of his name. 
 
 XIX., XX. Fifth : The burden of Egypt. 
 
 XIX. 1-15. The judgement upon the idols (see Num. xxxiii. 4) and all then- 
 religion ; upon their cities and districts ; upon their resources ; upon their 
 ranks of society ; upon their kings and princes. Utter ruin to all classes 
 (compare ver. 15 and ix. 14). 
 
 XIX. 16-25. The blessed fruits of the discipline are explained in five para- 
 graphs, each beginning "in that day" ; this expression is also repeated in 
 the middle of the longest paragraph (ver. 21). Egypt is brought to humili- 
 ation and fear of the hand of Jehovah, and even of the land of Judah. It 
 is so far brought to repair the divisions of language which separate the 
 nations. (N.B. — Perhaps generally, ver. 18, five cities out of every six). 
 It is l^rought to the puritj^ of Avoi'ship (iDatriarchal, ver. 19, compare Gen. 
 xxviii. 18, etc., not Mosaic, see Lev. xxvi. 1, Deut. vii. 5, xii. 3, unless 
 covenant making, Ex. xxiv. 4-8) and sacrifice to him who smote it. It is 
 made a_ pledge of the brotherhood of nations, by union with Assyria in civil 
 and spiritual blessings. It is brought with Assyria to share the epithets 
 
ISAIAH. Ill 
 
 hitherto peculiar to Israel ; and the three stand united in blessing, for 
 themselves and the whole world (in contrast to Egypt and Assyria as they 
 were formerly the scourges of Israel, vii. 18). 
 XX. In the meantime these two nations are involved in wars and misery. 
 God's people, who had been tempted to trust in Egypt and Ethiopia for 
 defence against Assyria, are taught by Isaiah's symbolic action, that they 
 shall be dismayed and ashamed on account of their expectation. 
 
 N.B.— In these judgeuients on Syria, chap. xvii. 7, and Egypt, chap. xx. 6, and Babylon, 
 chap. xxi. 10, the highest end is declared to be the training of the chosen people for their 
 true vocation, by which the world is to be blessed, according to Gen. xii. 1-3, &c. 
 
 XXI. 1-10. Sixth : The burden of the wilderness of the sea. 
 
 N.B.— A mysterious name, Avhich must be meant to describe Babylon, see especially 
 ver. 9 : perhaps because it became the place of discipline to God's people as the wilder- 
 ness of the Red Sea had been, compare Ezek. xx. 35. Otherwise, it is in contrast with 
 the symbolic title in xxii. 1 : Jerusalem is the valley of vision, rich in spiritual 
 hitsbandry ; whereas Babylon, the rival centre of influence, is spiritually barren, and as 
 restless as the sea, compare Ivii. 20. 
 
 Preparations for judgement ; terror in the prophet's time ; sensual security ; the 
 mysterious watchman ; the sudden and utter overthrow of Babylon and her images : 
 the dedication of this prophetic intelligence to the people of the God of Israel, who had 
 been threshed like corn (compare 2 Kings xiii. 7). 
 
 XXI. 11, 12. Seventh : The burden of Dumah. 
 
 N.B.— A son of Ishmael, Gen. xxv. 14: the word means " silence," or " speechlessness," 
 and it has been taken as a play on the name, Edom, whose mount Seir is the place from 
 which the watchman (a word entirely different from that at ver. 6) calls. 
 
 The watchman is asked of the night, of what sort it is, or rather, how far it is gone. 
 He answers that they must not take for granted that it is passing away before the morn- 
 ing light : if they are in eai-nest for an answer, they must come again. 
 
 XXI. 13-17. Eighth : The burden upon Arabia. 
 
 The caravans, compelled to lodge in the forests, and being fugitives from some terrible 
 enemy, receive bread and water from tribes far south of their usual routes. Now the 
 archers (see Gen. xxi. 20, xxv. 13, 15) are about to be cut off, at an early and well-marked 
 date (compare xvi. 14). 
 
 XXII. Ninth : The burden of the valley of vision. 
 
 N.B.— This must be Jerusalem, see especially ver. 8-11, and compare the title in 
 xxix. 1 : also contrast this with its rival's symbolical name, chap. xxi. 1. In these burdens 
 Jerusalem appears among the heathen nations, as Ephraim appeared in xvii. ; in the 
 Kew Testament prophecy we have something which goes beyond this : the corrupt and 
 apostate church is actually designated by the name Babylon, Pv,ev. xvii. and xviii. It is 
 a mistake to apply this prediction mainly to the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib, from 
 which Isaiah invariably predicted a glorious deliverance : it stretches on to the con- 
 summation (how near or how far off the prophet did not know) when the king of Babylon 
 besieged and destroyed the city. 
 
 XXII. 1-14. The approaching catastrophe : confusion, hopeless grief of the 
 prophet ; earlier trial in Sennacherib's time ; met by the people with self- 
 confidence and refusal to repent ; their unpardonable sin, and their doom 
 (com. Jer. xxxvi. 21-31). 
 
 XXII. 15-25. Fleshly security of the king's minister Shebna, who shall die in 
 degradation and exile. His siiccessor shall be a man of true worth and 
 reliability, for the good of the house of David and the inhabitants of 
 Jerusalem. Yet in the end, even this nail in a sure place shall give way 
 (like a nail driven into rotten wood), and everything hanging on it shall 
 fall (see ver. 14). 
 
112 ISAIAH. 
 
 XXIII. Tenth : The burden of Tyre. 
 
 XXIII. 1-14. The judgement, as Jehovah stretches out his hand over the sea 
 (ver. 11), the consternation, the flight, the depth of humiliation. 
 
 XXIII. 15-18. The results of the judgement ending in consecration fco 
 Jehovah of all that had belonged to Tyre (as xviii. 7). 
 
 XXIV.-XXVII. The everlasting issues of the previous prophecies. 
 
 XXIV. The course of the process of change from universal judge- 
 ments to eternal glory. 
 
 XXIV. 1-12. The catastrophe is universal ; the causes of it, and the mani- 
 festations in the country and the towns. 
 
 N.B.— This might be applied either to the land of Israel or to the earth at large : the 
 difference in interpretation is not important, since Israel appears here in its relations to 
 " the world " at large which is expressly named in ver. 4, and for the good of which all 
 the privileges of Israel were held in trust. Also ver. 10, see the margin, implies a return 
 to a state like Gen. i. 2. 
 
 XXIV. 13-15. The turning point with the little remnant, a mere grape- 
 gleaning (compare x. 20-23 ; Micah vii. 1), who are suddenly delivered, 
 and who then lift up their voice in praise (compare chap, xii., xiv. 7-21). 
 
 XXIV. lG-20. Painful sense of weakness and imperfection. A time like 
 Noah's flood, so terrible and thorough a judgement (compare the description 
 generally with Gen. vi. and vii. ; .and particular expressions, like ver. 18 
 with Gen. vii. 11, and ver. 17 with Luke xvii. 26, 27 and xxi. 34, 35). 
 
 XXIV. 21-23. Those in authority, both in heaven and on earth, are called to 
 account: the great prison-house. Sun and moon are put to shame (as 
 already xiii. 10, 11) before the glories of Jehovah's reign in mount Zion, 
 before his elders. 
 
 N.B.— Compare xxx. 26. See this fuller in Daniel vii. ; Rev. iv., &c. 
 
 XXV. The song of triumph and the perfected and enduring joy. 
 
 XXV. 1-5, Compensations and adjustments (compare 2 Thess. i. 6-10). 
 XXV. 6-8. Perfect undisturbed enjoyment of communion with Jehovah, in 
 
 the feast which he prepares for all peoples, when death itself is swallowed 
 up. 
 
 XXV. 9-12. Example in Isaiah's own age (see the note on viii. 1-4) of the 
 removal of the reproach of his people (ver. 8 ; Joshua v. 9) in the undoing 
 of Moab (already xi. 14, xv., xvi.) and all hostile fortresses (as again xxvi. 5, 
 xxvii. 10). 
 
 XXVI. The attitude of joyful faith and hopeful patience. 
 
 XXVI. 1-10. The confidence of faith: the new song (as already chap, xii.), 
 the new Jerusalem, the quiet confidence, the victory, the waiting and 
 longing, while the wicked refuses to learn and will not see. 
 
 XXVI. 11-15. The prayer of faith, with ever-returning direct address to 
 
 Jehovah. 
 XXVI. 16-19. The prayer continued, with acknowledgments of imperfection, 
 
 and assured confidence that these are the birth pangs of a resurrection 
 
 (described more fully in Ezek. xxxvii. 1-14). 
 XXVl. 20, 21. Admonition to the people to enter into their chamber and 
 
 shut their doors, while Jehovah comes forth to execute judgement (compare 
 
 Gen. vii. 16 ; Exod. xii. 22, 23), which shall no longer be put off. 
 
 N.B.— The earlh has been crying for this ever since Cain murdered Abel, Gen. iv. 11, 12. 
 
ISAIAH. 113 
 
 XXyil. Comforting views of the future, when all wrongs and 
 inequalities shall have been adjusted. 
 
 XXVII. 1. The word of Jehovah shall deal with all the powers of evil, above 
 
 and beneath. 
 N.B.— Much as xxiv. 21. 
 XXVII. 2-6. Another new song, of the vineyard of Jehovah (in contrast to 
 
 v. 1-7) now that Israel is taken back to favour, and made a blessing to the 
 
 whole world. 
 XXVII. 7-11. The contrast between Israel and those who oppressed him : 
 
 Israel's sin is taken away ; but the oppressors are like withered branches 
 
 to be burnt up. 
 XXVII. 12. Israel is restored, though by a process of beating off fruit and 
 
 gleaning (compare x. 20, 21, xvii. 6-9). 
 
 XXVII. 13. The universal ingathering, from the land of Egypt and from 
 Assyria (not excluding these nations, now converted, according to xix. 
 23-25) to worship in the holy mountain at Jerusalem (as already ii. 2, 3, 
 XXV. 6, 7). 
 
 XXVIII.-XXXV. The test applied in the history of Hezekiah, at 
 the hand of Assyria. 
 
 XXVIII., XXIX. The plan of Jehovah, in judgement and deliver- 
 ance. 
 
 XXVIII. 1 -13. The moral and spiritual evils in Ephraim, especially drunken- 
 ness and its accompaniments ; the very prophets and priests infected by it ; 
 the hopelessness of teaching the people and bringing in a reformation. 
 
 N.B.— Their end is to be broken, and snared, and taken, ver. 13, as ah-eady viii 15. 
 
 XXVIII. 14-22. The discovery of their helplessness : their false refuge, and 
 Jehovah's true foundation in Zion (compare viii. 14, xiv. 32), with the 
 opposite effects on the believing and the unbelieving. The result (ver. 22 
 very much as already x. 23). 
 
 XXVlil. 23-29. Yet all these judgements are processes as needful in the 
 spiritual husbandry, as the processes in natural husbandry from sowing to 
 grinding the corn. 
 
 XXIX. 1-8. The deliverance to Ariel (a symbolical name for Jerusalem, 
 comj)are ver. 1 and 8, and see other such names at xxi. 1 and xxii. 1. Also 
 see Ariel in revised margin of Ezek. xliii. 15). The danger is sudden, 
 unexiDccted, overwhelming ; the deliverance shall be complete. 
 
 XXIX. 9-12. Their blinded condition, amid spiritual light (compare vi. 9-12, 
 viii. 16, 17). 
 
 XXIX, 13, 14. The purpose of the Lord to act marvellously among this self- 
 righteous and self-sufficient people. 
 
 XXIX. 15-21. Their presumption and his dealing with it. 
 N.B— Verses 18, 19, mark the reversal of the curse pronounced in the commission to 
 
 Isaiah, vi. 10, 11. 
 
 XXIX. 22-24. The blessed results upon Jacob. 
 
 N.B.— The individual head of the covenant people here passes into the people who are 
 his seed, and who are not only his natural seed, but also the heirs of his faith, " the 
 work of my hands," in connexion with all this discipline. 
 
 XXX., XXXI. The judgement and deliverance, in respect of both 
 Egypt and Assyria. 
 N.B.— These Avere the two great heathen powers, towards one or other of which the 
 Israelites were ever tempted to turn in search of help, though only with disappointment 
 and chastisement as the result, vii. 18. 
 
114 ISAIAH. 
 
 XXX. 1-5. The embassy sent to ask help from Egypt, by an ungodly and 
 
 foolish policy. 
 XXX.^ 6-18. The. disgrace that shall ensue, vindicating the prophets, and 
 
 bringing out the graciousness of Jehovah even in judgement. 
 XXX. 19-26. This grace as it works in the hearts, lives, and outward 
 
 prosperity of the people. 
 N.B.— Compare ver. 26 with xxiv. 23. 
 
 XXX. 27-33. The appearing of Jehovah, to the joy of his worshipping people, 
 and tp the overthrow of the nations his enemies, in particular of the 
 Assyrian. 
 
 XXXI. Woe to those that trust in Egypt, in its horses and chariots, instead 
 of trusting in Jehovah, who shall come down to fight upon mount Zion, 
 protecting and delivering it, while the Assyrian falls, yet not by a human 
 hand (compare x. 32-34). 
 
 N.B.— The four chapters, xxviii.-xxxi., and again eh. xxxiii., all begin with the same 
 Hebrew word, uniformly rendered " Woe to " in the A.V., and also in the Revised, except 
 at xxix. 1, where it is in the margin, as in the similar case at x. 5. 
 
 XXXII. A righteous reign : the effect of righteousness, namely, 
 quietness and confidence for ever (compare 2 Sam. xxiii. 1-7). 
 
 XXXII. 1-8. A king shall reign in righteousness, as it were a protection from 
 tempest, drought, and heat (compare iv. 2, 5, 6). 
 
 XXXII. 9-20. Yet in the first instance, to those who live in careless ease, 
 " thorns and briars," ver. 13 (a favourite expression of Isaiah's in describing- 
 judgements, V. 6, vii. 23-25, ix. 18, x. 17, xxvii. 4, here partly varied in 
 the Hebrew) upon the land, the city and the palace being i-educed to 
 desolation; until the spirit be poured from on high, and everything be 
 restored. The happiness of those who sow beside all waters (compare 
 2 Cor. ix. 6). 
 
 XXXIII. The echo of the foregoing prophecy in the hearts of 
 believers. 
 
 XXXIII. 1-6. Woe to the treacherous spoilers (see xxi. 2) : we have stability 
 and treasure in the fear of Jehovah. 
 
 XXXIII. 7-12. Our apparent helplessness, at the mercy of the cruel foe ; yet 
 only till Jehovah arises. 
 
 XXXIII. 13-24. The separating of the genuine from the counterfeit people of 
 Jehovah (compare i. 25, 26) : his true people shall see the king in his 
 beauty, and Zion shall be safe and happy in its holy solemnities, under 
 Jehovah its judge and law-giver and king : the lame take the prey ; the 
 inhabitants of Zion enjoy the forgiveness of iniquity. 
 
 XXXIV. The judgement upon the nations throughout the world 
 who are at enmity with Zion, pre-eminently on Edom. 
 
 N.B.— All are devoted, or brought under the ban, as the nations of Canaan had been, 
 but not Edom and Moab and Amnion so early as the days of Moses (compare and contrast 
 especially the marginal rendering of ver. 2, 5, with Deut. ii. 5, 9, 19, 34), as already the 
 tongue of the Egyptian sea had been devoted, xi. 15. This carries out Balaam's prophecies, 
 Num. xxiii. 19-24, xxiv. 7-9, 17-24 ; see Isaiah's reference to these already, xvi. 13, 14, and 
 the note. 
 
 XXXIV. 1. Call to all the nations and peoples to hearken. 
 
 XXXIV. 2-8. The indignation of Jehovah, and consequent vengeance, for 
 
 the sake of Zion. 
 XXXIV. 9-15. The thorough and everlasting destruction of Edom (compare 
 
 ver. 10, 14, 15 with xiii. 20-22 in the case of Babylon). 
 N.B.— Already Edom and Moab had been named together for vengeance, xi. 14, and 
 then Moab alone, xxv. 10, as now Edom alone is named. 
 
ISAIAH. 115 
 
 XXXIV. 16, 17. Seek ye out the book of Jehovah, and trace the fulfilment 
 (contrast xxix. 10-12). 
 
 XXXV. The corresponding deliverance and glorification of Zion. 
 
 XXXV. 1, 2. The reversal of the judgements inflicted (compare xxix. 17, 18, 
 xxxii. 3, 4, 15, xxxiii. 9). 
 
 XXXV. 3-10. Encouragement to those of fearful (margin, " hasty," as also at 
 xxxii. 4) heart ; all imaginable forms of physical and moral evil are 
 replaced by corresponding blessings (compare especially ver. 5, 6 with Matt, 
 xi. 5, 6) : the way of holiness, and the return of the ransomed to Zion, 
 while sorrow and sighing flee away (compare xxv. 8, xxxiii. 24). 
 
 XXXVI.-XXXIX. The turning point in the prophet's history under 
 Hezekiah (compare and contrast this with the other turning 
 point under Ahaz, chap, vii ; both records are for the most part 
 plain historical statements. Observe that it is the same spot 
 where the two trials of faith occur, vii. 3, and xxxvi. 2). 
 
 N.B.— Chapter xxxvi. 1 and xxxviii. 5 supply the date, the 14tli year of Hezekiah : the 
 Assyrian records place Sennacherib's invasion twelve or thirteen years later But 
 xxxviii. 6 points to a continuation of invasions such as could not be expected after the 
 catastrophe xxxvii. 36. Sennacherib's invasion may therefore have spread over several 
 years ; and this seems probable on a comparison of xxxvi. 1, 2 with 2 Kings xviii. 13-17, 
 though neitlier account goes into various political details made known to us by the 
 monuments. See the note on 2 Kings xviii. 18-37. 
 
 XXXVI.-XXXVII. The blasphemies of the king of Assyria and his 
 servants, and their punishment (compare x. 5-19). 
 
 XXXVI. 1. The Assyrian invasion. 
 XXXVI. 2-10. The first speech of Eabshakeh. 
 
 XXXVI. 11-20. The reply of Hezekiah's servants, and Rabshakeh's second 
 speech. 
 
 XXXVI. 21, 22, The report made to Hezekiah by his servants. 
 
 XXXVII. 1-7. Hezekiah's application to Isaiah, and the prophet's comforting 
 reply. 
 
 XXXVII. 8-20. Sennacherib's blasphemies, and Hezekiah's application to 
 
 Jehovah in the temple. 
 XXXVII. 21-29. First part of Isaiah's message in reply ; as to Sennacherib. 
 XXXVII. 30-35. Second part of it ; as to Hezekiah, his people, and mount 
 
 Zion. (Compare ver. 33-35 with xxxi. 4, 9; also xxxvii. 32 with ix. 7). 
 XXXVII. 36. The camp of the Assyrians is smitten by the angel of Jehovah. 
 
 XXXVII. 37, 38. Sennacherib is smitten by the sword of his own sons. 
 
 XXXVIII., XXXIX. More personal discipline of Hezekiah. 
 
 XXXVIII. 1-3. His illness ; his death foretold ; his pleading for life. 
 XXXVIII. 4-8. Prediction of life prolonged for fifteen years, accompanied 
 
 by the sign of the sun going back on the dial. 
 XXXVIII. 9-20. The writing of Hezekiah on occasion of his recovery. 
 
 N.B. -Compare ver. 9 and 20 with the titles of various Psalms, and with Habak. iii. 1 
 and 19. 
 
 XXXVIII. 21, 22. The means used for his recovery and for establishing his 
 faith. 
 
116 ISAIAH. 
 
 XXXIX. 1, 2. The king of Babylon sends letters and a present to Hezekiah, 
 who receives the ambassadors with cordiality, frankness, and display. 
 
 N.B.— This king of Babylon is well-known to us by means of the monuments, as the 
 spirited and persevering, but unsuccessful, adversary of Sennacherib. 
 
 XXXIX. 3-7. Isaiah's message of reproof, foretelling the Babylonian 
 
 cax^tivity. 
 XXXIX. 8. Hezekiah's meek submission, and his thankfulness for present 
 
 mercy. 
 
 XL.-XLVIII. The call of Israel, from the beginning and without 
 end, to be the servant of Jehovah, with his Spirit upon him, in 
 opposition to Babylon. Peace in Israel : no peace to the wicked. 
 
 N,B.— In spite of weakness, sin, and suffering, Israel is infinitely superior to Babylon 
 with all its wealth, and power, and worldly success. Israel tends toward representation 
 by an individual servant of Jehovah (compare Gal. iii. 16), who is given to be the covenant 
 of the people and the light of the Gentiles : but Babylon tends to be broken up, divided 
 and destroyed, having no real or lasting unity. 
 
 XL., XLI. Introduction. 
 
 XL. 1, 2. Proclamation of comfort by their God to his people : Jerusalem's 
 warfare is accomplished and the punishment of her iniquity is accepted (see 
 mai"gin). 
 
 XL. 3-8. The voice Avhich cries to prepare the Avay of Jehovah, that his glory- 
 may be revealed to all flesh : all flesh fades, but the word of our God stands 
 for ever (see the special application of this to John the Baptist in Mat. iii. 
 1-3). 
 
 XL. 9-11. The good tidings to (in the margin, by) Jerusalem and to the cities 
 of Judah : the coming of their God, Jehovah, ruler and shepherd. 
 
 XL. 12-26. The unspeakable difference between Jehovah and his creatures : 
 the vanity of those who would represent God by idols, or make them equal 
 to the Holy One. 
 
 XL. 27-31. These thoughts are to comfort and support Israel, however down- 
 cast and disconsolate. 
 
 XLI. 1-7. The islands and the peoples are challenged to stand out in contrast 
 with him who has been raised up and called in righteousness (ver. 2, com- 
 pare Gen. xii. 1 and xv. G), and made to conquer and to rule. Their idola- 
 trous expedients for encouraging one another against Israel's resistless 
 might (compare Gen. xiv., Numb, xxii.-xxiv., Josh. xi. 16-23, xxiv., 2 Sam. 
 viii. 6-14). 
 
 XLI. 8-20. Israel, the servant of Jehovah, the seed of Abraham his friend 
 (compare Gen. xii. 1-3, xxii. 17, 18), is never to be cast away : at the 
 weakest time he shall be like a sharp threshing instrument, with which the 
 mountains shall be threshed, and he shall have waters provided for him in 
 the wilderness (compare Exod. xvii. 1-7), or shall have the wilderness itself 
 transformed into a forest (compare xxxii. 15 ; reversing the curse in x. 
 16-19). 
 
 XLI. 21-24. Challenge to these idols and their worshippers, from the king of 
 Jacob (ver. 21, and see xliv. 6, for which title compare Exod. xv. 11, 18, 
 Numb, xxiii. 21-24). 
 
 XLI. 25-29. Jehovah has raised up one to come upon rulers as the potter treads 
 clay. He will give to Jerusalem one that brings good tidings, in contrast 
 with the molten images and their supporters. 
 
 XLII. " Behold my servant ! " 
 XLII. 1-9. Behold the servant of Jehovah (compare xii. 8), upheld, chosen. 
 
ISAIAH. 117 
 
 with the Spirit upon him (compare xi. 2, Ixi. 1), to bring forth judgement 
 to the Gentiles, with tenderness, patience, and success ; called in righteous- 
 ness (ver. G, compare xli. 2), and given to be a covenant of the people and a 
 light of the Gentiles, to open the blind eyes (compare xxix. 18, 19, xxxv. 5), 
 especially those of the prisoners. 
 
 XLII. 10-17. Invitation to sing a new song, because of these glorious doings 
 of Jehovah (as already in xii., xxv., xxvi., xxvii). 
 
 XLII. 18-25. The blindness and deafness of the servant of Jehovah (as vi. 
 9, 10, compare Deut. xxix. 2, 4) : yet Jehovah is ever well pleased, even 
 though he has chastened him severely. 
 
 XLIII.-XLV. "Fear not." Redemption, witnessing, restoration, 
 glory for Israel. 
 
 XLIII. 1-13. Fear not : the things done at the Exodus shall be done anew for 
 this dispersed people (compare xi. 11-16, and Deut. xxx. 1-10), blind and 
 deaf no longer (see xlii. 7, 19), his servant, to witness for him when the 
 peoples are assembled. 
 
 XLIII. 14-28. Israel's deliverance from Babylon, as at the Exodus (compare 
 xi. 15, 16), and their triumphant guidance through the wilderness ; all to 
 the praise of Jehovah. Yet they have been sinning and provoking from 
 the days of their first father, and therefore must be profaned and become a 
 devoted thing (margin of ver. 28 ; thus far being made like the nations 
 their enemies, margin of xxxiv. 2, 5). 
 
 XLIV. 1-5. Fear not: his servant, his chosen, Jeshurun (Deut. xxxii. 15, 
 xxxiii. 5), though like dry ground, shall enjoy an outpouring of the Spirit 
 (as already xxxii. 15) ; abundant growth of a seed who shall dedicate them- 
 selves to Jehovah. 
 
 XLIV. 6-20. The king of Israel and the ancient (or, everlasting) people his 
 witnesses : the vanity of idols, and the folly of those who made them. 
 
 XLIV. 21-23. His servant, never to be forgotten, with all sins blotted out as 
 a cloud (compare vi. 7, xxxiii. 24). Heaven and earth to sing for joy at the 
 redemption of Israel. 
 N.B.— At i. 2 these were silent witnesses of Israel's gross ingratitude and consequent 
 
 chastisements. 
 
 XLIV. 24-28. Jehovah claims all the glory of creation and providence; 
 frustrating the tokens of lying diviners, confirming the word of his servant, 
 performing the counsel of his messengers, rebuilding Jerusalem and the 
 cities of Judah, and laying the foundation of his temple, by Cyrus his 
 shepherd. 
 
 XLV. 1-7. The message to Cyrus, the anointed of Jehovah, though he has 
 not known him, called by name, to subdue nations and to break in pieces 
 the gates of brass. 
 
 XLV. 8. The skies are to pour down righteousness, and the earth is to open that 
 they may bring forth salvation, at the word of Jehovah the Creator. 
 
 XLV. 9-13. It is monstrous that a creature should strive with the Creator 
 (compare xxix. 16), who has raised up this instrument in righteousness, 
 that he may let Jehovah's exiles, ver. 13, go free. 
 
 XLV. 14-17. Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba (compare xliii. 3) shall acknowledge 
 that God is in Israel, a God that hides himself, the Saviour ; they shall 
 be ashamed of their idols, while Israel shall enjoy everlasting salvation. 
 
 XLV. 18-25. Jehovah created the heavens and the earth, but not to be a 
 
 waste (Gen. i, 2), nor has he spoken in secret. He denounces idolatry, and 
 
 calls the nations at the ends of the earth to know him as a just God and a 
 
 Saviour, in whom the seed of Israel are justified and shall glory. 
 
 N.B.— It is scarcely possible for a translator to do justice to the word "a waste," ver. 18, 
 
 and in the margin of ver. 19. It is taken from the description of chaos in Gen. i. 2, to which 
 
 Isaiah refers in chap, xxiv., and he uses this word there ver. 10, and again xxix. 21, 
 
 xxxiv. 11, xl. 17, 23, xli. 29, xliv. 9, xlix. 4, lix. 4, repeatedly "vanity" or "confusion." 
 
118 ISAIAH. 
 
 XLVL, XLVII. Corresponding vengeance on Babylon. 
 
 XLVI. 1, 2. The idols of Babylon, which need to be carried by their 
 
 worshippers, xlv. 20, cannot save themselves from captivity, 
 XLVI. 3-7. The house of Jacob are to hearken to Jehovah, who has borne 
 
 and carried them from their birth, and will carry them to old age. The 
 
 folly and uselessness of idols and their makers, who need to carry them 
 
 (see already xl. 12-26, xliv. 6-20). 
 XLVI. 8-13. He who is God alone, the almighty worker, appeals to the 
 
 transgressors : let the stout-hearted come near to righteousness and 
 
 salvation, which is placed in Zion. 
 XLVII. 1-7. Babylon, the queen of nations, is bid to sit on the ground (as 
 
 formerly Jerusalem, iii. 26). She has been misled into i)i^oiid security, 
 
 because Jehovah used her to chastise his people. 
 N.B.— Compare ver. 5-7 with the case of Assyria, x. 5-15. 
 XLVII. 8-15. Her sudden, unexpected, utter, and irreversible ruin. 
 
 XL VIII. Conclusion of this section. 
 
 XL VIII. 1-11. Call to the house of Jacob, who make abundant religious 
 profession, yet are stiff-necked and idolatrous from of old. Therefore they 
 have been all along placed under sharp teaching and discipline, to the glory 
 of sovereign grace. 
 
 XL VIII. 12-19. Jacob-Israel is the called of him who is the first and the last, 
 the object of his loving leading, for whose sake, notwithstanding their 
 rebelliousness (compare the language in Psalm Lxxxi.), the judgement comes 
 on Babylon. 
 
 XLVIII. 20-22. They are to go forth of Babylon, and with singing to tell to 
 the ends of the earth how Jehovah has redeemed his people, and repeated 
 the miracle of bringing water from the rock for them as they have been led 
 through the deserts (see at xli. 17). There is no peace to the wicked 
 (perhaps an echo of the denunciation of everlasting war on Amalek, Israel's 
 first enemy in the wilderness, Exod. xvii. 16). 
 
 XLIX.-LVn. The servant of Jehovah, his work as prophet, priest, 
 and heir of David : its glorious results in Israel and far beyond ; 
 yet with an immediate future of much sin and sorrow. 
 
 XLIX.-L. The equipment of the servant of Jehovah for his proi^lietic 
 work. 
 
 XLIX. 1-13. The call to the islands by Jehovah's servant Israel (ver. 3), who 
 is to gather Israel (ver. 5) and to be a light to the Gentiles : The promise to 
 him of thorough equipment and support, and of complete success, filling 
 heaven and earth with joy (compare the other two great descriptions, xlii. 
 1-17, Ixi). 
 N.B.— The mention of two Israels here, the gatherer and the gathered, removes a diffi- 
 culty sometimes felt about the twofold description of the servant of Jehovah in these 
 chapters, according as the prophet looks at Christ the head or at the members of his body. 
 
 XLIX. 14-21. The complaint of Zion. The comforting assurance to her that 
 she shall have the joy of a prosperous bride and mother (compare xl. 27-31). 
 
 XLIX. 22-26. The promise that nations and kings shall give her all possible 
 help. The captivity shall be delivered : the oi^pressors shall be fed on their 
 own flesh and blood. 
 
 L. 1-3. _ She has been put away for her transgression, without receiving a bill 
 of divorcement. Yet Jehovah has all resources for any difficulty. 
 
 L. 4-9. ^ The painful training through which the servant has been equipped as 
 a disciple (ver. 4, margin, see viii. 16, liv. 13) and through which he is con- 
 fident of success. 
 
ISAIAH. 119 
 
 L. 10, 11. A comforting exhortation to those who fear Jehovah and obey the 
 voice of his servant : and a fearful warning to the self-sufficient. 
 
 LI.-LII. 12. Arousing calls. Hearken ! Awake ! 
 
 LI. 1-3. Hearken, ye that follow after righteousness : look to the progress 
 
 since Abraham as an individual was called (compare xli. 2 and 8). Paradise 
 
 restored. 
 LI. 4-6. Attend, my people ! My law, my judgement, my righteousness, my 
 
 salvation, go forth to the peoples (ii. 2-4, xi. 3-9). These shall be for ever, 
 
 though heaven and earth vanish. 
 LI. 7, 8. Hearken, ye that know righteousness ! Be not dismayed at revil- 
 
 ings from those who shall be as a moth-eaten garment. My righteousness 
 
 and my salvation shall be for ever. 
 LI. 9-11. Awake, arm of Jehovah, as in the days of the Exodus ! The 
 
 return of the ransomed to Zion, while sorrow and sighing flee away (as 
 
 already, xxxv. 10). 
 LI. 12-16. Jehovah is himself the comforter, and he forbids all fear of dying, 
 
 powerless persecutors : he has put his words in thy mouth, and has covered 
 
 thee in the shadow of his hand, so as to plant the heavens and lay the 
 
 foundation of the earth, and say unto Zion, "Thou art my people." 
 
 KB.— The pronouns in ver. 15, 16 are masculine, with feminines around them; a 
 peculiarity which favours their application to the servant ; ver. 16 indeed recalls xlix. 2. 
 
 LI. 17-23. Awake, O Jerusalem ! The wrath of Jehovah has passed over 
 
 from thee to those that afflict thee. 
 LII. 1, 2. Awake, O Zion ! Jerusalem, the holy city, put on thy beautiful 
 
 garments ; loose thyself from the bonds of thy neck, captive. 
 LII. 3-6. For ye were sold for nought, and ye shall be redeemed without 
 
 money, to the glory of his name which has been blasphemed. 
 
 N.B.— Egypt is named here as the first of the instruments that chastened, and Assyria 
 as the last : see the note on xiv. 24-27. 
 
 LII. 7-12. The beauty and the harmony of the preachers of peace : the joy 
 when Jehovah has redeemed bis peoj^le, and all the ends of the earth shall 
 see his salvation. Let his j)eople go out thence (no particular place named, 
 see ver. 4), and touch no unclean thing (after ver. 1) ; going out with 
 greater majesty and glory than even at the Exodus. (Compare ver. 12 with 
 Exod. xiv. 19; Numb. x. 11, 14, 17, 21, 25; and contrast Deut. xvi. 3.) 
 
 LII. 13-LIII. The priestly work of the servant of Jehovah. 
 N.B.— He appears as both priest and sacrifice. 
 
 LII. 13-15. He shall deal wisely and be exalted. As many were astonished at 
 his marred visage, so shall he sprinkle many nations. 
 
 LIII. 1-3. Prevailing disbelief, the arm of Jehovah (xxx. 30, lii. 10) not being 
 revealed. The servant grows up as a root out of a dry ground, without form 
 or comeliness, despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, 
 
 LIII. 4-6. He hath borne our griefs, he was Avounded for our transgressions. 
 We have gone astray like sheep ; and Jehovah has laid on him the iniquity 
 of us all. 
 
 LIII. 7-9. His deeiD humiliation, his patient submission, his spotless purity. 
 
 LIII. 10-12. It pleased Jehovah to bruise him ; yet the pleasure of Jehovah 
 shall iDrosper in his hand, when his soul shall have made an offering for sin 
 (more precisely, as in margin, a guilt-offering, see Lev. v, 14-vi. 7). He 
 shall be satisfied, as he justifies many whose iniquities he has borne. He 
 was numbered with the transgressors, and he makes intercession for them. 
 
 N.B.— The marginal "maketh intercession " seems more exact than the past tense in 
 the text. 
 
120 ISAIAH. 
 
 LIV.-LVI. 8. The prospex-oiis issue of liis work, as he is heir to all 
 the mercies promised to David. 
 
 LIV. 1-10. The growing family of the church, whose husband is her maker, 
 the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole earth (compare 1. 1-3). The 
 experience of Noah repeated (compare xxiv. 18-23). 
 
 LIV. 11-17. The tempest-tost church is to be fortified as well as adorned. 
 Yet her children, who have now become the disciples of Jehovah (margin 
 ver. 13, see viii. 16, 1. 4), are to have great peace. 
 
 LV. 1-5. The blessings of the everlasting covenant offered freely, as waters to 
 the thirsty (xli. 17, xlviii. 21). They are the sure mercies of David : he 
 (xlii. 6, xlix. 8) is given for a witness to the jDeoples, a leader and com- 
 mander to the peoples, unknown nations shall be called and attracted. 
 N.B.— See the note at 2 Sam. v. 1-3, on this royal title, " leader." 
 
 LV. 6-13. The urgent call : the happy issue, in forgiveness and restoration 
 (compare i. 18-20 ; and contrast ver. 13 with v. 6, vii. 19). 
 
 LVI. 1-8. Exhortations, in view of the nearness of salvation and righteous- 
 ness (see xlvi. 13), to Israel and to others who shall be gathered in : hold 
 fast by the covenant and the Sabbath (see Exod. xxxi. 13-17). Promises to 
 the eunuchs and the aliens (contrast Deut. xxiii. 1-8) when the house of 
 Jehovah shall be called a house of j)rayer for all peoples. 
 
 LVI. 9-LVII. The immediate future, sin and sorrow ; which shall 
 be graciously removed. 
 
 LVI. 9-12. The blind and senseless watchmen : their gross misconduct. 
 
 LVII. ], 2. The righteous, who perishes unheeded, is taken away from the 
 coming evil, and enters into peace. 
 
 LVII. 3-14. Judgements upon the rest of them, for tlieir whorish and idola- 
 trous ways and their heathenish alliances. The wind shall carry them away 
 (see xxvii. 8), and Jehovah's holy moimtain shall be inherited by those who 
 take refuge in him. The proclamation that the way is prepared (compare 
 ver. 14 with xh 3, 4). 
 
 LVII. 15-21. Rich promises for the penitent. Peace to him that is far off and 
 to him that is near. No peace to the wicked (as already, xlviii. 22). 
 
 LVIII.-LXVI. The misery and the redemption of the people. ^ The 
 acceptable year of Jehovah and his day of vengeance, proclaimed 
 lay his Anointed. Pleadings for the realisation of the promises : 
 the marvellous fulfilment. 
 
 LVIII.-LX. The people, sinful yet self-righteous : their misery and 
 their redemption. 
 
 LVIII. The hypocritical religion of the people is denounced (compare xxix. 13» 
 14, xlviii. 1-11). Their fasting, contrasted with the fast which Jehovah 
 has chosen and blesses. Great promises to the right observance of the 
 Sabbath (as already, Ivi. 2, 4, 6). 
 
 LIX. 1-15. It is their iniquities that have separated between them and their 
 God, and brought all manner of evils as a consequence. Jehovah saw it 
 and was disiDleased. 
 
 LIX. 16-21. He saw it, and he planned and accomplished deliverance. His 
 glorious name shall be feared from west to east. A Redeemer shall come to 
 Zion : the covenant, with the gift of the Spirit to all succeeding generations. 
 
 LX. Arise, shine in the glory of Jehovah ! The nations and the kings shall 
 come to thee, with all the wealth of the world (compare and contrast 
 ii. 5-22) : thy Avails rebuilt, and by aliens (as in Solomon's arrangements, 
 1 Kings ix. 15-22), yet thy gates standing open day and night (compare- 
 
ISAIAH. 121 
 
 liv. 11-17). The past troubles shall be forgotten in the supernatural glory- 
 that is to come (compare ver. 11 and 18 with xxvi, 1-3 ; and ver. 19, 20 with 
 xxiv. 23 and xxx. 26). 
 
 LXI.-LXIII. 6. The Spirit of Jehovah anointing his servant to 
 preach the acceptable year of Jehovah and his day of vengeance r 
 results of this. 
 
 LXI. 1-9. The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon his Anointed, to preach 
 good tidings to the meek and the captives, to proclaim the acceptable year 
 of Jehovah and the day of vengeance of our God. Eeversal of_ all old 
 judgements (ver. 4 as already Iviii. 12), and installation of all his saved 
 people as priests (ver. 6, continued reference to this in the margin, ver. 8, 10). 
 
 LXI. 10, 11. Ecstasy of joy when decked in the garments of salvation (see 
 lii. 1), as for a marriage (see xlix. 18, liv. 1, 5). Eighteousness and praise 
 before all the nations. 
 
 LXII. 1-5. Prayer shall not cease till the righteousness and salvation of Zion 
 shall be seen by the nations, in her royal splendour (compare and contrast 
 ver. 3 with xxviii. 1 and 5), at the happy marriage. 
 
 LXII. 6-9. I have set watchmen on thy walls, O Jerusalem, never to hold 
 their peace, day nor night ; to take no rest, and to give him none, till his 
 promise sworn to Zion be fulfilled. 
 
 LXII. 10-12. Proclamation that the way is prepared (as already xl. 3, Ivii. 14) ; 
 the way of the people, an ensign for the peoples (see xi. 10). His i-eward is 
 with him, and his recompense before him (as already xl. 10). 
 
 LXIII. 1-6. The conqueror returning from Edom (see xi. 14, xxxiv.), having 
 trodden the wine-press alone. He looked and wondered that there was no 
 one to help, and he bx-ought salvation by his own arm (compare lix. 16). 
 
 LXIII. 7-LXIV. Ptecollections of grace in the past and pleadings 
 for its renewal. 
 
 LXIII. 7-14. Mention is made of the loving-kindnesses of Jehovah from the 
 time of the Exodus and onward : he has been ever the friend and saviour of 
 his people, notwithstanding their false dealings with him. 
 
 LXIII. 15-LXIV. 12. Pleadings for a renewal of grace, in their extremity of 
 depression and pollution. 
 
 N.B. — I see no need for the note 3 on Ixiv. 5. Taking the marginal rendex'iiig which ia 
 that of the A.Y., I understand : "In those ways of thine (see already Ixiii. 17) there iS' 
 everlasting continuance, as there is not in our changing ways of sin ; and we shall yet be 
 saved." 
 
 LXV., LXVI. These promises and threatenings are fulfilled mar- 
 vellously. 
 
 LXV. 1-7, An awakening among nations that had not been called by the 
 name of Jehovah (see Ixiii. 19) ; whereas Israel is cast ofif for ignorance^ 
 
 unbelief, and hypocrisy. 
 LXV. 8-12. The precious seed or kernel in Israel is to be preserved (compare 
 
 vi. 13), while the dealings of the idolaters shall return upon their own heads. 
 LXV. 13-25. The issues are contrasted in the case of the I'eal servants of the 
 
 God of truth and in that of their counterfeits, when he creates new heavens 
 
 and a new earth. The blessings promised of old to the obedient shall be 
 
 more than fulfilled (contrast vers. 21-23 with Deut. xxviii. 30-32). 
 
 Prayer shall be answered before it is presented. Messianic blessings (ver. 
 
 25 is shortened from xi. 6-9). 
 LXVI. 1-4. The uselessness of a temple made with hands, and of a worship 
 
 by ceremonies : Jehovah's true resting place (is the same Hebrew word ia 
 
 ver. 1 and in xi. 10) is in the contrite man, who trembles at his word 
 
 (compare ver. 2 with Ivii, 15). 
 
122 ISAIAH. 
 
 LXVI. 5-9. Ye that tremble at his word have been hated and cast out by 
 your brethren : but this is the occasion for Jehovah to recompense his en- 
 emies and marvellously to multiply the children of Zion. 
 
 LXVI. 10-14. The call to all who love Jerusalem to rejoice as she is extended 
 and enriched. 
 
 LXVI. 15-22. The work of Jehovah in judgement and universal manifestation 
 of his glory. The saved nations shall bring home all the scattered brethren 
 of the seed of Israel (compare xiv. 1, 2), like a sacrifice to Jehovah ; whom 
 he will take for priests and Levites (compare Ixi. 6), to be a seed eternal as 
 the new heavens and the new earth (see Ixv. 17). 
 
 LXVI. 23, 24. All flesh shall come to worship before him, from one Sabbath 
 and one new moon to another; and they shall look upon the undying 
 worm and the unquenchable fire, prepared for the transgressors. 
 
 JEREMIAH. 
 
 I. Introduction. 
 
 I. 1-3. The time of Jeremiah's ministry. 
 I. 4-10. His call and commission. 
 
 N.B.— In ver. 10 it is noted that he is to be a prophet to the nations, when Israelis 
 sinking into ruin : and his commission is summed up in six verljs, four expressive of 
 judgement and two of mercy. These verbs often occur in the book : see xii. 14, 17, xviii. 
 7, 9, xxiv. 6, xxxi. 28, xlii. 10, and the notes. 
 
 I. 11-19. His two visions : threatenings on Judah and Jerusalem, with assur- 
 
 ance of support to himself. 
 
 II. -III. 5. Retrospect and remonstrance. 
 
 II. 1-3. The love of their espousals at the Exodus. 
 
 II. 4-13. Their causeless, senseless, and unparalleled defection from their God. 
 II. 14-28. Their pitiable condition through their open and multiplied idolatries. 
 
 II. 29-37. Their false confidence is rejected. 
 
 III. 1-5. Invitation to return to Jehovah, though a divorced wife may not 
 return to her husband. 
 
 III. 6-25. These invitations to both Israel and Judah. 
 
 N.B.— This is dated in the reign of Josiah, iii. 6 ; there is no other dated prophecy till 
 xxi. 1. Tlie tenderness towards the Ten Tribes in the reign of Josiah is like that in the 
 reign of Hezekiah, and for similar reasons : see the history, especially 2 Chron. xxx. and 
 xxxv. 
 
 III. G-11. Backsliding Israel and treacherous Judah; Israel is divorced, and 
 Judah is deserving of the same treatment. 
 
 III. 12-19. Invitation to Israel to return, with gracious promises ; shepherds 
 according to his own heart, a worship superior to that with the ark of the 
 covenant, Jerusalem his throne, and all nations gathered to it, with hearts 
 purged from evil, Israel and Judah re-united, as his children, brought home 
 from the north country, which is often mentioned as the quarter from which 
 judgement comes (see i. 14, etc). 
 
 III. 20-25. Israel, as the spouse of Jehovah and also his children, must be 
 reproved for sin and led to confession. 
 
 IV.-VI. The coming ruin : b. first message. 
 
 IV. 1, 2. Calls and promises to Israel if they will return. The nations too 
 shall bless themselves in him (according to Gen. xxii. 18, xxvi. 4, Isa. 
 Ixv. 16). 
 
JEREMIAH. 1 23 
 
 IV. 3-18. Judah and Jerusalem exhorted to repent in view of fearful judge- 
 ments from a destroyer of nations, who is compared to a lion, ver. 7 ; to 
 eagles and clouds and whirlwind, ver. 13. 
 
 IV. 19-22. Grievous lamentations for their misery and their sottish folly. 
 
 IV. 23-31. The desolations bring back chaos (compare ver. 23 with Gen. i. 2, 15), 
 only not a full end (ver. 27, repeated v. 10, 18). Vain attempts at escape 
 (compare ver. 30 with 2 Kings ix. oO). 
 
 V. 1-9. Frightful impiety and moral corruption of Jerusalem (contrast ver. 1 
 
 with Sodom, Gen. xviii. 32 ; also ver. 2 with iv. 2). The upper classes are 
 the worst. Unavoidable vengeance (ver. 9, repeated at ver. 29, and at ix. 9), 
 
 V. 10-19. Israel and Judah have dealt very treacherously (see iii. 7 etc.) and 
 have denied that it is Jehovah bringing evil, and have disbelieved the 
 prophets. Therefore he brings upon them a mighty, an ancient nation, of 
 a language not understood (see iv. 7, Deut. xxviii. 49). 
 
 V. 20-29. Their blinded folly (see iv. 22, also Deut. xxix. 4, Isa. xlil. 19, 20). 
 
 V. 30j 31. A horrible thing (repeated xviii. 13, xxiii. 14, perhaps from JEtosea 
 
 vi. 10), the prophets and priests are the leaders in the corruption which 
 God's people now love. 
 
 N.B.— Already at ii. 8 all the three orders of the theocracy (prophets, priests, and 
 rulers) are pronounced corrupt. 
 
 VI. 1-8. Flee for safety from Jerusalem (compare Luke xxi. 20-24), which is 
 given vip to be besieged and cut'off, because it is a well-spring of wickedness. 
 
 VI. 9-15. The utter ruin of the remnant of Israel, like last gleanings in 
 harvest, because the word of Jehovah and of his ministers can make no 
 impression on a people given over to all moral and spiritual evil. 
 
 VI. 16-21. Gracious dealings rejected by them, and the rest for their souls 
 refused. Offerings are presented, according to the ritual for worship, 
 exquisite, varied, and abundant ; with no other result than to bring stum- 
 blingblocks before the people. (Compare ver. 16, 21, with Isa. xxviii. 12, 13.) 
 
 VI. 22-30. The great and cruel nation that shall execute vengeance, coming 
 from the north (see i. 14, iii. 18, and often in this prophet). Jeremiah is 
 strengthened for his work among this people (compare i. 18, 19), who 
 themselves shall benefit as little by it as the refuse of silver from being put 
 through the furnace. 
 
 VII.-X. The coming ruin : a second message. 
 
 VII. 1-15. Message to the people in the gate of Jehovah's house, not to trust 
 in this temple and make their services there an excuse for evil doing, 
 turning it into a den of robbers : else their experience shall be that of 
 Shiloh repeated (see 1 Sam. iii. and iv.) 
 
 VII. 16-20. Jeremiah is forbidden to pray for them (compare 1 John v. 16) 
 when all ages and both sexes combine for vax-ied acts of idolatry. 
 
 VII. 21-26. Useless multiplication of sacrifices by the disobedient, who have 
 not listened to the prophets sent ever since the Exodus. 
 
 N.B — Ver. 22, 23 have been understood as if Jehovah had not commanded sacrifices, 
 but only obedience, at the Exodus. The statement, however, is simply comparative, as 
 in respect of mercy and sacrifice, Hosea vi. 6 ; as regards the impossibility of sacrifice 
 being a substitute for obedience, seevi. 20, 21, Prov. xxi. 27. Sacrifices were undoubtedly 
 appointed at the Exodus, see Exod. iii. 18, v, 3, 17, viii. 27, x. 8, 9, xx. 24-26, xxiii. 18, 
 xxiv. 1-11, etc. 
 
 VII. 27, 28. The prophet is to speak in full view of the resolute disobedience 
 of the people. 
 
 VII. 29-34. Jerusalem is to cut off her hair, in token of mourning for the 
 rejected generation of Jehovah's wrath. (N.B. — The idea is parallel to 
 Mat. xxiii. 35, 1 Thes. ii. 16. The word for "hair" is peculiar, might be 
 translate*! "crown," as in margin, and is identical with Naziriteship and 
 
124 JEREMIAH. 
 
 its long hair, Num. vi., see Lev. xxi. 12 and the margin). They have defiled 
 his very house, and they have built the high places of Topheth, at which 
 they have burned their own children ; therefore it shall be a place of burial 
 till there be no room for burying and no attempt to bury (ver. 33 quotes 
 Deut. xxviii. 26). 
 
 VIII. 1-3. Disgrace to the dead, the people and all the three orders of the 
 theocracy ; and misery to the survivors. 
 
 VIII. 4-17. Perpetual backsliding, deceit, and refusal to repent ; with less 
 sense than mere animals : the pen of the scribes has wrought falsely with 
 the law of Jehovah, in which they vainly trust. (N.B. — From middle of 
 ver. 10 to ver. 12 he repeats vi. 13-15.) They shall be consumed utterly and 
 hopelessly, in spite of contrary anticipations. Already the cavalry are 
 heard as they enter the north of the land ; and serpents are sent to bite 
 them (compare Num. xxi. 6 ; worse than the hornets sent against the- 
 Canaanites, Exod. xxiii. 28, etc). 
 
 VIII. 18-22. The prophet's bitter wail. Is Jehovah not in Zion as her king? 
 Is there no balm in Gilead, no physician there ? 
 
 IX. 1-6. The weeping prophet amid this universal and treacherous evil-doing. 
 IX. 7-9. Jehovah himself will melt and try them (compare vi. 28-30. Observe 
 
 ver. 9 repeating v. 9, 29). 
 IX. 10-12. Why is this terrific desolation? Who is wise enough to tell ? 
 IX. 13-16. Jehovah himself explains it ; it is because they have forsaken 
 
 his law. Therefore they shall be fed with gall and wormwood, and shall 
 
 be scattered among unknown nations, and given to the sword. 
 IX. 17-22. A call for the mourning women (as at funerals), in view of the 
 
 comin,'- slaughter. 
 
 IX. 23-26. No glorying possible in such a crisis, except glorying in Jehovah 
 (compare Isa. ii. 11, 17, 22). Those who are circumcised in their uncir- 
 cumcision, Jews and other nations, are alike exposed to this visitation. 
 
 N.B.— " Understandeth and knowetli me" ver. 24 in the Authorised Version ig 
 misleading: there ought to have been a comma after "understandeth," as in Eevision, 
 and it might have been even plainer had a common rendering been given, "dealeth 
 wisely." In ver. 26, an expression occurring again xxv. 23, xlix. 32, " tliat are in the 
 utmost coi'ners " is no fair translation, though the general meaning may not have been 
 missed ; some Arabian tribes, who polled the corners of tlieir hair, are meant. 
 
 X. 1-10. Israel is exhorted not to learn the ways of the idolatrous nations : 
 Jehovah is the true and living God, the everlasting king, whose indignation 
 the nations cannot abide. 
 
 X. 11. The message to them, that these gods, who are falsely reckoned makers 
 of the heavens and the earth, shall perish. 
 N.B.— The verse is not in Hebrew, but in the Aramaic language, like parts of Ezra and 
 Daniel, namely, in the language of the world, as it then stood in opposition to the church. 
 
 X. 12-16. Description of the true Creator : brutishness of idolatry ; mutual 
 relation of Israel and Jehovah of hosts. 
 
 X. 17-25. Command to flee since Jehovah is slinging out the inhabitants of 
 the land. The prophet's grief ; the brutishness of the shepherds. The 
 prophet's confession, and plea for mercy, and that judgement be iDoured out 
 on the destroying heathen (as it were a plea against the indiscriminate 
 threat in ix. 25, 26). 
 N.B. —Compare latter half of ver. 13 with Psalm cxxxv. 7 ; also ver. 25 with Psalm 
 
 Ixxix. 6, 7. 
 
 XI., XII. The coming ruin : a third message, more personal to the' 
 prophet. 
 
 XI. 1-5. A command to hear the words of this covenant, which is the old 
 covenant at the Exodus, requiring obedience (compare ver. 3 and Deut. 
 xxvii. 2')). 
 
JEREMIAH. 125 
 
 XI. 6-8. In vain had Jehovah risen early and protested (compare vi. 10, 
 
 vii. 13, 25). 
 XI. 9-14. A conspiracy (perhaps a secret resolve to undo Josiah's reformation) 
 
 and a backsliding to old idolatry. Let them pray to their gods, but do 
 
 not thou pray for them (compare vii. 16-20). 
 XI. 15-17. Jehovah separates himself from his polluted people : he who 
 
 planted them (ii. 21) pronounces evil against the whole twelve tribes. 
 
 XI. 18-23. Esj)ecially against the men of Jeremiah's native city, because they 
 had interdicted his preaching and had sought his life. 
 
 N.B.— This heinous offence (as at Isa. xxx. 10-14 ; Amos vii. 12-17) justifies all that 
 Jeremiah says in ver. 20 (compare xii. 3), if the translation be correct : I do not, however, 
 see that I can translate it as a wish, but only " I shall see," or " I see " having their doom 
 revealed to him, as already their sin, ver. 18, where "shewedst" Is literally " madest 
 me see." 
 
 XII. 1-6. Jeremiah complains of the prosperity of the wicked, yet by faith 
 sees their universal ruin, extending to both man and beast. If, however, he is 
 sore put to already, how will it be with him in that critical time of over- 
 flowing judgement and treacherous wickedness? 
 
 XII. 7-13. Jehovah has forsaken his house and cast off his heritage, formerly 
 beloved, on account of its horrible transformation and degeneracy (as 
 xi. 15-17). 
 
 F.B.— Allusions are made at ver. 9 to Isa. Ivi. 9, and probably at xi. 19 to Isa. liii. 7 ; and 
 more generally, the description of idolatry in chap. x. alludes to Isa. xliv. 
 
 XII. 14-17. Yet there is mercy in store for his people, which they may even 
 be the means of extending to the heathen, if they will learn good from 
 Israel, as Israel have learned evil from them. 
 N.B.— In this paragraph, three of the six verbs of Jeremiah's commission (i. 10) occur. 
 
 XIII.-XVII. Jehovah's hatred against his people ; yet gleams of 
 hope. 
 
 XIII. 1-14. By the type of a linen girdle, hidden at the Euphrates, the 
 destruction of Jehovah's people is prefigured. (Comj)are Deut. xxvi. 19, 
 where in the Hebrew the three nouns occur which are used in ver. 11 to 
 describe the relation of his people to him). And by the parable of bottles 
 to be filled with wine, the drunkenness of the people and of all the three 
 orders in the theocracy is set forth, and the consequent judgements : 
 compare in Isai. xxviii. 1-13 the judgement on the sins of the Ten Tribes. 
 
 XIII. 15-19. A tender appeal by the prophet to cease from their pride, ere 
 the end of this be gross darkness, and exile. 
 
 XIII. 20-27. Judgements coming from the north, destroying the flock 
 (connect ver. 20 with ver. 17); the grossness of the evil-doing leading to 
 answerable coarseness in the punishment of these impenitent sinners. 
 
 XIV. The word of Jehovah to Jeremiah concerning the drought. 
 
 XIV. 2-6. Description of it. 
 
 XIV. 7-9. Pathetic appeal of the prophet to Jehovah in behalf of the people. 
 XIV. 10-18. He is forbidden to pray for them (as already vii. 16, xi. 14). 
 The false prophets of peace shall meet with peculiar punishment. 
 
 XIV. 19-22. Renewed appeal, as in ver. 7-9, and pleading for rain which the 
 idols cannot give. (Latter half of ver. 19 repeated from viii. 15). 
 
 XV. The people left without any to plead for them. 
 
 XV. 1-9. Not even Moses and Samuel could intercede for them (see Psa. 
 xcix. 6 ; Exod. xxxii. 11 ; 1 Sam. xii. 19). Four forms of ruin, and four 
 
126 JEREMIAH. 
 
 means of death and disgrace. The sins of Manasseh have made pardon 
 
 impossible (2 Kings xxi, 11, xxiii. 26, xxiv. 3, 4). 
 XV. 10, 11. Jeremiah, lamenting his case, receives a promise for himself. 
 XV. 12-14. Renewed threatening to the people. 
 N.B.— Latter half of ver. 14 from Deut. xxxii. 22. 
 
 XV. 15-18. Renewal of the prophet's lament, ver. 10, 11, with profession of 
 his faithful service, and expostulation on seeming desertion. 
 
 XV. 19-21. Promises of strength, in proportion to his faithfulness and his 
 need (going back on i. 18, 19), 
 
 XVI. 1-13. The prophet is to abstain from all communication, by marriage or 
 in the house of mourning or in that of feasting, with this disobedient people 
 doomed to hopeless ruin and captivity. (References to xv. 1-9 ; and per- 
 haps in the end of ver. 13 to Josh. xi. 20, as if they were now doomed like 
 the Canaanites.) 
 
 XVI. 14-18. Yet these judgements shall lead up to a deliverance more memor- 
 able than the Exodus. 
 
 N.B.— The mention of fishers and hunters in ver. 16 might seem a threat : yet I think 
 the context points to its being a blessing, according to the sense in Mat. iv. 19, Luke v. 10. 
 
 XVI. 19-21. The prophet takes hold of this as giving hope for the Gentiles 
 also (compare generally xii. 15, 16 ; and they are supposed to follow the 
 example of Israel in iii. 22-24) : and Jehovah declares emphatically that 
 they shall come to know his name. 
 
 XVII. Public unchangeable declaration of the ruin of Israel, by their 
 very altars, and in consequence of their polluting the Sabbath. 
 
 XVII. 1-4. The sin of Judah is written, so that it cannot be taken out, on 
 their hearts and on the horns of their altars (the very place for attesting 
 atonement, Lev. iv. 7, 18 etc.) so that the temple is worse than useless) : 
 for this universally diffused sin there can be no other issue than spoliation 
 and captivity. (Compare ver. 3, 4 with xv. 13, 14.) 
 
 XVII. 5-11. The unalterable law of curse and blessing, as we trust in men or 
 in Jehovah : the evil heart, searched and dealt with by him. (Compare ver. 
 8 with Psa. i. 8.) 
 
 XVII. 12-18. The prophet assents and appropriates the needed grace ; he re- 
 peats his protestation of faithfulness, and his claim for protection. 
 
 XVII. 19-27. The prophet is sent to proclaim in all the gates of Jerusalem, 
 and especially where the kings came in, the law of the Sabbath, and the 
 wonderful blessings on those who honour it ; and the corresponding fearful 
 curse on those who will not hearken (as it is imi^lied that they do not). 
 
 XVIII., XIX. Two types of the rejection of the people. 
 
 XVIII. 1-4. First : The prophet is sent to the potter's house, to see him at 
 
 work. 
 XVIII. 5-12. Lesson as to God's dealing, and as to the use to be made of the 
 
 prophet's messages ; which the people refuse to turn to account (ver. 12 is 
 
 taken very much from ii. 25). 
 N.B. — Five of the six verbs in Jeremiah's commission, i. 10, occur here, ver. 7, 9. 
 
 XVIII. 13-17. The horrible conduct of the virgin of Israel in deserting and 
 distrusting Jehovah : the consequences, desolation and captivity. 
 
 XVIII. 18. Their devices against Jeremiah (compare xi. 19), owing to their 
 mistaken confidence that the three orders of the theocracy (see note on v. 
 30, 31) cannot perish. 
 
 XVIII. 19-23. The j)rophet's appeal to Jehovah, who knows that in the past 
 
JEREMIAH. 127 
 
 he has acted in their interest : now he needs to pray against them, and he 
 acquiesces in their ruin as revealed to him. 
 N.B.— See at xi. 18-25. 
 
 XIX. 1-13. Second : The prophet is commanded to take a potter's earthen 
 bottle, and in the presence of selected elders of the people and elders of the 
 priests to break it, as a type of their destruction (compare about the burying 
 in Topheth, etc., vii. 30-32 ; ver. 9 is from Levit. xxvi. 29, Deut. xxviii, 53). 
 
 N.B.— "The east gate," or "sun gate," in A.V. at ver. 2, is a translation generally 
 abandoned : Harsith may be a proper name, of which the meaning is given in the margin, 
 probably the way to where the temple-potter did his work ; and ver. 14 leads us to con- 
 nect it with Topheth. The clay in this second emblem is no longer soft and fit to be 
 moulded anew, as it had been in xviii., but is now baked hard, fit only to be broken if not 
 of use for the purpose for which it Avas made. 
 
 XIX. 14, 15. The prophet next stands in the court of the house of Jehovah, 
 and announces to all the i)eople the coming universal ruin. 
 
 XX., XXI. Historical : how the prophet had to do with two men, 
 both named Pashhur. 
 
 XX. 1-6. First : Pashhur, chief officer in the house of Jehovah, and himself a 
 
 false prophet, persecutes Jeremiah on account of his conduct as recorded iu 
 
 xix. ; he receives a fearful doom. 
 XX. 7-13. The prophet appeals for protection and avenging to Jehovah, who 
 
 had enticed him (margin of ver. 7, so it is translated in ver. 10) so tliat he 
 
 could not but prophesy. . 
 N.B.— See at xi. 18-23. 
 
 XX. 14-18. He curses his day. 
 
 N.B.— His language contrasts unfavourably with that in Job iii., as if he had lost self- 
 control. 
 
 XXI. 1, 2. Second : A different Pashhur is sent by king Zedekiah to ask the 
 prophet to inquire of Jehovah whether he would not repeat his old wondrous 
 works against Nebuchadnezzar. 
 
 N.B.— This was at a much later time : as to Pashhur see again at xxxviii. 1 ; and as to 
 his colleague see xxix. 25 and xxxvii. 3. 
 
 XXI. 3-10. The prophet in reply foretells a terrible siege, and a miserable 
 captivity ; yet those who fall away to the Chaldeans shall have their lives 
 spared. 
 
 XXI. 11-14. He lays before the king's house their duty ; he threatens 
 judgement on it and on all Jerusalem, under mystical names. 
 N.B.— For the use of such names compare notes on Isa. xxi. 1, xxii. 1. 
 
 XXIL-XXIV. The great prophecy against the three orders of the 
 theocracy and the people at large, yet with promises of perfect 
 salvation to a remnant. 
 
 N.B. —As to these three orders see ii. 8, v. 30, 31, xviii. 18. 
 
 XXII. 1-XXIII. 8. PiRST : The house of the king. 
 
 XXII. 1-9. The duty of the king's house, and the results of neglecting this. 
 (Compare ver. 3, 7 with xxi. 12, 14 ; and ver. 4 with xvii. 25). 
 
128 JEREMIAH. 
 
 XXII. 10-12. Do not weep for the dead Josiah (compare 2 Chron. xxxv. 25), 
 
 but for his captive son Shallum. 
 XXII. 13-19. The disgrace of the wicked reigning king Jehoiakim is foretold. 
 
 (Compare ver. 19 with viii. 1, 2.) 
 
 XXII. 20-30. The rejection of his son and heir Coniah. 
 
 XXIII. 1-4. Woe to these wicked shepherds : yet Jehovah will gather and 
 multiply the remnant of his flock, and give them shepherds to feed them to 
 good purpose. 
 
 XXIII. 5-8. Jehovah will raise to David a righteous Branch, in whose days 
 Judah and Israel shall be united and be saved; his name shall be Jehovah 
 our righteousness. The deliverance in those days shall be more memorable 
 than the Exodus. 
 
 N.B.— I see no reason for giving a collective sense to the word rendered "branch," 
 perhaps better, "sprout," certainly not when it is the Branch of the individual David 
 (which may be identical with the Branch of Jehovah, Isa. iv. 2) described further as 
 righteous (compare Isa. liii. 11), and as dealing wisely (compare Isa. lii. 13) following the 
 lines of the description of David himself, 1 Sam. xviii. 15,''30, etc. ; also as coming up to 
 the ideal of government, executing judgement and justice as David did, 2 Sam. viii. 15 ; 
 bearing a name like Immanuel in Isa. vii. 14 ; and securing the fulfilment of ^Joses' 
 prediction that Israel should dwell safely, Deut. xxxiii. 12, 28. Oljserve ver. 7, 8 are 
 almost word for word from xvi. 14, 15. 
 
 XXIII. 9-40. Second and Third : The prophets and priests. 
 
 N.B.— The priests occupy a very subordinate place here, whatever may be the reason : 
 yet they are named along with the prophets in ver. 11, 33, 34. 
 
 XXIII. 9-14. They are worse, morally and sioiritually, than the prophets of 
 Baal were in Samaria ; they and the people whom they instructed are like 
 Sodom and Gomorrah. 
 
 XXIII, 15-29. Their false teaching ; to which they were not sent, else they 
 would have had spiritual power. Now they have lost the power to deal 
 faithfully with the word of Jehovah. (Compare ver. 15 and 17, with Deut. 
 xxix. 18, 19). 
 
 XXIII. 30-40. Jehovah is against them on account of their lies and other 
 gross misconduct, and their profane playing with the expression, "the 
 burden of Jehovah," the use of which it may be necessary to give up. 
 
 XXIV. Under the type of two baskets of figs, brought and set before the 
 temple of Jehovah (compare Deut. xxvi. 4), the one very good indeed, the 
 other very bad, he lets Jeremiah see the mercy of his dealing with the 
 people sent into exile to Babylon, along with king Jeconiah (compare 
 the verbs in ver. 6 with those in i. 10), and the judgements on those left 
 with king Zedekiah in Jerusalem, and also on those who took refuge in 
 Egypt. (Compare ver. 10 with xiv. 12, etc.) 
 
 XXV.-XXIX. The prophecies connected with Nebuchadnezzar as 
 the instrument for overturning the theocracy. 
 
 N.B.— This heathen Idiig and persecutor receives the title, "my servant," xxv. 9, xxvii. 
 6. The prophecies are dated in the first year of his reign, the fourth of king Jehoiakim, 
 from which date the seventy years captivity, xxv. 11, 12, is counted: so xxv. 1, probably 
 xxvi. 1, xxvii. 1, though this last is doubtful, and if so, it certainly runs on to the fourth 
 year of Zedekiah's reign, ver. 3, 12, with xxviii. 1 ; while xxix. 2, 3 belongs to the beginuuig 
 of Zedekiah's reign. 
 
 XXV. The great prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's empire and of the 
 seventy years' captivity. 
 
 XXV. 1-14. Retrospect of Jeremiah's ministry, while the threats had not yet 
 been fulfilled in doing them actual hurt. Now the instrument is brought 
 
JEREMIAH. 129 
 
 against the land, Nebuchadrezzar and the Chaldeans, for seventy years of 
 desolation ; after which the oppressors shall themselves be punished. 
 (Compare ver. 3 with i. 2 and with vii. 13, xi. 7 ; ver. 5 with xviii. 11 ; ver. 
 9 with i. 15.) 
 XXV. 15-31. The wine cup of wrath given to the nations to drink, beginning 
 at Jerusalem, and ending at Babylon, under the name of Sheshach ; since 
 Jehovah had a controversy with the nations as a whole. 
 N.B.— Compare the "burdens" in Isa. xiii.-xxiii. 
 
 XXV. .32-38. The evil going forth from nation to nation, as Jehovah roars like 
 a lion (an emblem continued from ver. 30 ; compare the tempest, ver. 32, 
 with xxiii. 10 ; and the disgrace in death, ver. 33, with viii. 2, xvi. 4. The 
 roaring like a lion may be imitation of Amos i. 2, as ver. 35 imitates Amos 
 ii. 14). 
 
 XXVI. The prophet's danger and deliverance. 
 
 XXVI. 1-9. His message (compare 3 with xviii. 8, 10, 11, ver. 5 with xxv. 3, 
 &c. ; V. 6 with vii. 12-15), to be delivered as he stood in the court of the 
 house of Jehovah (ver. 2, xix. 14) ; bringing on him the threatening of death 
 from the priests and prophets and all the people. 
 
 XXVI. 10-24. The princes and the people vindicate his right to prophesy, in 
 consequence of his bold defence, and in accordance with the precedent in 
 the prophet Micah's case. The murder of the prophet Uriah, who had 
 fled. The prophet of Jeremiah by Ahikam the son of Shaphan. 
 
 XXVII. Eepetition and enforcement of the prophecy in xxv. 
 
 N.B.— See, as to dates, the note at the commencement of section xxv.-xxix. If 
 "'Jehoiakim" is not a copyist's mistake for "Zedekiah" in ver. 1, the scheming had 
 begiui in the former reign, and Jeremiah had been instructed about it ; yet circum- 
 stances must have prevented its lieing carried out for ten years or so. 
 
 XXVII. 1-11. The substance of that prophecy (yet without the intimation of 
 Jehovah's wine cup, or the date of seventy years, xxv. 11, 12, which con- 
 cerned the heathen less ; but more minute in another respect, ver. 7), is 
 communicated to the ambassadors of five powers (the same, and named in 
 the same order as in xxv. 21, 22), who would have led Zedekiah into a 
 confederacy against Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah is commanded to make 
 bands and bars (or yokes), and to put them on his own neck, and to send 
 them to those kings lay their messengers. 
 
 XXVII. 12-22. He remonstrates in particular with Zedekiah on the folly and 
 sin of resistance. He warns against the promises of the lying prophets. 
 (Compare ver. 15 with xviii. 16, 21 ; also, generally, xxiv). 
 
 XXVIII. In the presence of the priests and the people, the false 
 prophet Hananiah gives the lie direct to Jeremiah, and breaks the 
 bar on Jeremiah's neck (see xxvii. 2). The result is to bring on 
 them a yoke of iron instead of a yoke of wood, and to have his lie 
 denounced by God through his own death. (For the case of a 
 prophet speaking rebellion against Jehovah, ver. 16, compare 
 Deut. xiii. 5.) 
 
 N.B.— Jeremiah gives the month as well as the year of this prophecy, ver. 1, on 
 account of the speedy fulfilment of the judgement, ver. 17. 
 
 XXIX. The prophet's letter to the exiles in Babylon. 
 
 XXIX. 1-20. He bids them associate in all civil matters with the life of that 
 city, and seek its peace, in which theirs is bound up (contrast ver. 5-7 
 with the command given to himself about Jerusalem, xvi. 2-9), and to 
 disbelieve their false prophets. (Compare ver. 8, 9 with xxvn. 14, 15 .: 
 
130 JEREMIAH. 
 
 ver. 10 with xxv. 12-14 : and ver. 13 with Deut. iv. 29 ; ver. 17 with xxiv. 
 8, 10; and other parallels). 
 
 XXIX. 21-23. He predicts the cruel death, at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, 
 of two false prophets who led wicked lives. 
 
 XXIX. 24-32. And he announces the punishment of another, who had 
 endeavoured to induce Zephaniah, the priest at Jerusalem (see at xxi. 1), to 
 persecute and silence Jeremiah on account of his letter. (On his " speaking 
 rebellion against Jehovah, " ver. 32, compare xxviii. 10). 
 
 XXX.-XXXIII. Gracious promises to Israel after the discipline 
 shall have purified them. 
 
 N.B.— For the date see xxxii. 1, 2 and xxxiii. 1, the tenth year of Zedekiah : perhaps a 
 later date for xxxi. 15, as Ramah is connected with the assembling of the people to gO' 
 into exile, xl. 1. 
 
 XXX. The written word and the promise of salvation. 
 
 XXX. 1-3. He is to write in a book all the words that Jehovah has spoken to- 
 him, in view of the return from captivity. 
 
 XXX. 4-11. A sore time of trouble, the birth-pangs of salvation (contrast the- 
 yokes and bands, ver. 8 with those in xxvii., xxviii, and "Jacob my 
 servant," ver. 10 with " Nebuchadrezzar my servant," xxv. 9 : also com- 
 pare " Jehovah their God and David their king," ver. 9 with Hos. iii. 5 ; 
 and "whom I will raise up," ver 9, and so they shall be saved, ver. 7, 11 
 with xxiii. 5, 6). 
 
 XXX. 12-17. The incurable hurt and pain (as the prophet said of himself,. 
 XV. 18) ; yet this will be healed by Jehovah in sovereign compassion. 
 
 XXX. 18-22. Glorious restoration under a ruler proceeding from the midst 
 of them, who shall have been surety for his heart (ver. 21 margin) in 
 approaching to Jehovah. 
 
 XXX. 23, 24. The sweeping tempest to burst upon the head of the wicked, as- 
 shall be understood in the latter days by his people. 
 
 N.B.— These verses very much repeat xxiii. 19, 20. 
 
 XXXI. The new covenant. 
 
 XXXI. 1-9. The restoration of all the families of Israel to covenant blessings,, 
 including deep repentance : imion of Samaria and Zion ; Jehovah a father 
 to Israel, and Ephraim his first born. (Compare generally iii. 12-19). _ 
 
 XXXI. 10-14. Publication of these good news : the ransomed people satisfied 
 with goodness. 
 
 XXXI. 1.5-20. Rachel weeping for her children going into captivity at Ramah 
 (see xl. 1) is comforted by Ephraim's repentance and loving reception. 
 
 XXXI. 21, 22. Invitation to the virgin of Israel to return, though a back- 
 sliding daughter (iii. 14). Jehovah has created a new thing, a female 
 encompassing a man. 
 
 XXXI. 23-26. Recovery of the good old happy names and happy times. The- 
 prophet is set at rest by this vision. 
 
 XXXI. 27-30. Jehovah sowing the seed of man and beast, and reversing all 
 the evil which he bad done (''watching," ver. 28, from i. 12, and the other 
 verbs from i. 10), which had given rise to harsh proverbs. 
 
 XXXI. 31-40. The new and better covenant, its spirituality, its stability, and 
 the consequent enlargement of Jerusalem. 
 
 XXXII. Jeremiah purchases a field in the last days of the kingdom. 
 XXXII 1-5 The word to the prophet whsu in prison toward the end of 
 
JEREMIAH. 131 
 
 Zedeldah's reign, during the siege by Nebuchadnezzar, the success of which 
 he had proi^hesied. 
 
 XXXII. 6-15. The prophet announces the word of Jehovah as to his uncle's 
 son asking him to buy his field according to the right of redemption: he 
 buys it, and takes measures to preserve the deeds, because Jehovah pro- 
 mises that the land shall be again occupied. 
 
 XXXII. 16-25. The prophet pleads with Jehovah, and asks why he should 
 receive commandment to buy the land. 
 
 XXXII. 26, 27. Jehovah replies by asking if anything is too hard for him 
 (ver. 17). 
 
 XXXII. 28-35. He confirms the announcement of the captivity (in language 
 often used already). 
 
 XXXII. 36-44. He repeats the promise of the new and better covenant, and 
 of the renewed occupation of the land (generally as xxxi. 31-40). 
 
 XXXIII. The promises repeated and enforced, 
 
 XXXTIT. 1-13. In a second message to the imprisoned prophet (xxxii. 1, 2) 
 the uselessncss of resistance to the Chaldeans, the sovereign and complete 
 cure of both the pollution and the guilt of sin, and the restoration of 
 Israel and Judah, and of the temple services, are stated and confirmed 
 against doubters and cavillers. 
 
 XXXIII. 14-26. The prediction of the Righteous Branch (xxiii. 5, 6) is repeated, 
 with the application of the promise and of his name to Jerusalem. Promise 
 of the continuance of David's throne and of the Levitical priesthood : the 
 royal and the priestly lines as firmly settled as the covenant of day and 
 night, and other natural ordinances. 
 
 XXXIV.-XLV. Historical events in the prophet's ministry, chiefly 
 connected with the fall of Jerusalem. 
 
 N.B.— Chaps, xxxiv., xxxvii., xxxviii., have manifestly to do with the closing period of 
 Zedekiah's reign ; chap, xxxv., see ver. 1, may perhaps be as early as the earliest sections 
 \yith dates, namely, xxxvi. 1 and 0, the fourth and Hfth of Jehoiakim, to which section 
 xlv. refers. Chapters xxxix.-xliv. are a history of events in the order of time, on to the 
 latest that we know of Jeremiah. 
 
 XXXIV. Zedekiah helplessly exposed to the power of Nebuchadnezzar. 
 
 XXXIV. 1-7. Prophecies against him and Jerusalem (especially ver. 2, 3 like 
 xxi. 10, xxxii. 3, 4) ; yet the captive king is to have aU honour at Babylon 
 (contrast his funeral, ver. 5, with Jehoiakim's end, xxii. 18, 19, xxxvi. 30). 
 
 XXXIV. 8-22. The daring outrage of the princes and the people who cove- 
 nanted to carry out the divine law as to Hebrew servants, and then brought 
 them into hopeless slavery : Nebuchadrezzar's army shall return (compare 
 ver. 21, 22 with xxxvii. 5-9) and destroy the city and kingdom. 
 
 XXXV. A lesson of obedience from the Rechabites. 
 
 XXXV. 1-11. Command to the prophet to test the obedience of the Rechabites 
 to the rules of Jonadab their father ; they stand the test. 
 
 XXXV. 12-19. Jehovah conti-asts their obedience with the disobedience of his 
 people ; he pronounces a blessing and a curse accordingly. 
 
 XXXVI. The written word honoured by God's servant and dis- 
 honoured by Jehoiakim. 
 
 XXXVI. 1-8. The prophet is commanded to write all that had been spoken 
 to him bj'^ Jehovah, in reference both to his own people (see xxx. 2, 3) and 
 
132 JEREMIAH. 
 
 to the nations (see xlvi. 1), since perhaps the people may listen : he writes 
 accordingly by the help of Baruch as his scribe. 
 XXXVI. 9-26. Baruch repeats this next year : the princes take up a 
 hesitating position, but the king defies the message and burns it ; he sends 
 to take Baruch and Jeremiah, but Jehovah hides them. 
 
 XXXVI. 27-32. Jeremiah is commissioned to announce the doom of 
 Jehoiakim (compare ver. 30 with xxii. 19, 30) and his people : and also to 
 write a new copy of the book ; which he does, adding many like words. 
 
 XXXVII., XXXVIII. The sufferings of the prophet through the 
 weak-mindedness of king Zedekiah. 
 
 XXXVII. 1, 2. The king, his servants, and his people, are all disobedient. 
 XXXVII. 3-10. He sends to the prophet asking him to pray for them 
 
 (compare ver. 3 with xxi. 1, 2 ; ver. 5 with xxxiv. 21, 22) ; but all comfort 
 is denied. 
 
 XXXVII. 11-21. On the breaking up of the besieging army, Jeremiah goes 
 to the country to receive his portion (which he had purchased, xxxii. 9) ; he 
 is falsely accused and roughly treated as a deserter, and is cast into the 
 dungeon of Jonathan the scribe. The king secretly consults him, though to 
 no good effect, yet listens to him and places him in a less miserable prison. 
 
 XXXVIII. 1-13. The princes (compare the third and fourth names in ver. 1 
 with xxxvii. 3 and xxi. 1) contrive to have him thrown into another 
 dungeon ; from which Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian eunuch, releases him, 
 having received authority from the king. 
 
 XXXVIII. 14-28. The king's secret conference with him, in which Jeremiah 
 insists on submission to the Chaldeans. The king requires and arranges 
 for the concealment of their conference from the princes. 
 
 XXXIX. The catastrophe. 
 
 XXXIX. 1-14. Jerusalem is taken and destroyed. Zedekiah is made blind 
 and sent in fetters to Babylon. Jeremiah is preserved by the express 
 command of Nebuchadnezzar, and is placed under the care of Gedalish (the 
 son of a trusty friend, see xxvi. 24). 
 
 XXXIX. 15-18. His message of divine protection to Ebed-melech (see 
 xxxviii. 7-13), spoken while in the court of the guard (see xxxvii. 21). 
 
 XL., XLI. Jeremiah under the administration of Gedaliah. 
 
 XL. 1-6. Tender dealing of the Chaldeans ; he is placed under the care of 
 
 Gedaliah the governor of the land. 
 XL. 7-12. The dispersed Jews repair to this governor, who encourages them. 
 XL*. 13-16. The treachery of one of these fugitives is revealed to him, but he 
 
 refuses to believe it. 
 XLI. 1-10. He and those about him are treacherously murdered. 
 XLI. 11-18. The remainder are rescued by Johanan and the other captains of 
 
 the forces, who prepare to withdraw into Egypt. 
 
 XLII , XLIII. Jeremiah's unsuccessful opposition to the flight into 
 
 Egypt. 
 
 XLII. 1-6. The captains and the people unite in desiring Jeremiah to make 
 supplication for them, and promise obedience to the divine guidance. 
 
 XLII. 7-22. Jeremiah assures them that all shall yet be well if they remain 
 in their own land (compare the verbs ver. 10 with those in i. 10), but the 
 reverse if they set their faces to go into Egypt (compare the instruments of 
 destruction, ver. 17, with xiv. 12, xxiv. 10, xxix. 18, which last passage has 
 the issues much as ver. 18 here) : and he lays bare and denounces their 
 hypocrisy in pretending to inquire at Jehovah, whereas their minds were 
 already made up. 
 
JEREMIAH. 133 
 
 XLIII. 1-7. They discredit his prophecy, and go into Egypt to Tahpanhes, 
 carrying him with them. [Query, did Jeremiah notice that he was the only 
 true prophet since Moses who ever exercised his ministry in Egypt? See 
 xxvi. 20-23.] 
 
 XLIII. 8-13. His prophecy, with a symbolical action, that Nebuchadrezzar 
 shall follow them thither, and be completely successful over Egypt. 
 
 N.B.— Nebuchadnezzar becomes anew "my servant," ver. 10, as in xxv. 9, xxvii. 6, 
 according to ver. 11, executing three of the four judgements in xv. 2; captivity, one of 
 these, having been inflicted by their own hand. 
 
 XLIV. Jeremiah's latest prophetic labours among them. 
 
 N.B.— According to ver. 1, they were widely scattered : but perhaps the scene is in 
 Pathros or Upper^Egypt, ver. 15. 
 
 XLIV. 1-14. He relates their past provocations, and the consequent judge- 
 ments which have befallen Jerusalem ; and he threatens them (ver. 12, 13 
 as xlii. 17, 18). 
 
 XLIV. 15-23. Their impudent and obstinate reply (compare ver. 17 and 19 
 with vii. 18), both men and women : the prophet's rejoinder. 
 
 XLIV, 24-30. Therefore Jehovah has sworn that they shall no longer use his 
 name, but shall joerish miserably. It shall be seen that his word is to stand. 
 A sign of their impending punishment shall be that the king of Egypt shall 
 be given into the hand of his enemies, as Zedekiah was given. 
 
 XLV. A word of instruction and comfort to Baruch. 
 
 N.B.— Dated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, when Baruch rendered his great service, 
 xxxvi. 1-8, etc., so that it stands here as an appendix to the book with whose writing he 
 had so much to do. Compare the verbs in ver. 4 with i. 10 ; and the promise of his life 
 for a prey, ver. 5, with that to Ebed-melech xxxix. 18, both being from xxi. 9. 
 
 XLVI.-LI. Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the nations. 
 
 N.B.— There are nine of these : the usual number of completeness, ten, is obtained by 
 prefixing the prophecies against Israel, unless otherwise by counting two prophecies 
 against Babylon, as in Isaiah's burdens : compare the note at commencement of Isa. 
 x.-xxiii., the ten burdens of that prophet. 
 
 XLVL First: Of Egypt. 
 
 XL VI. 2-12. The destruction of the army which went to Carchemish on the 
 
 Euphrates. 
 
 N.B.— Dated the fourth year of Jehoiakim, ver. 1, compare xxv. 1 ; therefore a later 
 campaign than that in which Josiah was killed, 2 Chron. xxxv. 20-24. 
 
 XLVL 13-26. The proiDhecy regarding the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchad- 
 nezzar (compare xliii. 10-13, xliv. 30, and Ezek. xxix. 17-20). 
 
 XLVL 27, 28. But Jacob is not to fear ; he shall be saved, and his seed, from 
 the land of their captivity, after their needed discipline. 
 
 N.B. — These verses are repeated from xxx. 10, 11, Avith very little change ; contrast the 
 title of Jacob "my servant" in both verses, with this title given to Nebuchadnezzar at 
 xliii. 10. 
 
 XLVII. Second : Concerning the Philistines. 
 N.B.— Tyre and Zidon are connected with them, ver. 4; compare Amos i. 6 and 9. 
 
 XLVIII. Third : Of Moab, for their pride and carnal confidence, 
 and for their contempt of the people of Jehovah. 
 
 N.B. —In many parts this prophecy seems an expansion of Isa. xv., xvi., yet ending with 
 a promise, ver. 47. 
 
1 3 4 JEREMIAH. 
 
 XLIX. Of several nations. 
 
 XLIX. 1-G. Fourth : Of Ammon : ending with the same promise as that ta 
 
 Moab. 
 XLIX. 7-22. Fifth : Of Edom. 
 
 N.B.— Much of this is the same as Obadiah's prophecy: but there is an inversion of 
 order in the verses. 
 
 XLIX. 23-27. Sixth : Of Damascus. 
 
 XLIX. 28-33. Seventh : Of Kedar, and of the kingdoms of Hazor, which 
 
 Nebuchadnezzar smote, the children of the east. 
 XLIX. 34-39. Eighth : Concerning Elam, ending with the same promise as 
 
 that to Moab and Amon. 
 N.B.— Dated in the beginning of Zedekiah's reign. 
 
 L. and LI. Ninth : Concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the 
 
 Chaldeans. 
 
 L. 2-5. ^ Publish that her idols are dismayed. A nation comes from the north 
 against her. A great returning of Israel and Judah to Jehovah. 
 
 L. 6-16. My people have been lost sheep : great nations from the north shall 
 now set themselves against Babylon. Wonderful plagues upon her, the 
 vengeance of Jehovah. 
 
 L. 17-20. Israel has long suffered, like a scattered sheep, he shall be restored 
 to his land, and shall enjoy forgiveness. 
 
 L. 21-32. _ The vengeance of Jehovah's temple upon the land of double 
 rebellion, the hammer of the whole earth, the proud one. 
 
 L. 33-46. The Redeemer of oppressed Israel and Judah brings a sword upon 
 the Chaldeans and all that is theirs ; and a people from the north country 
 and many kings. (Compare ver. 41 with ver. 3 ; and observe that ver. 
 41-43 is a repetition of vi. 23, 24, yet no longer against Israel but against 
 their enemies ; and ver. 44-46 repeats xlix. 19-21). 
 
 LI. 1-14. The ruin of Babylon without remedy, vengeance and recompense for 
 her dealing with Israel and Judah, guilty though they had been. Venge- 
 ance for the temple of Jehovah (compare ver. li with 1. 28) by the Medes. 
 
 LI. 15-19 (a repetition of x. 12-16). Description of the Creator; brutishness of 
 idolatry ; mutual relation of Israel and Jehovah of hosts. 
 
 LI. 20-24. His people are his battle-axe and weapons of war, to dash in pieces 
 whatever opposes them, and to recompense the evil done. 
 
 LI. 25-32. Jehovah is against this destroying mountain : so are the nations, 
 the Medes and others. The mighty men of Babylon are become as women ; 
 the city is surprised and taken. 
 
 LI, 33-44. Babylon is like a threshing floor when it is trodden ; vengeance on 
 her. They are drunken, and shall sleep a perpetual sleeiD. Ruin ; judge- 
 ment on Bel their god. 
 
 LI. 45-58. My people are not to fear ; retribution comes on Babylon and her 
 idols, at which heaven and earth rej oice. The drunkenness and the perpetual 
 sleep of her great men. Her walls are overthrown ; her gates are bui-ned ; 
 the peoples labour for vanity. 
 
 LI. 59-64. The command to Seraiah to read this prophecy at Babylon, and to 
 cast the book into the Euphrates, as a symbol of Babylon sinking. 
 N.B.— Was Seraiah the brother of Baruch, Jeremiah's friend and scribe, xxxii. 12? 
 
 Lll. Historical appendix on the destruction of Jerusalem. 
 
 N.B.— At li. 64, the words of Jeremiah are said to be " thus far." 
 
 LII. 1-27. Account of Zedekiah, and of the taking of the city. (Compare 
 2 Kings xxiv. 18-xxv. 21, almost word for word). 
 
JEREMIAH. 135 
 
 LII. 28-30. The number of the Jews carried captive on three occasions by 
 
 Nebuchadrezzar. 
 LII. 31-34. Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, advances the captive king 
 
 Jehoiachin. 
 
 THE LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH. 
 
 N.B.— These are five alphabetical poems, of the class -wliich is best known by Psalm 
 cxix. It is very difficult to mark the course of thought ; for which reason this form, 
 resembling acrostics and rhymes in some respects, may have been chosen to aid the 
 memory. The first chapter has much more of the first person than the second chapter, 
 yet much less than the third chapter. 
 
 I. 1-11. The miserable state of Jerusalem by reason of her sin. 
 
 I. 12-22. I confess my unparalleled grief and misery, and thy righteousness, 
 
 O Jehovah ; I plead for mercy, and for retribution on my light-hearted 
 enemies. 
 N.B.— Ver. 11 marks the change of person. 
 
 II. 1-12. Jehovah hath brought every thing to ruin, Jerusalem and all Judah, 
 
 king and priest and prophet, without distinction of class or age or sex. 
 N.B.— First person begins at ver. 11. 
 
 II. 13-17. Address to Jerusalem regarding her sins as the cause of her 
 miseries. 
 
 II. 18-22. Invitation to her to plead with Jehovah. 
 
 III. 1-21. I confess and bewail what I have suffered from his wrath : 
 remembering and humbling myself, I have hope, 
 
 III. 22-36. I nourish my hope on his mercies, his goodness, and even his 
 
 justice. 
 III. 37-54. I humble myself under our terrible yet righteous chastisement. 
 
 III. 55-66. I called on thee out of the dungeon and found thee drawing near: 
 deliver me, and render a recompense to them. 
 
 IV. 1-11. A lamentation over the pitiable condition of Zion. 
 
 IV. 12-20. A confession of her sins, which have reduced us to the last 
 extremity. 
 
 IV. 21, 22. Defiance to thee, O Edom, which shalt be recompensed for thine 
 iniquity ; and comfort to thee, O Zion. 
 
 V. 1-18. Our mournful complaint, in prayer to thee, Jehovah. 
 
 V. 19-22. Thou sittest as king for ever. Why dost thou forget us ? Turn us 
 again and renew us. Thou hast utterly rejected us. 
 
 E Z E K I E L . 
 
 I. -III. Visions and first lessons. 
 
 I. The prophet's vision of the cherubim and the glory of Jehovah. 
 
 I. 1-3. The title. 
 
 N.B.— This very priestly prophet sees every glorious emblem in his religion separated 
 from the temple at Jerusalem, compare i. 4, 28 with viii. 4. 
 
 I. 4. The stormy wind and the fire. 
 
 I. 5-14. The four living creatures out of the midst of it. 
 
136 EZEKIEL. 
 
 I. 15-21. The four accompanying wheels. 
 
 I. 22-25. The firmament (or expanse, Gen. i. 6) over head, and the voice of 
 the Almighty. 
 
 I. 26-28. The appearance of a man u^Don a throne, the likeness of the glory of 
 
 Jehovah. 
 
 II. l-III. 15. The prophet's commission. 
 
 II. l-III. 3. My commission (as " son of man," a title by which Ezekiel is 
 often addressed) to the children of Israel (both nations, ii. 3, compare 
 iv. 5, 6), impudent and rebellious, to whom I am to sx^eak undismayed. 
 The roll of a book given to me to eat. 
 
 N.B.— The description "rebellious house " is repeated xii. 9, xvii. 12. 
 
 III. 4-11. Encouragement to speak to my people in the captivity. 
 III. 12-15. The Spirit takes me up (in a vision resembling chap, i.) 
 
 III. 16-27. Confirmation of the commission. 
 N.B.— It is dated a week later, ver. 16. 
 
 III. 16-21. I am a watchman, responsible for life if I forbear to warn men. 
 III. 22-27. Renewal of the vision of the glory of Jehovah. I am to be shut 
 up from my people, and to be dumb, unless when he opens my mouth. 
 
 IV.-VII. The siege of Jerasalem, and its results. 
 
 IV. 1-3. I pourtray the siege of Jerusalem, on a tile, using also an iron pan. 
 
 IV. 4-17. My lying on my side, to bear the iniquity of the people, a day for 
 every year, with poor fare, restricted in quantity, and baked with repulsive 
 fuel. 
 
 V. 1-4. My hair shaven off, accurately divided into three parts, and destroyed 
 
 with the exception of a few hairs. 
 KB.— As a priest, he ought not to have done this in service at the temple, Lev. xxi. 5. 
 
 V. 5-17. Application of this, as a sj^mbol, to the destruction of the rebellious 
 
 city by pestilence and famine and sword, in their dispex'sion. 
 
 VI. The mountains of Israel and the entire land to be desolated. 
 
 VI. 1-10. I am to prophecy to them, describing how they have been polluted 
 by the idolatx-ies of the inhabitants, who must be slain by the sword, 
 excepting a small remnant, to whom their afflictions shall be effective 
 means of grace. 
 
 N.B.— The lesson to be learned, amid the downfall of the theocracy, "ye shall know 
 that I am Jehovah," ver. 7, 10, 13, 14, is often repeated in chap, vii., xii., xiii., xx., xxii. ; 
 and even to the heathen, xxv. 5, 11, etc., and in the latter gracious promises, xxxvi. 23, 
 38, etc. And the self-loathing, ver. 9, is mentioned again, xx. 43, xxxvi. 31. 
 
 VI. 11-14. I am to smite with my hand and to stamp with my foot, and to- 
 say, Alas ! for all these abominations and the con.sequent judgements. 
 
 VII. The end tliat is come upon the land of Israel. 
 
 VII. 1-5. An end, the end (repeated ver. 6, probably from Gen. vi. 13), 
 without hope of mercy. 
 
 VII. 6-19. The doom (or, turn of events, the crisis) is come ; the rod has 
 blossomed, pride has budded ; there shall be no jubilee year, but universal 
 ruin, with horror and despair ; their very silver and gold shall be cast away. 
 
 VII. 20-27. The beauty of his ornament has been made unto them as an 
 unclean thing, which is given to strangers and the wicked of the earth ta 
 profane. The land is full of bloody crimes, and shall be occupied by the 
 
EZEKIEL. 137 
 
 worst of the heathen. The three orders of the theocracy (ver, 26, 27 ; see- 
 note on Jer. v. 30, 31) shall be helpless, seeking peace where there is none. 
 
 VIII.-XI. The great vision of the glory departing from Israel. 
 
 N.B.— Dated in the middle of the sixth year of Jehoiachin's captivity (which coincides- 
 with Zedekiali's reign), a year and two months after the first vision, i. 2. 
 
 VIII. The desecrated temple (compare vii. 20). 
 
 N.B.— Apparently the evil ever advances from the outer to the inner parts of the 
 temple, ver. 3, 7, 14, 16. 
 
 VIII. 1-6. Circumstances of the vision. The image of jealousy, where the 
 glory of the God of Israel was, as I had seen it in the plain (i. 4, 28, iii. 23), 
 to drive him from his own sanctuary. 
 VIII. 7-12. The creeping things and abominable things, and seventy elders 
 worshipping. 
 N.B.— Probably Egyptian idols. 
 VIII. 13-15. The women weeping for Tammuz. 
 N.B.— A Tyrian idol. 
 
 VIII. 16, 17. Twenty-five men turning their back upon the house of Jehovah^ 
 and worshiiDping the sun. 
 N.B.— Persian or other eastern fire-worshippers, with the sacred branch. 
 VIII. 18. It is impossible to spare or pity, or to listen to prayer for them. 
 
 IX. The glory begins to move away, The vengeance on those men 
 who have not the mark from Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— The man clothed in linen appears also in Dan. x. 5 and xii. 5, 6. I can connect 
 him with no one else than the high priest on the day of atonement, Lev. xvi. 4. He is 
 the great high priest, but no longer interceding for Israel, Luke xiii. 9, only sealing a 
 remnant for safety. 
 
 X. The ruin of the city. Renewed vision of the glory, seen yet ever 
 moving away. 
 
 X. 1, 2. The man clothed in linen fills his hands with coals of fire taken from 
 
 between the whirling wheels, and sprinkles them over the city (compare 
 
 Exod. ix. 8). 
 X. 3, 4. The cherubim now standing ou the right side of the house, and the 
 
 cloud filling the inner court ; one more effort to fill the court with the 
 
 brightness of the glory (compare ix. 3). 
 X. 5-17. Renewed vision of the cherubim and the wheels, as in i. and iii. 
 
 X. 18-22. The glory and the cherubim go forth to the doorway of the east gate 
 
 of the house of Jehovah. I knew that they were the same that I had seen 
 already by the river Chebar. 
 
 XI. The entire removal of the glory from the city : gracious promises 
 to the exiles. 
 
 XI. 1-3. The presumptuous sin of twenty-five representative men, resolved to- 
 hold firmly by the city. 
 
 N.B.— Their words "The time is not near to build houses" seems to be their dis- 
 obedient reply to the advice of the prophecy in Jer. xxix. 5. 
 
 XI. 4-13. I am commanded to prophesy against them and their false con- 
 fidence. As I prophesy, one of their two leaders dies. I plead that a full 
 end may not be made of the remnant of Israel. 
 
 XI. 14-21. My brethren, the men of my kindred, have been thrown off by the 
 
138 EZEKIEL. 
 
 men of Jerusalem, as if their exile witnessed against them. But Jehovah 
 is their sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they have been 
 scattered : and every spiritual blessing, beginning with the new heart, 
 shall be theirs. (Compare the promises with those in Jer. xxiv, 5-7, 
 xxix. 12-14, and especially xxxii, 36-44, all resting on Deut. xxx, 1-6.) 
 XI. 22, 23. The cherubim and the glory of Jehovah go forth from the city, 
 and over to the mountains on the east side of it. 
 
 N.B.— Compare our Lord's word Matt, xxiii. 38. Observe that this desertion of the 
 temple involves the ruin of the priests ; to be followed by that of the kings in xii., and 
 of the prophets in xiii., all the three orders of the theocracy. 
 
 XI. 24, 25. End of the vision, which I relate to the exiles. 
 
 XII. The ruin of the king and the kingdom, as predicted. 
 
 XII. 1-16. My symbolical preparations for exile, representing the case of 
 Zedekiah and his people (compare ver. 14-16 with v. and vi.) 
 
 XII. 17-20. I am to eat bread and drink water with quaking and carefulness, 
 as an assurance of that which is coming on the land. (Compare iv. 16.) 
 
 XII. 21-25. The sceptical proverb as to deferred fulfilment of prophecy shall 
 cease. 
 
 XII. 26-28. In the case of my prophecy, the fulfilment shall be at once. 
 
 XIII. The ruin of the false prophets and prophetesses. 
 
 XIII. 1-7. These prophets, deceiving and self-deceived, follow their own 
 
 spirit, and have had no message from Jehovah. 
 XIII. 8-16. The judgement on them for prophesying peace falsely: their 
 
 wall of untempered mortar shall fall in the day of storm. 
 
 XIII. 17-23. The false prophetesses, their selfishness, covetousness, and 
 sensuality. 
 
 XIV. The hopelessness of the condition of the people. 
 
 XIV. 1-11. Elders coming to me and sitting before me (compare viii. 1) : it is 
 hopeless for them to inquire, with their idols in their hearts ; and the 
 prophets are as much sunk in iniquity as the inquirers. This severity is 
 necessary, that in the end Israel may be the people of Jehovah, and he 
 may be their God. 
 
 XIV. 12-21. But even Noah, Daniel, and Job could do nothing for this land 
 (compare Jer. xv. 1), when the Lord Jehovah's four sore judgements 
 (compare v. 17, etc.) come in succession; how much worse is it when they 
 come together? 
 
 XIV. 22, 23. Yet there shall be some that escape, to let the exiles be com- 
 forted when they see from their character how the evil could not but come 
 upon Jerusalem. 
 
 XV., XVI. Israel as a useless vine and an unfaithful spouse. 
 
 XV. The wood of the vine tree is useless ; much more plainly so, 
 after it has been in the fire. So with Israel. 
 N.B.— The only use of the Church, as of the vine, is to bear fruit, John xv. 1-8. 
 
 XVI. 1-14. Jerusalem has been a miserable exposed infant, whom Jehovah 
 has loved and pitied and cared for, and taken to himself in marriage. 
 
 XVI. 15-26. Her monstrous adulteries and other misdeeds. 
 
 XVI. 27-34. Discipline has had no good effect on her. 
 
 XVI. 35-43. Judgement is pronounced against her, which shall be executed. 
 
 XVI. 44-59. Her sin, as great as that of her mother, and exceeding that of 
 her sisters Sodom and Samaria, calls for judgements. 
 
EZEKIEL. 139 
 
 XVI. 60-63. Yet a covenant shall be established with her in sovereign mercy 
 (compare xiv. 11). 
 
 XVII. Parable of the two eagles and the vine : the ruin of the 
 perjured kingdom, and the setting up of a new one by the Lord 
 Jehovah himself. 
 
 XVII. 1-10. Parable of the vine planted by the eagle, with which another 
 
 eagle meddles, to its ruin : 
 XVII. 11-21. Explained of the kings of Babylon and Egypt dealing with the 
 
 seed royal at Jerusalem, which shall perish by its own unfaithfulness. 
 
 XVII. 22-2:^. Jehovah himself shall plant the topmost branch in the mountain 
 of the height of Israel (compare Isa. xi. 1, and ii. 2, 3) that all fowl of 
 every wing may dwell under its shadow. 
 
 XVIII., XIX. The principles of the Divine government, seen in 
 successive generations of the people, and in the royal house. 
 
 XVIII. 1-4. Jehovah reproves their unfair parable of the sour grapes (compare 
 ver. 2 with Jer. xxxi, 29). All souls are his ; and the soul that sinneth, it 
 shall die. 
 
 XVIII. 5-9. How therefore he deals with a father acting aright ; 
 XVIII. 10-13. How with the ill-doing son of such a father : 
 XVIII. 14-18. And how with such a father's son wlio acts aright. 
 XVIII. 19-29. Their new and unreasonable complaint : how he deals with a re- 
 penting sinner, and with a righteous man turning away from his righteousness. 
 
 XVIII. 30-32. He exhorts them to repentance, and assures them that he has 
 no pleasure in the death of the wicked. (Compare ver, 30 with xiv. 6.) 
 
 XIX. 1-9. A lamentation (see ii. 10) for the royal princes of Israel, under the 
 parable of a lion's whelps, successively caught and taken away : 
 
 XIX. 10-14. And again under the parable of a vine whose roots have been 
 used for sceptres, but are burnt (compare xv. 4-7) ; and plucked up and 
 destroyed by the east wind (compare xvii. 9, 10). 
 
 XX., XXL /Historical review of Israel's relation to Jehovah: the 
 fearful issue now. 
 
 N.B.— Compare the date of the prophecy with that of viii. 1, when the elders also sat 
 before him, as they did again at the undated prophecy, xiv. 1. 
 
 XX. 1-3. The elders who had come to consult me are refused an answer. 
 XX. 4. I am to shew them their abominations (comjiare xvi. 2) : 
 
 XX. 5-9. In Egypt, when they were chosen and had received the promise of 
 the land flowing with milk and honey ; when only for his name's sake he 
 spared them : 
 
 XX. 10 17. In the wilderness, giving them his Sabbaths and his statutes ; 
 
 XX. 18-26. To their children, still in the wilderness, to whom he swore that 
 he would disperse them through the countries ; to whom moreover he gave 
 statutes that were not good, and he polluted them in their own gifts. 
 
 N.B.— Observe the repeated statements in these sections : ver. 6 and 15 ; ver. 8 and 21 ; 
 ver. 9, 14, 22 ; ver. 11 and 19 ; ver. 12 and 20. 
 
 XX. 27-29. They blasphemed his name after coming into the land, with their 
 high places. 
 
 XX. 30-44. He cannot be inquired of by them while they are in the pollutions 
 of their fathers (ver. 31 as ver. 3) ; nor can he leave them to be as the 
 nations. He will be their king ; yet with angry judgements, in a new 
 wilderness, bringing a penitent people home to his true worship and service. 
 (Compare "in the mountain of the height of Israel," ver. 40, with xvii. 23). 
 
 10 
 
140 EZEKIEL. 
 
 XX. 45-49. The forest of the field in the South is to be consumed in a fire, 
 which all flesh shall see to have been kindled by Jehovah. But the 
 people complain that I am a speaker of parables. 
 
 N.B.— This title, ver. 4G, 47, is a mystic.il name of Jerusalem (compare the explanation 
 in xxi. 2, 5, and see again, xxiii. d). See note at Isa. xxii. 1. 
 
 XXI. 1-7. I am commanded to propliecy against Jerusalem, the sanctuaries, 
 and the land, announcing universal certain destruction of the righteous 
 and the wicked alike, my own soul manifesting the most violent grief. 
 
 XXL 8-17. The tremendous sword, in deadly conflict with the rod of Jeho- 
 vah's son (see xix. 10-14). 
 
 XXI. 18-23. The king of Babylon guides himself by divination, to attack 
 Jerusalem rather than Kabbah of the children of Ammon ; really he is led 
 by Jehovah against the perjurers (compare xvii. 13-19). 
 
 XXI. 24-27. The removal of the mitre and the taking away of the crown, in 
 the time of the iniquity of the end (ver. 25 see vii. 2-6, also xxxv. 5) : to be 
 overturned, and to be no more, until he come whose right it is (see Gen. 
 xlix. 10 margin). 
 
 XXI. 28-32. The same sword shall come on Ammon also (see ver. 20 ; but 
 again, in the prophecies against the nations, xxv. 1-7. 
 
 XXII. The infamous and hopeless condition of Jerusalem, which 
 must be cast into the furnace as on the whole a mass of dross. 
 
 XXII. 1-16. Judge her, and show her all her abominations (see xx. 4) : full 
 of bloodshed, of every kind of wrongdoing in social and religious life, and 
 of horrible uncleanness. Can thine heart endure when he shall deal with 
 thee? 
 
 XXII. 17-22. The house of Israel is become dross unto Jehovah ; they must 
 be gathered into Jerusalem, as into a furnace, to be melted as he blows 
 upon it with the fire of his wrath. 
 
 XXII. 23-31. The corruption of the three orders of the theocracy (see notes- 
 on vii. 26, 27, xi. 22, 23), and of the people at large (compare ver. 28 with 
 xiii. 3, 10). 
 
 XXIII. Parable of Jerusalem and Samaria, under mystical names,, 
 as unfaithful spouses. 
 
 N.B.— Compare xvi. This chapter gives more prominence to Samaria, paints the 
 pollution and guilt more at length and in more revolting colours, and is gloomier in its 
 judgements. 
 XXIII. 1-21. The two sisters, already led astray in Egypt, are much more 
 
 grossly polluted with Assyria, till Jehovah becomes alienated. 
 XXIII. 22-35. Her lovers shall execute vengeance on Jerusalem. 
 
 XXIII. 36-49. I am to declare their abominations to both sisters, and to 
 pronounce on them the sentence deserved by adulteresses. 
 
 XXIV. Last prophecies against Jerusalem. 
 
 XXIV. 1-5. I am to mark this day, the date of the commencement of the 
 siege of Jerusalem. Parable of the boiling caldron and its flesh. 
 N.B.— Applying their own language, xi. 3, in a sense they had not thought of. 
 
 XXIV. 6-14. Heat the caldron violently (compare so far xxii. 17-22 ; and 
 "the bloody city," ver. 9 with xxii. 2) : the poisonous rust of the copper is 
 on every piece, and there is no purging of it. 
 
 XXIV. 15-24. The sudden death of my wife, for which I am forbidden to 
 mourn, is a sign to the people that they shall not be able to mourn for the 
 fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of their beloved temple, and the death hy 
 
EZEKIEL. 141 
 
 the sword of their kindred there ; for they shall be engrossed with pining 
 and moaning for their iniquities. 
 XXIV. 25-27. My mouth shall be opened again on that day on which the 
 messenger comes to me bringing the news that Jerusalem is taken. 
 
 XXV.-XXXII. The prophecies against the nations. 
 
 N.B.— The dates of several of these shew that they were delivered during the time that 
 the prophet's mouth was shut to his own people (xxiv. 25-27). The arrangement is in 
 sevens ; seven nations are selected for judgement, and against one of them, Egypt, there 
 are seven prophejies, tlie seventh branching out into seven particulars. 
 
 XXV. 1-7. First : Against the children of 'Ammon. 
 XXV. 8-11. Second : Against Moab. 
 
 N.B.— A had pre-eminence is given to Amnion, ver. 10, after the prophecy against it 
 is ended, compare its destruction already predicted at xxi. 28-32 ; and also to mount Seir, 
 the country of Edom, mentioned ver. 8, though the prophecy against Edom is to follow, 
 and also ch. xxxv. is occupied with Seir and Edom. 
 
 XXV. 12-14. Third : against Edom. 
 
 XXV. 15-17. Fourth : against the Philistines. 
 
 N.B.— Observe the "despite " of Amnion, ver. 6, of the Philistines, ver. 15, and of Edom, 
 xxxvi. 5 ; a kindred expression is used of Zidon, xxviii. 24, 26, the latter verse, however, 
 more general. 
 
 XXVI. -XXVIII. 19. Fifth : against Tyre. 
 
 XXVI. Her opposition to Jerusalem, and its punishment. 
 
 XXVI. 1-14. Insulting boasts ; therefore the nations shall be brought against 
 her, to make her a bare rock, a place for spreading nets ; Nebuchadrezzar 
 being the chief agent. 
 
 XXVI. 15-21. The mourning and astonishment of all connected with the sea, 
 at her fall. 
 
 XXVII. A lamentation (ii. 10) for Tyre, under the figure of a trading 
 vessel wrecked. 
 
 XXVII. 1-25. The description of this vessel, perfect in beauty, strongly 
 built, -with a skilful crew, and with a cargo of all that can be collected from 
 the whole known world. 
 
 XXVII. 2G-36. The vessel is suddenly and irrecoverably lost : the terror and 
 lamentation. 
 
 XXVIII. 1-19. The judgement on the prince of Tyre. 
 
 XXVIII. 1-10. His sacrilegious pride ; the fall and ruin which it shall bring. 
 N.B.— Ver. 7 resembles vii. 21, 22. "The terrible of the nations," ver. 7, occurs 
 
 repeatedly in these chapters, xxx. 11, xxxi. 12, xxxii. 12; and "the deaths of the 
 uncircumcised " ver. 10, is explained in xxxi. 18, xxxii. 19, etc. 
 
 XXVIII. 11-19. A lamentation (ii. 10) for him, his great glory corrupted by 
 sin. 
 N.B.— The language in ver. 13 reminds the reader of the High Priest's breastplate with 
 precious stones. 
 
 XXVIII. 20-26. Sixth : against Zidon. 
 XXVIII. 20-24. The judgements of Jehovah on her; he shall be sanctified in 
 her. She shall no more be a pricking brier nor a grieving thorn to Israel. 
 
142 EZEKIEL. 
 
 XXVIII. 25, 26. Jehovah shall be sanctified in his restored people, in the 
 sight of the nations. 
 
 N.B.— Their dwelling securely, ver. 26, is a favourite expression in Ezekiel, taken from 
 the Pentateuch, though the English translation is not uniform : for instance Lev. xxv. 
 18, 19, xxvi. 5, Deut. xii. 10, xxxiii. 28. 
 
 XXIX. -XXXII. Seventh : against Egypt and Pharaoh its king. 
 
 N.B.— In seven divisions : see note at beginning of the section, ch. xxv.-xxxii. Perhaps- 
 the last, xxxii. 17-32 might itself be again divided into seven. 
 
 (1) XXIX. 1-16. Pharaoh is compared to a river monster (crocodile ?), which 
 
 shall be destroyed. The treachery of Egypt towards Israel ; its desolation ; 
 its restoration after forty years, but only to be the basest of kingdoms. 
 
 (2) XXIX. 17-20. Egypt is given to Nebuchadrezzar, its spoil to be the wages 
 to recompense him for his hard service at Tyre. 
 
 N.B.— Verse 17 gives the latest date in Ezekiel's prophecies : compare xl. 1. 
 
 XXIX. 21. In that day Jehovah will cause a horn to bud forth into the house 
 of Israel (so at Psalm cxxxii. 17, Jer. xxiii. 5, margin ; compare Ezekiel 
 himself, xvii. 22-24) ; and he will give his prophet opening of mouth in the 
 midst of them (see iii. 26, 27, xxiv. 27). 
 
 (3) XXX. 1-19. Four sayings of Jehovah, announcing the desolation of Egypt. 
 N.B.— This prophecy is undated, but ver. 1 suggests that all were spoken at once, 
 
 probably about the same time as the preceding pi'ophecy. 
 
 XXX. (a) 1-5. The day is near, the day of Jehovah, a day of clouds, the time 
 of the heathen, Egypt and associated nations. 
 
 XXX. (6) 6-9. The fall of those that uphold Egypt ; even the securely living 
 
 Ethiopians are made afraid. 
 XXX. (c) 10-12. Nebuchadrezzar is to be the instrument for making the land 
 
 desolate, by the hand of strangers. 
 
 XXX. {d) 13-19. The idols of Egypt shall be destroyed ; there shall no more 
 come a royal prince out of it. Its cities shall go into captivity. 
 
 (4) XXX. 20-26. The arm of the king of Babylon shall be strengthened against 
 
 the king of Egypt, whose arm is broken and cannot be healed. 
 
 (5) XXXI. I am to relate to Pharaoh the glory of Assyria, its pride, 
 and its fall, as a lesson for himself. 
 
 XXXI. 1-9. I am to ask Pharaoh whom he is like in his greatness ; and to 
 point to Assyria as a cedar of Lebanon, wonderfully great and well cared 
 for, and sheltering all the fowls of heaven and all the beasts of the earth. 
 
 N.B.— Much of the imagery is as in ch. xvii. ; and ver. 8, 9 recalls xxviii. 13, " Eden, 
 the garden of God." 
 
 XXXI. 10-14. The tree is hewn down, and the fowls and the beasts dwell up- 
 on its ruin, to put an end to pride. 
 
 XXXI. 15-17. The sound of its fall made the nations shake, and caused a 
 mourning, except that it comforted those who had been envious (ver. 10, see 
 ver. 9). 
 
 XXXI. 18. All this is an exact pattern of thee and thy fall. 
 
 (6) XXXII. 1-16. A lamentation (ii. 10) for the fearful fall of Egypt, a sea- 
 
 monster slain ; whose death by the sword of the king of Babylon, darkens 
 sun, moon, and stars, and makes the peoples and kings amazed and afraid. 
 
 (7) XXXI r. 17-32. The multitude of Egypt shall be brought down to the 
 pit with the other uncircumcised. 
 
 XXXIII. Ezekiel tlie watchman to the house of Israel. 
 
 XXXIII, 1-9. The duty of a watchman in time of war : I am made a 
 
EZEKIEL. 143 
 
 watchman to the house of Israel, with all the responsibilities of this 
 office. 
 N.B.— Verses 7-9 are almost word for word from iii. 17-19. 
 
 XXXIII. 10-20. The complaint of the people, that they pine away in their 
 
 iniquities (xxiv. 23), and that the way of the Lord is not equal ; it is met 
 
 and answered by tender invitations and clear explanation of his dealin«' 
 
 with the righteous and the wicked. " 
 
 N.B.— Compare ver. 11, 12, 17, 20, with xviii. 23, 24, 25. 
 
 XXXIII. 21-29. The tidings reach me that Jerusalem is smitten : my mouth 
 is opened (see xxiv. 27). The impious self-confidence of the abominable 
 remnant in the land of Israel is severely rebuked ; the land shall be made 
 utterly desolate. 
 
 XXXIII. 30-33. My own people converse about me, and invite one another 
 to come and hear the word of Jehovah ; and they listen to my words and 
 profess much love for them, but they do not obey. They shall yet know 
 that a prophet has been among them. 
 
 XXXIV.-XXXVI. Promises of restoration to Israel. 
 
 XXXIV. The false shepherds and the true Shepherd. 
 
 XXXIV. 1-19. A reproof of the shepherds, who have abused the flock; 
 Jehovah himself will search them out and deliver them : he will require 
 them at these shepherds' hands, and he will protect the weaker cattle 
 against the stronger. 
 
 XXXIV. 20-31. He will judge between the fat and the lean cattle. He will 
 set up one shepherd over them, his servant David, and will make the 
 covenant of peace with them, complete and enduring blessing, security, 
 and renown. 
 
 N.B.— Ver. 23, 24 seem to refer to Jer. xxiii. 5, 6; and ver. 25-27 to Lev. xxvi. 4-6, 13 : 
 compare Psa. Ixvii., and Isa. xi. 6-9, xxxv. 9. 
 
 XXXV. Prophecy against mount Seir and Edom, for their enmity 
 against God's people, and their seizing the mountains of Israel to 
 be their own, notwithstanding that Jehovah was there. 
 
 N.B.— It is noticeable that the prophet returns, after what he had said in xxv. 12-14, to 
 Eflom ; to the prophets it was the leader and type of heathenism hostile to the kingdom 
 of God, as is seen in xxxvi. 5. Compare the return to the subject in Isa. Ixiii. after xxxiv, 
 
 XXXVI. 1-15. Corresponding prophecy in favour of the mountains of Israel ; 
 a recompense for all that has been despitefully done to them. 
 
 N.B.— The geographical terms in ver. 4 are the same as in the earlier prophecy against 
 these mountains, vi. 3. 
 
 XXXVI. 16-36. The divine anger and the scattering had been on account of 
 their sins : the restoration shall be internal, thorough, and lasting, for his 
 own name's sake. 
 
 N.B.— The promise of the new heart is fuller in ver. 25-27 than in xi. 19; vers. 29, 30 
 resemble xxxiv. 27, 29 ; and the reference to the garden of Eden (mentioned already, 
 xxviii. 13, xxxi. 8, 9) carry back the thoughts to Gen. ii. 8, to which already an allusion 
 was made in xxxiv. 29. 
 
 XXXVI. 37, 38. The necessity for prayer; its power to bring about these 
 results. 
 
 XXXVII.-XXXIX. The power of God in this gracious restoration 
 of Israel, in spite of all enemies. 
 
144 EZEKIEL. 
 
 XXXVII. Parabolic teaching ; life and union. 
 
 XXXVII. 1-14. First emblem. The hand and the spirit of Jehovah upon me 
 (compare iii. 14, viii. 1, 3) ; the vision of the dry bones, and of their resurrec- 
 tion as I prophesied, a symbol of the hope of Israel. 
 
 N.B.— There is some difficulty in choosing among the meanings of the Hebrew word 
 rendered here variously, "breath," "spirit," and "wind"; and of another, rendered 
 "noise," or "thundering," and most commonly elsewhere, "voice"; besides "earth- 
 quake," ver. 7, may be no more than in iii. 12, " the voice of a rushing," though here the 
 Authorised Version renders it "shaking," as at xxxviii. 19. 
 
 XXXVII. 15-28. Second emblem. The union of two sticks in my hand, a 
 symbol of the reunion of Ephraim and his tribes to the tribe of Judah, 
 under David their king, with every blessing of the theocracy. 
 
 N.B,— The language in ver. 21-25 goes back upon xx. 34, 41, xxxiv. 23, 24, 30, 31, xxxvi. 
 24, 28. The whole parabolic action may allude to Num. xvii. 
 
 XXXVIII.-XXXIX. Prediction of the overthrow of the most 
 dangerous enemies of the theocracy. 
 
 XXXVIII. 1-13. The army of Gog ; his malice against restored Israel 
 dwelling securely. 
 
 XXXVIII. 14-23. The terrific judgements of the Lord Jehovah coming on 
 Gog, according to the prophecies in old time. 
 
 N.B.— The word "great hailstones" ver. 22, occurs again only in xiii. 11, against the 
 false prophets in Israel. 
 
 XXXIX. 1-10. The fall of Gog upon the mountains of Israel ; the burning of 
 his weapons for seven years. 
 
 N.B.— The first half of ver. 8 is repeated from xxi. 7 in the judgement of Israel. 
 
 XXXIX. 11-16. Gog's burial, carried on during seven months, and the 
 cleansing of the land. 
 
 XXXIX. 17-24. Invitation to the beasts and birds of prey to the feast pre- 
 pared for them when Jehovah sacrifices these men of war. His glory shall 
 be set among the nations, and they shall know that Israel went into exile 
 for their iniquity. 
 
 XXXIX. 25-29. Everlasting favour on the whole house of Israel, when the 
 discipline shall have taken due effect. 
 
 XL.-XLVIII. Vision of the restored temple, and of the land anew 
 divided among the tribes, and of the river of life and the new 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 XL.-XLII. The vision of the temple. 
 XL. 1-4. The time, manner, and object of the vision. 
 
 N.B.— Observe what is said of the date in the note on xxix. 17. The hand of Jehovah 
 is upon him, and sets him down, as at xxxvii. 1. 
 
 XL. 5-16. The surrounding wall (xlii. 20). The outer court, its eastern gate. 
 XL. 17-19. The outer court, as seen there. 
 XL. 20-23. Its northern gate. 
 XL. 24-27. Its southern gate. 
 XL. 28-31. The inner court, its southern gate. 
 XL. 32-34. Its eastern gate. 
 XL. 35-37. Its northern gate. 
 XL. 38-47. The arrangements for the sacrificing tables, for the singers, and 
 
 for the priests who kept the altar. Measurement of the inner court (ver. 
 
 47, compare ver. 19). 
 XL. 48, 49. The porch of the house. 
 
EZEKIEL. 145 
 
 XLI. 1-14. The temple itself (that is, the holy place), and the most holy place. 
 The wall. The side chambers. The separate place. 
 
 N.B.— This last is mentioned only here, unless it be the place for burning the carcases 
 of the sin-offerings xliii. 21 ; compare Lev. vi. 10, 11, for the burnt-offering. 
 
 XLI. 15-26. Measm-ements about the house. Construction with cherubim 
 and palm trees. The altar, or table, before Jehovah. [Query — Was this 
 the altar of incense, or the shew-bread table, or both in one, one of the 
 peculiarities of this temple seen in vision ?] The doors, made of two turning 
 leaves. 
 
 XLII. 1-14. The chambers, their construction in stories, and the access to 
 them. They are for the priests and the most holy things. 
 
 XLII. 15-20. The measurement of the sacred enclosure. 
 KB.— The surrounding wall, ver. 20, was mentioned first of all, xl. 5. 
 
 XLIII. The temple re-occupied by the glory of Jehovah : its altar, 
 and the services at its dedication. 
 
 XLIII. 1-9. The ,i?lory appearing to take possession of the house (which had 
 been forsaken, viii.-xi.) Pardon and promises. 
 y.B.— Verse 9 revives the great promise, Exod. xxv. 8, xxix. 45. 
 
 XLIII. 10-12. I am to shew the house to them that they may be ashamed ; 
 and if they be ashamed, I am to make known its form and fashion, 
 especially the law that the whole limit of the top of the mountain is to be 
 most holy. 
 
 N.B. — See the revised translation of xlv. 3 : nor is it contradicted by xli. 4 ; for though 
 the most holy place is mentioned there as inside the temple, there is neither curtain nor 
 veil (see Exod. xxvi. 33, etc.), but all stands open, as explained, Heb. ix. 8 and x. 19. 
 Corresponding to this extension of holiness in space, beyond what the tabernacle of 
 Moses and the temple of Solomon possessed, there is an extension in time ; the linen 
 dresses of the priests are for all the year round, xliv. 17, 18, and not for the day of atone- 
 ment alone to be worn by the high priest. 
 
 XLIII. 13-17. Measurements of the altar of burnt- offering. 
 
 N.B.— In Hare! ("mountain of God") and the similar word " Ariel" (" hearth of God," 
 or, " lion of God"), as given in the margin, there seems a reference to Isa. xxix. 1-8. 
 
 XLIII. 18-27. The sacrifices to be offered that the altar may be anew 
 dedicated to the service of Jehovah. 
 
 XLIV. -XL VI. Regulations, chiefly of the sacrificial and other 
 priestly arrangements. 
 
 XLIV. 1-4. The eastern gate is shut, through which came in the glory of 
 
 Jehovah (xliii. 1, 4) which now fills the house. 
 XLIV. 5-14. I am myself to mark well, and to impress the people. _ Former 
 
 unworthy servants of the sanctuary are now dischai-ged from entering it. 
 XLIV. 15-31. The sons of Zadok (as at xl. 40, xliii. 19, xlviii. 11), from 
 
 among the priests the Levites are accepted for this work : ordinances for 
 
 their guidance. 
 N.B.— These differ slightly from those nearly corresponding to them in Lev. x. 9, 10, 
 xxi. 2, 3, 7, 14, etc. 
 XliV. 1-8. The holy portion for the priests, for the sanctuary (compare ver. 2 
 
 with xHi. 16-20), and for the Levites ; leaving enough on the west and on 
 
 the east of this for the prince. 
 N.B.— Joshua assigned the priests' and the Levites' portion after the other tribes had 
 received their inheritance ; but Ezekiel assigns it first of all. 
 
 XLV. 9-17. The duty of the prince, seeing to justice between man and man, 
 and providing for the sacrifices. 
 
146 EZEKIEL. 
 
 XLV. 18-25. A new year's-day service for cleansing the sanctuary. The 
 passover. The feast of tabernacles. 
 
 N.B.— The feast of weeks, or Pentecost, between that of the passover and of tabernacle* 
 (Ex. xxiii. 16, etc.), is not mentioned here : on the other hand, the new-year's feast is not 
 in the Pentateuch, yet see Exod. xii. 1, 2. 
 
 XL VI. 1-15. Ordinances for the prince in his worship. 
 
 N.B.— As to the east gate being habitually kept sliut, and why, see xliv. 2, S. 
 XLVI. 16-18. Rule for inheritances of his sons and his servants. 
 
 N.B.— See xlv. 7-9. 
 
 XLVI. 19-24. The places for cooking the offerings, both for the priests and 
 for the people. 
 
 XLVII. , XLVIII. Arrangements for occupying the land. 
 
 XLVII. 1-12. The river of life issuing from the sanctuary, swelling and 
 
 bringing healing wherever it comes. 
 XLVII. 13-23. The boundaries of the land, and the allotment of it to the 
 
 sojourners as well as to the home-born. 
 XLVIII, 1-7. Portions for seven tribes, beginning at the north. 
 XLVIII, 8-20. The holy portion for the priests, for the Levites, and for the 
 
 sanctuary ; with the city and its portion (called " that which was common, "^ 
 
 xlii. 20). 
 
 N.B.— See xlv. 1-6. Tin's made a great square bet\veen the portions of the northern 
 and the southern tribes. The geographical position of Ezekiel's sanctuary appears to be 
 further north than Jerusalem, which had only the triljes of Juduhaud Simeon to the 
 south of it, nearer the position of Bethel or Shiloh. 
 
 XLVIII. 21, 22. The portion east and west of the holy square is for the- 
 
 prince (as xlv. 7). 
 XLVIII. 2.5-29. Portions for the remaining five tribes, ending at the south. 
 XLVIII. 30-35. The city is four-square ; its twelve gates. Its name^ 
 
 *' Jehovah is there." 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 I. Introductory. 
 
 I. 1, 2. Jehoiakim's captivity. 
 
 I. 3-7. Daniel and three others of the captives are destined for education in 
 
 the learning of the Chaldeans. 
 I. 8-16. They refuse the king's meat and wine ; and they prosper, living on 
 
 pulse and water. 
 
 I. 17-20. Nebuchadnezzar's satisfaction with them. 
 
 II. Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the imaf^e, representing tlie four 
 successive worldly kingdoms, and the kingdom of God which is- 
 to break them in pieces, and fill the earth and stand for ever. 
 
 II. 1-16. His dream ; which he insists shall be told him, as well as its inter- 
 pretation , on pain of death to the wise men. 
 
 II. 17-24. The secret is revealed by (xod to Daniel, who blesses God. 
 
 II. 25-45. He tells the dream as well as the interpretation. 
 
 II, 46-49. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges Daniel's God to be God of gods and 
 Lord of lords : he advances Daniel and his friends. 
 
DANIEL. 147 
 
 III. The testing of Daniel's three friends in the fiery furnace. 
 
 III. 1-7. Nebuchadnezzar dedicates a golden image in the plain of Dura. 
 
 III. 8-18. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are accused of refusing to wor- 
 ship it; when they are threatened by the king, they make a good 
 confession. 
 
 III. 19-25. They are cast into the fiery furnace (compare Jer. xxix. 22), but 
 are delivered. 
 
 III. 26-30. The king, seeing the miracle, blesses their God, in favour of whose 
 divinity he makes a decree. 
 
 IV. Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the tree, with its lesson of humility. 
 
 IV. 1-3 He begins the narrative by confessing God's kingdom (see ver. 26 and 
 
 ii. 44). 
 IV. 8-18. He relates how he dreamed of a very great tree being cut down; 
 
 and how he told his dream and asked the interpretation, but could expect 
 
 it only from Daniel. 
 
 IV. 19-27. How Daniel interpreted it of Nebuchadnezzar himself, and gave 
 him the needed advice, to break off his sins. 
 
 tV. 28-37. How the dream was fulfilled according to Daniel's interpretation, 
 and how the king learned the lesson of his pride. 
 N.B.— Compare this with several particulars in the parables, Ezek. xvii. and xxxi. 
 
 V. Belshazzar's lesson ; ungodly pride, and utter ruin. 
 
 V. 1-4. His impious feast. 
 
 V. 5-12. The hand writing on the wall troubles him : failure of the magicians 
 
 to read it ; suggestion of tlie queen mother to call in Daniel. 
 V. 13-29. He reads and expounds it, after a solemn condemnation of the king. 
 
 V. 30, 31. Belshazzar is slain ; Darius the Mede re<Jeives the kingdom. 
 
 VI. The testing of Daniel in the den of lions. 
 
 VI. 1-3. The administration of the kingdom, with Daniel at the head of it. 
 VI. 4-17. The conspiracy to destroy him by means of an idolatrous decree. 
 VI. 18-24. The deliverance of Daniel, and the recoil of their own contrivance 
 on his accusers. 
 
 VI. 25-28. The king's decree in acknowledgment of the God of Daniel: 
 Daniel prospers from that time and forward. 
 
 VII. Daniel's vision of the four beasts, representing the four suc- 
 cessive worldly kingdoms ; and of the kingdom of a son of man 
 from heaven. 
 
 VII. 1-14. The vision by Daniel. 
 
 VII. 15-28. The interpretation made known to him by one that stood by. 
 
 N.B.— There is manifestly a close correspondence with Nebuchadnezzar's dream, eh. ii, ; 
 Daniel, however, marks a more spiritual or internal view, as befits the prophet, than that 
 granted to the heathen king ; see especially ver. 8-14, 20-27, of the little horn and of the 
 son of man from heaven. 
 
 VIII. Daniel's vision of the ram and the he-goat. 
 
 VIII. 1-14. His vision of only two beasts, and of the little horn. 
 VIII. 15-27. The interpretation which Gabriel was directed to make known 
 to him. 
 N.B.— There is correspondence with two of the four beasts in ch. vii., I think certainly 
 with the second and third theie ; the two here are (1) Media and Persia, (2) Greece, 
 
148 DANIEL. 
 
 according to viii. 20, 21. Is the little horn the same at vii. 8 and at viii. 9? This is not 
 the place for interpretation involving intricate or lengthened discussion : my own belief, 
 however, is that the horns are different, being very differently represented, and producing 
 different effects on Daniel ; the one being the Old Testament Antichrist under the third 
 kingdom, the other the New Testament Antichrist under the fourth kingdom. 
 
 IX. Daniel's great intercession for his people, and the prediction of 
 Messiah the Prince. 
 
 IX. 1-19. Daniel, understanding from Jeremiah's prophecy the time of the 
 captivity, makes confession of sins, and supplicates for the restoration of 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 IX. 20-27. Gabriel comes and gives him the prediction of the seventy weeks, 
 the coming of Messiah, who is to be cut off, and the judgement on his guilty 
 nation, 
 
 N.B.— Into the particulars of the interpretation again I do not enter, but I firmly 
 adhere to the Messianic interpretation. The changes from the Authorised Version are 
 repeatedly such as to make the non-Messianic somewhat more conceivable, but I do not 
 understand any of them to be fatal to what I reckon the truth, however much I question 
 their claim to be thought improvements. The most awkward is the position of the colon 
 in ver. 25, in apparent agreement with the Hebrew pointing, though confessedly that 
 may decide nothing (see Job iv. 8): at the utmost it would only piovc a dilTerence be- 
 tween the first seven and the sul)scrjuent sixty-two weeks, at the end of which, according 
 to ver. 26, 27, the anointed one is cut off ; that is to say, the restoring and building of 
 Jerusalem was completed in seven weeks, and all through the sixty-two weeks wliicli 
 follow the city continues built, and he is in it. Note, as an example of the dilticulties in 
 the details, the six infinitives in ver. 24, and the different Hebrew forms of the second 
 verb, the textual form in our margin, and the marginal form in our text. If our textual 
 rendering is adopted, the clauses with these infinitives are best arranged in three pairs: 
 if our marginal rendering is adopted, the arrangement falls into two triplets, when the 
 second verb is the same in both triplets. 
 
 X.-XII. Daniel's final vision. 
 
 X. 1-3. The great warfare revealed to him after prolonged fasting. 
 X. 4-9. The glorious vision of the man clothed in linen. 
 
 N.B.— See note on Ezek. ix. ; and compare Ezek. i. in several particulars. 
 
 X. 10-XI. 1. Support and explanation given (as in vii. 16, viii. 17, 18) by a 
 
 being who makes himself known as befriending Israel. 
 
 XI. 2-30. The kings of Persia and Greece ; the king whose realm should be 
 divided into four (compare ver. 4 with viii. 8 and 22). Wars of the kings 
 of the south (which is Egypt, ver. 8) with the kings of the north, deeply 
 affecting the glorious land (ver. IG) and the holy covenant (ver. 28, 30). 
 
 XI. 31-45. The time of unexampled trial to the people of God : the end of 
 their persecutor, with none to help him. 
 
 N.B.— Compare viii. 9-12 and 23 25, and the note there. 
 
 XII. 1-4. Michael (compare x. 13, 21, and perhaps viii. 11) standing up for his 
 people : the eternal issues at the resurrection. 
 
 XII. 5-13. The man clothed in linen (x. 5) gives some information as to the 
 times ; he dismisses Daniel with the promise that he shall stand in his lot 
 at the end of the days. 
 
 H O SE A. 
 
 I.-III. The love of Jehovah to Israel taught by parables from 
 
 marriage. 
 I. 1. The title. 
 
HOSEA. 149 
 
 I. 2-9. The prophet's marriage with a worthless woman; the children, with 
 names symbolical of rejection and judgement. 
 
 I. 10-11. 1. The restoration and re-union of Israel and Judah. Reversal of 
 
 the symbolical names in love and mercy, 
 
 II. 2-13. The desperate Avickedness of their mother, as the spouse of Jehovah. 
 
 II. 14-23. This is discipline which repeats the old experience of the wilder- 
 ness and the Exodus. The covenant and the new betrothal ; and the union 
 of heaven and earth in blessing them, when the new names (ii. 1) are 
 acknowledged, and the old covenant, made with the patriarchs, and with 
 the people under Moses, shall be restored. 
 
 III. The love of an adulteress and the purchase of her, symbolic of Jehovah's 
 dealing with Israel, who must wait long in want of the privileges they had 
 lost, until they shall seek Jehovah their God and David their king. 
 
 IV. Jehovah has a controversy with them. Breach of the whole 
 moral law, wilful and utter ignorance of duty, on the part of 
 people, prophet, and priest. Horrible degradation in unclean- 
 ness and idolatry. Ephraim is joined to his idols, and is to be 
 let alone. 
 
 N.B.— A ■word of tenderness to Judah, as distinguished from Israel, ver. 15. 
 
 V. Judgement on Israel and Judah alike. 
 
 V. 1-7. The priests and the royal house summoned to listen. All is in vain ; 
 and Jehovah has withdrawn himself from them. 
 
 N.B.— Ver. 6 is a contrast to their condition when the Egyptian king Avould have held 
 them back from meeting their God, Exod. x. 24-26. 
 
 V. 8-15. They shall hear the trumpet (if not the prophet's words, ver, 1, see 
 again viii. 1), and shall become a desolation. Jehovah himself shall tear 
 them like a lion. He will go to his place until they seek him with 
 acknowledgement of their guilt. 
 
 N.B.— I take king Jareb, ver. 13, to be a sj'mbolical name for the king of Assyria 
 <see again x. 6), since it occurs nowhere else, and its meaning is, " that may plead," ii. 2, 
 cr " that may have a controversy," iv. 1, xii. 2. 
 
 VI. Hopes of amendment ; which vanish. 
 
 VI. 1-3. An exhortation to repentance, with hope of life and light. 
 
 "VI. 4-11. Their goodness passes like the dew that goes early away. The cities 
 of refuge are stained with blood and lewdness ; and the priests are as troops 
 of robbers. 
 
 N.B.— Gilead is presumably Ramoth Gilead ; this and Shechem were two of the cities 
 of refuge, one on each side of Jordan, Josh. xx. 7, 8. All the cities of refuge were 
 Levitical cities. 
 
 VII. 1-9. Their iniquity is discovered when Jehovah would heal them. The 
 special wickedness of the king and the princes, coming back on themselves, 
 and making Ephraim old before his time. 
 
 VII. 10-lG. They do not return to Jehovah, unless deceitfully ; they turn to 
 Egypt and to Assyria, and they shall suffer for this. 
 
 VIII. 1-10. The trumpet announcing the enemy who shall avenge the broken 
 covenant and law : their kings and their idols shall not save them from 
 captivity. 
 
 VIII. 11-14. A great shew of religion, but real forgetfulness of their maker. 
 
 IX. 1-10. Israel cannot be joyful like the iieoples, because of their abuse of 
 former spiritual privileges: old times of gross sinning are come again. 
 
150 HOSEA. 
 
 IX. 11-17. Their destruction must be very deadly : they shall be cast off by 
 their God. 
 
 N.B.— The reference to Ephraim's fruit and fruitfulness (as again x. 1, xiii. 15, xiv. 8) 
 alludes to tlie meaning of his name, "fruitful." So probably the repeated mention of 
 "shame," in Hebrew, "Bosheth" refers to Baal, to %vhom the name is often applied, as 
 in the variations of name, Jerubbaal and Jerubbesheth, 2 Sain. xi. 21, Mephibosheth and 
 Meribbaal, 1 Chron. viii. 34. Hosea and Amos seem to go further in the use of these 
 allusions to names ; as in changing Beth-el, that is, " the house of God," into Beth-aven 
 (or even Aven alone, compare x. 5, 8), "the house of vanity." 
 
 X, 1-9. Israel is a luxuriant vine, but yields no fruit better than hemlock. 
 Kings are to be cut off, and priests with their calves are to go into exile to 
 Assyria. Despairing cries. (On Jareb, ver. 6, compare note at ver. 13.) 
 
 X. 10-15. Jehovah will chasten both Ephraim and Judah. Rigliteousness and 
 
 mercy are brought near : but ruin comes on account of Bethel. 
 
 XI. 1-7. Tender care of Israel from childhood in the land of Egypt ; all has 
 been thrown away. The Assyrian shall be his king. 
 
 XI. 8-11. Triumphant sovereign mercy refusing to give them up, bringing them 
 back from Egypt and Assyria. 
 
 XI. 12-XII. 6. Keproof to Ephraira and Judah : their inconstancy is traced 
 back to their father Jacob, taking his brother by the heel, yet having power 
 over the angel at Beth-el. Let them return to their God and wait on him 
 continuallj'. 
 
 XII. 7-14. Ephraim is strangely mixed up with Canaanite chai'acter and 
 history, though it always remains true that he has been under prophetic 
 training ever from the first : in consequence there is mingled mercy and 
 chastisement for him. 
 
 N.B.— There is an allusion in ver. 7 to the meaning of Canaan "trafficker;" see the 
 note on the meaning of Ephraim at ix. 16. 
 
 XIII. 1-8. Ephraim's sinning from the first ; now offending in Baal, he is 
 dead. Jehovah their Saviour from the Exodus onward, is rejected, and 
 now he must be to them as a beast of prey. 
 
 XIII. 9-16. Remonstrance, warning, promises of resurrection ; yet all seem 
 to end in destruction at the hand of Jehovah, by means of cruel enemies. 
 
 XIV. 1-3. An exhortation to repentance, and return with full hope of 
 acceptance. 
 
 N.B.— The return is more emphatic in the Hebrew than at vi. 1. 
 
 XIV. 4-9. The abundant and varied promises of effective mercy. The ways 
 of Jehovah shall furnish instruction and support to the wise and just, but 
 the contrary to transgressors. 
 
 N.B.— Corn, wine, and oil, all often brought together in descriptions of blessing on 
 Israel, are here combined in ver. 6, 7. And the bold figure of the fir tree yielding good 
 fruit, ver. 8, has a parallel in Ezekiel xvii. 6, the branch of the cedar becoming a vine. 
 
 JOEL. 
 
 I. 1. Title. 
 
 I. 2-8. The judgements of Jehovah, never yet equalled, call for consideration 
 
 and mourning. 
 I. 9-13. Especially as the meal and drink offerings of his house are cut off. 
 
 I. 14-20. The call to hold a fast and a solemn assembly ; the day of Jehovah i» 
 
 at hand. 
 
 II. 1-14. Blow the trumpet in Zion in view of the day of Jehovah, and these 
 
 unexampled enemies, before whom the earth and the heavenly bodies alike 
 are affected. Yet let the people even now return to Jehovah with hearty 
 
JOEL. 151 
 
 repentance, relying upon his revealed gracious character (compare ver. 
 
 13 with Exod. xxxiv. 6), and awaiting his sovereign disposal. 
 II. 15-17. Repeating and adding to ver. 1, i. 13, 14. 
 II. 18-27. The happy result of these humble supplications, the reversal of all 
 
 the evil endured, and the restoration of fellowship between Jehovah and 
 
 his people. 
 
 N.B.— I regret the removal of the A.V. marginal rendering on the ver. 23. Indeed I 
 prefer it to that in the text which we have retained ; " tlie teacher of righteousness, for 
 righteousness," at the first, to be followed afterwards by the gift of the Spirit, ver. 28. 
 
 II. 28-32. The unparalleled gift of the Spirit on both sexes of all ranks and 
 
 ages. Whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivei-ed. 
 
 III. 1-8. Reprisals on all the nations, whom Jehovah shall gather, and with 
 whom he will jilead. 
 
 III. 9-21. The holy war, the harvest and winepress of the nations. Jehovah 
 shall be the refuge of his people in the holy Jerusalem, when the mountains 
 shall drop wine and milk, and a fountain from his house shall water even 
 the country across the Jordan (compare Ezek. xlvii. 1-12, where this 
 emblem is repeated at greater length). 
 
 AMOS. 
 
 1., II. "The seven thunders, which rest finally on Israel. 
 
 I. 1. The title. 
 
 I. 2. Jehovah shall roar from Zion (as at Joel iii. 16). 
 
 I. 3-5. First : Against Damascus and Syria. 
 
 I. 6-S. Second : Against Gaza and the Philistines. 
 
 I. 9, 10. Third : Against Tyre. 
 
 I. 11, 12. FouaTH : Against Edom. 
 
 I. 13-15. Fifth : Against the children of Amznon. 
 
 II. 1-3. Sixth : Against Moab. 
 II. 4, 5. Seventh : Against Judah. 
 
 N.B.— With greater light and heavier guilt in their case, and in that of the Ten Tribes 
 (see at iii. 2). 
 
 II. 6-lG. Against Israel, on whom lies the guilt of injustice, oppression, 
 impurity, and impiety. They have made themselves like tlie Amorites, 
 and they shall be destroyed like them, now that they have extinguished all 
 their means of grace. 
 
 IIT.-V. The word which they are three times called to hear. 
 
 N.B.— Each chapter begins with the same "Hear ye this word" (in the original), 
 followed by a "Therefore" of judgement. 
 
 III. They have silenced their prophets (see ii. 11, 12) yet these are the 
 messengers to them from Jehovah. 
 
 III. 1-10. Special privileges of the whole house of Israel, and consequent 
 guilt. Cause for alarm, since the Lord Jehovah has spoken, like a lion 
 roaring (compare i. 2), and his servants must prophesy, letting the 
 Philistines and Egyptians know of the desperate condition of his people 
 (contrast this last point with 2 Sam. i. 20). 
 N.B.— Theloftytitle " Lord Jehovah" is frequent in Amos. 
 
152 AMOS. 
 
 III. 11-15. Therefore there shall be an adversary round about the land ; and 
 palaces and altars shall perish, though some individuals shall be rescued. 
 
 IV. Drunken disregard of judgement. 
 
 IV. 1-3. Ye are oppressive and drunken (as already, ii. 8, 12) and dangerous 
 
 as the herds of Bashan : but Jehovah has sworn that ye shall be taken 
 away as vi'^ild beasts are taken, and that ye shall go out, each one straight 
 forward. 
 IV. 4-11. Ye have vainly multiplied your services at Beth-el (iii. 14), which i& 
 really multiplying transgression : and ye have not returned to Jehovah, 
 although he visited you with every imaginable stroke. 
 
 IV. 12, 13. Therefore the summons from the God of creation and providence, 
 who is Jehovah, the God of hosts is this ; prepare to meet thy God, O 
 Israel. 
 
 V. The lamentation over the house of Israel. 
 
 V. 1-15. The virgin of Israel is fallen to rise no more. Their services at 
 Beth-el and such like places, are worse than useless. Let them seek Jeho- 
 vah and live : let them hate the evil, and love the good. 
 
 V. 16-27. Therefore there shall be universal wailing, all the more on account 
 
 of their impious desire for the day of Jehovah. Their sacrifices and services, 
 now as in the forty years in the wilderness, are unacceptable. Therefore- 
 they shall be carried into a captivity of unknown remoteness. 
 
 N.B.— The universal wailing when Jehovah passes through the midst of them, ver. 17, 
 represents degenerate Israel as in the position of Egypt under the tenth plague, Exod. 
 xii. 12, 23, 30. 
 
 VI. The exile of both the kingdoms of the house of Israel. 
 
 VI. 1-6. Woe to the carnally secure in both Zion and Samaria : they are now 
 no better than the great heathen kingdoms which are ruined ; nay, they are 
 worse than these. y 
 
 VI. 7-11. Therefore Jehovah has sworn (compare ver. 8 with iv. 2, and still 
 
 more closely with viii. 7) that they shall go into exile, unless they die of 
 
 grievous deaths, unmourned and unconsoled. 
 VI. 12-14. Further dealing with them would be like i)lowing upon a rock» 
 
 Their impious boldness shall be met by raising up a nation to afflict them 
 
 all, from north to south. 
 
 N.B.— Their boast of taking to them horns, ver. 13, may he an impious allusion to th& 
 blessing of Moses on their ancestors, Deut. xxxiii. 17, compare 1 Kings xxii. 11. 
 
 VII.-IX. The symbols. 
 
 VII. The three visions, and the interruption by a persecuting priest.. 
 VII. 1-3. First : the locusts eating up the grass ; successful intercession by 
 
 Amos. 
 VII. 4-6. Second: the fire devouring the deep, and threatening Jehovah's 
 
 portion : like the former averted. 
 VII. 7-10. Third : the Lord himself with his plumb-line : no more escape, not 
 
 even for the royal house. 
 VII. 10-17. The interruption and attempt at silencing the prophet by the 
 
 priest of Beth-el, who brings upon himself a terrible prediction. 
 
 N.B.— Unknown to the priest, the interruption was at the best point, so far as Amos' 
 ministry was concerned ; after the three visions more directly referring to the fall of 
 the Ten Tribes, come two others more directly for Judah, where he was henceforth to 
 prophesy. 
 
AMOS. 153 
 
 VIII. A fourth vision : the basket of summer fruit, whose ripeness 
 indicated the ripeness of the people for judgement, when they 
 should no longer have the Word of God to warn them. 
 
 K.B.— Compare generally the symbol in Jer. xxiv. The moral corruption is described 
 in ver. 4-6 much as in ii. 6, 7. The description of the famine of the Word of God, ver. 
 11, 12, copies the description of famine in iv. 6-8. 
 
 IX. A fifth vision : the temple smitten, and the kingdom profaned and 
 mined. Yet this ten-ific judgement is to sift the people, and to 
 raise up the fallen tabernacle of David to glories hitherto unknown. 
 
 IX. 1-10. The prophet sees the Lord standing beside the altar, and smiting 
 from the chapiter to the thresholds, causing the death of multitudes 
 (compare the rending of the veil of the temple from top to bottom, Matt. 
 xxvii. 51) while the rest vainly try to flee (compare ii. 14, 15). Their 
 kingdom ceases to be better than the heathen kingdoms ; except that there 
 is a sifting, by which all the real Avheat shall be preserved. 
 
 IX. 11-15. The fallen tabernacle of David shall be raised up, and they shall 
 possess the remnant of Edom (after i. 11, 12) and all the nations, which are 
 called by the name of Jehovah that doeth this. Marvellous fertility of the 
 land, from which his people shall never be plucked up. 
 
 OB ADIAH. 
 
 The vision of judgement on Edom. 
 
 1-9. To be brought low among the nations for their pride. 
 10-16. To be requited for wrong done to their brother Jacob. 
 17-21. The salvation of Jacob in mount Zion, when the kingdom shall b& 
 Jehovah's. 
 N.B.— Observe the close resemblance of ver. 1-4 and ver. 5, 6 to Jerein. xlix. 14-16,. 
 and ver. 9, 10. 
 
 JONAH. 
 
 I. Jonah's Jlrst mission. 
 
 I. 1-3. He is sent to Nineveh, but flees to Tarshish. 
 
 I. 4-9. He is overtaken by a tempest : his sin is confessed. 
 
 I. 10-17. He is thrown into the sea, and is swallowed by a fish. 
 
 II. His prayer, and his deliverance. 
 
 N.B.— The prayer is mostly in the language of various psalms. 
 
 III. His second mission. 
 
 III. 1-4. He is sent the second time, and he goes. 
 
 N.B.— His appearance in Nineveh, as that of a man come back from the dead, is the 
 subject of reference in Luke xi. 29-32. See also Matt. xvi. 4. 
 
 III. 5-9. The repentance of the Ninevites. 
 
 III. 10. God repents of the evil which he said he would do unto them. 
 
 IV. The final dealing with the prophet himself. 
 
154 JONAH. 
 
 IV. 1-3. His repining, because of the mercy shewn by Jehovah to Nineveh. 
 
 N.B.— His description of Jehovah, ver. 2, is the same as that noticed already in 
 Joel ii. 13: and the words "who knoweth, etc." in next verse of Joel describe the 
 ground on which the Ninevites in this history rested when repenting, iii. 9. 
 
 IV. 4-11. He is reproved and instructed by the emblem of a gourd. 
 
 MICAH. 
 
 I. 1. Tlie title. 
 
 N.B.— Closely resembling Isa. i. 1. The name Micah is in Hebrew all one with 
 Micaiah: and the words with which Micah begins, i. 2, "Hear, ye peoples, all of you," 
 a,re the same as those Avith which Micaiah ends, 1 Kings xxii. 28. In connection with 
 this, observe also that the verb "Hear ye" is the commencement of each of the three 
 discourses in the book, i. 2, iii. 1. vi. 1. 
 
 I., II. First discourse : denunciations, with comfort at last. 
 
 I. 1-7. ^ The peoples and the earth are called to hear, as Jehovah witnesses 
 against Samaria and Jerusalem. 
 
 I. 8-16. Mourning on account of evil come down from Jehovah, and of exile 
 
 about to befall them. 
 
 N.B.— The places named are connected with words resembling them in sound or mean- 
 ing, by a style of composition of like nature with our play upon words, except that it is 
 as far as possible from amusement or levity. The places named are ten, a perfect 
 number. 
 
 II. 1-11. The flagrant evils, which the prophet denounces, and over which 
 there shall be a doleful lamentation. The vain attempt to stop the true 
 prophets, and to be soothed by false prophets. 
 
 N.B.— In ver. 11 he may refer to ISIicaiah's language, 1 Kings xxii. 22, and in ver. 6 to 
 what Amos writes, ii. 12, vii. 16, compare Isa. xxx. 10. 
 
 II. 12, 13. The whole of Jacob shall be assembled gloriously by Jehovah, the 
 remnant of Israel being gathered as his flock in their pasture : the breaker 
 opening up the prison gate of the exiles, and Jehovah their king passing on 
 at their head (as it were, a new and better Exodus). 
 
 III.-V. Second discourse : sin, ruin of the state, and of the temple ; 
 
 its restoration, and universal peace, Messiah and his victories. 
 
 Til. 1-4. The crimes of the rulers who shall not be heard when they cry to 
 Jehovah. 
 
 III. 5-8. The false prophets shall be covered with disgrace; whereas the faith- 
 ful prophet shall be full of power by the Spirit of Jehovah. 
 
 III. 9-12. The corruption and the false security of all the three orders of the 
 theocracy (prophets, priests, and rulers or kings : as repeatedly in Jeremiah, 
 see V. 30, 31, and note) therefore Zion shall be plowed as a field, and the 
 temple-mount shall be like the high places of a forest. 
 
 IV. 1-5. The re-establishment of the house of Jehovah, to which all peoples 
 shall flow, to be taught his law. He shall judge between many peoples, 
 and bring in universal and eternal peace and security, in spite of the strength 
 of idolatry. 
 
 N.B.— Compare ver. 1-3 with Isa. ii. 2-4; almost the same, yet with certain uniform 
 changes, better traced in the original than in a translation. 
 
 IV. 6-V. 1. Jehovah the king over his recovered and re-assembled people (iv. 
 6, 7 answering to ii. 12, 13). Zion is a travailing woman going forth as far 
 
MICAH. 155 
 
 as to Babylon : she shall be rescued there, and a holy war shall commence, 
 in which she must be victorious. 
 
 N.B.— Amidst the hard struggles, it is hinted in the first half of ver. 13 that they shall 
 have strength like Israel's as described in the blessing of Moses, Deut. xxxiii. 17, 25, 27; 
 and in the second half, that they shall have victories like Joshua's conquest of Jericho. 
 Ver. 9 alludes to the words of Balaam, Numb, xxiii. 21 ; "cry aloud" here, being equiva- 
 lent to "shout" there, with her king in her. 
 
 V. 2-9. The birth in Bethlehem of him who is to be ruler in Israel, whose 
 goings forth are from of old : reunion of Israel ; majestic and enduring and 
 universal rule of him who is to be our peace, laying waste our enemy, 
 Assyria, the land of Nimrod (Gen. x. 8-12), Double influence, for blessing 
 and for the opposite, of the remnant of Jacob in the midst of many peoples. 
 
 V. 10-15. Jehovah will cut off all worldly resources from Israel (compare Psa. 
 XX. 6-9) ; and much more, all idolatrous pollutions. 
 
 VI., VII. Third discourse : hopes deferred ; lessons from the past, 
 both of sin and suffering, and of redemption, which shall yet 
 be complete. 
 
 VI. 1-8. The controversy of Jehovah with his people, going back to the 
 Exodus, and to the passage from the wilderness into Canaan, when Balaam 
 did his utmost against Israel. The high calling of his people, and the 
 simplicity of sinritual religion. 
 
 VI. 9-16. The voice of Jehovah ; hear it. Vanity of religious profession amid 
 abominable wickedness, returning to the days of Ahab (see note on i. 1), 
 and bringing the judgements threatened in the Law (Deut. xxviii. 38-40). 
 
 VII. 1-6. Mourning over the prevailing wickedness, destructive even of family 
 life. 
 
 VII. 7-13. Yet there is confidence in the God of salvation, and in the restor- 
 ation of the scattered remnant. 
 
 VII. 14-20. Renewal of the days of the Exodus, and of the conquest of the 
 heathen. Glorious description of God who pardons according to his prom- 
 ises to the patriarchs. 
 N.B.— " Who is a God like unto thee," ver. 18, is a reference to the meaning of Micah's 
 
 name, "Who is like Jah?" and also to the song of Moses, Ex. xv. 11, what is there said 
 
 of Pharaoh sinking in the depths being here applied to sin. 
 
 N A H U M . 
 
 I. 1. Title. The burden of Nineveh. 
 
 I. 2-15. The glorious attributes of Jehovah, as manifested to his people, and 
 
 to his enemies. The severity of his judgements once for all on the invader ; 
 Judah shall keep her feasts and pei'form her vows undisturbed. 
 
 II. Attack on Nineveh, its destruction by its own river : the lion's den and 
 all in it shall be destroyed. 
 
 III. Lamentation over the bloody city, the harlot (compare Isa. xlvii), 
 suffering like No-amon in Egypt ; miserable ruin from which there is no 
 escape. 
 
 H A B A K K U K . 
 
 I. 1. The title : the burden which he saw. 
 
 I. 2-17. The sin and the chastisement of Judah. 
 li 
 
156 HABAKKUK. 
 
 I. 2-4. The gross and growing evils which the prophet is forced to see: 
 I. 5-11. The wonderful work of coming vengeance, by the Chaldeans as 
 instruments ; a warning which the people would not believe. 
 
 I. 12-17. The prophet's pleading that his people might not die under the 
 
 stroke from those who were more wicked than their victims. 
 
 IT. The prophet waiting and seeing the issue. 
 
 II. 1-4. Waiting for an answer, he learns that the vision is to be plain, but 
 that the just shall live by his faith. 
 
 N.B.— The rest of the chapter unfolds successive woes on the Chaldeans. 
 
 II. 5-8. First looe : to the drunken and unsatiable. 
 
 II. 9-11. Second woe: to the selfish, bloody, and covetous. 
 
 II. 12-14. Third ivoe: to him that builds and stablishes his city with blood 
 
 and iniquity. Yet the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory 
 
 of Jehovah (compare Num. xiv. 21 ; Isa. xi. 9). 
 II. 15-17. Fourth xooe : to the drunken and lustful. 
 
 II. 18-20. Fifth xooe: to the idolater. Jehovah is in his holy temple. Hush, 
 
 all the earth, before him ! 
 
 III. A prayer of Habakkuk, set for the chief musician. 
 
 III. 2-15. His prayer for revival and mercy. His confidence, arising out of 
 the divine manifestations in the past, stretching into the future. 
 
 Til. 16-19. Trial of his faith ; it rests and rejoices in the God of his 
 salvation. 
 
 ZEPHANIAH. 
 
 I. 1. The title. 
 
 N.B.— An altogether unparalleled record of the genealogy of the prophet. 
 
 I. 2-18. Severe judgements against Judah for various sins. 
 
 I. 2-6. Jehovah will consume all things : idolatrous provocations, and mingling 
 of services to him and to false gods. 
 
 I. 7-18. Hush ! at the presence of Jehovah (compare Hab. ii. 20). The day of 
 
 Jehovah, its horrors, especially to those living in practical infidelity, as he 
 searches Jerusalem with candles. 
 
 N.B.— The children of Israel are called Cauaanites in ver. 11 as already in Hosea xii. 7 : 
 different districts of Jerusalem may be named in verses 10, 11, as " the second quarter" is 
 named in 2 Kings xxii. 14. The threat in ver. 13 is formed upon Deut. xxviii. 30, 39. The 
 description of the day of .Jehovah, ver. 14-16, is founded on Joel ii. 1-11. And the first half 
 of ver. 18 is found also in Ezek. vii. 19. 
 
 II. Exhortation to repentance, in view of the judgements on heathen 
 nations. 
 
 II. 1-3. A call to them to repent, though hitherto unimpressed. Perhaps 
 (compare Joel ii. 14) there may be deliverance in the day of Jehovah's anger. 
 
 II. 4-15. For certainly the judgements are falling on the Philistines (a play 
 upon words in respect of their name.s, as in Micah i. 10-1(>) ; on Moab and 
 the children of Ammon ; on the Ethiopians ; and on Assyria, and Nineveh 
 its capital. 
 
ZEPHANIAH. 157 
 
 ill. Threatening against Jerusalem ; judgement ; glorious mercy to 
 his people. 
 
 III. 1-S. Woe to the rebellious city; corruption of the three orders of the 
 theocracy (as at Jer. ii. 8, Mic. iii. 11, etc). Yet Jehovah in the midst of 
 her is righteous. His judgements on others have not brought her back. 
 Sterner dealings over all the earth. 
 
 III. 9-20. A pure language for all the peoples (reversing the judgement in 
 Gen. xi. 1-8), and vporship to Jehovah from the ends of the earth. Humility, 
 purity, love, and joy, when Jehovah the king of Israel is in the midst of 
 them, and rests in his love, for ever. 
 
 H A G G A I . 
 
 I. First Prophecy. 
 N.B. — Each prophecy is dated exactly. 
 
 I. 1-11. Haggai reproves the negligence of the people, and stirs them up to 
 build the house of Jehovah. 
 
 I. 12-15. The happy effect of his work on all classes, stimulated by the assur- 
 
 ance, " I am with you" (repeated ii. 4). 
 
 II. 1-9. Second Prophecy. Haggai encourages the people to work, by a 
 promise of greater glory to the second temple than was in the first. 
 
 II. 10-19. Third Prophecy. The touch of sin communicates pollution ; 
 
 whereas, a touch cannot confer holiness. Nevertheless there shall be a 
 
 blessing on all their work from the time the foundation of the house was 
 
 laid. 
 II. 20-23. Fourth Prophecy, to Zerubbabel : that amid the shakings (compare 
 
 ver. 6, 7) and the overthrow of kingdoms, he shall be as a signet (compare 
 
 Cant. viii. 6), for Jehovah of hosts had chosen him. 
 
 N.B. —This promise to the descendant of David, though only a governor under the 
 Persian king, reverses the curse in Jeconiah's Cor, Coniah's) case, Jer. xxii. 24. 
 
 ZECHARIAH. 
 
 I. 1-6. Introductory prophecy, announcing the sore displeasure of 
 Jehovah ; appealing to the unchangeableness of liis word as 
 spoken by the former prophets ; and inviting the people to 
 return to him, and he will return to them. 
 
 I. 7-VI. 8. The night visions of Zechariah. 
 
 I. 7-17. First vision : the man riding upon the red horse, at the head of a 
 heavenly troop, the Angel of Jehovah pleading for Jerusalem ; the com- 
 fortable answer, which the prox^het is to proclaim. 
 
 N.B.— I believe the man riding on the red horse to be the same as the Angel of 
 Jehovah ; whereas the angel who speaks with the prophet, often mentioned throughout 
 these visions, is a created angel. Compare the similar case in Daniel x. 
 
158 ZECHARIAH. 
 
 I. 18-21. Second vision : the four horn=! of the nations which have scattered 
 
 Judab, Israel, and Jerusalem (con)i)are ver. 15) ; and the four smiths come 
 
 to cast down the horns. 
 ir. Third vision: a man with a measuring line to measure Jerusalem; 
 
 Jehovah is her glory within, and a wall of fire unto her round about ; 
 
 restoration of the people from Babylon, and incorporation of many nations 
 
 with them as his people. 
 N.B.— The call to be hushed before Jehovah, ver. 13, goes back on Hali. ii. 20 ; Zep. i. 7. 
 
 III. Fourth vision : Joshua the high priest, the change of his garments as a 
 symbol of iniquity being taken away and of righteousness being bestowed ; 
 his position as a type of Jehovah's servant the Branch (see Jer. xxiii. 5 ; and 
 more fully here, at vi. 12). 
 
 IV. Fifth vision : the golden candlestick and its seven lamps seven times 
 provided with oil, as the emblem of the Spii'it's triumphant work (by the 
 prophets) for Zerubbabel ; the living fresh [supply of the oil from two olive 
 trees on either side. 
 
 N.B.— Ver. 7-10 connect this vision of the completion of the temple, under the seven 
 eyes of Jehovah, with the foundation of it recorded in the previous vision, iii. 9: if that 
 includes some reference to the grace of justification, this points to the grace of sancti- 
 fication. If the oil, representing the Spirit's working, points (see the words which end 
 ver. 9, repeated from ii. 9, and found a third time at vi. 15) to the prophetic ministry, 
 "the two sons of oil " ver 14, may point to the other two ministries in tlie theocracy, tiie 
 royal and the priestly, connected in Zechariah's history with Zerubbabel and Joshua. 
 
 V. Sixth vision : the separation of wickedness from the true people 
 of God. 
 
 V. 1-4. The flying roll of a book, coming as a curse on the thief and the false 
 
 swearer. 
 
 N.B.— So in Ezek. ii. 9, the word of Jehovah was a roll spread out. The vision might 
 come more naturally to the prophet: because in the second temple, the Ten Command- 
 ments, to whose living power in connexion with the flying roll verses 3 and 4 testify, were 
 no longer to be found in tables of stone, written by the finger of God, and laid up in the 
 most holy place. The measurement ver. 2, is that of the holy place in the Tabernacle of 
 Moses. The consuming of the stones and the timber, ver. 4, is like the final ruin of a 
 leprous house, Lev. xiv. 45. 
 
 V. 5-11. The wickedness goes forth, is shut up in its appointed measure, and 
 
 is borne away to the land of Shinar (Gen. xi. 1-9 ; compare the land of 
 Nimrod, Mic. v. 6 ; and see Babylon here, ii. 7) to be set there in her own 
 place. 
 N.B.— Contrast the founding and finishing of the temple in Jerusalem, iii. 9, iv. 9. 
 
 VI. 1-8. Seventh vision : the four chariots, the powers (winds or spirits, 
 ver. 5) which go forth from standing before the Lord of the whole earth 
 (iv. 14). 
 
 N.B.— In ver. 1, I adhere to the marginal rendering "the two mountains," between 
 which lay "the bottom," i. 8 (presumably the temple mount and the mount east or west 
 of it, according as we place the bottom east or west of it): also in ver. 3 and 7, 1 adhere 
 to the marginal rendering, "strong," compare Dan. ii. 40 and vii. 7. 
 
 VI. 9-15. The crown made from the gifts of the exiles is set by the prophet on 
 the head of Joshua, who is a type of the Branch (see at iii. 8), who shall 
 build the temple (see iv. 9), and he a pi'iest upon his tin-one. 
 
 N.B.— I prefer the marginal rendering, "crown," in ver. 11 and 14; the form of the 
 word is plural, but its construction is singular in ver. 14, and no one imagines it to be 
 plural in meaning at Job x.xxi. 36. 
 
 This act is the conclusion to the night visions, as i. 1-6 was the intioduction to them. 
 
ZECHARIAH. 169 
 
 VIL, VIII. The attitude of the church to the fasts of the seventy 
 years' captivity. 
 
 N.B.— One of these is named vii. 3, two in vii. 5, four in viii. 19 : all being connected 
 with the destruction of Jerusalem ; see the dates in 2 Kings xxv. 1, 3, 8, 25. 
 
 VII. 1-7. The inquiry, ought they to be kept up? Nay, rather inquire had 
 they ever been kept really to Jehovah ? 
 
 VII. 8-14. Neglect of moral and spiritual duties had been the cause of all their 
 miseries : observance of these would be true repentance. 
 
 VIII. 1-17. The promises of mercy and recovery : let these be the encourage- 
 ment for such spiritual turning to Jehovah. 
 
 N.B.— Compare ver. 2, 3, with i. 14-17 ; and ver. 9, 10, 12 with Hag. i. 6, ii. 4, 18, 19. 
 
 VIII. 18-23. The question (vii. 3) will solve itself, as the fasts will turn into 
 feasts, and the nations will join themselves to Israel (compare vi, 15). 
 
 IX.-XI. The burden of the word of .Jehovah upon the land of 
 Hadrach, and Damascus its resting place. 
 
 IX. 1-8. Judgements on Hamath, Phoenicia, and Philistia, while the house 
 of Jehovah is guarded safely. 
 
 IX. 9-17. Zion is to rejoice in the coming of her King with salvation, riding 
 on an ass, cutting off the weapons of war, speaking peace, with covenant 
 blessing.s, and with dominion from sea to sea ; Judah, Ei^hraira, and Zion 
 victorious over all enemies. 
 
 X. A call to turn from diviners to Jehovah, who has been angry with the 
 shepherds, but will shew rich mercy to his flock, the house of Judah and 
 the house of Josepli, redeeming and increasing them, and bringing them 
 back. 
 
 XI. 1-14. Judgements on all ranks and classes: the shepherd and his two 
 staves, Beauty and Bands, which are cut asunder, while he is prized at 
 thirty pieces of silver (compare Exod. xxi. 32), and gives up the flock which 
 so undervalues him. 
 
 XL 15-17. Jehovah raises up a foolish, worthle.ss shepherd for them; and he 
 and they meet with their deservings. 
 
 XII.-XIV. The burden of the word of Jehovah concerning Israel 
 
 XII. 1-9. Wars and confusion : effectual support from Jehovah is granted to 
 Jerusalem, Judah, and the house of David. 
 
 XII. 10-14. Outpouring upon them oi the Spirit of grace and supplication ; 
 and universal bitter mourning, unitedly and apart, for him whom they have 
 pierced. 
 
 XIII. 1-6. A fountain is opened to them for .sin and uncleanness : the idols 
 are cut off, the prophet and the unclean spirit pass away. 
 
 XIII. 7-9. The shepherd, who is the fellow of .lehovah, is smitten by him ; 
 and the sheep are scattered, tried, yet by this discipline recovered. 
 
 XIV. 1-11. A day of Jehovah comes. Jerusalem is attacked by all nations, 
 is taken and ruined : Jehovah interposes, standing on the mount of Olives. 
 The brightness of creation re-appears, living waters go out from Jerusalem, 
 
160 MALACHI. 
 
 Jeliovali is king over all the earth, and there is no more curse (that is, the 
 "ban," as in the margin, or "devoting," see note on Deut. ii. 26-37. 
 XIV. 12-21. The plague upon the nations that have warred against Jerusalem, 
 until the remnant come up to worship the King and to keep the feast of 
 tabernacles. Universal holiness, from the temple outward. 
 
 N.B.— For the King, ver 9, 16, see vi. 13, ix. 9. 
 
 MALACHI. 
 
 I. 1. The title. 
 
 I. 2-5. Jehovah's love to Israel, and his hatred toward Edom, the border of 
 wickedness. 
 
 I. 6-14. Israel's provocations. Wovild that the temple doors were shut, and 
 
 that their offensive offerings ceased ; while his name becomes great among 
 the Gentiles, and a pure offering is offered throughout the world. 
 
 II. 1-9. The sins of the priests, profaning the covenant of Levi. 
 
 II. 10-16. The treachery of the people, especially in heathenish marriages and 
 in divorces. 
 
 II. 17-III. 6. A provoking impious generation. The Lord shall send his 
 messenger to prepare his way, and shall suddenly come to his temple. He 
 shall purge the sons of Levi like gold and silver, shall make the offering of 
 judah and Jerusalem pleasant as in days of old, and shall be a witness 
 against the evil doers. 
 
 III. 7-12. Their robbery of God in tithes and offerings. Encouragements to 
 repentance. 
 
 III. 13-IV. 3. The opposite character, conduct, and end of those that serve 
 God and those that serve him not. The day of Jehovah which is coming, 
 when the sun of righteousness shall arise. 
 
 IV. 4-6. Final words : a command to remamber the law of Moses; a promise 
 to send Elijah the prophet, with converting grace, lest the coming of 
 Jehovah be to smite the earth with the curse. 
 
 N.B.— The cxu'se, or ban, iv. 6, is the devoting to destruction, under which apostate 
 Israel would come, as the Canaanites came, see note on Zech. xiv. 1-11: "the curse." 
 ii. 2, iii. 9, however, is the ordinary word for curse, the opposite of blessing. 
 
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